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Israeli army to remain in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza 'without any time limit' — defense minister

Israel will not compromise on its supreme security interest, Israel Katz said

TEL AVIV, June 25. /TASS/. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the country’s army will remain "without any time limit" in security zones in Lebanon and Syria, as well as in the Gaza Strip.

"We will not compromise on Israel’s supreme security interest: protecting our soldiers and safeguarding our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones," he said at an IDF cadets graduation ceremony.

"If Iran attacks Israel because of our actions in Lebanon, or for any other reason, we will strike it with full force," he added.

Reuters reported earlier on Thursday, citing a US State Department official, that Israel had withdrawn from part of the buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The IDF press service told TASS later the same day that Israel had not withdrawn troops from southern Lebanon and that the location of soldiers in the security zone there remained unchanged.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

On June 21, the United States and Iran held talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with mediation by Doha and Islamabad on implementation of the memorandum. The US Senate later adopted a resolution ending the war with Iran.

On June 22, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli military had received authorization from the country’s leadership to operate freely in Lebanon to prevent threats.

International Maritime Organization suspends evacuation of sailors from Strait of Hormuz

The organization’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said he had been informed about Thursday’s attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that passed through the Strait of Hormuz

Moldova, Armenia now facing same scenario as Ukraine once adopted — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO used puppet regimes as a battering ram against Russia

Russian forces penetrate 15 km into Ukraine’s defenses in Sumy Region — expert

Andrey Marochko explained that this became possible after taking control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye

West not not crazy enough to poke Russia into using nukes — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman expressed confidence that every Western politician understood the consequences a nuclear conflict could entail

Catastrophic consequences for West, Lavrov-Rubio contacts: senior diplomat’s statements

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia would not back down from its position that all agreements reached in Anchorage should be implemented

Trump says school in Iran’s Minab was not attacked by US forces

The US president added that "there were a lot of missiles being fired at that time"

Lukashenko says all Belarus wants is peace in Ukraine, and nothing else

"Ukraine today is merely a bargaining chip in a larger geopolitical game," the Belarusian president said

Powerful earthquake rocks Venezuela

A tsunami warning was issued

Russian diplomat blames Europe for complicity in Ukrainian attacks on Russian children

UN Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Zabolotskaya noted that Germany's defense corporation Hensoldt "openly announced cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers"

Zelensky's ultimatums for Minsk highlight his terrorist nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

On June 19, Vladimir Zelensky said he was ready to give the order to attack "the retransmission stations on towers"

Russia, Laos agree on cooperation to ensure biological security

The sides confirmed that the countries share a unified approach to biological security issues

US wants Lebanon to 'secure' its territory — Rubio

The US Secretary of State commented on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement that the Jewish state does not intend to withdraw its troops from South Lebanon, even if the United States demands it to

Witkoff, Kushner’s visit being discussed, Russia would 'lend them an ear' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia is always open to talks

Merz says ‘time will come to enter peace negotiations’ on conflict in Ukraine

According to the German Chancellor, EU support for Ukraine will not weaken

Removal of apps from App Store calls Apple’s reliability into question — Kremlin

VK announced earlier that Apple had removed its apps from the store without explanation

Romanian ambassador summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Cristian Istrate will be informed of retaliatory measures for the closure of the Consulate General in Constanta

US, Gulf countries reject possibility of tariffs in Strait of Hormuz

The Ministers also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Parameters of potential agreement with Ukraine outlined by Moscow — Ukraine’s ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov added that now the ball is in the West’s court

Europe has become main obstacle to peace in Ukraine — MFA

Maria Zakharova highlighted that, notably, the Netherlands plans to finance the purchase of drones and air defense systems for Ukraine, amounting to 500 million euros

Criminal Code amendments, over 10,000 criminal cases against Ukraine, mercenaries

As a result of Ukrainian punitive operations, almost 5,000 people were killed

IN BRIEF: Lavrov's remarks on contacts with EU and faith in diplomacy

According to the Russian foreign minister, the Ukrainian conflict can still be resolved through political and diplomatic means

