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Middle East conflict

Hamas ready to transfer 20 hostages to Israel as early as October 12 — WSJ

Israeli forces are preparing for the handover, which may occur on the evening of October 12 or potentially on October 13

NEW YORK, October 12. /TASS/. The Palestinian movement Hamas is prepared to transfer 20 hostages to Israel as early as Sunday, October 12, though the timeline could shift, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources.

According to the publication, Hamas sent a message to Israel via Arab mediators confirming for the first time that it holds 20 Israeli captives. Israeli forces are preparing for the handover, which may occur on the evening of October 12 or potentially on October 13, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the region.

Hamas has stated it cannot locate some of the hostages’ bodies and will struggle to meet the 72-hour transfer deadline outlined in Trump's plan. Israel acknowledges the recovery process will require more time. In response, a joint international group including Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Turkey is being formed to search for the remains in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military announced on Friday that the Gaza ceasefire agreement came into effect from 9:00 a.m. GMT and the Israeli troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines. From this time, a 72-hour countdown started until the release of hostages held by the Palestinian movement Hamas in the embattled enclave.

The Israeli prime minister’s office said in the early hours on October 10 that the government had approved the deal for the release of hostages, both alive and dead. On October 9, US President Donald Trump stated that the Israel-Hamas talks in Egypt had yielded an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan. According to the US leader, phase one provides for the release of all hostages in the near future and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed positions inside Gaza.

Vance ready to discuss his candidacy for president after midterm elections

US Vice President also stressed that the American people elected him to do a job right now, and his job is to do it

Medvedev jokingly calls on EU to donate more to corrupt Kiev officials

The main figures in the Ukrainian corruption scandal, which does not yet include Vladimir Zelensky and Andrey Yermak, have already been charged with money laundering

Belgians no longer believe in ‘Russian threat’ of unidentified drones — DH newspaper

The outlet cites popular social media opinions suggesting that the UAV reports are fabricated to make Belgians believe that "Russia is to blame"

Press review: Russia’s FSB foils Ukraine-UK jet hijack plot as US eases Syria sanctions

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 12th

Szijjarto calls for end to Ukraine aid amid corruption scandal

The Hungarian foreign minister also noted that "European citizens' money is flowing into Ukraine unchecked"

Russian sledge hockey team cleared for next year’s world championship

The venue and the participants have not yet been set

Poland begins erecting second fence on border with Belarus — radio

The barrier will consist of a four-meter-high metal mesh wall topped with barbed wire

Israel identifies remains of another hostage returned from Gaza — PM’s office

Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip received a coffin with the remains on November 13

Severstal’s 2025 investment program to total about $2.05 bln

CEO of Severstal Management Alexander Shevelev added that the company plans substantial investments in 2025-2026 due to several significant large-scale projects underway

North Korean foreign minister calls G7 appeal for denuclearization hostile machinations

Choe Son Hui called on the international community to pay attention to the threat to peace and security from the Group of Seven, which she called a "nuclear alliance"

Man wounded as UAV fragments damage house

A man was injured, he was hospitalized and is receiving necessary medical care

Russia penetrates over one km into Ukrainian defenses after capture of Danilovka — expert

Andrey Marochko pointed out that Russian servicemen are now preparing a kind of springboard for the development of success in various directions in this area

Alliance against migration, for peace in Ukraine taking shape in Europe — Szijjarto

Bulgaria is a key member of the allience, the Hungarian foreign minister said

Russia-US summit necessary, but requires preliminary preparation — diplomatic source

As a Russian diplomatic source noted, the Russian side "carefully reviewed and analyzed" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's interview following the meeting of foreign ministers of the G7 countries

Russian wine imports down about a third year-to-date — deputy PM

The share of domestic produce started growing in the consumption structure and increased from 58% to 63% since the start of 2025

Most Kharkov residents waiting for Russian army to liberate them — official

Simultaneously, a segment of the population also awaits the Russian army's arrival but lacks access to objective information regarding the progress of the special military operation

US already realizes what seizure of Russian assets could mean for West — diplomatic source

"The more widely this understanding takes root in US government circles, the greater the chances of achieving real improvement in the international situation as a whole, and in Russian-American relations in particular," the source emphasized

Kiev officially halts peace talks with Moscow — Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

"Since the peace talks ended this year without significant progress, they were halted," Sergey Kislitsa said

Ukraine threatens to 'bury' own soldiers if they refuse to fight in Kupyansk

Vitaly Ganchev emphasized that former Ukrainian soldiers who had already surrendered to Russian forces spoke of such threats from their own commanders

