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Russian oil companies paid $241.0 mln to budget under fuel damper in Feb

In February 2025, payments amounted to $1.90 bln

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian oil companies paid 18.8 bln rubles ($241.0 mln) into the federal budget under the fuel damper mechanism in February 2026, according to materials published by the Finance Ministry. In January, oil companies received a payment of 16.9 bln rubles ($216.7 mln).

In February 2025, payments amounted to 148.3 bln rubles ($1.90 bln).

By the end of 2025, oil companies received 881.8 bln rubles ($11.31 bln) from the budget under the damper mechanism, while in 2024 the figure stood at 1.815 trillion rubles ($23.27 bln).

The last time oil companies paid into the budget rather than receiving funds from it was in February 2021 — 2.8 bln rubles ($35.9 mln).

Russia’s share in coal supplies to China totals 29% in 2025 — research

Russia’s share in imports by China increased to 29% due to a more significant contraction of coal purchases from other suppliers

Pentagon admits unable to intercept all Iranian drones — CNN

According to the report, during a closed-door briefing, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine acknowledged that drones pose a much bigger problem than previously thought

Iran hits US oil tanker in northern Persian Gulf — IRGC

The Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control and any vessels affiliated with the United States or Israel will be banned from passing through it, the IRGC warned

Bahraini aluminum producer goes to force majeure — Reuters

The Alba plant in Bahrain is one of the largest aluminum producers

Middle Eastern countries express interest in Kalashnikov drones

The Legioner (Legionnaire), a modern vertical takeoff and landing UAV, attracted the most interest from potential Middle Eastern customers, the company said

Iranian forces launch missile strike on anti-Iranian groups in Iraqi Kurdistan — statement

The IRGC fulfilled three missile strikes

North Korea to build two destroyers per year, equip Navy with nuke weapons — Kim Jong-un

The country's leader also noted that the Choe Choe Hyon’s trials are proceeding successfully

Drone strikes bridge linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

The United States could have used this transportation link to evacuate its military personnel, the news agency said

Putin to hold talks with president of Central African Republic

The officials plan to discuss the cooperation in politics, trade, economy, and humanitarian affairs

Russian troops fighting for Popasnoye near Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

South of Verolyubovka, the Russian forces managed to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions, Andrey Marochko said

Iraqi authorities won’t allow to drag country into war — prime minister

Mohammed al-Sudani says the government will not tolerate destabilization in the country

US destroys over 20 Iranian vessels — Pentagon

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reported that Iran's major naval presence in the theater was neutralized

Air defenses destroy 34 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within four-hour period

In particular, 21 UAVs were intercepted over the Black Sea

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Russian gas carrier in Mediterranean Sea

The Transport Ministry described the attack as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy

Russia to work with reliable counterparties in energy supplies

Russia has always been and remains a reliable supplier of energy resources, President said

Iran’s top security official puts US death toll from retaliatory Iranian strikes at 500

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani emphasized that the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would exact a heavy price from the enemy

Yemeni Houthis ready for military action against Israel in defense of Iran — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova underscored the clear risk of the conflict spreading further, warning that "the ongoing US and Israeli aggression against Iran could trigger a broader armed confrontation across the Middle East"

IN BRIEF: On situation around Druzhba oil pipeline

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the EC is pressuring Ukraine to resume supplies

Cargo ship hit by missiles near Strait of Hormuz — news agency

The cargo crew comprising 24 people was evacuated

Iran can wage war with drones almost indefinitely — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin believes that today only Russia, Ukraine, and Iran have mastered the art of warfare under the new rules

Israeli PM suspects White House of conducting separate talks with Tehran — TV

According to the sources cited by Channel 12, Benjamin Netanyahu asked the White House for clarification on this matter

Press review: Iran missile risks may expand conflict and US eyes regime change in Cuba

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 4th

Mossad conducts overnight ground operation in Iran — Al Arabiya

According to the TV channel, the operation was carried out by Mossad operatives with the support of special forces

US presidential advisers urge declaring victory over Iran as soon as possible — CNN

The officials fear that the US will be drawn into a protracted war

Potential successor to Khamenei, situation at US bases: Middle East conflict

Iran damaged communications and radar equipment on at least seven US military facilities in the Middle East during the first three days of hostilities

Impact on GDP and $779 mln in one day - what we know about cost of Iran attack for US

According to Anadolu, the largest expense during the first day was the launch of Tomahawk missiles

Putin holds Kremlin meeting with Hungary’s top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto has already met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moved away from Iran after strike — IRGC

The US Central Command reported that the carrier came under fire but was not hit

FACTBOX: What is known about tankers’ situation after closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Ten oil tankers attempting to pass the strait have already been struck by missiles and drones

Hungary eyes Druzhba pipeline blocking by Kiev political — Szijjarto

The Hungarian top diplomat emphasized that Budapest was interested in gas and hydrocarbons supplies to continue reliably and stably as before

Power supply restored in central Iraq — energy company

The supply was discontinued several hours ago due to a lack of gas shipments to a power plant in the southern governorate of Basra