European allies let US down during Iran conflict, Trump says

The US president added that a proposal of assistance would have been welcome

Ukraine’s, collective West actions may exhaust all patience — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk said that a lot of Western politicians and Vladimir Zelensky are doing everything they can to bring a nuclear apocalypse closer to reality

Medvedev calls for lawfully curbing Western military bases in other countries

The Russian politician noted that these deployments had become a significant factor undermining the collective security system and eroding the sovereignty of states

Russian forces expand zone of control near Lyubitskoye in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the troops have secured positions in its eastern part

Russian ministry calls removal of VK from App Store politically motivated decision

The removal of Russian apps from the App Store is an act of unfair competition aimed at protecting the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications, the ministry noted

Only legitimate authority in Ukraine is its parliament — Medvedev

According to Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, there is no one on the Ukrainian side to negotiate with

Kremlin briefing covers removal of Russian apps from App Store, US mediation on Ukraine

Russia highly appreciates and is grateful for US mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov said

Medvedev outlines options for regime change in Kiev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that legitimate government institutions were crucial

Macron bears personal responsibility for stalemate in French-Russian ties — diplomat

The French president and his political team have literally lost their grasp of reality if they allow themselves to make public remarks about 'preparing for a military confrontation' with Russia, Maria Zakharova said

Press review: Rutte visits Washington to ease NATO tensions and Trump blocked on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 25th

Victory in The Hague secures Russia's rights to waters around Crimea — MFA

Director of the Legal Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maxim Musikhin highlighted that all unfounded demands had been rejected in international arbitration

Scott Ritter feels responsible for Donbass, Novorossiya residents

The former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst said that he is well aware of the crimes committed by the Kiev regime in Donbass and Novorossiya

Lavrov would like to see Russia out of 'half-dead' OSCE, but it's up to Putin to decide

The Russian foreign minister explained that Moscow would not feel "any discomfort" leaving the organization on its own

IN BRIEF: Powerful earthquake leaves 164 dead, 971 injured in Venezuela

Two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded within 40 seconds of each other

Trump says Iran making 'very big concessions' to US

The US leader made brief comments to reporters at the Capitol

Moscow establishes BARS volunteer formation

BARS-Moscow volunteers practice the full cycle of field operations under near-combat conditions

Putin discusses domestic security, relations with neighbors with Security Council

The speakers at the meeting were FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov and Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev

Romanian ambassador leaves Russian Foreign Ministry without comment

Christian Istrate spent about 30 minutes there

US tests new aircraft for nuclear weapons trials — media

Fox News noted that NNSA specialists used artificial intelligence and 3D-printing technologies in the aircraft's development

EU leaders destroyed European security system with their own hands — diplomat

Dmitry Polyansky urged to move towards creating a common continental security architecture, open for all Eurasian countries and reflecting the current multipolarity

Russia’s Battlegroup South thwarts Ukraine’s attempt to rotate troops in Konstantinovka

FPV drone operators destroyed enemy vehicles along with the personnel

Russia warns US of risks posed by arms transfers to Ukraine — MFA

Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that supplying military equipment to the Kiev regime could have unforeseen consequences for stability both regionally and globally, Maria Zakharova stated

Slovak PM Fico sees 'no interest' in ending Ukraine war at Gdansk conference

It’s a shame that quite a large number of prime ministers and countries in the European Union support the war, Robert Fico said

Western military bases provide no protection to states — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman added that "in case of danger, personnel of such military bases cares only about hasty evacuation with all their belongings"

FIFA clears Russian teams for U-15 World Cups

The 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup will be hosted by Azerbaijan, taking place from October 22-31, 2026

Liberation of Ivolzhanskoye in Sumy Region expands security zone along Russian border

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on June 24 that its Battlegroup North units "gained control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye"

OSCE becomes focused on stoking hostility between countries, Russian senator says

According to Grigory Karasin, this highlights the need for a broad overhaul of the essence of the OSCE’s ongoing activities

USGS estimates potential losses from quake in Venezuela at from 2 to 20% of GDP

The US authority also warned about probable high casualties and widespread damage

Russian troops liberate Ivolzhanskoye community in Sumy Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made surface-to-air missile system in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Meeting with Zelensky's representatives, call to talk: Lukashenko's statements

Ukraine needs to negotiate, not just "posture," the Belarusian president said

Ukrainian army loses first BRAWLR anti-aircraft missile system in special op zone

Russian servicemen of the Battlegroup North destroyed the system

Moldova cannot join EU without Transnistria — former president

According to Igor Dodon, Moldova should also not join the EU alongside Ukraine

Armenia at crossroads and threats against Belarus: Kremlin's statements

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia, as an ally of Belarus, would always stand by this country in resolving economic issues and repelling various threats

US seeks to buy European section of Nord Streams, resell Russian gas to EU — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister believes that it will be at a substantial markup

Perpetrators of attack on bus carrying kids identified, wanted — Investigative Committee

The perpetrators will be arrested in absentia soon

Escalation on Ukrainian-Belarusian border and Armenia's choice: CSTO statements

Chairman of the CSTO's Permanent Council Viktor Vasilyev stressed that Armenia's membership in the CSTO would be thoroughly discussed

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian authorities to contact Apple before responding to removal of apps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that clarifications will be required from the corporation

Ukrainian attack on Voronezh on June 22 kills six people — governor

Alexander Gusev said the total number of casualties currently stands at 68

Rubio’s statements threaten to derail Iran deal — source

According to the source, the Iranians are increasingly suspicious that a sort of division of labor is taking place within the US administration, aimed at pressuring Iran to participate in "parallel negotiations"

Russia now in state of legal war with West — Foreign Ministry

According to Gennady Kuzmin, this also concerns legal initiatives within international organizations "aimed at isolating countries of the multipolar world, including Russia"

Removing VK from App Store not to isolate Russian services — Foreign Ministry

No one should have any illusions that a significant part of the Western IT infrastructure is being used as an instrument of pressure, censorship and promotion of the political agenda of a dictatorial order, Maria Zakharova said

Russia, Thailand to move to using national currencies in trade — expert

Executive Director of the Russian-Thai Business Council Vladimir Kovalyov says the countries have already established the necessary mechanisms

Trump says values Russia, China, Turkey’s non-interference into war against Iran

The US president called the decision "pretty amazing"

IN BRIEF: SVR on difference between unfriendly and hostile, West underestimating Russia

Western countries have assessed the sanctions they imposed on Russia as "unable to achieve their intended goals"

Italy's visa hurdles for Russians counterproductive — political scientist

Sandro Teti said the number of Russian tourists fell by 95%, and they prefer to travel to other countries

Rubio believes no final agreements reached in Anchorage

According to the US state secretary, there was "a proposal" in Alaska

Russia not to stop on front line to start talks on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled that Moscow had already did that when the sides had reached the agreement in Istanbul

Russian interceptor FPV drones destroy Ukrainian heavy-payload UAVs in ramming attack

The Ukrainian R-18 UAVs were uncovered by radar teams within the Battlegroup West area of responsibility

At least 32 people killed in Venezuelan earthquake — agency

According to acting President Delcy Rodriguez, rescue workers from other countries will arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours

Russian forces notice Polish mercenaries, females in Ukrainian assault squads — officer

While the deputy commander of the 1st Battalion of the 1194th Regiment of the Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Yusa, has not personally engaged with the female assault troops, he remarked that their level of professionalism is evident

South Africa advances to FIFA World Cup playoffs

The team beat South Korea 1-0 and is second in the group with four points

France captures alleged Russian shadow tanker off Sicily as UK plans to sell seized oil

The French Navy is now escorting the tanker to an anchorage for additional inspections

State of emergency declared in Venezuela after earthquake

Caracas’ international airport has been closed due to damage

Belarus to stand by Russia in any situation — president

As Alexander Lukashenko emphasized, there is no other way

Overnight drone attacks on Russia cause casualties in Crimea, spark fire at oil depot

Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea killed two people, including a child

UK, Italy, Poland, France, Germany announce intention to bring Ukraine closer to NATO

According to a joint statement, the E5 leaders "reiterate their commitment to deepening NATO’s partnership with Ukraine"

Fico states intention to do everything to keep Slovakia out of military loans for Ukraine

Bratislava is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Kiev, the prime minister added

Russian aircraft surpass foreign peers — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the new airplanes, MC-21, SSJ-100 and Il-114 "have a very good level"

Ukrainian POW demands 'just punishment' for Ukraine army commanders, Zelensky

According to Sergey Rykov, the policy course being pursued by the Ukrainian leadership is pushing the country’s population to the brink of extinction

US disappointed with UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany as NATO allies — Trump

The US president also criticized Spanish authorities as they "don't want to pay anything"

Investigation launched into von der Leyen over secret chat with Zelensky — newspaper

European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho is examining whether the EC violated transparency rules by refusing to grant the Dutch organization Follow the Money access to the correspondence

US hopes to reach agreements with Iran through constructive dialogue — secretary of state

According to Marco Rubio, Washington believes that it would lead to a positive outcome

Belarusian president says he recently met with Zelensky’s envoys in Minsk

As Alexander Lukashenko noted, Kiev understands that Minsk cannot be drawn into the conflict in Ukraine

Russia calls Brussels' complaints ridiculous

Europe does not allow its media to relay Moscow's position, and then it blames Russia for everything, Maria Zakharova said

Thailand interested in buying Russian energy resources — expert

Executive Director of the Russian-Thai Business Council Vladimir Kovalyov says Russia is the largest and most reliable supplier of energy resources to third countries

Peoples of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine to 'be together again' at some point — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president also stressed that "Russia and Belarus share a common homeland"

Russia to promptly consider any Venezuelan request for assistance — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that based on the available information, the number of victims is likely much higher than the figures currently reported by the media

Brazil, Morocco reach World Cup knockout stage

Brazil tops Group C, with Morocco in second place

Venezuela hit by strongest earthquake in 126 years — NYT

The disaster in Caracas 126 years ago killed 21 people and injured 50

IN BRIEF: 'Discrimination against Russians', 'apple of shame' in VK removal from App Store

All VK apps previously installed on Apple smartphones and other devices will continue to function, according to the company

Bosnia-Herzegovina reaches FIFA World Cup playoffs for first time

This became known after Brazil defeated Scotland

Cuban president accuses US of waging relentless war against republic

Washington is seeking to deprive the country of the ability to meet the fundamental needs of its people, Miguel Diaz-Canel says

Russia to respond legally if oil from tanker seized by Britain is sold — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the issue concerns "the purchase, expropriation, and sale of products" obtained through "piratic methods"

West left Russia no option but special military operation — Italian expert

Sandro Teti expressed regret that the security proposals that Russia put forward in 2021 were disregarded by the West

Former Polish PM acknowledges Kiev's extermination of Donbass residents after 2014 coup

Leszek Miller noted that it is difficult to say today how many people actually died on the Ukrainian and Russian sides

US, Iran may revert to status quo in next 60 days — Australian expert

Jane Hardy noted that the initial consequences of the conflict’s settlement are already noticeable in the global economy

US seeks $672 million for removal of Iranian uranium, nuclear inspections — TV

According to sources cited by Fox News, the amount is part of a broader $80 billion supplemental funding request

No use talking to ‘vassal’ Ukraine, racism, Western piracy: Medvedev comments

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Western elites retain the ideas of racial and national superiority

Russia’s modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft makes debut flight at 600 km/h speed

Rostec reported that flight plan was implemented in full and there are no issues with the aircraft