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Russia’s Rublev clears opening round of 2026 ATP Masters in Monte Carlo

The Russian is set to play in the next round against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs

PARIS, April 6. /TASS/. Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev cleared the opening round of the 2026 ATP Masters in Monte Carlo on Monday, defeating Nunu Borges of Portugal.

It took the 13th-seeded Rublev, who is playing at the tournament under a neutral status, one hour and thirty-four minutes to defeat his unseeded Portuguese opponent 6-4; 1-6; 6-1.

The Russian is set to play in the next round against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, who outplayed in the opening round of the tournament French Adrian Mannarino in straight sets 6-4; 6-3.

Rublev, 28, is currently ranked 15th in the ATP Rankings list. He has won 17 career ATP singles tournament titles and four more in men’s doubles. Rublev has never made it past the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam.

The Russian tennis player took home the gold at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in mixed doubles (with teammate Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova) and also won the 2021 Davis Cup as part of the Russian national team.

The 2026 ATP Masters Monte Carlo tennis tournament is played on outdoor clay courts between April 5 and 12. The tournament's reigning champion is Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. Rublev (in 2023) is one of two Russians to ever win this tournament, along with fellow countryman Andrey Chesnokov (in 1990).

Russian and Belarusian players’ neutral status at tennis tournaments

On February 28, 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations to international sports federations to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in international tournaments, citing Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine as the reason.

Following the IOC's recommendations in late February 2022, the majority of global sports federations moved to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus from all international sports tournaments.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) ruled on March 1, 2022, to suspend the membership of the Russian and Belarusian national tennis federations while also canceling all previously scheduled tennis tournaments in the two countries.

On March 14, 2022, the ITF also confirmed its prohibition on the Russian and Belarusian national tennis teams from participating in the 2022 Davis Cup and the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup.

Russia’s top female tennis player stays in 10th place of new WTA Rankings

Mirra Andreeva is a four-time WTA champion

Russian forces advancing toward Konstantinovka — DPR head

The enemy is trying to hold its ground and dig in in the industrial zone, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic said

Russian forces take up new positions near liberated Aleksandrovka — DPR head

The Russian Armed Forces have also taken up the village of Krynki in the Donetsk People’s Republic

EU’s move to abandon Russian energy signals 'tough times' for Europe — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also commented on an Economist article about new energy deals between Russia and Asian countries in Asia being "a telling marker" of the West’s failure to isolate Moscow

Kiev’s military used graphite bombs against DPR power grid — defense headquarters

The enemy utilized a combined assault strategy, incorporating drone attacks alongside the use of graphite bombs

Attempted terrorist attack in Serbia fits well with Ukraine’s previous actions — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister noted that "a terrorist attack was being prepared against the TurkStream gas pipeline"

Eight people, including two children, injured in a drone attack in Novorossiysk — mayor

Six apartment buildings and two private homes were damaged by the strike

Over ten countries ready to launch cosmonauts to space with Russia’s support — Roscosmos

According to CEO Dmitry Bakanov, this will be possible after Russia deploys its space station in Earth’s orbit

Kremlin preparing for Victory Day celebrations — Peskov

The Kremlin press secretary thus rejected claims that the Victory Day Parade on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 had been cancelled

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories

The countries and territories mentioned in the list imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of a special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine

Iran conflict depletes Patriot, THAAD interceptor stocks — newspaper

Dwindling interceptor stockpiles could leave US allies around the world vulnerable to attacks

ISS to be deorbited as planned in 2030 — Roscosmos CEO

Dmitry Bakanov said the Russian Orbital Station should be launched exactly at this time

Six children killed in overnight strikes on Tehran — authorities

The media also reported that a residential building in southeastern Tehran had been destroyed by a strike

West fails to globally bound Russia, Moscow was ready for sanctions, says Medvedev

"While our opponents continue their fruitless work, the world is gradually moving towards a new logic of global economic relations, and to a revised financial system," Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council wrote

Hungary, Russia, Turkey, Serbia to strengthen TurkStream security — top diplomat

The top diplomat reported that he had held telephone conversations with the energy ministers of Serbia and Turkey, as well as with Russian First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin

Potential Van Gogh masterpiece discovered in Hungary

A previously unknown painting could be another version of "The Dance Hall in Arles"

US, EU want to push Russia out of Transcaucasia — Foreign Ministry

Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Fourth CIS Department Denis Gonchar noted that it were Russian peacekeepers who made it possible to stop the September escalation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Russia-China relations are at their best, says Chinese ambassador

"The two countries’ leaders have established trust-based, friendly relations," Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said

Russia fights on three fronts now — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that Russia is fighting on military, economic, and information fronts

Two people dead in Ukrainian drone attack on cargo ship that sank in Sea of Azov

The vessel sank 300 miles north of Kerch

Russia may ban import of fish products from Faroe Islands — watchdog

It is reported that the growing potential of production capacity indicates that there are no prerequisites for a decrease in the production of frozen fish

Nationalists carried out provocation on Chernobyl NPP power lines — Defense Ministry

According to Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Nikolay Pankov, currently, the Ukrainian side avoids organizing any repairs

US, Iran may reach deal by Monday — Trump

The reporter also noted that, according to the White House, if Tehran does not agree to a deal, Trump intends to take control of Iranian oil

Serbia discovers planted explosives near its gas pipeline — top brass

According to the ministry, law enforcement officials are continuing their work on site to search for additional evidence and identify those involved

Brent oil price on ICE exceeds $110 per barrel for the first time since March 30

By 10:10 p.m. GMT, the price of the futures had accelerated growth to reach $111.89 per barrel

Orban urges end to sanctions against Russian energy after attempted attack on gas pipeline

The Hungarian prime minister warned that "Europe is nearing an extremely serious energy crisis, and the coming days will be critical"

Russian diplomat certain White Helmets operating in Ukraine

This organization is a Western tool for staging false flags with chemical weapons, and for exploiting the human rights agenda in the interest and for the benefit of their client, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out

Russia, Iran emphasize need to stop reckless attacks on Bushehr NPP — Foreign Ministry

The ministry noted that the conversation "emphasized the inadmissibility of creating threats to the lives and health" of the plant’s personnel and "the risks of a radioactive disaster for the entire region"

UK Defense Ministry denies reports of its destroyer being hit off Lebanese coast

Israel’s Channel 14 earlier cited assessments that a missile fired by Hezbollah was able to damage the ship

Trump doesn't rule out sending US troops to Iran — The Hill

The US could consider striking any infrastructure facilities in Iran if there is no deal, the president noted

Putin confident of Russia’s triumph in Ukraine

The head of state noted that during the special military operation Russia is defending "its land, people and values," therefore, it will definitely emerge victorious

Retired Canadian army general may be holed up in Azovstal steel plant — DPR militia

A group that the UN is preparing for the evacuation of civilians from Azovstal pursues the goal of rescuing "active NATO military personnel who may be entrenched there"

Poll reveals Russians’ sentiment on Soviet military presence in Afghanistan, 30 years on

When asked whether the Soviet Union should have sent troops to Afghanistan, 42% of those polled said no

London prioritizes fueling conflict over saving lives in Ukraine, says Russian ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, the recent strikes in Bryansk clearly demonstrate London's intentions

US has already spent over $42 bln on military operation in Iran — portal

The portal's calculations are based on an estimate stated during a Pentagon briefing for the US Congress on March 10

Russia cannot cooperate on ISS with all friendly countries — Roscosmos chief

Dmitry Bakanov said that things will be different, once the Russian Orbital Station is launched

Press review: US, Iran threats escalate as Britain disrupts Ukraine peace efforts

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 6th

Ukraine loses almost 8,900 troops, mercenaries in special op zone in past week — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian forces destroyed eight tanks, including a US-made Abrams tank, 69 field artillery systems, 47 electronic warfare systems

Battlegroup West destroys 44 Ukrainian forces UAV control points in 24 hours

The fighters also destroyed a British-made L-119 howitzer and a US-made M101 howitzer

Russia urges sides to strictly observe humanitarian pause agreement in Gaza — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the humanitarian pause in Gaza "will help increase the deliveries of food, fuel and medicine for the Strip’s residents"

Iran hits oil infrastructure in Israel, US military base in Kuwait — army

According to a statement cited by the Fars news agency, Iranian servicemen have, since this morning

All workers evacuated from LPR mine after Ukrainian attack

According to the statement, the rescue operation went smoothly

Over 200 parentless children from Donbass can be adopted in Russia in near future

As many as 1,560 children left without parents have arrived in Russia, Maria Lvova-Belova revealed

Russian attack drones, artillery wipe out US-made M777 howitzers in Ukraine — top brass

The ministry also uploaded a video made from a drone showing the destruction of US howitzers

Saudi Aramco raises May oil prices for Asia to record high — Bloomberg

This refers to the flagship Arab Light grade, according to the source

Foreign national plotted sabotage of gas pipeline in Serbia — military counterintelligence

According to Serbian Military Security Agency Director Duro Jovanic, the suspect "will definitely be taken into custody"

Passage via Strait of Hormuz will never be the same, especially for US and Israel — IRGC

The military say that the IRGC Navy is completing the correspondent operational preparations

CIA runs deception campaign to aid rescue of F-15E crew member in Iran — TV

The F-15E two-seat fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday

Top Russian, Chinese diplomats call for de-escalation of situation in Persian Gulf — MFA

According to the statement, in the context of Middle East issues, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed ways to strengthen Russian-Chinese cooperation in various international forums, especially at the UN

US, Israel prepare to carry out massive strikes on Iranian energy facilities — media

Donald Trump earlier threatened to target energy and civilian infrastructure in Iran unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz by April 6

CIA deputy chief’s son died a hero's death fighting for Russia in special op

Michael Gloss was fighting in the area of Chasov Yar, he was liberating Donbass, Russian Airborne Force Commander Mikhail Teplinsky said

US media wages disinformation campaign regarding Kakhovka HPP — Russian ambassador

"There are many insinuations about the fact that Russia allegedly has blown up the most important infrastructure facility," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia working on new export incentive mechanism for pharmaceutical companies — minister

Anton Alikhanov says that the measure will consist of an export cashback

Hezbollah mistakenly fires at UK vessels — Israeli TV

Israel’s Channel 14 pointed out that preliminary Israeli assessments indicate the missile may have damaged the ship

Russia’s pharmaceutical exports up by more than 30% yoy in 2025 to $1.3 bln — minister

Earlier, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that the Russian pharmaceutical market grew by 13.6% in 2025 to $38.6 bln

Expert slams potential move to provide nuclear weapons to Ukraine as 'completely reckless'

According to Helga Zepp LaRouche, "such a step could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back, since the overall strategic climate is already one of disarray"

Russia announced first prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine

Russian servicemen were exchanged for the mayor of Melitopol

New foreign policy concept allows Russia to hold preventive attacks, says military analyst

Provision 25 on the Russian Foreign Policy Concept states in particular that Russia may use its armed forces to defend or prevent attacks on itself or its allies

Tehran to strike enemy infrastructure similar to that attacked in Iran — top diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran will attack US infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region

Putin to participate in Collective Security Treaty Organization’s summit in Yerevan

The event should also be attended by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Presidents of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

Saudi Arabia’s damage from US operation against Iran exceeds $10 bln — WSJ

The country’s authorities and major state-owned companies are revising the schedule for major infrastructure projects, including the construction of new skyscrapers, in an effort to reduce their current spending

US claims Russian Su-27 jets intercepted B-52 bomber in ‘unprofessional manner’

Earlier, the Russian National Defense Control Center noted that the Russian planes acted in strict compliance with the international air law

Ukraine loses some 1,210 troops in special military op zone over past day

Units of the Russia's Battlegroup Center destroyed four armored vehicles, two trucks, two artillery pieces

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian attempt to counterattack near Svyatogorsk — DPR head

The Russian army has the situation under control, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic reported

Russian armed forces successfully advance near Artyomovsk — top brass

Russian Aerospace Forces shoot down Ukrainian Su-25 over DPR

US could rejoin Open Skies Treaty under new administration, Russian diplomat says

According to the diplomat, the the full-scale cooperation between the member-states of the Treaty on the whole range of issues on the agenda of the Open Skies Consultative Commission will continue without interruption

Ukrainian military used UAV to attack dry cargo ship that sank in Sea of Azov — governor

Vladimir Saldo noted that most of the crew has been admitted to a Kherson Region hospital and is receiving medical assistance, while one crew member has died, and the fate of two others remains unknown

No foreign mercenaries arrived in Ukraine in past 7 days — Russian Defense Ministry

According to Sergey Rudskoy, in the last 7 days, a total of 285 militants fled to Poland, Hungary and Romania

Iranian diplomat suggests US F-15 rescue operation had hidden purpose

According to Esmaeil Baghaei, the US rescue aircraft landed in southern Isfahan, what is far from the place where the downed pilot is believed to have been hiding

Industry and Trade Minister names main importers of Russian medicines

Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Algeria, and Lithuania are among the states buying Russian pharmaceuticals

Russian, Ukrainian rights officials move closer to exchanging lists of heavily wounded

The Russian official said she had earlier had a video linkup with the Ukrainian parliament commissioner for human rights

