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Energy crisis in Europe

Europe risks being left without jet fuel in six weeks — speaker IEA chief

The current situation is the largest "energy crisis", IEA head Fatih Birol noted, stressing that it will lead to the increase in gasoline, gas and electricity prices

WASHINGTON, April 16. /TASS/. Europe risks to be left without jet fuel in six weeks amid interruptions of energy supplies, head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol said in an interview with Associated Press.

Flights may have to be canceled soon because of the fuel shortage, if constraints of oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz remain in place, he noted.

The current situation is the largest "energy crisis", Birol noted, stressing that it will lead to the increase in gasoline, gas and electricity prices and have a serious impact on the global economy and inflation. Consequences will affect in the first instance Asian countries that depend on supplies from the Middle East and the effect will then spread to Europe and America, he added.

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Energy crisis in Europe

Investment grade diamond sales up 40% in 2025 — Alrosa

The company noted growing demand for investment grade diamonds in Russia in October 2025

Pentagon prepares for possible operation in Cuba — media

According to the newspaper, preparations are underway in case US President Donald Trump orders an invasion of the island nation

Russia’s S-400 missile systems delivery to India to be completed soon — ambassador

"We have various plans as regards other types of military equipment," Denis Alipov said

US government debt to reach 142.1% of GDP — IMF

The US national debt has recently crossed the level of $39 trillion

EU militarization advancing 'very quickly and rapidly' — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov also emphasized that the EU is attempting to turn Serbia into a buffer zone against Russia

Russia, China joining forces to get planet 'off the hook' — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow and Beijing are focusing on stabilizing the international situation rather than carving up regions

Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly opens in Istanbul

Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko is leading the Russian parliamentary delegation

Iran capable of sinking all US naval ships in Persian Gulf, official says

Mohsen Rezaei said there are currently reasons to maintain the ceasefire and hold talks simultaneously

Russia respects Pope Leo XIV’s peace efforts, but not all leaders share this view — envoy

Ivan Soltanovsky stressed that the Holy See could not remain indifferent to the tragedy in the Holy Land, the broader Middle East and the Persian Gulf

Trump wants to end war with Iran as soon as possible — media

The US leader is convinced that the only way to bring Iran back to the negotiating table is to ramp up pressure on it

NATO, EU at odds over control of European defense industry — newspaper

According to the Financial Times, a fierce dispute has emerged over how to use "an extra $1tn a year for rearmament drive in response to threats" by US President Donald Trump

Blackouts in southern Ukraine linked to energy infrastructure damage

Earlier reports said power outages hit Nikolayev and the Kiev-controlled city of Kherson

US only hindering dialogue with Iran through its embargo — expert

Arab Center Washington DC Executive Director Khalil Jahshan opined that the sweeping maritime blockade of Iranian ports in the PersianGulf by the US military reflects the failure of international mediation efforts taking place in Islamabad

US leader says he is reopening Hormuz Strait for Iran

According to Donald Trump, China "agreed not to send weapons to Iran"

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 75.23 rubles for April 16

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Turkey rolls tanks close to UN buffer zone in Cyprus — agency

United Nations peacekeepers who patrol the neutral zone were subsequently reinforced, while the British military base in Dhekelia is deploying new forces to the zone of tensions

Europe de facto declares drone war on Russia — expert

Alexander Stepanov specified that a regional military-industrial cluster is effectively being created, with the UK, Germany, and France as key players in the market

Ten vessels trying to break through naval blockade of Iran turned around by US military

The US Central Command said that zero ships have broken through since the start blockade

France lifts seizure of tanker Deyna after fine, vessel leaves territorial waters

The Mediterranean maritime prefecture reported that Deyna remains under the supervision of the competent maritime authorities led by the Mediterranean maritime prefect

Container ship enters Iranian port of Larak, bypassing US blockade

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Ukrainian troops set up shop in schools, kindergartens in Kherson for cover — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that the Ukrainian forces are trying to displace the civilian population

Soviet marshal’s daughter blasts The Death of Stalin as ‘abominable’ mockery of history

Maria Zhukova called this film "a provocation beyond any doubt"

Macroeconomic indicators below expectations — Putin

The unemployment rate remains record low at the same time and totals 2,1%, the head of state noted

Hosting foreign military infrastructure leads to threat of attacks, expert warns

Boris Rozhin noted that Iran carried out deliberate attacks on US military infrastructure in the countries it considered reasonable targets

78.03% Russians support constitutional amendments - CEC after counting 99% of ballots

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SVR head calls US colonial mindset as root cause of Middle East conflict

Accoridng to Sergey Naryshkin, the West still divides countries into two categories: those that lead and those that obey, regardless of international law

Russian army takes new positions near Konstantinovka — expert

Earlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces are advancing near Konstantinovka, despite the Ukrainian army’s fierce resistance

Israel, US have identical goals in Iran, Israel ready for any scenario — Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu also emphasized that the Israeli side is ready for any scenario

Belarus introduces fines for promoting homosexual relationships, gender reassignment

The law also strengthens crime prevention efforts among adolescents

Trump laments Strait of Hormuz cannot be named after him

The US president also criticized Europe’s migration policy and said relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have worsened

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European companies manufacturing drones for Ukrainian army: Defense Ministry report

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Germany's economy stuck in ‘valley of death,’ Saxony's minister president says

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Russian forces advancing in downtown Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko pointed out that the Russian forces continue advancing in the center of the city and expanding the zone under their control

Accelerated military push underway in Finland, Russian ambassador says

Pavel Kuznetsov described NATO’s large-scale radio-electronic and aerial reconnaissance activity being carried out in Finland as posing a serious threat to Russia’s security

Israeli Chief-of-Staff says approved further plans for Iran, Lebanon

Eyal Zamir also noted that the Israel Defense Forces is at "a very high level of readiness"

Kiev loses up to company of soldiers during attempted counterattack near Gulyaipole — POW

The captured Ukrainian counterintelligence officer added that this mission was supposed to be completed at the end of 2025

Moscow regrets Moldova’s decision to officially withdraw from CIS — Kremlin spokesman

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According to US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, the from sanctions included oil that was on the water prior to March 11

Russia to factor Finland’s potential approval of nuclear weapons imports — ambassador

Pavel Kuznetsov said the sensitive issue of the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in Finland was already thoroughly examined during the discussions on the country’s accession to NATO

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian army’s fuel and energy infrastructure in massive strike

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 Defense Ministry reported

Russia’s Belogor heavy-duty robot deployed for mine clearing in Donbass

The robotic system detonates up to 90% of the mines, depending on their depth

Merz is drawing Germany deeper into conflict in Ukraine — Bundestag member

Gerold Otten emphasized that instead of pushing for the deployment of Ukrainian defense companies in Germany or encouraging young Ukrainians to fight on the front lines, German politicians should prioritize diplomacy

CIS countries modernizing their anti-aircraft missile equipment — deputy commander

"Countering unmanned aerial vehicles is a key task for the air defense forces," Yury Grekhov said

Russia sees Mongolia as key ally — Gerasimov

Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said that Russian-Mongolian cooperation is carried out in the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership

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These evacuations will impact a total of 128 children, alongside adult residents

Diplomats monitoring situation involving Russians detained in Baku — Kremlin

The Russians are currently still being held in a Baku detention center

US aware of deadlock situation after 1st round of talks with Iran — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin told journalists after the 25th joint meeting of the boards of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service and Belarus’ State Security Committee

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According to CNN, such a move would be a blow to the world economy and would surely heap political pressure on Donald Trump

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There are no Russian citizens among the Deyna tanker's crew

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Dmitry Peskov has confirmed preparations for Vladimir Putin’s visit to China

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Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 16th

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Russia calls for soonest resumption of 5+2 talks on Transnistria — senior diplomat

The meetings between Chisinau and Tiraspol’s political representatives in the so-called 1+1 format have proved to be insufficient to reach a solution, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Finland to receive fighter jets qualified to carry nuclear weapons in 2026 — Russian envoy

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Ukraine launches 207 drones at Russian regions last night, strikes kill two children

According to preliminary reports, two adults suffered injuries

Germany becomes main sponsor of Ukrainian militarization — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Germany is Vladimir Zelensky’s main partner in sending Ukrainians to their deaths

Russian troops align front ahead of Ozernoye offensive in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are completing the consolidation of units in the Ozernoye-Krivaya Luka-Kaleniki sector

Moldova to officially leave CIS in April 2027, notification already sent to Minsk — MFA

The withdrawal process is completed 12 months after the CIS Executive Committee is notified

No aggressor to be left alive if US launches ground operation — Iranian military

Earlier, a US official told The Washington Post that the Pentagon was still considering the possibility of additional strikes on Iran or "ground operations" on Iranian territory if the current ceasefire did not hold

