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Russia’s Rublev cruises to opening round win at 2026 ATP Barcelona Open

He defeated Mariano Navone from Argentina

MADRID, April 14. /TASS/. Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev cleared the opening round of the 2026 ATP Barcelona Open tournament in Spain on Tuesday, defeating Mariano Navone from Argentina.

The 5th-seeded Rublev, who is playing under a neutral status at the tournament, took down his unseeded Argentinian opponent in straight sets 6-4; 7-5. Rublev will play in the next round against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, who earlier defeated qualifier from Mexico Pedro Martinez.

Rublev, 28, is currently the 15th-ranked player in the world. 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 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell is an ATP 500 tournament played between April 13 and 19 on outdoor clay courts in Barcelona, Spain. This year It offers over $3.4 million in prize money. Holger Rune from Denmark is the tournament’s reigning champion.

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.

Europe’s Nordic countries say won't host World Aquatics events — sports official

Earlier, World Aquatics lifted all previously imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete again under the countries’ flags and to the tune of national anthems

US-Iran talks may resume in couple of days — Trump

The new round of talks could be held in Islamabad

Kiev mines Transnistrian section of border with Moldova — Ukrainian ambassador

Paun Rogovey stressed that this was done because Moldova does not control unrecognized Transnistria, where an Operational Group of Russian troops is stationed

FACTBOX: Tracking the price of silver through the years

Silver prices began rising rapidly in 2025

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

Baghdad Today reported that Iran had anticipated a US blockade of its ports and therefore moved dozens of oil-laden tankers out to sea in advance

Magyar's remarks on energy supplies from Russia cause tensions in Kiev — media

Experts express skepticism that Ukrainian authorities will agree to resume operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, even as a foundation for dialogue with Peter Magyar

UN to monitor Russian archaeologist’s trial in Ukraine, if Poland extradites him

UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence noted that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights does not monitor court proceedings in Poland

Iran restores railway bridge damaged by US and Israeli strikes — Mehr

All the six bridges damaged during the US and Israeli attacks were repaired and put into operation

Kremlin expresses satisfaction over Hungary’s readiness for pragmatic dialogue

According to Dmitry Peskov, this willingness is mutual

Russia tests technology for controlling 10 loitering munitions at once

The solution has undergone preliminary testing at a test site using practical targets

Twelve countries, including Ukraine, to participate in Sweden's largest military drills

The drills will practice ensuring the flow of important military resources into and out of Sweden, while simultaneously practicing countering the growing threat to NATO and Europe

US doesn't want Iran to have any nuclear program at all — permanent rep to UN

Mike Waltz also claimed that the United States is ready to continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran restores navigation in full in the Strait of Hormuz

Oreshnik missile to go into serial production, Putin says

The president stressed that given the weapon’s special power, it "will be provided precisely to the Strategic Missile Forces"

EC expects Magyar to lift Hungary's veto on €90 bln aid for Kiev, sanctions against Russia

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she expected Hungary’s new government to "return to the heart of Europe"

Israel, US want enriched uranium to be removed from Iran — Israeli defense minister

Israel Katz said it is a precondition for ending the military campaign

Russia’s Rublev cruises to opening round win at 2026 ATP Barcelona Open

He defeated Mariano Navone from Argentina

Failure of US-Iran talks may heat up conflict — Russian Security Council

If the planned goals are not achieved during the negotiations, fighting may resume with greater intensity after two weeks, the Russian Security Council said

Key facts about Russia’s Bulava sea-launched ICBM

According to open sources, 27 Bulava missile launches were carried out from September 27, 2005 to date, of which 15 were recognized as successful

FACTBOX: What is known about rare earth metals

The term "rare" refers to the supposed scarcity of these minerals and "earth" comes from an old name for oxides, the chemical form for these elements in the mineral

Situation around Iran puts GOP in losing position ahead of US midterms — Chinese expert

According to Huang Jing, the United States is unlikely to be able to withstand a long war with Iran due to problems with arms supplies and combat readiness

