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Middle East conflict

Israeli Hermes 450 drone taken down by Hezbollah missile in southern Lebanon

The militia reported that the drone caught fire and crashed

BEIRUT, April 14. /TASS/. An Israeli Hermes 450 drone was shot down over southern Lebanon, the Hezbollah Shiite militia said.

"Fighters of the resistance forces shot down a Hermes 450 enemy drone flying over the Seddiqine area with a surface-to-air missile," it said in a press statement. The drone caught fire and crashed.

This is the sixth Hermes 450 multi-role reconnaissance drone to be taken down in southern Lebanon since the outbreak of the current escalation.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

European countries at work on plan to control Strait of Hormuz without US — WSJ

The plan’s goals reportedly include three main branches of action: restoring logistics routes, conducting demining operations and providing military escort for commercial vessels

Kim Jong Un observes weapons test of Choe Hyon destroyer’s weapons — agency

According to the Korean Central News Agency, two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were fired during the test, which hit the designated targets

IOC comments on Russia’s full reinstatement with World Aquatics

According to the statement, it is up to each International Federation as the sole authority for its international competition to decide on this question

Trump defends Orban amid loss in Hungarian elections

The US leader called the Hungarian PM his friend

Kalashnikov to submit splinter-proof vests for testing

According to the statement, the product will soon be sent for testing to identify and address any potential deficiencies

Lebanon, Israel agree to engage in direct dialogue — Lebanese ambassador to US

The date and venue of the next meeting will be announced later

Magyar says would answer phone if Putin calls

Peter Magyar stressed that he would not call the Russian leader himself

Russian Pacific Fleet ships practice artillery fire in South China Sea drills

The crews of the corvettes practiced the assignments of a naval battle with a simulated enemy

Iran still has large number of weapons — Russian Security Council

Contrary to the expectations of Washington and Tel Aviv, various socio-political groups in Iran rallied around the central government, and the most radical opposition forces went deep underground

Iran restores railway bridge damaged by US and Israeli strikes — Mehr

All the six bridges damaged during the US and Israeli attacks were repaired and put into operation

No rhyme or reason to British foreign policy under Starmer — Politico

Several government officials said that in foreign policy, the UK prime minister is trying to be "a critical friend" of the United States and "a partner for practically everyone"

Israel, Lebanon agree to launch direct talks — US Department of State

The delegations were led by the countries’ ambassadors to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad of Lebanon and Yechiel Leiter of Israel

Newest anti-drone quasi-hypersonic cartridge successfully tested in Russia

The Lobaev Arms company specified that assembly and disassembly of the firing module is simpler than that of an assault rifle

Over two thousand people attend Russian Space Forum

Over one million viewers watched the live broadcast of the Russian Space Forum's plenary session

Twelve countries, including Ukraine, to participate in Sweden's largest military drills

The drills will practice ensuring the flow of important military resources into and out of Sweden, while simultaneously practicing countering the growing threat to NATO and Europe

Kremlin expresses satisfaction over Hungary’s readiness for pragmatic dialogue

According to Dmitry Peskov, this willingness is mutual

Oil prices artificially kept below 'psychological limit' — Dmitriev

The Russian special presidential envoy made his comment on the post from Global Markets Investor that oil prices are growing dramatically despite the dip in the futures, highlighting the market strain and the continuing energy crisis

Russian Strategic Missile Force armed with about 400 ballistic missiles — Defense Ministry

Russia’s strategic missile system Sarmat will go operational 2019-2020

Saudi Arabia demands US stops blockade of Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

The report pointed out that the Persian Gulf countries do not want the Strait of Hormuz to end up under Iran’s control

Russian UAV control points equipped with internet access — Russian soldier

The serviceman said the troops use standard military programs to transmit coordinates and information

Hungary cannot end Russian gas imports before 2031 — expert

Andras Racz noted that there were existing contracts and technological restrictions

UN to monitor Russian archaeologist’s trial in Ukraine, if Poland extradites him

UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence noted that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights does not monitor court proceedings in Poland

Russia’s Battlegroup West takes control of large area at Kupyansk over week — expert

Russian troops also liberated two settlements in the Sumy Region and Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

During Easter truce, Kiev attacks its own areas in false-flag ploy — expert

"This practice is not new and occurs with almost every ceasefire," Andrey Marochko said

Turkey may buy Russian latest military aircraft, if US refuses to sell F-16 fighters

Earlier, Turkey made a request to the United States to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and modernize about 80 warplanes of this type operational in the Turkish Air Force

Closing ceremony of Russian-Indian joint drills 'Indra-2019' held in India

The "Indra-2019" joint military drills were held from December 11 in three Indian states

US eases sanctions against Venezuela’s banks and government

The Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Washington has allowed, with certain reservations, the signing of commercial contracts with the Venezuelan government

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

Europe’s Nordic countries say won't host World Aquatics events — sports official

Earlier, World Aquatics lifted all previously imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete again under the countries’ flags and to the tune of national anthems

Russian UAVs tested in combat to be showcased at Malaysia exhibition

Leading Russian reconnaissance aircraft of the Orlan series will also be on display in Malaysia

China demands Strait of Hormuz be unblocked, US has acted irresponsibly — MFA

Washington is "undermining the already fragile ceasefire," further damaging shipping, Guo Jiakun stressed

Russian forces destroying remaining Ukrainian troops at Miropolye in Sumy — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces are still holding their positions in the Miropolye area

IN BRIEF: What is known about preparations for new round of Iran-US talks

According to The Wall Street Journal, despite publicly sharp rhetoric, the US and Iran are ready to engage in talks on the condition that both sides show flexibility

Investigative Committee completes prove into 966 criminal cases involving Ukrainian troops

The Investigative Committee emphasized that more than 1,100 criminals have received appropriate sentences, some of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment

Elon Musk says Soros organization seizes power in Hungary after elections

This was the businessman's response to a remark by Alex Soros that the Hungarian people had "taken back" their country

US leaves France with fuel, ammunition stockpiles for only two days — Pierre de Gaulle

The president of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples said he stands firm against against turning French national defense into a tool in someone else’s hands

Key facts about Russia’s Bulava sea-launched ICBM

According to open sources, 27 Bulava missile launches were carried out from September 27, 2005 to date, of which 15 were recognized as successful

Russia’s Rublev cruises to opening round win at 2026 ATP Barcelona Open

He defeated Mariano Navone from Argentina

Middle East conflict leads to revival of petroyuan initiative — Bloomberg

Iran has begun accepting yuan as payment for transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the agency noted

Kalashnikov Group begins testing new Krona air defense missile system

The Krona SAM system is designed to protect important government facilities and urban infrastructure from attacks

Over 20 vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — media

According to the newspaper, these ships included tankers, dry cargo and container carriers

Gazprom renews its record for daily gas supplies to China via Power of Siberia

In January-September of 2025, Gazprom increased supplies via the Power of Siberia by more than 27%

Rosoboronexport offers Egypt comprehensive national security solutions

According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev, this year marks 70th anniversary of the military-technical partnership between Russia and Egypt

Berlin involved in conflict with Russia by supplying missiles to Kiev — Finnish politician

A member of the Finnish national conservative Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema emphasized that the German government is leading the charge in financing and producing air defense missiles for Ukraine

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

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

Baghdad Today reported that Iran had anticipated a US blockade of its ports and therefore moved dozens of oil-laden tankers out to sea in advance

Failure of US-Iran talks may heat up conflict — Russian Security Council

If the planned goals are not achieved during the negotiations, fighting may resume with greater intensity after two weeks, the Russian Security Council said

