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Middle East conflict

Hamas keeps half of living hostages in combat zone — official

The Hamas official demanded the Israeli authorities "immediately engage in talks on the release or evacuation" of the hostages

CAIRO, April 4. /TASS/. The Palestinian movement Hamas keeps half of the living Israeli hostages in dangerous combat zones, Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement.

"Half of the living hostages are staying in areas where the Israeli military has recently ordered evacuations. We decided not to move them to safe places but leave them where they are, tightening their security. However, they are still in extreme danger," he wrote on Telegram.

The Hamas official demanded the Israeli authorities "immediately engage in talks on the release or evacuation" of the hostages.

In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. During its first phase, which ended on March 1, the parties were supposed to agree on the implementation of the second phase of the deal but they failed to do so.

On March 18, the Israeli military resumed military operations in Gaza, carrying out intensive strikes on the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the move was due to Hamas’s rejection of proposals put forward by mediators and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the Israeli authorities, the goal of the operation is to ensure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas, in turn, blamed Israel and the US for the resumption of military activities.

According to the latest data from Israel, the radicals still hold 59 hostages in the Gaza Strip. One of the hostages is Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass whose close relatives are Russian nationals.

Iran's nuclear program

Iranian president confirms discussions with US in Oman to occur via intermediaries

Earlier, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran does not intend to engage with Washington directly due to the United States' prior violation of a nuclear agreement

West tried to destroy Russia's UN resolution against Nazism — Lavrov

"In the past two years, the West <…> has tried to kill this resolution by introducing amendments that draw parallels between Nazism and Nazi crimes and events of the special military operation," the minister said

Press review: Iran, Russia, China plan talks as US and China intensify trade conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 8th

Russia protests detention of its diplomat at Paris airport — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova described the incident as a "shameful show" orchestrated by Paris

Iran’s foreign minister calls on US to reject ‘military option’ to make headway in talks

"We face a significant wall of mistrust and harbor serious doubts about the sincerity of intentions, made worse by US insistence on resuming the ‘maximum pressure’ policy prior to any diplomatic interaction," Abbas Araghchi said

Washington yet undecided on reducing military presence in Europe — Pentagon

According to the report, the Department of Defense is currently undergoing a global force posture review, but no decisions have yet been made

US tariffs will hit Slovakia harder than other EU countries — Russian ambassador

The situation is also negatively affected by anti-Russian sanctions, the halt of supplies and transit of Russian gas through Ukraine

US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to arrive in Middle East in coming days — TV

The source said that the majority of troops and equipment sent to reinforce US troops in the region has already arrived there, Al Jazeera reported

Russian forces strike Ukrainian missile/artillery depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the past day

US SPACECOM chief urges Pentagon to deploy weapons in space

General Stephen Whiting highlighted the critical role of space-based interceptors, particularly as part of America’s evolving Iron Dome missile defense system

Russia ready for dialogue on Ukraine, will not let it be used to strengthen Kiev — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya also noted that the scenario being discussed by Russia and the United States is aimed at finding a sustainable, long-term solution to the Ukrainian conflict

Russia to step up number of ground-based robots in army — top defense official

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov pointed out that the defense industry and volunteer organizations delivered several hundred ground-based robots to the Russian military in 2024

Tariff wars impact inflation in Russia — Bank of Russia Governor in Duma

The Central Bank sees global tariff wars intensifying and evaluates the channels of their influence on the Russian economy, Elvira Nabiullina added

Trump administration unearths issues within US intelligence community — expert opinion

According to Alexander Stepanov, the structurally complex US intelligence community has never been subjected to such intense internal scrutiny

US, Russia working on detailed plan of de-orbiting ISS — NASA deputy chief

"We work that together as a team with our Russian colleagues and all of our other international partners," Ken Bowersox said

Kiev betrayed its spiritual values, history — Lavrov

"Forgetting history, their spiritual values, their roots, if you wish - all of this became one of the main reasons for what we are currently seeing in Ukraine," the minister said

US not satisfied by current situation around Ukraine — Trump

"So we're meeting with Russia, we're meeting with Ukraine, and we're getting sort of close," US President added

Ukrainian air defenses’ incompetent actions behind civilian deaths in Krivoy Rog — envoy

"The Russian Defense Ministry reported that as a result of a high-precision strike by a missile with a high-explosive warhead on the site of a meeting with commanders of formations and Western instructors, the enemy’s losses amounted up to 85 servicemen and foreign officers, as well as up to 20 motor vehicles," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian General Popov asks court to send him back to special military operation — lawyer

