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Middle East conflict

Actual death toll in Gaza is ten times as high as officially reported — UN

According to special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, if this figure is verified, some 380,000 of them are children under five

GENEVA, September 15. /TASS/. The actual death toll from Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip is at least 680,000, or ten times as many as officially reported, United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, told a briefing.

"65,000 is the number of Palestinians killed [in Gaza], including over 75% of whom are women and children. In fact, we shall start thinking of 680,000 because this is the number that some scholars and scientists claim being the real death toll in Gaza," she said, adding that it would be hard either "to prove or disprove this number, especially if investigators and others remain banned from entering the occupied Palestinian territory and particularly the Gaza Strip."

According to Albanese, if this figure is verified, some 380,000 of them are children under five.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing residents of border settlements and taking hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military operation in the Palestinian enclave to dismantle Hamas' military and political structures and free all hostages.

In March, 2025, the Israeli military resumed military operations in Gaza, breaking the ceasefire deal that had been reached in January. Several rounds of Qatar-, Egypt-, and the US-brokered talks were futile.

EU considers Ukraine's accession by 2027 'absolutely impossible' — Reuters

A European diplomat briefed on the plan noted that it was not clear whether the EU leadership backed Ukrainian accession, the news agency said

Hungarian foreign minister accuses NATO chief of trying to undermine Ukraine talks

Peter Szijjarto underlined that Mark Rutte's provocative statements are irresponsible and dangerous

Russian assets seizure could trigger crisis in EU comparable to Great Depression — expert

According to Jacques Sapir, "this will have extremely dire consequences for the largest European banks"

NATO, EU preparing for large-scale conflict with Russia — Russian embassy in Belgium

The embassy emphasized that the war party in Brussels is seeking "to sell the uncontrolled increase in military spending and the militarization of economies to the population at the expense of socio-economic well-being"

'Paranoid' Hegseth removes Driscoll from Ukraine talks — media

According to the newspaper, Hegseth saw Driscoll as exceeding his authority during the Ukraine talks

EU rejects US interference while itself violating Georgia's sovereignty, PM says

The US administration correctly evaluates developments within the EU, Irakli Kobakhidze said

Internationally wanted human trafficker eliminated in Libya — news outlet

According to the agency’s statement, Ahmed al-Dabbashi, also known as al-Amu, was killed during an operation to arrest his associates in Sabratha, a city located west of Tripoli

Russia concerned about latest escalation in eastern provinces of DRC — MFA

The Ministry called on the involved parties to return to dialogue and adhere to their prior commitments within existing negotiation frameworks, advocating for a peace settlement

EU wants to freeze Russian assets for at least two years more — Barrot

France’s Foreign Minister said that EU countries made the decision to freeze assets at the start of the conflict for six months with the renewal option every six months if all 27 member-countries consent to that

Russia unaware of changes US and Ukraine made to peace plan — Peskov

No information from Washington regarding US-Ukraine negotiations has been received, Dmitry Peskov stated

Putin conveys best wishes to Iran’s supreme leader

The Russian president pointed out that meetings with Iranian officials take place on a regular basis

FACTBOX: What is known about Bank of Russia's lawsuit against Euroclear

The procedure for executing the court order using Euroclear's assets will be determined after the court's decision enters into force, the regulator's press service reported

Ukraine's admission to EU by 2027 not agreed upon with Europeans — newspaper

It is noted that Kiev is willing to forgo some economic benefits, such as EU agricultural subsidies, to expedite the process

EU may lose 1 trillion euros over sanctions against Russia — Kremlin advisor

The Eurasian integration may become a good alternative for economic cooperation with Europe, the Russian president’s economic advisor, Sergey Glazyev, said at an economic conference in Kyrgyzstan

EU Council decided to perpetually block Russian sovereign assets

According to the plan of the European Commission, this step is the first phase in further expropriation of Russian assets

Russian youth volleyball teams to be allowed to participate in international tournaments

The IOC Executive Board recommended using the organization's standard protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms, and other elements

Don State Technical University completes first stage of testing unmanned Dontech tractor

The tractor is equipped with a hybrid powertrain, pneumatic emergency braking system, and its own control system, which allows for operation via a tablet

Russia-Italy relations at their worst since WWII — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Italy has been swept up in anti-Russian narratives and is facing "pressure from NATO, the Anglo-Saxon world, and this ultraliberal dictatorship"

Zelensky using referendum on territories as pretext to slow down talks — Medvedev

Vladimir Zelensky "straight up gave the White House the finger," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Russian ambassador rejects German accusations of state involvement in cyberattack on DFS

Sergey Nechayev called the German government's accusations unfounded, unjustified, and absurd

