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Middle East conflict

IDF to remain in its positions in Lebanon after ceasefire takes effect — Netanyahu

The Israeli PM announced that, at the request of US President Donald Trump, the ceasefire "would begin at midnight"

© Amir Levy/ Getty Images

TEL AVIV, April 16. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during an emergency conference call of the Jewish state’s security cabinet that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will remain in their positions in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire takes effect, the Ynet portal reported.

The website said there was no vote among the ministers, and Netanyahu announced that, at the request of US President Donald Trump, the ceasefire "would begin at midnight." The Israel Defense Forces "will remain in their positions" in southern Lebanon, the website quoted the prime minister as saying.

Kiev did not demonstrate a will for peace during the Easter truce — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that Zelensky never gave the order to cease fire, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the silence regime more than 6,000 times

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

Belarus introduces fines for promoting homosexual relationships, gender reassignment

The law also strengthens crime prevention efforts among adolescents

Press review: Pakistan advances US-Iran ceasefire as Russia joins Hormuz talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 16th

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

The procedure will be formally completed in April 2027

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

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

EU-Ukraine military industries’ merger drags Europe into war with Russia — politician

Francesco Toscano noted that merging Ukrainian military production with the EU military industry was not covered by a document or an agreement

Russia goes from drone zero to drone hero — Medvedev

Speaking at a meeting with the expert council on the preparation of the party’s national program, the politician noted that drones had become one of the most pressing issues these days

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

Russia respects Pope Leo XIV’s peace efforts, but not all leaders share this view — envoy

Ivan Soltanovsky stressed that the Holy See could not remain indifferent to the tragedy in the Holy Land, the broader Middle East and the Persian Gulf

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

US’ blockade of Hormuz illegal, escalates conflict — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stressed that Washington's actions contribute to further escalation of the conflict and lead to corresponding economic consequences

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

US leader says he is reopening Hormuz Strait for Iran

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

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

Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly opens in Istanbul

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

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

According to preliminary reports, two adults suffered injuries

Threat of WWIII greater than ever — Russia’s Federation Council Speaker

According to Valentina Matviyenko, it has not been possible to create a truly collective, universal and indivisible security system

Finland will be unable to control what US brings into its territory — Russian ambassador

Finland plans to deploy a NATO communications and information system unit in Riihimaki, southern Finland, by early 2027

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"

US supplements Epic Fury with Operation Economic Fury — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth warned Tehran that the US was ready to resume and expand the scope of its military campaign against Iran

US gained nothing from war with Iran, suffered huge losses — Chinese economist

He Weiwen noted that Washington had failed to achieve its goal of changing the government in Tehran

Russia to factor Finland’s potential approval of nuclear weapons imports — ambassador

Pavel Kuznetsov said the sensitive issue of the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in Finland was already thoroughly examined during the discussions on the country’s accession to NATO

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

Russia cuts pipeline gas supplies to Turkey by 27% in January–February

According to the regulator, in February Turkey imported a total of 1.09 bln cubic meters of gas from Russia via the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines

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

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

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

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

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"

Analysis shows active use of AI-generated content for voter manipulation in Hungary — GFCN

GFCN experts referred to a fabricated video that circulated on social media in which Tisza party leader Peter Magyar allegedly calls US President Donald Trump "a senile grandpa" and declares his intention to sever agreements on nuclear energy and defense with the United States in the event of his election win

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

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

Spain purchased record large gas volume from Russia — newspaper

According to Enagas energy company, Spain purchased the equivalent of 9,807 GWh of LNG from Russia

Arrest lifted: Deyna tanker leaves French territorial waters

There are no Russian citizens among the Deyna tanker's crew

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

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

Russian-Finnish relations practically non-existent — Russian ambassador

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

Germany becomes main sponsor of Ukrainian militarization — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Germany is Vladimir Zelensky’s main partner in sending Ukrainians to their deaths

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pope condemns leaders using religion to justify war

Pope Leo XIV said the world is "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants"

Europe de facto declares drone war on Russia — expert

Alexander Stepanov specified that a regional military-industrial cluster is effectively being created, with the UK, Germany, and France as key players in the market

Medvedev says UAV manufacturers in Europe may be targeted now

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

Diplomats monitoring situation involving Russians detained in Baku — Kremlin

The Russians are currently still being held in a Baku detention center

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

Medvedev asserts no one will ‘let Trump take all the oil everywhere’

On March 30, the US leader said, speaking about Iran, that his "preference would be to take the oil"

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

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

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

Macroeconomic indicators below expectations — Putin

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

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

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

Shoigu reminds Baltic states of Russia’s right to self-defense over Ukrainian UAV attacks

The Russian Security Council secretary emphasized that significant damage is caused to civilian infrastructure

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

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 troops hammer Ukrainian army’s fuel and energy infrastructure in massive strike

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

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

The meeting lasted nearly four hours

Forced evacuation announced in 23 settlements in Kharkov Region — authorities

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

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

Russia’s Uragan MLRS destroys Ukrainian howitzer from distance of 30 km in Dobropolye

Subsequent UAV monitoring confirmed the destruction of the target, as well as the elimination of the Ukrainian militant artillery crew

Russian troops align front ahead of Ozernoye offensive in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are completing the consolidation of units in the Ozernoye-Krivaya Luka-Kaleniki sector

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

Process equipment on fire in Tuapse port after drone attack

The crisis response center reported that forces engaged in firefighting comprise 157 people and 49 vehicles

Mexican ambassador summoned to Russian MFA over detention of Russian woman — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry is keeping a close eye on this matter in close coordination with State Duma Deputy Chairwoman Anna Kuznetsova and presidential children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova

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 unlikely to ever be accepted into EU — expert

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

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

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"

No aggressor to be left alive if US launches ground operation — Iranian military

Earlier, a US official told The Washington Post that the Pentagon was still considering the possibility of additional strikes on Iran or "ground operations" on Iranian territory if the current ceasefire did not hold

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

Terrorism, spying on Russian army: more agents of Ukrainian special services detained

Officers of the Federal Security Service have detained a 52-year-old resident of the Zaporozhye Region on suspicion of high treason for transferring data to the Ukrainian side about the deployment locations and movement of the Russian Armed Forces

Russia’s T-90M tank destroys Ukrainian strongholds in Zaporozhye Region

After completing the combat mission, the tank crew quickly withdrew and left the firing position

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

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

US government debt to reach 142.1% of GDP — IMF

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

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

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

Russia’s Belogor heavy-duty robot deployed for mine clearing in Donbass

The robotic system detonates up to 90% of the mines, depending on their depth

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

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

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

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

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

BRICS member states discuss joint reaction to Persian Gulf conflict — Russian ambassador

According to Denis Alipov, current contradictions "should be regarded as a working, a natural working process, a natural situation, since the BRICS is not any formal organization"

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

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

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

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

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

Thirteen people are receiving medical treatment

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

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

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

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

Kremlin spokesman comments on Russian oil sanctions, economic issues in daily briefing

Russia has been under sanctions for several years so it knows how to minimize their consequences, Dmitry Peskov said