"Together with the Defense Ministry, we have filed a petition to suspend proceedings in the case and change pre-verdict restrictions in connection with a decision to send Ivan popov to the special military operation," the lawyer said

Some 20% of Serbs left Kosovo in past 18 months — Russia’s UN envoy

It has happened due to discriminatory policies of the Pristina leadership, Vasily Nebenzya said

White House confirms increase of duties on imports from China to 104%

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump believes that President of China Xi Jinping wants to make a deal

Russian lower house ratifies Treaty on Strategic Partnership with Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the document to the State Duma in March

Russia, Iran, China at consultations in Moscow consider scenarios after JCPOA — MFA

"Various options and scenarios are being considered regarding what will occur after the current Security Council resolution expires on October 18 of this year," Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said

Russian defense chief sets task to outline process of development of robots for army

The defense ministry ordered the relevant officials and the organizations to determine the order of developing ground-based systems and address their flaws based on the current needs of the army

Through its special operation, Russia is preventing a war of nuclear states — Kremlin

When asked whether Russia viewed Finland or Sweden’s membership in NATo as an "existential threat," Dmitry Peskov gave a negative answer

Talks with Japan now impossible, Kremlin says

Dmitry Peskov recalled that "Tokyo has rushed to fully join all unfriendly and hostile steps with regard to our country"

Chinese charge d'affaires in Kiev summoned to Ukrainian MFA — top diplomat

According to Andrey Sibiga, the reason for the summoning was the alleged participation of Chinese citizens in hostilities against the Ukrainian armed forces

Russian diplomat criticizes Zelensky for deceptive reaction to strike on military meeting

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the attack led to the enemy losing up to 85 personnel, including service members and foreign military officers

US senator claims Iran close to creating six nuclear bombs

"They will kill Israel" and "they'll come after us," Lindsey Graham said

US Special Operations Forces to plan operations based on Ukrainian conflict experience

The Pentagon has set up the Center for Special Operations Analysis, according to a statement by US Army General Bryan Fenton

Zelensky holds no influence either domestically or internationally, politician claims

Zelensky and his entourage would require a total victory over Russia to vindicate themselves, which is unattainable, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Kiev reiterates offer to use Ukraine as testing ground for Western weapons

"Among the opportunities Ukraine offers to international partners are testing products in real combat conditions and developing long-term partnership within joint ventures," Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin said

Over 300 Houthi targets hit by US in Yemen since mid-March — TV

Al Jazeera television channel did not say however which targets were hit but noted the Houthis still have potential for attacks on US warships and commercial vessels

Air defenses repel drone attack on military airfield outside Russia’s Orenburg

There have been no casualties or damage

Russian-US talks to be held in Istanbul on April 10 — source

The Russian Foreign Ministry said earlier in the day that the Russian delegation will be led by Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev

US deports, extradites wanted for fraud through Interpol to Russia

Russian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Irina Volk specified that the offender had stolen money from banks from 2006 to 2007 in an organized group

Russian troops evacuate civilians from liberated Kursk Region village of Guyevo — officer

According to the report, Russian military units, as they pressed on with their offensive, had overcome "stubborn enemy resistance"

Brent oil price drops below $61 per barrel on ICE first time since March 2021

As of 3:00 a.m. Moscow time, the Brent price was down by 5.39%, to $60.89 per barrel

Trump’s trade wars may push more countries to join BRICS — Russian expert

Ekaterina Arapova emphasized that one of BRICS’ fundamental principles is inclusivity

US says its troops to keep helping with Ukraine aid after pulling out of Polish airfield

On April 7, the command announced it was transferring military personnel and equipment from Rzeszow to other bases throughout Poland

White House insist that talks with Iran will be direct

"I won't further any details from this podium, for obvious reasons, security reasons," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Ukrainian army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 60 UAVs in past day

A civilian was injured on the Tomarovka-Rakitnoye road

Russian army to push Ukrainian troops out of two last settlements in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier on Tuesday that Russia’s Battlegroup North units had liberated the settlement of Guyevo

Western brands inquiring about running ads in Russia — advertising agency

According to National Advertising Alliance Director General Alexey Tolstogan, those brands that continue to operate in Russia, but do not advertise, can launch PR campaigns right away

Russian forces liberate settlement of Guyevo: developments in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian military lost over 290 troops in the past day, as well as a tank, three armored personnel carriers, four armored combat vehicles, seven motor vehicles, two mortars and four drone control points

German politician calls for resuming gas supplies from Russia in response to US tariffs

"Stock markets are plummeting and there is a real threat of a global financial crisis," Sahra Wagenknecht said

No point in peace treaty talks with Japan until it changes attitude to Russia — diplomat

The Japanese foreign ministry said earlier that the country’s government is determined to sign a peace treaty with Russia, despite their strained bilateral relations

Russia, US to hold next round of talks at Russian consulate general in Istanbul — diplomat

Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiyev will head the Russian delegation

Possible US-Iran conflict to entail dire consequences — Russia’s deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko clarified that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran is not a military alliance

Trump assassination attempt suspect tried to buy rocket launcher in Ukraine — Fox News

According to the report, a month before the failed assassination in September, Ryan Routh wrote to a "Ukrainian contact" via an internet messenger and asked to "send me a rpg rocket-propelled grenade or stinger"

Russian artillery wipes out Ukrainian army’s fortifications in Lugansk region — expert

After the artillery strike, Russian data-recording equipment registered the destruction of two enemy mortar teams and eight soldiers of the Ukrainian infantry

US to start collecting 104% duties from China since April 9 — Fox Business

China missed its deadline to remove tit-for-tat tariffs, reporter Edward Lawrence noted

At least 58 killed in nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic

Other details are not known, according to Listin diario

Reconnection of Russian banks to SWIFT depends on negotiations on Ukraine — lawmaker

Disconnection of Russian banks from SWIFT began after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine

Trump orders aides to be ready to trade deals with other countries — White House

As Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted, "countries like China that have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers are making a mistake"

Europe now aggressive towards Russia, but all global tragedies began with that — Lavrov

"Only after World War Two, when Europe was weakened, the Americans became the leaders of the so-called free world, and then it was them who initiated the majority of conflicts on the planet," the minister said

France fails to grant visa for senior Russian diplomat, MFA spokeswoman says

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia has repeatedly pointed out systematic violations by France of its obligations under international law as a host country to UNESCO and other international organizations

Apple loses most valuable company status as its shares drop 23% over last 4 days — TV

According to the TV channel, as of the close of trading on Tuesday, Microsoft's value was $2.64 trillion, while Apple's market capitalization was $2.59 trillion

Ukrainian forces planted mines at cemeteries in Kursk Region during retreat — sapper

According to the report, bomb disposal specialists while surveying these territories are invariably wearing armored gear that can weigh up to 50 kg

Air defenses down 158 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions this night

In particular, 67 drones were intercepted over the Krasnodar Region, 29 UAV's over the Rostov Region and 15 — over North Ossetia-Alania

Damascus recalls envoy to Russia, shift in diplomatic mission's lead ahead — source

No official statement have been made by the Syrian Foreign Ministry so far

Press review: Trump’s trade war may spark recession as Europe backs 'Russia conflict' idea

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 9th

Russian diplomat sees NATO seeking to move frontline eastwards, with no plans for peace

The North Atlantic Alliance is doing everything to add fuel to fire in the Ukraine conflict, Maria Zakharova said

Trump believes that China will eventually sign trade deal with US

"They want to make a deal," US leader said

Musk unsuccessfully asked Trump to reconsider US retaliatory tariffs — newspaper

The media outlet also recalled that the businessman said over the weekend that he would like to see a "free trade zone" between Europe and the United States

Russia sees opportunity for launching transit route via Pakistan — senior diplomat

"We see huge potential in the sphere of facillitating transport and logistical routes," Andrey Rudenko said

Some Ukrainian commanders questioned legality of Kursk attack — top brass

According to Alexander Syrsky, before the assault commenced, he had visited the troops to explain the purpose of the offensive to service members

Solution to Iran nuclear issue could be like Libya's or involve military force — Netanyahu

According to the Israeli prime minister, he discussed the issue during talks with US President Donald Trump when they met in the White House on April 7

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

Ex-top Ukrainian commander confirms reports of secret center for coordination with US

According to Valery Zaluzhny, the coordination center, initially established at the headquarters of the United States European Command in Stuttgart, was later transferred to Wiesbaden

Support of Ukraine raised NATO’s preparedness for future conflict in Europe — Pentagon

US Special Operation Forces in Europe have been boosting its interoperability with similar European military structures for many years, Commander of the SOCOM Gen. Bryan Fenton said

Russia will regard any foreign military presence in Ukraine as a threat, diplomat warns

"This could escalate into a direct military conflict between our country and specific NATO members involved in these so-called missions, which would effectively mean the entire alliance," Maria Zakharova stated

France, UK preparing military intervention in Odessa — Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the proposed "coalition of the willing" as nothing more than "a meme"

Death toll in Dominican nightclub roof collapse rises to 79

The rescue operation will continue for as long as there are missing persons, Juan Manuel Mendez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center in Santo Domingo, said

US may withdraw up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe — TV

NBC pointed out that this initiative builds on Western concerns regarding Russia strengthening its positions in the region

Tiraspol concerned about Moldovan authorities’ aggressive rhetoric towards Transnistria

During the meeting, the Transnistrian delegation urged Moldova to intensify negotiations aimed at settling bilateral relations

China did not deploy troops to participate in Ukraine conflict — MFA

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian clarified that Beijing was investigating reports concerning allegations that Chinese nationals were involved in Russia’s special military operation

Peacekeeper deployment to Ukraine to mark ‘leap towards WWIII’ — Kyrgyz defense chief

"It would mark the beginning of confrontation, further worsening the situation along Russia’s western border and in eastern Europe," Lieutenant General Batkybek Bekbolotov stressed

US uses Ukrainian crisis to divert attention from trade war — political analyst

Andrey Sushentsov believes that "Russia and the United States remain adversaries on numerous international issues, but for the first time in many years, they are seeking to manage this rivalry"

Putin grants Russian citizenship to actress and singer Natalia Oreiro and her son

Natalia Oreiro said in an interview that she had applied for Russian citizenship in June 2020

Russia-US Istanbul talks to focus solely on operation of diplomatic missions — US official

The Russian foreign ministry said that the Russian delegation to the second round of Russian-US consultations in Istanbul will be led by Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe Sonata Coulter will lead the US delegation

Russian forces fighting to liberate last two communities in Kursk Region — defense source

Fierce battles continue in the village of Gornal and the farmstead Oleshnya

Ukrainian command orders to abandon injured troops in Kursk Region — prisoner of war

According to the POW, his group was ordered to proceed to an evacuation point during the retreat, but when the Ukrainian servicemen arrived at the rendezvous point, there was no evacuation vehicle

US, Iran to hold meetings, not talks in Oman — US Department of State

US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce recalled that both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio insist that Iran must not possess any nuclear weapons

Lithuania's territorial claims against Russia justify Moscow's actions — Kremlin

Earlier, the Lithuanian president referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania"

EU does not understand it pushes world to largest conflict since World War II — Zakharova

Maria Zakharova stated that the primary "instigators" of this "group of fixated fanatics" are the United Kingdom and France, led by President Emmanuel Macron

Moscow ready to 'lend hand' in US-Iran nuclear talks — senior diplomat

"We sincerely wish our Omani friends success in their mediation role," Andrey Rudenko said

New pandemic inevitable, WHO chief asserts

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the dire consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide

Russian army to liberate remaining Kursk Region villages soon — expert

According to Oleg Ivanov, Ukrainian soldiers are likely to barricade themselves in the Gornal monastery and continue fighting but the village will be liberated anyway

Paris, London obsessed with idea of sending their troops against Russia - Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat expressed hope the European leaders had not completely forgotten the lessons of history

Darchiev, Coulter to lead Russian, US delegations to talks in Istanbul — Foreign Ministry

"The second round of Russian-US consultations on normalizing the operation of the two countries’ diplomatic missions will be held within days," the ministry said

Court in Rostov-on-Don sentences member of nationalist battalion Azov to 18 years

The court found that on September 17, 2019, Artur Tkachenko voluntarily joined the banned terrorist regiment Azov

Lavrov to discuss Ukraine at Antalya Forum but not with Kiev’s top diplomat — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, "the situation around Ukraine will be discussed literally at every meeting"

Russian soldiers in Guyevo were confronted by Ukrainian elite units

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that units from the battle group North had liberated Guyevo

Russia, US to hold next round of talks in Istanbul on April 10, Russian diplomat confirms

The Russian delegation will be led by Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiyev

Europe has ordered $265 bln worth of US weapons during Ukraine crisis — NATO general

Purchases of US weapons are the easiest way for allies to make sure their weapons systems are compatible, US General Christopher Cavoli added

China will not tolerate US hostility, basis for dialogue absent — MFA

The US "is enforcing tariffs on China indiscriminately," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said

China to take drastic measures in response to Trump’s 104% tariffs — MFA

Beijing will not tolerate actions that undermine China’s sovereignty, development goals, and security, the diplomat emphasized

North Korean leader’s sister denounces push for denuclearization as attack on sovereignty

According to Kim Yo Jong, her country’s nuclear status is "the result of an unavoidable choice that accurately reflects hostile external threats and the evolving dynamics of global security, now and in the future"

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Russia’s Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft with international crew docks to space station

The Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft traveled to the orbital outpost under an ultra-short two-orbit scheme