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Russian Anti-Doping Agency inspectors collect over 890 doping samples in February

The agency collected 1,788 samples since the start of the year

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) collected in February 895 doping samples from Russian athletes, a spokesperson for the agency’s press office announced to TASS on Friday.

"RUSADA collected 895 doping samples in February," the spokesperson said adding that in all the agency collected 1,788 samples since the start of the year (893 samples in January).

In 2025, RUSADA collected an overall number of 11,119 doping samples. The figures for 2024, 2023 and 2022 are 11,070, 11,091 and 11,053 respectively.

The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony kicks off in Italy’s Verona

The Russian Paralympians were allowed to compete at the Winter Paralympics under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem for the first time in the 12-year period due to previously imposed sanctions

US lacks effective defenses against Iran’s Shahed drones — media

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged this gap in US counter-drone technology

Iran war creates shortage of missiles for Patriots — Handelsblatt

The Persian Gulf countries alone spent about 800 missiles in the early days of the conflict

Russia maintains dialogue with Iranian leadership — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not specify whether there was military and technical cooperation underway between the countries at the moment

Pavel Durov blocked on TikTok

Telegram co-founder had over 156,000 subscribers

Washington examines several candidates for future governance of Iran — Trump

Donald Trump emphasized that the US "wants to go in and clean out everything" in Iran

News outlet dismisses misconception of US, Iran achieving total control of Iran’s airspace

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth claimed on Wednesday that US and Israeli air forces would have uncontested air supremacy of the Iranian airspace within days

High time for Kiev to do everything to make talks successful — Kremlin spokesman

Ukraine is well aware of what needs to be done, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian envoy expects Moscow to be recognized as ‘must-have’ energy supplier

Kirill Dmitriev made a response to a online post where a user described the US move to issue a license to allow Russian oil sales to India as a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin

US operation in Iran to undermine EU first — Dmitriev

Kirill Dmitriev commented on the warning by Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi that there is a risk of collapse of economies around the world because of the escalation in the Middle East

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reports blasts on US military base in Qatar

No other details are known at this point

Iran permitted two ships of friendly countries to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Iran hit more than ten ships, including tankers, in the Strait of Hormuz since the moment when the US and Israel attacked it on February 28

Potential involvement of US military: Probe into attack on school in Iran

US military investigators have found that American forces were likely responsible for the recent strike on an Iranian girls' school, Reuters reported

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

Battlegroup West units liberated the settlements of Drobyshevo, Yarovaya and Sosnovoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Collapse of security framework, aggression against Iran — Shoigu's statements

The Russian Security Council Secretary called the US and Israeli aggression against Iran an unprecedented disregard for international law

Iran carries out another missile attack on Israel — TV

The Israel Defense Forces said it had detected the launch and started intercepting the missiles

Medvedev calls US military bases in Persian Gulf countries ‘threat, not protection’

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman highlighted that the US used the bases "while protecting only one country"

UK Navy reports attack on tug in Strait of Hormuz

No details of the incident were provided

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian attack on Russian regions, casualties in Sevastopol

A Ukrainian attack killed two people and injured 12 others in the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region

Iran tells US in recent talks it does not want to possess nuclear arms — ambassador

Tehran also proposed various options for resolving this issue, Kazem Jalali said

IN BRIEF: On further developments around Druzhba oil pipeline

Hungary believes Zelensky is blackmailing Budapest by blocking oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline

UAE mulls freezing Iranian assets — WSJ

According to the newspaper, UAE officials have already privately notified Iran about the possibility of taking such measures

China to carry out resolute strikes against separatists in Taiwan — report

According to the report, the People's Republic of China will promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait

Iran depleting missile stocks of US, its allies with cheap drones — newspaper

According to a report cited by The New York Times, it will take years for factories to produce enough interceptor missiles

Russia to support Asia by halting LNG supplies to Europe — expert

This is more likely to refer to redirecting LNG supplies, rather than pipe gas, Sergey Kaufman said

Iran ready for possible US ground operation — Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister stressed that Tehran is confident it can withstand the American military

Kremlin declines to comment on current Russian oil supplies to India

Earlier, the Indian newspaper reported that tankers could deliver nearly 22 million barrels of Russian oil to India in the coming week

West’s real threat to nuclear non-proliferation: statements by Russian envoy

Double standards are unacceptable in nuclear and physical nuclear security, Russia’s Permanent Representative at International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov stressed

Hungary suspends transit of essential cargo to Ukraine — Orban

The restrictions will remain in place until Kyiv resumes oil supplies, the Hungarian prime minister emphasized

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moved away from Iran after strike — IRGC

The US Central Command reported that the carrier came under fire but was not hit

Nine people seek medical assistance after Ukrainian drone attack on Sevastopol

A five-storey apartment block was seriously damaged

Top Russian, Afghan diplomats discuss current escalation between Kabul, Islamabad

Sergey Lavrov stressed the need for settling disputes between Kabul and Islamabad by political and diplomatic means

War of depletion with uncertain timeframe: Experts, media on US attack against Iran

A recent drafting of additional military specialists points to the fact that the US administration was "not fully prepared for the consequences" of the conflict

Iran expresses concern regarding incident in Nakhchivan — Azerbaijani foreign minister

The Iranian side and the military have begun an investigation into this incident

Kremlin aware of Finland's statements about intention to deploy nuclear weapons

The Defense Ministry is considering lifting the ban

Trump says would accept aid from any nation in Iran war when asked about Ukraine — Reuters

According to the news agency, Vladimir Zelensky previously said that Ukraine had received a specific request from the US for help in dealing with in the Middle East

RDIF CEO says Europe faces ‘energy shock tsunami’

Kirill Dmitriev commented on the opinion that European leaders do not know what to do, their armed forces are insignificant, and the economy is in a state of stagnation

Planes carrying Russian soldiers returning from Ukraine land in Moscow Region

200 Russian soldiers were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime

Russian companies to redirect LNG supplies in part to Asia-Pacific markets

According to Alexander Novak, Russian companies are considering opportunities, without waiting for the next restrictions from Europe, to make new long-term contracts with a number of Asian countries

Russia’s T-72B3M tank has enormous upgrade potential — Rostec

The state corporation noted that the T-72B3M remains a modular tank that can be quickly "reconfigured" to meet specific threats and challenges

Orban faces real danger from Kiev — Duma deputy

Alexey Chepa noted that the Ukrainian special services had already been involved in attempts on the lives of world leaders

Israel reports massive air strikes on Tehran — TV

Israeli warplanes are delivering "strikes on infrastructure" in the Iranian capital, the TV channel said

Chinese embassy warns US against disrupting energy cooperation between Beijing, Moscow

The normal economic, trade and energy cooperation between China and Russia does not target any third party, Liu Pengyu said

Russian UAV units begin combat operations in Kramatorsk in Donetsk region

An FPV drone operator lets civilian vehicles pass freely, the Volunteer Corps operating within Russia’s Battlegroup South said

Zelensky says no Druzhba pipeline restart without €90 bln EU loan

The head of Kiev regime said that he did not intend to allow an independent commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline

Kiev accused Budapest of kidnapping people — what is known about the situation

Hungarian law enforcement agencies detained armored vehicles used to transport valuables from the Ukrainian Oschadbank on March 5

IN BRIEF: What is known about IAEA's adoption of pro-Ukrainian resolution

Russia, the United States, China, and Niger voted against the resolution

Iran downs fourth US MQ-9 Reaper drone since start of escalation

The army's air defense systems destroyed one modern US MQ-9 drone in the skies over the province of Lorestan, the Islamic Republic’s army press service said

Israel strikes late Iranian supreme leader’s military bunker in Tehran — army statement

The attack involved about 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets

US missed its chance to reach deal with Iran — Araghchi

"Chance for unique deal burned after the 'America Last' cabal obscured 'significant progress' we made in negotiations," the Iranian foreign minister said

Iran not stopping Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz — Deputy Foreign Minister

Saeed Khatibzadeh urged New Delhi to ask Washington, why they attack Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean

Iran apparently destroys radar of US THAAD missile battery in Jordan — CNN

Furthermore, buildings housing similar radar systems were also hit in two other locations in the United Arab Emirates

Press review: NATO unlikely to join Iran strikes as EU moves to sever Russia ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 6th

US scrambles to find resources to continue its Iran war for at least 100 days — Politico

Gerald Feierstein, a former senior US diplomat, called the war "a completely ad hoc operation that nobody actually understood or believed that military action was imminent"

IRGC Navy claims to have driven US aircraft carrier away from Iranian coast — TV

According to the TV broadcast, USS Abraham Lincoln and the accompanying destroyers retreated and moved more than 1,000 km away from the Iranian border

FACTBOX: Kiev accuses Budapest of kidnapping people, stealing money

Ukraine's Oschadbank said that the seven cash collectors detained in Hungary were transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold

Israeli PM suspects White House of conducting separate talks with Tehran — TV

According to the sources cited by Channel 12, Benjamin Netanyahu asked the White House for clarification on this matter

Man, teen wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on Sevastopol

Damage to civilian infrastructure was reported as a result of the attack

Kurdish opposition vows not to enter war with Iran at anyone's request

Iranian Kurdistan Freedom Party spokesman Khalil Nadiri pointed out that the main force of the Kurdish opposition was located in Iran

Rubio tells Arab counterparts that conflict with Iran will last several more weeks — media

According to the US State Secretary, the United States' goal was not regime change

Iran lost 60% of missiles, 64% of launchers — US leader

Donald Trump said that Iran's "missiles are gone"

FACTBOX: Hungary suspends transit of key cargoes to Ukraine amid Druzhba pipeline dispute

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukraine is engaging in "state banditry" against Hungary and that appropriate responses must be found

Israel attacked Saudi Aramco’s refinery in false flag operation — news agency

According to the agency's source, the port of Fujairah in the UAE is one of the next targets of Israelis

Current crisis over Iran to accelerate world order shift, end of US dominance — expert

While acknowledging the emerging new world order, Tiberio Graziani clarifies that the United States is unlikely to be entirely sidelined

Iran warns European countries against supporting US, Israeli operation — diplomat

"Any country join the US and Israeli aggression against Iran, it will inevitably become a legitimate target for retaliation," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said

US to regret sinking Iranian frigate in international waters — top diplomat

There were about 130 sailors about the sunken frigate, Abbas Araghchi added

US, Israeli strikes hit residential areas in Tehran — TV

The Tehran University area also came under attack on Friday morning

US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike — agency

According to the news agency, it is unclear how much longer the investigation will last or what evidence US investigators are seeking before the assessment can be completed

Trump wants to personally participate in choosing Iran’s leader

Speaking about the process of choosing the new head of the Islamic Republic, the US president said the Iranian Assembly of Experts is "wasting their time"

FACTBOX: Ukrainian troops at US bases, new phase of operation — latest on Iran

Before the attacks began, the US withdrew 90% of its military personnel from bases within range of Tehran's weapons, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated

Two killed, 12 wounded in Ukrainian attack on shop in Kherson Region

At least two people are in critical condition

US to take additional measures to bring oil prices down — Trump

The US leader noted that "the oil seems to have pretty much stabilized"

West’s pressure on Russian energy sector produced no result — RDIF CEO

Kirill Dmitriev noted that Russia’s energy partners have made a wise strategic choice

US unwilling to admit it does not rule world any more — Carlson

The journalist cited China as an example of a power that Washington needs to reckon with

Iran strikes Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, airbase — IRGC

The Khorramshahr 4 heavy missiles of the IRGC Aerospace Force, with a 1-ton warhead, were launched at dawn today

Russian Battlegroup East’s T-80BVM tank withstands 18 hits from Ukrainian drones

The tank commander with the battlegroup, call sign "Aza," added that the tank completed its assigned missions

Russian troops liberate Yarovaya community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,215 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Three US drones presumably downed off Iran’s coast — TV

The exact location and causes of the incident have not been disclosed

Arab League foreign ministers to hold emergency meeting on March 8 — MENA

The ministers will discuss Iran's aggression against a number of Arab countries

US secretary of war claims Iran did not shot down F-15 fighter

"CENTCOM pointed out that those reports of an F-15 being shot down are false," Pete Hegseth said

Russia has drone superiority in Zaporozhye Region — serviceman

According to a strike UAV operator with the 1251st Motorized Rifle Regiment, call sign "Znakhar", the enemy’s unmanned aerial vehicles are currently suffering considerable losses

IN BRIEF: What is known about continuation of POW swaps between Russia, Ukraine

On March 6, 300 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime

US sinks 24 Iranian Navy warships — US leader

Donald Trump also claimed that Iran’s Air Force, air defenses and military command networks have also been destroyed

European Commission views Zelensky’s threats against Orban unacceptable

The European Commission Spokesperson Olof Gill urged the sides to calm down and tone down their rhetoric

Press review: US could use Kurds against Iran as NATO unwilling to drop expansion plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 5th

Dmitriev predicts start of era of total energy collapse in EU

"By refusing Russian energy, the EU has shot itself in the foot so many times that no feet are left," Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said

West’s war against Russia, NATO’s role in Middle East war: Lavrov’s statements

Russia sees no reason to suspect that the negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement with the participation of the US are a "smokescreen", the top diplomat said

Iranian forces claim responsibility for attack on Ben Gurion Airport — press release

The IRGC also reported having hit the Israeli Defense Ministry building

US Treasury secretary confirms permission to India to buy Russian oil loaded on tankers

Scott Bessent also added that the US anticipated that New Delhi will ramp up its purchases of US oil

Russia receives no requests for assistance, weapons supplies from Iran — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia's consistent position is well-known to everyone

'Wild' statements by Israel, Europe’s disregard for NPT: Russian envoy's remarks

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia will address European officials’ irresponsible statements regarding nuclear weapons before the International Atomic Energy Agency

US has no problems with Russia and China stemming from Iran war, says Pentagon chief

According to Pete Hegseth, he has no message for Russia and China on this issue

US president may American troops to Iran for ground operation — magazine

According to the report, this is a decision that the US is "trying to avoid"

Mideast crisis to worsen as Iran's proxies turn active — former Russian ambassador to Iran

Alexander Maryasov highlighted the impact of the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, describing it as a pivotal event that has intensified anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments within Iran

Putin meets with Central African Republic president on eighth visit to Russia

The leaders of the two countries plan to discuss the development of cooperation between Moscow and Bangui in the political, trade, economic, and humanitarian spheres

France to boycott on state level 2026 Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Italy

Earlier, delegations from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland announced their decision to boycott the official Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics

Iran unafraid of ground operation, has strength 'to kill everyone' — envoy

Kazem Jalali said that the United States is striking from afar, from the air

Israel, US prepare to reduce intensity of strikes on Iran — Kan

The US and Israeli militaries came to a conclusion "that strikes cannot continue for long at the unprecedentedly high pace"

US reports striking Iranian Navy’s drone carrier

The ship caught fire

Russia sees no reason to suspect Ukraine talks with US may be cover-up — Lavrov

"We see no such reason because we are maintaining direct contact with American colleagues," the Russian top diplomat stated

Ukraine to start protecting US bases in Middle East in coming days — agency

However, the sources neither provided an exact date nor specified how Ukrainian service members would assist the US