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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip kill eight civilians

Several were injured as a result of strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp, Al Jazeera reported

DUBAI, May 18. /TASS/. At least eight people have been killed as a result of Israeli strikes on different parts of the Gaza Strip, Qatar’s Al Jazeera reported.

According to the TV channel, five people were killed and several injured as a result of strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in the north of the Gaza Strip. One person was killed in a strike on a school in the west of the camp.

Two other Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on the towns of Rafah and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 240 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, and has been delivering air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes have also been reported on the West Bank.

Tags

Palestine Israel Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Netanyahu says he accepts invitation to speak before both chambers of US Congress

The office pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister will become the first world leader to speak before both chambers of the Congress for the fourth time

Putin congratulates Armenian PM on his birthday in phone call — Kremlin

Leaders also discussed several pressing issues on the bilateral agenda

Clooney Foundation for Justice calls on EU, ICC to arrest Russian journalists

The foundation also intends to encourage individual EU countries to initiate criminal proceedings against Russian journalists for the so-called war propaganda

Medvedev cautions West not to underestimate Russia's willingness to use tactical nukes

The senior Russian official believes it is possible that the conflict between Russia and the West has already entered its final stage

Progress space freighter to dock at ISS

The space freighter will stay in orbit for 173 days

US on brink of severe economic crisis — VTB CEO

The world is in a state of flux now, Andrey Kostin noted

Indonesia’s defense chief says his peace plan on Ukraine still relevant

Prabowo Subianto convinced that his proposal at the last Shangri-La dialogue remains logical and necessary

Biden’s foreign policy course leads world to ‘nuclear Armageddon’ — expert

According to the political researcher, the current US President proceeds from the idea, cemented in the minds of American politicians after the dissolution of the USSR, that the USA, allegedly being the only superpower, are entitled to uncontrollably expand the network of its military bases and to demonstratively cross red lines of Russia and China, both of which have nuclear weapons

Brazil willing to contribute to achieving peace in Ukraine — presidential advisor

Peace may be possible only if the interests of both parties to the conflict are considered, Celso Amorim, the foreign policy advisor to Brazil’s president, said

Issue on potential strikes on Russia with US weapons not discussed by NATO ministers

Antonio Tajani said that its use is confined to "the Russian positions, where Kharkov is being shelled from"

Russian authorities propose setting up shelters to guard against nuclear threats

The document proposes to create civil defense facilities by "erecting objects using fully assembled structures, including block-modular type or other materials," the document says

Russian MFA thinks it crucial for Taliban to have firm control over Afghanistan

"Any disintegration of Afghanistan would have the most negative reverberations across the region," Zamir Kabulov said

FSB releases documents showing use of children by Abwehr against Red Army

After a month of training, 10 children were transported across the Northern Donets River near the village of Kamenka in the Kharkov Region

Musk praises Russian mathematician Perelman for proving crucial theorem

Grigory Perelman proved the Poincare conjecture in 2002-2003 and turned down a $1 million prize awarded to him

Up to 100 nations are registered to participate in 2024 BRICS Games in Russia’s Kazan

The 2024 BRICS Games will be held in Kazan on June 12-23 and will feature events in 20 different sports

Almost 70% of Chasov Yar liberated — lawmaker

There is concrete, there are concrete fortifications, as it is not a bare steppe, said Viktor Vodolatsky

Russian battlegroup wipes out six Ukrainian depots near Kherson in past day — governor

Among other targets, Russian forces destroyed 36 drones, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system and 47 observation posts, Vladimir Saldo said

Russia to give devastating response to potential aggressor — diplomat

"Russia has clearly designated its "red lines," and we strongly recommend not to cross them," Konstantin Gavrilov said

Ukraine may strike targets on Belarusian territory, Lithuanian Foreign Minister says

Gabrielius Landsbergis claimed that, if Russia deploys its troops or ammunition depots in the neighboring country, then the "choice of targets should be shifted as well"

Strikes on Russia with US arms may begin in matter of hours or days — NYT

Earlier, the Pentagon confirmed that US President Joe Biden’s administration had authorized Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia with American-made weapons

Wrap-up of Ukraine news: West prepares for war, no deal yet for NATO to coordinate support

TASS has put together key events in and around Ukraine over the past day

Hungary wants to prevent Europe from entering war with Russia — Orban

According to the Prime Minister, it is necessary to prevent the implementation of EU and NATO’s dangerous plans that lead to the expansion of the conflict in Ukraine and to vote for parties that advocate peace, not war, during the upcoming elections to the European Parliament

First group of French military instructors already dispatched to Ukraine, says lawmaker

On May 27, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces Alexander Syrsky signed documents that should allow French instructors to visit training centers in Ukraine

Press review: West pushes to take Russian assets and Moscow moves to recognize Taliban

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 30th

Seventy-five Russian soldiers return from Ukrainian captivity after negotiations

"All the released servicemen are receiving required medical and psychological assistance," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian soldier who defected on T-64 tank says he was urged in Poland to spy in Donbass

According to Maxim Likhachev, the Polish special also wanted to know about his birthplace and where his closest relatives actually lived

Ukrainian soldier who joined Russian forces on T-64 tank urges fight against Kiev regime

Russia’s special services reported earlier that a former Ukrainian soldier had surrendered to Russian troops near Donetsk

NATO using 'flamethrower' to try to extinguish Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the longer the Ukrainians continue firing projectiles, the farther the Russians will advance"

Hungarian PM backs Trump, wishes him success in US election

"I know President Trump as a man of integrity. While in office, he has always put America's interests first, earned everyone’s respect, and used it to promote peace," Viktor Orban said

Russian troops compel Ukrainian army to retreat 8-9 km in Kharkov area — defense chief

Russian troops liberated 28 communities in May in their courageous and professional operations, Andrey Belousov said

Police detain 28 protesters outside Armenian Foreign Ministry

As a result clashes, seven police officers and several demonstrators sought medical assistance

US limits use of its weapons to avoid clash with Russia — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the US has approved the use of GMLRS missiles, HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems and artillery systems in the Kharkov Region, and banned the use of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles to strike deep into Russian territory

US, Ukraine to finalize bilateral talks on security arrangements in next several weeks

Spokesperson for the US Department of State Matthew Miller said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba also discussed the situation on the battlefield and the upcoming Switzerland-hosted "Summit on Peace in Ukraine"

Warsaw ready to train draft-age Ukrainians living in Poland — foreign minister

Warsaw has already said that it is ready to help Kiev return draft-age Ukrainians resigning in Poland but only after the European Union makes a relevant decision and Kiev issues a relevnt request

Kiev opens hunt for Ukrainian soldier who escaped to Russian troops on T-64 tank

Maksim Likhachyov said that he had guessed how the Ukrainian authorities would act but stressed he had no regret for his move

France’s ex-President Sarkozy says cannot even imagine French-Russian conflict

In his opinion, Europe needs to focus on pursuing an independent policy on the continent

Poland promised US to directly participate in war against Russia — ex-judge

"The decision to use the Polish army abroad is made by the president at the prime minister’s request," Tomasz Schmidt said

NATO countries’ intention to continue war with Russia will backfire — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that NATO countries, primarily the United States, are consciously heading for a new round of tensions and provoking Ukraine to continue a senseless war with Russia

EU has no evidence of China supplying weapons to Russia — Borrell

However, he alleged that components made in Western countries, including the United States, Europe, and Great Britain, may be used in the production of Russian military equipment

Hamas ready to consider any proposals for lasting ceasefire in Gaza

The Palestinian movement positively assesses US President Joe Biden’s May 31 speech on Gaza

Lukashenko, Putin discuss security, preventing escalation of Ukrainian conflict

During the discussion of the international agenda, the two leaders also touched upon the future summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana

Musk says jury verdict against Trump damages US legal system

The US businessman noted that if even an ex-president of the United States can be prosecuted "over such a trivial matter - motivated by politics, rather than justice," anyone "is at risk of a similar fate"

Putin, Security Council discuss international cooperation in fight against terrorism

The President said that several speakers were scheduled to make reports and handed over the floor to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Battlegroup North continues to advance deep into enemy’s defenses

The Ukrainian military suffered losses of up to 225 troops, a tank, six vehicles and an ammunition depot, Sergey Zybinsky, the battlegroup’s spokesman, said

Israel ready to continue talks on releasing hostages with Hamas — embassy in Russia

Israel expects release of three Russian citizens held captive by Hamas

Russian diplomat dismissed allegations about use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine

"The so-called inspection report on this matter by three former sanction experts from Great Britain, Japan, and South Korea will not become an independent or reliable document even if the US envoy says this one hundred times and the Ukrainian prosecutor’s office puts its seal under it," Anna Yevstigneyeva said

Hungarian movement reminds Macron that Napoleon was defeated in Russia

The letter of Hungarian Community for Peace Association expresses "shock and indignation" over the French president’s remarks about the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine

Kremlin slams Clooney Foundation as insane people for idea to arrest Russian journalists

The foundation wants to encourage individual EU countries to start prosecuting Russian journalists for "war propaganda"

Press review: NATO mulls longer leash for Kiev and US, China grapple for power in Asia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 31st

If restrictions on Kiev's use of Western arms lifted, Russia to respond properly — MFA

"Russia's security will be ensured, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said, by creating a buffer zone in Ukraine," Maria Zakharova said

Urine processor stops functioning on ISS due to pump failure

"We’re in a position where we have to store urine onboard station," NASA’s ISS Program Manager Dana Weigel said

Most of Staromayorskoye community near Donetsk comes under Russian control, says official

"Assault groups are following motorcycle units and now heavy armor, including tanks, have emerged and are delivering fire inside the communities in that direction," Vladimir Rogov said

Russian soldiers released from Ukrainian captivity delivered to Moscow

All the released POWs are receiving the necessary medical and psychological assistance

Turkish troops may be withdrawn from Syria if border security ensure — Defense Minister

Yasar Guler claimed that it was Turkey who "saved Syria from ISIS [Islamic State, outlawed in Russia] militants" and pointed out that Ankara is ready to aid Damascus in reinforcement of its security, preparation of a new Constitution and holding elections

NATO weapons to be hit in any country from where Russia may be attacked — Medvedev

The senior Russian official added that Moscow proceeded from the fact that all long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine were already "directly operated by servicemen from NATO countries"

Russian PM Mishustin discusses bilateral relations with his Armenian counterpart

Mikhail Mishustin congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday

Americans 'spank' Duda for provocative statements on nuclear weapons — ex-judge

Polish President Andrzej Duda said in late April that Poland was ready to host NATO nuclear warheads

NATO countries facilitating strikes on Russia to pit whole alliance against Moscow

This "individual aid," Dmitry Medvedev said, is about "controlling its long-range cruise missiles or sending a contingent of troops to Ukraine"

Palestine must be urgently granted sovereignty, territories, Turkish foreign minister says

"If you let Palestine work as a full-fledged state, the international community will no longer have to help Palestine so intensively," Hakan Fidan stressed

Russia hammers Ukrainian military sites with 25 precision strikes over week

Russian combat aircraft and air defense forces shot down two Ukrainian MiG-29 and two Su-27 fighter jets over the week

Russian defense chief calls for enhancing border security amid Afghan instability

"The risk of gangs and terrorism spilling outside the country is growing," Andrey Belousov pointed out

Houthis launch five drones, two ballistic missiles from Yemen, CENTCOM says

According to the US Central Command, neither warships nor commercial vessels were hit

Russian lawmaker sees buffer zone in Kharkov Region as response to Ukraine’s terrorism

"The escalation of the conflict, for which Washington and NATO are fully responsible, is forcing Russia to take all necessary measures for defense and victory over the enemy," Leonid Slutsky said

Contact with Russia on Crocus attack an example of partnership — French defense minister

"France was criticized for maintaining contact with Moscow and the Russian authorities," Sebastien Lecornu noted

Western instructors in Ukraine sustaining losses — Putin

According to the Russian president, "it is becoming more and more difficult for them to conceal these losses"

Ukraine claims Dnieper Hydroelectric dam in critical state

"We are not even talking about power production now, head of the Kiev-managed regional administration Ivan Fyodorov said

Nordic countries’ assistance to Ukraine reach 17 bln euro

The statement notes that the Nordic countries have signed bilateral agreements with Ukraine on security guarantees

NATO never hesitated if its weapons can be used against Russia — MFA commentary

"It was obvious that the NATO members were lying, putting up a smokescreen and making up stories that they allegedly had not yet decided whether or not to allow the Kiev regime to carry out strikes with Western weapons on Russian territory," Maria Zakharova said

Strikes on Russia with Western weapons to make talks impossible — Chinese expert

Zheng Runyu added that "the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine will only escalate and neither side will be able to compromise"

Houthis claim attacking US aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in Red Sea

According to the spokesman, the strike was delivered with several missiles and rockets that reached their target

Politician monitoring Russian election forced out of Germany, settles in Russia

The Hamburg branch of the Alternative for Germany party had initiated proceedings to expel Olga Petersen from the party

Russia confirms reports of France preparing to send troops to Ukraine

Maria Zakharova pointed to the documents signed by Alexander Syrsky, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, which give French instructors the legal right to visit the Ukrainian army’s training centers

Russia’s S-500 missile systems to usher in new era in air defense — Defense TV

System is highly resistant to electronic interference, which ensures its reliability even under most complex scenarios on the battlefield

Netherlands approves Ukraine using F-16s over Russia

"If you have the right of self-defense, there is no geographical boundaries on making use of weapon systems," acting Dutch foreign minister Hanke Bruins Slot said

