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Russian stock market closes in the red on Tuesday

The yuan edged down by one kopeck to 11.74 rubles

MOSCOW, March 31. /TASS/. The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.9% to 2,775.42 points on Tuesday.

The RTS Index dropped by 0.85% to 1,076.08 points. The yuan edged down by one kopeck to 11.74 rubles.

"After a modest attempt to climb above 2,800 points at the start of the trading session on Tuesday, the MOEX Russia Index dropped. Oil prices did not fall at the same time and the ruble slightly weakened," Andrey Smirnov from BCS Investment World said.

Stock market

"VTB stocks (+2%) became growth leaders on the falling market, most likely on expectations of the dividend size for 2025 to be announced," Natalia Milchakova from Freedom Finance Global said.

Stocks of Inarctica dropped the most (-4.8%) after the release of the weak IFRS reporting statements for 2025.

Forecasts for April 1

BCS Investment World expects the dollar rate of 80-82 rubles on Wednesday. Freedom Finance Global believes the MOEX Russia index will be in the range of 2,750 - 2,850 points.

Ukraine plans to build nuclear fuel production facility

The plant will use technologies developed by US Westinghouse

US Democratic Party used war in Ukraine to receive kickbacks — congresswoman

According to Anna Paulina Luna, this may be the greatest, most corrupt scandal in American history

Zelensky offers Easter ceasefire to rotate Ukrainian troops on front lines — expert

"As experience has shown, such initiatives from the Ukrainian side are primarily aimed at addressing their own local military and logistical needs," Alexander Mikhailov said

FACTBOX: Iran moves to charge toll for passage through Strait of Hormuz

The fee will be charged in accordance with a new law that the Iranian parliament is set to pass shortly

NATO short on air defense systems — Russian law enforcement agencies

The source reported that the US asked Poland to supply Patriot air defense systems, but Polish National Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Warsaw does not intend to transfer its weapons to the US side

Houthis threaten to block Bab el-Mandeb Strait, bring oil prices to $200 per barrel

According to Mohammed Mansour, deputy information minister in the Houthi government, it will strangle the European economy

Trump does not link end of war with Iran with opening of Hormuz — WSJ

The American authorities believe that restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will mean a six-week operation against Iran, the newspaper said

Iran seeks complete end to Middle East war rather than ceasefire — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi added that Iran’s conditions include guarantees that aggression will not recur

Hezbollah takes responsibility for attack on Israeli military intelligence headquarters

Missile strikes also targeted an Israeli naval base in Haifa Bay

Kiev, amid waning Western support, in agony launching massive strikes at LPR — governor

Leonid Pasechnik said that the Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant sustained serious damage

US Secretary of State asks G7 to participate in international mission in Strait of Hormuz

According to the source, Marco Rubio still indicated that the US does not need G7 assistance in opening the strait

US-Israeli war against Iran could escalate into World War III — Jeffrey Sachs

The American economist said the fighting could spiral out of control, as the US and Israel "are dead set on hegemony in the Arab world and West Asia – one that combines Israeli territorial expansion with American-backed regime control across the region"

Oil supplies to Europe, Asia fell by 40% due to Iranian crisis — Russian Security Council

According to Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexander Venediktov, the consequences of the crisis in the Middle East have already been felt in virtually every country in the world

IRGC deputy commander blames US for blocking global access to Strait of Hormuz

General Ali Fadavi said that Washington miscalculated and set goals that were supposed to be achieved within three to five days, but it failed to achieve any of them

Russia demands investigation into Israeli strike that injured RT crew in Lebanon

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said the deliberate strike hit right next to where they were filming, with no military facilities anywhere in the vicinity, which can be seen clearly from the footage of ammunition explosions shot by the crew’s cameraman

Four Seas Project could become basis for US plans in Persian Gulf — newspaper

The initiative envisages the development of infrastructure and transport corridors linking the Black, Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas

US, Israel cannot decide what rules exist in the world — Spanish defense minister

Margarita Robles clarified that Madrid’s stance regarding the US-Israeli military action in Iran "does not signify a rupture in the transatlantic relationship"

Western weapons do not change picture of fighting in northern DPR — Russian military

According to the source, the primary advantage for Ukrainian forces lies in the terrain and the strength of their fortifications within the urban area

Washington hopes to reach deal with Tehran by April 6 — White House

The US President had previously stated that Washington would destroy all of Iran’s power plants, oil wells, and the island of Kharg in the Gulf if Tehran were to derail talks with the US aimed at resolving the conflict

Russia, China, other BRICS, SCO members facing aggressive opposition — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat emphasized that what is currently happening on the world stage "shows signs of developing into an increasingly large-scale conflict"

FACTBOX: Three people injured as 92 drones attack Russian regions overnight

Damage was reported at the port of Ust-Luga while repelling the drone attack on the Leningrad Region

US unlikely to allow its allies to fall outside of its protective shield, expert says

Alexey Gromyko warned of serious repercussions, addressing the prospects of nuclear proliferation, particularly the potential transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine from France and Britain

Press review: Espionage scandals strain Russia-UK ties as G7 moves to curb oil prices

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 31st

EU calls Ukraine’s move to hold up inspection of Druzhba 'an enigma'

The EU diplomats dismissed Kiev’s attempts to block an inspection as "not smart" enough and "unclear"

PM Fico rejects EC demand to end fuel premium for foreign drivers at Slovak stations

He stated that the premium on foreign drivers is due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline

Europe misjudging upcoming energy crisis, as expected — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev added that Europe does not try to mitigate future risks or correct mistakes

Russia alarmed by Trump's 'military adventures' — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin noted that international relations keep turning more chaotic and less stable

Iran says opponents begging it to negotiate over Strait of Hormuz

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized that the country's armed forces were among the world’s mightiest

JP Morgan sees oil price growing to $150, if Hormuz closed for another month

According to the chief economist Bruce Kasman, a scenario in which the strait remains closed for an additional month would be consistent with constraints on industrial consumers of energy supply

Kyrgyz embassy in Iran suspended — Foreign Ministry

Kyrgyz citizens staying in Iran were strongly recommended to exercise increased vigilance

Tanker hit by shell, burning off UAE coast — UKMTO

The crew are accounted for and safe

Russian lawmakers tell US colleagues Ukraine fears 'Witkoff plan'

The Ukrainian side is reluctant to accept the terms of the plan, as they are perceived as a defeat, Svetlana Zhurova, first deputy chair of the State Duma international committee, said

US-Israeli war on Iran on verge of spiraling out of control — Global Times

The US government, the newspaper notes, initially projected that the war against Iran would last "four to five weeks", and later repeatedly claimed it would "end soon", but the facts proved otherwise

Putin to meet with election commission head soon — Kremlin

Ella Pamfilova became Russia’s first Central Election Commission head to be re-elected for a third term

Trumps speaks rudely about Saudi Arabia’s crown prince — newspaper

According to Trump, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud perceived him as "another American president that was a loser" with his country going downhill

Slovak PM accuses EU authorities of conspiring with Zelensky to stop oil supplies

According to Robert Fico, the European Commission is capable of influencing Vladimir Zelensky but it is reluctant to do it

Russia’s debt up by 21% in 2025 to 35.1 trillion rubles — Audit Chamber

According to the Audit Chamber, domestic debt increased by 6.9 trillion rubles, while foreign debt decreased by 818.4 billion rubles

US intends to create global energy crisis with attacks on Iran — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin noted that earlier media reports indicated that the Pentagon had begun preparations for the operation dubbed "Final Blow"

Arab countries’ losses from Middle East conflict may reach $200 bln — Bloomberg

The overall losses could push the regional unemployment rate up by as much as four percentage points, costing some 3.6 million jobs and forcing up to four million people into poverty

Iran significantly cuts discount on its oil amid conflict — Oil Minister

According to Mohsen Paknejad, the necessary measures have been taken to ensure fuel security, and citizens can rest assured

Old world order coming apart, ceasefire in Iran: Lavrov’s statements

Russia’s top diplomat stressed that Moscow calls for an immediate end to US and Israeli aggression against Iran, described the use of military force against civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable

Israel, US carry out strikes on 24 pharmaceutical industry facilities — Iranian minister

The official said that medical equipment production and supply chains have been seriously damaged

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russian women held in US

Natalia Dudina and Kristina Malyshko are currently in custody at the Otay Mesa Immigration Detention Center in San Diego, with ICE stating that they will remain detained until the ongoing investigation concludes

G7 countries powerless in Iran crisis — newspaper

The publication notes that on Monday, the heads of finance and energy ministries and central banks of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom held an "unprecedented joint meeting" to coordinate their response

Russia’s 2025 budget deficit at 2.6% of GDP — Finance Ministry

The ministry said that last year's budget met the targets - primary structural deficit, adjusted for the balance of budget and interstate loans

Almost 40 drones downed over northwest Russia’s Leningrad Region, three injured

Overnight, the Russia's air defenses downed 92 Ukrainian UAVs over 12 Russian regions

Strategic partnership with Russia underpins bilateral ties — North Korean foreign minister

A TASS delegation led by Andrey Kondrashov is currently visiting North Korea at the invitation of the Korean Central News Agency

Donbass Dome system now covers DPR areas liberated from Ukrainian forces

The system neutralized over 50,000 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles

Iranian air defenses down US drone MQ-9 Reaper over Isfahan — IRGC

The IRGC emphasized that the drone "was destroyed by an advanced air defense system, which is part of the country’s integrated air defenses."

Russian tanker delivers oil to Cuba despite US pressure on Havana — envoy

Viktor Koronelli said the tanker delivered 100,000 tons of oil

Russia says interested in Modi's visit to Moscow for summit

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko pointed out that Moscow is hosting the Russian-Indian summit this year

Prospecting gold placer licenses to be retained, declarative principle to end

According to the head of the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources Oleg Kazanov, the prospecting licenses will remain

US Navy aircraft carriers withdraw 1,000 km from Iranian shores — IRGC Deputy Commander

The most vulnerable point for the US is its ships, Major General Ali Fadavi stressed

US interested in calling on Arab nations to help pay for cost of Iran operation — official

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

Lavrov to visit India on May 14-15 for BRICS foreign ministers' meeting — Foreign Ministry

"It is also planned to hold a separate working visit by Sergey Lavrov to India to meet with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other Indian officials," Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said

Russia open to dialogue with West but refuses to 'chase anyone' — top diplomat

As Sergey Lavrov stressed, "the door is open to those willing to set aside their whims and clearly state what they propose"

North Korea committed to strategic partnership agreement with Russia — Jo Yong-won

Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly stressed that the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK will remain faithful to the spirit and obligations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Russia

Trump may politically eliminate Zelensky — US expert

Vladimir Zelensky has zero impact on the world, Scott Ritter said

Strikes on Iran may lead to nuclear arms race in Middle East, Russian senator warns

Deputy chair of the Russian Federation Council Natalya Nikonorova noted that the US and Israel are pushing Iran towards pulling out of the NPT, "after which the country will be able to develop its nuclear program without control from the IAEA"

Zelensky offers others military aid because he doesn't care about Ukraine — expert

American political scientist Garland Nixon emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky acts in the interests of Western intelligence services

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Russia mulls abolition of declarative principle for oil and gas licenses

Head of the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources Oleg Kazanov said that "some work is being done in this direction"

Skorlupa uncrewed boats deployed to special military op zone — Ushkuynik Center

Scenarios for the new reserve system’s use are currently being developed

Almost all oil and gas fields with reserves transferred to companies — agency

"What we're licensing now are mainly the subsurface areas with predicted resources," head of the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources Oleg Kazanov said

Putin to hold talks with Armenian PM in Moscow on April 1 — Kremlin

The sides plan to discuss the current state and prospects for Russian-Armenian relations of strategic partnership and alliance, integration-focused cooperation in the Eurasian space, as well as key issues on the regional agenda

Russian troops liberate Malaya Korchakovka community in Sumy Region over past day

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,260 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia and North Korea lead fight for formation of multipolar world — TASS CEO

Russia and the DPRK act as absolutely equal partners and defend their right to choose their own path of development, Andrey Kondrashov said

Gulf states urge US to continue war with Iran, AP says

According to the news agency, UAE, Saudi Arabian, Kuwaiti and Bahraini officials said that they would like to continue the American-Israeli military operation until radical changes take place in the leadership of the Islamic Republic

Trump says not yet ready to conclude operation against Iran

The US president said that he would do it at some point

Russia says not to supply oil to countries that support price cap

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stressed that official appeals from foreign countries will be subjected to careful consideration

Croatia refuses to host Serbian President Vucic and cancels regional summit

The office of the Croatian leader said that "the political statements and actions of the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic undermine interstate relations and threaten peace and stability in the region of southeastern Europe"

Russian security services analyzing Ukrainian drones shot down over DPR

Arina Klepanova, spokesperson for the regional Federal Security Service Directorate, emphasized that most of the drones launched over the region were produced in NATO countries