Russia’s gas production up 9.1% in January-May to 254 bcm — Rosstat

Liquefied natural gas production totaled 14.8 mln tons in the reporting period, up by 4.5% compared with the same period in 2023

Kiev denies involvement in attempted sabotage of TurkStream gas pipeline

Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reported that an attempt to sabotage the country's and the region's crucial gas infrastructure had been thwarted

First batch of nuclear-armed drones Poseidon manufactured for special-purpose sub Belgorod

According to the source, various trials of core components of Poseidon underwater drones, including the nuclear power

Iranian president seeking to emphasize building North-South corridor in talks with Putin

Ebrahim Raisi also said that in Moscow he would discuss efforts to help Palestine

UK Navy reports critical situation in Persian Gulf region

27 attacks on ships and port infrastructure have been reported since March 1, and the number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz daily has dropped from 138 to eight

Putin says West using Ukrainians as cannon fodder

"The developments in Ukraine show that the United States has been seeking to prolong the conflict," the Russian leader noted

Russia, US maintain high-level contacts on Ukraine, says senior Russian diplomat

Russia’s battlegroup West repels three Ukrainian counterattacks in past day

The Ukrainian army losses in the responsibility zone of the group include a tank, three armored combat vehicles, six vehicles, a Bogdana 155mm self-propelled artillery mount and roughly 600 servicemen

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic nine times over past day

A civilian was killed

Russia’s oil production down 9% in April, back to early 2021 levels

Earlier, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov specified that Moscow might lose up to 17% of oil production in 2022 due to sanctions

Russia exports medicines to over 150 countries — Industry and Trade Minister

Anton Alikhanov says that developing the export of domestic medicines is one of the priorities of the ministry

Russian forces advance near Grishino — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin. Russian soldiers have also advanced toward Sergeyevka, Novoaleksandrovka, and Vasilyevka

Three dead and 4,000 evacuated: dam collapse aftermath in Dagestan

More than 2,000 residential houses have been flooded in nine settlements

FACTBOX: Fifty UAVs target Russian regions, leaving eight injured in Novorossiysk

The UAVs were also intercepted over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov, and Krasnodar regions, as well as over the Azov and Black seas

Temporary moratorium on NATO expansion unacceptable for Russia — Deputy Foreign Minister

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia cannot be satisfied with yet another "trick" like it did before

Elon Musk refuses to delete Russian security official Medvedev’s post on Twitter

A Twitter follower previously drew Musk's attention to Medvedev's post about Ukraine

Majority of Moldovan citizens view Russia as strategic partner — ex-president

"Some 34 years later, the majority of Moldovan citizens still consider Russia a friendly state and a strategic partner, despite the openly unfriendly policy pursued by the temporary authorities in power," Igor Dodon said

Russia repels attack by Ukrainian uncrewed speed boats in northeastern Black Sea

According to the report, four Ukrainian speed boats and a Neptune-MD long-range cruise missile have been wiped out

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

Number of victims in Ukrainian attack on Novorossiysk reaches 10, including three children

According to the regional emergency response headquarters, eight people have been hospitalized

Battlegroup East destroys camouflaged positions and deployment points of Kiev forces

The strikes were carried out using a Giatsint-S self-propelled gun

Putin decrees to give refugees from Donbass and Ukraine monthly payments in Russia

Certain categories of people, including disabled persons and elders above the age of 80, will be given 10,000 ($166) in monthly payments

Chinese companies started trading intelligence about US troops — newspaper

According to The Washington Post, private firms are combining AI technology with data from open sources to expose the actions of US troops

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy sites, military airfields over past day

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,215 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Hegseth could be next to get the ax over Iran — Turkish columnist

According to Fatih Cekirge, US President Donald Trump is feeling the heat over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian downings of US aircraft

Russia to raise issue of Ukraine's intent to use dirty bomb at UN — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the Russian side had specific information about Ukrainian scientific institutions that possessed technologies capable of creating a dirty bomb

Iran offers agreement on use of Strait of Hormuz

Tehran is ready to reach agreements with European, Asian, and Arab countries on this issue, Head of the Government Information Council Elias Hazrati said

FSB detains individual plotting terrorist attack on high-ranking official in Kursk Region

The press service reported that the suspect contacted a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate on his own initiative to gather and transmit information about regional military and civilian facilities

The Economist highlights European gloom regarding the future of NATO

The sentiment was caused by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks questioning NATO’s effectiveness

'No doubt about it,' special military operation will end in success, says Kremlin

"We can agree with this with the reservation that the future and the success of the special operation are not in doubt," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov