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Russian stock market closes in the red — market reports

The ruble MOEX Russia Index ticked down by 0.02% to 2,853.53 points

MOSCOW, March 17. /TASS/. The Russian stock indices declined by the close of business on Tuesday, according to market data.

The ruble MOEX Russia Index ticked down by 0.02% to 2,853.53 points. The currency RTS index dropped by 1.05% to 1,097.45 points. The yuan added 18 kopecks to 12 rubles.

"The Russian stock market today has generally followed the course of the latest session with the buyers’ activity at the start of the day and more restrained ending of the primary trading session. The market continues keeping an eye on developments in the Middle East and oil prices, which do not rush to leave the levels above $100 [per barrel]. Statements of the parties exclude a transition to peace talks thus far. The ruble at the same time declines to new annual minimums, which further improves the demand for exporters’ stocks," Alexander Shepelev from BCS Investment World said.

"PhosAgro stocks turned out to be growth leaders on the falling stock market (+1.4%), most probably in view of rising prices of mineral fertilizers, associated with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and logistical disruptions," Natalia Milchakova from Freedom Finance Global. MMK stocks plunged the most by 1.7%, likely after the release of sluggish IFRS reporting statements for 2025, she added.

BCS Investment World expects the MOEX Russia Index to be on Wednesday in the range of 2,800-2,900 points. Freedom Finance Global believes the corridor for the index will be 2,850 - 2,950 points. Zifra Broker considers that the ruble weakening trend will continue.

Delo Group expects cargo traffic growth via Far East

The task of Russia is to provide for logistical solutions in interests of Russian exporters and importers, Board Chairman Sergey Shishkarev said

Letter by top Iranian security official claimed dead by Israel emerges on social media

This is the condolence message from Ali Larijani over the death of naval servicemen killed in a US strike on the IRIS Dena frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka

US intelligence warned of risk of Iran striking Arab countries — Reuters

The White House apparently ignored this information, the agency believes

Middle East conflict to accelerate formation of multipolar world — expert

Peter Kagwanja, founder and head of the Africa Policy Institute, said that neither Europe, nor Russia, nor China, nor the countries of the Persian Gulf support the US policy

US-based Colombian national enlists mercenaries for Ukrainian army

Captive Colombian mercenary Jose Luis Pocheco Navarra said in a conversation with TASS that he had also been recruited by this man

Over 180 drones heading toward Moscow shot down on March 14-16

According to TASS calculations, the Ukrainian drone attack on the Moscow Region repelled by the Russian Defense Ministry's air defense forces in the period became the largest in at least a year

Kiev decision to block access to Druzhba pipeline to affect entire EU — Hungarian minister

The Ukrainian side refused to meet or to give the Hungarian delegation access to the pipeline

Trump naive to believe he could choose Iran’s supreme leader — ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali noted that, in the White House’s view, Iran was destined to become "as easy a target as Venezuela"

US president may send naval ships to Persian Gulf 'if he dares' — IRGC

Iran has full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, General Ali Mohammad Naini said

Fuel, power supply issues: situation in Cuba

The energy supply situation in Cuba has severely deteriorated as a result of a blockade on fuel shipments caused by unilateral US restrictions

Russian economy continues to slow at start of this year — EDB review

EDB analysts note divergent economic trends in member countries in late 2025 and early 2026

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

Iranian envoy denies reports that new supreme leader undergoing treatment in Russia

"Iranian leaders do not need to flee or hide in bunkers, their place is in the streets among the people," Kazem Jalali stated

At least five powerful explosions rock Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas

There is no information on whether the port infrastructure was the target of the strike

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

European Commission recommends EU countries to prepare for full ban of Russian oil

The Commission does intend to put forward a proposal to ban the import of oil from Russia, Dan Jorgensen said

French politician urges Paris to join Belgium’s call for dialogue with Russia

Florian Philippot called on France to follow the example of Bart De Wever

Iran delivers new strikes against enemy targets — news agency

As of now, there is no information on which US or Israeli facilities were attacked

US and Israel to lose Iranian war — Dotcom

US President Donald Trump has five options for dealing with Iran, including admitting defeat or starting World War III, the founder of the Megaupload file said

Approval of 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions 'overdue' — Kallas

The foreign ministers of member-states of the European Union discussed how to push this forward

Iran's offensive tactics could force US to end war — Lebanese general

Hassan Jouni emphasized that the decision to escalate or de-escalate the exchange of strikes now rests with Tehran, not Washington

Five injured in UAV attack on Russia’s Belgorod Region

Four children are among the injured

Rubicon fighters are elite drone operators, feared by Ukrainian troops — governor

Vladimir Saldo said the enemy is well aware of their capabilities

Tankers start crossing Hormuz, White House says

It's a sign of how little Iran has left, Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said

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

US leader says China visit may be delayed by about one month

Donald Trump says a corresponding request was sent due to the military operation against Iran

US administration seeks resignation of Cuban president — NYT

According to the newspaper, the step would allow to implement structural changes in the country’s economy

US, Israel start spiral of violence in Middle East — Russian foreign ministry

Russia renew its insistent call to all parties to immediately stop hostilities and take the situation to the political and diplomatic dimension, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Number of displaced persons in Lebanon tops one million in two weeks of escalation

Most people were forced to flee their homes amid a widening area of Israeli bombing, the Lebanese ministry of social affairs says

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

US can hardly deal with both Ukraine, war at Iran at the same time — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar recalled that at the current stage, "the burden of the war in Ukraine has largely been shifted to Europe"

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

Iran made no attempts to reach out to US — diplomat

Ali Bahreini says he does not rule out that the US president's statements of the contrary indicate that things are not going the way the US expected them to

Martial law in Strait of Hormuz prevents US from supplying its bases — Iranian ambassador

According to Kazem Jalali, Iran is taking measures to disrupt the enemy’s logistics for its own security

Moscow court fines Telegram $429,508 for failing to delete content banned in Russia

At the end of 2025, the Prosecutor General's Office issued demands to Russia's mass media and telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor for the removal of a Telegram post containing calls for extremist activity

Kiev is dragging out conflict with Russia as it may have share of EU profits — MP

Retired Major General Leonid Ivlev noted that the longer the armed conflict lasted, the more profits the Western defense industry companies would make

FACTBOX: Russia hit by 206 drones overnight, injuries reported in Belgorod Region

As a result of the attack, five people were wounded in the city of Korocha in the Belgorod Region

Venezuela, Russia support multipolar world — Foreign Minister

Yvan Gil Pinto says that Venezuela and Russia are brotherly countries and strategic partners

No EU money for Ukraine until Druzhba oil flows resume, Orban says

The Hungarian foreign minister noted that Brussels’ recent proposals to repair the transit route would not change Budapest's stance

Iraq downs four UAVs attempting to attack US Embassy in Baghdad

No damage to property or casualties have been reported

Progress MS-31 finishes its spaceflight

Fragments splash down in Pacific

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

EU offers Kiev funds to repair Druzhba oil pipeline

The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer, the statement says

Russia’s chief of General Staff lauds Battlegroup South’s successes in liberating DPR

Valery Gerasimov also set further combat tasks

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

Trump wanted Iranian military to bow to him, but this scenario failed — ambassador

Kazem Jalali stressed that Iran’s political system proved far more resilient

US intelligence says Iranian leadership retains power, unity — WP

According to the sources of the newspaper, no signs of a soon change of power in Iran are seen

Mojtaba Khamenei is well and may soon deliver new address

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced the speech, adding "The Iranian people are determined to defend their homeland"

Russia deeply concerned about growing tensions around Cuba — Foreign Ministry

Russia strongly condemns attempts at gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, intimidation, and the imposition of illegal unilateral restrictive measures

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

EU wants Serbia to join war in Ukraine — Lavrov

This issue is still topical, the Russian foreign minister noted

Countering 56 countries waging terror: remarks by Russia's top security official

Sergey Shoigu said that amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the threat of terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure is becoming "even more imminent and widespread"

UK, EU no longer hide their anti-Trump sentiments — Russian envoy

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the masks have slipped

Four killed, two injured in rocket strike on central Baghdad home

According to the sources cited by Shafaq News, the victim estimate is not final

Still no concrete date set on Ukrainian conflict settlement talks — source in Ankara

There is also no information whether detailed contacts are currently underway regarding this issue

Three explosions in Nigeria kill 23, injure 108 people — police

According to the investigation, suicide bombers detonated homemade explosive devices near a university hospital, a market, and a highway

US embassy advises Americans to leave Iraq due to security threat — statement

The diplomats also urged US citizens to refrain from traveling to Iraq

US allies reluctant to get involved in operation against Iran — Trump

The United States does not need the help of anyone, the US president noted

Crimean resident detained for shooting rifle at police officers

The shooter was injured by return fire, the regional Interior Ministry reported

Moscow-Caracas ties represent strategic partnership — ambassador

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov says the treaty on strategic partnership and cooperation between the states "serves as an uncontested guideline for further strengthening and developing the relations"

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

Iranian diplomat says when safe passage through Strait of Hormuz will be possible

If the US leader wants stability in the strait, he must pull US forces out, Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani said

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

Abbas Araghchi also stressed that victims must be compensated

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

Germany’s MFA threatened Hungary, demanding change in approach to Ukraine — Szijjarto

The Hungarian top diplomat noted that this was the first time he had encountered such a direct threat

EU-US relations once again on brink of collapse over Middle East situation — newspaper

According to Politico, EU foreign ministers who gathered in Brussels on March 16 practically unanimously opposed the US’ request to participate in ensuring maritime navigation safety

Pakistan delivers strike on Kabul, casualties reported — Afghan government

Pakistan once again violated the Afghan airspace, striking a rehabilitation center for drug addicts in Kabul, Zabihullah Mujahid said

Killing of Ayatollah Khamenei did not split Iranian society— Iranian ambassador

The US and Israel aimed to weaken Iranian people, to instill fear, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani said

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

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

Press review: Tehran pursues attrition as Trump delays China visit amid Iran tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 17th

First ROS crew to be on ISS at time of modules’ undocking — Russian cosmonaut

Oleg Kononenko said the ISS will most likely remain in operation until 2030

IRGC warns of imminent strikes on US enterprises in Middle East — agency

The IRGC said that the strikes may be carried out in the coming hours

Zelensky fails to achieve goals dictated to him from abroad in Ukraine conflict — Iran

Esmaeil Baghaei said from the very beginning that Iran did not play any role and did not interfere in the conflict in Ukraine

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 to view Romania as party to conflict if it allows US to use its bases — diplomat

"If Romania provides the United States with access to its bases, we will give a corresponding legal and political response," Esmaeil Baghaei said

Iran destroys hangars with US fighter jets at bases in UAE, Bahrain — IRGC

The strikes on US military bases in the Middle East will continue until US forces completely withdraw from them

Brussels welcomes detention of tankers with Russian oil — Kallas

"Following the US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil, Europe will maintain sanctions and continue to move away from Russian fossil fuels," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed

Rocket with Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft rolled to Baikonur launch pad

The launch of the Progress MS-33 spacecraft is scheduled for March 22

US asks Turkey to guarantee S-400 systems will not come into operation — Erdogan

The deployment of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems will begin in April, Turkey's president recalled

Russia creates multi-layered defense against Ukrainian long-range drones — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin noted that after the system identifies targets, the UAV-destroying capabilities are activated

Roscosmos to carry out over 20 rocket launches in 2025 — head

Bakanov emphasized the importance of the International Space Station and the need to make ISS missions more comfortable

Iranian lawmaker threatens to turn Kharg Island into 'invaders’ cemetery'

"If the enemies plan to invade Kharg Island, they must know that they will face humiliation even stronger than in the Strait of Hormuz," Esmail Hosseini stated

Russia’s Kalashnikov tourniquets superior in quality to US counterparts — expert

According to Vasily Khudoleyev, current production capacity exceeds 10,000 items per day

Witkoff to brief US senators on progress of operation against Iran on March 17

US lawmakers want information on Washington’s plans regarding Iran

Over 252 children killed in DPR since 2014 due to Ukrainian aggression

The region’s head Denis Pushilin says that 1,045 more children have been injured

White House launched operation in Iran without clear strategy — NYT

The first weeks of the operation against Iran "do not inspire confidence" and instead indicate that the behind-the-scenes planning in the White House may have been as reckless as its public behavior, the newspaper writes

Russian forces improve positions in southern, eastern Konstantinovka — Pushilin

Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic says that the liberation of Konstantinovka would allow to advance toward the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk agglomeration from the south

US allies not willing to join Strait of Hormuz coalition — news outlet

Sources noted that the US administration is working to convince the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Persian Gulf countries, and Jordan to join the alliance

US forces conduct over 6,500 combat sorties in operation against Iran — CENTCOM

Strikes against more than 7,000 targets were made

US base in Iraq attacked with fiber-optic FPV drones — expert

Abbas Juma noted Iran's significant success in building its unmanned aerial vehicle industry

Trump postpones visit to China due to lack of strong negotiating position — expert

Alexander Shpakovsky noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz negatively impacted China's energy security, however, US military spending significantly exceeded China’s losses

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

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,240 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

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

US miscalculated on Iran, will face consequences for its deeds — ambassador

According to Alireza Haghighian, Iran is full of determination to punish the aggressor and make it regret its actions

German chancellor calls Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon ‘mistake’

Friedrich Merz says this "will make the already dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon even worse"

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

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

Debris from intercepted missile falls in UAE's Abu Dhabi, killing one person — authorities

According to the report, the debris fell in the Bani Yas area

Expanding US military presence in Romania increases threat to Russia — expert

Boris Rozhin emphasized that Russia repeatedly called on Brussels, Washington, and Bucharest to "stop cultivating the military threat and move on to the formation of a new, unified and indivisible system of European security"

US, Israeli aggression shows failure of international law — Iranian ambassador

Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani emphasized that even international institutions were unable to act against these aggressors