FBI officials held secret meetings with Kiev's top negotiator in US — media

According to the report, the meetings have caused alarm among Western officials who remain in the dark about their intent and purpose

Russian diplomat slams any operations with Russian assets as theft

Sergey Nechayev warned against committing a crime that has no precedent in world history that will inevitably entail negative legal and reputational consequences for the European Union

Irresponsible politicians, not Russia, threaten Europe — embassy

Diplomats commented on NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statement that the alliance would allegedly become Moscow's "next target"

EU initiates written procedure for 'long-term freeze' of Russian assets

Bloomberg reported earlier that the European Commission hopes, if EU countries reject blocking of Russian assets once per six months and freeze them for several years, this will make it possible to convince Belgium to agree to the expropriation under the pretext of the "reparation loan"

Russian GDP reach $680.8 bln in Q3 2025 — statistics

The physical volume of GDP gained 0.6% in annual terms

British, Belgian PMs agree that latest peace talks are 'pivotal' for Ukraine’s future

Keir Starmer and Bart De Wever agreed that keeping up the economic pressure on Russia and putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position would remain the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace

Russian forces holding their positions near Kupyansk, despite Ukraine’s counterattacks

According to Andrey Marochko, high-intensity counterattacks have been going on for a long time

House of Representatives rejects attempt to impeach Trump over death penalty remarks

US Congressman Al Green accused Donald Trump of abusing his presidential power and of attempts to "undermine democracy"

Greece to allocate 20 million euros to purchase weapons for Ukraine from US — newspaper

The news report pointed out that Greece's financial participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program at this stage is primarily symbolic and emphasizes Athens' desire not to deviate from Washington's position

Russian Academy of Sciences to do everything possible to secure Butyagin's release

According to the institute, thanks to the work of the Myrmekion archaeological expedition led by Butyagin, the main stages of the ancient city's history were identified and documented in detail, and unique archaeological material was collected, which gained worldwide fame

Versatility of Russian-Turkish relations helps to cope with difficulties — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that it also allows to resist the pressure from third countries

Ukrainian losses in conflict have exceeded 1 million — Lavrov

"The Kiev regime, originally established as a fiercely ideological military entity, has now devolved into a criminal gang," the Russian foreign minister said

Three Ukrainian soldiers surrender in Dimitrov — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the prisoners of war "recounted how their commanders had sent them to their deaths at the line of engagement"

Arktikugol's upgrade to favor Russia's successful work on Spitsbergen — minister

Russia has been operating on Spitsbergen for more than 90 years

Liberation of Seversk opens road to Slavyansk — DPR official

"Slavyansk is another major hub of the Ukrainian armed forces in the north of the republic," Igor Kimakovsky said

Bank of Russia files a lawsuit against Euroclear in Moscow Arbitration Court

The amount of the claim against the depository was not specified in the statement

Ukraine hands over new 20-point peace plan to US — ABC News

According to the source, the proposals contain some new points on territories

EU considers Ukraine's accession by 2027 'absolutely impossible' — Reuters

A European diplomat briefed on the plan noted that it was not clear whether the EU leadership backed Ukrainian accession, the news agency said

Belgium demands EU countries halt investment agreements with Russia — media

Belgium is demanding independent and autonomous guarantees from EU countries in return for its support for a floated loan to Ukraine using immobilized Russian assets

Merz says 'a lot of open questions' remain in talks on Ukraine

According to Merz, a major element of security guarantees that have been the subject of discussions for several weeks is "strengthening the Ukrainian army"

EU's grandiose fraud, Putin's possible visit to Turkey: Peskov's statements

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on Ukraine in depth

Kiev, Europe buy time and seek ways to continue Ukraine conflict, senator says

According to Alexander Voloshin, for Vladimir Zelensky, as well as for his patrons, the continuation of the conflict is the only chance for "political survival and further enrichment at the expense of the lives of ordinary Ukrainians"

Silver prices all-time high on Comex today

The precious metal prices gained 0.72% to $65.06 per Troy ounce

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 79.73 rubles for December 13-15

The official euro rate was increased by 62 kopecks to 93.5626 rubles

TASS opens regional information center in Kaliningrad

The "TASS Kaliningrad" center will host the agency's state-of-the-art press center, a venue designed to foster open dialogue between government representatives, businesses, public organizations, and the media

MFA calls EU authorities 'thimbleriggers' after indefinite freezing of Russian assets

According to the European Commission's plan, the indefinite asset freeze is the first stage in the expropriation of Russian assets

League of Arab States is discussing preparations for Russian-Arab summit — mission chief

