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Middle East conflict

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

The meeting lasted nearly four hours

TEL AVIV, April 16. /TASS/. The Israeli war cabinet’s nearly four-hour meeting yielded no decision on a ceasefire in Lebanon, the Ynet portal reported, citing a source.

"At this stage, we have made no progress toward a ceasefire," the portal cited the source.

Earlier, an Israeli government source told TASS and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a war cabinet meeting late on April 15.

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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

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

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

Moscow condemns Estonia’s pro-Nazi sports quest Erna Raid

Erna Raid-2017 was held in Estonia on August 11-13 for the 18th time

Russia tests technology for controlling 10 loitering munitions at once

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

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"

Price incremental growth slowing to 0.6% in March — Bank of Russia

In the meantime, the share of ruble payments in Russian foreign trade settlements climbed to as high as 60%

Vance to remain head of US delegation in talks with Iran — CNN

US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also remain on the US delegation

Forced evacuation announced in 23 settlements in Kharkov Region — authorities

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

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

At least 28 dead as tourist bus crashes in Portugal — TV

The bus was transporting about 50 people

US leader says he is reopening Hormuz Strait for Iran

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

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

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

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

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

Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly opens in Istanbul

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

Record number of Russian tourists visit Japan in March, up 26% yoy

A total of 3.62 million people visited Japan in March

Russia expects foreign tourist flow to reach 6.5 mln in 2026 — minister

According to Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, growth in the first two months was nearly 37%

Yakutia issues work permits for two new forest protection air groupings

The region's aviation security system employs 848 paratrooper firefighters

Russian shipbuilders to convert large anti-submarine warship into frigate by 2025

The upgrade of the Admiral Vinogradov is expected to begin in 2021, according to a source in the defense industry

North Korea’s nuclear weapons production capabilities increase significantly — IAEA

Rafael Grossi also stated that he has no reason to believe that Russia could transfer nuclear technology applicable to the military to North Korea

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

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

Rosstat records zero weekly inflation in Russia

Consumer prices in Russia have grown by 0.17% since the beginning of April, and by 3.15% year-to-date

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

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

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

Russia remains reliable energy supplier for partner countries — Kremlin

The global economy will experience consequences of war in the Middle East during a long period of time, including in terms of the oil market and delivery of goods, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s chief of General Staff holds talks with Mongolian counterpart

Valery Gerasimov expressed his confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would serve to invigorate collaboration between the two nations across mutually beneficial domains

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

Future UN chief must strictly adhere to charter principles — Russian MFA

Otherwise, a full restoration of the world organization’s functionality and prestige will be impossible, the statement reads

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

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 to showcase newest Kalashnikov assault rifles at Malaysia expo

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

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

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

Russian-Finnish relations practically non-existent — Russian ambassador

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

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

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

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

The meeting lasted nearly four hours

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 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

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

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%

Russia to continue oil supplies to Cuba — Lavrov

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

Macroeconomic indicators below expectations — Putin

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

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

Thirteen people are receiving medical treatment

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

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"

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

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

Cuba refuses to negotiate its political system with US — MFA

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodriguez Camejo, any "external aggressor" will face resistance from the Cuban people

Lavrov, Saudi foreign minister discuss situation in Strait of Hormuz

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

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

Medvedev says UAV manufacturers in Europe may be targeted now

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

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

Xi Jinping and Lavrov hold meeting in Beijing

Xi Jinping and Sergey Lavrov are meeting as part of the Russian foreign minister’s visit to China

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland confirms readiness to host US-Iran talks

Swiss Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Melanie Gugelmann stressed that the country’s foreign ministry maintains contact with all parties involved

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

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

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

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

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

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 stocks close in the green on Wednesday

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

Russian air regulator authorizes flights to Israel from April 16

The airspace of Iran remains closed for Russian air carriers

US embassy in Russia to reduce staff to 120 people from August 1

In April, Washington expelled 10 Russian diplomats, claiming they had ties with Russian intelligence services

Russia’s exporter ready to supply Malaysian army with most advanced weaponry

Rosoboronexport is proud to present Russian defense products in Malaysia, with which the country enjoys strong economic, cultural, scientific, and technical ties

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

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

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

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

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

The price growth rates dropped to 0.03% for foods

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

BRICS diplomats set to maintain close coordination during UN chief election — Russian MFA

According to the statement, the "interactive dialogues" with candidates for the position of secretary-general are set to begin at the United Nations General Assembly on April 21

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

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

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

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

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

US government debt to reach 142.1% of GDP — IMF

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

Belarus introduces fines for promoting homosexual relationships, gender reassignment

The law also strengthens crime prevention efforts among adolescents

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

West's creation of military alliance with Ukraine to escalate conflict — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Glebov pointed out that the architects of this new military arrangement are aware that NATO is currently experiencing difficulties, making Ukraine’s accession unlikely

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

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

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

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

IN BRIEF: What we know about incident at gunpowder factory in Russia’s Kazan

The incident left a man dead, while two people had been injured

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

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

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