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Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 3,980 — Health Ministry

According to the ministry, Israel continues bombing settlements in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley in the east of the country

BEIRUT, June 19. /TASS/. At least 68 people died and 128 more were injured after Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon during the past day, the country’s health ministry said.

"The overall death toll since the outbreak of the ongoing armed escalation on March 2 has climbed to 3,980, with 12,001 people being injured," it said in a statement posted on its X page.

According to the ministry, Israel continues bombing settlements in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley in the east of the country. Despite the ceasefire that has been effective since 16:00 on Friday, Israeli warplanes have carried out 16 air raids against Lebanon.

Qatari PM meets with top Swiss diplomat in Burgenstock to discuss regional security

According to the Qatari prime minister, Doha calls for reaching "sustainable solutions to the outstanding problems through dialogue and peaceful means"

Kiev in desperate situation, but insists on war — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Ukraine continues with its line which is not a negotiating one

What is known about largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow Region in two years

According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, air defenses downed more than 190 drones since the start of the day

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

EU urgently needs diplomatic channel of communication with Russia — Fico

According to the Slovak PM, a permanent communication channel between the EU and Russia would help avoid an escalation of tensions in the event of unintentional violation of the community's air borders by UAVs

Russian Economy Ministry notes potential for further key rate lowering

The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia resolved to reduce the key rate by 0.25 percentage point

Iran will not bow to US demands in discussions of its nuclear program — Supreme Leader

According to Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that if the US tries to make excessive demands, the Iranian delegation will not accept them

Europe’s real objective not to negotiate with Russia but to save Zelensky regime — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that the real objective is to shore up the regime of Vladimir Zelensky and preserve it as a launchpad for continued confrontation against Russia

Singapore PM asked Putin to talk about special military operation at summit — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov noted that Russian President also spoke about the reasons for the start of the special military operation

US maintains sanctions against Iran, except for restrictions on oil exports — Vance

According to the US vice president, Washington does not intend to lift other restrictions until Tehran fulfills its obligations under the agreement

EU bureaucrats understand that Ukraine can never join bloc — Russia’s SVR

According to the statement, EU officials and European politicians have made it clear that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union at the current stage, or even in the medium term, is completely ruled out

Kazan Declaration and strategic partnership: outcomes of the Russia-ASEAN Summit

The document enshrines converging approaches between Russia and ASEAN on international issues and future areas of cooperation

Europe needs to restore shattered trust for meaningful dialogue with Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov said that trust cannot be restored, nor can dialogue be resumed through ultimatums

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

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

Russian troops liberate five communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 2,040 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Russia-ASEAN interaction, US-Iran agreements

According to the head of state, Russia and ASEAN countries held productive talks at the summit, which took place in a friendly and business-like atmosphere

EU tries to dictate to Russia, mistakenly thinking it is weak — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that attempts by the European Union to talk to Russia from a position of strength "are a dead-end"

Russia hands over 522 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen — reporter

Yevgeny Poddubny said the Russian side returned back the bodies of 33 servicemen

Mideast states eye Belarusian-made laser-guided FPV drone system

The laser-guided drone is resistant to electronic warfare but the target must be within the operator’s direct sight

Putin meets with Thai prime minister in Kazan

According to the meeting materials, Russia and Thailand have a regular political dialogue at all levels

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

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

Macron doubts effectiveness of US actions in war with Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron also added that US President Donald Trump's entourage and actors in the Middle East pushed him "to go much further and act much harder"

Trump says has to keep Netanyahu 'a little bit sane'

The US president previously used strong language with respect to the Israeli prime minister, both in private conversations with him and in interviews

Ukrainian troops fleeing Konstantinovka without resistance — Russian officer

The Ukrainian troops have low morale and are sustaining heavy losses

IN BRIEF: One killed in Rostov Region as air defenses down 555 UAVs across Russia

Nearly 180 drones targeting Moscow were downed

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Europe’s engagement in talks with Russia served as diplomatic smokescreen — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that NATO and the European Union are expanding eastwards, right up to Russia's borders

Putin receives Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

As Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, Hakan Fidan asked for a meeting with the Russian leader, and his request was granted

G7 support for Ukraine takes conflict to new level, Russian official believes

State Secretary of the Union State Sergey Glazyev highlighted that the recent meeting of the G7 countries in Evian-les-Bains, France, had confirmed the full support of the leading Western countries for the actions of the Kiev regime

Europe dreams of expansion absorbing Moldova, Ukraine and eyeing Armenia — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that Ukraine is increasingly eyed as the 'striking fist' of a future European military force, independent of the United States and independent of NATO

Russia senses US may alter its approach to Ukraine settlement — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that changes can go in either direction

Washington in talks with Havana on possible reforms in Cuba — Vance

The US wants the people of Cuba to be happy and successful, the American vice president said

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Trump fed up with Netanyahu’s demands for new airstrikes — newspaper

The media outlet recalled that in a recent conversation, the US leader called Netanyahu "crazy" and hinted that without US support, he could end up in prison

Two employees killed, six injured at Zaporozhye nuke plant since beginning of year

Yevgenia Yashina stressed that the Ukrainian armed forces continued to target the ZNPP transport department, buses carrying personnel, and other sites

What is known about coordinated strike on energy facilities in Ukraine by Russian forces

Blasts were reported in Kiev, Sumy, and Chernigov

Russia to retaliate toughly to latest EU sanctions — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova recalled that these were restrictions against several Russian individuals and some local and foreign companies

IN BRIEF: Kremlin aide comments on battlefield situation and Trump’s policies

Yury Ushakov pointed out that Donald Trump is a politician who played to the beat of his own drummer

Press review: EU pushes Trump on Russia policy as Moscow warns on Greenland militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 18th

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Turkey confirms readiness to provide platform for negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan communicated with a number of representatives in the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service and in the presidential administration of the Russian Federation

US biolabs, 'destructive response' to possible NATO aggression: MFA statements

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the US studied the diseases in its biolabs in Ukraine that are not typical of the region

Belarus reserves right to act against Ukraine to protect its citizens

"In the Republic of Belarus, we will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and ensure the safety of our citizens," Igor Nazaruk said

US lifts naval blockade on Iran — CENTCOM

According to the statement, all US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased

Russian Urals plant working to expand strike capabilities for Forpost UAV system

The UAV system can operate without additional equipment within a range of 200 km from a ground control station and climb to an altitude of over 4,000 meters

MFA warns NATO countries of devastating response in event of attack on Russia

"No brigade commanders of the West, no capabilities, potential, or defense lines will help them," Maria Zakharova stressed

Blaze occurs as Ukrainians launch 14 drones on transport department of Zaparozhye NPP

No one has been reported injured

NATO, Russia direct confrontation may escalate into nuclear strikes’ exchange — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that Europe’s course towards confrontation with Russia and further expansion poses serious threats to global security

Russian-made Molniya-PVO interceptor drones prove effective against enemy UAVs

The drones proved effective against low-flying targets

Possible change in US’ approach to Ukraine and Kiev’s terror attacks: Lavrov’s remarks

The Russian foreign minister said that Moscow remains committed to the settlement options discussed with Washington in Anchorage

Russia prefers to achieve special military op’s objectives via diplomacy — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that further military, political and economic expansion by the West is unacceptable

Bank of Russia cuts key rate by 25 basis points to 14.25% per annum

According to the regulator, economic growth continues at a moderate pace after a temporary decline at the beginning of the year

Iran will not receive any money — Trump

The US leader claimed that Tehran met Washington "out of desperation"

G7 summit brings 'real change' in US approach to Ukraine — Macron

The French president expressed confidence that the US leader no longer believes that Kiev is losing the conflict

Europe’s claims about Russia’s aggressive plans 'scarcely climate for dialogue' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stated this is not the background for comprehensive dialogue

Attempted Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow becomes largest in two years

According to the mayor’s latest information, air defenses shot down 180 drones over the past eight hours

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

Almost half of Poles do not plan to defend their country with weapons in hand — poll

Young people aged 18 to 29 are the least inclined to fight, with only 18% indicating their willingness to participate in military operations

Lukashenko delivers remarks on drawing Belarus into conflict, kids targeted near Bryansk

Minsk has firmly established that the drone which struck the bus carrying Belarusian children in the Bryansk Region was of Ukrainian origin

Minsk demands accountability for bus attack perpetrators — envoy to CIS

The Belarusian side demanded a thorough investigation into the situation

EU summit blames Russia for drone incidents, no timetable for Ukraine accession talks

Participants in the EU summit did not name a candidate for talks with Russia, merely repeating their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire

Philippines eyeing cooperation in nuclear sphere with Russia, undersecretary says

Russia is known for so many things when it comes to innovation, Allan Gepty said

Top Dutch diplomat advises Kiev against strikes on civilian infrastructure

According to Tom Berendsen, the Dutch side is in continuous contact with Ukraine, conveying concerns about civilian facilities being hit

Hungary removes Ukraine’s 'EU speedy accession' term from agenda — PM Magyar

During several weeks’ work on the document, the statement was significantly adjusted to be finalized at the suggestion of Hungary, Peter Magyar said

IN BRIEF: What is known about cancelation of planned US-Iran talks in Swiss resort

US Vice President JD Vance may have postponed his trip to Switzerland for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran because of Tehran’s demands regarding Lebanon

US vice president lashes out at Israeli leadership

The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in, JD Vance said

Europe wants to achieve combat readiness for confrontation with Russia by 2030 — Lavrov

Until then, EU member states mean to buy time by whatever means available

US expects ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah — Trump

The United States is committed to peace, the US president said

Russia, ASEAN agree to work together to preserve cultural heritage

Russia and ASEAN countries agreed to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation among cultural experts, researchers and scholars, as well as their pursuit of progress in research activities

Principle of indivisible security can be embodied in new Eurasian architecture — Lavrov

Russiam Foreign Minister pointed out that European leaders should recognize that the model of regional security built in Europe over decades has been destroyed by their own hands

EU lies about Kiev’s accession prospects, its assigned role — Russian SVR

Intel indicates that the prospects for Ukraine's European integration are significantly worse than those of Moldova

Europe seeks Russia’s defeat in conflict, cannot be treated as impartial observer — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that Vladimir Putin reiterated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Russia is not opposed to contacts with any party

Activities of biolabs in Ukraine, US role: statements by Russian chemical troops

According to chief of the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops Lieutenant General Alexey Rtishchev, American intelligence materials confirmed that biolabs in Ukraine were funded from the US state budget

Russia has long since pivoted toward Asia, Kremlin aide says

Yury Ushakov praised the Russia-ASEAN summit, describing it as highly productive

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

NATO needs to be a 'two-way street', US troops in Europe: statements by Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth said that NATO has been a "paper tiger" for far too long, but this must change

Poland, other European countriess showed interest in cutting-edge Sokol drone

According to Ekaterina Zgirovskaya, unfriendly countries are actively monitoring Russian developments in the field of UAVs

Ambassadors of Britain, France, Germany confirm London ultimatum — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, that was the sole purpose of their visit to the Ministry

US effectively lifts blockade of Iran's seaports — Vance

The US vice president said that CENTCOM allowed a dozen ships to go through the naval blockade

Press review: Moscow sees no EU will to dialogue as Russia-ASEAN discuss cooperation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 19th

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Kiev seeks Brazilian president to act as mediator in talks with Russia — media

Brazilian officials believe Kiev is guided by the fact that, unlike European politicians, Lula da Silva maintains a trust-based relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin

IN BRIEF: What we know about consequences of Ukrainian attack on bus carrying children

According to the latest information, a woman chaperone for the team died

Russian troops liberate Rai-Aleksandrovka community in Donetsk region over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Israeli army reports striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

According to the report, at least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in the Nabatieh Governorate in southern Lebanon

Constant pressure on Zaporozhye NPP employees poses threat to nuclear safety

As Communications Director Yevgeniya Yashina stressed, this is the unacceptable risk

Paris’ plans to share 'nuclear umbrella' to do nothing to strengthen security — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov also stated that this is a source of deep concern

Energy important in relations between Russia, Vietnam — Putin

The Russian president added that strategic partnership relations between Moscow and Hanoi are based on solid traditions of friendship, trust and mutual help

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

Philippine leader says Putin authorizes release of 24 Filipinos detained in Siberia

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted that Russia had given the Filipinos an option to legally work in the country but they chose to come back to their homeland

Europe wants to freeze conflict in Ukraine to deploy its military contingents — Lavrov

The real objective of European leaders is not to negotiate with Russia, but to save the regime of Vladimir Zelensky, Russian Foreign Minister said

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Curacao national football team enters Guinness Book of Records

Curacao became the least populated country to participate in the FIFA World Cup

Trump says will be able to persuade Israel not to attack Lebanon

The US leader noted that Israel had "a lot of respect" for him

Trump says Europe of old could be no more amid energy, migration mishandling

The US leader does not see Europe solving these problems

Russia comes under one of largest Ukrainian drone attack overnight, calculations show

According to the calculations, 555 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down and intercepted

IN BRIEF: CIS official condemns Kiev attack on bus with Belarusian kids as terrorist act

First Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Igor Petrishenko called on the entire world community to take necessary actions to ensure that an appropriate investigation is conducted

Trump describes Iran’s signing of memorandum with US as 'unconditional surrender' — Axios

Donald Trump stated that the US defeated Iran totally militarily