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Russia, Belarus need to reinforce ties given current geopolitical situation — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President noted that the geopolitical situation requires the two countries to be ready to respond jointly to any challenges

MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. It is essential for Moscow and Minsk to strengthen their allied relations in the current geopolitical environment, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.

"In the current tense international situation, especially along our western borders, it is vitally important for us to deepen the alliance and strategic partnership between Belarus and Russia," he said.

Lukashenko also noted that the geopolitical situation requires the two countries to be ready to respond jointly to any challenges. He also mentioned the start of the implementation of the treaty on security guarantees within the Union State, including the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system on combat duty in Belarus in December.

"We are acting in close coordination in foreign policy. The signing of the directive on mutual support and cooperation in the field of international justice will be an important step toward protecting our common interests and upholding the inviolability of international law and its institutions," he stressed.

Iran's nuclear program

US may approve restart of reactor in Tehran — media

The newspaper notes that the US negotiating team "could be open to allowing Iran to restart a nuclear reactor in Tehran that can process very low enrichment for medical purposes"

Top Iranian diplomat outlines provisions of potential deal with US to Omani counterpart

Abbas Araghchi is leading the Iranian delegation to the third round of Oman-mediated talks with the United States

Those planning to transfer nuclear weapons to Kiev should be brought to justice — speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that France and Great Britain began to make "clumsy attempts" to explain their actions

FACTBOX: What we know about incident with US-registered speedboat in Cuban waters

According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, four people aboard the Florida-based speedboat were killed, and another six were injured

Ukrainian troops deploy additional UAV crews to Dimitrov — Russian serviceman

The assault team fighter of the 5th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade said the Ukrainian armed forces are thus unsuccessfully attempting to hamper the logistics of the Russian Armed Forces

Russia to test digital ruble use soon — PM

This is a challenging case, Mikhail Mishustin added

British, French embassies make cliched statements about nukes for Kiev

According to Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, there was no responsible, serious, or official high-level reaction

US insists on trilateral arms control agreements involving Russia, China — Rubio

US Secretary of State stressed that there will be no agreement if Beijing refuses to work toward it

Jailed Gagauz head rejects Chisinau’s proposal to resign in exchange for closing her case

Relations between Chisinau and Comrat became strained in 2023 after Evghenia Gutsul won elections in the autonomy and proclaimed a course toward closer relations with Russia, criticizing Chisinau’s policy of confrontation with Moscow

Ukraine to resume oil supplies to Slovakia in March at the earliest — Fico

Kiev has repeatedly postponed the time for the restart of oil deliveries to Bratislava, with February 26 indicated as the latest deadline before

US fears strike on Iran could carry political costs due to risk of casualties — Politico

According to the report, Washington fears that prolonged strikes on Iran could drain US weapons stockpiles, leaving the country more vulnerable

Switzerland to apply paragraphs of 19th EU sanction package against Russia

Measures include the complete ban on purchases and imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and the ban on transactions with certain cryptocurrencies pegged to the Russian ruble

FACTBOX: What we know about third round of Iran-US talks in Geneva

Iran is ready for both peaceful and military development scenarios but sets the main objective of averting a possible conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

European security architecture is in deep crisis — Dutch expert

Kees van der Pijl emphasizes that the continent's future hinges largely on the outcome of the Ukrainian crisis

US doesn’t refuse from talks with Iran, but has other option — JD Vance

US Vice President recalled that President Donald Trump is sending his two best negotiators to Geneva to continue efforts "try to strike the best deal possible"

Russia to start production of Tu-214 airplane — PM

The certification of the medium-range airliner Tu-214 was completed in December 2025

Dutch expert calls Western plans to provide Kiev with 'dirty bomb' an act of desperation

Kees van der Pijl noted that divisions between NATO and EU allies are likely to deepen as the conflict persists

Liberating Grafskoye, Russian troops advancing southeast of settlement — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Grafskoye has "extremely difficult terrain," which is affecting the speed of the Russian army’s advance in this area

Iran against building nuclear weapon, Pezeshkian reiterates ahead of Geneva talks with US

"The enemies insist that Iran should not seek a nuclear weapon, but we have repeatedly stated that we are not seeking a nuclear weapon," the Iranian president pointed out

Vietnam-Russia ties model of healthy international relations — Vietnamese PM

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam "consistently attaches great importance and strives for a steady development of traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with the Russian Federation in all areas"

Press review: Trump pushes Iran strike plans and Israel threatens Gaza as Hamas vote nears

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 26th

Up to 400 Iranian soldiers killed during January unrest — president

Masoud Pezeshkian added that more than 2,000 were innocent civilians

IN BRIEF: Putin speaks at Future Technologies Forum

Russia is proud that its scientists made a "sound contribution" to biosciences, the Russian leader said

Duma adopts law on refusing extradition of foreigners who fought in Russian army

The bill was introduced by the Russian government in November 2025

Ukrainian military use toxic agents against Russian army, civilians — Russian diplomat

Russia regularly shares relevant data with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the UN Security Council and General Assembly, director of the Russian foreign ministry’s international organizations department Kirill Logvinov said

West wants to escalate Ukraine conflict to global level — Russian delegation in Vienna

Those who are obstructing peace in Ukraine and sponsoring the war there cannot expect a place at the negotiating table to end it, Yulia Zhdanova added

Washington has yet to clarify strategic objective toward striking Iran — former envoy

The American people deserve that, Dan Shapiro noted

Russia develops first tactical guided munition with range of over 100 km

The system was created in record time based on the experience of active deployment of guided munitions in the special military operation zone

Armenian PM says no plans to remove Russian military base from his country

Nikol Pashinyan said the relations between Armenia and Russia are currently at the transformation stage

Ukrainian army preparing Odessa region for all-round defense

Denis Nosikov, head of the regional department of the South territorial defense forces, noted that various fortifications are being constructed around the region

US lawmakers expects authorities to share details about incident with boat off Cuba

The Representative from Florida Maria Elvira Salazar noted that she is closely monitoring reports

Iranian foreign minister arrives in Geneva to participate in talks with US

The Foreign Ministry also said the Iranian delegation plans to meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi this evening to outline Tehran's position "on sanctions and the nuclear program"

West punishes Iran, Cuba, Venezuela for independent policies — Russian diplomat

Kirill Logvinov noted that modern colonial practices regrettably became more entrenched in the toolkit of Western countries

Russia has ability to destroy nuclear weapon delivery to Ukraine en route — lawmaker

Viktor Vodolatsky said that Russia will protect its territory from the use of a nuclear weapon

State Duma approves appeal to Bundestag over risk of nuclear weapons transfer to Kiev

The decision is adopted unanimously

Russian diplomat warns of risks of terrorists getting access to toxic agents due to Kiev

Close contacts between the Kiev regime and terrorist groups in the Middle East and Africa have been repeatedly confirmed, Kirill Logvinov said

Kiev blocking Druzhba pipeline on Brussels’ orders to remove Hungary’s PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov opined that "it was not Kiev’s own decision"

Venezuela need to hold election to achieve its potential — Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that to have elections Venezuela needs to have political parties, political movements and a media environment that allows people to campaign and get the word out

Orban blames Zelensky for trying to drag Hungary into Ukraine conflict

The Hungarian prime minister added that Vladimir Zelensky's actions "endanger the secure and affordable energy supply of Hungarian families"

Russia remains committed to its stance on need for establishing Palestinian state

According to the director of the Russian foreign ministry’s international organizations department Kirill Logvinov, Moscow stands for a real ceasefire and all-round humanitarian assistance,

US Coast Guard refrains from comments on incident in Cuban waters

Earlier, the Cuban interior ministry said that a US-flagged boat entered Cuban waters and opened fire at approaching Cuban military

Kiev clings to idea of referendum to deviate from peace talks — Crimean politician

Vladimir Konstantinov added that Ukraine's global defeat on the path of European integration is inevitable

Russian diplomat calls incident in Cuban waters 'aggressive US provocation'

As Maria Zakharova stressed, the move is aimed at escalating the situation and triggering conflict

At least 600 foreign mercenaries enlist in Ukrainian army every month

Currently, more than 10,000 foreign volunteers from 75 countries serve in the Ukrainian Ground Forces

Russia's oil and gas revenues declining, partially offset by other revenues — Kremlin

Russia’s federal budget revenues from the oil and gas sector amounted to $5.1 bln in January 2026, which is 50.2% lower than in the same period last year

Russia has questions to Board of Peace’s Charter, mandate — diplomat

Director of the Russian foreign ministry’s international organizations department Kirill Logvinov recalled that the inaugural meeting of the US President Donald Trump-led Board of Peace was held in Davos on January 22

