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Military operation in Ukraine

Russia controls 90% of Donbass, ambassador to UK says

"The situation in Ukraine itself is that it is steadily moving towards defeat," Andrey Kelin said

NEW YORK, March 13. /TASS/. Ukraine now controls just 10% of Donbass, with the Russian army making continuous gains, Russian Ambassador to Britain Andrey Kelin said.

"The situation in Ukraine itself is that it is steadily moving towards defeat," the Russian diplomat told CNBC in an interview. "What is on the table right now is about 10% of Donbas territory, which is not yet under our control, 10% no more," he said.

At a Kremlin meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Denis Pushilin, on March 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that the Kiev-controlled area in the republic had shrunk from 25% to 17% over the past six months.

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Foreign policy Military operation in Ukraine

ZALA recon drone crew in LPR conducts up to seven sorties per day — soldier

According to UAV crew chief of the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of Battlegroup South, call sign "Casper," the flight duration depends on the type of mission and weather conditions

No refugee flow from Middle East yet — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, the environmental damage from the strikes on the oil storages in Tehran and its suburbs has yet to be assessed

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 79.07 rubles for March 13

The official euro rate was reduced by 54.85 kopecks to 91.3893 rubles

Ukrainian aircraft used for Bryansk strikes may have taken off from Odessa region

The Ukrainian military launched a missile strike on Bryansk on March 10

Iranian embassy in Vienna has no information about strikes on 'Taleghan' center

According to the Israeli army's press service, the "Taleghan" compound was "utilized by the regime to advance critical capabilities for developing nuclear weapons"

US lifts sanctions on Russian oil loaded on vessels before March 12 — Treasury Department

The license allows transactions with Russian fuel before April 11

Russia controls 90% of Donbass, ambassador to UK says

"The situation in Ukraine itself is that it is steadily moving towards defeat," Andrey Kelin said

Kiev set to escalate and takes out its anger for defeats on civilians — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that the Ukrainian army’s attacks on civilians "demonstrate an obvious intention to escalate the conflict on the part of" Ukraine

Almost 60 wounded in missile attack on northern Israel — newspaper

A building was damaged. Bomb squads are working in the area

US may form international coalition for vessels in Strait of Hormuz — Bessent

The US treasury secretary refuted information that Iran had allegedly mined the Strait of Hormuz

Central African Republic seeks to host Russian base — official

Fidel Ngouandika said that the existing infrastructure in Berengo permits the deployment of up to 10,000 servicemen

US prepares provocations to accuse Russia of using tactical nuclear weapons

According to Chief of Russian Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Force Igor Kirillov, the plan is a reaction to Russia’s success in the special operation

TotalEnergies halts oil, gas production in Qatar, Iraq and on UAE shelf

Onshore oil production in the UAE "is not affected by the conflict, as it is exported through the Fujairah terminal," TotalEnergies said

US is reshaping energy landscape to suit its own needs — Russian MFA

The United States of America is essentially bankrupt, Maria Zakharova said

Russia, China oppose holding UNSC meeting to discuss Sanctions Committee report on Iran

During the procedural vote, 11 Security Council members voted in favor

Press review: Could Iran mine Strait of Hormuz and war riles American public

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 12th

Vessels transiting Strait of Hormuz must adhere to wartime laws — Iranian armed forces

The Iranian Armed Forces headquarters noted that this will allow the ships to avoid accidental shelling

Romania requests US waiver to restart Lukoil refinery

According to the country’s Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, the refinery accounts for "approximately 21% of Romania's total refining capacity"

Six French citizens wounded in drone attack in northern Iraq — TV

The incident occurred during a strike on a base of a Kurdish militia group

Press review: Trump floats sanctions relief as oil soars and Israel's nuclear shadow looms

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 11th

FACTBOX: What is known about US softening of sanctions against Russian oil

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that Russia would not benefit significantly from the temporary easing of sanctions

Conflict in Iran to become 'beginning of end' for United Nations — Iranian MFA

Esmaeil Baghaei said this organization failed to take the correct position regarding the aggression against Iran

US-Israeli operation against Iran to last for at least another 2-3 weeks — media

The officials are "accounting for the possibility US President Donald Trump makes an abrupt decision if he concludes his objectives have been met"

US 'confession' on HIMARS, calls for settlement: latest on war in Middle East

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that "nobody should complain" if Iran’s missiles destroy the launchers

EU diplomacy chief sees US president using hostile tactics to divide Europe

Kaja Kallas acknowledged that Brussels and Washington have a "very complicated relationship"

Russia’s Provod fiber-optic drones effectively deployed in special military op zone

The drones are equipped with coils of 25, 30, and 36 kilometers

Colombians help recruit compatriots into Ukraine's army — POW

According to the POW, the recruiter prepared the full set of documents required for travel to Ukraine, including a request from the head of the military-civilian administration of Zaporozhye, allegedly to take part in construction work

US sees no evidence of Russia helping Iran — envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker mentioned an earlier conversation where "the Russians" told Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff they were not "participating with the Iranians"

Russian MFA highlights Iran's right to self-defense

Maria Zakharova stressed that it was crucial for all parties involved in the current conflict in the Middle East to exercise common sense and restraint

At least 33 wounded in strike on residential building in north Israel — Ynet

A projectile damaged several houses in the community of Zarzir

Trucks with Russian medicines for Iran cross Azerbaijani-Iranian border — agency

According to it, after appropriate procedures the passage of vehicles with medicines sent through the Astara border checkpoint was ensured

Russia says formulates proposals on Iranian settlement, contacts underway

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova refrained from elaborating on it

Zelensky on edge hearing what was discussed in Putin-Trump call — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that, amid the conflict in the Middle East, Vladimir Zelensky continues to treat his own people like expendable material

Israel destroys one of Hezbollah financial network offices in Beirut

According to the source, there is no information about the dead or injured

Brent prices soaring on ICE — market data

Brent prices gained 10.19% to $101.35 a barrel

FACTBOX: Iran's new supreme leader injured, over 1,800 dead in Mideast conflict escalation

At least 12,500 people have been injured in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel since the escalation of the Middle East conflict began

US makes money on high oil prices but Iran issue is more important — Trump

Donald Trump said the United States is the largest oil producer in the world

Vessels may pass through Strait of Hormuz with permission from Iranian Navy — MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran does not want the strait to become unsafe

Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it attacked another US plane

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq movement says the crew escaped

Question of lifting anti-Russian sanctions raised during Japan’s ruling party meeting

Muneo Suzuki noted that Japan could use its geographical advantage to replace oil and gas supplies from the Middle East

Russia necessary for mitigating global energy crisis — presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev says European politicians will have to admit their energy policy mistakes

Moldova's Dniester River contaminated with oil coming from Ukraine

The latest samples taken near the village of Naslavcha showed level 5 contamination, a significant deviation from the norm that poses a risk to human health

India receives large LNG batches every day — Petroleum Minister

India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict, Hardeep Singh Puri said

Ukraine’s refusal to discuss Druzhba condition with Hungarian experts absurd — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister asked the head of the delegation, Deputy Energy Minister of Hungary Gabor Czepek, to continue seeking after a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian QEnergy Ministry and inspect some infrastructural facilities of the pipeline

Iranian General Staff says US refueling aircraft was downed over western Iraq

The Central Command of the US armed forces said that the plane had been lost not due to hostile fire or friendly fire

Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine Kazan conducts missile-firing exercise in Barents Sea

The Northern Fleet reported that, according to live recording data, the Oniks missile’s warhead hit the sea target

Japan’s deployment of offensive weapons threatens regional peace — newspaper

As the article points out, Japan’s rush to push forward 'remilitarization' represents a continuation of policies driven by conservative political forces in recent years to pursue the status of a major military power

Russian Lancet drone destroys Ukrainian army’s substation in Slavyansk at 60 km distance

The Lancet UAV crew has thus demonstrated its ability to deliver strikes on enemy critical infrastructure and disrupt the operation of its military installations, the UAV crew commander with the call sign Kasper stressed

US Navy refuses requests for military escorts through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to the sources, the US Navy says the risk of attacks is too high

Iranian football team still welcome in US for 2026 FIFA World Cup, says Trump

The US president still added that he does not believe "it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety"

Russian tech firm develops new long-range loitering munition

The new drone features high speed and maneuverability that allow it to use different flight paths to bypass enemy air defenses

Tehran to leave neighbors alone if US banned from using their territory for strikes — MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Iran has no hostile intentions towards the peoples and countries of the region

Czech President rules out purchase of Russian energy resources

Petr Pavel said that Prague reduced its dependence on Russian energy sources

Pakistan launches new airstrikes on Afghanistan, killing four

Facilities in Kabul as well as in Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika provinces came under attack

Military camp in southern Baghdad comes under attack — portal

According to the source, the facility was struck from the air, and plumes of smoke rose into the sky

Iraqi radical groups say they carried out over 30 attacks on US sites in past day

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says the armed groups used drones and missiles for the strikes

Russia's permanent OPCW rep suggests West falsified Navalny results

The prolonged presence of the biomaterials of Navalny's on the territory of one of the Western countries could have precipitated the deliberate introduction of synthetic epibatidine into their composition to falsify the results of the analysis

US distorts facts claiming that Tehran enriched uranium to 60% — envoy to UN

Amir-Saeid Iravani says Washington "ignores the real root of the situation"

West should think long and hard why Ukraine is begging it for nukes — Russian diplomat

"In fact, one gets the impression that European elites have no ability at all to think strategically," Maria Zakharova said

Israel comes under new missile fire from Iran during Netanyahu’s press conference

Air raid sirens sounded in the Tel Aviv area

Iran made it clear to Arab countries it is unwilling to end conflict with US — Axios

The report indicates that Iran remains unwilling to de-escalate the conflict until it receives concrete international assurances that aggression against the country will not resume

Iran claims to have struck US aircraft carrier in Persian Gulf

Iran’s IRGC said the US vessel had left the Persian Gulf and was fleeing back to the United States

Russia's Emergencies Ministry delivers humanitarian aid for Iran to Azerbaijan

The medications will be handed over to authorized representatives of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Attacker of Michigan synagogue shot dead — media

