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Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

The yuan exchange rate was up by 13.3 kopecks at 12.135 rubles

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s stock market went up as the main trading session started on Wednesday as the MOEX and RTS indices added 0.07% to 2,855.59 and 1,098.24 points, respectively, according to trading data as of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (07:00 a.m. GMT). The yuan exchange rate against the ruble gained 5.75 kopecks as trading opened compared with previous closing to 12.06 rubles.

As of 10:17 a.m. Moscow time (07:17 a.m. GMT), the indices were up by 0.31% at 2,862.44 points and 1,100.88 points, respectively. Meanwhile, the yuan exchange rate was up by 13.3 kopecks at 12.135 rubles.

The MOEX Index with additional IMOEX2 ticker rose by 0.16% as morning trading session started on the Moscow Exchange as of 7:00 a.m. Moscow time (4:00 a.m. GMT), reaching 2,857.99 points.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

About 90 ships pass Strait of Hormuz since outset of Middle East escalation — AP

The latest passages through the Strait of Hormuz show the strait was "closed selectively against some traffic, while still functioning for Iranian exports and a narrow set of approved non-Iranian movements"

Russian plasma engine promises to make interplanetary travel magnitudes faster — expert

A prototype of the device was created at the Kurchatov Institute, after which its development continued at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

SAS to cancel over 100 flights in Norway this week due to fuel prices

The company explained such measure by the conflict in the Middle East and high fuel prices

Mercedes-Benz registers 'Mercedes-Benz' trademark in Russia

The application for registration was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property on September 10, 2025

Foreign ministers of Arab, Islamic countries to hold meeting in Riyadh on March 18

Information on which specific states will participate in the consultations has not yet been provided

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

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

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the masks have slipped

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

More than 500 ATACMS, Storm Shadow, SCALP missiles used by Kiev since start of SMO

Strikes with US missiles were most intense in 2024

Press review: Trump floats sanctions relief as oil soars and Israel's nuclear shadow looms

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 11th

Szijjarto scoffs at EU, Zelensky for playing dumb about Druzhba pipe

The Hungarian foreign minister said Budapest is demanding an end to the oil blockade

Spain to release up to 11.5 mln barrels from strategic oil reserves

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen recalled the IEA members' decision to release a total of 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stocks to stabilize the market amid the Middle East conflict

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

Talks on Ukraine could take place in Geneva, but it is not top choice — Russian envoy

Sergey Garmonin also noted that Geneva is not a preferred platform for Russia

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

Slovak PM Fico predicts worsening global oil market situation amid Iran conflict

There is every indication that this conflict will continue for a long time, Robert Fico noted

Tanker near UAE coast damaged due to air defense operation

The vessel received minor structural damage however all crew are confirmed as safe

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

Peruvian Prime Minister Miralles vacates office

Peru’s interim President Jose Maria Balcazar appointed Miralles, former Economy Minister, as Prime Minister on February 25, 2026

EU experts arriving in Ukraine to assess Druzhba pipeline damage

The EU delegation is said to be in Kiev already and the EU mission in Ukraine deals with its plans and logistics

Rubio orders US diplomats to influence other nations to take action against Iran — TV

The American diplomatic institutions are also instructed to "swiftly" urge the local governments to declare the IRGC and Hezbollah terrorist organizations

Venezuela, Russia support multipolar world — Foreign Minister

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

Russia capable of increasing flexibility of energy market in Asian countries — expert

According to Thai political analyst Jiraporn Ruampongpattana, potential negotiations between Thailand and Russia regarding oil supplies can be viewed more as a pragmatic economic move and a search for additional energy sources, rather than a dramatic geopolitical shift

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

One Russian woman killed, 11 more Russians injured in accident in Phuket — newspaper

The police have launched an investigation into the causes of the accident

Georgian patriarch died at age of 93 — TV

Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal See Bishop Shio officially confirmed the death of the patriarch

Czech, Slovak officials to discuss expert examination of Druzhba oil pipeline

Negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday in Prague

Tehran interested in peace proposals involving damage compensation — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi pointed out that Tehran had conveyed its position to its friends

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

Russian army destroys ammunition depot with HIMARS missiles near Odessa — Defense Ministry

The complex entered the service of the Russian Navy in 2012

Strait of Hormuz to only be opened after conflict ends — Iranian authorities

A high-ranking representative of the Iranian authorities clarified that a possible diplomatic solution to end the war must include compensation for Iran and cessation of attacks on resistance forces in neighboring countries

AUKUS expansion plans cause concern in Moscow — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the objectives that Western countries are seeking to attain remain obvious

Putin to open several facilities in Crimea via video link

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin will deliver a report

USAID Inspector General’s office uncovers violations in $26 billion aid provision to Kiev

Adam Kaplan emphasized that contractors failed to provide required reports on time or at all

More than a dozen US-made MQ-9 Reaper drones lost in operations against Iran — TV

According to the officials, such drones cost $16 million each when purchased in a batch of four

Over half of Russians long for days of USSR — pollster

Experts believe that should a referendum on the Soviet Union’s future be organized today, two thirds of those polled would vote for its preservation

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

UAE may join US efforts to protect Strait of Hormuz — Reuters

Diplomatic adviser to the UAE President Anwar Gargash also said that once the US-Israeli war with Iran ends, an arrangement would be needed to ensure that Iran cannot use its nuclear, missile or drone programs "to terrorize the region"

Crimean resident detained for shooting rifle at police officers

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

German subsidiary of Russian pharma company announces bankruptcy due to sanctions

According to the report, the main cause of the bankruptcy were European sanctions against Russia and Russian tit-for-tar measures, which adversely affected the business

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

Russian military train Republic of Congo security forces based on special military op

According to a Russian instructor, the Congolese military itself approached the Russian Federation for assistance in training its special forces

Putin pardons 23 women — Human Rights Council head

"At the meeting with the president, the issue of a possible pardon was raised," Valery Fadeyev said

Iranian president vows to avenge death of Larijani

Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any country allowing its territory to be used by the US or Israel for aggression against Iran "is a legitimate target for Iran"

Gasoline prices in US reach highest level since autumn 2023 — association

California has the highest prices at $5.54 per gallon

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"

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

Iran to revise rules for vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz after war — MFA

Abbas Araghchi said the countries on both sides of the strait – Iran, Oman and the UAE – should act as guarantors of security

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate to 81.91 rubles for March 18

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 50.02 kopecks to 93.1557 rubles

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

Russian Pacific Fleet ships depart from Indian port of Visakhapatnam

The press service said that during their stay in the Indian port, the ships’ crews enjoyed shoreside recreation

Russian Finance Ministry to hold federal loan bonds auctions on March 18

Bids for the auctions can be submitted via the Moscow Exchange or the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange

Ukraine to lose conflict due to shortage of soldiers — prisoner

He also added that the Ukrainian military command "feeds its soldiers with promises," assuring them of an imminent rotation in the Sumy region

US looking for alternative fertilizer suppliers — White House

Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said the facility in Qatar covered somewhat about 20% of US needs

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

Vladimir Saldo said the enemy is well aware of their capabilities

Conflict in Ukraine would have ended in day without Washington's help to Kiev — Trump

Ukraine had the best equipment in the world given by sleepy Joe Biden, the US president said

Global economy cannot do without Russian energy, AfD leader says

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Alice Weidel criticized the United States

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

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"

Top security official’s death will not affect Iran’s political system — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi said the Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure

Pentagon says Iran's space program "destructed"

Iran now appears to have no way of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States, head of the Northern Command of the US Armed Forces, General Gregory Guillot 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

Zelensky finds excuses to sabotage diplomacy after every trip to London — politician

According to the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, Vladimir Zelensky will visit London on March 17

Former Spanish Prime Minister supports stabilization of situation in Venezuela

Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero noted that the current situation in the country "represents the best opportunity to strengthen stability and political understanding"

Lavrov, Fidan discuss Iran war, energy projects — Russian Foreign Ministry

Special attention was drawn to the absolute importance of ensuring comprehensive pipeline safety

Trump says could have decided to withdraw from NATO without Congress

The US leader added that he was not currently raising the issue of withdrawing from NATO

Power restored to one-third of Havana after nationwide outage

As of 7:06 a.m. local time, power supplies were restored to 24 substations of 89 power distribution networks serving 269,367 clients

Russia’s first robotic, unmanned systems test center opens in Moscow

According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, the center’s main site is located in the Skolkovo Innovation Center

Iranian authorities confirm death of Larijani, appoint successors

The politician died due to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran

EU intends to have Hungary’s ban lifted at forthcoming summit

The EU summit is scheduled to be held on March 19-20, 2026

US intends to take measures in relation to Cuba soon — Trump

The US authorities are really focused on this issue, the American leader emphasized

Trump says Europe unwilling to help US with Iran after American support regarding Ukraine

The US president met with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House

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

Middle East share of Russian wheat exports grows to 37% in July-February

Overall, Russian exports maintain a strong position: from July 2025 to February 2026, wheat exports totaled 32.7 million tonnes, barley 4.77 million tonnes, and corn 3.47 million tonnes.

Aeroflot to add 43 extra flights to Thailand, Maldives, Sri Lanka

Ticket sales are already open

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

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

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

EU agrees on 90 billion euro loan to Kiev breaking Hungary's veto — Bulgarian radio

On Tuesday European Council President Antonio Costa demanded that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban adhere to the decision adopted at the December summit, in which Budapest also participated

IN BRIEF: Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant comes under attack

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev specified that the strike had hit the area near the office of the facility’s meteorological service, in close proximity to an operating power unit

Europe needs time to start asking for Russian gas again — Dmitriev

The Russian presidential envoy noted that the price hike would be devastating for industry and households

Four killed, seven wounded in Israeli attack on Beirut — health ministry

Rescue teams are working on the site

Iran delivers new strikes against enemy targets — news agency

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

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

France to never participate in operations to reopen Strait of Hormuz — President Macron

Paris will not do this under any circumstances, Emmanuel Macron said

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

Top US diplomat dismisses report of plans to remove Cuban president from power

Marco Rubio said that "many in US media keep putting out fake stories"

Israeli army no longer needs political approval to eliminate senior Iranian officials — TV

According to the TV channel, this will make it possible to speed up the decision-making process

Iranian soldiers write messages on missiles telling US to get out of Middle East

Iranian soldiers write on misseles that they will continue strikes until the last American soldier leaves the Middle East

Real effective exchange rate of ruble up 0.7% in February — Central Bank

The rate added 2.5% annually since the start of this year

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

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

Russian stock market closes in the red — market reports

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

EU provides Ukraine with full terms for joining union

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko recalled that Kiev had received part of the conditions in December

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

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

Russia, Turkey confirm bilateral intentions of maintaining high-level contacts — ministry

On March 17, 2026, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held telephone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Hakan Fidan

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

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

Warsaw District Court to continue hearing case on extradition of archaeologist Butyagin

The hearing may be closed to the media

US intends to further ease sanctions on Venezuelan oil — Bloomberg

Additional steps could be announced this week

US spending on war with Iran could exceed trillion dollars — The Intercept

The Pentagon said the US spent about $11.3 billion in just one week of its war on Iran