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Six Hezbollah militants killed in Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon

Israel also hits underground depots and a bunker on the border with Syria

BEIRUT, February 20. /TASS/. Six Hezbollah militants were killed and 23 more were wounded after Israeli raids on Hezbollah targets in eastern Lebanon, the Lebanon 24 news portal reported, citing medical sources.

The strikes were delivered on a Hezbollah headquarters and field camp in the Beqaa Valley. Witnesses say that Hezbollah commander Rafik Heydar was among those killed.

Powerful explosions rocked a mountainous area on the border with Syria where Israel hit underground depots and bunker near the city of Nabi Chit.

Kiev says US pressures Ukraine to withdraw its armed forces from Donbass

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the US provides Kiev with intelligence assistance "at the same level as before"

Russia’s new nuclear-powered sub to enter shipbuilders’ trials in White Sea in June

The vessel is undergoing start-up and adjustment works, a source revealed

Kiev says US pressures Ukraine to withdraw its armed forces from Donbass

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the US provides Kiev with intelligence assistance "at the same level as before"

Ice cover area in Arctic to decrease despite cold winter

Members of the intergovernmental group on climate change, who develop special UN reports on climate change, predict that by 2050 the Arctic Ocean will probably become practically free of sea ice for the first time

EU envoys meeting on anti-Russian sanctions ended without result — Reuters

According to the diplomatic source, the 20th sanctions package contains a rationale for attempts to detain tankers with Russian oil

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Iran better agree to 'a fair deal' — Trump

The US President was asked what message he would like to convey to the Iranian people

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

Porsche profit falls by 30.3% in 2024 to around 3.6 bln euro

The carmaker's deliveries in 2024 fell by 3% to around 310,700 vehicles

Ukraine postpones restart of oil supplies to Slovakia until February 24

Russian oil supplies to Hungary over the Druzhba oil pipeline via Ukraine were halted since early February

Macron, Starmer plan to hold Coalition of the Willing meeting on February 24 — media

The newspaper reports that the meeting will be held online

Zaporozhye nuke sees Ukraine’s attack on school attempt to disrupt peace talks

Communications Director for the ZNPP Yevgenia Yashina called this attack another "monstrous and ruthless act of terrorism"

Unemployment rate in Russia equals 2.2% — minister

Anton Kotyakov added that almost 75 mln people are currently in active employment

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

Car falls through ice on Lake Baikal, killing tourists: what we know

According to preliminary data from the Investigative Committee, there are deaths as a result of the incident

Delo Board Chairman to inform Rosatom about decision on stake in group

Sergey Shishkarev said there is already a pool of potential investors ready to take part in deal financing

Putin’s interview with US journalist racks 150 mln views on X social network

The video was "liked" by more than 860,000 users

Five of nine Lake Baikal victims identified, lone survivor set to talk to investigators

During the journey, the vehicle transporting the tourists fell into a three-meter-wide opening in the ice

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Trumps says is considering limited military strike on Iran

The US president refrained from giving further details

Guterres’ position on Donbass due to pressure of Western states — expert

"I think that this statement by the secretary general pours water into the mill of the policy of neocolonialism," Scientific director of the Russian Military Historical Society Mikhail Myagkov said

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

Ukraine may make territorial concessions for sake of joining EU — Die Welt

According to the report, Kiev "does not have enough time" to go through the standard procedure, as Ukraine lags "light years" behind the EU members in the rule of law and the fight against corruption

Russian Railways not endorsing Finland’s ownership of Allegro trains

Allegro trains were made specifically for the St. Petersburg - Helsinki route

US looks into possibility of targeting individual leaders in Iran — Reuters

No details on who will be viewed as a target are available

US leader announcing 10% tariff on all imports to country

Donald Trump will keep some of the others in force

Serbia plans to sign a new gas contract with Russia by March 20 — Srbijagas CEO

According to Dusan Bajatovic, negotiations with Gazprom Export representatives took place in St. Petersburg and resulted in an agreement in principle on extending gas supplies

Russia’s deputy foreign minister briefs Turkish ambassador on Ukrainian settlement

The conversation also covered developments in the South Caucasus, where both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhanced coordination aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region

Investments in Siberian rare-earth metal cluster planned to be $9.1 bln

Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexander Maslennikov said that over 11,000 jobs of different skills will be created in the cluster

Russia’s non-resource non-energy exports projected at $155 bln in 2026

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov said the ministry expects the trend of growth of high-tech exports to continue

Hungary blocks EU's 90-billion-euro aid package for Ukraine — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says the decision will remain in force until Ukraine restarts Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline

G20 foreign ministers to meet in Atlanta on October 30-31 — Russian diplomat

Russian foreign ministry ambassador at large Marat Berdyev noted that Russia was preparing for the meeting, which is expected to address pressing issues on the global agenda

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s import tariffs

Six judges voted for this decision, while three were against it

Russia strengthening its western border security — General Staff

According to Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy, equipping the general purpose forces with modern military equipment remains a priority

Uralvagonzavod Group delivers batch of modernized BREM-80 vehicles to troops

The BREM-80 vehicle is based on the T-80 tank chassis and is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, providing it with high mobility

Switzerland is being pulled into 'military Schengen' — Lavrov

According to the minister, what the Council of Europe is doing now is being done by the decision of the United States

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Scientists study ecosystems' recovery from industrial impacts

Based on the research results, scientists will prepare landscape management recommendations for government authorities, industrial enterprises and environmental organizations to preserve biodiversity in the Russian Federation's Arctic

Russian stock indices up as Friday's main trading session closes

The yuan-to-ruble rate rose by 6 kopecks to 11.11 rubles

Russian diplomat sees drone attack on Energodar school as attempt to hinder talks

According to Rodion Miroshnik,this attack should be viewed as a provocative act by the Kiev government

Police evacuate people from several buildings in Paris due to bomb threats — BFMTV

According to policemen, the reports concerned the Montparnasse Tower and Sciences Po

US Supreme Court ruling will not affect new trade deal with India — White House

US President Donald Trump says his relationship with India is "fantastic"

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict

Russia, Kazakhstan begin scheduled air defense drill — Defense Ministry

The exercise is aimed at working on detecting aerial targets, intercepting aircraft that violate sovereign airspace

Protesters tried to attack Azerbaijani president’s car in Washington — embassy

The Presidential Security Service had no choice but to immediately intervene, since any attempt to obstruct or physically interfere with a protected vehicle carrying the head of state constitutes a serious security concern

US may take part in Europe’s SAFE program as weapons supplier — Polish minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he hopes that SAFE will eventually offer not only low-cost loans, but also subsidies for weapons procurements

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Seven dead in Lake Baikal tourist vehicle tragedy — Emergencies Ministry

Rescuers conducted a survey using an underwater camera

Zelensky's order to develop battle plan bad news for Ukrainians — senator

Grigory Karasin highlighted that Zelensky was too dependent on his Western curators

Switzerland’s spending on assistance to Ukrainians exceeds $7.7 bln — TV

This is more than 6 billion Swiss francs

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

Trade turnover between China, Russia down 6.9% in 2025 to $228 bln — customs

Russia's trade surplus with China over the past 12 months amounted to $21.49 bln, according to data provided by the service

Kiev regime’s functionaries want to flee abroad after its fall — Russian intel agency

This trend is especially evident in Ukrainian diplomatic missions in Western countries

Child present among Chinese tourists who died on Lake Baikal

Seven bodies have been located using an underwater camera

Everyone in EU knows that Ukraine is losing — Slovak premier

Robert Fico added that anti-Russian sanctions had proven to be ineffective

US losing interest in role as guarantor of international order — Merz

The chancellor emphasized that this shift necessitates Germany stepping up to assume greater responsibility and acting within the framework of sovereign politics

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

Pistorius rules out Germany’s participation in French nuclear deterrence program

The defense minister reminded that Germany, under international treaties, has committed itself to never possessing nuclear weapons

Europe lost right to sit at Ukraine table with Moscow betrayal — Russian Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Europe needs to earn back trust and learn to keep its word, especially with regard to certain norms, rules and laws

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Snowmageddon in Moscow: nearly three feet of snow on ground

According to the World Meteorological Organization, Moscow’s Vnukovo district was one of the snowiest places on Earth in the last 24 hours

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Russia’s new Oko-2, Oko-3 recon drones deployed in special military operation zone

The Oko-2 drone has a range of up to 60 km, while the Oko-3 has a range of up to 130 km

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

Armed fighting for power between Zelensky and Zaluzhny possible in Kiev — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin pointed out that in 2022, Valery Zaluzhny threatened to conduct searches and send troops to the heart of Kiev, while now he publicly blames Zelensky for Ukraine's failed counteroffensive in 2023

Dutch woman inherits collection of dozens of Rembrandt engravings — portal

Charlotte Meyer was unaware of the authorship of the "beautiful prints" for years

Rukban tribal leaders say they trust Russia, Syria

They also expressed gratitude to the government of Syria for their efforts to accommodate of Rukban refugees

Russia’s non-resource non-energy exports total almost $157 bln in 2025

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov said that growth was demonstrated by virtually all sectors of industry in terms of export

No progress on 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, talks continue — source

According to the statement, the Cyprus presidency will continue working all over the weekend to reach a tradeoff by Monday

Declassifying alien files to help cleanse US defense sector of pseudo-science — expert

Alexander Rodin believes that by declassifying alien files, Donald Trump will show the public that some widely popular theories have no scientific backing

Militants shell 24 settlements in Syria in last 24 hours — Russian reconciliation center

Militants from illegal armed groups shelled settlements in Syria's Aleppo, Latakia, Idlib and Hama provinces

Slovak PM warns about response measures if Ukraine playing politics around oil

According to Robert Fico, it can't be ruled out that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline

Ukrainian lawmaker demands Zelensky's resignation after damning US corruption report

Alexey Goncharenko noted that due to US interest in this case, Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately delaying settlement negotiations and trying to bargain for better conditions for himself

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Russian operators now obliged to shut down communication services on FSB request

The amendment to the law exempts operators from responsibility for the blackouts requested by the FSB

Zelensky inventing battle plans to fuel 'war of attrition,' get more money

Vladimir Zelensky's future depends entirely on this conflict and on those who have invested in it, including arms manufacturers and others who expect results, Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said

Six Hezbollah militants killed in Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon

Israel also hits underground depots and a bunker on the border with Syria

US interested in lifting anti-Russian sanctions due to lucrative projects — Putin's envoy

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that the portfolio of potential Russia-US projects exceeds $14 trillion

As Kiev attempts to delay peace, its troops try to kill civilians — Russian senator

In Energodar, no one was injured in a UAV attack, according to a Russian senator from the Kherson region

Transnistria to remain independent, despite Moldova’s pressure — leader

Vadim Krasnoselsky said that Moldova had never been a friend to Transnistria

Bayraktar, Novak discuss energy, cooperation prospects

The Turkish Energy Minister noted that he considers it important to continue the dialogue on energy issues

Ukraine to receive decommissioned equipment of European plants — minister

Denis Shmygal said that everything will be moved and quickly installed

Washington police confirms incident with Azerbaijani President Aliyev's motorcade

Law enforcement officers were on the scene with the US Secret Service

Air defense jets fly ten sorties in one week to intercept spy planes near Russian borders

Seventeen aircraft were conducting air reconnaissance along Russia’s borders

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Iran makes nuclear concession, but won't budge on uranium enrichment — newspaper

Despite talks of a possible freeze, it remains unclear how much transparency Tehran is willing to agree to with the IAEA

Russia prohibits transferring data about genetic research of Russians abroad

The correspondent amendment to a federal act was initiated by the government

Trump fails to make compelling case for why he wants to attack Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, the American leader "has given no speeches preparing the American public for a strike on a country of about 90 million people, and sought no approval from Congress"

Journalist Lucidi participates in informal meeting of UN Security Council on Ukraine

Another rapporteur is Norwegian political scientist Glenn Diesen, who was unable to attend the meeting in person because his flight was mysteriously cancelled

Merz re-elected as Christian Democratic Union Chairman — TV

He was voted in by 878 delegates at the CDU's federal congress

Amazon submits bid to acquire TikTok — NYT

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he had no desire to ban TikTok and expressed confidence that a deal for the platform’s sale would be reached

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

Government stake in VTB to grow to 74.45% of ordinary shares

First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board Dmitry Pianov said the change in the structure of shareholder capital will not affect dividend payments to minority shareholders

Putin quotes Milton Friedman in relation to energy price caps

The Russian president said that at the same time, some nations' leaders and their bureaucratic elite ignore these obvious factors

Ukrainian presidential election due in fall 2026, parliamentary - in spring 2027 — media

According to the sources, Ukrainian officials are discussing a possibility of holding the vote while the martial law remains in force

Slovak PM Fico criticizes EU for lacking effective foreign policy

According to Robert Fico, a former head of the French or German government should be nominated for the post Kallas occupies