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Brent oil price reaches $110 per barrel for first time since March 9, 2025 — trade data

By 11:15 p.m. Moscow time, Brent futures accelerated their growth by 6.97%, trading at $110.71 per barrel

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The price of Brent oil futures contracts for the May 2026 delivery on the London ICE exchange reached $110 per barrel for the first time since March 9, 2025, according to trading data.

As of 11:10 p.m. Moscow time (8:10 p.m. GMT), oil prices rose by 6.53%, reaching $110.26 per barrel.

By 11:15 p.m. Moscow time (8:15 p.m. GMT), Brent futures accelerated their growth by 6.97%, trading at $110.71 per barrel.

Gas prices situation in Europe makes UGS injection unprofitable — Gazprom

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe as of March 16, the gas reserves level in European UGS continues declining and reached 28.9%

US biolabs in third countries pose threat to whole regions — Defense Ministry

"As we have repeatedly noted, the placement of the most dangerous research facilities outside national territory is part of the United States' biological security strategy," Igor Kirillov stressed

Two people died after shootout with traumatic gun in Samara

The traumatic gun was used in the conflict

Russian billionaires have increased capital by over $17 bln year-to-date - Bloomberg

Aleksei Mordashov, the main shareholder of Severstal, who is considered to be the richest person in Russia, increased capital by $1.49 bln in eight months

Russia, China, India could help countries targeted by Trump’s tariffs — agency

Bloomberg highlights energy cooperation between the three countries, as Russia plans to expand gas exports to China by building the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, and India continues to purchase Russian energy despite US pressure

Extradition to Ukraine poses threat to Russian archaeologist’s life — relatives

The lawyers believe that the proceedings in Ukraine may not meet the standards of a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights

Slovakia won’t support EU Ukraine statement without Druzhba clause — Fico

"Slovak-Ukrainian relations are not a one-way ticket, where we owe them everything and the other side owes us nothing," the Slovak prime minister added

Russian paratroopers destroy Ukrainian ammo depot, infantry by drones in Zaporozhye Region

Following the target acquisition of a reconnaissance UAV, quadcopter drones dropped explosives and destroyed the field depot, triggering stored ammunition detonation

Russian Black Sea Fleet corvette eliminates enemy warships with cruise missiles in drills

The ships’ crews conducted electronic missile launches, the Fleet’s press office specified

Putin aide announces security measures due to terrorist risk against vessels

According to him, in particular, inspections are being conducted on vessels arriving from abroad, procedures for operational coordination between shipowners and seaport administrations have been established, and monitoring of ships carrying cargo on behalf of Russia has been intensified

Attack on Iran's gas infrastructure marks new conflict stage — parliament speaker

The enemy is enraged "and wants to cover up its failures on the battlefield," Majlis Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said

Afghanistan’s plight fails to improve after chaotic US pullout, says Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was deteriorating

Israel attacks Iranian Navy ships in Caspian Sea — TV

The strike targeted an Iranian Navy base in the city of Bandar Anzali

South Korean authorities discuss Russian oil imports with companies — newspaper

According to the report, South Korea purchased Russian oil last time in April 2022

Putin’s order on possible withdrawal from EU energy markets being worked out — Kremlin

The energy market is currently experiencing serious turmoil due to the war around Iran, Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia’s General Staff reports on 133,000 conscripts drafted in 2024 fall campaign

The spring military conscription begins in Russia from April 1 and "today we are holding a briefing devoted to its commencement," Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Organizational and Mobilization Department Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky said

Bombs with power of 13 kilos of trotyle found in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria

An active accomplice of bandits was detained in the search operation and gave confessing testimony

Two militants killed in special operation in Ingushetia

At the same time, one more militant was detained in the same settlement. A lot of arms and ammunition were found there

Six Indian ships carrying 300,000 tons of LNG stuck in Strait of Hormuz — ministry

A total of 22 Indian vessels carrying oil, LNG, chemicals, and petroleum products are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz

US ready for military dialogue with Russia to ensure strategic stability — Pentagon

Daniel Zimmermann said that the US remains interested in strategic stability and maintaining channels for military deconfliction and de-escalation with Russia, which have for decades reduced the chances of miscalculation between the militaries

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

Idea of turning EU into defense union signals shift towards military approach — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the joint defense and security policy is one of the tracks of shared work within the framework of the European Union

Orban sees Europe's disregard for Russia's interests behind special military operation

As the Hungarian prime minister stressed, Moscow "made it clear from the very first point that if NATO is moving to the Russian border, accepting Ukraine is a member, that would be a reason for war"

FC ratifies CIS free trade zone agreement

It cuts the list of goods to which protective tariffs apply

Russian air defenses intercept 51 Ukrainian drones over regions overnight

One more Ukrainian drone was destroyed over the waters of the Sea of Azov

Israeli army says Iranian minister of intelligence was killed in targeted strike on Tehran

The Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, eliminated Esmaeil Khatib on Wednesday night

Turkey to deploy 1,000 Special Forces at Greek border over refugees situation

The minister noted that Turkey "does not stop migrants who would like to voluntarily cross into Greece"

Two road policemen wounded in Kabardino-Balkaria

The policemen were rushed to hospital

Russian economy reacts to oil price fall better than others — economy minister

Maxim Oreshkin recalled that the Russian economy had switched to growth last year

Russia, NATO disagree over Syria, Iran

As multi-faceted and controversial is the Iranian problem, “including the nuclear component, Iran’s nuclear program

Attack on Bushehr nuke, European illusion of Russian defeat: Foreign Ministry statements

A solution to the navigation problems in the Strait of Hormuz "must be sought at the negotiating table," Maria Zakharova noted

EU openly interfering in Hungary’s domestic affairs — Orban

The Hungarian government has repeatedly accused EU leaders and officials of attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs in order to support the opposition party Tisza

US operation against Iran accelerates energy market redivision — Marine Board Chairman

Colossal environmental damage to the Persian Gulf area was inflicted

Russian Pacific Fleet's submarine completes deep-sea dive in Japanese waters

The event was conducted as part of scheduled combat training

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

Donald Trump plans to build office centre in Russia similar to NY Trump Tower

Among the companies is Crocus Group of Russian billionaire Aras Agalarov

Russia's sea drones far ahead of foreign developments in many respects — aide

Russia is already using autonomous, unmanned, and remotely operated underwater vehicles, and scientific institutes and design bureaus are developing a new generation of such technology, Nikolay Patrushev noted

At least three projectiles hit near multi-storey building in Belgorod — eyewitness

One of the projectiles landed in the asphalt, and another hit a road in the courtyard of the apartment building

Number of people living in poverty in Russia drops by over 30 mln since 2000 — Putin

The Russian president added that a further reduction of this indicator is planned

IN BRIEF: What to know of Polish ruling on Russian archaeologist's extradition to Ukraine

Alexander Butyagin's defense team intends to appeal the decision

Fire breaks out in Qatari industrial zone following Iranian attack — Interior Ministry

No information has yet been provided regarding which specific facilities were engulfed in flames or whether there were any casualties

Deposit insurance agency to start payments to Imbank’s clients before February 3

In order to process applications from clients, the agency will use agent banks to be chosen before January 24

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

Iran carries out strikes on four Israeli cities, US bases in Middle East

According to the IRGC, all US military bases in the Middle East, including the Al Dhafra, Ali Al Salem and Al-Azraq facilities, once again came under attack

Europe lacks strong leaders, Orban says

According to him, "in Europe the general conviction is that strong leader is a bad thing, because strong leader represents danger

Ukraine is secondary problem just weakening EU, Orban says

He also remarked that European countries should prioritize the development of security, peace, and long-term stability rather than defeating Russia

Disruptions in oil, gas supplies leading to production halt — Kremlin aide

"Constraints of energy resource supplies will inevitably lead to a halt of energy-intensive production facilities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and the European Union member-countries," Nikolay Patrushev said

Russia to continue helping Iran — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that Iran was facing terrible trials

Russia’s Iskander teams practice massive missile strikes in Baltic drills

"The combat training exercise involved about 50 personnel and around 10 pieces of military and special hardware," the statement reads

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

State of emergency declared in Petrozavodsk after household gas explosion

Four people were injured and residents were evacuated, Head of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov said

Russian troops liberate Aleksandrovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

Orban cites 'economic blackmail' for negative view of Zelensky in Hungary

The reason is that Vladimir Zelensky has requests or demands, which are very much against the interest of the Hungarians, the Hungarian prime minister said

EU may be forced to practically accept potential transfer of Ukrainian territories — Stubb

According to the Finnish president, there is a need for "more flexibility in Europe"

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

EU ban on Russian oil would seriously harm Europe’s economy — Szijjarto

The minister noted that amid a shortage of oil on the global market, Europe would find itself in the most vulnerable position compared to other regions of the world

Russia to unveil export version of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter at Army-2020 forum

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets

Iranian authorities confirm death of Larijani, appoint successors

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

Gas prices situation in Europe makes UGS injection unprofitable — Gazprom

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe as of March 16, the gas reserves level in European UGS continues declining and reached 28.9%

Brent oil price reaches $110 per barrel for first time since March 9, 2025 — trade data

By 11:15 p.m. Moscow time, Brent futures accelerated their growth by 6.97%, trading at $110.71 per barrel

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

Interruptions in Red Sea cargo traffic may last until year-end — FT

"At the shortest, we would see trade resume on its old pattern late in this year," Vincent Clerc noted

Russia's international reserves up by $10 bln in a week to $619.7 bln — regulator

Russia’s international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets available with the Bank of Russia and the Russian Government

NATO special forces units launch joint exercises in Moldova

The drills will last until April 7

Putin offers condolences to Khamenei over Larijani’s death — Iranian state TV

The Russian leader described Ali Larijani as a wise and forward-thinking politician whom he had met on many occasions

St. Petersburg’s Russian Museum to send 28 Ilya Repin paintings to Finland for exhibition

The exhibition will also feature graphic pieces, portraits of the artist’s family members, religious works and city landscapes

Pezeshkian warns US, Israel against strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

This will complicate the situation and could have uncontrollable consequences, the scope of which could engulf the entire world, Iranian President said

NATO defense chiefs to work on boosting ammunition production — Stoltenberg

It is reported that NATO Allies are providing unprecedented support to help Ukraine push back against Russia’s aggression

Shoigu orders to bring heavily wounded man in Makhachkala terrorist act in Moscow

On May 20, the double terrorist act, which was committed at the Bailiff Service building in Makhachkala, killed four people and wounded over 40 people

IAEA response to Bushehr NPP incident disproportionate — Russia’s envoy

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, the missile exploded 200 meters from an operational nuclear reactor

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

Press review: US, Russia may agree on Crimea as US, Israel differ on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 18th

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

Avtovaz needs manager from Renault or Nissan — RSPP head

Yars missile launcher crews practice patrol missions in Tver Region — Defense Ministry

The RS-24 Yars is Russia’s strategic missile system armed with a solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile

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"

US does not rule out attempts to seize nuclear fuel from Iran — White House

A senior US administration official stated earlier that Washington had no intention of conducting any military operations targeting nuclear facilities in Iran at present

Gazprom Neft buys out Shell's stake in Salym Petroleum Development

Shell and Gazprom Neft signed the relevant documents in December, but the deal required the approval of the Russian authorities

Putin proposes Medvedev for position of United Russia leader

In his opinion it would be appropriate to nominate Dmitry Medvedev

NATO’s build-up near western borders poses threats to Moscow-led bloc — CSTO chief

Military activity is increasing and militarization of the whole region is underway, Stanislav Zas pointed out

Hungary’s PM supports Russian participation in European security system

Viktor Orban stressed that Russia should not be pushed out from the European trade and energy system as well

Ukrainian strike damages high-voltage power line supplying Energodar — mayor

Power supply services are working intensively to get the situation under control

Russian-Iranian-Chinese exercise heralds emergence of new naval alliance — Iranian admiral

On the morning of March 14, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the practical phase of the Maritime Security Belt - 2024 exercise ended in the Gulf of Oman

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

McDonald’s feels no worries over potential rivals in Russian fast food market

The company declined to comment on prospects of the project initiated by Oscar-winner Nikita Mikhalkov and his brother Andrey Konchalovsky

Gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities continues to grow, pumping decreases

Gas withdrawal by Europe climbed 2.5-fold in October, reaching the fourth-highest level in history for this month, while pumping was 38% below last year’s figures, hitting the lowest level since 2012

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

French SCALP missiles are used significantly less often, in conjunction with the British ones

Right Cause party adjourns congress until September 20

Delegates to a congress of the Right Cause party made a decision on Thursday not to elect a new party chairman yet

IOC needs to stop its 'tricks' and keep sports free from politics — Putin

According to the Russian president, sports should stand out as a beacon for people and the IOC should return to the principles outlined by the founder of the Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin

IN BRIEF: What we know about death of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani

Larijani’s son Mortaza and head of his security service Sardar Nejad was killed during the same Israeli air force attack

India increases naval presence to escort vessels near Strait of Hormuz

According to the report, the Indian Navy has dispatched at least six ships, including logistics support vessels

Russia has conditions for social business – Muhammad Yunus

The fact that Russian business is only 15 years old is an advantage rather than a drawback

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

Russian Defense Ministry names Ukrainians involved in US military biological programs

It was pointed out that the Russian Defence Ministry had earlier announced the names of some participants in US military biological programs

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

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

CSTO warns of continued geopolitical instability globally

"Western actions will be provocative in nature as the West will seek to preserve its dominance and ignite new hotbeds of escalation globally," Chief of Staff of the CSTO Andrey Serdyukov said

Baturina sells Inteco to Binbank, Sberbank

Alongside the development company the banks have also acquired the building company Patriot

Hungary is in the EU for access to markets — PM Orban

"Unfortunately, direction to where the European Union is moving in terms of values, has nothing to do with the values what we confess and believe in," Viktor Orban said

Latest radar to enter service on Russian Arctic archipelago in mid-March

Upon the completion of the training on March 12, all the trainees will receive certificates giving them the right to operate radars of this type in the Arctic, according to the manufacturer