Iran denies information about alleged readiness to discuss ceasefire

The official stressed that Iran would "continue without hesitation" to respond to strikes by the Israeli and US armed forces

Iran;s cabinet developed plan for wartime governance in advance — agency

According to the publication, the plan was personally approved by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who granted all departments the necessary powers for the new realities

Iran depleting missile stocks of US, its allies with cheap drones — newspaper

According to a report cited by The New York Times, it will take years for factories to produce enough interceptor missiles

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,290 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian MFA comments on possible 'nuclear collaboration' between European countries'

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the attitudes of the countries bordering the region and beyond are important

Russia can leave EU gas market earlier — Putin

Other markets now open, President said

Putin to instruct Cabinet to consider refocusing to more beneficial gas markets

I will certainly instruct the government to explore this matter together with our companies, Russian President said

Ukrainian attack against Russian gas carrier is terrorist act — Putin

It is not the first time already when we face things of such kind, Russian President said

Dmitriev points to inevitability of oil price above $100 per barrel

Price for actual delivered oil in Asia already exceeds $90 a barrel for most types, Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev noted

Europe facing new energy crisis over events in Middle East — FT

According to the newspaper, fiercer competition for LNG supplies comes as a particularly cold winter has depleted gas stocks in Europe

Russia to take EU militarization into account in upgrading all types of weapons — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the EU is currently undergoing a transformation into "an aggressive, intractable, conflict-minded, impoverished, and self-defeating international player"

Iran only targeting US, Israeli targets, top diplomat tells his Turkish counterpart

Abbas Araghchi says the attacks are directed at targets used for "aggressive operations against Iran"

Chinese Army to focus on maintaining global strategic balance — document

The document also envisages strengthening strategic capabilities in the protection of national sovereignty, security and development interests "amid absolute party control over the Army"

Refusal to negotiate, readiness for endless war — statements from Iranian representatives

Iran’s ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohammad Ali Eskandari opined that Turkey and Qatar would be the next victims of Israel and the US after Iran

US has no problems with Russia and China stemming from Iran war, says Pentagon chief

According to Pete Hegseth, he has no message for Russia and China on this issue

New Middle East war more dangerous than nuclear war — analyst

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, the world is witnessing the beginning of the end of the old paradigm of warfare

Press review: Iran derails US‑Israeli plans while Middle East conflict boosts oil and gold

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 2nd

US does not currently plan to send troops to Iran, but does not rule it out — White House

They're not part of the plan for this operation at this time, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said

Hungary does not want to be involved in conflict, energy war — Szijjarto

The minister emphasized that energy security is the most important for Hungary in current difficult conflict times

Three people injured in Ukrainian drone attack on Saratov Region — governor

Roman Busargin says several civilian facilities were damaged

Press review: Israel opens second front as Trump shows no clear Iran strategy outlook

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 3rd

Kurdistan Democratic Party denies reports of offensive in Iran — TV channel

The party says that the region "will not be a party to the conflict in this war"

China to carry out resolute strikes against separatists in Taiwan — report

According to the report, the People's Republic of China will promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait

Russian gas carrier attacked in Mediterranean Sea by Ukrainian unmanned boats

All 30 crew members were rescued

Price of Brent oil up 3.5% on ICE

The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for April 2026 delivery was up by 4.14% at $77.65 per barrel

Iran permitted two ships of friendly countries to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Iran hit more than ten ships, including tankers, in the Strait of Hormuz since the moment when the US and Israel attacked it on February 28

Maersk suspends cargo booking to certain Middle East countries

Exceptions will be made for critical foodstuff, medicine and other essential goods, the Denmark-based shipping company said

GFCN experts dismiss petition signed by Iranian scholars to reject Constitution as fake

The analysts revealed that signatures had been gathered using a basic Google form that allows any internet user to enter their name and list an affiliation with any organization

US to regret sinking Iranian frigate in international waters — top diplomat

There were about 130 sailors about the sunken frigate, Abbas Araghchi added

US could slow PAC-3 missile supplies to Ukraine due to Mideast conflict — BZ

The publication notes that while the world’s eyes are on Iran, Israel and the Persian Gulf countries in recent days

Casualties from Iranian attacks on UAE up to 78 — Defense Ministry

No Russians were hurt

Saudi Arabia has two weeks to avoid cutting oil output — FT

According to the publication, major producing countries in the Gulf must resume exports before their oil storage facilities are full

Iran to continue destroying enemy bases within reach of its forces — diplomat

Iranian Ambassador to Belarus Alireza Sanei stressed that "the people and the Armed Forces of Iran are resolute to continue war until the victory"

Russia ready to boost oil supplies to China, India — Novak

Russian oil is in demand, the deputy prime minister noted

Russian special services have data about Kiev plotting to sabotage gas pipelines — Putin

Moscow has shared this information with Ankara, the Russian leader stated

Putin raises topic of oil supplies to Hungary at meeting with Szijjarto

Not everything depends on Russia on this matter but Russia has always been the reliable supplier, the president stressed

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,150 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US Senate rejects prohibiting use of force against Iran without congressional approval

During the procedural vote, 47 supported and 52 opposed the resolution

Ukrainian army concerned about munitions shortage amid Iran crisis — military expert

Russian intelligence obtained the information from several intercepted conversations between Ukrainian soldiers

Iran’s armed forces deny closing Strait of Hormuz

Iran continues to cooperate with vessels passing through it in accordance with international protocols, Kioumars Heydari, the deputy commander of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic, said

Chaos in Middle East, nuclear arms race provocation: Russian MFA’s statements

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the crisis in the Middle East "has no military solution"

NATO must turn its focus northward, Canada’s top diplomat says

According to Anita Anand, "there is global competition in the Arctic"

Iran may respond to US asymmetrically in months — political scientist

Farhad Ibragimov noted that any casualties resulting from a future escalation would likely be seen in the United States as a direct consequence of America's decision to initiate military action

Paris to use Cold War uranium, plutonium reserves for new warheads — top defense official

Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin says that the expansion of nuclear arsenal is included in the budget

Russian stock indices in the red on Wednesday — market data

The yuan added ten kopecks to reach 11.27 rubles

Zelensky sees no signals from US for new round of negotiations on Ukraine

On Monday, Zelensky said the new round of talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine scheduled for March 5-6 has not yet been canceled

UK medical contingents in Ukraine to be considered targets by Russian forces — diplomat

On February 24, Daily Express reported information about the presence of military medical specialists, including surgeons, physiotherapists, and nurses from the United Kingdom in Ukraine

Oil price possibly reaching $200, declining stocks: situation in economy

The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil has exceeded $85 per barrel for the first time since mid-2024

Eighty-seven bodies recovered from Iranian ship sunk off Sri Lankan coast

According to the Iranian authorities, there were about 130 sailors aboard the ship

Backbone of Ukrainian forces is made up of mobilized troops — expert

According to Sergey Khairudinov, the most motivated units are assigned to the most critical and difficult areas, as well as breakthroughs

Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out 27 operations against US military bases on March 3

Militants of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq used dozens of drones and missiles against enemy bases in Iraq and the region

Gas prices in Europe spiked due to more solvent customers — Putin

The main suppliers of gas did not reduce their volumes, the president noted

Russian Battlegroup East’s T-80BVM tank withstands 18 hits from Ukrainian drones

The tank commander with the battlegroup, call sign "Aza," added that the tank completed its assigned missions

Israel attacked Saudi Aramco’s refinery in false flag operation — news agency

According to the agency's source, the port of Fujairah in the UAE is one of the next targets of Israelis

Aggression against Iran and US plans for other countries: Lavrov’ statements

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow will use all of its capabilities, including in its relations with Tehran, to ensure that the problem in the Middle East "does not escalate further and is resolved"

Indiscriminate use of military force in Middle East unacceptable — Chinese MFA

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's restraint and its ongoing commitment to peaceful conflict resolution

Iran strikes IDF General Staff building three times — advisor to IRGC commander

An attack was also made on one of the offices of Prime Minister of the Jewish state, Benjamin Netanyahu

Russian oil supplies to India may return to 1.5 mbd due to Middle East crisis

Analyst Sergey Kaufman noted that in the event of a protracted conflict in the Middle East, the US could be interested in allowing more Russian oil into India and overall on the global market to avoid excessively raising prices

Central part of Israel shelled twice in half hour

The Israeli army said the missiles from Lebanon had been intercepted

Russia rejects West’s attempt to deny its plans to provide Ukraine with nukes — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, London and Paris "have the capability, incentive and means to commit the indicated international law crime"

Canada may harm its own security as it attempts to bring NATO to Arctic — Russian diplomat

"Russia is a self-sufficient Arctic state and possesses in the northern latitudes the full range of capabilities necessary to respond to any challenges, regardless of where they may originate," Oleg Stepanov noted

Slovakia approves termination of electricity supplies agreement with Ukraine

The Slovak Finance Minister is recommended to take steps in respect of SEPS company for immediate termination of the agreement between SEPS and Ukrenergo

Iran tried to avoid war with US, Israel through diplomacy — president

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that US-Israeli aggression left Iran no choice but to defend itself

Air strikes carried out against pro-Iranian groups in Iraq — special services

There is no information about casualties among the fighters

China expresses resolute protest to Britain over ‘anti-China manipulation’

Earlier, Scotland Yard reported that counter-terrorism officers had detained three men on suspicion of working for Chinese intelligence

At least 78 injured in strike on Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka — Reuters

According to the agency, another 101 people are believed to be missing

Pentagon confident Iran can no longer carry out mass missile launches

Iran's theater ballistic missile shots fired down 86% from the first day of fighting, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated

Iranian forces claim responsibility for attack on Ben Gurion Airport — press release

The IRGC also reported having hit the Israeli Defense Ministry building

Over 250 flights canceled between Russia, Middle East — Economy Minister

The airspace of ten countries in the Middle East is being closed since February 28

US-Israel attacks wound 300 minors in Iran — government

The youngest victim of the brutal Zionist-American attacks on Iran is a one-year-old child