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Middle East conflict

Board of Peace focused on resolving situation in Gaza — US envoy to UN

Michael Waltz also said the team wanted to leave flexibility to be able to tackle other problems

MUNICH, February 13. /TASS/. The Board of Peace is currently focused on the Gaza Strip but it is flexible enough to also address other global challenges, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Michael Waltz said.

"The Board of Peace is absolutely focused on Gaza. I think you will see that in the meeting next week, but in the formation and its founding documents, the team wanted to leave flexibility to be able to tackle other problems," he pointed out at the Munich Security Conference.

On January 22, 19 countries signed the Charter of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The body was created as part of efforts to resolve the situation in the Gaza Strip. The Board of Peace was established based on an agreement between Israel and the radical Palestinian movement Hamas to govern the Gaza Strip, but it is also supposed to prevent and settle conflicts in other regions.

Top Saudi diplomat points to breakdown of Eurocentric rules-based world order

According to Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, many countries have long been convinced that the current system of international relations "isn’t working"

Russian lawmaker urges Rutte not to hurl threats at world's largest nuclear power

Leonid Slutsky emphasized the dangers of such rhetoric, noting that issuing such threats is profoundly reckless

Russia’s Sarma MLRS serves as effective response to American HIMARS — expert

Ruslan Pukhov added that the Sarma is in line with the trend toward transforming artillery into high-precision weapons

Venezuela seeks to strengthen cooperation with US, become leading oil producer

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez says that the country welcomes US, other investors

Arctic Council effectively blocked as West dismantles cooperation — Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko says NATO, EU "want to confront" Russia, China in the region

South Korea’s nuclear sub plans may increase tensions on Korean Peninsula — Russian envoy

Georgy Zinovyev argued that cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States on a project to build a nuclear submarine could, under certain circumstances, conflict with the Non-Proliferation Treaty

UN not yet invited to Board of Peace meeting in Washington — official

Stephane Dujarric says Ramiz Alakbarov may coordinate UN, Board of Peace cooperation

Russia to provide Cuba with material assistance — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that, while there is no immediate prospect of coordinated action within the BRICS alliance, various options remain on the table depending on how the situation evolves

Moscow to return all historically Russian lands to their 'rightful home' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat stressed that linguistic, cultural and religious rights of those who remain under Kiev’s authority must be restored

US secretly sends nearly 6,000 Starlink terminals to protesters in Iran — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the US Department of State has purchased approximately 7,000 Starlink terminals over the past few months, most of them in January

Russia’s Northern Fleet is very strong — German Defense Minister

The Russian Northern Fleet consists of more than 40 submarines and over 40 surface ships and boats

Rubio urges allies to rethink roles as global order shifts

The problem was mentioned in many private conversations between US officials and the allies, the secretary of state says

Another child reunites with family in Russia, commissioner says

Four boys and a girl aged between four and 15 will reunite with their families in Ukraine

Romania needs three to four years to meet euro adoption criteria, president says

Nicusor Dan says the country is yet to meet the deficit and debt indicators

Informal meeting of EU countries ends in failure — Politico

Only 19 of the 27 community countries were invited to the meeting

Venezuela's acting president calls on young people to fight for peace, democracy

Delcy Rodriguez also pledged to fund 400 production projects with youth participation

France, Italy decline to pledge money in military aid to Kiev in 2026

France earlier suggested diverting the funds to projects developing the European defense industry, while the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has supported US initiatives toward peace in Ukraine

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup South

According to the Defense Ministry, Battlegroup Commander Lieutenant General Sergey Medvedev reported to the defense chief on the progress of offensive operations by the battlegroup’s forces

Oil supplies to Slovakia over Druzhba pipeline suspended — Bloomberg

Slovakia has strategic reserves of oil and petroleum products for about ninety days, the ministry says

US border agents down party balloons with laser, mistaking them for drug cartel drones

It turned out that the experimental laser system used by the military can, according to the publication, "pose serious risk to commercial aviation"

Two power plants damaged in Kiev — energy minister

Denis Shmygal expressed optimism that repairs could be completed within two days

Rutte is engaging in verbal escalation, threatening Russia — legislator

Leonid Slutsky emphasized that Russia had repeatedly affirmed its non-aggressive stance toward European nations, criticizing NATO for allegedly exaggerating the so-called Russian threat to justify increased militarization and soaring defense budgets

NATO chief says it is up to US to build dialogue with Russia

Mark Rutte emphasized that the US was "constantly updating" Europe on the peace process

Netanyahu believes conditions may be created for good deal with Iran

The Israeli PM stressed that he "expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran" during the meeting with the US President Donald Trump

Russian president's press service uses AI — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov says some people are "afraid of new things" but will accept AI sooner or later

3D printing equipment, new UAVs: Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup South

Andrey Belousov held a meeting at a command post of one of the Battlegroup South's units, listening to reports from commanders on the current situation in the area of responsibility and troop operations

Kremlin explains why Geneva was chosen to host next round of talks on Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov noted that everybody found it reasonable and convenient

US, UK, French citizens see World War III coming — poll

The survey was also conducted in Germany and Canada

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Russia’s first high-speed train to be tested in 2027

The test site will be the route segment from Zelenograd to Tver

Chilean president denounces blockade of Cuba as crime

Chile, Latin American states to support Cuba by donating to UNICEF, Gabriel Boric says

Russia delivers precision strike on Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a Grad multiple launch rocket system in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia to skip first Board of Peace meeting — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, "work to formulate Moscow’s position on the Board of Peace is ongoing"

Two Israeli nationals violate border with Lebanon, army says

IDF troops were dispatched to the scene, located the civilians, and returned them safely to Israeli territory

UN envoy to Cyprus praises Russian peacekeepers for their work

The servicemen monitor the ceasefire line, the buffer zone, do intercommunal work, Khassim Diagne says

Russia pushes Ukrainian troops out of two towns in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko says that the servicemen are clearing the territories of the towns

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

Russian troops also deliver seven strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week

US to redirect aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford from Caribbean Sea to Middle East — NYT

According to the report, the ship's crew has been notified that it will join the strike group led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf

Ukrainian intel agent tortured by Kiev after saving elderly woman’s life

Sergey Mykhailov explained that the elderly woman’s rescue was used as a pretext for accusing him of sympathizing with Donbass residents

Russian Battlegroup North specialists create new type of anti-UAV protection for artillery

The add-on protection system has already been successfully tested by artillery crews, and work is currently underway to improve it, taking into account feedback from soldiers on the front lines

Russia’s inexpensive drones prove effective against Baba-Yaga copters — security source

The drones are often destroyed in such attacks, but their cost is incomparable, differing by dozens of times

Ukraine to receive $38 bln worth of Western weapons in 2026 — defense ministry

Among other things, the UK has pledged to allocate an additional $500 mln pounds for Ukraine’s air defenses

No US security guarantees for Kiev before peace deal with Moscow — Politico

According to the report, the territorial issue remains "the main sticking point" at the talks

Senior Russian senator meets with Iranian ambassador

Konstantin Kosachev expressed support and solidarity with the people of the republick

Ukrtransnafta management not allowing to resume oil pumping via Druzhba

Ukrtransfta is technically ready to resume oil pumping via the Druzhba oil pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia

Germany faces volunteer shortfall for Lithuania brigade — Der Spiegel

So far, only 197 servicemen have volunteered to join the 203rd Tank Battalion of the required 414, the 122nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion managed to enlist only 181 of 640

So far, only Russia has allocated $1 billion to Palestine — Kremlin

"This fact is of great significance and should not be overlooked," Dmitry Peskov said

Another Ukrainian barred from wearing ‘propaganda’ helmet at 2026 Olympics

This is the third reported case of Ukrainian athletes attempting to use provocative sports gear during the ongoing Olympics.

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

T-90S tanks contract with India boosts Russian tank industry revival — Rosoboronexport

The company added that India, for its part, has received advanced technologies and mastered the assembly of Russian tanks at domestic facilities

US businesses to receive no security guarantees for activities in Venezuela — energy sec

Chris Wright says today's environment for business in the country is "meaningfully better" than two months ago

Russia ready to drive hard bargain with US — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov added that Moscow is facing "extreme hostility from Europe which has become the main sponsor of the Kiev regime and a systemic opponent of Russia"

US ramps up pressure on Ukraine to make concessions to Russia — newspaper

According to the paper, Ukraine seeks to ensure Western security guarantees before making any territorial concessions

FACTBOX: Fifty-eight Ukrainian drone strikes on southern Russia, casualties reported

Three people sustained injuries as a result of the Ukrainian drone strike in the Volgograd Region

Polish company reports failure of subsea power cable to Sweden

The operator says does not suspect a "deliberate act" behind the malfunction

Merkel presidential bid rumors unsettle Merz camp — Bild

Another source of concern for the German Chancellor’s entourage, according to the magazine, are Angela Merkel’s plans to play a more active role in the political and public life of the country

Israeli president says no decision yet on Netanyahu pardon request

The hearings of the prime minister's case have been postponed or cancelled since December 2024

Belgorod Region hit hard in most recent attack by Ukraine — Russian deputy PM

Additional financial and organizational support measures will be provided to the region

Trump says he will talk to Iran as long as he likes

US President also said that a deal could be achieved over the next month

Russia’s T-90 tank beat out Ukraine’s T-84 for 2001 India contract — expert

According to Alexander Nozdrachev, Russia's key advantage was that it offered not just to supply tanks, but also to transfer technology

Ukraine contact group agrees to deliver $35 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine — Healey

Moscow has repeatedly stated that sending more military aid to Ukraine delays a solution to the conflict

Russia’s Pacific Fleet detachment of ships set out on mission in Asia-Pacific

As part of the upcoming activities, the corvettes and tanker will conduct a series of exercises in the region and make routine port calls at friendly nations

EU should be at negotiating table with Russia to discuss European security — Macron

According to the French leader, "all of this needs to be prepared at the European level, in order to be ready for a discussion when the time comes"

Kiev claims no foreign legion exists within Ukrainian army despite recent reports

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry added that only infantry battalions of the Ukrainian Ground Forces and Territorial Defense Forces are being reorganized, reportedly because they were originally designed "for rapid intake of foreign volunteers"

EU leaders to shift to 'multi-speed Europe' model — Politico

This model would allow member states to voluntarily join further integration initiatives, leading to the creation of groups within the bloc based on their level of integration

Russia to respond to potential deployment of US long-range missile in Germany — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Russia is ready to discuss with the United States the issue of missile deployment in Germany

Advanced Sarma MLRS becomes major attraction of Russia’s exposition at Saudi arms show

The Sarma MLRS was demonstrated jointly with the Supercam S350 UAV and the Planshet-A automated artillery fire control system mounted on the Atlet armored platform

IIHF chief Luc Tardif calls for Russia's swift return to intl ice hockey

The decision would mean that "the world is getting a little better," Luc Tardif says

French defense chief says Europe must ready itself for major war

Catherine Vautrin believes that preparing for such a conflict "is the best way to avoid it"

EU imposes sanctions on Russian media amid shortcomings of local outlets — top lawmaker

Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that citizens of European countries "are tired of the hypocrisy and lies of their leaders"

Foreign brands to eventually return to Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov says that Russia is interested in product diversity, investments

FACTBOX: What we know about upcoming round of trilateral talks on Ukraine in Geneva

The negotiations will be held between Russia, Ukraine and the United States

Rubio plans to discuss halting imports of Russian energy resources with Hungary, Slovakia

These countries are "very cooperative" with the US, the official says

US’ potential nuclear tests will trigger chain reaction, warns senior Russian MP

Russia has repeatedly said that it will remain committed to the ban on nuclear tests as long as other parties comply with it, Leonid Slutsky said

Lavrov tells US to keep out of regions that don't concern it

The foreign minister stressed that despite Washington's statements that its only area of interest is the Western Hemisphere, the US is actually "working hard to push its interests" in other regions too

Press review: Putin and Lukashenko miss Board of Peace meeting as EU pushes nuclear talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 12th

Ukraine may agree to withdraw from Donbass — The Atlantic

Vladimir Zelensky says basic questions in the security guarantee deal with the US "remain unsolved"

Moscow Zoo celebrates 162nd anniversary

The Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe

Destruction of Lasar Group plant deals serious blow to Ukraine's war effort — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the higher-ups within Lasar's Group, which has a broad network of industrial sites, has until now been "greatly favored by Kiev’s leadership, not least due to corruption-related interests"

Iranian satellite Jam-e Jam 1 enters orbit by Russian Proton-M launch system

According to the state newswire, Jam-e Jam 1 is the first Iran's public broadcasting geostationary satellite

Two camps have emerged in Europe regarding interaction with Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that some continue to adhere to the previous approach, "completely short-sighted, irrational, and unreasonable"

No Europeans at upcoming Geneva talks on Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it will be a strictly trilateral format

Five states' withdrawal from Ottawa Convention to weaken European security — diplomat

According to Gennady Gatilov, this move came as no surprise to the Russian side and wasn’t out of the ordinary

Japan’s steps brought relations with Russia to point of no return — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that in Tokyo and other Japanese cities rallies were held on "the so-called Day of Northern Territories" on February 7, where claims to Russia’s Kuril Islands were raised

Szijjarto accuses Zelensky of blocking oil supplies to Hungary via Druzhba pipeline

According to the Hungarian foreign minister, "Zelensky apparently believes he can put the current government in a difficult position during the upcoming parliamentary elections by disrupting the country’s energy supply"

FACTBOX: What is known about growth of Russia's foreign debt to over $60 bln

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier that Russia's national debt is one of the lowest among major developed countries

US patience running low as Zelensky tries to gain time — Russian senator

The authorities in Kiev repeatedly floated the idea of holding a referendum or a presidential election before they backtracked on those plans, citing a lack of sufficient funds to hold them, Igor Kastyukevich maintained

Arms race already underway regardless of New START situation — MP

Leonid Slutsky noted that the treaty did not cover the latest types of weapons, "including hypersonic weapons"

New round of negotiations on Ukraine to be held February 17-18 in Geneva — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said the Russian delegation will be led by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky

Russia wouldn’t want US tariffs over aid to Cuba, but trade is at zero anyway — Kremlin

The US administration announced its intention to impose proportional import duties on goods from countries that dare to supply Cuba with fuel

Bank of Russia cuts key rate by 0.5 percentage points to 15.5% per annum

The regulator noted that it would assess the need for a further key rate cut at its upcoming meetings

Trump may abandon Ukraine settlement in coming weeks — magazine

The US president is trying to concentrate on the upcoming midterm elections in the Congress

Zelensky exploits Western media rumors to mock US — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk believes that such actions put the American president in an awkward position

Russia holds about 20% of global DFA market — Alfa-Bank CEO

$129.5 bln is the global volume of the DFA market

Russia to send batch of oil to Cuba as humanitarian aid — Russian embassy

Russia’s ministry of economic development has recommended Russian tourists refrain from visiting Cuba amid the "fuel emergency" in the country

US to unveil Gaza reconstruction plan at upcoming Board of Peace meeting — agency

US officials say President Donald Trump likely to announce a "multi-billion-dollar fund"

MFA comments on Kiev’s attacks, Russians in Cuba, says Europe stalls settlement in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that Western nations did not abandon their aspirations to "tear" Belarus away from Russia

Maduro innocent, remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader — authorized president

Delcy Rodriguez added that she is fulfilling the presidential duties in strict compliance with the constitution of Venezuela

Dismantling non-proliferation system serves US nuclear dominance — newspaper

According to the publication, the steps taken by Washington point to "a significant shift in its nuclear policy" and could "threaten to reignite a nuclear arms race that the world can ill afford"

FACTBOX: What is known about arrest of former head of FESCO Group

The company is providing the necessary assistance to law enforcement agencies

Macron says talks with Putin unlikely in near future

France is "preparing the ground" for the conversation, the president has sent the diplomatic adviser to Moscow, he says