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Middle East conflict

Netanyahu plans to discuss Gaza plan at meeting with Trump on December 29 — TV

According to the Ynet portal, Netanyahu’s visit will last a week

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

© Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

TEL AVIV, December 8. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet with US President Donald Trump on December 29 to discuss the next stages of the US leader’s Gaza plan, which involve the disarmament of the Hamas movement and the demilitarization of the sector, the I24 television channel reported.

According to the Ynet portal, Netanyahu’s visit will last a week. As per its information, the prime minister will fly to the US on December 28 and return to Israel on January 4, 2026. On December 7, Netanyahu stated at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he plans to meet with Trump before the end of this month to discuss preparations for implementing the second stage of the US president’s peace plan for the Gaza Strip. He noted that the radical Palestinian movement Hamas must fulfill "commitments on disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza."

Israel-Palestinian tensions and October ceasefire

Tensions flared 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 more than 250 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military operation in the Palestinian enclave to dismantle Hamas' military and political structures and free all hostages.

Israel and Hamas resumed Egypt-, Qatar-, United States-, and Turkey-mediated indirect talks on settling the situation in the Gaza Strip on October 6.

On October 9, the parties to the conflict signed an agreement on the implementation of phase one of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan.

The ceasefire came into effect on October 10. On October 13, Hamas and other Palestinian groups released all 20 living hostages and handed over the bodies of four deceased hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The Israeli side expressed resentment that Hamas returned only four out of 28 bodies of deceased hostages. Later, Hamas transferred several more bodies to Israel. Hamas still holds one body.

Brazil urges Venezuela not to enter into war with US, even if attacked — newspaper

Lula da Silva’s administration will work to prevent the US attacks from happening

End of conflict in Ukraine close — Kellogg

The issues of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic remain on the agenda, special envoy of the US president said

Thai army initiates operation to reclaim sovereign territory in Sa Kaeo Province

According to the statement, a continuous movement of troops, military equipment, and heavy weapons to fortified positions was recorded

New US strategy indicates threat of interference in Europe’s affairs — EU official

European Council President Antonio Costa also responded to Washington's criticism of the European Commission’s move to fine the X social media platform, and accusations of Brussels violating freedom of speech

Russian troops disrupt Ukrainian army reserves deployment to Khatneye — security official

According to the official, in the forest west of Liman, the enemy’s 225th separate assault regiment launched a failed counterattack against Russia’s Battlegroup North forces

US armed forces learning lessons from conflict in Ukraine — Pentagon chief

The United States are studying the experience of using autonomous weapon, Pete Hegseth said

Trump says he is a bit disappointed that Zelensky has not read the draft peace deal yet

The US leader also noted that Vladimir Zelensky's people loved the US government's proposal

Lithuania 'playing' with drones for European money — top Belarusian diplomat

Maxim Ryzhenkov pointed out that the European Union is looking at allocating more than billion euro to help Lithuania fight Belarus and Russia’s alleged hybrid aggression

Royal Thai Air Force carried out airstrikes on Cambodian armed forces positions

According to the statement released by the Royal Thai Air Force, the operation was carried out in response to Cambodia's military actions that posed a direct threat to Thailand's national security

Russian forces destroy French-made Crotale missile system in Kursk Region

According to Akhmat Special Forces Commander Major General Apty Alaudinov, it costs €8.9 million

Mass Immigration to US steals 'American dream' — US vice president

Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that around 25 million people had entered the country illegally before he took office

Medvedev supports Musk’s call to abolish EU

"Exactly," the senior Russian security official commented on Musk’s post on X

Dutch court seizes assets of Turkish Stream’s operator

The lawsuit was filed by DTEK Krymenergo, part of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov's SCM Group

Legitimate authorities regain control of situation in Benin — news agency

It was a small group of rebels who had access to television, a source told the agency

Bank of Russia lifts limits on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens

As the Central Bank explained, the decision to lift the limit is due to the stable situation on the foreign exchange market

Kiev forces lost nearly 3,900 soldiers, mercenaries in a week along LPR borders — expert

The greatest losses in manpower were inflicted on the enemy in the zone of responsibility of the Battlegroup West

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

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Head of Spiritual Board of Russia’s Muslims put on Ukraine’s undesirable persons database

Access to Ukraine’s Mirotvorets extremist website is blocked in Russia by court order

FSB publishes declassified data on Nazi collaborators who took refuge in Canada

The documents reveal that the war criminals were from the Belarusian, Ukrainian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian Soviet Socialist Republics, as well as the Kirov and Smolensk Regions

Ukrainian militants ordered to shoot retreating troops near Kupyansk — radio interception

This is evidenced by radio intercepts obtained by TASS

Europe to come out of Ukraine conflict biggest loser — Republic Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik noted that Europe lacked an effective leader

Lavrov says Savchenko will be headache for Ukraine

The foreign minister considers handing the ex-servicewoman over to Kiev the right decision as Moscow had to bring back its citizens sentenced on terrorism charges in Ukraine

BiH not to join NATO due to opposition of Republika Srpska — Dodik

The Serbs love and continue to support Russia, the Bosnian Serb leader added

EU concerned US new approach to affect talks on Ukraine — TV channel

According to the US National Security Strategy, Washington wants Europe to assume most of the defense commitments within NATO

EC hopes Germany, Italy, France will become guarantors for loan to Kiev — Politico

The publication reported that EU countries will be required to individually commit to providing billions of euros to guarantee Ukraine's 210 bln euros emergency loan

GDP growth rate expectably declined this year — Putin

Growth rates of the Russian economy passed through the expected slowdown stage in the present year, the head of state noted

Confiscation of Russian assets to lead to capital outflow from EU — experts

According to the Financial Times, the European Union has found a loophole that could help to permanently block Russia's frozen assets, circumventing the rule requiring unanimous approval from all EU countries

Air defense forces shot down 67 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions overnight

24 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk region

New US national strategy signals readiness to discuss security architecture — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman noted that for the first time in many years, the US document refers to Russia not as a "threat" but as a participant in the dialogue on stability

Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

Israel to retain control of security in West Bank — Netanyahu

The issue of the political annexation of the West Bank is still subject to discussion, the Israeli prime minister said

Hungary to challenge ban on Russian oil, gas with EU court next week — top diplomat

"This dictation will make it impossible to ensure reliable energy supplies to our country and Slovakia and will provoke a dramatic price hike," Peter Szijjarto said

Russian army’s successes make Putin-Witkoff meeting more productive — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov pointed to US President Donald Trump's words to Vladimir Zelensky that he could have obtained more favorable terms in February, but Ukraine's position is now deteriorating

Top Iranian diplomat to soon visit Russia for high-level talks — MFA

The Iranian Foreign Minister also plans to visit Belarus

Ukrainian military sites to be hit soon in retaliation for strike on Grozny — Kadyrov

According to Chechen leader, the attack on high-rise buildings makes absolutely no sense from the tactical point of view

Nornickel launches upgraded unique metallic cobalt production facility in Russia

The upgraded production will increase the company's precious metal output, as well as enhance revenues and budget contributions, the company noted

Strains between US, EU beneficial for Russia — Medvedev

"The Americans continue taming the crazed European Union," The Russian Security Council Chairman wrote

Firefighting efforts at Temryuk port continue for third day after Ukrainian drone attack

According to the Russian emergencies ministry’s Krasnodar Region department, firefighting efforts involve 35 men and 11 fire engines

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Zaporozhye — official

The region's governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that the Zaporozhye Region authorities were ready to provide all necessary administrative and humanitarian assistance to residents of the liberated territories.

Congress revokes US president's right to conduct military operations in Middle East

In recent decades, US leaders have broadly interpreted the permissions granted to them by lawmakers to use military force abroad, including launching new operations

Tucker Carlson hopes to visit Russia again

He also noted that the trip to Moscow left a strong impression on him

Polish PM fears ‘something has changed’ in EU-US relations

The updated US National Security Strategy expresses concern that Europe will be unrecognizable and on the verge of destruction as a civilization in 20 years

Earthquake with magnitude of 5.8 occurred in Alaska — USGS

No information about injured people and damage was reported thus far

Infamous Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes Russian gymnast Melnikova

The website claims that Angelina Melnikova infringed on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as publicly supported Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine

UN Security Council will hold a meeting on Ukraine on December 9

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time

Cambodian military again opened fire on the border with Thailand — army

Civilians are being evacuated from the border area

Ukraine's new budget lays foundation for country's complete economic defeat

On December 3, the Rada adopted Ukraine’s draft budget for 2026 with a record deficit of $47.5 bln

Press review: Kushner emerges in Ukraine talks as world reacts to new US security strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 8th

EU prepares to admit Ukraine by 2030 and start war with Russia — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister recalled, the treaty establishing the EU states that "in the event of an armed attack on the territory of one of its member states, the other member states are obliged to provide this state with all the assistance at their disposal"

Kremlin wants to understand results of US' work with Kiev after meeting with Witkoff

Dmitry Peskov did not comment on US President Donald Trump's statement that, unlike his entourage, Vladimir Zelensky was not familiar with the peace plan's contents

Defendants in Donbass genocide case facing life sentence

The case has been referred to the DPR Supreme Court for consideration on the merits

German parliament turns down two anti-Russian resolutions

A total of 455 lawmakers voted against the first resolution, and 77 supported it

Servicemen seize power in Benin — news outlet

The servicemen also have announced the dissolution of all state authorities

Nigerian air force strikes putschists in Benin — agency

The attack was greenlighted by Benin’s legitimate government

EU eyes seizing Russian money due to depletion of national resources — economist

"The goal is not simply to ‘take money away,’ but rather to establish a sustainable financial flow for Ukraine", said Nikolay Gapenko

Attempted coup in Benin suppressed — news outlet

The rebels have been arrested and constitutional order has been restored

S-400 gets new features unusual for air defense systems — Almaz-Antey

Modernization potential of the S-400 Triumph air defense system allows it to quickly mitigate emerging threats during the special military operation

Russian security chief arrives in Vietnam for talks with country’s leadership

The agenda of the meetings includes discussions on a wide range of aspects in the Russian-Vietnamese relations

UAV attack repelled in five districts of Rostov Region, power line pole damaged

Governor Yury Slyusar said that restoration work in the farms will begin in daylight hours

Attempted coup in Benin suppressed, all its foci mopped up — President

Patrice Talon stressed that the authorities have complete control of the situation throughout the country

X deleted European Commission’s ad account after being fined by it

X believes everyone should have an equal voice on its platform, however, it seems European Commission believes that the rules should not apply to its account, Head of Product at X Nikita Bier said

Ukrainian PM involved in secret plot to oust Yermak — media

According to the news report, after Andrey Yermak discovered the plot, he demonstratively blocked some participants in messaging apps and ignored their messages

Europe remembers Turkey as NATO ally only when it suits them — newspaper

Tunja Bengin pointed to the cases, when hypocritical statements are being made by Europe

RDIF CEO gives tips on how to make Europe great again

"To resolve EU-made problems: uncontrolled migration, rising crime, de-industrialization, punishing energy prices, accelerating economic decline and ubiqutious censorship," Kirill Dmitriev said

China-Russia-India ties crucial to global stability, China’s Foreign Ministry says

"China is prepared to work with India, adopting a strategic and long-term perspective, to foster sustainable, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations," Geng Shuang said

US plan requires further discussion of territorial issue, Zelensky believes

"There are visions of the US, Russia and Ukraine — and we don’t have a unified view on Donbass," Zelensky said

Conflict in Ukraine entering its decisive phase — Bloomberg

European leaders are deeply concerned about US attempts to broker a deal they see as a capitulation of the West, according to the report

No one wants to share responsibility for seizing Russian assets with Belgium — Kremlin

Belgium opposes the European Commission’s plan for the expropriation of Russian sovereign assets blocked in Europe under the guise of a so-called "reparations loan" to Ukraine, being afraid of Russia’s potential response

US to spend $800 million on support for Ukraine in 2026, 2027 — Pentagon budget draft

The document also obligates the Pentagon chief to report to the House of Representatives and Senate on the temporary suspension or cessation of intelligence provision to Ukraine

Russian diplomat slams Kiev regime as international corruption brigade

"Ukrainian patriots," Maria Zakharova said ironically, commenting on reports that senior Ukrainian government officials were involved in the corruption scheme along with businessmen

Trump believes Russia is fine with the US plan for Ukraine

Washington proposed a 28-point plan for settling the conflict in Ukraine

Germany pushes back against Europe criticism in US National Security Strategy

"Political freedoms, including the freedom of expression, are among the fundamental values of the European Union," Sebastian Hille said

ECOWAS to send its Standby Force to Benin

The regional bloc did not say however which countries will participate in the mission

Russia urges US to refrain from escalating conflict with Venezuela — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Moscow views the situation around Venezuela with great alarm and concern

