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Russian oil prices in India hit record highs — Bloomberg

Urals oil prices in India reached $98.93 a barrel on Friday

NEW YORK, March 16. /TASS/. The price of Russia’s key export blend, Urals, has reached record levels in India following a U.S. decision to permit the arrival of Russian oil tankers currently at sea, Bloomberg reported, citing data from international price reporting agency Argus.

Urals oil prices in India reached $98.93 a barrel on Friday, a peak not seen since early 2022. At the same time, the discount on Russian oil relative to Brent narrowed to its lowest level in over four months.

The US Treasury Department has lifted sanctions on the sale of oil and petroleum products from Russia loaded onto vessels before March 12. A general license issued by the agency's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) allows such transactions until April 11. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this decision should increase global oil supply and bring down the cost of crude.

Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President's special representative for investment and economic cooperation and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), stated that the easing of U.S. oil sanctions will affect approximately 100 million barrels of Russian crude. He added that the U.S. has effectively admitted that the global market cannot remain stable without Russian oil.

FACTBOX: On further developments around the Druzhba pipeline

Hungary and Slovakia have reached an agreement to build a new oil product pipeline between the two countries to ensure their energy security in the face of Ukraine's oil blockade, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced

Surrendered Ukrainian troops make two to three motorized rifle divisions — Russian MP

The number of Kiev troops killed and wounded stands at more than 1.5 million, retired Major General Leonid Ivlev said

Organizers of Paralympic Games in Italy hand over Paralympic flag to France

The next Paralympic Games are to take place in March 2030

US oil companies fear deepening crisis due to conflict with Iran — WSJ

The heads of companies warned that "the disruption to energy flows out of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway would continue to create volatility in global energy markets"

Refusal to join US war against Iran to lead to 'bad' future for NATO — Trump

The US president did not elaborate on the matter

CSTO holding strategic command-staff exercise on March 16-19 — Joint Staff

The event is aimed at practicing steps related to preparing proposals for CSTO bodies to provide military and military-technical assistance to the Organization's member states

US aircraft carriers prove ineffective in Middle East conflict — expert

The use of aircraft carriers proved costly and ineffective because they could be deployed relatively safely only outside the range of precision weapons, expert with the Institute of Law and National Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Alexander Stepanov told

EU has no money to mitigate energy shock caused by conflict in Iran — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the public debt of some European countries, particularly the UK and France, is reaching 60-year highs

Large-scale invasion of Iran almost impossible, but forays likely — US expert

Trita Parsi said the United States is not capable of conducting an operation against Iran for more than a few weeks

Tasnim news agency named conditions for Hormuz opening

Guaranteed lifting of sanctions, withdrawal of US bases, return of frozen assets and development of non-dollar trade are among them

Ukraine loses 9,100 troops, mercenaries over past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said that Russia’s Battlegroup Center, operating in western areas of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Dnepropetrovsk Region, inflicted the heaviest damage on Ukrainian troops

Russian president signs law banning GMO production

The document obliges importers of GMO products to a compulsory public registration

White House doesn’t expect serious harm to US economy from Middle East conflict

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council at the White House acknowledged however that the US administration will have to find solutions to a range of economic problems stemming from the Middle East conflict

US is preparing to end its military campaign in Iran — Bloomberg

The agency's sources indicated that they consider US President Donald Trump’s recent statements about the US having destroyed Iran’s military potential an exaggeration

Energy crisis due to aggression against Iran to strengthen role of BRICS — expert

According to Subhashish Banerjee, the unnecessary aggressive diplomacy that has been displayed by USA and Israel using the narrative of force has aggravated the chance for the new era

Several countries working to enhance existing pathogens — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, the excessive politicization of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' activities poses a significant threat to the integrity of the non-proliferation regime

No plans to take part in mission to protect ships in Hormuz Strait — top German diplomat

Johann Wadephul stresses that only talks with Iran can ensure security in the region

Putin discusses bilateral cooperation with Ethiopian PM over phone

Abiy Ahmed visited Moscow last fall to discuss cooperation between the two countries

Zelensky drags Ukraine into conflict with Iran — Iranian diplomat

This only means complicity in the conflict and cooperation with the aggressors against Iran, which will entail international responsibility for this state, and the Iranians will never forgive this, Esmail Baghaei stated

Resource-hungry US tries to poach Iran's uranium — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that Washington wants to get practically all hydrocarbon resources

Washington rules out 2003 Iraqi scenario in Iran — US diplomat

Mike Waltz did not rule out a pinpoint ground operation

British PM refuses to send warships to Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

According to the sources cited by The Daily Telegraph, the refusal may worsen his relations with the US president

FACTBOX: History of Crimea’s reunification with Russia

A treaty on Crimea’s and Sevastopol’s accession to Russia was signed on March 18, 2014

EU wants Serbia to join war in Ukraine — Lavrov

This issue is still topical, the Russian foreign minister noted

Slovak PM doubts that Zelensky will ever resume oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline

Zelensky is not interested in oil reaching Slovakia and Hungary, Robert Fico says

Lavrov, top Kenyan diplomat to hold talks in Moscow

The officials plan to discuss cooperation in economic, trade, humanitarian and other fields

Kiev's unwillingness to negotiate, Iran war fallout: Lavrov's statements

According to the Russian top diplomat, the EU has "fully" discredited itself and there is nothing constructive in its position for progress in the negotiations on Ukraine

Putin expresses condolences to Ethiopian authorities over flooding

Torrential rains, which led to floods and landslides, occurred in southern Ethiopia on March 9-11, resulting in over 100 deaths

Iran not ready to comply with US demands — Trump

The US president says Iran will be ready "to do what they have to do" at some point

Ukraine refused to meet Hungary, Slovakia on Druzhba pipeline — Szijjarto

Ukraine continues blocking Russian oil supplies over the Druzhba pipeline, the minister noted

Ukrainian aircraft avoid air combat with Russian pilots — expert

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev noted that the aircraft supplied to Kiev by the West are significantly inferior to Russian Sukhoi-series aircraft such as the Su-30 and Su-35S

US to reinstate sanctions on Russian oil when market stabilizes — Trump

The US President stressed that he wants "to have oil for the world"

Russia's military to find solution to problem of drone dominance on battlefield — expert

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev noted that the Ukrainian conflict has led to a leap forward in military art and constantly poses new challenges for the military-industrial complex

Iran completes heaviest missile attack on Israel — IRGC Aerospace Force chief

According to the report, the operation successfully disrupted and destroyed key Israeli aerial surveillance systems

US president says several countries ready to help secure Strait of Hormuz

When asked whether the US Navy would start escorting ships through the strait, Donald Trump said that "it’s possible"

US, Israel spark upsurge in violence in Middle East — Russia’s envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says the death toll from the US-Israeli aggression is in the hundreds

Over 87% of voters in Kazakhstan approve new constitution in referendum

The voter turnout was 73.12%

IRGC conducts new strikes on US targets in Middle East

The IRGC said it intends to continue striking US and Israeli "targets, centers, and interests" until "the enemy surrenders."

Iran hits Israeli weapons company, Israel Aerospace Industries — TV

The Iranian army said Rafael’s weapons manufacturing center develops air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Spike missiles and cyber technologies

Explosions reported in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid warnings are in effect on the territory

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 285 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Iranian diplomat refutes reports that Iranian drones can reach California

Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iranian drone could not cover a distance of 6,500 miles from the Persian Gulf to California

Iran confirms vessels of some states cross Hormuz with Tehran's permission

According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran "has the right to take the necessary measures to ensure national security and prevent abuses by aggressors and their allies on this waterway"

US once demanded Iran capitulate, now asks for assistance in Hormuz — Iran’s top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi said the strait had only been closed to Iran's adversaries and those who committed the act of aggression against the country

Russian Consulate General in Iran’s Isfahan suspends operations

Information on the resumption of consular services will be provided later

Press review: Iran won't compromise with US as Russia offers lifeline in Mideast crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 10th

Nuclear proliferation risks, biological threats: Lavrov’s statements

According to the top Russian diplomat, the fate of the nuclear nonproliferation regime is causing serious concern against the backdrop of the acute military-political crisis in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf zone

Hungary will refuse to support Ukraine’s joining EU, €90 bln loan for Kiev — top diplomat

"Ukraine’s accession to the EU is out of the question, and a 20th sanctions package and a 90 billion euro loan can only be included in the agenda as soon as the Ukrainians resume oil supplies," Peter Szijjarto said

Bahrain downs 125 projectiles, over 200 drones launched from Iran — army statement

The Defense Force says cites figure "since the start of the aggression"

Kremlin doesn’t address media reports on Khamenei’s receiving treatment in Moscow

According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the new leader was wounded in the US-Israeli strikes but is reportedly feeling well

Ukraine's FP-1 drones used to attack Moscow based on Nazi-era tech — expert

"The FP-1 is considered no worse or better than all other UAVs in the third technological league, which is what has allowed Russia to successfully repel Ukrainian attacks in recent days," Dmitry Kuzyakin said

Slovak PM plans to attend VE-Day celebrations in Moscow

Robert Fico attended the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9. 2025

Explosion reported in Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkov

Air raid warnings are in effect for the Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Sumy, and Chernigov regions

American sailors set fire to USS Gerald R. Ford to avoid fighting — Iranian army

On March 12, the US Naval Forces Central Command reported that a fire broke out on board the USS Gerald R. Ford

Trump says he may delay visit to China due to Middle East conflict

The US president urged China to join Washington’s efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz

Russian forces strike Colombian mercenaries at a training range in Ukraine

The missile strike caused casualties among both newly recruited soldiers, including foreigners, and instructors, the mercenary specified

US strike more targets in Iran within 10 days than in two years of its war in Iraq

According to Governor of Tehran Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, more than 9,500 targets were hit in the first 10 days of the war against Iran

US allows Iranian tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz — Treasury secretary

According to Scott Bessent, some Chinese ships are also leaving the Persian Gulf

Conflict with Iran not to last for months, White House says

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

US not ready to announce end of operation against Iran yet — Trump

The US president is "not declaring it over," he says

Attack on USS Abraham Lincoln, fears of migration crisis: Middle East conflict

Some European countries fear that the US and Israeli military operation against Iran could trigger a massive influx of migrants, testing the European Union's reformed asylum system

Russia prioritizes preserving NPT as element of strategic stability — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed the necessity for all NPT signatory states to fulfill their obligations under the Treaty

While Europe is preparing for war, Hungary will remain island of security — Orban

Hard times are coming, the Hungarian Prime Minister noted

Australia will not send ships to ensure safe navigation in Hormuz Strait — minister

Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King said that Australia would provide aircraft to the UAE for defense

Oil production suspended at largest fields in South Iraq — oil minister

Hayyan Abdul Ghani said production suspension affected "West Qurna 1" and "West Qurna 2", Faihaa and Majnoon fields

Trump surprised by Zelensky’s reluctance to strike deal on Ukraine

The US leader also added that "Vladimir Zelensky is far more difficult to make a deal with"

Kiev’s sanctions cannot diminish Russia’s success at Paralympics — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov described the Paralympic athletes' performance as very successful

One Battle After Another wins Best Picture Oscar

The film's director Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director

Iran’s new supreme leader in good health, in charge of state affairs – foreign minister

The situation in Iran is stable, Abbas Araghchi said

Aggression against Iran divides US administration — Mehr

According to the agency, there us no consensus in the objectives, scale, and consequences of the operation against Iran in the White House

Fire at oil depot in Krasnodar Region, 145 UAVs downed: aftermath of attack on regions

Governor Alexander Gusev said that buildings of an industrial enterprise were damaged in a drone attack in the Voronezh Region

Iran continues cooperating with Russia despite conflict — diplomat

All the agreements and treaties between Iran and Russia as part of the strategic cooperation and partner relations are still in force, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed

One Ukrainian attack on residential areas recorded in past day — DPR authorities

A residential building was damaged, no reports of civilian casualties

Ukraine loses around 1,135 troops in special op zone in one day

Russian air defenses shot down 10 guided bombs and 285 fixed-wing drones of the Ukrainian army over the past day

Press review: US tries to assemble Hormuz tanker coalition as Russia eyes new fuel markets

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 16th

US allies at a loss as to Washington's endgame in conflict with Iran — Bloomberg

According to the agency’s information, G7 leaders sought clarification from Donald Trump during a recent conference call

Moscow boosting mass production of Yolka interceptor drones

According to a representative of the official manufacturer, work is underway to improve the Yolka’s target accuracy, lethality, and maneuverability

Lack of response to strikes on Iran may prompt attacks on other countries — diplomat

Ali Bahreini said that "Iran was attacked at the time when it peacefully engaged in negotiations, clearly confirming its commitment to peaceful and diplomatic resolution"

Hackers erase 12 petabytes of data in cyberattack on US medical company — Iranian TV

The hackers warned that it was "just the beginning"

Gazprom warns Europe about problems ahead of upcoming gas storing season

Currently, underground storage facilities in Germany, France, and the Netherlands are filled to 18.1%, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller told

Yemeni Houthis threaten to block Bab el-Mandeb Strait in support of Iran

The first measure could be the official declaration of a naval blockade against the United States and the Zionist regime, an official of the Houthi military forces, Abed al-Thawr said

Russian ties with US are based on realistic assessments of their moves — diplomat

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow has taken note of Washington’s move to admit the previous administration’s Russophobic mistakes

Progress MS-31 cargo spaceship to depart ISS to splash down into Pacific Ocean

The freighter will free up the dock for the next cargo spaceship

Kiev hysterically trying to remind Europe of its presence by attacking Moscow — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said the number of downed Ukrainian drones testifies more to the growing capabilities of Russian air defenses than to the Kiev regime’s ability to inflict any significant damage

Ukraine attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with more than 50 drones in past 24 hours

The regional government reported that a man was injured as a result of a drone detonation in the village of Moshchenoye

Restoring traffic in Strait of Hormuz to take 2-3 years — former Iranian envoy to Russia

According to earlier statements by a spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran would not allow any oil cargo related to the United States or its allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Afghanistan’s losses in confrontation with Pakistan exceed 1,500 — Pakistani minister

More than 912 others were injured, Attaullah Tarar noted

Kiev stonewalls peace agreements — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister informed his Kenyan counterpart Musalia Mudavadi on the current state of the Ukrainian settlement

Five countries refuse to join US coalition in Strait of Hormuz

China and France pointed to the need for a diplomatic settlement of the dispute in the region

US looking for ways to end war with Iran, IRGC claims

Spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini says "the enemy is in disarray, and within its leadership, there are accusations of a lack of strategy"

Iran vows continued fight until Trump realizes US war on it is 'wrong' — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi also stressed that victims must be compensated

Moscow downs 48 Ukrainian drones since beginning of day

Emergency services specialists are working at the crash site

Switzerland to follow EU in softening sanctions on Russian oil — official

Federal authorities may take enforcement measures to ensure compliance with sanctions introduced by the UN, USCE or main trade partners of Switzerland, official spokesperson of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Fabian Maienfisch stated

Israel launches another series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanese capital

The Israel Defense Forces are targeting facilities in Beirut

Almost 5,000 drones shot down over Russian regions, in special op zone in past week

As many as 436 drones were downed over Russian regions on March 15

US using other countries to attack Iran, that’s why Tehran strikes them — diplomat

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iranian attacks targeted only "military bases, facilities, and property belonging to the US

Closure of Strait of Hormuz fraught with fertilizer, food shortages — Kallas

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is also dangerous for the oil supply

Air defenses down 38 drones heading towards Moscow

Two more drones were destroyed since the previous report

Under Netanyahu, Israel will always be looking for external enemy — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan also criticized the Jewish state’s politics on Syria, including its strikes on military facilities and the decision to seize control of a swath of land in southern Syria

US can not stop its Iran war until it gets Hormuz reopened — Axios

As long as the Iranian blockade holds, and Gulf oil is restricted, Washington can not end its military operation even If it wanted to, the officials said

Iran carries out 55th wave of missile attacks on Israel — TV

Earlier, an air raid warning was issued in central Israel