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Middle East conflict

Witkoff, Kushner to go to Israel on October 20 to try to save Gaza ceasefire — TV

Earlier in the day, Israel attacked dozens of Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire

TEL AVIV, October 19. /TASS/. US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Israel on October 20 in a bid to try to save the Gaza ceasefire agreement amid the current escalation, the Kan radio station said.

Earlier in the day, Israel attacked dozens of Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire.

Israel and Hamas resumed Egypt-, Qatar, the United States, and Turkey-mediated indirect talks on settling the situation in the Gaza Strip on October 6. On October 9, the parties to the conflict signed n agreement on the implementation of phase one of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan. The ceasefire came into effect on October 10.

Putin-Trump Budapest Meeting

AfD leader calls Budapest best place for Putin-Trump meeting

Co-chair of the Alternative for Germany Alice Weidel also thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for "not allowing to be misled in his efforts toward peace and compromise"

Russia insists on objective probe into Nord Stream blasts — ambassador to Germany

Sergey Nechayev recalled that "the target of this unprecedented act of sabotage was critical infrastructure designed to ensure the energy security of Europe and, first and foremost, Germany"

Over half of South Koreans oppose unification with North Korea — poll

The poll was conducted from July 10 to August 13 and involved 1,000 respondents

Press review: Putin meets Syria’s interim leader as EU plans to increase military budget

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 16th

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 510 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia hopes to make progress on Ukrainian settlement at Budapest summit — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also pinpointed an intention to discuss the bilateral relations

Furniture elevator used during Louvre heist was stolen by robbers — media

According to the newspaper, the vehicle was put up for sale on the Leboncoin adds website by a man whose identity is not disclosed

Russia insists that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Kiev remains inadmissible — MFA

As Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underscored, "the idea of supplying missiles directly conflicts with the rhetoric of 'peace' that Western officials often cite"

Serbia’s in a desperate situation after EU decision on Russian gas — Energy Minister

According to Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic, thanks to "President Aleksandar Vucic’s excellent relations with world leaders," Belgrade hopes to find a solution and is doing everything possible to resolve the current situation

EU countries to face penalties for severing oil, gas contracts with Russia — Szijjarto

Hungary is receiving oil and gas from Russia under contracts that are to remain in force for several years more, the minister said

Austrian politician calls to stop aid to Kiev until Nord Stream investigation complete

Christian Hafenecker pointed out that the OMV oil and gas company, owned by the Austrian state by almost one third, invested about 800 million euros in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline

Russian Office of General Prosecutor closely monitors Northern Sea Route expansion

"The Arctic region remains one of global environmental security zones," Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said

Estonian Foreign Ministry declares Russian diplomat persona non grata

"The activities of the person in question have violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and they have to leave Estonia by 29 March," according to the Estonian Foreign Ministry

Iran to consider IAEA cooperation proposal if it presents any — SNSC

Following the activation of the Snapback mechanism, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has previously stated, Iran will revise the Cairo Agreement, Ali Larijani said

Slovenian foreign minister hopes Budapest talks will promote peace in Ukraine

Tanja Fajon also emphasized the "necessity of Kiev’s involvement" in all peace negotiations

Hungary, Slovakia refuse to participate in EU's anti-Russian tribunal — source

Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas mentioned a problem with establishing this body which had been supported merely by 25 out of 27 EU countries, without going into details

Zelensky says Ukraine approaching end of conflict — media

Vladimir Zelensky indicated a desire to participate in a possible meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, in Budapest

Russia has proof of US’, UK’s involvement in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines — diplomat

The publication of the evidence will depend on how the situation around the investigation unfolds, Maria Zakharova said

Discussions of Russia-US tunnel project begin, Russian official says

Special Representative of the Russian President for Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmiriev said earlier that the tunnel could be completed in under eight years and that the costs would not exceed $8 billion

The New Finnish Doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev finds historical parallels in the behavior of the current leaders of Finland and their predecessors from almost a century ago and recalls the aftermath of their aggressive attacks on Russia

Lavrov, Rubio discuss steps to implement understandings reached by Putin, Trump

"On October 20, a phone conversation was held between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

No Russian citizen is liable to extradition to another country — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Russia would deal with the situation following June 24 on its own, "without external commentators"

First Russia-UAE business forum to be held in Dubai on December 10

Representatives of leading companies, investment funds, technology startups and logistical operators of the two countries will take part in the forum

Kiev turns Kherson into 'cannon fodder' source, abducting people for army — governor

According to Vladimir Saldo, men in Kherson are afraid to leave their homes, and "the occupation authorities have turned the city into a source of cannon fodder"

De Gaulle’s grandson calls on Macron to drop aggressive rhetoric about Ukrainian crisis

Pierre de Gaulle expressed hope that "peace will be established swiftly, now, without delays," and France "will take part in this, even if not immediately"

Russia, Tanzania agree to exchange data on promising oil and gas projects — ministry

The relevant agreements were reached during a working meeting between Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin and Tanzania's Ambassador to Moscow Fredrick Ibrahim Kibuta

About 200 US troops involved in creation of coordination center for Gaza — WSJ

The center will collect information about the situation in Gaza in real time from various sources, including reconnaissance drones and international organizations

Trump suspects billionaire Soros of involvement in organizing No Kings protests

The US president strongly objected to being compared to a king

Russian fighters improve position on approaches to Krasny Liman in one week — DPR head

Russian units have been very active in moving towards Yampol this week, Pushilin added

Romania receives no request for Russian president’s flight — foreign minister

Flying through Romanian airspace is one of the likely routes for the Russian leader on his way to Budapest

Preparations for Lavrov-Rubio meeting, spirit of Anchorage — senior diplomat's remarks

Sergey Ryabkov noted that the Russian side will continue to convey the importance of the work within the framework set at the Anchorage summit to its US colleagues

Paris’ position on Ukraine conflicts with its citizens’ interests — De Gaulle’s grandson

Pierre de Gaulle noted that "France is no longer a really sovereign state"

Russia reduces holdings of US state debt in October — US Treasury Department

Russia's long-term US Treasury securities stood at $28 million ($61 million in September), while short-term amounted to $3 million ($12 million in September)

Russia ready to send floating power plant to Mauritius — ambassador

Irada Zeilanova noted that such a plant will make it possible to provide the island with green energy during the long period of time

Israel receives body of one more hostage — PM’s office

Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin containing the remains of a deceased hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip

Putin call makes Trump insist on ending Ukraine conflict on current front line — media

According to Reuters, Donald Trump pushed Vladimir Zelensky to give up swathes of Ukraine’s territory at their October 17 meeting

Putin confirms plans to visit Israel in mid-January

The president also expressed his determination to cooperate with the Russian Orthodox Church and local churches in efforts to protect the interests of Christians in the Middle East

US needs Tomahawk missiles for itself, cannot deplete its stockpile — Trump

The US leader described these cruise missiles as "a vicious, offensive, incredibly destructive weapon"

Dmitry Rogozin: My planning horizon is infinite

Roscosmos Corporation CEO in a TASS special project Top Officials

Zelensky cheated Trump on natural resources deal, ex-Ukrainian PM says

Vladimir Zelensky misled Donald Trump because he himself had no clue, Nikolay Azarov said

Russian pipeline gas supplies to China up 18.9% in January-September

According to updated statistics in the agency's electronic system, Russia is the leading supplier of this energy resource to China

Russian diplomat debunks EU’s accusations of Moscow using gas as ‘blackmail’

Maria Zakharova noted that Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo had reacted in a quite remarkable way to Morawiecki's claims the EU was threatening Poland with World War III

Russia says UN Security Council’s humanitarian resolution on Gaza watered down due to US

This was stated by Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya at a meeting of the UN Security Council

Since 2014 coup Ukraine’s population down to 20 million — former prime minister

Nikolay Azarov recalled that Ukraine's population stood at 52 million in 1990

Russia appreciates DPRK's support for special military operation — senior legislator

Vladimir Dzhabarov recalled that, in a press conference marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russian President Vladimir Putin specifically praised the valor and dedication of Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces

Appeals Tribunal at IBSF rules ban on Russian athletes illegal

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov expressed hope that the decision would set a precedent for other international sports federations, banning Russian athletes from international competitions

Zelensky declares readiness for talks based on current front line

"If we want to stop this war and to go to peace negotiations, urgently and in a diplomatic way, we need to stay where we stay <...>. On the contact line," he said

EU's ban on Russian energy supplies will deprive Hungary of almost all gas — Szijjarto

If Druzhba is banned, Budapest will be dependent on a pipeline that, as tests have shown, is incapable of providing the necessary supply volumes, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Forthcoming Putin-Trump Budapest meeting vital for Hungary — Orban

The Hungarian Prime Minister said the country’s economy "will finally breathe a sigh of relief, returning to pre-war growth patterns," once the ongoing conflict in Ukraine ends

Militants from Poland, Romania, Colombia, UK, US fighting in Dnepropetrovsk Region