Russian cosmonaut Ryzhikov hands over command of ISS and its Russian segment

He has handed over the command of the station to NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and the command of the station’s Russian segment to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov

Updated US National Security Strategy angers EU officials — newspaper

The Politico said that an unnamed European official on the sidelines of the Doha Forum called the strategy’s provisions regarding the European Union "very disturbing"

Thai Air Force carries out strike on casino in Cambodia

The Royal Thai Army reported earlier that a Thai service member had been killed, and another four wounded, in clashes on the Cambodian border

Trump could quickly broker Russia-Ukraine deal — Swiss Foreign Minister

Ignazio Cassis emphasized that Switzerland’s goal as OSCE Chair for 2026 is "to ensure the OSCE is ready" for such developments

Ukraine conflict likely to be resolved with Russian victory, US expert says

John Mearsheimer stressed that there’s nothing US President Donald Trump "can do to assuage Russian fears that any agreement Moscow reaches with Ukraine and the West will stick over time"

US needs to cut off all military support to Ukraine, former White House advisor says

Steve Bannon pointed out that it would be highly difficult to implement Washington’s 28-point plan, as well as the United States’ plan to resolve the crisis in the Middle East

France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

Disappearance of 'Russian threat' from US national security strategy positive — Kremlin

The messages for Russia-US relations sent by the administration of US President Donald Trump differs from approaches of previous administrations, the Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia's main New Year's tree to be cut down outside Moscow on Monday

It will be shipped to the capital on December 10

Russian troops destroy Ukraine vehicles, stronghold in Zaporozhye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy was using the vehicles to covertly transport personnel to Gulyaipole to reinforce positions in the locality

Kremlin spokesman points to possibility of next US administrations revising strategy

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin doesn’t rule out that the removal of the current irritants could open up prospects for the two countries to restore relations

Scandinavia resents having to bear heaviest Ukraine aid load — The Economist

The magazine says the initiative to seize Russian assets has become "a crucial test of European resolve"

Only renewed cooperation with Russia can save Europe from collapse — Dodik

According to the Bosnian Serb leader, Europe’s economic success was largely based on access to Russian resources

Ukraine in state of real default — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Ukraine is ending this year with very negative economic indicators and trends

Malaysia ready to help de-escalate situation on Thai-Cambodian border — PM

Anwar Ibrahim noted that "the renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilizing relations between the two neighbors"

Congress wants to establish US nuclear contacts with countries where Rosatom operates

Congress intends to "end United States reliance on the Russian nuclear energy sector"

Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora dies at age of 70

Alexander Matsegora has been Russia’s ambassador to North Korea since 2014

French politician calls Zelensky ‘irresponsible’ for not reading Trump peace plan

"Zelensky is disregarding the peace plan: this is inadmissible and irresponsible," Florian Philippot stated

Ukraine can no longer depend on Western aid — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the promised economic integration between Ukraine and the EU had never materialized

Qatar Energy head expresses bewilderment at EU's decision to phase out Russian gas by 2027

Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi noted that ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently announced his intention to withdraw the company from Europe

Nigeria sends troops to Benin following government’s appeal — defense official

Benin’s government requested Nigeria to deploy fighter jets to secure the country’s airspace and help remove coup leaders from the national television building and the military camp where they had barricaded themselves

Gas price growth in Ukraine outpaces inflation 4-fold

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov specified that the gas price had increased from 0.48 to 10.5 hryvnias

National projects must lead to creation of domestic technologies — Putin

The head of state stressed that "technological leadership projects did not exist in isolation but had systemic significance for all spheres of life"

Ukraine loses around 1,450 troops in special military operation area in past 24 hours

The Russian military launched a massive strike using the Kinzhal missile systems against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities in response to Kiev’s terrorist attacks in Ukraine

Kiev forces stepped up efforts in Krasny Liman direction last week — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko emphasized that active combat operations continued along the western borders of the Lugansk People’s Republic

Chief executives of European multinationals losing interest in EU investments — report

76% of respondents said they have not seen so far practically any positive effect from the initiatives

Russian forces advancing toward Konstantinovka from one more direction — DPR head

In the Krasny Liman area, Russian forces are fighting near Yampole, Drobyshevo, Yarovaya, Alexandrovka, and Korovy Yar, Denis Pushilin said