Vucic says discussed peace in Ukraine with Macron

Serbian President emphasized that he had not talked about any weapons with his French counterpart

Vance ready to discuss his candidacy for president after midterm elections

US Vice President also stressed that the American people elected him to do a job right now, and his job is to do it

Russia establishes Unmanned Systems Forces

The structure of this new branch of the armed forces has been determined, the head of the Unmanned Systems Forces has been appointed, military administration units have been created at all levels

Gold may reach $4,500 per ounce in 2026 — executive

The rise in gold prices is associated with geopolitical instability and maximal purchases of gold to their reserves by central banks of different countries, Maxim Perlin noted

Kalashnikov to present 9 mm PPK-20 submachine gun at Dubai international exhibition

Kalashnikov engineers improved the quality of the PPK-20 gun by enhancing some of its tactical, technical, and ergonomic characteristics, the concern's press service said

Russia sees prospects of port connections with Oman in North - South project — Deputy PM

Marat Khusnullin noted beneficial geographic location of Oman

Pentagon says starts operation to combat drug cartels

It will be led by the Southern Command of the US army and as well as a joint force specially created for this operation, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said

Damascus builds pragmatic relations with Moscow — Syrian foreign minister

Foreign Minister in the transitional Syrian government Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized that Damascus does not want a confrontation with Moscow

Some captured Ukrainian soldiers may volunteer in Russian units — Kharkov administration

The head of the military-civil administration clarified that it is still too early to discuss the participation of recently surrendered prisoners in such units, as they must first undergo screening procedures

Ukraine redeploys near Kupyansk amid defeats — expert

The relocation is being carried out in the areas of Kupyansk-Uzlovoi and Kovsharovka settlements

Rosatom CEO Likhachev, IAEA head Grossi to hold talks in Kaliningrad

Alexey Likhachev and Rafael Grossi plan to discuss safety of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in general, and specific joint steps to prevent a nuclear accident

Russian watchdog labels political scientist, late telecom mogul’s son as terrorists

Russia’s Justice Ministry included Shulman in its list of foreign agents on April 15, 2022

Chinese laboratory works on pills to defy ageing — NYT

Lonvi Biosciences is engaged in developing a drug that is based on the natural compound procyanidin C1 (PCC1), which is contained in grape seed extract, according to the report

Russian companies may take part in renewables, hydropower projects in Malaysia

Cooperation in the sphere of standardization and conformity assessment of oil and gas equipment was also indicated as promising

Britain stops sharing intelligence with US on recommendation of attorney general — Times

According to the newspaper, Attorney General for England and Wales Richard Hermer fears an international lawsuit against the UK over its involvement in the US strikes on ships in the Caribbean

Lavrov baffled at Britain's lack of shame over MiG-31 hijacking plot

The Russian foreign minister said that he does not know how the British will wash themselves clean of it

Russia to demonstrate new Supercam high-speed recon drone at Dubai Airshow

Russia’s integrated exposition at the Dubai Airshow 2025 will feature the Supercam S350 dual-purpose UAV, the Supercam SX350 vertical takeoff and landing drone and the Supercam X4 rotary-wing drone, the Unmanned Systems Group of Companies said

With liberation of Danilovka, Russia cuts key logistical route of Ukrainian army — expert

Russia liberated Danilovka on November 13

EU to face difficulties in substituting LNG from Yamal plant — Novatek

Alexander Nazarov pointed to key competitive advantages of Russian products

Guterres' special representative in Cyprus notes Russia’s key role in UN Security Council

Khassim Diagne also noted that the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Cyprus Murat Zyazikov has a long-standing relationship with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

Civilian injuries in Kharkov reach 20-30 per month due to Ukrainian attacks — official

Vitaly Ganchev said that amid advances by the Russian Armed Forces, Ukrainian troops have intensified their shelling

Lavrov’s remarks on summit in Budapest, relations with Europe, truth about Ukraine

The Italian newspaper interviewed the Russian foreign minister, refusing to publish the content later

Russia to proceed with special military op since Ukraine stopped negotiations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also reiterated that Russia is still open to settle the Ukrainian conflict by political and diplomatic means

After liberation of Sinelnikovo, Russia begins fighting for Liman, Kharkov Region — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that artillery is contributing to the advance of the Russian forces in the area

Kiev loses 1,150 troops along engagement line in past day — Russia’s top brass

Russian forces struck energy and transport infrastructure facilities used to support the Ukrainian army’s operations and troop deployment areas over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Share of non-residents in Russia’s sovereign Eurobonds rises to 28.3% in Q3 — Central Bank

At the end of the Q2 of 2025, the share stood at 28%

Ukrainian servicemen surrender in Kharkov Region for water — administration

According to head of the Kharkov military-civilian administration Vitaly Ganchev, such cases are constant

Lukoil has asked US to extend sanctions waiver on number of operations, Reuters says

Lukoil sent the request to the US Treasury Department as it needs more time to fulfill its existing obligations and to consider proposals for the sale of its assets, according to the agency

Russian forces eliminate some 10 mercenaries hiding in building near Kupyansk

Ukrainian militants organized a temporary base for one of the Ukrainian army units in an administrative building in the settlement of Grushevka

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of overnight drone attack on Russian regions

Several motor vehicles and buildings sustained damage in the Oryol Region, regional Governor Andrey Klychkov said

Independent agreements with Ukraine are meaningless — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukraine is now fulfilling the will of the EU and some European states that are "sponsors and masters of the Kiev regime"

Press review: Kiev halts Moscow dialogue to hide scandals as Russian, Kazakh leaders meet

Top stories From the Russian press on Thursday, November 13th

US crude oil inventories rise by 6.4 mln barrels over week

The US Department of Energy clarified that the current level of inventories is 4% below the five-year average for this time of year

Swedish SVT, like BBC, edited Trump's speech — newspaper

According to the newspaper, last year SVT used an excerpt from Donald Trump’s speech, which spliced several parts in one of the reports

BBC apologizes to Trump, but rejects compensation claims — statement

The BBC was at the center of a scandal over a Panorama program aired last October

China warns Tokyo about consequences of Sanae Takaichi's comment about Taiwan

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong called the Japanese Prime minister's statements about Taiwan "provocative" and "extremely dangerous"

Russian forces engage in street fighting in western Kupyansk — Kharkov administration

Yevgeny Lisnyak specified that the eastern part of Kupyansk, on the left bank of the Oskol River, had been almost completely mopped up of Ukrainian units

Trump plans to attend World Economic Forum in Davos next year — agency

According to the news agency, the move signals warming US-Swiss relations as the nations close in on a trade deal

Russian AI market growing by around 30% annually

Chief of the Presidential Directorate for the Development of Information and Communication Technology and Infrastructure Tatiana Matveeva noted that the global AI market has already reached $243 bln in 2025

Ukraine will have to return to negotiations but from worse position — Kremlin

The Kiev regime's position is deteriorating day by day, Dmitry Peskov noted

Over 60 civilians evacuated from Kupyansk area amid fighting — Russian official

Vitaly Ganchev added that people were being evacuated to the areas of the Kharkov Region far from the frontline

Russian troops upend Ukrainian command, logistics near Volchansk, Kupyansk — official

The battlegroups North and West are conducting active offensive operations in the Kharkov direction

US aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to approach Venezuela in coming days — AP

The arrival of the aircraft carrier marks a significant US military buildup in the region, the agency said

Russia concerned over lack of clarity about Japan’s commitment to nuclear-free status

"Naturally, we are keeping an eye," Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Bank of Russia lowers dollar exchange rate to 80.6 rubles for November 14

The official euro exchange rate was lowered by 49 kopecks to 93.6953 rubles

Pentagon declines to comment on report on preparations to attack Venezuela

The White House press office did not respond to a similar request

No plans to punish Moldovan people for Chisinau’s actions — Russian official

Yevgeny Primakov stressed that "common people should not be punished for the mistakes of their leaders"

NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

It is stted that NATO considers the EU as "a registration office of its members"

Magnetic storm that lasted for almost two days stopped on Earth — forecaster

Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Phobos Weather center, pointed out that a period of a relatively calm geomagnetic field will last at least until the end of this week

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,330 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Air defenses down 34 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, Black Sea

Nine of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Russia nears Andreyevka, complicating situation for Ukraine near Gulyaipole — expert

Russian servicemen "are really heroically and very rapidly advancing in this direction," military expert Andrey Marochko said

Israel seeks to conclude 20-year military aid agreement with US — media

According to the outlet, reaching a new deal will now be more difficult due to growing dissatisfaction with Israel, including within the MAGA movement

Russian businesses should ‘pivot’ away from West amid sanctions, tariffs — Kneissl

"It's a good option to consider a pivot to the Southeast and South, because the West has been losing its role quite significantly lately," the former Austrian foreign minister noted

Car ownership period growing in Russia — statistics

The increase of the car ownership period is a bad trend for the market and for the car insurance segment, Sergey Udalov noted

World community’s reaction to US statements on nuclear tests disappointing — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that this situation was very alarming

Everything you need to know about Russia’s Su-35 multirole fighter jet

February 19 marks ten years since a prototype of Russia’s Su-35 fighter jet performed its debut flight

US readies large-scale exemptions from duties to curb rising food prices — NYT

According to the newspaper, tariffs may be lifted from food imported from the countries that have not yet signed trade agreements with Washington

Russian forces tighten encirclement around Ukrainian group in Kupyansk — administration

Vitaly Ganchev clarified that there is no help coming for the surrounded soldiers

Forpost-RE UAV, UTS-800 training aircraft to feature for first time at Dubai Airshow 2025

The UTS-800 training aircraft is the first Russian turboprop aircraft for initial flight training, professional selection and training of pilots

IAEA chief Grossi arrives in Kaliningrad for talks with Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev and Rafael Grossi are scheduled to hold talks in Kaliningrad on November 14 to discuss the situation at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant

Iran slams G7’s call for resumption of cooperation with IAEA as hypocrisy

"The United States is the main reason behind the current situation as it illegally and unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and carried out an armed attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said

Over 460,000 fraudulent transactions carried out in Russia in Q3

Overall, banks repelled 28.5 mln attempts to carry out fraudulent operations between July and September

Purpose of assassination attempt on top cleric to provoke NATO into conflict with Russia

Mikhail Sheremet alleges that British curators are behind the Ukrainian special services

Sending Montenegrin troops to help Ukraine speaks of anti-Russian stance — ambassador

Ambassador Alexander Lukasik emphasized that Moscow continues to advocate for the restoration of normal dialogue

Russia takes note of EU’s aggressive attitude towards Black Sea region — MFA

Russia and Turkey reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of sovereign identity and responsibility of the coastal countries for this geographical space

'Azov' squad flees positions, abandoning wounded soldiers — security forces

According to the source, this situation shows that the brigade has been dubbed the "running team"

France commissions ASMPA-R missile capable of carrying nuclear charge

The French Defense Ministry said it after a second test launch of this missile from a Rafale fighter jet

German party leader calls for detente in relations with Russia

According to Tino Chrupalla, co-chair of Alternative for Germany party, Moscow and Berlin must reach out to each other to prevent a war, a major war, in Europe

Israel receives another coffin containing hostage remains — prime minister’s office

The military will soon deliver the coffin to Israel, where an identification procedure will be conducted, the office added

Venezuela never turned to Russia for military aid — Lavrov

Russia is ready to fully act within the framework of the obligations that were mutually stipulated in the agreement with Venezuela, the Russian foreign minister noted

Russia's international reserves fall by $6 bln over week to $719.8 bln

As of October 31, the reserves stood at $725.8 bln

Shenzhou-20 crew to return to Earth on Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on November 14 — CMSA

The Office of the Manned Space Flight Program of the People's Republic of China noted that the condition of the crew members is assessed as good

Turkish fire-fighting plane crashes in Croatia, killing pilot — TV

According to CNN Turk, the Croatian authorities have confirmed the crash and the death of the pilot

Russia to 'respond in kind' if US conducts nuclear tests — Kremlin

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not explicitly confirm whether the US intends to resume full-scale nuclear tests

Uralvagonzavod delivers Solntsepyok systems with new protection to troops — Rostec

According to the press service, the equipment underwent running tests to check the reliability of its mechanisms and instruments before being sent to the troops

US State Department scrubs bit of Cold War history

"The Department was not required to provide public notice," the newspaper quoted a State Department spokesperson as saying

Russia sees good prospects for cooperation with Oman, Egypt — security chief

There is an active exchange of visits underway, Sergey Shoigu said

Moscow-Berlin ties crater as Germany pursues 'revanchist policy' — Russia’s MFA

According to the ministry, Germany’s claims to leadership cause "rejection and create repulsive historical parallels not only among the Russian general public but also among healthy political forces across Europe"

Pentagon presents Trump with options for potential operations in Venezuela — TV

However, no final decision has been made, CBS noted

VTB expects silver price hike by 22% — analyst

Silver volatility is higher than gold indicators and its price already gained 10% over the last month, Alexey Kornilov noted

Members of Mindich’s group will turn Zelensky in — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov also described Vladimir Zelensky’s statements about supposedly supporting the investigation as an attempt to save face