Colombian militants are used in the most difficult areas

Russia warned Hungary about tit-for-tat measures if its assets are seized — Szijjarto

"It once again underlines extreme danger of touching Russian assets frozen in the European Union," the Hungarian foreign minister noted

Lavrov expects EU courts to refrain from political games when making rulings on Russia

The top diplomat was asked to comment on why Russia sometimes lost cases in court, including Gazprom’s appeal against the compensation award of $2.9 bln in favor of Ukraine’s Naftogaz company

Montenegro’s refusal to let Lavrov’s plane cross its skies confirmed by Russian embassy

A picture of the document refusing to allow Lavrov’s aircraft cross Serbia’s skies was published earlier by the country’s daily Ve·ernje Novosti

Russian ambassador to Italy warns against appropriating Russian assets

Alexey Paramonov noted that the worse the situation on the ground for Kiev, the more obvious the Ukrainian state’s bankruptcy becomes

West wants Russia to be bogged down in Ukrainian conflict until 2030s — Duma member

Andrey Gurulev reaffirmed that Russian society remains united in supporting the military effort

Ukraine, Europe should participate in Russia-US discussions on Ukrainian conflict — Macron

Emmanuel Macron said it is necessary if the future of Ukraine as well as the security of Europeans are at stake

Trump spoke about security guarantees for both Moscow, Kiev at Zelensky meeting — agency

The news agency pointed out that the meeting "was a clear disappointment for Zelenskiy, who had hoped to convince Trump to supply his government with long-range Tomahawk missiles

Zelensky confirms Washington discussions on Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass

Vladimir Zelensky also said that Trump team members were concerned Ukraine could use a pause in military activities to prepare an offensive

Hungary becoming bridge between Russia, US, Europe — De Gaulle’s grandson

Pierre de Gaulle also said he is glad that thanks to US President Donald Trump’s efforts peace has been established in the Middle East

Trump complains to Zelensky about not receiving Nobel Peace Prize — Washington Post

The American leader listened to Zelensky's speech, but did not react in any way

Press review: Trump calls Putin before meeting Zelensky as Hamas, Israel on brink of war

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 20th

Zelensky tried to bribe Trump but did not succeed, Ukraine’s opposition politician says

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that that the US president toyed with Zelensky like a cat with a mouse, mocking him about the possibility of constructing a tunnel between the US and Russia

Pakistan updates barter trade mechanism with Russia, Iran, Afghanistan

The adopted amendments eliminate the mandatory requirement for prior export before import, allowing for the simultaneous export and import of goods, according to the report

Meeting of 'coalition of willing' on Ukraine to be held in London on October 24 — Macron

According to the French president, Vladimir Zelensky will also take part in the meeting

UN political mechanisms help avoid World War III, Medvedev says

Attempts to replace UN with another club of countries divides humanity, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added

Bolivia’s president elect positively assesses BRICS

"BRICS is a good trade association," Rodrigo Paz said

Shale gas loses profitability if oil price dips — Gazprom

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller also cast a doubt on Europe’s prospects of substituting Russian deliveries by shale and liquefied natural gas

AfD leader calls Budapest best place for Putin-Trump meeting

Co-chair of the Alternative for Germany Alice Weidel also thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for "not allowing to be misled in his efforts toward peace and compromise"

Ukraine was doomed to defeat in any military conflict with Russia — former PM

"With all the problems that exist in Russia, it is about 10 times stronger than Ukraine," Nikolay Azarov noted

Moscow - St. Petersburg high speed rail to cost $20.6 bln — Finance Ministry

The railroad with the length of 679 km will cover six regions: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Novgorod, Tver, and Moscow Regions

Hamas leaders did not approve violation of ceasefire in Gaza Strip, Trump insists

The US president emphasized his readiness to use force against the Gaza-based movement in the event of an escalation

Russian forces eliminate up to 1,600 Ukrainian soldiers weekly on LPR fronts — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that the enemy suffers the most substantial losses in the area of responsibility of the Battlegroup West

Witkoff reports active work to settle Ukrainian conflict

"We don’t stop after just one deal," US special presidential envoy added, referring to the agreement to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Bulgaria ready to provide air passage for Russian president’s aircraft — Foreign Ministry

"When efforts are made for peace, it is only logical that all sides contribute to making such a meeting possible," Georg Georgiev said

Several Ukrainian ports do not receive ships due to damaged infrastructure

Ukrainian Minister for Communities and Territories Development Alexey Kuleba did not specify which ports were involved