One of the guards was wounded, his life is not in danger

During talks, Iran proposed formally sealing its refusal from nuclear ambitions — minister

Abbas Araghchi says Washington turned down the proposal

Kiev's use of chemicals, West's anti-Russian campaign: statements by envoy to OPCW

The actions of the US and Israel constitute a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty, the UN Charter, and international law, Vladimir Tarabrin pointed out

IN BRIEF: Russian court hands sentences to Crocus City Hall attackers, accomplices

The court confiscated the apartment and the car that the accomplices had provided to the attackers

IN BRIEF: What is known about newest Ukrainian attack on TurkStream infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry specified that no damage was caused to the facility

FACTBOX: Liberation of Kursk Region territories during special military operation

Since the beginning of the special military operation in February 2022, border areas of the Kursk Region, as well as the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Kurchatov, have repeatedly come under shelling and drone attacks

Kiev brings Colombian mercenaries to Ukraine under construction job cover — document

Evidence was found on the phone of Colombian mercenary Jose Luis Pocheco Navarra

Iranian diplomat blames US for navigation problems in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani says that Iran is fully committed to the law of the sea

Turkey did not use Russia’s S-400 missile systems to repel Iran attacks — ministry

According to the statement, the most suitable defense element is determined by considering the rules of engagement and the current operational situation

Hormuz and US-Israel compensation: statement by new supreme leader of Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei confirmed the deaths of his sister and wife

Gazprom says attack repelled on its TurkStream, Blue Stream pipelines infrastructure

On March 12, 2026, early in the morning, air strikes again targeted the Russkaya and Beregovaya compressor stations

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,325 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for downing US refueling plane

The representatives for the movement say "suitable weapons" were used for the purpose

One DPR civilian wounded in Ukrainian attacks in past day

Two houses were damaged as a result of the attack

Israel attacks Hezbollah command centers in Beirut, southern Lebanon

According to the Israeli military, the facilities were used "to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians"

Some 50,000 Russian servicemen to get Ratnik-2 ‘soldier of future’ gear

The second-generation Ratnik gear kits will be procured for servicemen of the Land Force, Airborne Troops and the marines of the Russian Navy

Russian stock market indices in the green on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index gained 0.63% to 2,872.08 points, while the RTS Index added 0.6% to 1,144.3 points

Mobilization in Ukraine carried out via methods unthinkable in 21st century — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "these are the worst global practices"

Serbia has no plans to join NATO, will remain neutral — president

Aleksandar Vucic says Serbia, NATO maintain "consistent relations"

Breakthrough innovations, new threats to humanity: Medvedev's statements

According to the Russian politician, modern technological progress is unprecedented in its speed, and humanity was not prepared for such rapid changes

US de-facto admitted that Russian oil crucial for market stability — presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev says that the abolishment of restrictions concerns about 100 million barrels of Russian oil

Iran counts on BRICS to help stabilize regional, global situation — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi stressed the need for international and regional organizations to condemn the military aggression unleashed against Iran

Iranian cyberattack disables Israel’s railway system — Iranian news agency

According to the report, all of the railway stations are "not safe until further notice"

Russia, IAEA holding intergovernmental consultations in Moscow

The delegations are led by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi

Israel, US strike eastern Tehran — agency

No reports about damage or casualties are available at this point

Iran threatens Israel with imminent destruction

The destruction of the Zionist regime and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the territory of Palestine, in which all religions and denominations will be represented, is near, the Iranian army said

European Council to discuss Iran, Ukraine on March 19 — Costa

The situation in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is also on the agenda

Western plans for nuclear weapons for Kiev 'aggressive, stupid' — Russian MFA

Adversaries in Western Europe are effectively losing the last remnants of their self-preservation instinct, Maria Zakharova said

Urals oil prices gain $17.35 per barrel amid conflict in the Middle East — IEA

According to the International Energy Agency, the discount to the North Sea Dated oil blend remained almost the same

FACTBOX: Over 170 drones downed over Russian regions, Sevastopol drone attack aftermath

Several homes sustained damage from drone debris, with no casualties reported

Northern Sea Route is good alternative to Suez Canal — Russian transport minister

Andrey Nikitin said the Northern Sea Route turns out to be even quicker

Iraqi tankers can cross Strait of Hormuz — Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad

Two tankers were attacked in the Iraqi waters a day before the statement

Arms control is collapsing, as evidenced by strike on Iran — expert

Nelson Wong said the global order no longer reflects the complex reality of the modern world

Russia to hold TV linkup with over 40 countries on Ukraine’s crimes on March 19

Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik says Russia will offer a detailed picture of the Belgorod Region crimes

US not going to give carveouts for Russian oil — energy secretary

According to Chris Wright, the US administration is "focused on results"

Iran warns against attacks on its energy infrastructure

A representative of Khatam al-Anbiya, the central headquarters of the Iranian army, says that otherwise Iran would destroy all oil and gas infrastructure of interest to the US in the region

Central Iranian city of Arak bombed — TV

No information on damage or casualties is available so far