{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Israeli Foreign Minister Katz confirms Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran

According to the statement, the State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran in order to eliminate the threat to Israel

TEL AVIV, February 28. /TASS/. Israel has delivered a preemptive strike against Iran in order to eliminate a possible threat and Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, the press office of the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, the State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran in order to eliminate the threat to Israel.

Defense Minister Katz signed a special decree, according to which a state of emergency is being imposed on the entire territory of the State of Israel, the statement added.

"The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," Katz stated adding that an "immediate state of emergency throughout the entire country" had been imposed.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s press office announced that Israel had delivered a series of preemptive strikes against Iran in order to eliminate a possible threat and Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Tags

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Tanker insurance in Persian Gulf to rise after strikes on Iran — FT

According to the newspaper, the US strikes on Iran that began on Saturday have not halted shipping in the Persian Gulf

Afghan chief of General Staff reports 'large number' of Pakistani soldiers killed

Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat said that a significant number of enemy posts had been captured

IN BRIEF: What is known about establishing local ceasefire regime near Zaporozhye plant

According to Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, the agreement on the ceasefire regime was reached with the participation of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi

At least 19 civilians killed, 26 injured in Pakistani strikes on Afghan provinces

According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, mostly women and children were affected

Exhumation of Soviet soldiers in Lvov 'degradation bordering on savagery' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that despite the OSCE's declared commitment to defending and protecting human rights as one of the organization's fundamental aims, Western countries maintained a deathly silence while watching the actions of the Kiev regime

Fico says has different views with Zelensky on Druzhba pipline’s technical condition

The Slovak prime minister recalled that Zelensky did not allow either the Slovak ambassador or EU ambassador to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline

About 10,000 US troops currently deployed in Poland — Russian diplomat

Andrey Ordash noted that most of US servicemen deployed on the rotational basis

Top Omani diplomat hopes for progress on Iranian issue in coming days

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi earlier met with US Vice President JD Vance

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

Death in Kursk, balcony collapse in Taganrog: new attacks on Russian regions

Emergency responders are currently working at the scene

Ukrainian military uses sophisticated attacks on civilian targets — Kherson governor

"The Russian Armed Forces are doing everything possible to diminish the Ukrainian military’s firepower," Vladimir Saldo stated

Zaporozhye nuke plant says it views Energodar drone attack as terror attack

A local ceasefire has been in effect since 7:00 a.m. Moscow time on Friday in the area surrounding the ZNPP

NASA cancels Moon landing as part of Artemis III mission

According to NASA head Jared Isaacman, Artemis III will target launch in 2027 and it will no longer be a Moon landing

Despite ceasefire in Zaporozhye NPP area, Ukraine attacks Energodar

The enemy drone exploded in the courtyard of the Sovremennik Palace of Culture

Afghanistan launches new strikes on Pakistani border posts — TV

No information on casualties has been provided

Ukraine used Druzhba to pump its oil — Reuters

According to the report, Kiev pumped about 40,000 metric tons of oil monthly into the oil pipeline before the halt of supplies

Poland conceals its role in 1938 Munich Agreement — Russian charge d'affaires

Historical narratives that cast Poland in a negative light are being deliberately suppressed, Andrey Ordash said

Press review: Iran offers oil deals as US sets deadline and Iceland eyes EU entry

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 27th

Revenues from sales of Venezuelan oil will reach $2 bln by end of February — Reuters

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that Venezuelan hydrocarbons were sold to consumers in Asia and Europe

Lavrov condemns US-Israeli armed attack on Iran — Russian Foreign Ministry

Sergey Lavrov also noted "Russia's readiness to promote the search for peaceful solutions based on international law"

Possible US strike on Iran unlikely to cause longstanding regional conflict — Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stressed he does not know what Donald Trump will decide to do about Iran

Hungarian PM disputes Zelensky claims over Druzhba pipeline

According to Viktor Orban, Vladimir Zelensky is lying when he says it is impossible to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline

FACTBOX: Putin calls for faster adoption of autonomous systems

The Russian president recommended that the Moscow city government share its experience in the use of unmanned technologies and artificial intelligence with other Russian regions

Israeli military ready for defense, no guidelines for civilians so far — IDF spokesman

Effie Defrin said that he is aware of the sense of uncertainty and the tension prevailing among the public in light of the regional developments

Result of talks enables US to postpone military option against Iran — Omani MFA

Badr al-Busaidi says that various details are yet to be negotiated

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"

Future Technologies Forum gathers 1,800 participants from over 50 countries — Roscongress

Bioeconomics has become the focus of a separate national project in 2026, Executive Secretary of the forum’s organizing committee Anton Kobyakov noted

Ukraine joining EU to impact all spheres of union’s life — Russian lawmaker

According to Alexey Pushkov, the EU's economy would be flooded with "cheap Ukrainian agricultural goods," while Ukraine would lay claim to subsidies

Kiev’s Energodar attack sought to put pressure on staff, repair workers — Zaporozhye plant

The Ukrainian troops launched a drone attack on the Sovremennik palace of culture in the city earlier on Friday

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

US seeking a takeover of Cuba — Trump

On January 29, the United States signed an executive order making it possible for Washington to impose tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba

US Armed Forces start military operation against Iran — Trump

The goal of the US operation against Iran is to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons, he noted

Israel, US on combined joint operation to eliminate Iranian threat, says Israeli PM

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s press office announced that Israel had delivered a series of preemptive strikes against Iran in order to eliminate a possible threat and Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency

Most crew members of crashed Bolivian Air Force plane survive — firefighters

Fire chief Pavel Tovar says seven people were taken to hospitals. One is listed as missing

Israeli Air Force continues to attack Iranian targets

Operations will continue as required, the IDF reported

Yandex co-founder Volozh renounces Russian citizenship

According to the report, Arkady Volozh has the Israeli passport and is living there for more than a decade

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

The bill was introduced by the Russian government in November 2025

Russian watchdog blacklists US legal entity Anti-Corruption Foundation as terrorist

Additionally, Lithuanian citizen Andrejus Trofimovas, who is currently on the international wanted list, has been incorporated into the registry

EC in contact with Kiev about sending a mission to assess condition of Druzhba pipeline

EC Spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the commission believes the pipeline was damaged

Bolivian plane crash kills 15 people, injures 28 — Health Minister

According to earlier reports, the number of injured stood at 12

Ukraine reports reaching understanding with Russia, US on control mechanisms

According to the official, agreement has been reached on "terminology," namely, "what constitutes a ceasefire, who will monitor its observance, what constitutes a line of separation, and where it should be drawn"

Fall of UAV debris leads to fire at refinery in Krasnodar Region

The regional crisis center has reported no injuries

New Dutch cabinet doesn’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine after peace is reached

According to Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, when exploring this option, it is necessary to take into account the concrete situation, the operation’s format and the relevant mandate

Ukraine loses some 1,330 troops along engagement line over past day — Russia’s top brass

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army lost up to 220 troops in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Poland only harmed itself by closing Russian consulates, embassy says

According to Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland Andrey Ordash, the workload on the embassy's consular section increased significantly after Poland expelled 45 Russian diplomats in March 2022

FACTBOX: What we know about joint US-Israeli military operation in Iran

Explosions were heard across the country, according to Iranian media reports

English-speaking mercenaries show declining desire to fight for Ukraine — commander

Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov noted that most of the mercenaries, fighting on Ukraine's side, were Spanish-speakers at present

Ukraine’s largest steel mill to close foundry production

The exorbitant price of electricity in Ukraine is the cause of halting production, the company added

IAEA chief says he discussed Iran with senior US official

The sides exchanged opinions on issues of arms nonproliferation

Russia to upgrade Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ attack helicopter considering Syrian experience

The ‘Alligator’ is furnished with modern avionics

Scope of works on damaged ZNPP power line now higher than during previous repairs

Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina says that the repairs will take at least a week

Thirteen countries to work with Russia, China on creation of Lunar Station — Roscosmos

Russia has unique scientific expertise in the study of Venus with domestic landing technology that remains unmatched globally, as well as in the study of the Moon and Mars

Moon to join Saturday’s parade of planets — scientists

Saturn, Neptune, Mercury and Venus will be in a 20 degrees sector of the sky

Human rights activist urges probe into Zelensky's wife involvement Epstein case

Alexander Brod argued that if there is credible evidence of Ukrainian elite complicity, the investigation should be pursued by US and British authorities

Diplomat advises Russian Paralympic athletes to ignore Western bullying

Maria Zakharova said she had no doubt about their strong willpower

Russia’s international reserves down $8.9 bln over week — Central Bank

Russia's international reserves as of the close of business on February 20, 2026 stood at $797.2 bln

EU wants to join talks on Ukraine to derail them — Russian diplomat

Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin says that London and its allies "have nothing to propose" in the negotiations

US considers it possible to reach deal on Ukraine soon — president

Donald Trump emphasized that "it's a question of when"

Russia condemns US-Israeli attack against Iran under cover of talks

Russia, as before, is ready to contribute to the search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests

Russia’s electricity to China total 300 million kWh in 2025

Inter RAO also exported 4.3 billion kWh of electricity to Kazakhstan

French nuclear umbrella over EU to destroy nation-states — French politician

According to Florian Philippot, French President Emmanuel Macron will announce the plans on the European nuclear umbrella on March 2

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,485 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Israeli Foreign Minister Katz confirms Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran

According to the statement, the State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran in order to eliminate the threat to Israel

Share of friendly countries reach 94% in Russian oil exports

Exports of petroleum products from Russia to friendly nations grew from 26% in 2021 to 86% in 2025

Kremlin takes note that expropriation of Russia's assets is no longer on EU agenda

Dmitry Peskov said there are also a number of other countries that are aware of the inevitable negative consequences of such a decision to expropriate Russia's assets

Musk accuses company Anthropic of anti-Western hatred

Earlier, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Emil Michael stated that previously, Anthropic’s AI model adhered to the principle of avoiding answers that could offend non-Western cultures

Russian ambassador to OSCE refutes West’s allegations about Russia’s isolation

Dmitry Polyansky says he is ready to challenge any false narrative in an "honest, fact-based discussion, open or closed"

Russia lodges protest with Finnish ambassador over flag burning incident near embassy

"The Russian side emphasized that it considers the incident a blatant and blasphemous act against the state symbol of Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry added

Idea to transfer Ukraine talks to Abu Dhabi originates from Russia, backed by US — source

According to the source, the decision was motivated by a "lack of neutrality" of Geneva

Enemy stands no chance of crossing to Dnieper’s left bank in Kherson region — governor

Despite the difficulties associated with the operational situation, the region continues to develop, Vladimir Saldo noted

Russian container market plunge 10.5% in January — Fesco

Imports declined by 15% to 221,000 TEU and exports lost 4% to 151,000 TEU, the group said

Future belongs to human, machine symbiosis — Russian official

"Anything related to creative work will rely on this symbiosis, which will play a very large role," Russian Presidential Administration Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin said

UK evacuates diplomats from Iran due to threat of regional conflict

The embassy continues to operate remotely

Armenia, Russia discuss restoration of railways to Turkish, Azerbaijani borders

The sides also discussed cooperation in the areas of motor and air transport and agreed to consider these consultations

Moscow outlines requirements for next UN Secretary-General candidate

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

Colombian police arrest Russian citizen wanted by US

According to US investigators, between October 2024 and March 2025, the detainee allegedly "participated in a conspiracy to murder or kidnap two prominent figures in Europe"

Tehran holds rally in support of authorities — news agency

According to ISNA, the rally is taking place in Palestine Square

Russian Security Council blames London for escalation between Pakistan, Afghanistan

The Security Council is concerned about the situation and has called for conflicts to be settled peacefully

Bolivian Air Force plane crash kills at least 15 people — TV

Doctors and firefighters continue to work at the crash site

Poland launched campaign to fully 'cancel' Russia, says embassy

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland Andrey Ordash noted that 2022-2023 brought a notable increase in discrimination against Russian citizens in Poland

UK, French paratroopers prepare for deployment to Ukraine — newspaper

The newspaper noted that the strength of the UK Armed Forces was approximately 70,000, which is the lowest figure in more than 200 years

Putin holds meeting with Russian Security Council members

The agenda included discussion of the developments in Iran

British forces in Ukraine constitute legitimate target for Russian army — Russian envoy

Earlier, the UK Defense Ministry reported that a headquarters unit of the so-called multinational forces for Ukraine has begun work as part of preparations for sending troops to Ukrainian territory from the countries which have declared themselves part of the Coalition of the Willing, after the end of the conflict

Battlegroup West captures 29 Ukrainian soldiers in one week — DPR official

Earlier, Igor Kimakovsky reported that soldiers from the Battlegroup West had eliminated the Ukrainian General Staff’s security brigade and more than 200 pieces of enemy equipment

Afghanistan supports dialogue, calls on Pakistan for pragmatic approach — MFA

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi noted that Afghanistan’s recent military actions against Pakistan were carried out "to protect the country’s sovereignty, airspace and territorial integrity," adding that the objectives were achieved

Access of UN inspectors to Iran can be coordinated in three months — Omani MFA

Badr al-Busaidi says that this period is sufficient to find the nuclear program scale that "remains acceptable to the United States and to the Iranians"

Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv to remain closed for 48 hours

Israel closed its airspace earlier after attacking Iran

Strikes on Iran require an emergency UN Security Council meeting — senior Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky called the attack deliberate aggression and escalation fraught with extremely negative consequences for the broader region

FACTBOX: International Polar Bear Day

The polar bear is one of the Earth’s largest terrestrial predators

Reunification with Russia freed Crimeans from 'ethnic minority complex' — lawmaker

Things changed after Crimea reunited with Russia, Vladimir Konstantinov noted

Danish firm arms heavy hexacopter with two large-caliber guns

The system was unveiled at the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany

Ex-PM of Ukraine dismisses claims of territorial concessions by Kiev negotiators

Nikolay Azarov added that the entire Kiev administration is a puppet regime

Global grain production exceeds 3 bln tons for the first time ever — FAO

Igor Shpakov, consultant for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization liaison office in Russia, attributed this achievement to a record grain harvest in China

Trump says he would seek lifting sanctions on Russia in Ukraine peace deal

The US president did not elaborate on whether any top-level contact on the issue was in the pipeline

Rubio designates Iran as state sponsor of wrongful detention

The US secretary of state called on Americans to abstain from traveling to the country

Netherlands, Czech Republic, France ignored Kiev request on Butyagin — Russian embassy

Russian archaeologist and State Hermitage Museum employee Alexander Butyagin was detained on December 4, 2025, at a hotel in Warsaw

Annual inflation in Russia down to 5.81% over week — Economy Ministry

Foods had the price increase by 0.13%

IN BRIEF: What is known about escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Fighting broke out along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on the evening of January 26

Israeli army reports new missile attack from Iran

The local population has been instructed to take shelter

Inflation in Russia accelerates to 0.19% over week — statistics

Consumer prices in the country ticked up by 0.51% from early February

Afghanistan strikes 'nuclear facility' in Pakistan — TV

According to Ariana News, "hundreds of dead and injured" have been taken to a hospital in Islamabad