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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US Congressman underscores importance of contacts with Russian legislators

Van Orden opined that the parties have to "pursue dialogue, even in times of tension"

WASHINGTON, March 27. /TASS/. US Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) stressed the need to maintain contacts between Russian and American lawmakers.

"For the first time in nearly 25 years, a bipartisan group of five Members of Congress sat down with the Russian Duma to engage in direct discussions on peace and bilateral relations," the congressman, who took part in the meeting in Washington, wrote on X on Thursday.

"We have a responsibility to maintain open lines of communication and pursue dialogue, even in times of tension," Van Orden emphasized.

"I remain committed to continuing these conversations and supporting President Trump’s commitment towards peace," he added.

A group of five Russian lawmakers is visiting the United States at the invitation of Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.). On Thursday, they met with a bipartisan group of American legislators. On Friday, the Russian delegation is scheduled to meet in Washington with officials from several key US administration agencies and representatives of the academic community.

Tags

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Five people killed in bombing of Iranian port — TV

Two ships caught fire during the attack, Al Hadath television reported

Sri Lanka, Russia discuss energy cooperation

Sri Lanka approached Russia with a request to consider energy supplies in mid-March amid the crisis

Russia believes re-investigating Katyn again makes no sense

The resolution was adopted by a 50% plus one-vote majority, and nearly all judges wrote down their separate opinions

UAVs from Iraq attack Qasrak military base in northwestern Syria — army

No casualties or damage have been reported

Air defenses down 155 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions last night — Defense Ministry

The drones were shot down over the Bryansk, Leningrad, Smolensk, Belgorod, Kursk, Pskov, Kaluga, Tver, Voronezh, Rostov, Ryazan, Oryol, Tula, Yaroslavl, Novgorod and Moscow regions, as well as over Crimea, the statement reads

Opponents of Russia-US contacts aim to drag out Ukrainian military conflict — Dmitriev

A group of five Russian lawmakers is in the United States at the invitation of Anna Paulina Luna

Drone attack kills child in Russia’s Yaroslavl Region, governor says

His parents were taken to the hospital in serious condition

Ukraine launches four attacks on DPR over past day damaging civilian infrastructure

No civilian casualties have been reported

Italy joins ‘No Kings’ protest

The action was supported by the Greens and Left Alliance political party and leader of the Italian General Confederation of Labour Maurizio Landini

Congresswoman Luna rejects criticism over contacts between US, Russian lawmakers

The official emphasized the need for such meetings to ensure peace

Some 330 Russian nationals evacuated from Iran via Armenia since Middle East hostilities

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Russia, India discussing LNG, LPG supplies — source

Both sides expressed readiness to increase LNG supplies

14 tourists hurt in tourist bus accident in Egypt

There were tourists from Russia, Germany and China, and Egyptian citizens, the local media said

US cannot confirm Russia’s intercept of GLSDB smart bomb — White House

As to how many and where they are in the process, I'd have to refer you to the Pentagon, White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said to reporters

Hezbollah aims to kill as many Israeli troops as possible — expert

As Hezbollah is well-versed in the terrain, it has the upper hand in carrying out ambush attacks, Lebanese General Hassan Juni noted

Trumps speaks rudely about Saudi Arabia’s crown prince — newspaper

According to Trump, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud perceived him as "another American president that was a loser" with his country going downhill

Former State Department official believes US may attempt ground operation against Iran

Tehran shows no signs of willingness to capitulate, Nate Swanson says

Iran wipes out anti-drone warehouse in Dubai with over 20 Ukrainian experts — commander

The Iranian broadcaster never mentioned the severity of wounds sustained by Ukrainian servicemen

Russia successfully tests swarm drone attack tactics, developer says

Three drones, each capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 3 kilograms, operated independently to target and engage the simulated vehicle

At least eight people killed by US-Israeli attack on residential areas in western Iran

According to Mehr news agency, all the dead were civilians, including four women

Peacemakers will win, Dmitriev says

The Russian special presidential envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation responded to the post by Anna Paulina Luna about criticism from other Congress members in respect of peace talks.

IRGC issues warning to US over strikes on Iranian universities

According to the statement, the US must condemn the bombing of universities, otherwise the IRGC would attack more than two universities in the Middle East

Press review: Trump searches for Iran offramp as one Gulf state weighs joining war

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

Putin to receive full report on lawmakers' visit to US — Kremlin spokesman

The State Duma deputies will inform the president about "the contacts that took place"

Israel and US attack drinking water tank in southwestern Iran

Other reservoirs were not damaged, and water supply continued as usual. No casualties were reported

Court in New York concludes second hearing in Maduro case

The central topic of the hearing was the issue of the US authorities’ obstruction of payment for Maduro’s and his wife Cilia Flores’ legal services by the Venezuelan government

Ukrainian military thrown from left bank in Kherson Region, fighting underway on islands

The fighting has moved to the islands, with the Russian army having ramped up activities

Russian Battlegroup West downed 68 Ukrainian drones over day

Air defense crews and mobile firing teams shot down 15 fixed-wing type unmanned aerial vehicles and 53 heavy combat quadcopters in air

Vance may become 'top US negotiator' in talks with Iran — Axios

According to the news portal, "Vance was highly skeptical of Israel’s rosy prewar assessment of how the war would unfold, and currently expects the war to continue for another few weeks"

US seeks control over Nord Stream, energy markets — Russian top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov noted that Moscow sees Washington’s desire to dominate global energy markets and its interest in controlling the Strait of Hormuz

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

Russian forces delivered six strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukraine’s military-industrial sector, fuel and energy, transport and aerodrome infrastructure, the ministry reported

Russian air defenses intercept 385 Ukrainian UAVs, four Flamingo cruise missiles

Air defense capabilities shot down eight guided aerial bombs

Ukraine running out of money to fund its war machine — Bloomberg

Kiev currently has enough money to cover military spending until June

US gasoline prices jump about $1 since Iran conflict escalation

According to the American Automobile Association, Regular gasoline averaged $4.138 per gallon in Washington as of March 28

Finnish leader sees rift between Global North and pro-US Global West within NATO

Alexander Stubb argued that European politicians are not obliged to join together in supporting US President Donald Trump in the Middle East

Iran receives second humanitarian aid shipment from Russia

The operation was carried out under the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Japanese PM Takaichi preserves anti-Russian policy — senior Moscow diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko says that the bilateral relations "continue to decline"

Merz mulls nominating von der Leyen for German president — media

According to Der Spiegel, the post of the German president would be a perfect pinnacle for Ursula von der Leyen's political career

Diplomat comments on appearance of Ukrainian flag demanding elections during Euro 2024

A Ukrainian flag with a call "Give Us Elections" was spread during the group stage match between Ukraine and Slovakia on Friday

Police use riot control weapons during clashes on Temple Mount in Jerusalem — radio

It was noted that law enforcement in Jerusalem is on high alert on the last Friday of Ramadan

Arina Sobolenko wins WTA tournament in Miami for second time in a row

The Belarusian player defeated American Coco Gauff

Conflict around Iran threatens to trigger severe crisis in fertilizer market — media

The military operation halted shipments of urea, ammonia, and sulfur

Iranian strike on airbase in Saudi Arabia leaves 12 US troops wounded

According to sources cited by Reuters, 13 US soldiers have been killed and over 300 have sustained injuries since the start of the military operation

Russian authorities discuss possible gasoline export ban — sources

Measures to stabilize Russia’s fuel market will be discussed on Friday at a meeting between industry representatives and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak

Trump says Cuba to be next US target

The US president did not elaborate on Washington's plans regarding the country

Russian lawmakers discuss flights, visas, diplomatic property during US visit

Vyacheslav Nikonov admits that US sanctions on Russia are unlikely to be lifted quickly, some of them "will be simply impossible" to lift

Kremlin rejects claims of using CPC to pressure US

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Kiev continues efforts to disable the CPC and continues to engage in energy blackmail

Pentagon prepares for possible US ground operations in Iran — media

The ground campaign could last several weeks

Russian POWs share experiences of medical torture in Ukraine

Maxim Grigoriev cited a number of testimonies where prisoners of war recounted how Ukrainian medical interns trained on them

Dmitriev likens EU ignoring energy crisis to delaying ringing of loud alarm clock

Dmitriev, who is also head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, criticized The Wall Street Journal for a belated analysis saying that the energy crisis could spread to the markets of fertilizers, consumer goods, semiconductors and cotton

Three people killed, 7 injured in airstrike on Shiite militia headquarters in Iraq — TV

According to the source, the strike was carried out near the airport of Kirkuk

Seizing Kharg Island by US troops will not open Strait of Hormuz — former Marine

Scott Ritter emphasized that no military professional would support seizing Kharg Island

Iran says destroyed US refueling aircraft at American base in Saudi Arabia

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Thousands march against far right and war in Iran in London

Many demonstrators are holding Palestine and Iran flags, posters condemning the military operation of the United States and Israel against the Islamic republic that began exactly a month ago

Current crisis over Iran to accelerate world order shift, end of US dominance — expert

While acknowledging the emerging new world order, Tiberio Graziani clarifies that the United States is unlikely to be entirely sidelined

Press review: Trump trots elite troops to Mideast as gas guzzles his approval rating

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

US aircraft drop anti-tank mines near Shiraz, Iran — WP

Experts believe these mines are intended to hinder mobile launchers from accessing the site

Several hundred rally in support of Iran in the Hague

The Dutch authorities should "speak out clearly against this war", Jacob de Jonge, a representative of the New Peace Movement, said

Truck with 12 tons of KitKat bars stolen in Europe — AFP

The truck left the central part of Italy and was heading to Poland

Russian Battlegroup North destroyed 142 Ukrainian drones

Four ammunition depots and ten materials storages were also destroyed, Battlegroup spokesman Vasily Mezhevykh said

Kiev working hard to maintain control of Nikolayevka near DPR's Konstantinovka — expert

Andrey Marochko says that Ukrainian forces have strong fortifications in the city

Half of Dutch fishing fleet idle due to diesel price hike — Reuters

Other European countries also experience similar difficulties, the news agency said

US F-16 fighter jet emergency lands at airfield in west of Saudi Arabia — Tasnim

The fighter jet landed at a military airfield in the west of Saudi Arabia, the agency added

New stage of personnel removal from Bushehr power plant over — Likhachev

Likhachev said that the number of those who will remain on the site as part of the minimum necessary group is being determined, whose task will be to ensure the operability and safety of the equipment on the site, as well as the functioning of our staff accommodation village

Russian MP calls crisis in relations between US and Europe inevitable

Leonid Slutsky noted that Brussels is unable to untangle "the knot of contradictions" stemming from its dependence on Washington, its anti-Russian position and continued support for the Kiev regime

Fico threatens to veto new EU anti-Russian sanctions over Druzhba blocking

The European Commission has not done anything to force Zelensky to restore oil pumping, the Slovak prime minister says

Top US, EU diplomats have ‘headed exchange’ over Ukraine settlement — media

According to its sources, Kallas criticized the US for not increasing pressure on Russia

Putin discusses crisis facing Russia-EU relations, Ukraine with Security Council

According to the Russian leader, Moscow has never refused to cultivate and restore these ties

Jet fuel prices surge twofold due to conflict in the Middle East — expert

Executive Director of Aviaport agency Oleg Panteleev said

Iran launches another missile strike on Israeli territory — IDF

Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat

Pace of recovery in Russia-US relations depends on Washington — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says that Moscow is ready to develop the contacts "to the same extent and at the same pace" as the US

