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Military operation in Ukraine

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

BELGOROD, March 19. /TASS/. The civilian casualty toll from the Ukrainian army’s attacks on Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region has almost tripled in 2026 compared to the same period last year, Olga Medvedeva, deputy regional governor for internal affairs, said.

"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. As a result, the number of killed and injured [civilians] has almost tripled," she noted during a televised Q&A session with the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik.

Medvedeva pointed out that the number of drone attacks on civilian cars had doubled in the Belgorod Region since January 2026. She specified that a man riding a bicycle had been injured in a deliberate drone strike in the village of Malomikhaikovka in the Shebekinsky District on March 16.

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Military operation in Ukraine

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

Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu comes under aerial attack — Reuters

The port is currently the kingdom’s only export outlet for oil, the agency said

India increases naval presence to escort vessels near Strait of Hormuz

According to the report, the Indian Navy has dispatched at least six ships, including logistics support vessels

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

Tug damaged after strike against Ras Laffan in Qatar

No injuries were reported to the crew

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

The US military expects to receive more than $200 billion

Russia’s trilateral talks with US, Ukraine now paused — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that the Russian President’s special envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev continues his work within the framework of the Russia-US bilateral group

Fire breaks out in Qatari industrial zone following Iranian attack — Interior Ministry

No information has yet been provided regarding which specific facilities were engulfed in flames or whether there were any casualties

Qatari firefighters still unable to extinguish blaze at Ras Laffan facility

The emirate’s interior ministry said that there were no casualties

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"

Russia to continue to supply energy to its partners despite sanctions — energy ministry

Sanctions are an unconstructive and illegal tool that only harms consumers and the global market as a whole, Pavel Sorokin said

Several countries negotiate with Iran on passage through Strait of Hormuz — report

According to the report, at least nine ships have now exited the strait via the 'safe' corridor that routes ships through Iranian territorial waters via Iran’s Larak Island

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

Kiev’s attempts to strike offshore gas pipelines reckless — Kremlin

The Russian Armed Forces are doing everything to neutralize the threat of Ukrainian drones to the energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Zaporozhye NPP to be safe only after Russia’s victory — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky also added that Western institutions have been unable to guarantee the ZNPP’s security

Putin offers condolences to Khamenei over Larijani’s death — Iranian state TV

The Russian leader described Ali Larijani as a wise and forward-thinking politician whom he had met on many occasions

EU agrees on 90 billion euro loan to Kiev breaking Hungary's veto — Bulgarian radio

On Tuesday European Council President Antonio Costa demanded that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban adhere to the decision adopted at the December summit, in which Budapest also participated

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"

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

Fire breaks out at ship near UAE coast, hit by projectile

The incident occurred incident 11 nautical miles east of Khawr Fakkan

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

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

US wages war against friends of Belarus, says President Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian leader, it concerns not only Ukrainian problems, but also global ones as well

Mercedes-Benz registers 'Mercedes-Benz' trademark in Russia

The application for registration was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property on September 10, 2025

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 to continue helping Iran — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that Iran was facing terrible trials

US does not rule out attempts to seize nuclear fuel from Iran — White House

A senior US administration official stated earlier that Washington had no intention of conducting any military operations targeting nuclear facilities in Iran at present

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

They also expressed their deep concern about the escalating conflict

Projectile hits vessel near Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial zone

All crew members are reported safe

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

South Korean authorities discuss Russian oil imports with companies — newspaper

According to the report, South Korea purchased Russian oil last time in April 2022

Iranian foreign minister says US to burn through trillions in war with Tehran

Abbas Araghchi commented on a Washington Post story saying the Pentagon is looking at requesting $200 billion to continue the operation

US wants to require ships in Strait of Hormuz to purchase its insurance — FT

Experts admit that significant uncertainty remains about whether US President Donald Trump’s promised naval protection is realistic

FACTBOX: Drone attack kills one in Sevastopol as Russia downs 138 Ukrainian UAVs overnight

Two other people sustained moderate injuries

IN BRIEF: What to know of Polish ruling on Russian archaeologist's extradition to Ukraine

Alexander Butyagin's defense team intends to appeal the decision

Foreign minister says Israel wants peace with Lebanon, but without Hezbollah

Gideon Saar opined that the movement "has taken over Lebanon" and is acting according to Iran’s interests

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Iran wants UAE compensation for US strikes from Emirati soil — UN envoy

"The unlawful actions of the United Arab Emirates in the international arena have led to responsibility under international law and require restitution for damage," Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani stated

US lifts anti-Russian sanctions from three individuals, three companies

Sanctions were lifted from UAE-based BSB Group and Futuris FZE, and Turkey-based Turken Dijital Matbaa Teknolojileri

European Commission awaits replacement of Hungary’s Orban, Belgian PM admits

Bart de Wever admitted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is very much interested in having Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban replaced in the April 12 election

Iran hits Israeli weapons company, Israel Aerospace Industries — TV

The Iranian army said Rafael’s weapons manufacturing center develops air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Spike missiles and cyber technologies

Russia's sea drones far ahead of foreign developments in many respects — aide

Russia is already using autonomous, unmanned, and remotely operated underwater vehicles, and scientific institutes and design bureaus are developing a new generation of such technology, Nikolay Patrushev noted

Ukraine is secondary problem just weakening EU, Orban says

He also remarked that European countries should prioritize the development of security, peace, and long-term stability rather than defeating Russia

Europe lacks strong leaders, Orban says

According to him, "in Europe the general conviction is that strong leader is a bad thing, because strong leader represents danger

US ready for military dialogue with Russia to ensure strategic stability — Pentagon

Daniel Zimmermann said that the US remains interested in strategic stability and maintaining channels for military deconfliction and de-escalation with Russia, which have for decades reduced the chances of miscalculation between the militaries

EU may be forced to practically accept potential transfer of Ukrainian territories — Stubb

According to the Finnish president, there is a need for "more flexibility in Europe"

US, Israel forced Iran to attack oil and gas infrastructure — IRGC

The Islamic Republic of Iran was not planning to spread the conflict to oil facilities, the IRGC said

Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries to respond to escalation with escalation — top diplomat

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud accused Iran of resorting to "blackmail aimed at achieving its political goals"

Orban sees Europe's disregard for Russia's interests behind special military operation

As the Hungarian prime minister stressed, Moscow "made it clear from the very first point that if NATO is moving to the Russian border, accepting Ukraine is a member, that would be a reason for war"

Six Indian ships carrying 300,000 tons of LNG stuck in Strait of Hormuz — ministry

A total of 22 Indian vessels carrying oil, LNG, chemicals, and petroleum products are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz

Gazprom reports repelling new attacks on gas pipeline infrastructure to Turkey

In particular, attempts to strike the Russkaya, the Kazachya and the Beregovaya compressor stations with unmanned aerial vehicles were recorded

More than 500 ATACMS, Storm Shadow, SCALP missiles used by Kiev since start of SMO

French SCALP missiles are used significantly less often, in conjunction with the British ones

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

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

Israel attacks Iranian Navy ships in Caspian Sea — TV

The strike targeted an Iranian Navy base in the city of Bandar Anzali

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

Russian troops liberate Aleksandrovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Pentagon seeks additional $200 billion for military campaign in Iran — WP

According to the newspaper, this is an enormous new ask that is almost certain to run into resistance from lawmakers opposed to the conflict

Ukraine to lose conflict due to shortage of soldiers — prisoner

He also added that the Ukrainian military command "feeds its soldiers with promises," assuring them of an imminent rotation in the Sumy region

Trump says Israel to refrain from attacking Iran’s South Pars Gas Field

"No more attacks will be made by Israel pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field," the US leader said

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

Disruptions in oil, gas supplies leading to production halt — Kremlin aide

"Constraints of energy resource supplies will inevitably lead to a halt of energy-intensive production facilities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and the European Union member-countries," Nikolay Patrushev said

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 60 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis response center reported that a civilian was injured in a drone detonation in the area of the village of Kupino

Iran miscalculated thinking that Gulf countries will not respond — top Saudi diplomat

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized that "the remaining trust in Iran has been totally undermined"

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

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

Gas prices situation in Europe makes UGS injection unprofitable — Gazprom

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe as of March 16, the gas reserves level in European UGS continues declining and reached 28.9%

Top diplomats of 12 Arab, Islamic countries call Iran’s strikes 'unjustified' — communique

Participants of the Riyadh meeting also confirmed that Arab countries of the Persian Gulf "have the right to defend themselves"

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

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

Pentagon announces destruction of 11 Iranian submarines

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the US armed forces have struck hundreds of targets related to Iran’s military-industrial complex

Pezeshkian warns US, Israel against strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

This will complicate the situation and could have uncontrollable consequences, the scope of which could engulf the entire world, Iranian President said

Brent oil price reaches $112 per barrel for first time since March 9, 2025 — trade data

By 3:50 a.m. Moscow time, the futures slowed down their growth trading at $111.84 per barrel

Russia begins mass production of Vorobey-15 bomber drone

The Spektr Design Bureau noted the drone’s excellent maintainability

Habshan gas facility in Abu Dhabi stops operations after missile attack — authorities

No casualties were reported

US, Israel strike Iran’s main Caspian port Bandar Anzali

No casualties were reported

Situation in EU energy sector sparks concern among member states — newspaper

The officials claim that the current crisis is similar to the one in 2022, but the situation now is not as critical due to the diversified supplies of energy resources

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

Iran carries out strikes on four Israeli cities, US bases in Middle East

According to the IRGC, all US military bases in the Middle East, including the Al Dhafra, Ali Al Salem and Al-Azraq facilities, once again came under attack

Putin proposes Medvedev for position of United Russia leader

In his opinion it would be appropriate to nominate Dmitry Medvedev

Russian envoy pushes for non-aggression in finding diplomatic solution to Ukraine conflict

Georgy Muradov added that Ukraine should become a neutral and demilitarized country

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

Shell plant in Qatar damaged after Iran’s strikes — Reuters

The fire outbreak at the plant was quickly extinguished, the news agency said

Ukrainian army outraged over Zelensky sharing military intel with King Charles

Former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and MP Dmitry Razumkov explained that, under the law, sharing photos or videos from the front lines is a treasonous offense

Attempts to bypass Hungary’s veto to affect future of entire EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto noted that the Germans "do not take no for an answer"

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

Russian Tornado-S MLRS maintains 'surgical precision' under electronic warfare — Rostec

The state corporation representatives noted that the system is capable of setting both the flight range and trajectory of each rocket

Iran says it attacked Saudi refinery in Yanbu — TV

By attacking the facility, Iran dealt a blow to an alternative route of the United States bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, the TV channel said

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

According to the captive, Colombians are recruited by their compatriots

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

Putin aide announces security measures due to terrorist risk against vessels

According to him, in particular, inspections are being conducted on vessels arriving from abroad, procedures for operational coordination between shipowners and seaport administrations have been established, and monitoring of ships carrying cargo on behalf of Russia has been intensified

Fire in Qatar’s Ras Laffan contained — Interior Ministry

According to the statement, cooling and site-securing operations are still ongoing

EU openly interfering in Hungary’s domestic affairs — Orban

The Hungarian government has repeatedly accused EU leaders and officials of attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs in order to support the opposition party Tisza

US moves Marines to Middle East, weighs seizing Iranian islands to open Hormuz — media

According to the newspaper, the Pentagon last week began transferring the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying about 2,200 Marines, from Japan to the Middle East

IN BRIEF: What we know about death of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani

Larijani’s son Mortaza and head of his security service Sardar Nejad was killed during the same Israeli air force attack

Attack on Iran's gas infrastructure marks new conflict stage — parliament speaker

The enemy is enraged "and wants to cover up its failures on the battlefield," Majlis Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said

Price of Brent oil surpasses $113 per barrel on London’s ICE first since March 9

The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May 2026 delivery was up by 1.08% at $96.49 per barrel

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

Kremlin calls Warsaw court’s decision to extradite Butyagin 'pro-Ukrainian'

Dmitry Peskov said that he did not want to make any predictions

At least 14 drones downed over Sevastopol — governor

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

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

Pentagon seeks billions of dollars to replenish its stockpiles of munitions

Some US administration officials believe that receiving $200 billion for these needs would be unrealistic