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Bank of Russia cuts key rate by 0.5 p.p. to 15% second time this year

According to the regulator, the Russian economy is approaching a balanced growth path

© Artyom Geodakyan/TASS

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia has lowered its key rate by 0.5 percentage points to 15% per annum for the second time since the beginning of the year, noting that it will assess both domestic and external risks when making decisions at upcoming meetings, according to the regulator’s press release following a meeting of its board of directors.

"On 20 March 2026, the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to cut the key rate by 50 basis points to 15.00% per annum. The economy is approaching a balanced growth path. In February, price growth predictably decelerated after a temporary acceleration in January. The Bank of Russia estimates that the underlying measures of current price growth remain in the range of 4-5% in annualized terms. However, uncertainty regarding the external environment has increased considerably," the statement said.

MOEX index slightly slows gains following Bank of Russia rate cut decision

By 13:35 Moscow time, the MOEX index stood at 2,878.69 points

Iran war may hurt Vance’s election prospects — WP

The vice president supported the American leader's decision to launch the military operation, the newspaper noted

Von der Leyen rules out purchases of Russian gas even in event of power outages in EU

The EU will continue the transition to green, European-produced energy, the European Commission president says

Fire breaks out at Kuwait's Al-Ahmadi oil refinery following drone strike — agency

The Kuna news agency reported that no one was injured in the incident, and firefighters have begun extinguishing the blaze

Iran attacks central Israel, explosion heard near Tel Aviv

The alerts followed a military warning about new missile strikes from Iran

Objectives of US-Israel in operation against Iran diverge — US intelligence

The US' objectives have been laid out by President Donald Trump

Iran has enough missiles, drones for at least 2-3 months — Chinese expert

According to Hu Bo, Iran’s stock of ballistic missiles has likely fallen to below 1,000 units, based on open-source intelligence

Russian auto market descends to sixth position in Europe in February 2026

In February 2026, 80,027 new cars were sold in Russia

Events in Middle East will have long-term consequences for energy sector — Gazprom CEO

"Figuratively speaking, the situation on international energy markets and its future dynamics can be described as follows: only the bears are resting, and only the bulls are working hard," Alexey Miller added

Netanyahu denies Israel pushing Trump to launch operation against Iran

The official says that the US president makes his decisions based "on what he thinks is good for America"

90 billion euros for Kiev remain blocked, EU to somehow solve this — European Commission

President Ursula von der Leyen promised to send the money "one way or the other"

Opening Druzhba pipeline enough to lift Hungary’s veto on loan to Kiev — Italian PM

Giorgia Meloni said this issue can be resolved

EU leaders cancel press conference with Zelensky in Brussels

The decision was made after the EU summit failed to convince Hungary and Slovakia to lift their veto on allocating €90 billion in military financing to Ukraine

Belarus remains Trump’s ally despite US mistakes — President Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader urged the US envoy to convey his perspective to US President Donald Trump

Trump says visit to China postponed by six weeks

The US president said he would praise Japan when he was in China with President Xi Jinping

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Mongolian authorities to reduce import duties for Russian oil products

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Gongor Damdinnyam initiated amendments to the parliamentary resolution of 1999 'On approval of rates and sizes of customs duties on imported goods'

Air defenses working near headquarters of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran — TV

No information on damage to the building or casualties is available so far

Pentagon needs additional funding from Congress for operations against Iran — Hegseth

The US military expects to receive more than $200 billion

Netanyahu promised to stop attacks on oil and gas facilities in Iran — Trump

According to the US president, the United States and Israel act independently, but at the same time coordinate their efforts

German Federal Bank chief says gold and currency reserves safe in US

"These reserves have a special protection status", Joachim Nagel said

Tehran says F-35 fighter jet hit by Iran’s new air defense systems

After the June 2025 12-Day War, young specialists at IRGC "were able to create new air defense systems and introduce them into the country’s integrated air defenses," the Iranian armed forces said

US accelerates deployment of additional troops to Middle East — TV channel

According to the sources cited by NBC News, at least 2,200 Marines will depart from San Diego for the region in several days

EU summit mum on providing US with military support in conflict with Iran — statement

EU leaders also "condemned Iran’s indiscriminate military strikes" but did not comment on the US and Israeli strikes

US, Israel carry out over 16,000 strikes on Iranian territory — newspaper

According to the data obtained by The Wall Street Journal, more than 120 Iranian ships were damaged or destroyed

Moscow, Beijing, Ankara ready to help resolve Iran conflict — Russian MFA

The ministry says that the states are ready to find ways to achieve long-term stability "based on respect for the interests of all regional countries"

Russian troops in LPR fix anti-aircraft guns with thermal sights to target drones

The officer explained that the thermal imaging sight can detect drones at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters

President Putin congratulates Russia’s Paralympic team with 'incredible results'

The Russian Paralympic team was allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem for the first time in 12 years amid sanctions

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

Rostec delivers batch of Pantsir-S air defense systems to troops

The press service said the combat vehicles passed the required trials and were accepted by the military

Ukrainian army sends Colombians to front lines without actual contracts signed — POW

