The top Israeli military official says the recent shooting attack in a crowded entertainment area of Tel Aviv has created fear among local people, who now dread walking the streets. 

Russia has condemned the United States' fresh sanctions on two of its largest banks, saying they are a direct blow to the Russian population and ordinary citizens.

The Kremlin spokesman has encouraged dialogue with the West “sooner or later.”

Russian foreign minister has arrived in China for talks on Afghanistan, in his first visit to the country since Moscow began its offensive against Ukraine.

Russia says it will “radically” reduce military activity around the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and the northern city of Chernihiv, in what is described as the most tangible sign of progress toward a peace deal aimed at ending a military offensive in the former Soviet state.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Moscow has completed the main objectives of the first phase of the special military operation in Ukraine and that the army will be focusing on the “liberation” of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, collectively known as the Donbass.

Former president Dmitry Medvedev​​​​​​​ says sanctions won’t sway Russia as the West cranks up pressure on Moscow and the conflict with Ukraine enters the second month.  

Western leaders have stepped up pressure on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, agreeing to increase military aid to Kiev and tighten their sanctions on Moscow.

A number of Arabs have accused the West of double standards for banning Russia from international sports events following its military operation in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson says Russia's security policy dictates that the country could only use nuclear weapons if its very existence were threatened.