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Middle East conflict

IDF expresses regret over harm to uninvolved persons in strike on southern Gaza

The Israeli army noted that "steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians as much as possible, including the use of surveillance and precise munitions"

TEL AVIV, February 4. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they are aware of claims regarding civilian casualties resulting from a strike targeting a field commander of the radical movement Hamas in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, expressing regret over potential harm to uninvolved persons.

the army's press service stated. "The IDF regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians," the department added. The Israeli army noted that "steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians as much as possible, including the use of surveillance and precise munitions."

Earlier, the press service reported that the IDF conducted a strike against a field commander of the radical movement Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip in response to the wounding of an officer by militants in the northern part of the enclave overnight on February 4.

Il-76 cargo plane from Russia arrives in Cuba — Fidel Castro Foundation

The plane landed at the San Antonio de los Banos military base in Artemisa Province

Elon Musk becomes first person ever worth over $800 billion

The surge in Musk’s fortune followed SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI, another company founded by the billionaire

Dozen of powerful solar flares registered on February 3 — scientists

The first flares occurred just a few minutes after midnight

Putin-Trump accord could restart arms control process — US expert

Greg Mello still assumed that Donald Trump will not sign onto the one-year extension of the New START limits on deployed strategic weapons that was offered by the Russian president

Press review: Russia, Ukraine talks move to new round as New START expires without renewal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 4th

IN BRIEF: What we know about Epstein files and reaction to them

Nikolay Novik, an expert at the Institute of World Military Economics and Strategy at the Higher School of Economics, said that the release marks the end of covering up for global elites, as the era of "backstage immunity" can be considered over

Lawyer of Gaddafi’s son confirms his death — portal

Khaled al-Zaidi expressed his condolences and claimed his client's death to be result of a "treacherous attack"

Ukrainians begin to grasp connection between strikes on Russia and power outages

Such strikes often alarm people and provoke quiet protests rather than support, a member of the pro-Russian underground network said

Creation of Eurasian security architecture requires broad cooperation, expert says

Arvind Gupta believes that "any new security architecture in Asia should promote stability, diplomacy and dialogue"

Russia carries out 150 hours of maximum-tension testing of PD-8 engine

"Based on the results of the block test, the PD-8 demonstrated its reliability when simulating real-life long-term operation," Artem Badernikov, Deputy Chief Designer for the PD-8 program at UEC-Saturn, said

India's immediate halt of Russian oil import is 'extremely unlikely' — newspaper

Refineries’ reps and analysts clarified that there has been no government directive to stop purchasing oil from Russia

Source confirms negotiations on Ukraine to take place on February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi

The talks will bring together representatives of Russia, the United States and Ukraine

Russia launches production of Tor-M2KM air defense system’s seaborne version

CEO of the producer Fanil Ziyatdinov says that the development of Tor-MF missiles is in progress

Press review: UN urges flexible arms control and Xi pushes yuan as global reserve currency

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 3rd

Potential troop deployment to Ukraine and nuclear weapons: Statements by Russia’s MFA

TASS highlighted the key points from the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statements

Large-scale US military drills in Africa to involve around 30 countries in May

General Dagvin Anderson specified that the exercise will attract 19 African nations, six European countries, as well as partners from South America and the Middle East

Russian forces acting with utmost caution in Donbass, Novorossia — Medvedev

Western analysts often say that if Russia had behaved differently in this territory, the consequences would have been entirely different, Dmitry Medvedev said

Witkoff lands in Abu Dhabi for talks on Ukraine

The trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine are expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates’ capital on February 4 and 5

Ukrainian energy minister says situation in Kiev critical

In his words, power generation facilities, as well as transmission and distribution networks were damaged in city

US military shoots down Iranian drone over Arabian Sea — agency

According to the official, the Shahed-139 drone was taken down by an F-35 fighter jet

Canada has no plans to pursue nuclear weapons, defense chief says

Defense Minister David McGuinty reiterates that Canada is committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

What we know about next round of trilateral talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the same security team would represent Russia in the negotiations as in the first round of talks

Musk believes new civil war already underway in US

Another wave of protests erupted in Minneapolis in late January

US agrees to negotiate with Iran in Oman, talks possibly due on February 6 — Axios

Nuclear talks are expected to take place

Five tank cars on fire in Tambov Region

"A fire outbreak at the Kochetovka railway station is being contained in the city of Michurinsk of the Tambov Region," the Russian Ministry of Emergencies said

US may slap Algeria with sanctions for purchasing Russian fighter jets — diplomat

The country has purchased several military jets from Russia

Russian UN envoy expresses concern over UN chief’s statements on Crimea, Donbass

Vasily Nebenzya said that self-determination and territorial integrity of states are indesputable

Over 10,000 weapons enter into service with Russian Army in January — defense chief

According to Russia's Defense Ministry, more than 310,000 pieces of equipment and some 21 million munitions will be delivered to the Russian Army

Iran, US discussing date, venue for talks — MFA

Venue and date will be announced soon, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says

Russian GDP add 1% in 2025 — Putin

The Russian president said that this is lower than dynamics observed before

Macron says technical preparations for talks with Putin underway

The French president noted that consultations on the matter are also being held with European partners and Vladimir Zelensky

Russian negotiators touch down in Abu Dhabi

A plane with the Russian delegation members has landed in UAE

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

Russian troops liberated the settlement of Stepanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the settlement of Staroukrainka in the Zaporozhye Region

FACTBOX: What is known about the murder of late Libyan leader’s son Saif al-Islam

The death was confirmed by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi

Serial production of Russia's first domestic engine for heavy-lift UAVs to start in Feb

According to Executive Director of the Spektr Design Bureau (Novosibirsk) Andrey Bratenkov, a small-scale production run of 20 engines is planned for February

Russia’s newest Piranha-13 kamikaze drone unveiled at Moscow exhibition

Representatives for the producer say that the drone is in use in special military operation in Ukraine

Ivanov voluntarily steps down from his post as special presidential envoy — Kremlin

Sergey Ivanov, who turned 73 on January 31, had held this position since August 2016

Putin, Saudi Crown Prince discuss OPEC+ and energy markets — Kremlin

According to the statement, "current international and regional problems" were also among the topics in the conversation

Russia’s leading energy supplier to China, Putin reiterates

The Russian president stressed that energy partnership between Moscow and Beijing is mutually beneficial and truly strategic

NATO chief says Western troops to be deployed in Ukraine the moment peace is concluded

Other types of NATO assistance will still be provided to Ukraine, Mark Rutte said

NATO chief’s statements hinder peace settlement in Ukraine — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky recalled that Russia has repeatedly stressed that it will not tolerate any foreign contingents in Ukraine

Swiss foreign minister to be tried at ICC for alleged complicity in crimes in Gaza

The Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of the statement

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military sites in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 12 enemy motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Infrastructure facility damaged in Ukraine’s missile attack on Belgorod

According to preliminary data, no one was hurt

Trump not surprised by Russia's response to Kiev's attacks, focuses on diplomacy

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President continues his efforts towards settling the conflict

France preparing neo-colonial coups in Africa — Russian Foreign Intelligence Service

"Emmanuel Macron's administration is feverishly seeking opportunities for 'political revenge' in Africa," the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service’s press bureau noted

Iran to restrict talks with US to nuclear issues — Bloomberg

Iran does not intend to discuss restrictions on its ballistic-missile program or Middle East policies

Russian forces advance in southeast of Konstantinovka, DPR, over day — military expert

"Konstantinovka is the last major stronghold of Ukrainian militants in Donbass," Andrey Marochko noted

Opposition politician slams president Sandu's Nobel Peace Prize nomination as farce

The praise for Maia Sandu's achievements in defending democracy and the trite reference to the 'hand of the Kremlin' sound particularly absurd, Marina Tauber, Executive Committee Secretary of Moldova's Victory opposition bloc, said

Putin, Xi discuss blooming Russia-China relations, exemplary bilateral cooperation

The Russian head of state expressed confidence that bilateral ties will develop sustainably, regardless of the international situation

Kalashnikov Group unveils its new Goliath 2.0, Karakurt 2.0 drones at Moscow expo

The drones that the company is presenting are aimed at providing aerial monitoring

Exact timing of New START expiration not crucial — Kremlin

The Kremlin has already outlined the consequences of this document ceasing to function, Dmitry Peskov said

Nissan registers Infiniti trademark in Russia — watchdog

The application to register the trademark was filed on June 3, 2025, from Japan

Marine engine for combat missions successfully tested in St. Petersburg

Owner of the producer says that the engine has undergone a major overhaul

EU Council confirms refusal of Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia to fund Kiev — document

The EU Council clarified that 30 bln euros of the money will be used to finance Ukraine's budget, and 60 bln euros will go to arms purchases

Euroclear to transfer 3.3 bln euros of revenues from Russian assets to Ukraine

Out of this amount, Ukraine received 1.6 bln euro in July 2025

Estonian authorities detain commercial vessel with Russian sailors

The Russia-bound Baltic Spirit container ship has been detained near the Naissaar island

Russia can play key role in overcoming Iranian crisis — US expert

"We have a risk-prone president, one who makes rash decisions and is willing to use force", Scott Sagan, professor of political science at Stanford University said

Russia sets its goals, objectives for G20 — Foreign Ministry

According to Marat Berdyev, special attention will be paid to strengthening the fair character of the global economy

Russian economy to be more efficient by creating decent jobs — Putin

Russian President has requested ministries to pay greater attention to improvement of the employment structure

Russia, France maintain only working-level contacts, no high-level talks — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on reports from Paris about preparations at the technical level for contacts between the presidents of the two countries

Netanyahu, Witkoff discuss Hamas disarmament, situation around Iran

The sides also discussed growing tensions in the region

Strategic stability requires peace in Ukraine — US expert

NATO sees this as a threat, says US anti-nuclear movement representative Greg Mello

Iran willing to suspend nuclear program to make deal with US — newspaper

According to two officials, Iran would prefer a proposal to create a regional consortium to produce nuclear power

Ukrainian army launches HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, drones at Bryansk Region

The regional governor says one person suffered multiple injuries, 20 private houses, an appartment building were damaged

G7 issued $37.9 billion in loans to Ukraine from Russian frozen assets in 2025

EU countries earlier made a decision to provide Ukraine 90 billion euro in financing in 2026-2027

British police identify body found in Cyprus in January as that of Russian tycoon

The cause of Uralkali ex-CEO Vladislav Baumgertner's death has not been identified so far, a police officer said

Libyan prosecutors confirm Gaddafi’s son death from gunshot wounds

Law enforcement officers are working to identify suspects involved in the murder

Abu Dhabi to host new round of consultations on Ukraine

The format remains in force, says agency's source

Deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine categorically unacceptable for Russia — MFA

Russia will treat these troops as legitimate military targets, Maria Zakharova said

Situation on Russia’s fuel market stable, fuel reserves sufficient — Novak

"The balance of supply and demand has stabilized," the deputy prime minister added

Israel conveyed its Iran-related demands to US — TV

These include Iran’s transfer of its highly enriched uranium stockpile to a third country

Trump says he noted need for Ukrainian settlement during talks with Putin

US President did not elaborate on when the conversation occured

Press review: Epstein files weigh on Trump and Bitcoin plunges with little hope ahead

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 2nd

Epstein files, Zelensky follows in Nazi footsteps: Foreign Ministry statements

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime is engaged in "a most real linguistic genocide" as it persecutes Russian-speaking people

Plans for meeting of US, Iranian officials still in force — Trump

Sides are holding consultations on the subject, the US president said

Witkoff, Kushner to take part in trilateral talks on Ukraine in UAE on February 4

The negotiations will be held in Abu Dhabi

Gaddafi's son killed in attack in his home's courtyard — TV

Saif al-Islam was shot dead outside his residence, sources close to the Gaddafi family said

Gaddafi’s son will not be buried until murder investigation finished

According to Abdullah Othman, member of his political team, the body will be taken to the morgue of a private hospital in Zintan

FACTBOX: New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

The New START Treaty was signed by the Russian and US presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, in Prague on April 8, 2010

Russian troops start using Germes anti-drone MANPADS in special military op zone

Kaisant Research and Production Association said the system had undergone numerous design changes, including aerodynamic improvements, and propellant cell redesign

Xi calls Putin friend, says ready for dialogue

The Chinese president says he is open to discuss major strategic issues with his Russian counterpart

NATO plans overt military intervention in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that forces of the Coalition of the Willing are to be led by Britain and France

Deputy chief of EU foreign policy says bloc already at war with Russia

The EU is trying to avoid a conflict that would require the mobilization of the Europeans, Belen Martinez Carbonell says

Tor air defense missile systems deployed to protect important facilities — manufacturer

CEO Fanil Ziyatdinov noted that the Kupol Plant keeps upgrading its products

Imported case of chikungunya virus registered in Russia — watchdog

The infected woman came to Moscow from a vacation in the Seychelles

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Talks on Ukraine to proceed in Abu Dhabi today — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov specified that Moscow was not receiving "continuous information" on the stage the consultations were at

NATO’s European command starts planning Arctic Sentry operation — Spiegel

According to the journal, US commander Alexus Grynkewich has given instructions to start military planning of the mission

Damage from corruption crimes tops $207 million last year — Russian ministry

The total value of seized and voluntarily submitted property exceeded 45 billion rubles, says chief of the Russian interior ministry’s economic security Andrey Kurnosenko

Ukraine seeks to discuss ceasefire in Abu Dhabi talks — agency

A source close to the negotiation process says that the mediators have formed a political and military subgroup, the political one fails to show a significant progress

Musk describes search at X office in France as political attack

French offices of Elon Musk's social media platform X were raided earlier by Paris prosecutors, Europol and a cybercrime unit

Oman to host Iran-US talks on February 6 — agency

The talks will follow the same format as in 2025, when the sides held indirect discussions mediated by Muscat

US believes Russia can easily boost nuclear potential when New START expires

US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller says Russia has the required experience

Lack of US response on New START, Putin-Xi talks: takeaways from Kremlin aide’s statements

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping "once again noted that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries are at an unprecedented level"

Ukraine dialogue continues, but Europe seeks to rework US proposals — Lavrov

The foreign minister recalled Vladimir Putin's statements that Russia was seeking a diplomatic solution

Russia unveils Mi-34M1 helicopter at NAIS exhibition

The helicopter's maximum speed is 220 km/h, and cruising speed is 180 km/h

Trump says Russia’s one-week energy ceasefire was important step

Russian President Vladimir Putin kept his word, US President said

Russia sees Berlin's ultimatums as 'absurd'

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the German authorities are trying to kill the process of historical reconciliation of the peoples of Russia and Germany, the biggest thing determining Europe’s fate

Macron missed his chance for talks with Putin — US expert

French President's preparations to talk to Russian leader is an overdue decision, claims Mark Episkopos

Kremlin downplays reports about India potentially switching oil suppliers

Dmitry Peskov noted that India always purchased oil and petroleum products from other countries