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Middle East conflict

Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington to be limited to ceasefire — TV

The source noted that the upcoming meeting "is preparatory in nature"

TUNIS, April 14. /TASS/. The upcoming Washington talks between Lebanon and Israel will focus exclusively on achieving a ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported, citing an official.

According to the TV channel, Beirut’s position "is clear and proceeds from the priority of reaching a ceasefire," while acknowledging that "the official mandate of the Lebanese ambassador in Washington is limited to discussing" this issue. The source noted that the upcoming meeting "is preparatory in nature." He emphasized that "the participation of the US Secretary of State in the talks with Israel proves US support" of this process.

Earlier, an Arab diplomatic source told TASS that reaching a new agreement on a ceasefire with Israel is a priority for the upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Iran capable of sinking all US naval ships in Persian Gulf, official says

Mohsen Rezaei said there are currently reasons to maintain the ceasefire and hold talks simultaneously

Restoring Druzhba pipeline's operation priority for Slovak cabinet — Fico

The Slovak prime minister expressed hope that Slovakia, together with Hungary, would continue to press for the speedy resumption of oil supplies via this route

Implementation of Trump Route only accelerates — Armenian prime minister

Nikol Pashinyan said that recently the discussions were held on the construction of power transmission lines, as well as starting the construction process as soon as possible

Russian forces advancing in downtown Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko pointed out that the Russian forces continue advancing in the center of the city and expanding the zone under their control

Kiev loses up to company of soldiers during attempted counterattack near Gulyaipole — POW

The captured Ukrainian counterintelligence officer added that this mission was supposed to be completed at the end of 2025

Russian air regulator authorizes flights to Israel from April 16

The airspace of Iran remains closed for Russian air carriers

Deceiving European public about Ukraine to trigger political ‘tsunami’ — SVR head

It will become clear to Europeans that they were deceived and forced to make significant economic sacrifices, Sergey Naryshkin noted

Russia patiently waiting for Finland to be ready for dialogue — ambassador

Pavel Kuznetsov said there are no signs that Finnish authorities are ready to resume constructive dialogue on the normalization of bilateral relations

Ukraine unlikely to ever be accepted into EU — expert

Sergey Shein noted that Ukraine is a "problem state" for the EU

List of customers for Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet is expanding — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter specified that the aircraft will be presented at the international Asian arms and military equipment exhibition

Andreeva ousts reigning Champ Ostapenko in opener of 2026 WTA Stuttgart tournament

In the next round, Mirra Andreeva is set to play against the tournament’s qualifier Alycia Parks from the United States

Situation at Union State border, European militarization: remarks by Russian intel chief

Ensuring the security of Russia, Belarus and the Union State is the "core objective" for the intelligence services, Sergey Naryshkin said

US only hindering dialogue with Iran through its embargo — expert

Arab Center Washington DC Executive Director Khalil Jahshan opined that the sweeping maritime blockade of Iranian ports in the PersianGulf by the US military reflects the failure of international mediation efforts taking place in Islamabad

Ten vessels trying to break through naval blockade of Iran turned around by US military

The US Central Command said that zero ships have broken through since the start blockade

Chinese MFA unaware of exchange of letters between US, China on arms supplies to Iran

Spokesman Guo Jiakun added that the sides "maintain contacts" in connection with the expected visit of the US president to China

78.03% Russians support constitutional amendments - CEC after counting 99% of ballots

According to the CEC, as many as 21.16% of votes were against

Russian Security Council warns negotiations could mask planning for Iran strike

The Pentagon continues to increase US troop numbers in the region, the Russian Security Council said

Macroeconomic indicators below expectations — Putin

The unemployment rate remains record low at the same time and totals 2,1%, the head of state noted

Merz is drawing Germany deeper into conflict in Ukraine — Bundestag member

Gerold Otten emphasized that instead of pushing for the deployment of Ukrainian defense companies in Germany or encouraging young Ukrainians to fight on the front lines, German politicians should prioritize diplomacy

NATO, EU at odds over control of European defense industry — newspaper

According to the Financial Times, a fierce dispute has emerged over how to use "an extra $1tn a year for rearmament drive in response to threats" by US President Donald Trump

Moldovan authorities pressuring Transnistria, avoiding negotiations — Russian diplomat

Airat Abdullin emphasized that the Moldovan authorities are blocking conflict resolution talks in the 'five plus two' format

US Senate rejects resolution to end war with Iran

A total of 47 senators voted in favor of the document, while 52 voted against it

Russian-Finnish relations practically non-existent — Russian ambassador

Pavel Kuznetsov stressed that Finland "has dropped an iron curtain, both literally and figuratively"

Top brass discloses addresses of firms in Europe producing UAVs for strikes on Russia

The branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones for strikes on Russia are located in cities of eight European countries, including London, Munich, Prague and Riga

Thailand asks Oman to help ensure safe passage of ships via Strait of Hormuz

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said that Thailand is interested in importing oil, gas, and fertilizers from Oman

Israeli Chief-of-Staff says approved further plans for Iran, Lebanon

Eyal Zamir also noted that the Israel Defense Forces is at "a very high level of readiness"

Iran not yet ready to discuss transferring enriched uranium to Russia — Foreign Ministry

"There are many options for an agreement on the nuclear issue," Esmaeil Baghaei said

Moscow regrets Moldova’s decision to officially withdraw from CIS — Kremlin spokesman

The procedure will be formally completed in April 2027

Russian army takes new positions near Konstantinovka — expert

Earlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces are advancing near Konstantinovka, despite the Ukrainian army’s fierce resistance

EU militarization advancing 'very quickly and rapidly' — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov also emphasized that the EU is attempting to turn Serbia into a buffer zone against Russia

Kazakhstan boosts oil supplies via CPC by 32% in Q1 2026

Oil deliveries to Germany grew by 48.4% in the reporting period

US government debt to reach 142.1% of GDP — IMF

The US national debt has recently crossed the level of $39 trillion

Israel continues operation against Hezbollah — Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces "to continue widening the security zone and to also spread it eastward toward the slopes of Mount Hermon"

White House refuses to say when naval blockade of Iran will end

Karoline Leavitt stressed that Washington supports the freedom of navigation, just not with respect to any tanker or vessel that would benefit the economy of Iran as these negotiations continue

Russia tests technology for controlling 10 loitering munitions at once

The solution has undergone preliminary testing at a test site using practical targets

Medvedev says UAV manufacturers in Europe may be targeted now

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council wished his European partners "sweet dreams"

Accelerated military push underway in Finland, Russian ambassador says

Pavel Kuznetsov described NATO’s large-scale radio-electronic and aerial reconnaissance activity being carried out in Finland as posing a serious threat to Russia’s security

Ukraine launches 207 drones at Russian regions last night, strikes kill two children

According to preliminary reports, two adults suffered injuries

Finland must respect Russia’s interests if it wants to resume dialogue — ambassador

According to Pavel Kuznetsov, recently, there have been some signs that Finnish society begins to understand that there is no alternative to resuming dialogue with Russia

Magyar's remarks on energy supplies from Russia cause tensions in Kiev — media

Experts express skepticism that Ukrainian authorities will agree to resume operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, even as a foundation for dialogue with Peter Magyar

Annual inflation reach 5.86% from April 7 to 13 — Economy Ministry

The price growth rates dropped to 0.03% for foods

Russian army takes control of Volchanskiye Khutora, cutting Ukrainian supply routes

The Defense Ministry further reported that unmanned aerial systems swiftly identified and neutralized UAV control centers, as well as field weapons and ammunition depots from the air

Ukrainian troops set up shop in schools, kindergartens in Kherson for cover — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that the Ukrainian forces are trying to displace the civilian population

Lavrov, Saudi foreign minister discuss situation in Strait of Hormuz

The parties reaffirmed the need to end any actions that affect the Gulf countries

Israel, US have identical goals in Iran, Israel ready for any scenario — Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu also emphasized that the Israeli side is ready for any scenario

Russia’s Kalashnikov delivers AK-203 assault rifles to foreign customer ahead of schedule

According to the company, the 2026 export contract has been completed, with 100% of obligations under it fulfilled

Potential Ukraine military bloc, EU ban on Russian energy: remarks by top Russian diplomat

Sergey Lavrov warned Europe that a full abandonment of Russian energy supplies would only make it dependent on another country

Israeli war cabinet makes no decision on ceasefire in Lebanon — media

The meeting lasted nearly four hours

Second Iranian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz amid US naval blockade — agency

According to the report, the vessel is heading towards the port of Imam Khomeini

Russia’s S-400 missile systems delivery to India to be completed soon — ambassador

"We have various plans as regards other types of military equipment," Denis Alipov said

Volchanskiye Khutora was staging ground for Ukrainian troops — Russian security sources

According to the report, enemy troops, including reconnaissance units and special forces battalions of the Main Intelligence Directorate, National Guard, territorial defense, marines, and border guard detachments, were stationed in the village at various times

Forced evacuation announced in 23 settlements in Kharkov Region — authorities

These evacuations will impact a total of 128 children, alongside adult residents

Relocation of Kiev’s defense industry to Europe increases risk of Russia-NATO clash

Military expert Boris Rozhin believes that NATO member states are trying to find a cheap way of resolving the problem resulting from the US move to reduce funding for Ukraine

Trump wants to end war with Iran as soon as possible — media

The US leader is convinced that the only way to bring Iran back to the negotiating table is to ramp up pressure on it

Russian, Belarusian intelligence services set to intensify joint anti-terrorism efforts

According to the agency's director, this is about protecting countries and the Union State

Germany's economy stuck in ‘valley of death,’ Saxony's minister president says

In Michael Kretschmer's view, Germany is currently in the midst of an "economic war with China and Russia," and under Donald Trump, the United States has become more foe than friend

France lifts seizure of tanker Deyna after fine, vessel leaves territorial waters

The Mediterranean maritime prefecture reported that Deyna remains under the supervision of the competent maritime authorities led by the Mediterranean maritime prefect

Soviet marshal’s daughter blasts The Death of Stalin as ‘abominable’ mockery of history

Maria Zhukova called this film "a provocation beyond any doubt"

Russia sees Mongolia as key ally — Gerasimov

Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said that Russian-Mongolian cooperation is carried out in the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership

Russian special forces use latest camouflage cloaks during night ambush in special op zone

According to the source, a moving Ukrainian military vehicle was hit by small arms fire and a controlled mine detonation

Possibility of ban on VPN, preparations for Putin’s visit to China: Kremlin’s statements

Dmitry Peskov has confirmed preparations for Vladimir Putin’s visit to China

Moscow’s envoy announces mutual visits by Russian president, Indian PM

Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India for a BRICS summit later this year

Sixteen ships pass through Strait of Hormuz on April 14, setting record since early March

According to the data from maritime traffic monitoring systems, most of the ships were heading toward the Gulf of Oman over the past 24 hours

Russia, China joining forces to get planet 'off the hook' — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow and Beijing are focusing on stabilizing the international situation rather than carving up regions

Trump laments Strait of Hormuz cannot be named after him

The US president also criticized Europe’s migration policy and said relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have worsened

Russian stocks close in the green on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index increased by 0.55%, the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.37%

US aware of deadlock situation after 1st round of talks with Iran — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin told journalists after the 25th joint meeting of the boards of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service and Belarus’ State Security Committee

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 75.23 rubles for April 16

The official yuan rate was reduced by 5.76 kopecks to 11.03 rubles

China to cooperate with Russia to restore peace in Middle East — ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui also added that Beijing and Moscow stand for resolving the conflict politically through talks and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities

Two minor die, two adults get injured after Ukrainian drone attack on Tuapse

Apart from that, falling drone fragments damaged one multi-apartment and five single-family houses

FACTBOX: Moldova’s withdrawal from CIS

After President Maia Sandu promulgated the Parliament’s decisions on denouncing agreements on Moldova’s participation in the CIS, a notification was sent to the secretariat in Minsk on April 8

Belarus introduces fines for promoting homosexual relationships, gender reassignment

The law also strengthens crime prevention efforts among adolescents

Turkey rolls tanks close to UN buffer zone in Cyprus — agency

United Nations peacekeepers who patrol the neutral zone were subsequently reinforced, while the British military base in Dhekelia is deploying new forces to the zone of tensions

Ruble’s real effective exchange rate down 3.7% in March — Central Bank

In annual terms year-to-date the ruble’s real effective exchange rate decreased by 1.7%

Death toll in Kahramanmaras school shooting up to nine — Turkish Interior Ministry

Thirteen people are receiving medical treatment

Russia, China can avoid dependence on US 'aggressive ventures' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that one of the reasons behind the aggressive US-Israeli approach in the conflict against Iran is "once again, oil markets"

Houthi rebels may shut down oil trafficking route through Red Sea — TV

According to CNN, such a move would be a blow to the world economy and would surely heap political pressure on Donald Trump

Press review: Iran-US talks near round two as Middle East crisis lifts Russian oil prices

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 15th

Russia ready to continue negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that Moscow remains committed to the agreements reached at the summit with Washington in Anchorage

Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly opens in Istanbul

Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko is leading the Russian parliamentary delegation

Moldova to officially leave CIS in April 2027, notification already sent to Minsk — MFA

The withdrawal process is completed 12 months after the CIS Executive Committee is notified

ISS orbit raised by 440 meters — Roscosmos

The orbit adjustment maneuver was carried out to create ballistic conditions for the arrival of the Soyuz MS-29 and landing the Soyuz MS-28

US not going to renew exceptions in respect of Russian, Iranian oil

According to US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, the from sanctions included oil that was on the water prior to March 11

Russian troops liberate Volchanskiye Khutora community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian deputy PM Overchuk arrives in Azerbaijan on working visit

The Russian official will participate in the events of the 24th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which will be held on April 16

Russia, Azerbaijan reach agreement on resolving aftermath of AZAL plane crash

The crash resulted from an unintentional strike by an air defense system in the airspace of the Russian Federation, the statement said

Share of ruble payments in foreign trade reaches record 60% in February — Bank of Russia

The share of currencies of unfriendly countries in Russia’s foreign trade payments fell to 13.1%

SVR head calls US colonial mindset as root cause of Middle East conflict

Accoridng to Sergey Naryshkin, the West still divides countries into two categories: those that lead and those that obey, regardless of international law

Russian, Belarusian intel services discuss prospects for mutual cooperation development

The statement was issued following the 25th joint meeting of the boards of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service and the State Security Committee of Belarus earlier in the day in Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad Region

US leader says he is reopening Hormuz Strait for Iran

According to Donald Trump, China "agreed not to send weapons to Iran"

Russia ready to play a role in solving problem around Iran’s enriched uranium — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, over a period in modern history, Russia was part of a process that finally led to reaching an agreement of guarantees and solving Iran’s nuclear program

NATO’s survival over next decade not guaranteed — Stoltenberg

The alliance's former secretary general said that US allies in NATO should focus not on Donald Trump’s rhetoric but on their own actions

European companies manufacturing drones for Ukrainian army: Defense Ministry report

The Russian Defense Ministry views the decisions by several European countries to supply drones to Ukraine as a deliberate move leading to an escalation of the military-political situation and a "creeping transformation" of those countries into Ukraine’s strategic support base

Lavrov says he cannot understand belief in Iran’s 'destruction'

The conviction of some countries to the contrary raises serious questions, the Russian foreign minister said

Container ship enters Iranian port of Larak, bypassing US blockade

According to TASS calculations, 16 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 14

Hosting foreign military infrastructure leads to threat of attacks, expert warns

Boris Rozhin noted that Iran carried out deliberate attacks on US military infrastructure in the countries it considered reasonable targets

Russia to continue oil supplies to Cuba — Lavrov

China will also continue to participate in such assistance, the Russian foreign minister noted

Pentagon prepares for possible operation in Cuba — media

According to the newspaper, preparations are underway in case US President Donald Trump orders an invasion of the island nation

UN chief’s initiative on Strait of Hormuz requires all parties’ consent — diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov noted that the UN Security Council continues work and consultations on the joint Russian-Chinese draft resolution on Iran

Finland to receive fighter jets qualified to carry nuclear weapons in 2026 — Russian envoy

"This year, the first of the 64 multirole F-35A fighter jets purchased by Finland from the United States will begin to be delivered," Pavel Kuznetsov said

Russia calls for soonest resumption of 5+2 talks on Transnistria — senior diplomat

The meetings between Chisinau and Tiraspol’s political representatives in the so-called 1+1 format have proved to be insufficient to reach a solution, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said