EU sanctions hurt Europe more than Belarus and Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that even among his ministerial colleagues in Europe there is a clear opinion that the sanctions are not working as planned

Russian troops gain foothold on northern outskirts of Ozyornoye in Donetsk region — expert

Russian troops are consistently advancing in the southern direction, Andrey Marochko noted

Kalashnikov Group begins testing new Krona air defense missile system

The Krona SAM system is designed to protect important government facilities and urban infrastructure from attacks

Russian Pacific Fleet ships practice artillery fire in South China Sea drills

The crews of the corvettes practiced the assignments of a naval battle with a simulated enemy

Druzhba pipeline to be repaired by end of April, Zelensky says

"Not completely but enough to function," Vladimir Zelensky said

Magyar says would answer phone if Putin calls

Peter Magyar stressed that he would not call the Russian leader himself

GFCN experts call for synchronizing electoral protection with technological progress

GFCN expert from Belgium Anna Andersen emphasized that present-day monitoring could not be reduced to sending official missions

Hungary cannot end Russian gas imports before 2031 — expert

Andras Racz noted that there were existing contracts and technological restrictions

No rhyme or reason to British foreign policy under Starmer — Politico

Several government officials said that in foreign policy, the UK prime minister is trying to be "a critical friend" of the United States and "a partner for practically everyone"

Work on Russian-Chinese heavy helicopter autonomous from 3rd countries — deputy PM

Russia informed China it is independent in terms of technology concerning the project

After Easter truce, Ukraine resumes shelling of Zaporozhye NPP — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, this is already the 14th time the plant has lost all external power

Not a single ship from Iran overcame US blockade, CENTCOM says

Six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman

US eases sanctions against Venezuela’s banks and government

The Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Washington has allowed, with certain reservations, the signing of commercial contracts with the Venezuelan government

Europe’s Nordic countries say won't host World Aquatics events — sports official

Earlier, World Aquatics lifted all previously imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete again under the countries’ flags and to the tune of national anthems

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

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,180 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Elon Musk says Soros organization seizes power in Hungary after elections

This was the businessman's response to a remark by Alex Soros that the Hungarian people had "taken back" their country

US Treasury extends license for operations with Lukoil’s foreign assets until October 29

The Department also issued a separate general license allowing transactions related to Lukoil’s subsidiaries in Bulgaria through October 29

No setbacks for Russian in-demand weapons production in 2025 — prosecutor

Anatoly Razinkin said that priority issues included pricing for defense products and the use of budget funds allocated for these purposes by enterprises

Russia’s watchdog toughens requirements to imports of live poultry and eggs from Germany

The ban is applicable to imports of poultry and eggs from the Cloppenburg district over an outbreak of H5N8 bird flu that was registered there on December 22, 2014

Kim Jong Un observes weapons test of Choe Hyon destroyer’s weapons — agency

According to the Korean Central News Agency, two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were fired during the test, which hit the designated targets

Budget revenues from investing NWF resources reach $8.5 bln in 2025

The return on investing NWF resources at accounts with the Bank of Russia, expressed as the basket of authorized foreign currencies and gold in the depersonalized form, stood at 0.21% per annum

Global steel demand to gain 2.2% by 2027 to 1.76 bln tons — WSA

The demand is transitioning to a path of modest growth in 2026, with a more pronounced acceleration projected for 2027

Three 22-year-olds become billionaires in 2025, youngest ever to reach mark — Forbes

The net worth of these three young entrepreneurs is estimated at $2.2 billion

Readiness for Paks-2 ‘exam,’ Kiev hits Zaporozhye nuke: Likhachev’s comments

According to the head of the Russian state corporation, Hungary, in a sense, will also be taking an exam for "a serious promotion of one of the world's largest modern energy projects"

Russian aviation authorities will not ban flights to Venezuela

Tourists recreating on Margarita Island will return back to Russia by a scheduled flight of Nordwind Airlines from the city of Porlamar

Russian Baltic Fleet ships conduct naval exercise in Baltic Sea

According to the report, the crews of the minesweepers practiced mine countermeasures for the deployment of fleet forces from their base and during sea transit in conditions where a simulated enemy was using mines

Russia’s Battlegroup West takes control of large area at Kupyansk over week — expert

Russian troops also liberated two settlements in the Sumy Region and Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

China demands Strait of Hormuz be unblocked, US has acted irresponsibly — MFA

Washington is "undermining the already fragile ceasefire," further damaging shipping, Guo Jiakun stressed

US Stone Age comments show it can't accept Iran's power — Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the Islamic Republic abides by international law and is ready to negotiate within that framework

Number of foreign tourists visiting Russia increases by 15% in 2025 — deputy PM

According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, some 4.8 million foreign tourists have visited Russia in 2025

War with Iran threatens with unprecedented economic crisis — IMF

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the Economic Counsellor with the International Monetary Fund, called for seeking ways to improve global cooperation

China’s oil imports up 8.9% in January-March, gas imports down 4%

Russia is the leading exporter of energy resources to China

Israel, Lebanon agree to launch direct talks — US Department of State

The delegations were led by the countries’ ambassadors to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad of Lebanon and Yechiel Leiter of Israel

Oil, gas prices could rise by 100% and 200% in prolonged war with Iran — IMF

The International Monetary Fund has outlined three scenarios for further global economic developments, taking into account the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran

Russian UAV control points equipped with internet access — Russian soldier

The serviceman said the troops use standard military programs to transmit coordinates and information

Global economy may be on the brink of recession in 2026 — IMF

According to conclusions for the best case, the world economy will grow by 3.1% and 3.2% in 2026-2027

Foreign special services finesse teens into terror schemes — Investigative Committee

According to Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana, recruiters play on teenagers’ gullibility to involve them in grave crimes

Bitcoin, Ethereum in the green on Tuesday — Binance

Bitcoin added 4.78% and hit $75,489, being above $75,000 first time since March 17, 2026

Berlin involved in conflict with Russia by supplying missiles to Kiev — Finnish politician

A member of the Finnish national conservative Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema emphasized that the German government is leading the charge in financing and producing air defense missiles for Ukraine

Russia's historical roots motivate its condemnation of war against Iran — Pezeshkian

The Iranian president noted that the true essence of civilizations was revealed during pivotal moments in history

Middle East conflict leads to revival of petroyuan initiative — Bloomberg

Iran has begun accepting yuan as payment for transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the agency noted

Japan not abiding by post-WWII restrictions — Patrushev

The Russian presidential aide recalled that 85 years ago, the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact allowed the Soviet Union to avoid a two-front war, and Japan to gain time to refine its strategic plans in the Asia-Pacific region

Over two thousand people attend Russian Space Forum

Over one million viewers watched the live broadcast of the Russian Space Forum's plenary session

Lebanon hopes to reach temporary ceasefire with Israel — deputy PM

Tarek Mitri stressed that Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, who is set to begin talks with Israeli officials in Washington on Tuesday, represents the Lebanese government, not the Shiite organization Hezbollah

Russian forces destroying remaining Ukrainian troops at Miropolye in Sumy — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces are still holding their positions in the Miropolye area

Press review: US blocks Hormuz Strait as Magyar win may reshape Russia-Hungary ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 14th

Volchansk liberation helps expand security zone near Russian border — security officials

It also opened the way to Stary Saltov and Bely Kolodez

List of customers for Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet is expanding — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter specified that the aircraft will be presented at the international Asian arms and military equipment exhibition

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

Rosoboronexport offers Egypt comprehensive national security solutions

According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev, this year marks 70th anniversary of the military-technical partnership between Russia and Egypt

Baltic skies are being used to tailor region to NATO objectives — expert

Ruslan Pankratov explained that, militarily, this zone functions as a testing ground for air defense systems, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance technologies

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 75.85 rubles for April 15

The official yuan rate was set at 11.09 rubles, down 4.3 kopecks

Russia rejects UN mission's report of FSB’s alleged mistreatment of Ukrainians

In a statement, published on its website, the ministry said it was "perplexed" by the Monitoring Mission’s opinion about the results of the September 7 swap of detainees

