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Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon rises to 2,969 — Health Ministry

The Health Ministry noted that Israeli planes and drones continue to attack ground targets in the southern provinces of Nabatieh and Saida, so the number of casualties may increase

BEIRUT, May 16. /TASS/. At least 18 Lebanese were killed and 124 injured on Saturday during Israeli air force strikes on the settlements that serve as strongholds of the Shiite militia Hezbollah, the Health Ministry said.

"The total number of citizens killed since the beginning of the military escalation on March 2 has reached 2,969, and 9,112 wounded," the ministry said on X.

The Health Ministry noted that Israeli planes and drones continue to attack ground targets in the southern provinces of Nabatieh and Saida, so the number of casualties may increase.

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Hamas confirms death of head of military wing in Gaza

On May 15, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the head of the military wing of Hamas was liquidated

Ceasefire extension opens path to stability — Lebanese delegation

According to the statement, Lebanon would continue to engage constructively in the talks and reaffirms "its unwavering commitment to reaching an agreement that fully restores Lebanon’s national sovereignty and guarantees the safety and return of all its citizens"

Russian stock market closes lower on major indices

The yuan declined by 5.7 kopecks to 10.71 rubles

IN BRIEF: Ukraine swarms Russian regions with 355 UAVs, causing casualties in Ryazan

Two multi-story residential buildings were also damaged as a result of the attack on Ryazan

Lavrov stresses importance of strengthening BRICS solidarity on global stage

The Russian foreign minister is convinced that "only through active collective efforts can the BRICS countries ensure that their interests and the interests of the Global South and East are genuinely taken into account in leading multilateral forums"

Four Russian civilians killed during Victory Day ceasefire — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, 47 civilians were injured in the period

Russia needs no Eurovision with its ‘sexless monsters’ — senator

Today it is more important for Russia to invest in its own cultural projects and cooperation with friendly countries of the CIS, Asia, BRICS, Airat Gibatdinov said

Top Russian diplomat calls for reforming UN Secretariat

According to Sergey Lavrov, the situation in which the Secretariat has "effectively been privatized by a single group of countries" is unacceptable

Russia takes out 15 Ukrainian Maya UAVs loaded with C-4 headed for civilian sites

According to the Russian military personnel, the UAVs were directed toward substations, hospitals, and communication towers located in large population centers across Russia

China's Xi, Trump discuss in detail economic issues at summit — Chinese MFA

According to China’s top diplomat, the two sides "reached broadly balanced and positive results, including in further implementation of all agreements reached during previous consultations"

Russian army liberates two settlements, continue fighting for four more — Gerasimov

Russia’s Battlegroup West is conducting active offensive operations within its area of responsibility along a frontline of approximately 350 kilometers, the Chief of Russia’s General Staff Army General said

Russian army controls 85% of Krasny Liman, over 50% of Shiykovka — Gerasimov

The troops of the grouping are also successfully operating on the Boguslav and Rubtsovsk directions, the Chief of Russia’s General Staff Army General said

Egypt looks to expand cooperation with Russia in pharmaceutical, industrial sectors

According to Egypt's Minister of Industry Khaled Ali Maher, Russia possesses strong technological capabilities, extensive localization of domestic production capacities, and valuable experience in personnel training and professional development

BRICS called to act as force for promoting balance in global arena — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, BRICS has a "special culture of communication, which rests on mutual respect, sovereign equality, due account of the opinions of all of its members, finding common solutions, and the striving for the common good"

Trump says US forces eliminate senior ISIS leader in joint operation in Nigeria

The US leader said that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki "will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans"

Russia seeks to strengthen BRICS cooperation on counter-terrorism — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that such joint work is particularly relevant given that several countries are exploiting these issues "as a pretext for economic, political, and military pressure on unwelcome governments"

Moscow ready for talks with Europe, ball in their court — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also noted that Russia will never beg or chase anyone

Yermak to remain in pre-trial detention for three more nights — lawmaker

Yaroslav Zheleznyak says that transactions for the remaining amount have been made, but the money did not reach the court’s account in time

Single visit by US leader will not resolve Beijing-Washington trade tensions — expert

Commenting on Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy, Su Xiaohui noted that the mode of interaction between China and the US is not dictated by Washington

Russia’s Battlegroup North UAVs destroy over dozen Ukrainian EW stations in Kharkov Region

An attack UAV platoon commander, call sign "Funtik," noted that eliminating jamming stations and equipment the Russian military can more widely utilize various types of reconnaissance and attack drones

Xi Jinping told Donald Trump opening Strait of Hormuz is urgent need — Wang Yi

The Chinese president emphasized that force does not resolve problems and that dialogue is the only right path

BRICS must step up efforts to prevent new debt crisis — Lavrov

"The New Development Bank, whose annual meeting is currently taking place in Moscow, could play an important role in implementing this initiative," the Russian foreign minister emphasized

Putin's test for Europe, Nazi revival, US-China relations: Lavrov's statements

Russia will not be drawn into any triangulation attempts by the US to pit Moscow and Beijing against one another, the Russian foreign minister said

Sarmat needs no advertising, no one else has analogues — Russian deputy foreign minister

This system allows guaranteed penetration of both existing and any missile defense systems still in the development phase, Sergey Ryabkov said

Zelensky may need allegations of Russia plans to attack to divert attention — senior MP

Leonid Slutsky noted that the head of Kiev regime could be trying to create a background for yet another "terrorist provocation, possibly not against Russia alone"

Fantastic trade deals, very successful visit: Trump's trip to China in review

The US president expressed the utmost respect for Xi Jinping and described his relationship with the Chinese leader as "a very strong one"

Control of Chaikovka to enable Russian army to expand security zone in Kharkov Region

It creates conditions for Russian troops’ further advance deep into Ukrainian territory, the defense source said

Serbian leader to meet Chinese counterpart shortly after Russian president’s visit

Vladimir Putin will visit China on May 19-20

Israel, Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire for 45 days — US Department of State

Spokesperson Tommy Pigott says the State Department will reconvene the political track of negotiations, and a security track will be launched at the Pentagon with military delegations from both countries

Zelensky implicated in ‘Mindich tapes’ — ex-Ukrainian PM

The tapes, testimony and intercepted communications contain instructions from Zelensky on the procurement of faulty body armor, schemes involving Energoatom, Nikolay Azarov said

Russia cools Western ‘hotheads’ playing with ‘umbrella concepts’ — MFA on Sarmat

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Russia "did not expect, does not expect, and will not expect any reaction from Western adversaries" to tests of both new and existing systems

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Battlegroup West advances west in Kharkov Region — Chief of Russia’s General Staff

The destruction of enemy formations in Svyatogorsk in the Donetsk People's Republic continues, Valery Gerasimov said

Fall of Latvian government fraught with major political collapse — expert

Maria Pavlova warned that Latvia could remain without a stable government until the parliamentary elections scheduled for October

Mercedes-Benz could enter defense production — CEO

According to Ola Kallenius, defense-related operations would account for only "a minor share" of the business compared with passenger cars and light commercial vehicles

Ambassador praises Russia’s commitment to peace as ‘important for Middle East’

Russia has been fighting for a Palestinian state for 70 years, Walid Hamid Shiltag says

Sarmat ICBM superiority over Western counterparts, laser technology: Manturov’s statements

Russia is at least several years ahead of its foreign partners in the technologies used in the Sarmat system, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian troops delivered one massive and two combined strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy and transport infrastructure over the period of May 12-15 in response to Kiev’s attacks on civilian facilities

UEC becomes world leader in combat aircraft engine production in 2025

UEC CEO Alexander Grachev noted that, being cut off from international cooperation in 2021, the corporation had to work "in isolation" for five years

France’s standing in Africa under Macron weakening by day — news outlet

According to the news outlet, the recent Africa Forward summit in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi is a prime example of this decline

Over 2,740 US citizens travel to Russia since start of 2026

The figure is higher than during the same period in 2025 by nearly 190

Serious dialogue with Russia is EU’s responsibility — Slovak PM

Robert Fico called the belief held by some European politicians that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved by military means an illusion

Senior US military commander highlights 'thousands of lessons' from operation in Iran

There's no military in the world that makes adjustments as well as the United States military does, Brad Cooper said

Ukraine attacks Zaporozhye NPP territory with drone, which falls near power units

The drone did not detonate upon falling, the ZNPP reported

US leader says he did not underestimate Iran during conflict

According to Donald Trump, Washington deliberately chose not to destroy part of Iran’s infrastructure

Risk of major conflict in Middle East persists — Arab League

Arab League’s ambassador to Moscow Walid Hamed Shiltag opined that the risk of a major conflict in the region remained because there was still no definitive agreement between the US and Iran

Russia’s annual inflation at 5.58% in April — statistics service

In April, food prices decreased by 0.2% month-on-month and increased by 4.02% year-on-year

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on results of government’s economic measures, SPIEF program

The Russian president said the measures taken by the government to improve the economic situation are already yielding positive results

Nine civilians injured in Ukraine’s drone attack on apartment house in Belgorod

A three-year girl is among the wounded

US statements about control over Hormuz meant for home audience — Iranian envoy to Minsk

According to Alireza Sanei, the US authorities know that the strait is controlled by Iran

Ukraine deploys Colombian mercenaries to Sumy without support

The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that the Ukrainian armed forces hire mercenaries from various countries

Chief of Russia’s General Staff inspects Battlegroup West

Valery Gerasimov praised the performance of the battlegroup and set further objectives

Closed military zone comes into effect in coastal area on border with Lebanon

The decision was made after a situational assessment, the Israel Defense Forces said

US, Israel struck over 125,000 non-military targets in Iran, ambassador to Belarus says

According to data cited by Alireza Sanei, 220 children and 259 women were killed

Tehran demands that US establish peace in Lebanon — Iranian ambassador to Belarus

Alireza Sanei says that Iran's proposals also include the unfreezing of assets "that have been frozen for many years in banks of various countries"

Top Iranian diplomat comments on Russia’s uranium proposal, attempts to derail talks

Abbas Araghchi pointed to the Iranian authorities' efforts to maintain a ceasefire with the US in order to resolve the conflict diplomatically

Trump says he declined Chinese leader’s offer to help resolve conflict with Iran

The US leader emphasized: "I also said we don’t need assistance"

Putin congratulates Iraqi PM on taking office — TV

The Russian president wished Ali al-Zaidi "all the best, as well as health and prosperity"

Russia’s Sarmat ICBM test marks a major breakthrough — top security official

Sergey Shoigu shared the Russian president’s assessments of the Sarmat ICBM test-launch, calling it a serious step

Russia, Ukraine carry out '205-for-205' prisoner exchange

The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, receiving the necessary medical assistance, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Hamas military wing commander killed in Israel’ strike on Gaza City — minister

According to Israel Katz, Izz al-Din al-Haddad was one of the architects of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel

Saudi Arabia proposes non-aggression pact between Iran, Middle Eastern states — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources, many European Union countries and institutions backed the Saudi initiative

G7 shouldn’t dictate policies to World Bank, IMF — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister says that the global financial system must be transparent and non-discriminatory

Oil production in Russia to remain at 511 mln tons in 2026, in line with 2025

Under the baseline scenario, the ministry expects production to rise to 516 mln tons in 2027

Discussions on denuclearization with Russia and China, Iran operation: Trump’s statements

The US president noted that the US will resume and finish the operation in Iran, which is currently 70-75% complete

Russia’s GDP decline in Q1 2026 seen at 0.2% — Federal Statistics Service

Earlier the Bank of Russia estimated the decline of Russian GDP in the first quarter of 2026 at 0.5% year-on-year

Russia to continue developing cooperation with Syria — diplomat

Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that Russia's cooperation with Syria is "based on the traditions of long-standing friendship and mutual respect"

Russia’s weekly inflation at 0.07% on May 5-12, 2026 — Statistics Service

Since the beginning of May, consumer prices in the Russian Federation have edged up by 0.06%, and by 3.17% since the beginning of the year

Kiev deploys White Angel evacuation units to Marganets, Nikopol

According to the security agencies, units are patrolling streets and conducting inspections of houses and apartments

US approach to Iran shaped by oil concerns — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said it was not Iran that created the problem, including with the Gulf countries

Russia demands broader representation of global majority at UN Security Council — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat confirmed Moscow's support for the ambitions of Brazil and India to secure permanent membership on the Council

Europe, while lecturing China, fails to see lawlessness at home, in Ukraine — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that racism and xenophobia have reached threatening proportions in the EU countries themselves

Kiev will spare no one if left unrestrained — Kremlin

Actions by the Kiev regime may lead to more resignations in Europe, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told

Kremlin spokesman speaks on Putin’s China visit, Cuba’s fuel issues in daily briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader will travel to China very soon and preparations for his visit are over

Liberation of Charivnoye in Zaporozhye area opens way for Russian army towards Orekhov

According to the defense source, Charivnoye was a major defensive line of the Ukrainian army

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Russia, US maintain highly intensive contacts at administration level — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "set their schedules strictly according to necessity"

US may be readying to capture Raul Castro, NYT says

According to The New York Times, American officials admit that the United States will enact a Venezuelan scenario in Cuba

British PM could voluntarily step down in favor of Manchester mayor — newspaper

Sources cited by The Daily Telegraph said this scenario is possible if different factions within the Labour Party unite around Andy Burnham

Press review: China, US temper rivalry and Yermak case hides Ukraine corruption underbelly

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 15th

China-US constructive strategic relations no mere slogan — top diplomat

Wang Yi noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump agreed that a constructive relationship of strategic stability would become the new concept for bilateral relations

Attack on Iran aimed at reshaping region’s geopolitical map — ambassador to Belarus

According to Alireza Sanei, the US also sought to undermine or destroy Iran’s missile arsenal and deprive the country of its drone capabilities

Top Russian diplomat reiterates Russia’s solidarity with Cuba

According Sergey Lavrov, the expansion of illegal practices of unilateral coercive measures constitutes a challenge to the multilateral system of international relations

Resignations of Latvian politicians over Kiev may be just beginning — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says one should not allow drones flying toward Russia to pass through their territory

Trump says he does not want war with China if Taiwan declares independence

The US president says he wants the authorities in China and Taiwan "to cool down"

Russian armed forces liberate Borovaya and Kutkovka in Kharkov Region

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that Ukraine lost about 1,045 servicemen in the special military operation zone over the past day

Iran guarantees safe passage through Hormuz Strait for all vessels after end of war — MFA

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that complete cessation of hostilities is the only solution

Russian combat aircraft a cut above NATO weapons in combat — UAC CEO

According to Vadim Badekha, the country’s aircraft manufacturing industry became much more efficient

Brazilian president’s special envoy to visit Russia on May 25 — newspaper

According to Metropoles, Celso Amorim is expected to hold diplomatic consultations during the trip

Russia outraged by US cynicism in tightening blockade of Cuba — deputy foreign minister

This is a cynical and blatant manifestation of the Monroe Doctrine, Sergey Ryabkov said

Insurance for ships passing through Strait of Hormuz turned out to be unclaimed — FT

According to the publication, the program did not meet the requirements imposed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz

US President announces possible largest ever Boeing deal with China

According to Donald Trump, the deal also implies the supply of General Electric engines

Russia proposes creating new BRICS investment platform — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that it would allow for the accumulation of substantial funds, including through the use of digital assets

EU militarization could lead to economic collapse within bloc — expert

Yegor Sergeyev, a senior researcher at the Institute of International Studies of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, says that the need to increase military spending will inevitably impact other areas of national budgets

Russian diplomat ridicules Japan’s allegations that Moscow seeks meetings with Tokyo

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow was open to contacts with Japan, but it is not asking for or insisting on such communication

US, Israel could resume strikes on Iran as early as next week — NYT

According to sources cited by the newspaper, US President Donald Trump is considering more aggressive bombing of Iran and a special forces ground operation to extract enriched uranium from Iranian nuclear facilities

Xi Jinping mentions Putin during conversation with Trump — The New York Times

The Chinese leader, while giving the US President a tour of the Zhongnanhai state residence, recalled that he had spoken with the Russian leader at the same location in 2024

Finnish economist urges to cut ties with Kiev over drone incidents

Authorities in Helsinki earlier condemned the flights and crashes of Ukrainian drones, calling the incidents unacceptable

Xi, Trump held constructive, open exchange of views — top Chinese diplomat

According to Wang Yi, the talks between the two leaders were "an important signal to the world"

Trump says Cuba could turn to Washington for assistance

The US president says that Cuba "gonna have to come to us"

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation