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EU openly backs Orban’s defeat in Hungarian parliamentary elections — Reuters

The EU official stated that if Orban stood in power, the EU would have to change the methods of work to bypass Hungary’s veto

BRUSSELS, March 27. /TASS/. The leadership of the European Union is backing the defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party in the April 12 parliamentary elections in Hungary, Reuters reported, citing diplomatic sources in Brussels.

"I think everybody hopes Orban will lose," an anonymous EU diplomat told the news agency.

An EU official added that if Orban stays in power, the EU "will have to change how we work" to bypass Hungary’s veto on issues related to Ukraine.

According to another EU diplomat, "the hope to talk reason into Orban is gone" among EU leaders after he blocked the decision to provide Kiev with €90 billion in military funding for 2026-2027, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine halted on January 27. "This was the last straw that broke the camel's back," the source said, adding that dealing with Hungary under Orban would be very difficult for Brussels.

Middle East conflict

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

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

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

Websites' traffic drops up to 90% after Amazon data center attacks, expert says

According to Viktor Nekrasov,the period of instability proved critical for many companies whose traffic relies on Google organic search for 70-90% of their volume

CENTCOM denies IRGC claim of downing F-18 fighter jet over Iran

Earlier, the Iranian armed forces announced that an F-18 fighter jet allegedly belonging to the US Air Force had been shot down over the Islamic Republic using an unnamed new man-portable air defense system

Kallas calls on US to withdraw from war with Iran, renew support for war in Ukraine

The EU top diplomat emphasized that the rise in oil prices resulting from the war allegedly strengthened Russia while negatively impacting Ukraine’s situation

Iran receives second humanitarian aid shipment from Russia

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

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"

Mideast crisis effects draw comparisons to Coronavirus pandemic — Putin

The Russian leader said the consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are still difficult to predict

Russian weapons more reliable than intricate NATO gear — Rosgvardiya general

According to Ruslan Garifullin, NATO military vehicles get stuck, especially when the roads become muddy

US admits having no defense against Russian Burevestnik, Poseidon systems — analyst

US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno previously stated that Russian weapons systems are becoming increasingly exotic, including the Burevestnik and Poseidon

Since Feb 28, Israel received 8,000 tons of military equipment, ammunition — top brass

More than 200 aircraft and ships have arrived in Israel since the start of the operation

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

Russian lawmakers begin talks with US Congress members — Duma deputy speaker

Efforts to work out a meeting between members of the Russian State Duma and the US Congress kicked off in October 2025

US ground op 'suicidal' against Iran’s drone warfare — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin said that Israel is still relying on conventional weapons like tanks, while the US is preparing for a ground operation using armored personnel carriers, landing craft, and attack helicopters

Trump essentially confirms possibility of diverting weapons intended for Ukraine

Donald Trump noted that former US President Joe "gave $350 billion away," which was "way too much"

Nord Stream blown up by Ukraine saboteurs with overt West support — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that no one condemned this act

Putin bans ruble cash carrying to the EAEU in amount equivalent to more than $100,000

The head of state signed a relevant decree posted on the official web portal of legal information

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

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

Russia develops munition for grenade launcher to strike drones

The developers said the design, with a slide and stopper, increases the reliability and safety of the munition's operation

US envoy says Iran has no alternative to US peace proposal

According to Steve Witkoff, Iran "is looking for an off ramp following" US President Donald Trump’s "powerful" ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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 drone parts made in domestic factories — UAV technician

The serviceman emphasized that he wouldn’t call "advanced" the unmanned aerial vehicles’ assembly by Ukrainian troops

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

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with about 160 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis response center reported that a seven-year-old girl and her mother were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on a private home in the village of Voznesenovka

Finland’s Stubb warns of global recession risks amid Middle East conflict

According to the Finnish president, the transactional approach of the administration of US President Donald Trump does not work in foreign policy

Russia, India discussing LNG, LPG supplies — source

Both sides expressed readiness to increase LNG supplies

Iran has not started new round of talks with US — ambassador to Zimbabwe

According to Amir Hossein Hosseini, Iran will bring this war to an end at a time of its own choosing, and only when the conditions it has set are fully met

Russian lawmakers conclude first meeting with members of US Congress

Vyacheslav Nikonov stressed that the meeting had gone better than he expected and restoring interparliamentary contact was possible

Ukrainian troops treat Latin American mercenaries as 'subhuman' — former SBU officer

Latin Americans make up the majority of the foreign mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side

Trump extends certain US sanctions against Russia for one year

The document refers in particular to restrictions imposed under the guise of the alleged Russian meddling in electing processes in the US

Slovenian party leader urges buying Russian energy amid crisis

Chairman of the Resnica parliamentary party Zoran Stevanovic opined that the situation in the Persian Gulf could create serious problems in the near future

Sovereignty, resilience, fulfilling commitments to citizens: Putin’s statements

The president said that despite difficulties and constraints, Russia is managing to maintain macroeconomic stability

Russia aware of US-Ukraine talks while trilateral consultations on hold — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov recalled that several rounds of talks were held after negotiations in Anchorage, with the latest taking place "right the day before the US-Israeli attack on Iran"

Arab states to support escalation against Iran if it refuses to make concessions — WP

According to the newspaper, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh favor a "decisive end" to the war through military or diplomatic means

US Congressman underscores importance of contacts with Russian legislators

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

Impossible to protect fundamental national interests without sovereignty — Putin

The Russian president noted that in the modern world, success in global markets belongs to those who invest in technological innovation and continuously work to improve their efficiency

New York court refuses to halt case against Maduro, his wife

Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, argued that Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores could not afford legal representation on their own and insisted on the right of the Bolivarian Republic’s government to fund their defense

Creation of buffer zone south of Litani River poses threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty — PM

According to Nawaf Salam, he ordered Foreign Minister Youssef Raji to immediately file a complaint with the UN Security Council and demand that the international community intervene in the situation

US loses military equipment worth up to $2.9 bln in its war with Iran — WSJ

According to the WSJ, the bulk of the damage on the ground has been caused by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones

Russia notes Ukraine’s attempts to sabotage Blue Stream, TurkStream pipelines — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region with Turkish Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgic

Internet outage in Iran lasts nearly four weeks — NetBlocks

A graph indicates that access remains at 1% of normal levels

US servicemen in Middle East relocated from damaged bases to hotels — NYT

Military sources indicated that this situation reflects a miscalculation on the part of the US administration about how Iran would respond

Largest fuel price crisis in history is approaching — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that rising oil prices were positive for Russia, and Europe would beg for supplies

Industrial area in Cherepovets targeted as 85 drones strike Russian regions overnight

No casualties were confirmed

Iran bars national teams and clubs from traveling to unfriendly countries

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs did not specify which countries are considered unfriendly

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

Israeli army carries out new series of strikes against Iran overnight — press service

According to the military, the Israeli Air Force targeted various sites in Tehran, including facilities involved in weapons and ballistic missile production

Russian forces advanced by 500 m toward Ray-Aleksandrovka village in DPR — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that the buffer zone has been expanded

EU governments believe US ground op in Iran 'all but inevitable' — Bloomberg

The agency cited an unnamed Iranian official as saying that Tehran believes there is a high probability of a US operation to seize Kharg Island

US exhausts long-range precision weapons stockpiles — former US Marine officer

Scott Ritter stressed that Iran had shown no inclination to back off

US further intensifies its blockade on Cuba, senior official says

Cuba's Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga called Washington’s actions a fragrant violation of international law

Russia expects just punishment for attack on Russian House in Prague

According to Russia’s agency for international humanitarian cooperation, it is not yet clear whether the perpetrator acted alone or as part of a group

Iran protests to UN Security Council over US use of Gulf states' territory

According to the agency, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, sent two separate letters to the Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Russia and US continue discussing economic projects, angering EU — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev added that Russia is informing the United States about Ukraine’s attacks on energy facilities in Russia, which may lead to an even greater increase in energy prices

Russian tennis star Medvedev moves back into ATP Top-10

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz holds the top position

Russian House in Prague pelted with Molotov cocktails on March 26 — head

Igor Girenko said that three of the six Molotov cocktails did not explode

Orban’s demand to Zelensky, Ukrainian spies: what is known

The Hungarian prime minister has demanded that Vladimir Zelensky immediately withdraw Ukrainian operatives from Hungary

Tehran promised eight oil tankers to Washington — Trump

According to the US leader, they are Pakistani flagged

Members of US Congress welcome to make return visit to Russia — Russian lawmaker

According to Svetlana Zhurova, Russian legislators would be interested in seeing US lawmakers in Moscow

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

Russia, Oman ready to support swift settlement around Iran — Russian MFA

The ministry added that the parties also discussed current issues related to the further progressive development of traditionally friendly Russia-Oman relations

Russia ready to delist some members of US Congress from sanctions — legislator

Vyacheslav Nikonov noted that the Russian delegation's visit to the United States was made possible partly because American lawmakers secured the lifting of sanctions restrictions for the members of the Duma

Central Israel comes under new fire from Iran, explosions heard near Tel Aviv

No damage or casualties have been reported so far

Russian stock market closed in the red on Thursday

The yuan fell to 11.682 rubles

Lavrov slams US-Israeli attacks on Iran amid talks as backstabbing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the attacks, completely unjustified, came without a declaration of war"

Polish deputy seeks to bill Trump for rising fuel prices

According to Klaudia Jachira, the US president provoked fuel crisis

Gas reserves in Netherlands storage facilities fall below 6%

Other countries with the largest gas storage capacities are showing mixed dynamics in reserves

US loses initiative in conflict with Iran, ex-MI6 chief says

Alex Younger noted the successful decisions made by the Iranian leadership, such as the dispersal of military capabilities

IMO chief doubts Hormuz task force can fully secure shipping

Arsenio Dominguez noted that a vessel could still be hit by a drone or missile

The Strait of Hormuz could open as soon as Iran stops threatening shipping — Rubio

The US Secretary of State sidestepped a question regarding the possibility of a US ground operation

Russian MFA summons Czech ambassador over firebombing of Russian center in Prague

Moscow demands that the Czech side immediately investigate the attack on the Russian center in Prague

EU trying to justify militarization with ‘Russian threat’ narrative — envoy to OSCE

According to Dmitry Polyansky, Ukraine is used as a testing ground for new types of weapons and methods of warfare

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

Lavrov calls strategic stability dialogue without France and UK a 'dead end'

Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the United States has allied obligations to the UK and France, while Russia and China - which Washington is trying to force "to join these eventual negotiations" - have no such commitments.

Russian oil sales move from discount to premium — Rystad Energy

The company said Russia is the only country with ample spare capacity

UAE ready to deploy Navy to restore maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

Two sources told the the Financial Times that countries of the region could also accelerate the implementation of projects to build pipelines and railway infrastructure to ensure energy supply deliveries to Oman or the Mediterranean by land

Precious metals futures prices move into growth

As of 08:35 Moscow time, the price of the June 2026 palladium futures contract on NYMEX stood at $1,416 per troy ounce, while the April 2026 platinum futures contract rose by 2.34% to $1,882 per troy ounce

Putin urges business not to rely on current high price situation globally

According to Alexander Shokhin, the president sent a message that surplus profits related to the Middle Eastern crisis would not last long

Pressing matters and socks with Trump’s image: Russian delegation’s visit to US

Preparations for the Russian delegation’s visit to US Congress were held in secret

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

FIFA cancels 80% of hotel reservations in Canada ahead of 2026 World Cup

Greater Toronto Hotel Association president Sara Anghel confirmed that blocks of rooms had indeed been cancelled

Russian LazerBuzz anti-FPV drone laser system linked with radar

The system includes early detection, targeting, and engagement capabilities

Another 163 Russians evacuated from Bushehr nuclear power plant

According to Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, two more evacuation waves are planned for early April

Iranian Foreign Minister calls on UN to insist on condemning aggressors — ministry

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called on the international community to take into account the root cause of insecurity imposed on the region and the Strait of Hormuz, namely the US-Israeli military aggression

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

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

IN BRIEF: Kremlin says Middle East situation developing along worst-case scenario

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East

IN BRIEF: What we know about Europe’s efforts against so-called Russian 'shadow fleet'

The EU uses the term "shadow fleet" to refer to tankers flying the flags of foreign states that, in Brussels’ assessment, transport Russian oil

Talks between US, Russian MPs covered Ukraine, Iran — delegation member

The conversation was honest, Mikhail Delyagin, a member of the delegation and deputy chairman of the State Duma's economic policy committee, said

Global oil production falling below COVID-19 level — Rystad Energy

The global oil system can no longer absorb shocks the way it could three weeks ago, the company noted

Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer port struck by missile attack, damage reported

According to preliminary data, there are no casualties

Russian POWs subjected to torture by medical personnel in Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that no one who put on white coats to torture Russian soldiers will escape punishment

Ukrainian army sustaining catastrophic losses in Konstantinovka — expert

Vitaly Kiselev recalled that Russian forces have cut the Ukrainian unit in Konstantinovka in half, driving a wedge into the enemy's defenses

Deliveries of NATO-ordered US weapons for Ukraine continue — Rutte

Everything that NATO Allies and partners have paid for through PURL has been delivered or to flow to Ukraine, the NATO Secretary General stated

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

Kiev currently has enough money to cover military spending until June

All Russian FPV drones run on domestic firmware — UAV technician

According to the Russian serviceman, the Ukrainian armed forces use weaker firmware

Trump says Ukraine conflict not war of US

"We helped, but Ukraine is not our war," the US president emphasized

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

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

Russian envoy dismisses Canada’s additional sanctions as 'paper declaration'

The document is timed to coincide with the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, Oleg Stepanov noted

US congressmen invited to come to Russia after Washington consulations end — Dmitriev

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