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Middle East conflict

Trump demands Hamas release all hostages

The US President did not explain exactly what changes would follow, but was apparently talking about the prospects of a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip

WASHINGTON, September 3. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has demanded the release of all hostages from the radical Palestinian movement Hamas.

"Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!" the American leader wrote on Truth Social. He did not explain exactly what changes would follow, but was apparently talking about the prospects of a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated sharply after armed Hamas supporters has penetrated from the Gaza Strip into the Israeli territory in 2023, killing of residents of the border settlements and kidnapping over 250 hostages. Israel retaliated with a military operation in the enclave aiming to destroy the military and political structures of Hamas and free all the abductees.

According to the latest data from the Gaza Health Ministry, over 63,000 Palestinians were killed in the sector and over 161,000 were wounded. A further 367 locals, including 131 children died of starvation.

Kiev faces most difficult situation with electricity in all of Ukraine — minister

Denis Shmygal also said that a number of regions failed to prepare for a potential winter blackout, but he did not specify which ones

Machado gives Trump her Nobel Peace Prize, Trump takes it — Fox News

US President has repeatedly stated that he considers himself worthy of the medal

Casualties in Ryazan Region, 106 drones: aftermath of overnight Ukrainian attack on Russia

Two people were injured in the Ryazan Region as a result of the drone attack

Russia may respond to Finland's withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Finland’s move to denounce the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, officially took effect on January 10

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

Trump could actually seize Greenland amid Europe's decline — expert

Jin Canrong said the capture of Greenland is important to the US president because of the island's strategic location and rich natural resources

Unacceptable to use blackmail, threats when talking to Cuba — Russian MFA

Moscow is concerned about escalating tensions around Cuba, Maria Zakharova said

Arms deliveries to Kiev 'for peace' reveal West’s hypocrisy — Russian governor

Vladimir Saldo said the West is directly responsible for the civilian casualties caused by these weapons

Greenland, Denmark unite against US threats of island’s seizure — Russian envoy

Vladimir Barbin emphasized that only Greenland and Denmark can make decisions on this issue

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians face imprisonment for killing Donbass residents — expert

Vitaly Kiselev assumed that these individuals were captured during the special military operation and tried for crimes committed since 2014

Russia urges UN secretariat to abandon double standards and bias — Permanent Mission

Dmitry Chumakov, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations noted "a rapid loss of impartiality in the work of the United Nations" and called for combating the arbitrariness of large donors imposing mandates that do not enjoy consensus

Taiwan to invest $250 bln into chip production, energy and AI in the US

According to terms of the agreement, Taiwan will also extend credit guarantees totaling $250 bln for projects of its companies on investments in the United States

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Trump describes Florida Panthers goalkeeper Bobrovsky as ‘legendary'

US president said Sergey Bobrovsky "played phenomenal hockey" and shook the Russian goalie’s hand

Russia develops short-term forecast model for fuel consumption

The short-term forecast volume of engine fuel consumption volumes will cater for nonlinear consumption factor, seasonality and various external factors

French politician dismisses West's interpretation of Ukraine conflict’s causes as nonsense

According to Fabrice Sorlin, "the conflict did not begin in 2022, but in 2014, with a coup d’etat, a 'color revolution,' which resulted in the overthrow of the legally elected president, Viktor Yanukovych"

FACTBOX: What is known about US Golden Dome missile defense system

US President Donald Trump stated that Greenland is of strategic importance for building the Golden Dome missile defense system

Russia’s UN envoy urges West to focus on guarantees of non-confrontation around Iran

Vasily Nebenzya added that Russia was "ready to provide all possible support" to such an effort

China urges US to abandon idea of attacking Iran — deputy envoy to UN

Sun Lei emphasized the need for a team effort of all parties to maintain international peace and security

Russia considers militarization of Europe in military planning — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that, given the aggressive stance of the current Western European leadership toward Russia, Moscow "approaches such processes with the utmost seriousness"

Getting guilty verdict in Maduro case not to be easy for US Attorney's office — newspaper

According to the newspaper, it will take years before a jury begins to consider the Venezuelan leader's involvement in the crimes imputed to him

First European servicemen arrive in Greenland — newspaper

According to Bild, a Danish military transport plane landed last night at the airport in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Netflix extends Russian registration of three trademarks until 2036

The registration of the trademark red ‘N’ letter, initially carried out in September-October 2017, will now remain valid until November 2, 2036

US keeps all options on table regarding Iran — envoy to UN

Mike Waltz also said that "Iran says it is ready for dialogue, but its actions say otherwise"

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and three armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Greenland situation tests Western unity — Global Times

The newspaper recalls that for decades, Europe has touted itself as a "defender and promoter of the rules-based international order"

West wrong in its evaluation of Iran's resilience, German expert says

Constantin von Hoffmeister stressed that "a system that survives war with Iraq, decades of sanctions, assassinations of its scientists, cyberattacks, and constant pressure is not fragile"

Russian auto market descends to fifth position in Europe in 2025

The Russian auto market held the fourth place in Europe in 2024

Denmark may consider leaving NATO due to Greenland situation — Kneissl

Karin Kneissl noted that it is not yet possible to say exactly what form the confrontation between the USA and Denmark will take, but "in a certain sense, the situation is archaic"

Trump said Machado showed respect by giving him her Nobel Peace Prize

US president described Venezuelan opposition member's decision as "a wonderful gesture"

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

OSCE can start monitoring ceasefire in Ukraine right after its start — chairman-in-office

According to Ignazio Cassis, the OSCE’s participation in efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Ukraine would be legitimate in Moscow’s eyes

EU leaders tell Europeans fairy tales about Ukrainian victory — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stressed that the calculations of European politicians advocating the continuation of military action against Russia "do not correspond to reality"

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

Russia says Council of Europe's attempts to 'punish' it doomed to failure

"The Council of Europe unconditionally supports the criminal Kiev regime and stands in solidarity with it," Maria Zakharova added

UN experts call Israel's actions in Gaza after truce ‘genocide without witness’

"We have entered a new phase in which Israel and its supporters have reached the genocide without witness stage," said the document, signed by more than 20 UN experts

French politician labels Ukrainian actions in Donbass as genocide

Fabrice Sorlin said he had been regularly visiting Donbass for humanitarian purposes since 2017

Israeli PM asks Trump to postpone attack on Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, Netanyahu spoke to the US leader on January 14

Russia cuts oil and gas revenues by 24% in 2025 to $108.05 bln

In 2024, the figure stood at $141.80 bln

Murder of blogger Tatarsky, attempted murder of Prilepin ordered by same person

As a result of Permyakov's active contribution to the investigation of the case, the organizer of the crimes was identified, a criminal case was opened against him and a separate proceeding was initiated

Putin, Netanyahu discuss situation surrounding Iran — Kremlin

The Russian president outlined fundamental approaches favoring the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region

US violates its commitment to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan — Chinese embassy

According to spokesman Liu Pengyu, Washington "is deliberately pushing forward negotiations with the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan on the so-called agreement"

Kiev’s terrorist methods horrify even residents of Ukraine — official

Artem Zhoga called the Ukrainian regime criminal in nature

Moscow seeks durable peace in Ukraine, one that ensures everyone's security — Putin

"Not everyone is ready for that, especially in Kiev and the capitals that support it," the Russian leader said

US sends air crews to Middle East amid tensions with Iran — Fox News

The redeployment is estimated to take at least one week

Kiev suffers through third day of blackouts

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko promised that power would be returned to Kiev's residents by the evening of January 15

French politician recounts crimes committed by Ukrainian troops in Donbass

Fabrice Sorlin said the organization he belongs to, which helps residents of Donbass, "had to relocate families to safe places because their homes were bombed by Kiev's nationalist battalions"

Chinese diplomat names Middle East as most unstable region in global security framework

China shares the serious concerns, which many countries in the region have about the possibility of a military confrontation, said Sun Lei

Dmitriev calls Canada 52nd state of US

The Russian special presidential envoy noted that Greenland would be the 51st state

German defense minister thinks US unlikely to seize Greenland

In Boris Pistorius's words, a US military attack on a NATO territory would be "an unprecedented step that would undoubtedly have consequences for the alliance"

Point of no return already behind, Ukrainians lack motivation to join army — Rada lawmaker

Anna Skorokhod said it is linked not only to the actions of territorial recruitment centers and forced mobilization, but also to the overall situation in the country

Russia stands ready to restore relations with all European countries — Putin

Russia has always been committed to such diplomatic approaches, the Russian leader said

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country

Trump pledges support to Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza

US president confirmed that phase two of the Gaza peace plan has begun

Britain weighs response to expulsion of embassy official from Russia — Foreign Office

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow was expelling a British embassy diplomat over his involvement with UK intelligence services and that he must leave the country within two weeks

Russian budget may fall short of $2.96 bln in additional oil and gas revenues in January

In December 2025, the Russian budget fell short of 137.6 bln rubles in additional oil and gas revenues

Potential conflict in Iran to damage China's oil imports — expert

The Middle East is China's primary energy supplier

Russia to view London’s moves to intercept ships as violation of maritime law — MFA

Maria Zakharova also reiterated that the claim by British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey that the Marinera was sailing under a foreign flag is unfounded

Sollers launches sales of Sollers SA6 bus in Russia starting from $161,800

The bus is designed for tourist, intercity, and corporate transportation

Degradation of international situation, security architecture: Putin's statements

The Russian president pointed out that Russia was "sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world"

India’s IIT Madras researchers develop innovative ramjet-propelled artillery shells

According to the institute’s press release, the new 155mm ammunition will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s firepower

Kiev enters fourth consecutive dark day

Disruptions to power supply in Kiev and the surrounding region began in late 2025 after serious damage to energy facilities in the capital area

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

German court believes Nord Stream explosions were ordered by Ukraine — media

Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that Sergey K. should remain in custody

Karin Kneissl: Greenland Could Become the 51st US State

Russia, China need to address issues related to payment difficulties for tourists

Maria Zakharova noted that Chinese tourists have no reason to be concerned about the operation of mobile communications, the availability of payment options, or the arrangement of accommodations in Russia

EU pays minimum amount for Russian gas in five years in November 2025

In the reported period, the EU imported Russian gas for a total of 752.5 mln euros

US court ruling against Maduro to be illegitimate — Russian MFA

According to universally recognized norms of international law, Nicolas Maduro, as head of state, enjoys absolute immunity from the jurisdiction of the United States and any other state, aside from Venezuela, Maria Zakharova said

Russia maintains its stance of building equal relations with all countries — Putin

Russia always stands ready to build mutually beneficial relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being and development, the Russian leader added

UK rejects French, Italian calls to restore diplomatic ties with Russia — newspaper

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London needs "evidence" that Moscow "actually wants peace"

US warns Iran of ‘grave consequences’ for executing protesters — White House

The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation and all options remain on the table for the president

Russia to consider invitation to OSCE conference on cybersecurity — envoy

Russia advocates dialogue in any format, Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky said

US should account for nuclear potential of entire West, not only China’s — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia respects the position of China, which does not see the need for its inclusion in the treaty

Veronica vessel became sixth tanker captured by US

According to Marinetraffic data, the vessel was under the flag of Guyana

Court sentences ex-South Korean president to five years in prison for obstructing arrest

Yoon Suk-yeol is facing a total of eight trials, four of them related to the imposition of martial law

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman appeal to Trump not to strike Iran — AFP

According to the report, the three states warned Washington of "grave blowbacks in the region" in case of escalation

West to recognize sooner or later that Russia defended Donbass in 2022 — politician

Fabrice Sorlin stressed that the truth will always prevail

US backs down on plans to attack Iran — TV

Washington also took into account the changing security situation in Iran and the government’s gradual progress towards retaking control of the country

Threat of Butyagin's extradition to Ukraine high — Russia’s charge d'affaires

"The defense focuses precisely on this, that for Alexander, for his health, for his life, there is a real and great threat in the event of his extradition to Ukraine," Andrey Ordash said

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

Ukrainian troops using drones to deliver weapons for sabotage operations — governor

According to Vladimir Saldo, Russian troops are thwarting all enemy attempts to cross the river

Kremlin welcomes signals from Rome, Paris, Berlin regarding dialogue with Moscow

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was necessary to talk to Russia

Russian envoy dismisses idea of OSCE sending mission to monitor Ukraine ceasefire

"The Russian delegation is unaware of the OSCE having such plans," Dmitry Polyansky said

International Gas Union expects gas generation doubling for datacenters

This will account for 6-8% of the forecast global electric power demand by 2040

Andreeva vs. Shnaider: All-Russia semifinals at 2026 WTA Adelaide International

In the other semifinals match in Adelaide, Australia’s own Kimberly Birrel will square off versus 8th-seeded Victoria Mboko of Canada

Poland to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine during the year

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said this requires a government decision, as well as Ukraine’s transfer of UAV production and countermeasure technologies to Poland

Two wounded in drone attack on Central Russia’s Ryazan region

Governor Pavel Malkov said that 22 unmanned aerial vehicles were taken over the region’s territory

Russia may resume electricity exports to China at Beijing’s request — Energy Ministry

According to the statement, a key priority for Russia remains the accelerated provision of electricity to the dynamically developing economy of the Far East

Belarusian Armed Forces launch large-scale snap inspection on Lukashenko's directive

According to Security Council Secretary Alexander Volfovich, the inspection is being carried out based on the experience of Russia’s special military operation and its implementation by the troops

IN BRIEF: Russian forces expand buffer zones, disrupting enemy plans, senior general says

Russian forces liberated around eight localities and took more than 300 square km of land under control in the first two weeks of January

EU shows total unwillingness to pursue Ukraine agreement — MFA

Maria Zakharova's comments followed remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said Russia must "show interest" in ending the war in Ukraine

EU to support Greenland but security issues rest with NATO — official

"We will continue our work on Arctic security with our allies and our partners, including the United States," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added

Yemeni government resigns, Zindani appointed new premier

The previous cabinet will continue to perform its duties until a new one is formed

Russia has no claims for Greenland — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin recalled Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s remarks during a conference in Washington on January 14

Houthis monitor Israel’s activities in Somaliland, ready to attack its sites — leader

The rebels are convinced that Israel has been trying to gain a foothold in Somaliland to control the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Swedish defense minister refutes Trump’s statements about Russian threat to Greenland

Pal Johnson called the statement that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels an exaggeration

Venezuela to gain access to $4.9 bln in IMF assets after restoration of contacts — fund

As Julie Kozack added, on the issue of recognizing the legitimacy of Venezuela’s government, the fund will be guided by the view of the international community, as reflected by the majority of votes at the IMF

Diplomat sees US decision to quit 66 global bodes as refusal to team up to solve problems

Gennady Gatilov said that "this step can hardly be viewed as something other than a yet another proof of Washington’s purely selective approach to UN activities"

WhatsApp to be completely blocked in Russia this year — lawmaker

Andrey Svintsov said this is because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as the extremist company in Russia