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Belarusian leader arrives in Pyongyang for talks with North Korea’s Kim

The visit will center on talks between the two leaders who are planning to discuss the entire range of spheres of bilateral relations and outline the key fields of mutual interest

MINSK, March 25. /TASS/. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has arrived on an official visit to North Korea, BelTA news agency reported.

Earlier, the office of the Belarusian head of state announced that he would make an official visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on March 25-26 at the invitation of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.

The visit will center on talks between the two leaders who are planning to discuss the entire range of spheres of bilateral relations and outline the key fields of mutual interest and the most promising projects for implementation.

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Belarus Alexander Lukashenko

Belarus concluding Western Operational Command troops exercise

According to Pavel Muraveyko, Chief of the Belarusian General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister, it’s too early to summarize the exercise results

Rosatom to mine and process critical metals in Brazil

As part of their joint activities, the partners plan to obtain the necessary permits, conduct geological exploration at promising deposits and establish modern mining and processing facilities based on them

US says it can take Kharg 'any time it wants,' but keeping it is another story — expert

Alexander Kharchenko noted that "Iran will not accept this painful blow and will actively use drones and ballistic missiles"

Zelensky can undermine TurkStream to attract attention — State Duma deputy

Alexander Borodai says that Zelensky has "absolutely nothing to lose" and needs escalation by any means

Russia calls on Arab countries to show wisdom amid regional challenges — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov underscored Russia’s keen interest in bolstering the League’s role in resolving regional issues

Russia ready to supply all types of energy resources to Vietnam

According to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Russian side can offer supplies of agricultural products, fertilizers, as well as pharmaceutical and polymer products

No prospects for ending Middle East conflict visible today — Shoigu

According to the Russian official, the US-Israeli attack has struck not only the Islamic Republic but also the entire system of regional and international security

Russia ready to help resolve Middle East conflict — Nebenzya

The permanent representative to the UN urged the parties to cease fighting

Trump says Iran has agreed not to have nuclear weapons

He did not say, however, who the United States is engaged in consultations with

EU energy crisis of its own making, Russia snub to blame — Dmitriev

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still too slow to admit that it is critical in the EU, the special presidential envoy said

Today's global conflicts make it look like WWIII has started already: Lavrov’s remarks

According to the Russian top diplomat, developments in Latin America and the Middle East are a direct result of the West’s attempts to preserve the remnants of its dominance

Brent oil price rises by around 5%

By 20:01 Moscow time, Brent was trading at $104.24 per barrel

Delays with Dragon destroyer reveals uselessness of UK’s military ‘umbrella’ — diplomat

Ambassador Andrey Kelin says countries of the region expect protection for allowing London to deploy military facilities

Trump supports Orban ahead of Hungarian parliamentary elections

The ballot is slated for April 12

Blinken calls Tretiak his childhood hero

The former head of the US Department of State called Tretiak "probably the greatest goaltender of his era"

Vorobey-10 drone carrying thermobaric munitions to be tested in special op zone

The Vorobey-10 has a range of approximately 15 km, and can carry a payload of up to 10 kg

Israel, US strike gas pipeline, distribution station in Iran

The infrastructure and neighboring residential buildings were damaged, while no injuries have been reported

Russia, Ukraine getting close to settlement deal, says Trump

These are people that they don't like each other very much, he added

Iran’s IRGC confirms delivering missile strikes on Dimona, Eilat in Israel, US army bases

The names of the military bases affected by the attack were not disclosed

EU oil product prices hit records amid Strait of Hormuz crisis — Platts

Near-record levels were recorded in the diesel market as well as for several other products

Russia does not see implementation of US plan on Gaza — permanent representative to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says that the lack of progress on the issue "could lead to another round of armed conflict"

Qatar to lose over 60% of energy exports due to Israel-US-Iran conflict

According to Qatar Energy CEO Saad bin Sharid al-Kaabi, Qatari gas condensate exports will fall by approximately 24%, liquefied petroleum gas by 13%, helium by 14%, and naphtha and sulfur by 6%

