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Middle East conflict

Red Cross facilitates release of 20 Israeli hostages, over 1,800 Palestinian prisoners

Apart from that, the ICRC transferred the bodies of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities

GENEVA, October 13. /TASS/. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the return of 20 hostages to Israel and 1,809 Palestinian prisoners to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, it said in a press statement.

Apart from that, the ICRC transferred the bodies of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities.

"The ICRC calls for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow more families to receive their loved ones for dignified burial. The ICRC stands ready to further support the transfer of remains of the deceased, as per the agreement by parties," it said.

The ICRC also said that since October 2023, it has facilitated the release and transfer of 172 Israeli hostages and 3,473 Palestinian prisoners under ceasefire agreements.

On Monday, Hamas and other Palestinian groups released all the 20 living hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages were handed over to the Israeli military through the Red Cross and are already in Israel’s territory. In turn, Israel will release 1,968 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life or long sentences.

Poland reopens two border crossings with Belarus

According to PAP news agency, Warsaw’s move stems from the necessity to address the economic needs of Poland’s border areas and the fact that a migration crisis on the border has eased

UK premier’s former deputy is plotting against him — newspaper

According to The Sunday Telegraph, Angela Rayner has been offering ministerial posts to certain members of the House of Commons in exchange for their support

What we know about last night’s drone attack on Russian cities, including Novorossiysk

Drone debris damaged a civilian port in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, the operational headquarters of the Krasnodar Region reported

US LNG supplies may harm environment, EU’s energy budget — expert

"US LNG is currently very expensive, straining energy budgets; the likelihood of geopolitical antagonisms is heightened; and the whole project is identified as going against the efforts to achieve environmental targets, contributing to the delay in transitioning to renewable energy sources," Harry Tzimitras, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo Cyprus Center, said

Maduro offered US control over some of Venezuela’s oil riches — NYT

The newspaper’s sources said US President Donald Trump had rejected the invitation to negotiate, but the offer still remains on the table

Hungarian premier believes conflict in Ukraine will be over soon

Viktor Orban did not elaborate on what his forecast was based on, but said that "a unified position of the West" is needed for the purpose

Fico reiterates his opposition to EU transferring Russian assets to Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized that transferring 140 bln euros to Ukraine "means two more years of killings"

Europe must propose new security system to Russia — Orban

In his view, Europe must be militarily strong in order to conduct such a dialogue with Russia

Russian troops liberate Yablokovo community in Zaporozhye Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry

Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan will increase gas transit volumes

Also there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in the oil sector and in the nuclear industry, noted Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Putin, Netanyahu discuss developments in Gaza Strip — Kremlin

The leaders also discussed the issue of Iran's nuclear program and assistance in further stabilizing the situation in Syria

UN Security Council to vote on US resolution in support of Trump’s Gaza plan

The vote would take place at 5:00 p.m. local time on Monday

At least 57 Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

23 unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted over the Samara Region

Ukrainian troops encirclement threatens frontline collapse, territorial losses — Medvedev

The Russian politician stressed that the leadership in Kiev "has predictably found itself in a zugzwang: every day is bringing it into a worse position on the chessboard"

Drones attack residential buildings in Volgograd, three wounded

The governor Andrey Bocharov tasked the city administration with opening two temporary shelters for affected residents while bomb squads are examining the attack zones

Russia ready for joint production of cars with India — deputy minister

The Russian deputy minister noted that no talks on arranging such production were currently underway so far

South Korean LG registered six trademarks in Russia

Products of the Xboom audio system brand are among them, XboomStage, XboomPower, and XboomBuds

Paris to cooperate with Kiev in drone production — top French diplomat

The first meeting of Ukrainian and French drone manufacturers will take place in Paris

Number of customers without power due to attacks rises to 66,000 in Zaporozhye Region

Another strike on critical infrastructure has been recorded

Iran not enriching uranium now — Foreign minister

The International Atomic Energy Agency is aware of all of them, the minister added

Chilean president congratulates two leading candidates in presidential election

"On December 14, Chile will elect the next president, who will determine the path that our country will take for the next four years," Gabriel Boric said in an address to the nation

Japan's PM supports possibility of deploying US nuclear weapons in country — newspaper

Sanae Takaichi opined that the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country negatively impacts the deterrent and defense potential of the United States

Russia condemns crimes committed by Rapid Support Forces against civilians in Sudan

The senior Russian diplomat reiterated Russia’s principled position in favor of preserving Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity

Civilian version of Russian Lightning FPV drones to be showcased at Dubai Airshow

The versatility of the platform enables quick and efficient upgrade for specific missions and conditions of the use, the developer company noted

Iran thinks recurrence of conflict with Israel is possible — diplomatic source

However but it is difficult to say how high it is

US removes sanctions on CPC, Tengizchevroil, Karachaganak — Treasury Department

According to the document, it authorizes petroleum services and other transactions

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

Hungarian oil refinery blaze possibly caused by outside attack — PM Orban

The Hungarian prime minister noted that this oil refinery, which majors in processing Russian crude, is one of the five most important strategic industrial enterprises in Hungary

Russia issues permit to Air France for new flight route to Moscow

The company representative pointed out that the flights will be bypassing the airspace of Belarus

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

US’ Operation Southern Spear may backfire on US, warns Russian expert

"As for the pressure on Latin American countries that don’t want to bend to Washington, the spring cannot be compressed endlessly," Alexander Stepanov said

Latin American states preparing response to possible US aggression against Venezuela

Representatives of diplomatic missions from several countries are already holding consultations

Russia develops neural network for guiding kamikaze drones

According to designer Alexander Rodikov, the neural network is prepared for transfer to Russian arms manufacturers

Peace talks on Ukraine inevitable and may be held in Turkey — Foreign Minister

Hakan Fidan believes the conflict in Ukraine is currently at its closest point to ending

Russia could send Oreshnik system to allies once production starts humming — expert

Alexander Stepanov highlighted the capabilities of Russia's defense industry, noting that it can produce up to 25 Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missiles per month

Anti-Russian sanctions entail political, financial consequences for Europe — Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister said that because of the conflict in Ukraine, European countries have started to invest more heavily into their own military might

Russia’s Makhachev becoming UFC welterweight champion

The UFC 322 tournament was held in New York

Top Russian, Egyptian diplomats discuss situation around Iran’s nuclear dossier

The two top diplomats also discussed the US-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Gaza and Russia’s amendments to it

US reports strike on another alleged drug vessel in Pacific Ocean

Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed, the US Southern Command said in a statement

Group of Ukrainian marines surrender to Russian forces near Dimitrov

The servicemen said they had decided to surrender some time ago but had to wait for the safest opportunity

Gazprom continues supplying gas for transit to Europe via Ukraine as normal

As of March 5, 109.5 mln cubic meters were requested

Syrian defense minister receives visiting Russian deputy defense minister

The sides discussed areas of military cooperation and ways to strengthen mechanisms of coordination on the basis of shared interests and aspiration of the two countries

Putin to hold international meetings next week

The head of state also had in his plans a traditional operational meeting with the members of the Russian Security Council

US tests B61-12 nuclear bomb without warhead - statement

During the tests, American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets delivered and dropped the weapons with inert warheads

Annual inflation reach 7.71% in September — statistics

In monthly terms, consumer prices gained 0.5%

Zelensky’s approval rating drops by 40% in one week, says Ukrainian lawmaker

According to Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Vladimir Zelensky’s approval rating drops by 40% in one week

'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"

Patients long gone from Mariupol hospital, Russia’s deputy envoy to UN says

Although the UN Security Council meeting was dedicated to the Syrian chemical weapons issue, Western countries started criticizing Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, citing strikes at a maternity home in Mariupol

Head of Euroclear ready to challenge EU asset-confiscation orders in court

Valerie Urbain noted that "there are laws"

Greece launches Vertical Corridor for supplying gas to Ukraine — PM

The Greek prime minister also said that he had discussed with Zelensky further support for Ukraine jointly with the partners and prospects for bilateral cooperation

Ukrainian army completely encircled near DPR's Dimitrov, unable to escape — expert

Andrey Marochko stressed that the Ukrainian soldiers still have a choice now to voluntarily surrender and lay down their arms

Greece, Ukraine sign memorandum on supplies of LNG from US to Kiev from December

The memorandum was signed in the presence of Vladimir Zelensky, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle

US Treasury extends waiver for Lukoil from sanctions on some operations until December 13

Lukoil’s representatives announced on November 14 that the company is negotiating the sale of its foreign assets with several potential buyers

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

Israeli drone strike kills two Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon

According to Al Hadath TV channel, the attack targeted their car in the Al-Mansouri municipality in the Tyre District

Reports on arrival of Russian, US, Turkish delegations to Damascus not confirmed by MFA

Such reports released by the Al Arabiya television channel, citing its sources

Beheaded child’s body found in apartment near Moscow, parents suspected of murder

A criminal case on murder charges was opened

Russia, US continues communications on Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin aide

Agreements to be reached on the meeting between the leaders of the two countries will move many political and technical difficulties to the background, the Kremlin aide said

Russian troops squeezing neck of fire cauldron by destroying Ukrainian army near Seversk

The Ukrainian group trapped in the fire pocket near Zvanovka is being systematically destroyed, military expert Andrey Marochko said

13 Ukrainian drones taken down over several Russian regions in three hours

Five of them were destroyed over the Rostov Region

Vucic urges Serbian government to consider all options before deciding on NIS

Belgrade seeks after avoiding any radical steps, noted Serbian President

Greece, Ukraine agree on cooperation in developing unmanned surface vehicles

The sides also acknowledged the importance of cybersecurity and agreed to develop joint initiatives

Russian Armed Forces liberated two settlements in Zaporozhye Region

Air defenses shot downed two Neptune missiles and 197 Ukrainian drones over 24 hours, the ministry noted

Hungary to block any EU decisions aimed at escalating Ukraine conflict — foreign minister

If Brussels pushes for war, Budapest will use its veto power against its decisions, noted Peter Szijjarto

Meeting between Putin, Trump postponed — Kremlin aide

The summit was postponed later

India to expand seafood deliveries to Russia — minister

The ministry "is working closely with the Seafood Exporters Association of India to identify more export markets, evaluate trade impediments, and find solutions," the minister added

US still believes in peaceful solution of Ukrainian conflict — envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker said that the conflict has turned into "a battle lab of the future" that shows how modern warfare has changed

Russia should top rating of world's most combat-ready armies — analyst

Russia has the most military experience, specifically combat experience, in virtually all branches of the armed forces, Military-Political Analysis Bureau head Alexander Mikhailov said

Russia to always remember North Korea’s help in clearing Kursk Region of mines — Kremlin

Mine-clearing operations in the Kursk Region, which was earlier freed from Ukrainian forces, are still underway

Russian embassy slams Brussels statements on Russia’s strikes on Ukraine as lie

The embassy slammed these statements as a vivid example of double standards and misleading the country’s own population

Top French diplomat calls on Kiev to combat corruption if it wants support from EU

The European Union will not tolerate the dissemination of corruption practices inside it, noted Jean-Noel Barrot

Russia has no plans to attack NATO, but prepared for any developments — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the statements that officials from NATO member states make on the issue seem to be part of "an orchestrated campaign to indoctrinate their own population"

Palestinian factions say peacekeepers in Gaza should be responsible only to UN

Members of the Palestinian factions also oppose the disarmament of groups active in Gaza and the creation of foreign military bases in the enclave, which, according to them, will be regarded as "a direct violation of its sovereignty"

Over 30 killed in bridge collapse, landslide at cobalt mine in DR Congo

Meanwhile, the association of miners reports 49 casualties and dozens of those who went missing

Russia-China-Iran cooperation playing key role in settling Iran nuclear issue — expert

According to Khlopkov, the current situation requires new approaches to a lasting settlement of the crisis around the Iranian nuclear dossier

Results of US-Russia summit communicated to Kiev — Kremlin aide

Washington did not make any announcements that understandings and agreements reached in Anchorage are not valid, Ushakov added

At least 9 injured as racecar ploughs into crowd in Australia — TV

According to the report, the vehicle lost control, crashing through a safety barrier and into spectators

Hamas against US-drafted UNSC resolution on Gaza

"The amendments and key provisions of the US-drafted resolution are not geared toward stabilizing the situation in Gaza," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said

Tehran, Moscow say goodbye to dollar in mutual trade — Iranian central bank chief

The Kremlin reported on October 21 that the use of national currencies in mutual settlements between Iran and Russia was up 12.4% in 2024, making up 96% of all transactions

UNGA committee passes Russia-submitted resolution on fight against neo-Nazism

As many as 114 countries backed the document, while 52 voted against, and 12 abstained

Russian troops advance by 1 km near Liman in Kharkov Region — military expert

Russian forces began to mop up the territory both northwest and northeast of Liman, Andrey Marochko said

Tor air defense system proves effective against drones on battlefield — Almaz-Antey

Dzirkaln told TASS earlier that the Russian-made modular Tor surface-to-air missile system had undergone upgrade based on the experience of the special military operation

Russian UFC champion Makhachev wants to defend title at tournament in White House

Makhachev made the statement at the press conference after defeating Jack Della Maddalena from Australia this Sunday

Hitler’s Germany made preparations for missile strike on US, FSB archives reveal

According to Werner Waechter, "the V-2 weapon was capable of striking targets in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean whereas the V-1 had a very limited operating range"

US actively searching for someone to replace Zelensky — ex-premier Azarov

According to him, it is hard to predict how the events will unfold if Zelensky resigns

Ukrainian lawmaker says Zelensky has a hand in attempt on Trump’s life, Kirk’s killing

Vladimir Zelensky’s regime is capable of killing anyone, Artem Dmitruk said

Window of opportunity for normalization opens for Russia-US ties — embassy

According to the embassy, before the diplomatic ties were established on November 16, 1933, the two states were in "an extended period without official ties, when American ruling elites for 16 years refused to deal with the young Soviet state"

Russia's draft resolution on Gaza welcomes provisions of Trump's plan — permanent mission

Russia's draft also notes the tireless efforts by the mediators, including the United States

French diplomat believes Kiev should buy EU weapons with loans financed by Russian assets

Benjamin Haddad admitted that the confiscation of Russian assets, frozen by Euroclear, would constitute a violation of the international law, however, in his opinion, using the money for securing loans to Ukraine should not be considered as such

Backpack with parts of child’s body found in Moscow park’s pond

According to the police, the child, who has not yet been identified, died not more than two days ago

Lavrov to hold talks with top Indian diplomat in Moscow

The sides will discuss political communication between the two counties, as well as pressing bilateral, regional and international issues, including cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, the United Nations, and the Group of 20

Most of Donetsk left without power

Power outages have affected all of Donetsk, except for the city’s eastern part

Trump understands importance of negotiating with Putin — Vance

US Vice President noted that many people criticized Donald Trump for talking to Vladimir Putin

Composition of Palestinian committee to govern Gaza already known — Turkish minister

According to Hakan Fidan, the Hamas movement is ready to hand over control over Gaza to it

Druze delegation arrives in Jordan for talks with Syrian government representatives — TV

According to the television channel, the meeting will also be attended by a US delegation

Russia convinced only inclusive approach can ensure sustainable peace in Gaza — mission

Russian Permanent Mission to the UN is convinced that this can lay the groundwork for durable stability in the region

Lukashenko, Putin discuss construction of new power unit at Belarusian NPP

Particular attention in the conversation was paid to the situation developing on the border of the Union State

Almaz-Antey to present air defense equipment in Dubai in a new way — Deputy CEO

The Dubai Airshow is "one of the most reputed platforms for promotion, a kind of a center where trade routes cross, the main global trade hub," he added

Russian troops liberate 11 communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 960 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy tanks and six armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Corruption scandal in Kiev may hint at possible review of US policy — ex-official

"One can only wonder if this scandal will prompt serious policy reconsiderations or if the response will mirror a collective shrug, as if to say, 'Ah, just another Tuesday in global politics!'" a former senior US administration official said

Russia ready for dialogue with Europe despite frozen official channels — senior senator

Direct inter-party and inter-parliamentary communication plays an important role even in the conditions of tension, he stressed