Alrosa expects situation with diamond prices to improve this year

Alrosa predicts that overall decline in global diamond supply will eventually lead to a market rebalancing, which will ensure price stabilization for smaller stones as well

Putin calls for ensuring ‘capacity reserve’ when upgrading Eastern polygon project

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According to The Wall Street Journal, despite publicly sharp rhetoric, the US and Iran are ready to engage in talks on the condition that both sides show flexibility

Russian industrial zone in Egypt will be launched in late 2018

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Kalashnikov to submit splinter-proof vests for testing

According to the statement, the product will soon be sent for testing to identify and address any potential deficiencies

Oil prices artificially kept below 'psychological limit' — Dmitriev

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Lebanon, Israel agree to engage in direct dialogue — Lebanese ambassador to US

The date and venue of the next meeting will be announced later

Turkey may buy Russian latest military aircraft, if US refuses to sell F-16 fighters

Earlier, Turkey made a request to the United States to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and modernize about 80 warplanes of this type operational in the Turkish Air Force

Russia’s T-14 Armata tank may enter service by year-end — sources

Two sources in the Russian defense industry say "the Armata tank is currently undergoing state and troop trials"

Russian GDP growth forecast improved to 1.6% in 2026 — Dmitriev

According to the IMF, the Russian economy grew by 1% in 2025

Modi says discusses Middle East, Strait of Hormuz with Trump

The conversation took place on the initiative of the American side

Over 20 vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — media

According to the newspaper, these ships included tankers, dry cargo and container carriers

Russian troops launch special military operation to defend Donbass republics — top brass

On the morning of February 24, the DPR and LPR people’s militias carried out mobilization and set up groups of forces on their territories, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov also informed

Buenos Aires police spray tear gas on crowd celebrating football victory – TV

Channel C5N reported that the incident occurred when a group of celebrants tried to go to the Obelisk along a fenced street

Kiev has all opportunities for settling situation — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov drew attention to the fact that the special operation had certain aims and they were being attained

Bank of Russia disputes freeze of assets by EU

The Bank of Russia demands cancellation of the decision to freeze sovereign assets and payment of legal costs by the EU Council

Zelensky says Ukrainian army awaits return of Ukrainians who fled country

Vladimir Zelensky said that many of them left in violation of the Ukrainian law

Kazakhstan to produce less oil in 2026 due to Ukrainian drone attacks on CPC — expert

As a result of the attacks since November, "damages and lost revenue have easily exceeded $4 bln," Olzhas Baidildinov said

Precious metals futures rising on Tuesday

Gold with delivery in this June was traded at $4,861.1 per ounce on Comex, up 1.73%

Russia’s Rosatom, South Africa sign nuclear power cooperation deal

Russia will train specialists for South Africa: nuclear power plant personnel, engineering and construction personnel and specialists for the non-energy sector and nuclear infrastructure

EU to offer oil over Croatian pipeline to Hungary instead of Druzhba — Merz

The previous Hungarian government did not accept this proposal, the German chancellor noted

During Easter truce, Kiev attacks its own areas in false-flag ploy — expert

"This practice is not new and occurs with almost every ceasefire," Andrey Marochko said

Iran still has large number of weapons — Russian Security Council

Contrary to the expectations of Washington and Tel Aviv, various socio-political groups in Iran rallied around the central government, and the most radical opposition forces went deep underground

Russia inks contract with China on Su-35 deliveries

Thus, China has officially become the first foreign contractor of the Su-35 aircraft

Russian UAVs tested in combat to be showcased at Malaysia exhibition

Leading Russian reconnaissance aircraft of the Orlan series will also be on display in Malaysia

Closing ceremony of Russian-Indian joint drills 'Indra-2019' held in India

The "Indra-2019" joint military drills were held from December 11 in three Indian states

Russian Shipyard submits proposals on completing construction of Project 11356 frigate

Russian Project 11356 frigates are the carriers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles

Internet restrictions, arms control: daily briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is currently forced to impose digital restrictions for security reasons