US believes Iran’s new supreme leader is alive but seriously injured — Trump

Nobody has heard from him, the US president said

Other countries must restore shipping in Hormuz Strait on their own — Trump

The US leader offered recommendations to countries that do not receive fuel via the Strait of Hormuz

Former NATO AF personnel incur losses in Russian strikes on Ukrainian airfields — expert

Boris Rozhin said that strikes on airfields like Starokonstantinov or Knatovo are carried out quite regularly

Only Russia can make 'grand bargain' in Middle East — expert

A former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst and former United Nations arms inspector in Iraq Scott Ritter stressed that Russia is the one nation that can talk to all sides of the conflict

Iran considers Ukraine party to war against it — envoy to UN

Amir Saeid Iravani noted that sending "hundreds of specialists" to the region "indicates active participation and facilitation of the unlawful use of force against a sovereign state"

Iran to foil enemy attempts to pass through Strait of Hormuz — IRGC

Any slightest movements by enemies will be suppressed with missiles and drones

Mojtaba Khamenei currently in Iran — Russian ambassador to Tehran

Alexey Dedov reported that he has not yet talked with the new Supreme Leader of Iran

US proposes placing Strait of Hormuz under international control — newspaper

According to the report, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the initiative at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers

Japan deploys new weapons, gaining retaliatory strike capability for first time

According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, the country has deployed Type 12 land-based cruise missiles with a range of over 1,000 kilometers at two bases of its Ground Self-Defense Force

Sending North Korean troops to Kursk Region ideal strategic partnership — Foreign Minister

Choe Son Hui also expressed confidence that TASS's information activities would make "the most significant contribution to the strengthening of military brotherhood between the peoples of Russia and the DPRK"

Iran strikes US, Israeli military positions in region — IRGC

According to the report, the targets were located in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to attack US tech firms in Mideast

According to the statement, the US companies in the sphere of information technology and artificial intelligence are a key element in working out and tracking targets for the attacks

No dates for Ukraine talks, but Russia ready taking into account Anchorage realities

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stressed that due to various circumstances, negotiations on the settlement in Ukraine were put on ice

Press review: US nears Iran ground invasion as Ukraine hits Russia with Flamingo missiles

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 30th

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

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Kherson governor says it’s Russia, not Ukraine, that controls skies in the region

Vladimir Saldo noted that the situation in Kherson remains dire for residents

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

FACTBOX: What's the deal with Telegram in Russia

People in Russia are still complaining that the app doesn't work well

Iran holds funeral ceremony for naval commander Tangsiri — TV

Around a thousand people carrying Iranian flags and portraits of Tangsiri gathered for the ceremony

King of Jordan refuses to meet with Netanyahu — media

The purpose of the meeting was to make it clear to the United States that Israel and Jordan are on good terms, especially after the ceasefire in Gaza

Iranian military urges US to abandon plans to control Strait of Hormuz

This strategic mistake by the American and Zionist enemies of Islamic Iran has humiliated them and set them on a path to destruction, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, representative of the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said

Russia needs lasting peace in Ukraine instead of ceasefire — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also said that Vladimir Zelensky’s Easter ceasefire proposal did not actually represent a clear initiative

Retired MMA icon Emelianenko wants to fight at Russia's 2027 Sambo Championship

Fedor Emelianenko retired in February 2023 after a rematch against America's Ryan Bader

Russian forces discover Ukrainian chemical weapons caches in liberated DPR — FSB

According to FSB regional branch spokeswoman Arina Klepanova, the Ukrainian side is using bacteriological and chemical weapons to poison Russian population

Errol Musk says he could consider moving to Moscow

The entrepreneur emphasized that Moscow was extremely attractive

Iranian parliament committee approves Strait of Hormuz toll plan

According to the plan, transiting the strait is banned for the ships associated with the US, Israel and the countries that have imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran

Venezuelan politician praises delivery of humanitarian aid from Russia to Cuba

Vice president of the We Can party Willian Rodríguez emphasized that "Russia is again giving the world a lesson in solidarity by risking sending a tanker with oil as humanitarian aid to Cuba during the blockade of the island"

Errol Musk says he believes Lavrov’s explanation of special military op reasons

Errol Musk mentioned that he had spoken with Sergey Lavrov about Donbass

Russia responds to Western hostility in challenging circumstances — Patrushev

According to the Russian presidential aide, the aggressive actions of the United States seeking to maintain its dominance in strategically important areas of the World Ocean had a serious destabilizing effect on the global agenda