Another Dutch mercenary reportedly killed in Ukraine — TV

The channel notes that it is reportedly a third Dutch mercenary killed in Ukraine

New sanctions on Russian metals not affecting Norilsk Nickel sales

According to the company's department director Mikhail Borovikov, traditionally Norilsk Nickel have never supplied the metal to the exchange and tried to make 99% of sales to end users

Full-scale war between Russia, West can’t be ruled out, expert says

"A number of officials, particularly in France and the United Kingdom, have said that individual military units from NATO countries may be deployed to Ukraine," Russian International Affairs Council Director General Ivan Timofeev said

State Duma to discuss recognizing Clooney Foundation as undesirable in Russia

The commission quoted Vasily Piskarev as saying on its Telegram channel

US defense chief denies NATO expansion caused Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin blamed the Russian authorities for the Ukraine conflict

G7, EU discuss sanctions to target ‘Russian SWIFT’ — Bloomberg

According to the agency, these measures would target third-country financial institutions using the Bank of Russia’s Financial Messaging System

Russian air defenses down 62 Ukrainian drones, 14 HIMARS rockets, three Hammer bombs

Battlegroup South took up better forward edge positions, causing Ukrainian forces to sustain roughly 660 casualties, report said

US forgives Kiev much as it suits Washington as tool in its anti-Russian fight — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that, in August 2021, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky advised people associating themselves with Russian culture to move to Russia for the sake of their children and grandchildren

Russian ministry lists politician Duntsova, rights activist Litvinovich as foreign agents

Also listed were Maria Andreyeva, an activist at a group called The Way Home, and politician Pavel Ivanov

US allows Kiev use its weapons against targets in Russia for counter-fire — Pentagon

"Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of ATACMS or long range strikes inside of Russia has not changed," the official added

Russian troops to receive 2,000 Gortenzia 7 FPV drones in Ukraine operation

Gortenzia 7 FPV drones are designed to strike enemy manpower, shelters, dugouts and armored equipment

Belgium not to allow using its F-16 jets outside Ukraine — PM

Alexander De Croo also urged Europe and the United States to remain united and do their utmost in order to defend themselves and help Ukraine

Russia’s defense chief sees NATO, EU fueling tensions in Georgia

"Proposals are being made to sign a peace treaty exclusively at Western venues and to their dictates," Andrey Belousov added

Latest radar station goes on combat alert in Russia’s south

The new radar station has replaced its Nebo-U predecessor and is a follow-up of its systems

Poland scrambles warplanes amid Russia’s long-range aviation activity

The Polish Air Force last scrambled its warplanes on May 26

About 40 explosions heard in skies over borderline city of Belgorod

The governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that as a result of the Ukrainian forces’ air attack, four houses in the village of Razumnoye were damaged

People evacuated from Moscow subway’s Sportivnaya station — emergency management services

According to officials, the incident happened due to a "small technical malfunction"

Kiev may fall within 'buffer zone' if West sends Ukraine long-range weapons — Russian MP

As the distance between Lugansk and Kiev stands at 482 km, the buffer zone should include Kiev, Viktor Vodolatsky said

There may be no Ukraine in 50 years due to US betrayal — Tucker Carlson

US is selling off lands in Ukraine to foreign investors, and will flood country with third-world migrants, journalist stated

Europe prepares for war with Russia, Hungarian PM says

According to Viktor Orban, every week he sees more and more signs that the EU and NATO are preparing for military action

Russian tech firm develops robotized ground system with kamikaze capability

This ‘cart’ has already been tested in the special operation area during an assault on an enemy stronghold

Polish elites chomping at the bit to occupy West Ukraine — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, in the current international climate, Poland is seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, hoping "to take revenge on Moscow for losing a geopolitical confrontation in the past"

NATO hopes airborne radar plane supplied to Kiev to expose Russian air defenses — expert

"Given Saab 340 AEW&C range, the system’s use is theoretically possible outside the range of Russian air defenses and fighter aircraft, including over international waters, or from positions in neighboring NATO countries," Alexander Stepanov said

US ex-president Trump found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records

Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of a felony by a jury

CAR President thanks Putin for deliveries of grain to the republic

Faustin-Archange Touadera said that this decision made it possible to stabilize the flour prices

Georgian PM slams ODIHR’s opinion of foreign agent law as legally void

According to ODIHR, the law has serious drawbacks making it incompatible with international human rights standards and the country’s commitments as an OSCE members

FACTBOX: Accident on Moscow subway’s red line

A technical malfunction disrupted traffic between the University and Park Kultury stations on the subway’s red line. According to the city authorities, no one was hurt