Trump says US has advanced weapons, of which many unaware

The US president stressed that artificial intelligence technologies are currently crucial

EU Council approves European Commission proposal to ban Russian gas purchases from 2028

"This decision includes a ban on the purchase of both pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia," the statement reads

Russian troops improve positions in Kharkov Region, DPR over week — military expert

Andrey Marochko added that over the reporting period, the enemy kept conducting positional battles and used maneuverable defense

Leonid Boguslavsky: Our team is bound to become a legend

The owner of the RTP Global venture capital firm in a TASS special project Top Business Officials

Trump does not believe in Ukrainian victory in conflict

The US leader also expressed confidence that the Ukrainian conflict will be settled in the end

US refrains from backing EU plan to use Russian assets for helping Ukraine — Bloomberg

According to the report, the US indicated risks to the market stability as the cause of it reluctance

Kiev loses 4,200 troops, mercenaries in battles near LPR over week — military expert

During this period, Russian forces destroyed four enemy tanks, 35 field artillery guns, 73 radio-electronic and counter-battery warfare stations, 104 munitions, fuel, and material depots, as well as nearly 400 enemy combat vehicles, Andrey Marochko added

"We came here to become Russians": why a large American family moved to Russia

October 19 marks Father's Day in Russia. American IT consultant Jozef Schutzman, who moved to Russia with his family, is celebrating the holiday alongside Russians

Many EU politicians will try to disrupt Putin-Trump meeting in Budapest — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto added that a considerable number of European leaders are advocating for more financial and military aid to Ukraine

Slovakia, UAE confident Ukrainian conflict has no military solution — Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and the UAE president discussed a wide range of issues, including the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the military-industrial sphere

Russia ready to share its experience in IT sector with APEC partners — MFA

Russia is ready to share our achievements with partners to ensure their independence and sovereignty from external pressure and blackmail from the collective West, Marat Berdyev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry for APEC issues, added

Russian forces liberating Kherson, with part of city being under their control — governor

On November 9, 2022, the then Russian defense minister, Sergey Shoigu, ordered to withdraw Russian forces in the Kherson Region from the right bank of the Dnieper, where the regional center is located, to the left bank

Houthis leave UN compound in Sana, release UN employees

All the 15 international UN employees can now move freely around the UN compound in Sana and be in touch with US structures and their families

Incident at Petrotel Lukoil refinery in Romania not harming environment

Preventive measures for the purpose of excluding the repetition of this situation and the incident investigation are underway

Intensive diplomatic efforts underway to prepare Putin-Trump meeting — diplomat

"The top diplomats of Russia and Hungary held talks to prepare for the event," Maria Zakharova said

Russia cuts united Ukrainian defense in Krasnoarmeisk, Dimitrov — deputy commander

The liberation of Novopavlovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic would also allow the continuation of the offensive aimed at completely encircling Dimitrov, Alexander Drobotov said

Russian troops advancing in all frontline areas in Donbass region, says DPR head

Russian troops are making a major advance in the Kurakhovo area, Denis Pushilin said

West coerced ICC prosecutor into issuing arrest warrant for Russian President — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov noted that Russia was not obliged to do anything under the decisions of the ICC

RTS Index slowing down after official rates release by Bank of Russia

The RTS Index added 0.36% to 1,062.27 points

Trump finishing what JFK started by negotiating peace with Russia — US lawmaker

Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican member of the US House of Representatives from Florida, expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump is committed to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and normalizing relations with Russia

Russia’s the world’s leader in gas reserves — Gazprom CEO

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller also noted significant progress in developing domestic pipe production for the gas industry

Russia will quickly push AI forward owing to huge gas reserves — Gazprom

Implementation of artificial intelligence will result in an increase in electric power consumption by major economic centers of the world by two - three times, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller said

Palestinian president calls on Hamas to release all hostages

"Peace in the Middle East is possible if the Israeli occupation ends and an independent State of Palestine is established," Mahmoud Abbas

Russian troops advance near Krasny Liman, gain foothold on Yampol outskirts, says DPR head

The Ukrainian military is trying by all means to hold on to Yampol because its liberation will cut off all supply routes for its battlegroup in Krasny Liman, Denis Pushilin stated

Developments on payment mechanisms expected in BRICS — Russian Foreign Ministry

However, no "huge leap forward" should be expected, Sergey Ryabkov noted

Launch Day: Xbox talks to TASS about new console, Bethesda & future of gaming

TASS talked exclusively with Ben Decker, Head of Gaming Services at Xbox