Russian diplomat condemns EU for providing Ukraine with weapons

The European Union continues to do everything it can to further escalate the conflict in Ukraine, Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia to showcase newest Kalashnikov assault rifles at Malaysia expo

Russia’s arms exporter will offer a wide range of equipment for special operations forces

Participants of IPU Assembly in Istanbul to discuss international security, conflicts

The Russian parliamentary delegation is expected to participate

Zelensky says Ukrainian army awaits return of Ukrainians who fled country

Vladimir Zelensky said that many of them left in violation of the Ukrainian law

Israeli ambassador describes first talks with Lebanon in US as positive

Yehiel Leiter expressed hope for a long-term perspective where the border becomes "a permanent and respected border"

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,180 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

GFCN experts call for synchronizing electoral protection with technological progress

GFCN expert from Belgium Anna Andersen emphasized that present-day monitoring could not be reduced to sending official missions

Key facts about Russia’s special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod

The submarine's exact operational characteristics have been classified

Baltic skies are being used to tailor region to NATO objectives — expert

Ruslan Pankratov explained that, militarily, this zone functions as a testing ground for air defense systems, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance technologies

Situation around Iran puts GOP in losing position ahead of US midterms — Chinese expert

According to Huang Jing, the United States is unlikely to be able to withstand a long war with Iran due to problems with arms supplies and combat readiness

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

After Easter truce, Ukraine resumes shelling of Zaporozhye NPP — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, this is already the 14th time the plant has lost all external power

Russia inks contract with China on Su-35 deliveries

Thus, China has officially become the first foreign contractor of the Su-35 aircraft

Japan not abiding by post-WWII restrictions — Patrushev

The Russian presidential aide recalled that 85 years ago, the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact allowed the Soviet Union to avoid a two-front war, and Japan to gain time to refine its strategic plans in the Asia-Pacific region

Volchansk liberation helps expand security zone near Russian border — security officials

It also opened the way to Stary Saltov and Bely Kolodez

Internet restrictions, arms control: daily briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is currently forced to impose digital restrictions for security reasons

Russian troops gain foothold on northern outskirts of Ozyornoye in Donetsk region — expert

Russian troops are consistently advancing in the southern direction, Andrey Marochko noted

Kiev has all opportunities for settling situation — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov drew attention to the fact that the special operation had certain aims and they were being attained

Kiev mines Transnistrian section of border with Moldova — Ukrainian ambassador

Paun Rogovey stressed that this was done because Moldova does not control unrecognized Transnistria, where an Operational Group of Russian troops is stationed

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

Russia tests technology for controlling 10 loitering munitions at once

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

China’s oil imports up 8.9% in January-March, gas imports down 4%

Russia is the leading exporter of energy resources to China

Precious metals futures rising on Tuesday

Gold with delivery in this June was traded at $4,861.1 per ounce on Comex, up 1.73%

Lebanon hopes to reach temporary ceasefire with Israel — deputy PM

Tarek Mitri stressed that Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, who is set to begin talks with Israeli officials in Washington on Tuesday, represents the Lebanese government, not the Shiite organization Hezbollah

Rosoboronexport to unveil Echo cyberattack countermeasure solution at Malaysia expo

Russia’s arms exporting company will also showcase various inspection and screening systems and security equipment for transport hubs, crowded areas, and protected facilities

Not a single ship from Iran overcame US blockade, CENTCOM says

Six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman

Press review: US blocks Hormuz Strait as Magyar win may reshape Russia-Hungary ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 14th

Foreign special services finesse teens into terror schemes — Investigative Committee

According to Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana, recruiters play on teenagers’ gullibility to involve them in grave crimes

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 75.85 rubles for April 15

The official yuan rate was set at 11.09 rubles, down 4.3 kopecks

Russia's historical roots motivate its condemnation of war against Iran — Pezeshkian

The Iranian president noted that the true essence of civilizations was revealed during pivotal moments in history

Russian Baltic Fleet ships conduct naval exercise in Baltic Sea

According to the report, the crews of the minesweepers practiced mine countermeasures for the deployment of fleet forces from their base and during sea transit in conditions where a simulated enemy was using mines

US Stone Age comments show it can't accept Iran's power — Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the Islamic Republic abides by international law and is ready to negotiate within that framework

Magyar agrees with von der Leyen to quickly resolve issue of unfreezing funds for Hungary

The Hungarian politician said they had agreed to work together to find a solution to the current situation as soon as possible

Russian GDP growth forecast improved to 1.6% in 2026 — Dmitriev

According to the IMF, the Russian economy grew by 1% in 2025

US-Iran talks may resume in couple of days — Trump

The new round of talks could be held in Islamabad

Kazakhstan to produce less oil in 2026 due to Ukrainian drone attacks on CPC — expert

As a result of the attacks since November, "damages and lost revenue have easily exceeded $4 bln," Olzhas Baidildinov said

Bank of Russia disputes freeze of assets by EU

The Bank of Russia demands cancellation of the decision to freeze sovereign assets and payment of legal costs by the EU Council

US doesn't want Iran to have any nuclear program at all — permanent rep to UN

Mike Waltz also claimed that the United States is ready to continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran restores navigation in full in the Strait of Hormuz

Bitcoin, Ethereum in the green on Tuesday — Binance

Bitcoin added 4.78% and hit $75,489, being above $75,000 first time since March 17, 2026

Israel, US want enriched uranium to be removed from Iran — Israeli defense minister

Israel Katz said it is a precondition for ending the military campaign

Russia begins mass production of Dvoinik robotic sniper system

The Lobaev Arms company said the system can be used in remote control mode, as well as in a highly autonomous mode, where AI performs most of the calculations and functions

Readiness for Paks-2 ‘exam,’ Kiev hits Zaporozhye nuke: Likhachev’s comments

According to the head of the Russian state corporation, Hungary, in a sense, will also be taking an exam for "a serious promotion of one of the world's largest modern energy projects"

EU to offer oil over Croatian pipeline to Hungary instead of Druzhba — Merz

The previous Hungarian government did not accept this proposal, the German chancellor noted

Lebanon-Israel contacts aim to snuff out Hezbollah influence — Rubio

In Marco Rubio's opinion, there is hope that a framework can be worked out that leads to "a permanent and lasting peace"

Scientists begin analyzing radon in Pinega nature reserve caves

A noticeable reverse air current in one of surveyed caves started at a temperature of plus 7-8 degrees

Russian troops launch special military operation to defend Donbass republics — top brass

On the morning of February 24, the DPR and LPR people’s militias carried out mobilization and set up groups of forces on their territories, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov also informed

No setbacks for Russian in-demand weapons production in 2025 — prosecutor

Anatoly Razinkin said that priority issues included pricing for defense products and the use of budget funds allocated for these purposes by enterprises

Oreshnik missile to go into serial production, Putin says

The president stressed that given the weapon’s special power, it "will be provided precisely to the Strategic Missile Forces"

Russia’s T-14 Armata tank may enter service by year-end — sources

Two sources in the Russian defense industry say "the Armata tank is currently undergoing state and troop trials"

‘Historic meeting’ of Israeli, Lebanese ambassadors to US begins in Rubio’s presence — Kan

The broadcaster noted that the last high-level direct talks between Israel and Lebanon had occurred in 1983

Russian Shipyard submits proposals on completing construction of Project 11356 frigate

Russian Project 11356 frigates are the carriers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles

EC expects Magyar to lift Hungary's veto on €90 bln aid for Kiev, sanctions against Russia

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she expected Hungary’s new government to "return to the heart of Europe"

Iran’s government remains stable despite US-Israel assault — Russia’s Security Council

According to the Russian Security Council, there is no unrest in the country

Modi says discusses Middle East, Strait of Hormuz with Trump

The conversation took place on the initiative of the American side