According to Walid Hamid Shiltagh, the summit could be held as early as next year

Kiev agrees to create demilitarized zone in Donbass along front line — Le Monde

This point is reportedly included in a new 20-point version of a peace plan developed by Kiev with the support of Great Britain, France, and Germany, which Ukraine recently handed to the United States

EU, Britain have no moral right to participate in Ukraine talks — opposition politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, "the EU, which claims to be a bastion of free speech, remained silent as opposition media outlets were shut down, churches were seized from believers, and the rights of the Russian-speaking population were systematically violated"

EU politicians attempt to alter public consciousness by falsifying facts — historian

Head of the National Center for Historical Memory under the Russian president Yelena Malysheva noted that the purpose of these statements was to embed new theses into public consciousness which, through repeated exposure, would no longer require any confirmation and would be perceived in the public space as truth

Zelensky, E3 to hold talks in Berlin on December 15 — media

No decision has been made on whether the US side will be represented in person or participate remotely

RTS Index plunging after publication of official currency rates — market data

The RTS index moved downward by 0.57% to 1,085.23 points

Russian boxer Gassiev captures World Boxing Association heavyweight title

The Russian landed a left hook, sending the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev to the canvas

Belgium supported long-term freeze of Russian assets — Reuters

Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta also said that the EU summit should make the decision on the use of Russian assets for Ukraine

Kiev’s nuke blackmail, suppression of sabotage: statements by Russia’s NBC Defense chief

According to the report, Western countries’ aggressive policy in the field of biological security and the expansion of NATO’s military-biological programs create additional threats to the non-proliferation of biological weapons

Russia ready to welcome Iraqi leader 'at any time' — Putin

At the talks in Ashgabat, Abdul Latif Rashid remarked that he would like to visit Russia and meet with Vladimir Putin

Decision to permanently freeze Russian assets would cause irreparable damage to EU — Orban

The Hungarian Prime Minister affirmed that Budapest will "do everything possible to restore the legal order"

Ukraine conflict could lead to World War III, Trump warns

The US president said the conflict in Ukraine "doesn’t really affect the United States, unless it got out of control"

Russia seeks answers from US on seizure of tanker off Venezuelan coast

The Russian foreign minister also said that Moscow wants discussions on the fight against drug trafficking and ensuring maritime security to be collective, so that no nation would be staring down unilateral actions

Sixty-eight ionizing radiation sources lost in Ukraine — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the loss of control over ionizing radiation sources was qualified as a radiation accident

Casualties in Tver, 90 drones: aftermath of overnight attack on Russian Regions

As a result of a drone attack on a house in Tver, seven people were injured, including a child

US plan envisions Donbass buffer zone as Russian territory — Financial Times

According to their information, the plan specifies that "Russian forces will not enter this demilitarised zone"

Europol predicts potential war between humans, robots in Europe by 2035

Denis Niezgoda, chief commercial officer at Locus Robotics, a US company that creates robotic assistants, called the described scenario unrealistic within the next ten years

West will sooner lose its leading role in global economy due to sanctions — expert

According to Valery Andrianov, the declining role of Western currencies in international settlements is one link in a complex chain of factors leading to the exacerbation of global problems

Ukraine's Peacekeeper website adds 25 more Russian children to database

All the children were born between 2018 and 2022

USAID may be behind testing of pharmacological drugs on Ukrainians — Russia’s top brass

According to Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev, US officials have repeatedly confirmed that the US defense agency conducted work in Ukrainian biolabs

Ukrainian ex-premier says it’s impossible to negotiate on Zelensky’s peace plan version

Nikolay Azarov added that there was no chances of resolving the conflict by Christmas "first of all because of the stance taken by Western countries and Vladimir Zelensky"

Top Transnistrian diplomat refutes Chisinau's claims that it called for dialogue

Chiveri told a conference in Chisinau on Thursday that he had sent an address to Tiraspol’s political director inviting him to discuss a range of problems the Moldovan side is concerned over

Polls in Ukraine, scientist detained, Brit soldier: what Foreign Ministry said

Vladimir Zelensky "has no chance of being legally re-elected" for a new term, Maria Zakharova stated

Nearly 1,500 people evacuated from Moscow’s VTB Arena due to bomb threat

Firefighters and ambulances have arrived on the scene

Zelensky regime cannot be removed via election — lawmaker

"There will be the regime’s capitulation, either political or military," Artyom Dmitruk said

Zelensky set to disrupt elections in Ukraine as he cannot win — expert

According to Vladimir Karasev, if presidential elections are held in Ukraine, candidates endorsed by either the UK or the US will make it to the final round

US hindering Venezuela to sell its oil, supply it to Cuba — Cuban foreign ministry

