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Middle East conflict

Israel freezes humanitarian deliveries to Gaza after Rafah incident — media

According to Ynet, humanitarian deliveries to Gaza have been frozen "until further notice

TEL AVIV, October 19. /TASS/. Israel has decided to suspend humanitarian deliveries to the Gaza Strip amid the current escalation of the situation in the enclave, the Ynet portal said.

According to Ynet, humanitarian deliveries to Gaza have been frozen "until further notice." Israel motivates this move by ceasefire violations by Hamas.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said earlier in the day that that the Israeli military had delivered a strike near the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip in retaliation to fire opened by radicals. The IDF accused Hamas of blatantly violating the ceasefire in the enclave. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with the top brass. He accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and ordered to take strong measures against radicals in Gaza. After that, the Israeli military delivered a series of strikes on dozens of targets in the enclave. According to the IDF, two Israeli soldiers died and another one was badly wounded after the incident in Rafah.

Hamas however denied its involvement in the incident in Rafah, saying that it has been out of touch with its supported in the southern Gaza Strip since March.

Trump says has spoken with Putin over phone ahead of meeting Zelensky

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS that such a phone call did take place

German customs involved in legal arbitrariness against Russians — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, Germany has de facto been turned into a territory of lawlessness for people of a certain nationality, in this case, citizens of Russia

Last of world-famous Dionne quintuplets dies at age 91 — New York Times

According to its information, Dion passed away on December 26 in a hospital

Tu-214 to be produced step by step after all modifications are completed by 2026

Earlier on Saturday, the updated Tu-214 received approval for a major redesign of its standard configuration

Air defenses destroy 111 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in 3 hours

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during this period, 73 drones were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

Netanyahu flies to US for talks with Trump on Gaza, Iran — media

According to its sources, the meeting will take place at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on December 29

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

West’s eyes are 'wide shut' to corruption scandals in Kiev, says Lavrov

These scandals did nothing to prevent Europe from using the Kiev regime as a battering ram against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister said

Europe clings to Ukraine, unwilling to acknowledge loss of global dominance — Swiss MP

Guy Mettan argues that Europeans have failed to recognize that they have lost their soft power worldwide

Updated US National Security Strategy questions for first time NATO’s expansion — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, one thing worth mentioning is the fact that the strategy does not contain any calls to subject Russia to a system-wide containment and deterrence policy

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment

Mount Etna erupts, sending lava up to 400 meters into the sky

The institute described the episode as the strongest so far within a generally normal and closely monitored phenomenon

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

Europe ‘adding fuel to the fire’ in the Middle East — Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov

Lavrov noted that in 2025, we witnessed unprecedented events with Israel carrying out a direct act of aggression against Iran together with the United States, which targeted facilities related to the Iranian nuclear programme with missile and bomb strikes despite the fact that these facilities benefit from IAEA’s guarantees

Gazprom highlights challenges with gas supplies in the Baltics

The company noted that at the start of the withdrawal season, the Incukalns UGS was filled to just 61%

Those who expect to defeat Russia in open conflict deeply mistaken — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, politicians who make such statements are either forgetting or deliberately pretending not to notice that it is nothing but an attempt to defeat a nuclear power

Cambodia, China, Thailand to discuss settlement of Thai-Cambodian conflict — Thai MFA

On December 27, Thailand and Cambodia have signed an agreement to establish a ceasefire in the border conflict zone, reaffirming their determination to return to dialogue through previously reached agreements with the aim of resolving the border conflict

Russia open to contacts, but Europe is not interested in that — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, political contacts between the sides are maintained but this in not done publicly

Russia stands against Taiwan’s independence in any form — Lavrov

Russia recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China and stands against the island’s independence in any form

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

Air defenses destroy 43 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

15 of them were destroyed over the Rostov Region

Russia still stands for establishment of Palestinian State — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian State, which would coexist with Israel

Russia develops Yunost-82 unmanned sub able to circumnavigate the globe

According to expert Dmitry Kuzyakin, the boat’s speed is equal to the speed of the ocean currents

Zelensky uses elections to delay settlement — top Russian senator

Valentina Matvienko added that Zelensky is being pushed toward these statements by "European war instigators"

Trump-Zelensky meeting unlikely to achieve breakthrough in Kiev's favor — German expert

Neumann believes that the meeting could be deemed successful if Zelensky manages to communicate to Trump the extent to which Ukraine is willing to make concessions

Air defense forces shoot down 83 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in two hours

48 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

Iran exercises maximum restraint in view of provocations — Lavrov

In 2025, five rounds of Iran-US talks on nuclear issues, mediated by Oman, ended without results due to Israel’s military operation against the Islamic Republic and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies announce exposure of criminal group in parliament

The agencies promised to disclose details later

Russian detained in Donetsk for inciting murder of military personnel, strikes on Moscow

It has been established that she proactively established contact with representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Telegram and, on their assignment, carried out photography of Russian military equipment

Trump says has spoken with Putin over phone ahead of meeting Zelensky

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS that such a phone call did take place

West uses sanctions to cling to fading dominance — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that unilateral coercive measures represent a serious obstacle to establishing a just and equitable multipolar world order

Russian, US lawmakers reach preliminary agreement on meeting — senior Russian MP

Slutsky urged patience, noting that the details still need to be worked out to ensure tangible results

US abandons decades-old partnership with Europe in 2025 — newspaper

The newspaper also emphasized it was now unclear whether Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense was anything more than an empty declaration

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

Trump threatens Democrats with 'last Christmas' in light of Epstein case

The US leader also noted that Democrats will "have a lot of explaining to do" when their involvement in US financier scandal becomes known

Threat of direct conflict between Russia, US in now past — senior Russian MP

Now, in his words, efforts are needed to reduce the number of conflicts

Aist-2T satellites launched from Vostochny spaceport put into orbit

They are designed to photograph the planet's surface and obtain stereoscopic images to create digital terrain models

Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

Due to raids in Ukrainian parliament, less than 30 deputies present during session

NABU earlier reported exposing deputies who systematically received unlawful benefits for voting

CSU leader in Bundestag says it is premature to discuss sending German military to Ukraine

"We should not put the cart before the horse," Alexander Hoffmann noted

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

Russia will achieve all military operation goals by force if Kiev rejects peace — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation

Sunday’s Putin-Trump phone call was their ninth in 2025, 1st since October 16

According to the Kremlin press service, along with the Ukrainian settlement, the two leaders focused on the situation in the Middle East

DPRK leader sends New Year greetings to Russian president — KCNA

"On behalf of the government of the DPRK and the Korean people, I extend the warmest and sincerest greeting of best wishes to you and, through you, to the government of the Russian Federation and the fraternal Russian people on the occasion of the New Year 2026," Kim Jong Un said

Three killed, dozens hurt in riots in Syrian western governorates — TV

According to the television channel, an officer of the new government’s security forces was among those killed

Russia ready for further work with US to devise agreements on Ukraine — Lavrov

Russia appreciates efforts by President of the United States Donald Trump and his team to achieve a peace settlement, Sergey Lavrov said

Submerged car retrieved from river in Russia’s Yakutia, child’s body found inside

According to the Yakutia Health Ministry, five victims were hospitalized with frostbite following the incident

Protests erupted in western Syrian provinces, gunfire reported — TV

Some demonstrators said they were demanding the release of activists previously detained by the new authorities

West has been using fakes for centuries to justify attacks on Russia — Swiss MP

Guy Mettan explained that the earliest fabricated document accusing Russia of seeking to conquer the West and establish European hegemony was the so-called last will and testament of Peter the Great

Netanyahu expected to ask US support for another operation in Gaza — TV

The Israeli prime minister apparently needs such an operation to demonstrate strength to satisfy his partners before making further concessions

West's policy on Ukraine rules out peaceful coexistence with Russia — German expert

Werner Patzelt emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia "will not cease to be part of European geography and geopolitics"

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Zelensky works for MI6, Russian official believes

According to Andrey Klimov, in the first months of the special military operation, there was a real chance to end the conflict through political and diplomatic means

Artemiev beats Carlsen, leads World Rapid Championship

Playing with the white pieces, Artemiev’s impressive performance has propelled him to the top of the standings, with a total of 6.5 points after seven rounds

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

European leaders, Zelensky, Trump to hold phone call on December 27 — Reuters

According to his information, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will also take part in the discussion

Europe openly states about its preparations for war with Russia — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that after a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace

Over 200,000 personnel desert from Ukrainian army in 2025

Kiev currently characterizes the strength of its armed forces at about 800,000

Russia to support China in case tensions escalate in Taiwan Strait — top diplomat

Earlier, in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and China, Lavrov emphasized that the West is deliberately escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait

US National Security Strategy does not contradict dialogue with Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow will assess its results based on the following steps made by Washington

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

At least 20 years for Ukraine to meet EU accession criteria — German MP

According to the MP, the EU has long ceased to be a community of economic and social cooperation and has become an instrument of unilateral political orientation of European states

Nearly 970 ceasefire violations by Israel reported in Gaza Strip since October 10

418 people were killed and more than 1,140 were injured

Russian Army firmly holds strategic initiative on frontline — Lavrov

Meanwhile, almost all European countries with few exceptions have been pumping the Kiev regime full of money and weapons, Sergey Lavrov said

Russian troops liberate Svyato-Pokrovskoye community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia terminates agreement on cross-border cooperation with Finland — decree

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the other party of the decision

Still early to speak about lasting peace in Gaza — Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov

The instability of what is happening on the ground is exacerbated by the uncertainty regarding further steps in implementing peace agreements

Global Fact-Checking Network exposes opposition’s fake claims about CAR president

The opposition’s attempt to invoke the constitution to justify the removal of Touadera as a member of a ‘tribe not residing in the CAR’ also does not stand up to scrutiny

Zelensky says US has proposed 15-year settlement agreements

In his words, there are some "technical things" that need to be further discussed

Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

The trademarks are registered under Class 9 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which includes various types of televisions and monitors

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Trump slams UN for not doing enough to settle conflicts, including in Ukraine

The United Nations must start getting active and involved in world peace, noted Trump

Trump says Zelensky’s peace plan means nothing without his approval — Politico

"So we’ll see what he’s got," the US leader said

Rutte pushes back against idea that EU can only rely on itself for defense

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recalled decisions made at the NATO summit in The Hague this summer, where alliance members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035

Japanese MP, who visits Moscow, notes Russia’s might

"A year and four months have passed since I last visit Moscow, but, looking at the [New Year] illumination all over the city it’s hard to believe that there is war nearby," Muneo Suzuki said

Eight Tu-214 aircraft may be produced in 2026, 12 in 2027, industry minister says

Anton Alikhanov emphasized that current efforts and ongoing work provide confidence in meeting the 20-aircraft annual production goal by the end of 2027

‘Crucial’ power line repairs begin near Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant — IAEA

An IAEA expert team is overseeing the repairs, which are expected to last several days

Zelensky to call referendum for Trump’s plan if he is not satisfied — Axios

Vladimir Zelensky plans to agree on a framework agreement with the US leader to end the conflict

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Poll reveals Soviet Union’s most outstanding achievement according to Russians

The poll covered 1.6 thousand Russians over the age of 18

Politico awards anti-prizes to Sarkozy, Trump, von der Leyen for 2025

In addition to them, the Titanic award "for grand ideas that fail" went to the Italian bridge project intended to connect Sicily to the mainland

Trump receives box of red caviar from Russia's Far East

The caviar reportedly made such a "strong impression" on Steve Witkoff that he was given an entire box to deliver to President Trump

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

Russia’s response to any attack to be ‘devastating’, worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

Russia plans to upgrade nuclear triad through 2036 — Kremlin

The state arms program is a long-term planning document that stipulates developing, producing and maintaining the combat readiness of armaments, military and special equipment

Japan should weigh everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Earlier, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is concerned about Japan’s remilitarization, warning that this trend could lead to the dismantling of the current global order

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic 19 times over past day

A civilian infrastructure facility and a motor vehicle were damaged as a result of the attacks

Gazprom reports record gas withdrawals from European storage facilities during holidays

In particular, gas storage levels in Germany have fallen below 60%

Ukrainian army pulls forces toward key cities in Donbass — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that the Ukrainian military was building fortifications and preparing a line of defense in these areas

Over 100 rioters detained in Latakia city — TV

The defense ministry has deployed additional forces and armored vehicles to Latakia and Tartus

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Trump says he expects to speak with Putin soon

The US leader also said he expects to hold a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky this weekend

All car plants left by foreigners to be launched by summer 2026 — First Deputy PM

Authorities expect that the volume of the Russian car market will grow to 2.5 mln by 2030, Denis Manturov added

Russia will be able to offer domestically developed aircraft systems to the global market

"We have elevated these complex avionics to a competitive, global standard, enabling us to offer them to international customers," Alikhanov explained

Kremlin spokesman confirms Putin-Trump phone call

Trump described this call as "good and very productive"

Japan should weight everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov noted that the detrimental influence of such an approach on the regional stability is obvious

Liberation of Gulyaipole opens good prospects for offensive — Putin

Vladimir Putin also noted the effective actions of the Battlegroup Center in eliminating Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Dimitrov agglomeration

Russian forces destroy company of Ukrainian soldiers by FAB bomb in Dnepropetrovsk area

The Ukrainian military is trying to evacuate the wounded and dead personnel from the site of the strike and work is underway to clear the debris

Liberation of Gulyaipole and Dimitrov: Putin's statements at meeting with Gerasimov

The Russian leader also pointed out that the establishment of a buffer zone on the Russian-Ukrainian border is proceeding well