ISS orbit raised by 440 meters — Roscosmos

The orbit adjustment maneuver was carried out to create ballistic conditions for the arrival of the Soyuz MS-29 and landing the Soyuz MS-28

Russian, Belarusian intel services discuss prospects for mutual cooperation development

The statement was issued following the 25th joint meeting of the boards of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service and the State Security Committee of Belarus earlier in the day in Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad Region

Israeli war cabinet makes no decision on ceasefire in Lebanon — media

The meeting lasted nearly four hours

Moscow’s envoy announces mutual visits by Russian president, Indian PM

Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India for a BRICS summit later this year

Threat of WWIII greater than ever — Russia’s Federation Council Speaker

According to Valentina Matviyenko, it has not been possible to create a truly collective, universal and indivisible security system

Russian Security Council warns negotiations could mask planning for Iran strike

The Pentagon continues to increase US troop numbers in the region, the Russian Security Council said

Russian army takes control of Volchanskiye Khutora, cutting Ukrainian supply routes

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Medvedev says UAV manufacturers in Europe may be targeted now

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council wished his European partners "sweet dreams"

Russia’s Uragan MLRS destroys Ukrainian howitzer from distance of 30 km in Dobropolye

Subsequent UAV monitoring confirmed the destruction of the target, as well as the elimination of the Ukrainian militant artillery crew

Top brass discloses addresses of firms in Europe producing UAVs for strikes on Russia

The branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones for strikes on Russia are located in cities of eight European countries, including London, Munich, Prague and Riga

Thailand asks Oman to help ensure safe passage of ships via Strait of Hormuz

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said that Thailand is interested in importing oil, gas, and fertilizers from Oman

Finland will be unable to control what US brings into its territory — Russian ambassador

Finland plans to deploy a NATO communications and information system unit in Riihimaki, southern Finland, by early 2027

Lavrov says he cannot understand belief in Iran’s 'destruction'

The conviction of some countries to the contrary raises serious questions, the Russian foreign minister said

BRICS member states discuss joint reaction to Persian Gulf conflict — Russian ambassador

According to Denis Alipov, current contradictions "should be regarded as a working, a natural working process, a natural situation, since the BRICS is not any formal organization"

Death toll in Kahramanmaras school shooting up to nine — Turkish Interior Ministry

Thirteen people are receiving medical treatment

Kremlin spokesman comments on Russian oil sanctions, economic issues in daily briefing

Russia has been under sanctions for several years so it knows how to minimize their consequences, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukraine unlikely to ever be accepted into EU — expert

Sergey Shein noted that Ukraine is a "problem state" for the EU

US Senate rejects resolution to end war with Iran

A total of 47 senators voted in favor of the document, while 52 voted against it

UN chief’s initiative on Strait of Hormuz requires all parties’ consent — diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov noted that the UN Security Council continues work and consultations on the joint Russian-Chinese draft resolution on Iran

Shoigu reminds Baltic states of Russia’s right to self-defense over Ukrainian UAV attacks

The Russian Security Council secretary emphasized that significant damage is caused to civilian infrastructure

Russian troops liberate Volchanskiye Khutora community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Situation at Union State border, European militarization: remarks by Russian intel chief

Ensuring the security of Russia, Belarus and the Union State is the "core objective" for the intelligence services, Sergey Naryshkin said

Finland must respect Russia’s interests if it wants to resume dialogue — ambassador

According to Pavel Kuznetsov, recently, there have been some signs that Finnish society begins to understand that there is no alternative to resuming dialogue with Russia

Russian-Finnish relations practically non-existent — Russian ambassador

Pavel Kuznetsov stressed that Finland "has dropped an iron curtain, both literally and figuratively"

Russia, China can avoid dependence on US 'aggressive ventures' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that one of the reasons behind the aggressive US-Israeli approach in the conflict against Iran is "once again, oil markets"

US gained nothing from war with Iran, suffered huge losses — Chinese economist

He Weiwen noted that Washington had failed to achieve its goal of changing the government in Tehran

Chinese MFA unaware of exchange of letters between US, China on arms supplies to Iran

Spokesman Guo Jiakun added that the sides "maintain contacts" in connection with the expected visit of the US president to China

China to cooperate with Russia to restore peace in Middle East — ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui also added that Beijing and Moscow stand for resolving the conflict politically through talks and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities