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Middle East conflict

Over 200 prominent Israelis urge PM to end West Bank violence — newspaper

The New York Times reported that the letter was signed by two former prime ministers, more than three dozen retired Army and Air Force generals, the former heads of the nation’s foreign and domestic intelligence services, as well as rabbis, a Nobel laureate and one of Israel’s most revered novelists

NEW YORK, September 1. /TASS/. More than 200 prominent Israelis, including former senior officials and military officers, signed a letter in June, calling on the government to stop attacks against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, The New York Times reported, citing sources.

According to the paper, "the signatories included two former prime ministers, more than three dozen retired Army and Air Force generals, the former heads of the nation’s foreign and domestic intelligence services, as well as rabbis, a Nobel laureate and one of Israel’s most revered novelists."

In their letter, they called for an end to "Jewish terrorism" and the "ethnic cleansing" underway in the West Bank. They also accused Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of failing to stop the violence and pursuing a deliberate policy in which the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet security service and the police are complicit.

Accusations from such a large group of former senior Israeli officials "are virtually unheard of," The New York Times noted.

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Palestine Israel

Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit kicks off in Kyrgyzstan's capital

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has already greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin

US seriously considers use of nuclear weapons in Europe — Russian MFA

According to Andrey Belousov, Washington’s efforts to initiate discussions on Russia’s non-strategic nuclear weapons serve to divert international attention from what he described as the threat posed by US nuclear weapons stationed in Europe

Rosatom plans to expand construction of small-scale, large NPPs in Iran, CEO says

According to Alexey Likhachev, a second group of specialists is preparing to return to the Bushehr NPP

Putin’s talk with Pashinyan to be pragmatic, respectful — Kremlin

The Armenian prime minister now has different views on the possible future configurations for his country, but cooperation with Moscow brings great benefits to the Armenians, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Putin informs Indian PM Modi about Russia’s special military op progress — Kremlin

The Russian leader had a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in Bishkek

Iran relocates missile production facilities to safer places — IRGC

According to adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the production sites are now operating with the use of the most advanced technologies and increased production capacity

Russian air defenses down over 90 Flamingo cruise missiles in summer — TASS estimates

The largest number of the missiles was shot down in a single day on August 15

SCO continues to expand as countries share same ideas — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov specified that the participants adhere to an approach "based on mutual respect rather than rules imposed by a boss on vassals"

Tanker struck by three projectiles in Hormuz Strait — British maritime security authority

According to the statement, no casualties or environmental impact has been reported

Putin describes relations with Kazakhstan as ‘two-way street’

The Russian president noted that trade between the two countries had grown in 2026

Maduro posts photo of him in prison

Venezuelan President addressed it to his grandchildren and children

Kiev finds it increasingly difficult to protect its energy, military facilities — governor

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo sees Mikhail Fyodorov’s proposal to the Americans as a piece of creative bargaining to get new weapons deliveries and investments

China successfully conducts first launch of Pallas-1 carrier rocket

The rocket’s flight proceeded normally

EU preparations for State Duma election provocations, plans to null results — SVR

According to the intelligence service, the West has mobilized "all the ‘weapons’ from the arsenal of anti-Russian aggression" to destabilize the country ahead of the elections

US Army Secretary Driscoll submits resignation — newspaper

According to the report by The Wall Street Journal, the official is expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming days

NATO attempts to use Arctic to contain Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia favors constructive dialogue in all regions of the world but, when necessary, will defend its national interests "by all available means"

Ukraine hiding truth about its casualties from public, arms suppliers — Crimea sources

General mobilization has been in effect in Ukraine since February 2022 and has been extended repeatedly

Iran seeks peaceful settlement of conflict with US, not continuation of war — president

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, there are forces in the US seeking to escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington to gain an advantage

Eastern Economic Forum begins in Russia’s Vladivostok

The forum will be held from September 1 to 4

Polyus' adjusted net profit under IFRS falls 59% to $829 mln in 1H 2026

The company's revenue for the reporting period grew by 27% year-on-year to $4.7 billion

Trump says may continue strikes against Iran

The US president added that his awareness of serious troubles in Iran "doesn't mean we won't smack them"

Military from local special forces units took part in mutiny in Niger — Russian diplomat

The uprising was suppressed by the authorities with the assistance from the Russian defense ministry’s Africa Corps

Russia’s stance unchanged on Moscow’s readiness to receive Zelensky — Kremlin

President Vladimir Putin said that if Vladimir Zelensky wants negotiations, he can come to Moscow, Dmitry Peskov recalled

Putin urges students to believe in themselves in Knowledge Day message

The Russian president noted that today’s school and university students "are the ones who will continue our great Motherland’s track record of victories and achievements"

Jordan intercepts eight Iranian missiles — Petra news agency

The type of the missiles is unknown

Press review: EU mulls Russia-linked tanker seizures as US deal opens Venezuela oil access

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 31st

Talking about mediation in Iran war still difficult — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said the situation unfolding in the Persian Gulf around Iran will be discussed on Tuesday by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian

Putin arrives at Bishkek's Yrys Ordo Congress Hall for SCO summit

The Russian president was welcomed by Kyrgyzstan’s leader Sadyr Japarov

Cooperation between Russia and India constantly reaches new frontiers — Modi

The Indian prime minister stressed that moving forward together had been the shared vision

US Treasury chief rules out agreements with Russia until Ukraine conflict ends — agency

According to a source cited by Reuters, Scott Bessent told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that no economic relief for Russia or agreements on other issues were possible until the conflict was over

Mass rollout of digital ruble begins in Russia

At the first stage, the country's largest banks will offer their clients the ability to conduct transactions using the digital national currency, while all credit institutions will join the system by September 2028

Kiev using ‘human shield’ to protect military-industrial complex — expert

The local population serves as the bargaining tool in this system, Dmitry Barov noted

Putin, Pashinyan to discuss bilateral agenda on SCO summit’s sidelines — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said it is a good opportunity to have such a discussion

Russian delegation arrives in Washington for G20 sherpa meeting — envoy

The first meetings will take place on December 15-16, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev said

World thirsts for peace, growth — Xi

The Chinese leader noted that the world was undergoing unprecedented rapid changes, not seen in a century

Zelensky boosts peronal security — expert

"The paranoid mood of the illegitimate Ukrainian president has intensified ahead of the so-called Ukrainian Independence Day and continues to this day," Andrey Marochko

Hungary backs creation of ‘security corridor’ on NATO’s eastern flank — agency

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban emphasized that Hungary would not become a "weak link" in NATO, as it is "firmly committed to the principles of unity and solidarity within the alliance"

Death toll from Nepal’s landslide rises to 974 — TV

China Central Television did not provide information on the number of injured

Russia, Kazakhstan never had major problems in relations — Tokayev

According to Kazakh President, if any minor conflicts arose, they were due to "purely economic disputes"

Russia-India tourist exchanges grew 16% in 2025, Putin says

Speaking about humanitarian cooperation, the Russian president noted that India is among the leading nations in terms of the number of students studying in Russia

Kalashnikov unveils model of new AK-12+ assault rifle at EEF

The rifle uses 5.45 mm ammunition

Plan for further regulation of digital platforms approved in Russia

The government’s subcommittee on the development of digital platforms has approved the roadmap for legislative initiatives for 2026-2027

Trump says China ‘relatively inactive’ on Strait of Hormuz

The US president added that he has "a very good relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Serbia thankful to Russia for helping fight wildfires

According to the Emergencies Ministry, its Il-76 aircraft was operating in Serbia’s Kolubara District on Monday

Ukraine's agricultural exports nearly halve month-on-month in August

August exports dropped to 1.726 million tons from 3.287 million tons in July

Ukrainian army carries out 24 attacks on DPR in past day, injures civilian

The attacks damaged five residential buildings, along with several trucks and special-purpose vehicles, as well as seven civilian infrastructure facilities

US considers limited strikes against Iran in Strait of Hormuz region — Axios

According to sources cited by the portal, the US goal is to prevent Iran from reconstituting its radar and missile capabilities to attack ships

Zaporozhye NPP unable to replenish emergency generator fuel due to Ukrainian attacks

"The plant has sufficient fuel for its diesel generators," Yevgenia Yashina added

Ambassador to Belgrade doubts The Hague court to release details of Mladic’s death

Aleksandar Vranes noted that there were no justice for Serbs in The Hague

Russia to respond to hostile actions of its opponents, including asymmetrically — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that Russia favors constructive dialogue but, if necessary, will defend "national interests by all available means"

Zelensky speaks with US envoys over phone

According to the head of the Kiev regime, the parties discussed "setting a date for a visit to Ukraine"

Russia welcomes any country’s efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that so far the Kiev regime has been unwilling to be influenced by any mediators

Russia, Uzbek presidents discuss bilateral relations, joint projects

The leaders also hailed the 12% growth in bilateral trade this year

Putin lauds SCO becoming truly international organization

Vladimir Putin recalled that the organization had been established at Russia and China’s initiative

EU fails to create jungle vs garden opposition in world — senior Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev commented on Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez's remarks that Russia is allegedly involved in the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Putin proposes making Russia-China visa-free regime permanent

The Russian president noted that visa-free travel had helped increase tourist flows between the countries

Putin hails Modi’s role in strengthening Russian-Indian relations

The Russian president stated that he was pleased to meet with the Indian prime minister again

Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing develops in all areas — Putin

The Russian president specified that Moscow and Beijing are implementing major projects in the energy sector, industry, space, transport and logistics

Bank of Russia projects key rate at 14.5-14.6% in 2026 under baseline scenario

The key rate is projected at 10.5-12.5% in 2027

Russian forces hit over 150 vessels carrying military supplies to Ukraine in summer

More than 80 targets were hit in July

Six members of banned organization Jehovah's Witnesses convicted of extremism In Moscow

To date, more than 30 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization have been involved in criminal cases in Moscow and the Moscow Region for their participation and involvement in the activities of an extremist organization

Kiev’s mobilization plans show Ukraine lies about battlefield losses — media

The head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office earlier said that Ukraine needed to recruit at least 30,000 people a month to maintain troop strength

Poland scrambles fighter jets to escort Russia’s Il-20 aircraft over Baltic Sea

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that Polish airspace was not violated

Global sports won't 'bend' to 'whims' of individual nations — Russian Olympic chief

Mikhail Degtyarev underscored that the major competitions on the IOC calendar would be organized where there were no obstacles for individual participants

IRGC say they downed MQ-9 drone over Strait of Hormuz

The drone was taken down in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz

Trump claims about 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz every night with US assistance

The US president noted that "a lot of oil is coming out," and the price has not increased as some forecasts had predicted

Musk not letting Kiev use Starlink against Russia without White House’s consent — FT

According to the newspaper, the businessman explicitly stated his position in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov

Trump says wants to get on with everyone when talking about inviting Russia to G20 events

The US president added that "getting along with everybody" is "one of the reasons that I'm so successful"

FACTBOX: 239 drones downed, Ukrainian strikes on homes, logistics center in Yekaterinburg

Air defenses destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones over the Voronezh Region during the night, Governor Alexander Gusev said

IN BRIEF: What is known about detention of two Russians working for Ukraine in Crimea

According to the FSB, two Crimean residents were recruited by officers of the Ukrainian army’s special operations force via a popular messenger

US ‘big enough’ to handle threats globally, vice president says

JD Vance commented on reports of weapons shortages affecting the US ability to respond to threats

Going visa-free with China, Ukraine peace: Putin meets with China, India leaders

The Russian leader stressed that Moscow was making efforts to end the Ukrainian conflict

Putin to take part in SCO summit, hold bilateral meetings

The SCO summit will officially begin on the morning of September 1

Ukraine unable to intercept new models of Russia’s Geran drones — newspaper

According to an article in The Guardian, the new-model drones have a cruising speed of about 400 kilometers per hour, roughly twice that of the piston-engine version

Over 6,000 Ebola cases recorded in Democratic Republic of Congo

The death toll from Ebola during the current outbreak stands at 2,911

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Kherson Region

The Russian Aerospace Forces struck the enemy with FAB-1500 and FAB-500 bombs

Russia struck energy, transport infrastructure used in Ukrainian army’s interests

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 766 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and seven smart bombs over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin urges people to ignore ‘fake news’ in Western media, to focus on front realities

The fact is that nowadays, both less reputable publications and more reputable publications, as well as publications that were once reputable, do not shy away from any kind of fake news, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Russia begins mass production of Volna Kupol Garant EW system — defense source

According to the source, the Volna has become a factor affecting not only the special military operation zone, but also having global influence

Hundreds of Ukrainian military warehouses located in residential buildings — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik stated that Kiev uses Ukrainians as human shields

Iraq rejects proposal to keep coalition forces beyond September 30 deadline

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said did not specify which country put forward the proposal

US requests public comments on Russia's WTO compliance

Interested parties are requested to submit written comments or applications to participate in a public hearing scheduled for October 14, with a deadline of October 1

Lionel Messi says he's retiring from Argentina's national team

Lionel Messi said it was a decision that hurt deep inside

Cryptocurrency trading in Russia may reach $46.43 bln in first year

The conservative forecast reflects the fact that a significant share of transactions will continue to be conducted through cryptocurrency exchange services, bypassing exchange trading

At least five US military aircraft flying over Persian Gulf

Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers and Boeing KC-46A Pegasuses "are flying at an altitude of about eight kilometers, including along corridors designated for civil aircraft," a source in the Middle Eastern air traffic control services says

Putin congratulates Kazakh leader on results of parliamentary elections

The Russian leader noted the high voter turnout which had demonstrated people's support of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's course toward Kazakhstan’s further development

Sber expects 2026 profit significantly higher than last year’s

According to Taras Skvortsov, the growth rate could be slightly below 20%

Iran’s IRGC reports destroying US fighter jet deployment sites in Jordan — Tasnim

Earlier, it was reported that a series of explosions was heard on Jordan’s territory

Elections in Russia and readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow: Kremlin's statements

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is still ready to receive Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky for negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict while Russia’s position on this issue has not changed

Russian forces liberate 91 communities in special operation zone over summer

The data shows that Battlegroup North liberated the largest number of communities

180 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions during day

The Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted over 10 Russian regions

IN BRIEF: Change in effective date of new key rate and economic development scenarios

The regulator will change the effective date of the new key rate from Monday to Wednesday

FACTBOX: Russian strikes on Ukrainian logistics centers, seaports: What is known

TASS has compiled the key facts about the strikes on facilities in Ukraine.

US uses fewer weapons against Iran than provided to Ukraine under Biden — Trump

According to the US president, Washington gave Ukraine over $300 billion worth of ammunition during this period

Russian, US finance chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation — Russian Finance Ministry

The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is taking place on August 31 and September 1 in Asheville, USA

Russia moving toward Ukrainian conflict settlement — Putin

The Russian leader also thanked Narendra Modi for sharing his expectations for Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September

Trump rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran

The US president explained that "there's no reason for it"

The Hague deprived Mladic medication after his family refused euthanasia — ambassador

General Ratko Mladic died in a UN prison in The Hague on August 27

Kalashnikov to unveil model of its latest AK-12+ assault rifle at Eastern Economic Forum

The weapon will be on display in the Voin Center pavilion at the Far East Street exhibition

Russians top overall medals standings at IFBB World Fitness Sport Games in Turkey

The Russian national bodybuilding team was represented at the competitions by 16 athletes

Rosatom building 16 out of 28 reactors abroad in SCO countries, CEO says

According to Alexey Likhachev, units in China, India and other countries are currently in the commissioning phase