According to the captive, Colombians are recruited by their compatriots

Putin’s envoy recommends that EU change its leadership, abandon Russophobia

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that Europe needs Russia to survive

Russia concerned about US plans for rapid militarization of space — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that US policy on space exploration and security is becoming increasingly aggressive

Iran strikes several strategic targets in Israel, including oil refineries — IRGC

The strikes were carried out using drones and Ghadr, Emad, Kheibarshekan, and Khorremshahr missiles

End of Middle East conflict hinges on US political will — UN chief

Antonio Guterres added that Iran has a strategy, which is to resist for as much time as possible and to cause as much harm as possible

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

Casualty toll from Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region almost triples in 2026

"The number of shelling attacks involving multiple rocket launchers has increased three-fold in 2026 compared to the same period last year, and the number of drone strikes has doubled," Olga Medvedeva, deputy regional governor for internal affairs, said

US-Iran deal still possible — ex-head of US counterterrorism center

According to Joe Kent, statements by the US administration regarding the possibility of exempting Iranian oil from sanctions may indicate Washington’s willingness to end the conflict

Belgian PM says only Europe finances Ukrainian conflict

Bart De Wever believes that the EU should increase pressure on Russia

Russia extends restrictions on transfers abroad for non-residents from unfriendly states

Restrictions apply to transfers from accounts of both individuals and legal entities opened with Russian brokers and trust managers

Thousands displaced from border areas in Russia’s Belgorod Region amid Kiev’s attacks

According to an aide to the regional deputy governor, the four years of Ukrainian attacks have made it clear that Kiev’s forces deliberately seek to target civilians

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov returns to Vladivostok from long-distance voyage

The press service noted that during the missions, the ships made formal calls at ports of six countries, sailed through more than five seas, two oceans, covering a distance of over 25,000 nautical miles

IDF eliminates official representative of IRGC during overnight strikes — press service

The IDF called the killing of Ali Mohammad Naini part of "a series of eliminations of dozens of senior figures of the Iranian regime during the operation"

Arab governments 'furious' about Israel’s attack on Iranian gas field — newspaper

According to the sources, Gulf officials had "aggressively" lobbied the Washington administration to stop US and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure

US should use ammunition for own purposes, not send it to Kiev — Hegseth

According to the minister, the US will refill its arsenals "faster than anyone imagined"

Russian LNG imports to China fall by 7.4% in January-February

Russia ranks fourth among key suppliers of this energy resource to China

Dmitriev calls strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field tipping point

According to US President Donald Trump, only a small portion of the field’s facilities were damaged

Hungary legally blocks EU’s 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine — Orban

The prime minister says the decision-making on the loan has not been finalized, while the Ukrainians have imposed "an oil blockade on Hungary"

India to buy liquefied petroleum gas from Russia if possible — MFA

India wants "to have a wide range of options," Randhir Jaiswal noted

Orban confident of victory in upcoming Hungarian elections

The Hungarian PM stressed that he was defending the interests of the country’s voters

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

Putin says Russia's Paralympians truly inspired at this year's Games

The Russian president recalled that Russia won 12 medals at the Paralympics, including the third-most golds

EU leaders criticize Orban at EU summit — European Council head

Antonio Costa called the Hungarian prime minister’s stance unacceptable

Oil above $115, strikes on energy facilities mark Middle East conflict

Gas prices on the European exchange at the opening of trading exceeded $850 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time since December 2022

Netanyahu says Iran now deprived of ability to enrich uranium, produce missiles

The prime minister of Israel emphasizes that "hundreds of launchers" have been destroyed

Israeli PM proposes replacing Strait of Hormuz with pipelines through Israel

This transformation of logistics could happen because of the hostilities in the region, Benjamin Netanyahu notes

Zelensky must stay alive so he can be brought to trial — lawmaker

Andrey Kartapolov says Russia wants the whole world to see "whom the former US administration and current European leaders actually supported"

Israel catalyst of Middle East war — Turkey’s foreign minister

Hakan Fidan also pointed to the undermined global stability

US congresswoman reveals 'orchestrated campaign' to sabotage ties with Russia

Anna Paulina Luna still added that Washington is "actively involved in peace talks with Russia and those efforts will not be sabotaged by anyone"

Russian T-72B3 tanks significantly outmatch foreign counterparts — gunner

According to the serviceman, the Russian tank is much more reliable and its powerful 125mm gun is more accurate compared to its foreign counterparts

Missile subs Dmitry Donskoy, Knyaz Potemkin to join Russian Navy — commander

They are currently under construction at the Sevmash, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Alexander Moiseyev said

Russia begins mass production of Vorobey-15 bomber drone

The Spektr Design Bureau noted the drone’s excellent maintainability

Pentagon becomes increasingly reliant on land-based missiles — WSJ

The newspaper believes that Washington could deploy several additional land-based missile systems on allied territory in the Persian Gulf

Bank of Russia cuts key rate by 0.5 p.p. to 15% second time this year

According to the regulator, the Russian economy is approaching a balanced growth path

Trump refers to Pearl Harbor attack when asked about surprise launch of Iran operation

The US president says he did not inform the allies about the attack "because we wanted surprise"

Hungary will not participate in war, to which Europe is now preparing — premier

Viktor Orban emphasized that the Ukrainian conflict has not yet been resolved, and the EU leadership is poised to continue it

FACTBOX: New Kiev attacks on TurkStream and Blue Stream infrastructure

The attacks were repelled through joint efforts of the Russian Defense Ministry and mobile response teams, with no damage to the facilities

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

Negotiations with Israel could begin immediately after ceasefire — Lebanese President

The peace initiative Lebanon announced on March 9 remains in effect, Joseph Aoun said

Hungary, Slovakia block EU summit's decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine

The European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting, the three-point final communique stated

Brent oil prices on ICE turn lower after nearly 11% intraday surge

As of 9:05 p.m. Moscow time, Brent was down 0.23% at $107.13 per barrel

Forthcoming price tsunami to devastate Europe — Dmitriev

The special presidential envoy and chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund said that "it stems from the stubborn strategic stupidity of Russophobes"

Russian tank crews destroy at least two enemy targets per mission — serviceman

The commander of a tank crew the separate Novorossiysk Airborne Division noted that drones greatly assist tanks during combat operations

Russia will never view Zelensky as legal negotiating party — Medvedev

Vladimir Zelensky will not be a party to sign an act of surrender, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

UK exempts Rosneft’s transport of Kazakh crude from sanctions — document

The sanctions exemption is valid until March 18, 2028

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

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 185 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Israel doesn't want world to know about IDF war crimes — war correspondent

According to Christelle Neant, Israel has long had a problematic relationship with the truth

Mirotvorets extremist database doxes Russian Paralympic champions

The database also includes athlete-commentator Sergey Sinyakin and Irina Gromova, head coach of the Russian cross-country skiing team

Russia calls for early cessation of hostilities in Middle East — MFA

The ministry says "Moscow is seriously concerned" about the Gulf area confrontation, further escalation risks

Iranian forces hit US Al Dhafra base in UAE — state broadcaster

The servicemen used the Khorramshar, Qadr, and Emad missiles for the attacks

US sells Asia three-year record volume of oil amid Iran conflict — Bloomberg

Asian countries have increased purchases of US oil for April delivery to around 60 mln barrels

Russia obliged to strike country potentially transferring nukes to Kiev — lawmaker

Andrey Kartapolov says the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine would constitute a violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

EU summit reveals community leaders' incompetence to act — media

Politico noted that the discussions revealed deep divisions within the European Union and its limited influence on international processes

Project 677 subs deadly to enemy surface ships — Russian Navy commander

Project 677 submarines belong to the fourth generation of diesel-electric submarines and are currently recognized as the most modern and advanced domestic non-nuclear submarines

UAE announces neutralization of group linked to Hezbollah, Iran

The participants of the group are accused of "money laundering, undermining the economy, and posing a threat to national security"

Meloni stuns EU leaders by saying she understands Orban’s veto on Ukraine — Politico

At the same time, the Italian prime minister supports the allocation of €90 billion to Kiev

Russian strategic missile subs fully combat-ready — Navy Commander

This was confirmed during inspections and naval exercises under the direction of the Russian President

Orban leaves EU summit in high spirits after blocking aid to Ukraine — media

According to the newspaper, the Hungarian PM saw this as a major personal victory

Number of foreigners involved in terrorist activities in Russia triples — prosecutor

According to Russian Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, the answer to these challenges should be the reorganization of public migration administration

US bombs Iranian mine-laying vessels to disrupt Strait of Hormuz blockade

Aircraft, including A-10 attack jets, are used to target mine-laying ships

British and European bureaucrats fail to analyze their erroneous decisions — Putin’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev elaborated on his previous post about the energy shock that had already been forecast for Europe

Hungary to build gas pipeline with Slovenia to import gas from Italy — Szijjarto

The minister says that the new pipeline is planned to become an energy diversification tool, while Hungary has no plans to leave the existing energy sources or delivery routes

United States no longer in control of its foreign policy — Omani foreign minister

Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi expressed hope that America’s commitment to regime change is just rhetorical

Press review: Canada-EU monitor Russian tankers as Gaza talks resume amid Iran conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 19th

5-kW nuclear power plant to be landed on Moon by mid-2030s — Rosatom CEO

The plant will have an operating life of up to 10 years

Several countries express readiness to help ensure safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz

They also expressed their deep concern about the escalating conflict

US F-35 jet makes emergency landing after being damaged over Iran — TV

This incident represents the first confirmed instance of an American aircraft being struck by Iranian fire since the escalation to full-scale hostilities

Press review: US weighs Iran assault as Middle East war disrupts Kiev air defenses

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 20th

Iran preparing for a long war as it wants assurances from US, Israel — FT

Tehran seeks to make sure its foes pay a sufficient price so that they think twice before resuming strikes, sources said

Russia doesn't need ceasefire so that West can rearm Kiev, restart war — diplomat

"The Kiev junta is digging in its heels, obviously with the support of the Europeans," Georgy Muradov said

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