Msta-S crew hits Ukrainian fort in Dnepropetrovsk with Krasnopol shell

Live recording confirmed a direct hit on permanent firing positions and dugouts buried deep underground, as well as the destruction of enemy personnel and communications equipment

Russian troops liberate Grafskoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,345 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Vietnamese PM wants to boost economic ties with Russia

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam-Russia relations have entered a new era of development

Sanctions, support of population, tasks for 2026: Mishustin’s report to State Duma

The premier mentioned six tasks facing the state in 2026

If Kiev rejects talks, Russia to oust Ukrainian troops from new regions by force — envoy

Gennady Gatilov pointed out that Kiev "has to recognize the incorporation of the new regions into Russia and withdraw its armed forces from these territories"

New Dutch cabinet missed opportunity to restore dialogue with Russia — embassy

The Russian embassy stressed that Russia has "duly taken note" of this signal from the kingdom’s authorities

Sixty-one foreign air carriers flying to Russia — Transport Minister

Plans for 2026 are to continue working on the upgrade of airport infrastructure and commission passenger terminals in Barnaul, Blagoveshchensk and Orenburg in particular, Andrey Nikitin added

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military sites — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,115 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia could launch nuclear strikes on France, UK if they arm Kiev with nukes — Medvedev

"This is the proportional response that Russia has the right to," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed

British troops in Ukraine mean increase in major military conflict risks — Russian MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to UK Defense Minister John Healey's misconception

US committed to Ukraine settlement efforts, but Trump’s patience is not infinite — Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that Donald Trump’s patience is not infinite

Russian troops advancing to Siminovka in Kharkov Region — expert

Andrey Marochko said that personnel of the Russian Armed Forces had pushed Ukrainian troops back more than 12 kilometers from the state border

North Korean leader announces development of new secret weapons, anti-satellite technology

Kim Jong Un specified that work will begin on intercontinental ballistic missile systems for ground and submarine launch, AI-powered unmanned attack systems

Joint UK-Ukraine drone production legitimate target for Russian forces — Mema

"Supplying weapons to a country at war is a violation of international law, and selling weapons for this purpose is illegal," a member of the Finnish national-conservative party "Freedom Alliance" said

As battlefield situation gets worse, Kiev vents frustration on civilians — Russian MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the cruelty and inhumanity exhibited by Vladimir Zelensky’s government

Serbian interior minister hospitalized in grave condition — TV

According to the TV channel, Ivica Dacic has been placed on life support

Russian National Guard troops take out Ukrainian radar station in Kharkov area

Servicemen of the National Guard of Russia struck the target using FPV attack drones

Cuba detains accomplice in attack on patrol boat

According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, Hernandez Santos "has already confessed to his actions"

Larry Summers to resign from Harvard over Epstein ties — CNN

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said Summers has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

First 200 Storm reconnaissance drones delivered to Russian troops

The Gaskar company company also developed a cargo drone capable of transporting loads weighing up to 25 kilograms over distances of up to 20 kilometers

Ukrainian army trying to divert attention from failures to Odessa defenses — expert

Retired Colonel Timur Syrtlanov noted that all cities located in the combat area were always preparing for defense

US-registered boat enters Cuban waters, opens fire — Cuban interior ministry

As a result of the clash, four Americans were killed and six were wounded

Russia’s Krasnopol-M2 guided shell exceeds Western analogues in accuracy — Rostec

The use of these guided munitions turns self-propelled artillery units and towed howitzers from area suppression weapons into a tool for the precise destruction of enemy targets, Rostec representatives said

Russian troops apply pressure on Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the enemy had partially succeeded in stabilizing the situation in Krasny Liman

Food crisis invented by West, Kiev to blame Russia — diplomat

Director of the Russian foreign ministry’s international organizations department Kirill Logvinov stressed that there have never been any food shortages in reality

Resisting sanctions, responding to challenges: statements by Putin, Lukashenko

The geopolitical situation orders two nations to be ready to tackle any challenges jointly

Starlink sells user terminal data to US intelligence agencies — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin emphasized that disseminating sensitive information to the general public abroad is unacceptable

UK ready to fully ban maritime services for Russian oil shipments — Foreign Office

London said that it continues to discuss this with Europeans

Those who blew up Nord Streams now blocking Druzhba pipeline — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto called it a disgrace that the EU has not yet completed its investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, which, he recalled, constitutes an act of state terrorism

Russia, Belarus stand together against sanctions in support of multipolar world — Putin

The Russian president also expressed confidence that joint efforts would further strengthen the Russian-Belarusian partnership and alliance

Consequences of using nuclear bomb, Russian developments: Putin's statements

The Russian president said that Russia has promising defense and civilian developments, and some of them have not yet been publicly presented

Russian lawmakers adopt appeal over risk of nuclear weapon transfer to Ukraine

State Duma deputies call on the parliaments of France and Great Britain, the European parliament, and also specialized organizations and agencies within the system of the United Nations Organization to take urgent measures to avert a potential nuclear conflict

Press review: EU delays Ukraine association as US businesses demand Trump tariff refunds

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 25th

North Korea ready for normalization with US, but it depends on Washington — Kim

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stressed that the future of relations between North Korea and the United States fully depends on the United States’ approaches

Confirmation of new UN Secretary-General expected in fall — Russian Foreign Ministry

Kirill Logvinov, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, explained that following "interactive dialogues" scheduled for late July, the process will advance to candidate discussions within the UN Security Council

Russia demands financial blockade of Cuba be ended — diplomat

The Russian side supports Havana in its legitimate demands for an immediate end to the US trade, economic, and financial blockade, Kirill Logvinov said

US ultimatum to Kiev could end conflict in one day — British politician

"Until Trump does that, the war will continue," Leader of the Workers Party of Britain George Galloway said

Russian UAV crews cut off power to Ukrainian facilities on Dnieper’s right bank

Despite difficult weather conditions and the enemy’s electronic warfare systems, Russian military personnel successfully completed their mission

Yandex tops ranking of most expensive companies on Runet in 2025 — Forbes

Ozon was ranked second in the ranking, followed by the merged company Wildberries and Russ

Two Russians in St. Petersburg planned terrorist attack against senior military official

According to the Russian Federal Service, the suspects have been detained and have confessed to their involvement

Consequences of Ukrainian attacks: seven people die, medical unit destroyed

Kiev struck the Kurkovichi village in the Bryansk Region using kamikaze drones

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Dnepropetrovsk Region — Russian security official

According to the source, the enemy is attempting to resist the advance of Russian troops, relying on surprise and taking advantage of weather conditions

EU may resume Druzhba oil flows in exchange for Hungary backing Kiev

According to the newspaper, the diplomats suggested sending an EU delegation to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline, countering Viktor Orban’s claims that it has not been significantly damaged

Share of oil, gas revenues in Russian budget to be less than 20% — Finance Minister

The Russian budget indicators for this year may be amended subject to the market situation, Anton Siluanov noted

US set to discuss with Iran its conventional weapons — Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed out that Iran possesses a very large number of ballistic missiles and naval assets that threaten US shipping

Zelensky, Trump discuss upcoming meeting between US, Ukrainian delegations in Geneva

According to Vladimir Zelensky, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner also joined the call

Merz says he asked China to use its influence to end conflict in Ukraine

The German chancellor said that signals from China are taken very seriously in Moscow

China urges US to avoid war with Iran — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning added that China is "ready to continue acting as a responsible major power" in the current situation

British army, air force begin preparations for deployment to Ukraine — Defense Secretary

Defense Secretary John Healey stressed he had already accelerated the allocation of $270 million so that the forces have the necessary equipment for deployment

Tisza may become first "trash river" in Europe — environmentalist

"Rivers are used to deliver waste to the ocean instead of dump trucks in certain poor Asian countries," head of Green Patrol organization’s environmental projects Roman Pukalov said

Putin, Lukashenko to hold meeting of Union State’s Supreme State Council

The meeting will be held in Moscow

Iranian Defense Council secretary sees swift deal with US

According to Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the foreign minister and head of the Iranian delegation at the talks with the United States in Geneva "has sufficient support and authority to sign this agreement"

Zelensky regime may turn into Islamic State’s twin — Dutch expert

Kees van der Pijl emphasized that the efforts of Russia and its allies in the Ukrainian peace process were crucial in preventing such a development

US to authorize conditional Venezuelan oil resale to Cuba — OFAC

The favorable licensing policy is directed towards transactions that support the Cuban people, including the Cuban private sector, OFAC said

Russian forces repelling Ukrainian attacks, advancing near Gulyaipole — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, serious fighting continues near the settlement of Ternovatoye