This step is part of escalation staged by the United States to bar Venezuela from realizing its legitimate right to the free use of and trade in its natural resources, the Cuban foreign ministry emphasized

All of Google's assets in France seized following complaint from its Russian subsidiary

The seizure has been imposed as a security measure to prevent Google from attempting to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against its French subsidiary

Zelensky is Europe’s 'shield' against US, not Russia — Ukrainian opposition politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the European bureaucracy no longer views Europeans’ national identity as a value and simply doesn’t recognize their sovereignty

Moscow may not like new version of US peace plan — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said that Russia has to see what the Americans agree on with the Europeans and Ukrainians

Russian companies set to implement new investment projects in Turkmenistan — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan continues to develop successfully in a spirit of friendship and good neighborliness

Platform for protecting regions from drones successfully tested in Russia

The project scheme is based on the Jupiter flight information service automation system developed by Azimut, which ensured unified management and processing of data received from specialized systems

Zelensky will not hold any elections in Ukraine, former prime minister tells TASS

Nikolay Azarov said that if elections are held under the current circumstances, they would not bring about any meaningful change

Japan moves to allocate record $58 billion for defense in 2026 fiscal year — Kyodo

The budget draft is expected to be adopted at a cabinet meeting in late December

Indefinite freezing of Russian assets will undermine euro's positions, warns Russian MP

According to Leonid Slutsky, the decision to freeze the assets for their subsequent use in a reparations loan to the Kiev regime will mean "crossing the Rubicon," a step that will be followed by a wave of response measures from Russia

Russia has no invitations from US to join Core 5, Kremlin spokesman says

Regarding whether Russia is interested in such a platform at all, Dmitry Peskov stated that "it remains to be seen what it means"

Roscosmos to increase share of civilian, dual-use products output to 50% by 2030

"This decision is intended to play a key role in ensuring high-quality and technologically advanced medical rehabilitation," Dmitry Bakanov said

Russian government drafting plan to introduce AI across key sectors

Mikhail Mishustin recalled that the president earlier emphasized that Russia must possess a full suite of its own solutions and products in the field of AI

Trump says only Zelensky dislikes his peace plan

The US leader stressed that Washington was "very close" with Russia and Ukraine to having a deal

Many Russian companies show interest in working with Iraq — Putin

Relations between Russia and Iraq are diversifying and becoming more versatile by their nature, the Russian leader said

Russian stock market indices in the red this Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.34% to 2,739.49 points, while the RTS Index dropped by 0.83% to 1,082.41 points

Press review: NATO divided over Ukraine’s status and US-Venezuela conflict escalates

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 12th

No dark spots in history of Russia-Iraq relations, says Putin

The Russian president added that Russia and Iraq have always had very good relations

Zelensky, his wife facilitate crimes against children in Ukraine — Russian MFA

"Representatives of the Kiev junta, including Zelensky’s wife Elena, use all international platforms to promote this, once again, fabricated story about kidnapped Ukrainian children," Maria Zakharova noted

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Over the past week, Battlegroup South units liberated the settlements of Seversk and Chervonoye in the DPR

Russian assets in EU to be blocked until end of conflict — Kosta

The next step will be "securing Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-27," the president of the EU Council added

Bank of Russia will challenge any unauthorized use of its assets frozen abroad

The regulator stressed that the solutions proposed by the European Commission where Bank of Russia assets may be used directly or indirectly or any other forms of unauthorized use of Bank of Russia assets are unlawful and contradict international law, including in respect of immunity of sovereign assets

Euroclear ready to lawsuits in Russian courts due to assets blocking

The European Commission and the Belgian government made no comments on such news so far

Putin concludes his visit to Turkmenistan

The Russian leader held a series of bilateral meetings, including with the leaders of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan

EU to rue indefinite freezing of Russian assets — RDIF CEO

The EU Council is expected to officially enshrine the decision on the indefinite freezing of Russian assets in Europe today

Magnitude-6.7 earthquake strikes northern Japan, tsunami warning issued

The national meteorological service warned about the possibility of a tsunami wave up to one meter high

Bulgarian government resigns — PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov said that the government must "give in" to the demands of citizens

Moscow calls on Berlin to tone down anti-Russian rhetoric — embassy

Russia urged the German side to stop stirring up hysteria over Russia's alleged preparations to attack one or more NATO countries

Kremlin aide says all of Donbass is Russian territory

Yury Ushakov cited a provision in the Russian Constitution

EU intends won’t return Russian assets as long as Europe experiences economic problems

Commenting on this decision, EU leaders did not go into these legal details, but simply called the freeze on Russian assets "indefinite"