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US First Lady to chair UN Security Council meeting on March 2 — Fox News

Melania Trump is expected to deliver a speech about the importance of the educational system in ensuring global peace

NEW YORK, February 27. /TASS/. The March 2 meeting of the UN Security Council will be held under the presidency of US First Lady Melania Trump, Fox News reported.

The first lady shared this post on X, de-facto confirming the information.

The United States will assume the rotating presidency of the Security Council on March 1.

Melania Trump will become the first spouse of a state leader to preside in the Council. She is expected to deliver a speech about the importance of the educational system in ensuring global peace.

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No discussions on UN Security Council meeting over Afghan-Pakistani border clashes

Clashes erupted on the Afghan-Pakistani border on Thursday evening

Explosive device activated near railway terminal in Moscow had yield of 300 grams of TNT

One policeman received fatal wounds, while wo more policemen were hospitalized

Russia may develop lunar nuclear power plant within 5-7 years — Kurchatov Institute head

Mikhail Kovalchuk expressed confidence that Russia would be the first to build the lunar nuclear power plant

Finland's plans to review property deals aimed against Russians — Russian Foreign Ministry

Earlier, the media reported citing Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen that the government was considering a review of real estate transactions signed by foreigners over the past 20 years

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Cuba is no threat to anyone, but will defend itself from aggression — president

Miguel Diaz-Canel made this clear in response to an incident involving a boat with an American registration that occurred Wednesday within Cuban territorial waters

NATO troops in Ukraine to remain unacceptable for Russia — Ex-UK ambassador

Former UK Ambassador to Moscow Anthony Brenton opined that progress on this issue requires not just the passage of time, but also "a sharp change of attitude" by one side or the other, including based on the situation on the battlefield

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

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

The decision is adopted unanimously

Confidence in possibility of continuing key rate reduction increases — Central Bank

Discussion participants noted at the same time that a higher average key rate than anticipated earlier might be required to ensure the steady return of inflation to the target in 2027

Sibur posts IFRS net profit up 4.5% YOY in 2025

Sibur’s EBITDA margin totaled 35.2% in 2025, compared to 40.7% a year earlier

Britain's attempts to prevent Ukraine settlement: Foreign Ministry statements

Maria Zakharova said that there are no talks on strategic stability between Russia and the United States in Geneva

Pakistani authorities say 72 Afghan servicemen killed in border clashes

Also, Pakistani troops destroyed 36 tanks, artillery guns and armored personnel carriers

Putin thanks Special Operations Forces for their courageous operations behind enemy lines

The Russian leader expressed his gratitude to the personnel and veterans for their exemplary combat performance, professional skills, and personal bravery

Bank of Russia cites tight monetary policy as one of factors affecting ruble

The ruble exchange rate continued to be shaped by cyclical and structural factors, the regulator said

SpaceX to take part in deployment of 120 Ukrainian satellites by 2027 — Russian expert

According to the source, the plan is to provide the military with 30,000-50,000 terminals

Uruguay becomes first to ratify Mercosur-EU trade agreement — MFA

On January 17, a free trade agreement was signed between the European Union and Mercosur countries in Paraguay

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

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

US First Lady to chair UN Security Council meeting on March 2 — Fox News

Melania Trump is expected to deliver a speech about the importance of the educational system in ensuring global peace

At least 58 Afghan servicemen killed in clashes on Pakistan’s border — TV

About 100 troops were wounded

Russia interested in resumption of flights to Cuba — Transport Minister

According to Andrey Nikitin, the issue depends on the availability of fuel in Cuba and the possibility of refueling

Pakistan reports destruction of Afghan hardware during border clashes

According to preliminary assessments, there were substantial losses on the Afghan side

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

The bill was introduced by the Russian government in November 2025

Europe has changed rhetoric, realizing futility of plans to defeat Russia — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Europe trained Ukrainians to use their hands and bodies to advance European interests in the war with Russia

Budget deficit to be resolved thanks to Russia's macroeconomic stability — Kremlin

Oil and gas revenues of the Russian budget are declining, which is partially offset by an increase in non-oil and gas revenues, Dmitry Peskov added

Russian military has no plans to scrap traditional ushanka hat

"The decree only changes the terminology. The headgear itself did not change in any way," a Defense Ministry official said

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

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

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"

Russian presidential envoy declines to comment on talks with US in Geneva

Kirill Dmitriev left the Four Seasons hotel in Geneva, where bilateral negotiations between the US and Ukraine were taking place

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

Putin establishes presidential commission on AI development

The commission’s tasks will include coordinating activities and improving interaction among federal authorities, the Bank of Russia, regional authorities and other government bodies and interested organizations on the creation, development and implementation of AI technologies

UK sanctions on Rosatom entities won’t affect construction of NPP in Kazakhstan — agency

The Agency for Atomic Energy noted that work on the NPP project continues as planned

Lukashenko calls Russia-Belarus integration unprecedented

The Belarusian president also said that trade in services between Russia and Belarus is developing at an accelerated pace

Moscow outlines requirements for next UN Secretary-General candidate

The term of the current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expires on December 31

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

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

World Aquatics cancels its 2026 Diving World Cup stage in Mexico amid security concerns

The competition was scheduled for 5-8 March 2026

US, Ukraine discuss economy, security guarantees in Geneva — Umerov

The secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov noted that the next round is being prepared

Series of explosions rocks Afghan capital Kabul — TOLO News

No casualties or damage have been reported

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

Iran rejected all of US demands during Geneva talks — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Iran rejected the idea of handing over its uranium stockpiles to a foreign country, stopping enrichment and demolishing its nuclear facilities

Rotterdam Port throughput falls for the fourth year in a row amid EU steel crisis

According to the report, in 2025, the port’s total cargo throughput amounted to 428 million tons, which is down 1.7% year-on-year

Kiev’s military used POWs as dummies for medical experiments — Russian MFA

Instead of proper care, local medical staff used the wounded as live dummies to instruct medical trainees in intricate and dangerous procedures

Iran, US agree to resume talks after consultations in capitals — Oman's Foreign Ministry

He also thanked all participants in the process for their efforts, including the negotiators from Iran and the US, representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Swiss government for organizing the meeting

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

Russian MFA condemns Brussels’ cut to mission staff as discriminatory, unlawful

Maria Zakharova stressed that these actions would not go without a proper response from Russian side

Zelensky hopes for new round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi in early march

Vladimir Zelensky noted that it is necessary to finalize everything that has already been achieved in terms of real security guarantees

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

Putin highlights creation of common trademark of Russia and Belarus

According to the Russian president, the trademark grants access to government procurement and other additional preferences

Telegram restrictions do not impede work of Russian soldiers — military officer

According to the serviceman, Russia has its own internal military communications system

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Amur Shipyard secured state defense contracts until 2028 — governor

The shipyard holds the necessary licenses to perform a full range of work for the construction, repair, and disposal of warships, submarines, and vessels with any type of propulsion system

Russia’s Rublev advances to 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships semifinals

The Greek player said commenting on his win over the Czech: "I thought I started off really, really well."

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

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

London said that it continues to discuss this with Europeans

Some 22 Afghan soldiers killed in fighting, with 40 casualties on Pakistani side

According to the report, fighting along the border is ongoing, with the Pakistani army employing small arms, artillery, and strike drones

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"

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"

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

Iran, US achieve progress in Geneva, discussing elements of agreement — Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister clarified that the parties exchanged messages through Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi

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

Russia’s Rublev advances to 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships semifinals

In the tournament’s semifinals, Andrey Rublev is set to face off against the winner of another quarterfinals encounter between 6th-seed Jakub Mensik from the Czech Republic and unseeded Tallon Griekspor of Greece

Net profit of Russian banks surge 2.2 times in January — Central Bank

The total financial result of the sector amounted to $4.6 bln in January 2026, compared to $3.3 bln in December of the last year

Putin closely monitors situation with budget deficit — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the head of state is discussing this issue with both the government and the Central Bank

Natural resources ministry expects Russia’s oil, gas reserves to be replenished in 2026

Russia's oil and condensate reserves increased by 640 mln tons, while gas reserves gained 670 bln cubic meters in 2025, the ministry said earlier

US to hit Russia, its trade partners with tariffs if no deal on Ukraine — Trump

The US president said the tariffs are going to be "very severe"

Pakistan government says 133 Afghan servicemen killed, 200 wounded in clashes

Pakistani troops also destroyed over 80 tanks, artillery guns and armored personnel carriers

Iran presents US with evidence of no intention to acquire nuclear weapons — TV

According to the official, the Iranian initiative is "politically serious and technically creative" and contains everything necessary to reach an agreement immediately

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

EU’s aspirations for seat at Ukraine settlement talks’ table are ungrounded — Zakharova

A recent decision to cut short the staff of the Russian diplomatic mission in Brussels confirms this, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said

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

Russia working to implement agreements regarding AZAL airliner disaster — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the leaders of Russia and Azerbaijan discussed the plane crash in detail during their meeting on October 9 last year in Dushanbe

Ukraine’s halt of Druzhba pipeline may trigger sharp gasoline price hike in Hungary

Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyas stressed that the pipeline is ready for operation and that Kiev is blocking the transit of Russian crude solely for political reasons

Share of BRICS, SCO countries in global GDP to grow to 48% by 2050 — expert

Chief Economist at VEB.RF Andrey Klepach noted that the gap between G7 and E7 countries in terms of GDP at purchasing power parity reached 10% in 2021-2025

Russia’s Medvedev through to 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships semifinals

Medvedev, 30, spent sixteen weeks as the world’s number one player in 2022

Imports of motor vehicles to Russia down 59% in 2025 — Avtostat

Imports declined across all vehicle segments, with heavy-duty trucks the most affected as their imports fell by 90%

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

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

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

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $215 mln with settlements on February 25

The Central Bank sold yuan on the domestic market in the amount of 99.2 bln rubles with settlements on February 24

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

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

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

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

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 77.12 rubles for February 27

The official euro rate was increased by 70.7 kopecks to 91.0281 rubles

Germany to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant

"Another milestone in Bavaria’s high-tech success story: nuclear fusion represents an entirely new technology capable of delivering baseload, CO-free, clean electricity in virtually unlimited quantities," Dr. Markus Soder, Minister-President of Bavaria, said

EBRD upgrades forecast for economic growth in region’s countries in 2026 to 3.6%

According to the bank's report, economic growth is expected to reach 3.4% in 2025

US Treasury allows talks about sale of Lukoil's foreign assets until April 1

The license was initially valid until January 17 and was later extended until February 28

Rising global tariffs begin to affect inflation in major economies — Bank of Russia

The impact is so far observed only in certain components

US positive about talks with Iran in Geneva — Axios

Earlier, journalist Barak Ravid wrote with reference to anonymous sources that the US president’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner were disappointed by remarks made by members of the Iranian delegation

UN resolution hampers negotiations on Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

"The specious points of the resolution, including the ceasefire, should mislead no one," Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s steel output down 7.4% YOY in January — WSA

Steel production in Russia in January 2026 amounted to 5.5 mln metric tons

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

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

EBRD downgrades outlook on Russia’s GDP growth for 2026 to 0.8%

The forecast for 2025 has been lowered to 1%

Ex-UK ambassador to Russia warns of horribly complex process of Ukraine’s EU accession

Anthony Brenton noted that it is "very difficult" to determine any timeframe for this process, as demanded in Kiev

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

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

Iran to thoroughly discuss sanctions issue at next meeting with US — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi pointed out that during Thursday’s consultations, the Iranian delegation "made its position clear" on this issue

Starlink sells user terminal data to US intelligence agencies — expert

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