Novak instructs to prepare draft decree on gasoline export ban

The measure is aimed at stabilizing prices and prioritizing domestic supplies

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Turkish tanker Altura in Black Sea

Coast Guard speedboats and an emergency response vessel are working at the scene

Part of Iranian missile falls on complex housing TASS bureau in Israel

No casualties were reported

Russian lawmakers discuss Ukraine, strategic stability during visit to US

Vyacheslav Nikonov says that his US colleagues insist on the dependence of the bilateral relations on early settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Russia to take countermeasures if Japan poses threats to Far East’s borders — diplomat

We continue closely monitoring the current situation and if Japan's further steps entail challenges and threats to Russia's Far Eastern borders, we will resort to adequate countermeasures to ensure that our defense capability is in no way affected, the Russian diplomat said in an interview with TASS

Iran University of Science and Technology comes under attack — agency

No casualties or damage have been reported so far

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

Five people killed in bombing of Iranian port — TV

Two ships caught fire during the attack, Al Hadath television reported

Situation at Bushehr nuclear plant site worsens — Likhachev

It is not difficult to understand that this poses an immediate threat to nuclear safety, he said

US Air Force transport plane makes emergency landing in Turkey — dispatchers

A Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, which took off near the island of Kos, has sent a distress signal

Russia says attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities deserve strong condemnation

The aggressors continue to raise the stakes in their war in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Somali pirates reportedly seize Iranian ship in Indian Ocean — maritime security center

According to the report, the incident took place some 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu

Car rams into crowd in UK's Derby leaving several injured

Some victims sustained serious injuries

Trump bored with military operation against Iran — MS Now

According to the source quoted by the TV channel, the US president "wants to declare victory and move on"

Staying in place suicidal for Patriot air defense crews in Middle East — US expert

Scott Ritter says that there is no defense against Iran's attacks

Western Europe to be first victim falling to Zelensky's nuclear blackmail — Zakharova

He will not just be demanding money and weapons, he will be requesting from them conditions to uphold his regime, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman added

Tehran rejects US claims of Iranian Navy being destroyed — ambassador

Amir Hossein Hosseini says that the US statements are a "part of a broader psychological and media campaign"

US may change sanctions against Russian oil — Rubio

The US secretary of state says that the president did not express desire to lift any sanctions permanently

Press review: US pressures Kiev on peace talks and EU keeps ban on Russian nuclear fuel

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

Russian MP convinced Zelensky's requests to West may lead to world war

Leonid Slutsky says Zelensky is a master of "repeating his mistakes" and "crossing red lines"

US warns allies of potential delays in Ukraine weapons shipments — media

Supplies can get disrupted in the coming months as the Pentagon wants to deploy the weapons to Iran

Delegation of Russian parliamentarians takes off from Washington — airport

The State Duma deputies boarded a plane belonging to the special detachment Rossiya

Ukraine loses some 1,140 troops along engagement line over past day — Russia’s top brass

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army up lost over 195 troops in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Kremlin describes Russian MPs' visit to US as very helpful

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the meetings of the Russian delegation in the US

Hundreds rally in Washington against US administration policy

The participants of the rally came with banners "No kings," "Stop Trump, save democracy," "Trump is mad," "End the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service," "No more wars at will"

Gulf nations increasingly frustrated with US over Iran war — agency

The countries are wary of becoming targets for attacks because of hosting American bases and fear that the US president would declare victory in spite of Iran keeping "some kind of control" over the Strait of Hormuz

Energodar head says Ukrainian drone attacks intensity critically high

Maxim Pukhov urged local residents to be extremely careful

North Korean leader’s visit to Russia still on agenda — diplomat

According to Andrey Rudenko, the dates will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels

Moscow to respond to Seoul in case of arms supplies to Kiev regime — diplomat

I hope that we won't be forced to resort to such steps, Rudenko added

Iran damages Emirates Global Aluminum severely — TV

Several employees were injured, but none of them badly