24 Mar, 08:56

Gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities surpasses pumping first since November 2024

The season of gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities ended on March 21 when they were 33.84% full (11.61 percentage points lower than the average as of this date in the past five years) compared to record 58.44% in the previous year

MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. Withdrawal of gas from Europe’s underground gas storage (UGS) facilities has surpassed pumping into them for the first time since November, 2024, which marks the end of the heating season, according to data provided by Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). Reserves in UGS facilities have reached their lowest point of 33.8%, which is the minimum level in more than three years. Net withdrawal from European UGS facilities in the autumn-winter season reached over 68 bln cubic meters.

Gas withdrawal from UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 114 mln cubic meters (mcm) on March 22, according to GIE. Pumping has grown to 184 mcm. Gas volumes in UGS facilities total 37.6 bcm, which is the sixth-highest level for March since records started.

The season of gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities ended on March 21 when they were 33.84% full (11.61 percentage points lower than the average as of this date in the past five years) compared to record 58.44% in the previous year. The heating season in Europe started on October 29, 2024, and lasted for 144 days, during which EU countries withdraw over 73 bcm of gas from UGS facilities.

The share of wind generation in the EU’s electricity output averaged 13% in February, and 17% in March. The gas purchase price averaged about $542 per 1,000 cubic meters in Europe in February, and around $470 in March.

LNG have been supplied from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system with record rates this month. Facilities for regasification of liquefied gas and its further pumping into Europe’s pipelines are loaded by 53% of their capacity now.

Russia reduces total gas output by 8% to 118.2 bcm in January-February

Natural gas output during this period totaled 101 bcm, marking an 8.3% year-on-year decline

Yesterday, 11:12

Nukes stationed in Belarus can be used if necessary — Russian ambassador

Under the latest agreement on security guarantees that took effect in the Union State earlier this month, the two countries view Russian nukes as a key factor in preventing nuclear conflicts or military conflicts involving conventional arms, as well as a means of containment that can only be used as an absolute last resort

Yesterday, 08:14

Waltz's future in doubt after data leak — newspaper

The report said nothing is finalized yet, and President Donald Trump would ultimately make the decision over the next day or two

Two days ago, 10:32

Kremlin does not discuss personal gifts — Peskov on portrait allegedly presented to Trump

US special envoy Steven Witkoff mentioned earlier that after a March 13 meeting in the Kremlin, he delivered a gift from Putin to Trump

Yesterday, 19:47

US to monitor compliance with agreements reached in Riyadh, Zelensky says

He pointed out that agreements on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on strikes against energy sites had been reached in Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, 18:11

Ukrainian troops destroy churches while fleeing from Kursk Region — Putin

According to the president, "it is absolutely necessary to plan the restoration of these cultural facilities in advance"

Yesterday, 18:50

Joint use of ZNPP by Russia, any other country unacceptable — Russian MFA

Moscow will never hand the ZNPP over to Ukraine or any other country, the ministry emphasized

Yesterday, 16:59

Europe wants to undermine US role in Ukrainian settlement in every possible way — Lavrov

Europe does not want to settle the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of eliminating the root causes, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Gagauzia head’s supporters gather outside anti-corruption center after her detention

The National Anti-Corruption Center said Yevgenia Gutul was detained for 72 hours as part of a criminal investigation, adding that details will be published on Wednesday

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV assembly workshops over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Astana expresses its concerns over Ukrainian attacks on oil pumping station — diplomat

Akan Rakhmetullin said that an investigation into the second attack earlier this month is currently being conducted

West tries to squeeze Russia out of Arctic under guise of fighting climate change — MFA

According to Maslennikov, Western firms are pushing "to impose artificial restrictions on Arctic shipping, which could have a negative impact on the implementation of Russian Arctic projects"

Yesterday, 10:22

NATO’s barbaric bombing of Belgrade must not be forgotten — SVR chief

NATO launched a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999

Nuclear weapons previously held by Ukraine belonged to Russia — Trump’s special envoy

Richard Grenell called it 'an uncomfortable fact'

Medvedev suggests using laser systems for defense against drones

The official emphasized that the enemy remained highly active in using drones to attack various targets, including civilian infrastructure, despite ongoing negotiations

Yesterday, 10:10

Rare gold coins stolen from French museum worth almost $656,000 found in Moscow

Russian law enforcement officers received a photo and a detailed description of the stolen exhibits

French colonel predicts collapse of NATO by 2030

Regie Chamagne predicts sweeping changes in the Western political leadership in the coming years

Yesterday, 09:55

Talks in Riyadh technical, content not to be made public — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the reports made by the delegations to their capitals are being currently analyzed

Court in Rostov-on-Don sentences 23 Azov fighters to terms of 13-23 years

Most of the accused did not plead guilty, while some partially admitted their involvement, confirming their participation in the brigade

Yesterday, 21:48

Russia, US discuss Nord Stream pipeline issue — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, 'it will be interesting if the Americans use their influence on Europe and will force it not to reject the Russian gas'

Two days ago, 14:34

Israel ready to consider military solution to issue of Iranian nuclear program — diplomat

US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on March 7 that he had sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

Yesterday, 15:14

EU will not release Russian assets — EC President

The G7 loan facility opened for using revenues of Russian assets frozen in EU jurisdiction is up to 40 bln Euro and is intended for the period until 2027, with the repayment to be completed by 2040

Yesterday, 22:12

Zelensky understands that his days are numbered — Lavrov

In Russian Foreign Minister's words, he remains popular only among 'a part of the population that shares radical, ultra-right, revanchist and Banderite views'

Strategic Yars launchers go on new patrol routes in Bologoye formation

Yars drive a hundred kilometers, build up field positions, organize camouflage and security

Russia to keep in mind ‘trust, but verify’ principle during dialogue with US — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that Washington used the dollar to punish certain countries, and, as a result, the transition to national currencies and alternative payment systems has become unstoppable

Yesterday, 21:30

White House describes data leak scandal as ‘tired gameplay’ by anti-Trump forces

Communications Director Steven Cheung described the situation as a "witch hunt"

Russia, US continue intensive contacts — Kremlin

The Kremlin posted the list of Russian and Ukrainian installations covered by a temporary moratorium on strikes against energy facilities approved by Moscow and Washington on Tuesday

Yesterday, 17:51

US intelligence points to Russia’s closer ties with Iran, China, North Korea

According to the US intelligence community, removing the accelerant of the war in Ukraine is unlikely to revert these bilateral relationships to a pre-war, 2021 baseline"

US offered Riyadh to monitor ban on strikes against energy facilities — Zelensky’s office

The deputy head added that the final decision on who will conduct the monitoring has not been made yet

Yesterday, 13:03

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Kiev seeks to derail peace agreements — Russian mission to UN

According to Dmitry Polyansky, Russia is fully ready for a military scenario of settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but prefers to settle it by diplomatic means

Kremlin says justice should be met in grain deal

The previous grain initiative worked for some time, with almost all conditions fulfilled within it, excluding those concerning guarantees for the Russian side, Dmitry Peskov noted

Yesterday, 16:45

West 'swallowed' Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory on March 11 — Lavrov

On that day Ukraine launched a record number of drones against central Russia, including Moscow and the surrounding region - nearly 340 drones, the foreign minister recalled

Yesterday, 21:09

UN not yet ready to comment on participation in Black Sea agreements — official

Stephane Dujarric added that UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was now on a visit to Turkey

Russian troops take central part of Lobkovoye settlement in Zaporozhye area

According to the report, the Ukrainian armed formations are deploying reinforcements, trying to impede the Russian army’s advance

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto plans to visit Russia today — TASS source

According to the source, Peter Szijjarto is expected to arrive in Moscow

Yesterday, 19:13

Saudi Arabia talks on Ukraine make great progress — Trump

"We're in deep discussions with Russia and Ukraine, and I would say it's going well," the US leader said

Employee of ZNPP faces 18 years in prison for plotting to kill IAEA experts

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Russia’s friends are many — Putin

"There are people in the so-called West who do not understand Russia but this does not prevent us from living and growing," the Russian leader said

Russia can maintain high operational tempo longer than Ukraine — Pentagon

Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse added that 'both sides would have a significant challenge maintaining their defense industrial base'

Kiev loses over 70,000 troops since Kursk incursion — Russia’s top brass

The ministry specified that over the past day the Ukrainian army lost more than 230 personnel, a tank, an armored personnel carrier and an armored combat vehicle

Russia’s GDP exceeds $2.3 trillion in 2024, almost doubling in four years — PM

"Domestic demand, both investment and consumer, fueled growth," Mikhail Mishustin added

EU criticizes diplomacy chief Kallas's hostile attitude towards Russia — media

Another complaint against Kallas is that she is "acting like a prime minister," according to an EU diplomat

Spain, Italy, France rebuffing European Commission’s plan to rearm EU — Politico

As a senior EU diplomat told the publication, "some countries have serious doubts on the feasibility or even the possibility of indebting [themselves] to these levels"

Yesterday, 19:17

Kremlin posts lists of energy facilities covered by moratorium on strikes

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Kiev launches over 200 UAVs per day near Belogorovka in effort to impede Russian advance

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Inflation, sanctions, enhancement of life standards: Mishustin’s address to State Duma

"Russia is among the world’s four largest economies in terms of purchasing power parity," the Russian Prime Minister stated

Convoy with humanitarian aid from France arrives in Donbass

In all, the convoy delivered around 1.5 metric tons of various humanitarian cargo, including wheelchairs, medical supplies, clothes, instruments, kitchenware and bicycles

Investigative Committee unveils more murders of civilians in Kursk Region

Additionally, Ukrainian troops engaged in looting in the villages of Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, and Zamostye

Yesterday, 14:09

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans, the top Russian diplomat said

Zelensky admits Ukraine has no money for army

On March 25, the Verkhovna Rada parliament approved a law on a sharp increase in salaries for ministries’ employees, which will be higher than those of the military

No deals with Kiev can be carried out without Ukraine’s full denazification — Medvedchuk

The politician said that these neo-Nazi gangs were created as a vanguard against everything related to Russia

Kiev’s military hits three power facilities in Kherson area since moratorium was imposed

Vladimir Saldo specified that over the past three years, a significant portion of the Kherson Region's energy infrastructure has been damaged due to shelling

Yesterday, 11:00

Kremlin says painting of its building on fire reflects Zelensky’s spiritual development

"Well, I suppose this illustrates in the best way the level of spiritual development and inner state of the one posing for these images," Dmitry Peskov noted

Keys to the homeland: how Putin became president

On the occasion of today’s anniversary, TASS reflected on the circumstances that garnered Putin the support of the Russian people

Yesterday, 11:40

Russia favors resumption of Black Sea Initiative in more acceptable form — Lavrov

Russia would like "the market of grain, and the market of fertilizers to be predictable," and for no one to attempt excluding Russia from those markets, the foreign minister noted

Yesterday, 06:18

Russian forces push Ukrainians near Sudzha crossing in Kursk region — security official

As Russian forces have advanced, scattered Ukrainian troops have found themselves completely cut off from enemy forces in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Press review: Russia and US advance Black Sea deal as nuclear divide deepens in Europe

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 26th

Yesterday, 20:34

Europe engages in ‘freeloading’ in cases with Ukraine, Yemen, NATO — Trump

US president said that 'the European Union has been absolutely terrible to us'

PM Mishustin outlines criteria for Western companies seeking to return to Russia

"First and foremost, we are considering companies that never officially announced their departure from Russia and continued operations through their subsidiaries, showing a responsible approach toward their workforce," the prime minister stated

Yesterday, 17:12

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

Kiev deliberately targets journalists, law norms for protecting them — Russian diplomat

Earlier on Wednesday, Channel One said Prokofyeva, 35, was killed by an enemy mine in the bordering area of Belgorod

Yesterday, 05:28

Russia, US may issue joint statement following Riyadh talks on Tuesday morning — CBS

According to the sources, "reports shared with the Trump administration from the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic"

Putin submits treaty on Russia's strategic partnership with Iran to Duma for ratification

The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty was signed during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow in January 2025

Russia’s Ufa submarine fires Kalibr cruise missiles during drills in Sea of Japan

The first missile was fired at a surface target, while the second one found its target at a distance of around 1,000 kilometers, at the Syurkum training range in the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk

Houthis report delivering strike on US warships in Red Sea

Representative of the armed forces formed by the Houthis Yahya Saree also said that Houthis had attacked military targets in Israel with drones

Yesterday, 18:25

Indonesia to join BRICS Bank — President

The decision was made after the proposal made by the bank's chief Dilma Rousseff and following consultations with the financial bloc of the Indonesian government, Prabowo Subianto stressed

US officials assure Europe that Trump will keep American nuclear protection in place — NYT

According to it, Trump’s views are famously changeable, and he "persists in viewing NATO as a club where members pay for American protection"

Two days ago, 17:26

US vice president ignores Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine

According to Vladimir Zelensky’s interview, he suggested that JD Vance reconsider his decision not to visit Ukraine until the armed conflict was over but the US vice president did not respond

Yesterday, 20:18

Russia in favor of negotiations with US on all fronts, including sports — Lavrov

"We are both 'for hockey' and 'for soccer.’ These are not just games, by the way, but what people want," the top Russian diplomat said

Yesterday, 19:02

Control over ZNPP cannot be handed over to Ukraine or any other country — Russian MFA

According to Moscow, "sharing the use of the ZNPP with any other country is also unacceptable. This is unprecedented in global practice"

Lavrov describes NATO secretary general as ‘laughable and pathetic’

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Mark Rutte 'does not want even to speak on the subject'

Yesterday, 14:42

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Two days ago, 09:15

If US appoints new president of Ukraine, it will ruin the country — Russian legislator

"This would represent a continuation of the same colonial scenario and further accelerate Ukraine's collapse," Viktor Vodolatsky said

Ukrainian army mines approaches to settlements in Kursk Region — bomb expert

The source added that the mines have also hindered the evacuation of civilians from Malaya Loknya and Viktorovka

US wants to engage China in talks on strategic arms reduction — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that Beijing commented on these plans on numerous occasions

Yesterday, 08:21

Ukrainian army tries to hold on to several villages in Russia’s Kursk Region — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Russian forces have been ensuring a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Chinese expert doubts US role as mediator in peace talks on Ukraine

Meanwhile, profound disagreement on a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine remains, and the most complex talks are yet to come, Sun Qi warned as he referred to territorial disputes and US military assistance to Ukraine

Yesterday, 23:45

Trump says he trusts his national security team despite leak scandal

US president added that his entire national security team works efficiently

Yesterday, 20:20

Gagauzia head detained at Chisinau airport — National Anti-Corruption Center

According to the center, all the details will be announced on Wednesday

Yesterday, 20:24

Trump says US looking at Russia’s conditions for Black Sea ceasefire

According to US president, 'there are about five or six conditions'

Europe moving away from idea of sending troops to Ukraine — Reuters

In addition to Kiev's position and Washington's stance, the initiative to send European troops is hampered by fierce opposition from Russia and logistical constraints, the sources said

Hungary’s foreign minister certain about Russia's commitment to reaching peace in Ukraine

Peter Szijjarto expressed optimism regarding the ongoing discussions between Russia and the United States about Ukraine, emphasizing Hungary's vested interest in their success

Russian ambassador Darchiyev to depart to US today — TASS source

He is expected to depart to Washington on March 26

Yesterday, 20:19

US offers Ukraine new minerals deal — Zelensky

"I have asked to study it and we will see it before sending it to the parliament for ratification," he said

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Russia, US conclude talks in Saudi Arabia as Hamas discusses Gaza ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 25th

Yesterday, 10:57

Chinese expert believes Russia needs to cooperate with Asia not relying too much on US

Chi Fulin noted that the Chinese and international community pay significant attention to Russian-American relations, which "are quite complex"

Russian Armed Forces observe moratorium on strikes — Kremlin

"This is good progress, owing to meaningful relations evolved during communications with the American side," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 16:57

Russia, US agree to ensure safe navigation in Black Sea — Kremlin

"In accordance with the agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States, both sides have committed to implementing the Black Sea initiative," the statement reads

At least 37 Palestinians killed in Gaza in past 24 hours — TV

The massive air strikes targeted residential buildings in the northern city of Jabaliya

Russia calls for immediate international reaction to killing of Russian journalists — MFA

"We call for an immediate reaction to the killing of Anna Prokofyeva and other Russian media representatives from relevant international organizations, primarily from the UNESCO Director-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Ukraine continues attacks on Russian energy facilities — deputy PM

Alexander Novak emphasized that Russia certainly requires additional efforts to restore the facilities that suffered damage from the strikes

Yesterday, 21:07

Black Sea ceasefire compliance issue to be resolved, other countries involved — Trump

Russia and the United States agreed to continue work on achieving a lasting and durable peace

Yesterday, 19:23

Energy strike moratorium voided if one side breaks it — Kremlin

"If one of the parties violates the ban, the other has the right to consider itself free from the obligation to comply with the agreement," the Kremlin added

Yesterday, 16:56

EU incites Zelensky; idea of peacekeepers 'will perpetuate Nazi regime' — Lavrov

"These so-called security forces would serve to entrench the Nazi regime, enforcing a ban on anything that reminds people of Russian roots," the foreign minister emphasized

Channel One says war reporter Prokofyeva dies in Belgorod Region

Anna Prokofyeva was 35 years old

Palestine's Fatah calls on Hamas to give up power in Gaza — media

Fatah spokesman in Gaza Munther al-Hayek emphasized that Hamas's presence now jeopardizes the Palestinian people's struggle for their rights

Trump does not want confrontation of two largest nuclear powers — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Russia and the United States are currently discussing the prospect of removing barriers for joint economic projects

Yesterday, 17:50

Russia to resume Black Sea deal after sanctions lifting from banks

The agreements will come into force when the Russian banks are also reconnected to SWIFT

Russian forces use Geran UAVs to hit Ukraine’s drone launch site in Zaporozhye Region

During the last 24-hour period, Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporozhye Region, it said

Yesterday, 12:32

Lavrov dismisses EU's Ukraine mission plans as 'dreamers' fantasy

"These dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day," the Russian top diplomat said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron