{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Israel won't put up with Turkey's military presence in Syria — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister said that the prior warnings on the issue were not heard "clearly enough"

TEL AVIV, August 19. /TASS/. Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military presence in Syria that threatens it, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.

"We will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria because it threatens Israel," the prime minister’s office quoted him as saying. "We sent a clear message: don’t. Apparently, they didn’t hear it clearly enough, so we made sure they understood it better," he added.

Earlier, Netanyahu’s office said that Syria was "close to undermining" the security status quo with Israel by allowing the deployment of Turkish troops at an airbase in the north of the country. Syria TV reported on Tuesday that Israeli Air Force planes had carried out strikes on a military airfield in the Idlib Governorate. According to the TV channel, the attacks resulted in material damage.

Tags

Syria Israel Turkey

Ukraine's cabinet initiates suspensions of Sense Bank leaders amid scandal

The bank is mentioned in newly released recordings by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

Khmara appointed defense minister by decision of Zelensky’s Western patrons — expert

Sergey Yurchenko added that the situation at the front and on the international stage will not change after this appointment, since it is too late for Ukraine to make any changes

Press review: US, Iran opt for war of attrition as Kiev diverts focus with Russia attacks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 17th

Trump says pipelines can reduce Hormuz Strait's importance

Record numbers of pipelines are being built, the US president added

Trump says North Korea has 57 'very powerful' nuclear weapons

Donald Trump added that he would not have allowed it, had he been president earlier

Liberation of Kudiyevka creates logistical difficulties for Ukrainian troops — official

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Kudiyevka settlement was liberated on August 16

Russia’s ombudswoman sends 60 letters to UN over Kiev's war crimes against civilians

Most of them remain unanswered

UN deputy chief declines to assess Ukraine coordinator’s remarks

Tom Fletcher's statement followed a question about whether he considered Matthias Schmale’s actions to be a violation of Article 100 of the UN Charter, which requires UN staff to be impartial and independent

Submissions for 2026 Hainan film festival officially open

The 8th HIIFF will feature 10 prize categories, including the Best Picture, the Grand Jury Prize, the Best Director, the Best Scriptwriter, the Best Artistic Contribution, the Best Actress, the Best Actor, the Best Chinese Contribution, the Best Short Film and the Best Documentary

Russia entitled to view UK as party to Ukrainian conflict — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said he feels sorry for the UK if it stays with Ukraine until the very end

Russia’s Battlegroup West destroys 57 Ukrainian UAV centers, 210 drones in past day

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Ivan Bigma, three Ukrainian mortars were also eliminated

DPRK supports Russia's actions to protect sovereignty, WPK Central Committee official

Kim Yo Jong placed responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the Ukrainian crisis on the United States and other Western countries

Russian troops clear 400 buildings of Ukrainian forces in liberating Vodyanskoye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the settlement was liberated on August 19

US remains main threat to North Korea’s security — Kim Jong Un’s sister

Kim Yo Jong also noted that Pyongyang attaches no significance to the reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea announced by US President Donald Trump

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns Japan of strike in response to possible threat

Kim Yo Jong stated that the DPRK is closely monitoring Japan’s attempts to build up its military capabilities

NATO vows to defend US bases in Europe — Reuters

Earlier, the anonymous sources claimed that Iran is allegedly prepared to launch strikes against US bases not only in the Middle East

US establishes corridor in Strait of Hormuz for covertly transporting oil — news outlet

According to sources cited by Axios, between 15 and 20 tankers pass through the strait’s southern channel along the coast of Oman every day, exporting roughly half of the pre-war level of oil from the Middle East

Russia’s key task is transition to sustainable economic development model — Novak

According to the Russian deputy prime minister, this is precisely what the structural transformation plan is aimed at

INTERVIEW: London has no interest in closer Russia-Europe ties, ambassador says

The British are, in essence, among the architects of the prolonged and deadly confrontation in Ukraine, Andrey Kelin said

Japan needs to maintain relations with Russia including in energy sector — expert

Taisuke Abiru said that Russia is deeply dissatisfied with the strengthening of Japan’s ties with NATO and Ukraine, and is signaling that it may respond to Tokyo’s continued sanctions

Number of drones downed while approaching Moscow since start of day reaches 23

Emergency services specialists are working at the sites where debris fell

Putin stresses need to strengthen Russia’s sovereignty

The president highlighted that Russia was already implementing a plan for structural changes in the economy

US believes Oman made too many concessions in talks with Iran — AP

According to the agency, the United States disagrees with a number of agreements reached by Iran and Oman

Russia awaits interesting proposals from Vatican envoy — Federation Council

Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Grigory Karasin noted that Russia welcomes visits by foreign officials and politicians who come to reach agreements

Russian athletes’ problems with entry visas to last for no more than one year — minister

Mikhail Degtyarev believes the sports federations will start withdrawing from the countries that assume the most anti-Russian position

Kusturica slams blocking of his YouTube channel as 'war on truth'

Official reason for the channel's removal was not specified

Weakening US 'nuclear umbrella' increases risk of nuclear proliferation — TV

Researchers note that many US allies perceive Washington as increasingly distant and unreliable in providing nuclear deterrence

Readiness to ask no questions led Khmara to defense minister’s seat — DPR politician

Alexey Muratov added that a similar principle was used in the case of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, whose main task is "to sell Kiev to Western sponsors, begging for money and weapons in exchange for guarantees Kiev cannot fulfill"

Roscosmos says distribution of ISS deorbiting responsibilities being discussed with NASA

Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov says the sides have about a year and a half in reserve for negotiations

Ukraine’s Zelensky should resign before he is forced into it — German daily

The author of the German-based Berliner Zeitung article believes that instability and weakening of negotiating positions are not the main threat to the country

FACTBOX: Putin’s statements on positive economic growth, impact of Ukrainian attacks

Boosting investment activity is the primary condition for economic growth in Russia, the head of state said

Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft arrives in Serbia to help fight major wildfires

The aircraft landed at Nis airport

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Canada exceeds 30,000

Most coronavirus cases were reported in the provinces of Quebec (15,857), Ontario (8,961) and Alberta (2,158)

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 260 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed nine enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Tehran virtually halts oil exports to foreign markets — central bank governor

Abdolnaser Hemmati says that the country has foreign exchange reserves

Ukraine plans to legalize disposal of missing soldiers' bodies as surgical waste — source

According to the Russian security source, the measure is being considered in part because Ukrainian morgues are overcrowded with unidentified remains

Russian embassy points out violations of international maritime law by Rome

According to the diplomatic mission, the European Union has continued to take unlawful action against foreign vessels as it boards and seizes them

With Khmara as defense minister Ukraine to continue sabotage against Russia — MP

Alexander Boroday noted that Khmara essentially remains an "SBU special forces operative", which is why he will use the same methods in his new position that he used previously

Ukrainian forces attack minibus on Novorossiya highway in DPR

Russia’s Matvey Safonov ranked 10th among world’s best goalkeepers — ESPN

The ranking of the world’s best goalkeepers is topped by Spain’s David Raya from England’s Arsenal FC

Almost all recent illegal migrants leave Ceuta for Morocco — Foreign Ministry

According to the press release, illegally entering Spain through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, enter mainland Spain, or travel freely across Europe

Russian Emergencies Ministry sends aircraft to Serbia at its request to fight wildfires

The Russian Il-76 aircraft is equipped with specialized firefighting equipment, including water-dropping systems for combating large blazes

Western countries on UNSC refuse to compromise on peace, security issues — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya stated that decisions that are not adopted unanimously do not carry the same weight on the ground as consensus resolutions

Russian aircraft to begin firefighting in Serbia on August 20 — group head

Aircraft Commander Andrey Vilkov says the city of Nis "is welcoming us with open arms and wonderful people"

Trump would like to meet with Kim Jong Un this autumn — WSJ

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the US president has discussed with his advisors the possibility of holding face-to-face talks with the North Korean leader during his next trip to Asia, but no official planning for the meeting is underway

Large-scale NATO air force activity recorded near Kaliningrad — Russian war correspondent

Yevgeny Poddubny reported that multiple reconnaissance aircraft operated simultaneously close to the Russian border

US fighter jet flies over Baltic Sea near Russia’s Kaliningrad Region — source

The aircraft flew in from Reykjavík, passing through the airspace of Norway and Sweden along the way, and also flying over Poland

Ukraine's cabinet initiates suspensions of Sense Bank leaders amid scandal

The bank is mentioned in newly released recordings by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

Trump threatens Oman over planned deal with Iran on Strait of Hormuz — AP

According to the agency, the US president is under growing pressure regarding the situation in Iran because of his promises to promptly win the conflict, weaken Tehran, and conclude a more favorable nuclear deal

Trump leaves open possibility of US-Iran talks resuming

The US president repeated that "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons" and reiterated that Washington has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz

Cyprus taking precautions against potential threats — news agency

The source said that four Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jets, as well as the Nikiforos Fokas frigate, are currently stationed in Cyprus

Damage reported at Ufa oil refinery as Russia intercepts 453 Ukrainian drones overnight

A medical university student from India was injured in the attack

Russia’s grain harvest to reach 100 mln metric tons in coming days

Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut noted that the volume harvested this year is higher than last year

Novak, Siluanov comment on Russia’s GDP growth, additional support for regions

TASS has compiled the key statements on the economic situation in Russia

EU readies infrastructure for large-scale military conflict — diplomat

Attention is being paid, among other things, to adapting the civilian transport and logistics infrastructure to the tasks of military planning and operational mobility, Yulia Zhdanova said

Trump leaves open possibility of further sanctions on Iran

The US president said "very draconian sanctions" were being considered

Ukrainian detained in Croatia in Nord Stream case — German Prosecutor General's Office

The suspect is expected to be extradited to Germany to face charges and will appear before an investigating judge

Disruption of Grossi's visit to Zaporozhye NPP act of terrorism — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky said the visit was meant to be a routine event as part of the rotation of the Secretariat's experts at the plant

Russian Su-25 plane safely returns to airfield in Ukraine sortie after Stinger strike

The aircraft is "quite survivable in combat conditions", a navigator of a Russian air squadron noted

Russian troops liberate Vodyanskoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

South Korean prosecutors ask for death penalty for ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol

Yoon Suk-yeol is charged with organizing a rebellion against the constitutional order by attempting to impose martial law in December 2024

Russia has begun importing fuel to boost domestic supplies — Novak

The Russian government earlier decided to extend the import damper mechanism to diesel fuel, a move intended to provide additional economic incentives for supplying imported diesel to the domestic market if necessary

Strike on Abu-Duhur could provoke military clash between Israel, Turkey, Syria — US envoy

According to Tom Barrack, the lack of clear channels of communication between the states could have made the situation "much more serious"

Rada may change location for safety reasons — agency

The Rada building is located in the center of Kiev

One soldier killed, three injured during training in Canada

On April 3, Canadian Armed Forces began large-scale training exercises in the western province of Alberta

Russia views US threats against Oman as efforts to apply pressure — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, Moscow hopes for a swift resolution of the situation and the restoration of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region

Zelensky’s position threatened most since 2022 by Fyodorov’s comment — WSJ

According to the publication, Mikhail Fyodorov’s words are interpreted in Kiev "as the opening gambit in a potential run for the presidency"

Number of injured in chairlift collapse in Russia’s Nalchik climbs to eight

It was clarified that two of those injured had been discharged following a medical checkup

Ex-deputy head of Zelensky’s office Mudraya detained — lawmaker

Irina Mudraya is currently under an investigative procedure at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

Russian Baltic Fleet ships conduct naval drills with gun practice

According to the exercise scenario, the naval crews detected approaching enemy UAVs, put the ships’ air defense systems on combat alert, and analyzed the obtained air situation data

IN BRIEF: Remains of Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy discovered

A combined study has proven their authenticity

Situation in Middle East does not critically impact Norilsk Nickel’s supply logistics

Vice President Anton Berlin said that ships take about three weeks longer to sail, and freight costs are slightly higher

Pashinyan says Armenia understands simultaneous membership in EAEU, EU impossible

The Armenian prime minister said the strategic goal of adopting the law initiating the process of the republic’s accession to the EU is to create an alternative for the country

The Economist reports panic in Ukraine over shortage of Patriot missiles

As winter approaches, Ukraine has requested at least 300 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems

Rusal aluminum output up 4.5% year-on-year to 2.01 mln tonnes in January-June

According to the report, global primary aluminum production in the first half of the year edged down 0.1% year-on-year to 36.4 million tonnes

Israel won't put up with Turkey's military presence in Syria — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister said that the prior warnings on the issue were not heard "clearly enough"

Trump orders to scale down military drills with Seoul due to Pyongyang

The US leader noted that South Korea sends a hostile signal to North Korea

Sergey Naryshkin: Russia wasn't the one who started it all

The speaker of Russia’s State Duma in TASS special project Top Officials