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 235 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

About 25 new brands may enter Russian market this year — analysts

According to analysts, since the beginning of 2026 not a single new brand has entered the Russian market, while seven have left

Kim Jong Un praises North Korea’s rejection of denuclearization as 'right decision'

The country’s leader emphasized that Pyongyang had, in a timely manner, "recognized the unchanging nature of imperialist forces striving for hegemony with ever-increasing intensity"

Israel, US carry out new strike on Bushehr NPP, station sustains no damage — AEOI

According to the organization, no technical malfunctions have been witnessed at the plant

Russia expects Vietnamese delegation to attend SPIEF and EEF — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that Russia and Vietnam have "a wide range of opportunities for cooperation"

Israel must not be allowed to derail settlement of Iran conflict — Erdogan

The Turkish leader stressed that the conflict launched against Iran was "Israel’s war, but the whole world is paying the price"

Arctic Institute's director: We are close to year-round navigation on Northern Sea route

Alexander Makarov told TASS about what scientists can do to extend the navigation term

China delegation headed by high-ranking official to visit SPIEF — paper

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place on June 3-6

US strikes over 9,000 targets in Iran — Pentagon

More than 140 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, the US Central Command reported

Russia, Israel leaders maintain very good relations — ambassador to Russia

Oded Joseph says that Russia and Israel are friendly countries

US Army kills Valkyrie laser project after years of development

The 300-kilowatt IFPC-HEL, also known as "Valkyrie," was expected to be the most powerful combat laser in the US arsenal

Press review: Washington plans Iran ground move as oil surge adds $41.5B to Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 23rd

Strait of Hormuz open to countries not at war with Iran — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi thanked Beijing for the emergency humanitarian assistance and stressed that Tehran wants a comprehensive rather than temporary ceasefire

FIFA cancels over 2,000 hotel room reservations in US ahead of 2026 World Cup

The global football organization did not provide reasons for such decision

IRGC says it hit Israeli satellite communications stations, US bases in Middle East

Targets were hit in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait

Iranian missiles intercepted over Lebanon were targeting Hamaat air base — portal

No official statements from the authorities regarding the interception of the Iranian missiles in Lebanese airspace have been issued

Iran suspects trick in US offer for talks — Axios

Sources cited by the news portal say that the deployment of major troop reinforcements by the US has strengthened the suspicions in Tehran

Britain works with partners to open Strait of Hormuz — Starmer

The UK prime minister expressed "unwavering support" for Saudi Arabia

EC postpones publication of ban on Russian oil imports for EU countries

Initially, April 15 was discussed, but the ban clause has now disappeared from the European Commission's agenda

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate for March 25 to 80.96 rubles

The official euro exchange rate was lowered by 80.17 kopecks to 93.9247 rubles

US awaits Iran’s response on potential peace talks on March 26 — media

According to sources cited by Axios, if the plans for the negotiations are confirmed, US Vice President JD Vance will likely attend

Putin to award prizes to young cultural workers today

The president will also take part in a meeting of the Cultural Council via videoconference

Qatar Energy declares force majeure on LNG supply Contracts to four countries

The company noted that specialists are currently assessing the damage and the timeframe for repairs to facilities, as well as the impact of the damage on its operations

Israel strikes Iran’s largest explosives production facility in Isfahan

Besides, the Israeli Air Force attacked "dozens" of Iranian facilities during the day, including ballistic missile launching sites, weapons production sites, and air defense systems

Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed only to ships of hostile countries

The Islamic republic noted that the full restoration of security and sustainable stability in the strait depends on the cessation of hostilities by the US and Israel

Russian envoy warns of 'saddest consequences' for those implicated in Bryansk attack

Ambassador to Great Britain Andrey Kelin emphasized that the attack was carried out after "political and diplomatic efforts on the Ukraine track were activated"

Colombians from American PMCs fighting on Ukrainian side — expert

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Turkey determined to stay out of ongoing conflict in region — Erdogan

The Turkish leader noted that the parties involved in the war were resorting to tricks to drag other countries into the conflict

Trump tried to gauge if Iran ready for ceasefire via Pakistani intermediary — newspaper

According to the source, the US leader faced a coordinated and decisive response

About 290 US troops wounded since beginning of operation against Iran — CNN

According to a source in the Central Command, of the affected soldiers, 255 returned to service

Trump asserts power shift in Iran already took place

The US president said, referring to the new leaders of the country, that he would "see how they turn out"

Ukrainian strike on Zaporozhye hospital deliberate, not mistake — military expert

Vitaly Kiselyov believes that Kiev will describe the incident as a targeting error, an operator mistake, or attribute it to a Russian drone

Britain expected quick US victory in Iran — Russian ambassador Kelin

The official said that in spite of the irritation of US President Donald Trump over London's reluctance to participate in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, the depth of the transatlantic differences shall not be exagerated

Russian stock market closes with growing major indices

The yuan exchange rate fell by 25 kopecks to 11.66 rubles

Pentagon orders deployment of 2,000 paratroopers to Middle East, NYT says

Soldiers of the "Immediate Response Force" of the elite 82nd Airborne Division were sent to the region

Iran halts gas supplies to Turkey after Israeli strike — Bloomberg

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'Humanitarian decision': Kremlin on waiving visa requirement for Georgian citizens

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FSB seizes shipment of shoe insoles rigged with explosives destined for special op zone

A Ukrainian handler ordered a foreign national to receive a shipment of 504 improvised explosive devices disguised as heated shoe insoles through a logistics company in Moscow

North Atlantic at risk as Ireland, UK align against Moscow — Russian envoy

Yury Filatov said that it will be taken into account in Russia's military planning

No talks between Iran and Washington during US aggression — Iran’s ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali says there were no negotiations between representatives of the countries for more than 20 days, the entire duration of the conflict

Trump trapped in Iranian crisis, with no good options to get out — TV

Presidents often are faced with crises with no good solution, but few find themselves in a dead-end situation that Trump has driven himself into, the TV channel noted

Explosive-laden insoles intercepted and other terrorist plots foiled: FSB hard at work

Employees of the Russian Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry, and the Federal National Guard Service were put on high alert

Trump says, Vance, Rubio, Witkoff engaged in talks with Iran

And the other side, I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal, he said

Tourist flow from Russia to Vietnam triples in 2025

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Britain pushes Ukraine to escalate conflict — ambassador Kelin

The Russian official doubts the sincerity of the UK peace initiatives, he says

Trump threatens Iran with destruction of $10 billion power plant

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Press review: Russia ready for arms control reset with US and Mideast war's outlook hazy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 24th

Trump miscalculated timeline for Iran operation, but talk of results premature — expert

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, when major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were struck

At least 12 people killed in attack on Iranian city near Tehran

28 people were injured during the attack

Fesco, Vietnam’s VIMC agree on cooperation in maritime shipping

The parties intend to expand cooperation to develop maritime container transportation between Asian countries and promote Fesco services in Vietnam and in international markets where VIMC operates

Russia 'negative' on Iran conflict spilling over to Caspian Sea region — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on media reports alleging that Israel had carried out strikes on Russian ships in the Caspian Sea

‘No justification’ for continued armed conflict in Middle East — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, Russia "firmly supports the UAE in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemns targeted attacks on civilians as well as on civilian infrastructure"

Losses of Russia’s coal industry may reach $7.13 bln in 2026 in stress scenario

Russian Deputy Energy Minister Dmitry Islamov recalled that the ministry had forecast the sector’s loss in 2025 at 360 bln rubles ($4.46 bln)

Kiev making bombs disguised as household items — expert

Andrey Pirozhkov said the components for making such devices typically arrive from Europe via third countries

IN BRIEF: On progress of construction of NPP in Uzbekistan, statements by Rosatom

The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and the Atomic Energy Agency of Uzbekistan signed a roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear and related fields

Kiev faces biggest risk yet of losing US aid — media

According to the source, Washington does not believe that Kiev is capable of agreeing on the "key issue," referring to Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass

Russia calls on Lebanese authorities to prevent descending to civil war — ambassador

Alexander Rudakov said that maximal efforts are needed to strengthen the role of the Lebanese army

Kiev needs to sign ‘capitulation documents’ to end Ukraine conflict — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that any conflict was concluded by an agreement

Russia’s Energy Ministry expects to keep coal exports, production at 2025 level

Coal production in Russia in 2025 totaled 440 mln tons

US hands 15-point proposal to end war over to Iran — NYT

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the plan affects the missile and nuclear programs of the Islamic republic

Death toll from Colombian Air Force plane crash rises to 69

57 people were injured

Iran wants all sanctions on it lifted before ending war — Khamenei’s adviser

Mohsen Rezaei says that Iran will not end the hostilities until the payment of compensations

US leader’s approval rating drops to 36%, lowest since his inauguration — poll

According to the provided data, 35% of respondents positively assessed the US strikes on Iran, while 61% viewed them negatively

Russia to discover dozens of oil and gas fields in 2026

Oleg Kazanov, head of the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency, added that field discovery is "a creative process"

About 3,500 Russians injured or killed by Ukrainian drone attacks in 2025 — diplomat

The number includes about 200 children

Iran agrees not to enrich uranium — US leader

Donald Trump added that the Islamic republic "can’t have certain things"

US cannot achieve regime change in Iran — Italian expert

Michele Geraci noted that Iran had a system of power distribution and control that was very difficult to dismantle

Newest barrage ammunition Knyaz Vladimir Svyatoslavovich passes combat testing

The general designer of the engineering team says that the producer continues to develop the system

Chechen regiment storms Ukrainian positions in DPR’s Novomikhailovsky community

As a result of the clash, the enemy suffered losses and was demoralized

US operation on Kharg Island could awaken Iran's sleeping forces — expert

Marat Zembatov also did not rule out the possibility that the information about the operation on Kharg Island could be a US disinformation tactic

Blow to non-proliferation regime and IAEA acknowledgement: Russian diplomat’s statements

Now, nuclear sites "indeed, are targets for attacks," Mikhail Ulyanov noted

Bosnian Serb leader calls NATO bombings with uranium criminal

Milorad Dodik pointed to the devastating health consequences, noting that many individuals suffer from malignant diseases as a direct result

Japanese serviceman storms Chinese embassy in Tokyo, threatens diplomats — Chinese MFA

According to the embassy’s statement, the perpetrator, who claimed to be an officer of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, climbed over the fence and forced his way onto the premises of the diplomatic mission

Iran calls for creation of regional military alliance without United States

Iran’s General Staff says that the countries of the region "will never need a state located thousands of kilometers away to guarantee their security"

Ukraine damages Belgorod energy facilities seriously — governor

According to preliminary information, there are no casualties

Russian drones fly up to 60 km behind Ukrainian defense lines near Kramatorsk — expert

Vitaly Kiselyov said it is necessary to increase the number of strikes on Ukrainian troops from FPV drones

Contacts between Iran, US have been established through intermediaries — CNN

According to the source, Iran "is not asking for a meeting or direct talks with the United States but is willing to listen" to proposals that take into account the republic’s national interests

Iran blocks container ship SELEN from passing through Strait of Hormuz — IRGC Navy

IRGC Navy Commander Ali Reza Tangsiri stressed that the passing of any vessel through this waterway required thorough coordination with Iranian authorities

Iran’s foreign minister appreciates German president's statement on US-Israeli attacks

Abbas Araghchi says Frank-Walter Steinmeier "should be given credit" for condemning the violations against Iranians