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Middle East conflict

Israeli army reports assassination of Hezbollah chief’s secretary in Beirut

Ali Yusuf Harshi was described as a "close associate and personal advisor" to Sheikh Naim Qassem, "who played a central role in managing and securing his office"

TEL AVIV, April 9. /TASS/. The personal secretary of Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem was killed in a strike on Beirut last night, the Israel Defense Forces reported.

According to the army press service, Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, was killed. He was described as a "close associate and personal advisor" to Qassem, "who played a central role in managing and securing his office.".

US Vice President JD Vance arrives in Islamabad for peace talks with Iran — Reuters

According to the source, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner have also arrived in the capital of Pakistan for the peace talks

Russian MP suggests Kiev trying to disrupt Easter truce with Bryansk attack

Russia is fully prepared to fence off such provocations and all the vile attempts to use the ceasefire for military purposes, Leonid Slutsky said

Russia calls on participants in talks on Iran to show responsible approach

Moscow advocates for the settlement of all disputes between the states by political and diplomatic means, the Foreign Ministry says

Russia not going to leave western hemisphere — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov says the US supports the idea of ousting Russia and China from this region

Over 7,000 participants attended 2026 Russian Venture Forum

The main focus was stimulating economic growth through innovation, improving production efficiency, strengthening national security, technology transfer, and developing corporate innovation

Zelensky wants Ukraine to host US military bases

Vladimir Zelensky said this would allow the country to face "fewer risks"

Senegal’s PM hits out at Trump for making world an unstable place

According to Ousmane Sonko, none of the objectives in the Iran war has been met

Budget revenues from investing NWF resources reach $8.5 bln in 2025

The return on investing NWF resources at accounts with the Bank of Russia, expressed as the basket of authorized foreign currencies and gold in the depersonalized form, stood at 0.21% per annum

Iran won the war despite damage — leader’s statement

According to Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a new level

EU will forgive Zelensky anything as long as he continues his mission — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat says the Kiev regime has ignored both EU demands and its own Constitution

Russian LNG deliveries to Spain rise by over 120% in March

According to the company, in the first month of spring, Spain purchased the equivalent of 9,807 GWh of LNG from Russia

Italy’s UniCredit denies plans to liquidate Russian business — Reuters

Russian news outlet Kommersant reported earlier, citing sources, that UniCredit dropped plans to sell its Russian subsidiary and considers complete winding-up of its business in Russia

Israel strikes Bushehr NPP again and again, playing with fire — US expert

The strikes on the Bushehr nuclear power plant pose serious risks to the entire Gulf region, not just Iran, Marc Lynch noted

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei may address nation soon, his emissary says

Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi said he had seen documents signed by Mojtaba Khamenei

Orban’s party, opposition on equal footing ahead of Hungarian elections — expert

The election campaign, according to Gabor Stier, was quite dirty, marked by scandals, mutual accusations, and interference by outside forces, including foreign intelligence services

Trump says Iranians are still alive only to negotiate with US

"The Iranians are better at handling the fake news media, and 'public relations,' than they are at fighting," the US president added

Kiev increases transit of NATO equipment through Moldova — military expert

Andrey Marochko said that Ukrainian engineering troops are constructing temporary pontoon crossings and using specialized medium-sized floating transporters

Press review: Iran-US ceasefire falters while Russia announces Easter truce in Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 10th

Current shift in global balance of power is not in US favor, expert says

"From the perspective of war objectives, the United States and Israel suffered comprehensive failure across all dimensions," Roostum Vansu, Thai expert in international relations and lecturer at the Institute of Peace Studies at Prince of Songkhla University, said

Ex-Russian deputy defense minister Popov sentenced to 19 years in corruption case

Along with the 19-year term and the 85-million-ruble fine, Pavel Popov was stripped of his military title of Army General and banned from taking government positions for seven years

US inflation rises to 3.3%

On March 30, the International Monetary Fund warned that the US and Israel’s military operation against Iran would lead to higher prices and slower global economic growth

Islamabad hotel vacating rooms ahead of arrival of US, Iranian delegations

A Serena employee said there is no precise information yet on whether the hotel will serve as the venue for US-Iranian negotiations

FACTBOX: Upcoming US-Iran talks in Islamabad

The negotiations in the Pakistani capital may last two to three days, Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi said

Putin calls for developing domestic competitive AI models

The models should also "have a maximal level of sovereignty," the Russian president says

Russian diplomat cautions UK against provocations targeting ships in English Channel

At the same time, the Russian diplomat noted that Britain will hardly venture to intercept ships in the English Channel, for it currently does not have interceptor vessels at its disposal

Washington Capitals nominate Ovechkin for 2026 King Clancy Memorial Trophy

As previously reported, the Russian hockey star had been nominated by his club for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

IN BRIEF: What we know about repatriation of Kursk residents from Ukraine

Ukraine has confirmed it is ready to hand back five out of seven residents of Russia’s Kursk Region being held prisoner in the Sumy Region

Fragment of rocket found in Polish orchard a few miles from Ukraine

The military said this could be a Polish air defense rocket that was used to neutralize drones, launched from Ukraine or Belarus, that penetrated the republic’s airspace overnight into September 10, 2025

At least 35 space industry companies to move to newly created National Space Center

According to Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov, the new center will house, among other things, control centers for Russia’s entire orbital constellation, including communication, navigation and remote sensing satellites and laboratories and design bureaus

Russia’s envoy labels US stance on Iran’s uranium enrichment as counterproductive

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, the current US position on uranium enrichment in Iran goes contrary to the nuclear non-proliferation values based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as the interests of normalization of the situation in the Middle East

Iran to allow no more than 15 vessels per day through Hormuz — source

This new regulatory framework, operating under the supervision of the IRGC, has been officially communicated to regional parties, the sourse said

Russia’s steps on Iran in UN Security Council depend on outcome of talks in Pakistan — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov says a draft resolution earlier submitted jointly with China is "all we’ve put forward"

US, Lebanon have asked Israel to stop attacks on Hezbollah until talks begin — Axios

According to sources cited in the report, some Israeli officials agree and think it is in Israel’s interest to announce a ‘pause’

Russia to hold International Maritime Defense Show in Kronshtadt on June 10-14

The International Maritime Defense Show’s exposition will cover a broad range of themes, such as civil and military shipbuilding, ship repair, medical support, naval aviation and maritime instrument-making, coastal and port infrastructure, IT technologies and new materials, UAVs and maritime robotic systems, import substitution and maritime education

Trump asserts Iran promises to give up nuclear weapons

At the same time, Tehran continues to publicly talk about its right to enrich uranium, the US leader pointed out

Russia wants no truce with Ukraine, but lasting, sustainable peace — Kremlin

The Kremlin earlier announced President Vladimir Putin’s order for the Easter truce from 4 p.m. Moscow time on April 11 until the end of April 12

Kalashnikov successfully tests multi-bullet assault rifle cartridges against drones

According to Kalashnikov, the customer’s representatives highly praised the performance characteristics of the 5.45mm multi-bullet cartridges, as well as the accuracy and precision of their fire against aerial targets during the dynamic testing

Ukrainians in Hungary promised $6,000 to take part in antigovernment rallies — Russia

According to the source in Russia’s security departments, former head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Andrey Yermak looks for people who speak fluent Hungarian, are physically fit, and can handle stress

US ships reloading in case negotiations with Iran fail — US leader

Donald Trump said that the results of the negotiations would be known in about 24 hours

Ukraine receives another batch of Patriot missiles, Zelensky claims

Vladimir Zelensky earlier complained about Patriot missile shortages as countries had focused their supplies on deliveries to the Middle East

Estimate of jet fuel shortage start in EU too optimistic — Dmitriev

The official commented on the recent publication of the association's letter by FT

Russia needs to develop its own LLMs to guarantee its progress — Putin

The president called LLMs a "basic, end-to-end technology that is the foundation for the sovereign development in all areas"

Press review: Africa seeks Putin’s help and 1990s post-Soviet style chaos may hit Eurozone

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 3rd

Russia’s Rostec creates anti-drone system to protect country’s infrastructure

The developer specified that the technology eliminates the human factor and can respond to threats with lightning speed

US, Iran to fail to make deal, but Washington to get out of war — expert

According to Trita Parsi, Tehran considers it "essential" to ensure that the ceasefire regime extends to Lebanon

Durov says WhatsApp encryption is biggest scam in history

Pavel Durov revealed that WhatsApp read its users’ messages and shared them with third parties

US leader says main demand Iran should not acquire nuclear weapon

Donald Trump called this criterion of a good deal with Iran "that's 99%"

Russia records a 30% increase in foreign tourist arrivals this year — Interior Ministry

The most foreign tourist arrivals have been recorded in Moscow, St. Petersburg, northwest Russia’s Murmansk Region, the Irkutsk Region in southeastern Siberia and the Primorye Region in the Russian Far East, the Interior Ministry specified

Conflict with Iran turns into 'war of attrition' US cannot win — expert

John Mearsheimer said it raises the serious possibility that at some point, the Israelis will use nuclear weapons against Iran

Spacecraft carrying Artemis II mission astronauts returns to Earth — NASA

The crew completed a splashdown off the coast of San Diego

US continues to build up its military group in Middle East — WSJ

According to the report, new fighter jets and attack aircraft have recently arrived in the region, while between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army may be delivered in the coming days

Russia unlikely to grant Kiev longer ceasefire — MFA

Rodion Miroshnik says a longer pause could be used by Kiev "to regroup, build fortifications, build up military capacity, and launch a new escalation"

Iran, US to negotiate both directly and through intermediaries — CNN

According to sources cited by the channel, the agenda for the talks will likely be approved by the US and Iran through representatives for Pakistan

Russian lawmaker calls for recognizing Ukrainian army as terrorists after Bryansk attack

Sergey Mironov also called for neutralizing the leaders of the criminal Ukrainian regime, starting with Vladimir Zelensky

Ombudswoman to discuss Kiev striking civilian targets in Russia with UN human rights chief

Tatyana Moskalkova wants to inform Volker Turk that not all information provided to her is reflected in UN documents

Nuclear shield has reliably ensured Russia's security for many years — Putin

"This anniversary is a major, significant event not only for your team, but also for the domestic nuclear industry and for all of Russia," the Russian president said

EU data shows 400,000 men under 23 have left Ukraine since summer 2025 — minister

Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Denis Ulutin admitted that such a number of Ukrainian refugees in European countries "is a strain" on the EU

Russian Navy’s newest work and survival suit passes final testing

The suit keeps a crew member afloat for one hour in the event of falling overboard, eliminating the risk of hypothermia

Russian GDP reach $2.8 trillion in 2025 — statistics

The increase in the GDP physical volume remained unchanged in the second estimate and equaled 1% against the year of 2024

Coalminer dies: what is known about accident at mine in Rostov Region

A rock collapse occurred at the Sherlovskaya-Naklonnaya coalmine in the Rostov Region

Orban calls on EU to restore normal relations with Russia

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that the European Union continues trying to bar Russian energy supplies to the European market in a bid to support Ukraine

US proposes replacing Witkoff with JD Vance on negotiating team, Iran reveals

According to the source, Washington is concerned about a possible energy price rise next week amid the ongoing conflict with Iran

Easter truce announced by Putin coming into effect

The truce will be in effect from 4:00 p.m. Moscow time (1:00 p.m. GMT) on April 11 until the end of April 12

Iran to open Hormuz after end of war with the US, Israel — Iranian Supreme Leader’s envoy

Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi said that countries would benefit from it

Nearly 3,200 vessels awaiting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz — Fox News

Reportedly, Almost 20,000 seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are waiting for clarifications

Russian army’s main clashes in Ukraine are with neo-Nazis - Putin

Russian President stressed that the Ukrainian nationalists were playing the role of the army’s ‘blocking detachments’

Slovakia to insist on resuming Druzhba oil pipeline operations — Prime Minister

Due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil transit via Druzhba, the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery, which specializes in processing Russian crude, has been forced to purchase oil from alternative sources at "extremely high prices"

American sailors set fire to USS Gerald R. Ford to avoid fighting — Iranian army

On March 12, the US Naval Forces Central Command reported that a fire broke out on board the USS Gerald R. Ford

Elon Musk's father believes Europe lost touch with reality

The approaches of European leaders have "become irrelevant in many respects," Errol Musk says

Middle East airlines to quickly regain traffic after conflict — expert

The region does not face the risk of fuel shortage or exorbitant jet fuel prices so far, Executive Director of Aviaport agency Oleg Panteleev added

Kremlin spokesman comments on Easter ceasefire, lasting peace in Ukraine in daily briefing

Peace between Russia and Ukraine "could be established today," if only Vladimir Zelensky made a decision to take the responsibility it requires, Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukraine using scorched-earth tactics in Donbass, Novorossia — governor

Ukrainian troops have intensified drone attacks on civilian facilities in Donbass and Novorossia

Isaacman to attend manned Soyuz launch no earlier than July, NASA tells TASS

A NASA spokesperson says Isaacman will continue to meet with the heads of all international space agencies with which the organization collaborates aboard the space station

Court in Kirov finds guilty Navalny in Kirovles criminal case

Oppositional blogger and candidate for Moscow mayor faces up to ten years in prison

Israel shuts France out of its talks with Lebanon — media

According to the newspaper, Israel views France as a "biased mediator" due to its "behavior in recent months," in particular, its refusal to help Lebanon disarm Hezbollah

Estonia will not detain Russian vessels in Baltic Sea due to risk of escalation

Authorities would only consider intervention in case of damage to infrastructure or an oil spill, Navy Commander Ivo Vark says

Researchers from Wegener Institute discover unknown island in Antarctica

A 93-strong expedition team was exploring the northwestern Weddell Sea when the island "appeared." The available nautical charts mark it as a danger zone

Russian government approves additional tariff quota for grain exports

The main grain export quota, effective from February 15 to June 30, is set at 20 million tons

US to request release of Americans detained in Iran at negotiations — newspaper

According to the report, if negotiations prove difficult, the request "could be delayed"

Asian nations press US to extend sanctions relief on Russian oil — Bloomberg

According to the agency, pressure on Washington from Asian nations is met with resistance from European allies

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,280 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed eight enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Baltic states deny Ukraine access to their airspace for attacks on Russia's territory

The joint declaration by the foreign ministers of the Baltic States claims that Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia officially informed Russian embassy representatives in their countries about this matter

Hezbollah claims responsibility for missile strike on Israeli Navy base in Ashdod

Hezbollah stated that this operation had been conducted in response to ceasefire violations by Israeli forces and the intense bombardment of Beirut

Spanish prime minister warns not to let Lebanon become 'new Gaza'

Pedro Sanchez also believes that the European Union should suspend its association agreement with Israel

Death toll among Lebanese security officers from Israeli strike on Nabatieh up to 13

On April 10, 2026, Israel delivered airstrikes on the Nabatieh administration building housing the regionals state security departmen

Italian vessel has been stranded in Hormuz for over a month — agency

According to the report, the crew members are safe, and the vessel is undamaged

Pakistani MFA expects constructive talks between US, Iran

The ministry also confirmed the arrival of an Iranian delegation in Islamabad

Fire in residential building in Moscow Region kills one, leaves two injured

A spokesperson for the Emergencies Ministry says that firefighting and rescue operations are ongoing

Russian football chief disappointed national team left off 2026 World Cup draw list

"Until the decision is reversed, our team will have no chance to participate in international competitions," Alexander Dyukov said

Czech arms giant CSG shares plunge to historic low on Ukraine Easter truce news

Shares of other defense contractors, including Rheinmetall, Leonardo, Hensoldt, and BAE Systems, also saw significant losses on Friday

Lebanese, Israeli envoys to US will discuss date for start of ceasefire talks on April 14

The officials will meet at the building of the US Department of State

Iran to demand reparations from US, its allies for damage caused — Khamenei’s envoy

Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi specified some details of the damage he was talking about

Press review: Iran won't compromise with US as Russia offers lifeline in Mideast crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 10th

Hainan to actively promote hiring of foreign professionals — authorities

The province’s governor Liu Xiaoming also confirmed that Hainan will increase its level of economic openness and expand foreign trade in both goods and services

Gazprom Neft posts IFRS net profit of $3.2 bln in 2025

Company’s revenues as of the end of 2025 totaled $46.8 bnln

Record 25 countries take part in Russian Venture Forum in Kazan

Damir Galiev, Director of the Investment and Venture Fund of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized that invitations were also extended to representatives from EAEU, BRICS, and SCO member states, as well as international technology and investment organizations

Fico describes EU as good project in bad hands

The Slovak prime minister also expressed doubts about the stability of the North Atlantic Alliance in light of recent statements by US President Donald Trump

Gazprom Neft expands retail sites chain to 1,585 — company

The number of power charging stations grew to 146, the company informed

Vance expects negotiations with Iran to be constructive

If the Iranians are going to try to play the US, then they're going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive, the US vice president added

Russia pushes Ukrainian army to western bank of Udava near Miropolskoye in Sumy Region

Military expert Andrey Marochko says Miropolskoye was earlier liberated

Russian stock market mixed on Friday

The MOEX Russia Index tumbled 0.29% to 2,725.39 points, while the RTS Index gained 00.83% to 1,115.41 points