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Russian economic activity in Q1 below forecast — Central Bank

Elvira Nabiullina noted that weather conditions had influenced construction dynamics

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The economic activity in Russia evolves in the first quarter of this year below the forecast of the Central Bank, Governor of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said at the press conference after the Board meeting.

"The economic activity evolves below our forecast for the first quarter of 2026. However, it was influenced by the high base of the last year and the known seasonal factor - we had several working days less and weather conditions influenced construction dynamics: the cold winter had the construction volumes slowing down," Nabiullina said.

"As regards other flash indicators, not only from Rosstat [the Russian statistical agency - TASS] but PMI also, our business climate indicator shows weak growth of economic activity, differing by sectors and uneven. According to the forecast in general, we will update it in April, we reach 0.5-1.5 interest points so far," she added.

Three Russian airplanes to undergo certification this year

The PD-8 engine designed for SJ-100 jets will undergo certification in April 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

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

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

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

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

The sanctions exemption is valid until March 18, 2028

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

Orban confident of victory in upcoming Hungarian elections

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

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

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

Hakan Fidan also pointed to the undermined global stability

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

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

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

Russia begins mass production of Vorobey-15 bomber drone

The Spektr Design Bureau noted the drone’s excellent maintainability

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

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

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"

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

Belarusian leader says working on 'major agreement' with US

Alexander Lukashenko added that the agenda of talks with the US also covered the potential resumption of the US embassy’s operations in Minsk and the issue of nuclear materials

Russia lodges protest with Israel over bomb falling near RT journalists in Lebanon — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident and for preventing such incidents in the future

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

French Navy detains Mozambique-flagged Denya tanker en route from Russia

According to the Mediterranean maritime prefecture, the operation was conducted jointly with France’s allies, including the United Kingdom, which took part in tracking the ship, in conformity with Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

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"

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

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

Giorgia Meloni said this issue can be resolved

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

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

The US military expects to receive more than $200 billion

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

They also expressed their deep concern about the escalating conflict

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"

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

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

US actor Chuck Norris dies at age 86

Earlier this week, the actor was hospitalized on the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii

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

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

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

Attack against Iran’s Bandar-e Anzali affected Russian economic interests

The Iranian port of Anzali on the Caspian Sea was bombed on March 18

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

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

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

Iran attacks central Israel, explosion heard near Tel Aviv

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

US, Israel threaten to drag Caspian nations into conflict around Iran — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow is growing increasingly concerned over the expanding geography of the US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran

Russian strategic missile subs fully combat-ready — Navy Commander

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

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

Guterres's remarks on Crimea and Donbass inappropriate — Medvedev and Medvedchuk

"His words were dictated by a cowardly desire to side with the collective West, and primarily with the countries of the European Union, in the conflict with Russia," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev and Viktor Medvedchuk, former leader of Ukraine’s banned Opposition Platform - For Life party, said

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

Another couple of weeks of US operation in Iran to exceed cost of Iraq invasion — media

Newsweek points out that George W. Bush requested $74.7 billion from Congress to cover initial costs of the Iraq campaign, which, adjusted for inflation, would be worth about $133 billion today

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that Europe needs Russia to survive

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

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

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"

Switzerland suspends weapons exports to US due to Iran conflict

The country also refrained from issuing "licenses for the export of military equipment to Israel" and Iran for several years

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

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

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

Ex-head of breakaway Kiev Patriarchate Orthodox Church died at age of 97

Filaret was hospitalized in Kiev on March 9 in connection with the worsened health condition

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

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"

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

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"

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

Russian troops liberate five communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement of Sopych in the Sumy Region and units of Battlegroups West, South and Center liberated the settlements of Aleksandrovka, Kaleniki, Fyodorovka Vtoraya and Pavlovka in the DPR

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

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

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

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

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

Hungary's Orban says won't approve new EU budget until funds released from previous one

The Hungarian prime minister also warned that he would not support the European Commission's proposed EU budget for 2028-2034, as it includes excessively large allocations for aid to Ukraine

Board of Peace agrees on proposals for Gaza Strip reconstruction — representative

Council's high representative in the Gaza Strip Nickolay Mladenov said that the document is ready and to put it into effect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Israel comes under new missile attack from Iran

A series of explosions was heard after the air raid sirens

EU leaders criticize Orban at EU summit — European Council head

Antonio Costa called the Hungarian prime minister’s stance unacceptable

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"

US, Israel attack southern Iranian port of Bandar Lengeh — news agency

There have been no reports about damage to merchant vessels

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

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

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

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"

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

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

Internet blackout in Iran enters 21st day — NetBlocks

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

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

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

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"

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

Russia thwarted new Kiev’s attacks against Black Sea gas pipelines

Attempts of drone strikes against three compressor stations were recorded