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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

PM Fico rejects EC demand to end fuel premium for foreign drivers at Slovak stations

He stated that the premium on foreign drivers is due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline

BRATISLAVA, March 30. /TASS/. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico considers the letter he received from the European Commission (EC) demanding that he normalize prices for diesel fuel at Slovakian gas stations for vehicles registered abroad "outrageous."

He stated that the premium on foreign drivers is due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.

"Taking into account this outrageous, blackmailing letter from the European Commission, we once again officially and openly demand that the President of the European Commission [Ursula von der Leyen] write a similar letter to President Zelensky, stating that if he does not restore the Druzhba oil pipeline, he will not receive a 90 billion [euro] loan or other assistance, which he so desperately needs to continue the war with Russia," the Prime Minister said in a speech broadcast on the website of the Slovak newspaper Pravda.

On March 23, Slovakia started charging a higher price for diesel fuel for cars registered abroad. Foreigners have to pay 2.01 euros per liter. Meanwhile, the authorities are maintaining the average price of diesel fuel for Slovak drivers at 1.65 euros. The Slovak authorities claim that no EU regulations were violated, as this measure is only valid for 30 days, which is permitted by EU rules.

Strategic partnership with Russia underpins bilateral ties — North Korean foreign minister

A TASS delegation led by Andrey Kondrashov is currently visiting North Korea at the invitation of the Korean Central News Agency

Zelensky may be killed for negotiating with Russia as he does not head Ukraine — expert

US political analyst Garland Nixon stressed that Zelensky was simply an operative for Western imperialism

Iran blames Israel for attack on power, desalination plant in Kuwait

According to Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the recent attack on a desalination plant in Kuwait, accompanied by accusations against Iran, is a sign of Israel's meanness and baseness

US air forces expose F-35 jets to enemy fire by coming closer to Iran — analyst

According to Scott Ritter, the US has been "very successful in blowing up points on the ground" but it has not degraded the Iranian defense industry, which was relocated and hidden

FACTBOX: What's the deal with Telegram in Russia

People in Russia are still complaining that the app doesn't work well

Russia alarmed by Trump's 'military adventures' — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin noted that international relations keep turning more chaotic and less stable

Kiev, amid waning Western support, in agony launching massive strikes at LPR — governor

Leonid Pasechnik said that the Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant sustained serious damage

One person killed in drone attack on southern Russian city of Taganrog

According to the Governor Yury Slyusar, local residents have been evacuated from the area where drone debris came down

Russia lodges formal protest with UK over diplomat’s actions — Foreign Ministry

Russian diplomats urged that a strong recommendation be conveyed to London, advising British nationals — especially embassy staff — to "provide only accurate information about their past" when submitting visa applications

US Democratic Party used war in Ukraine to receive kickbacks — congresswoman

According to Anna Paulina Luna, this may be the greatest, most corrupt scandal in American history

Iranian parliament committee approves Strait of Hormuz toll plan

According to the plan, transiting the strait is banned for the ships associated with the US, Israel and the countries that have imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran

Iran strikes US, Israeli military positions in region — IRGC

According to the report, the targets were located in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia

US-Israeli strike targets petrochemical facility in Iran’s Tabriz — CEO

No release of toxic or hazardous substances has been detected

Iran receives second humanitarian aid shipment from Russia

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

Iran says opponents begging it to negotiate over Strait of Hormuz

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized that the country's armed forces were among the world’s mightiest

Europe misjudging upcoming energy crisis, as expected — Russia’s envoy

Kirill Dmitriev added that Europe does not try to mitigate future risks or correct mistakes

Trump says he looks forward to seeing Belarusian president at next Board of Peace meeting

Donald Trump also thanked his Belarusian counterpart for ordering the release of 250 prisoners

US-Israeli war against Iran could escalate into World War III — Jeffrey Sachs

The American economist said the fighting could spiral out of control, as the US and Israel "are dead set on hegemony in the Arab world and West Asia – one that combines Israeli territorial expansion with American-backed regime control across the region"

US can take control of Strait of Hormuz, and 'it is already happening' — Trump

While answering a question on the level of coordination with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu regarding talks with Iran, the US leader said that "the coordination is very close"

US to destroy Iran’s power plants, oil facilities if talks collapse — Trump

According to the US president, this would allow Washington to avenge the deaths of its servicemen and other US citizens who were killed after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which took place 47 years ago

Trump says Iran ready to accept many US demands

The US President stated that he "do see a deal in Iran"

Iran may withdraw from NPT, says diplomat

The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought and does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said

Passage through Strait of Hormuz to become tolled after Iran adopts new law — MP

Security and services for ships will be ensured through fees, Alaeddin Boroujerdi said

Russian tanker delivers oil to Cuba despite US pressure on Havana — envoy

Viktor Koronelli said the tanker delivered 100,000 tons of oil

Eurasian security architecture should build on existing blocs — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin favors the system which would allow all states to be confident in their security

Russian air defense units distinguish Ukrainian decoys — soldier

The Russian serviceman noted that the Ukrainian armed forces were attempting to launch massive strikes using various types of drones

Russia’s Rostec develops new jamming module for mobile electronic warfare systems

The system features separate functional units and can be installed on various platforms

Pamfilova becomes first in Russian history to be re-elected as CEC chair for third term

Ella Pamfilova has headed the CEC since 2016

Russian tanker carrying 100,000 tons of oil as humanitarian aid arrives in Cuba

The ship is currently awaiting unloading at the port of Mansas

Two drones fall in southeastern Finland

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the drones were likely Ukrainian

Vucic hopes Europe will negotiate energy supplies from Russia

The Serbian president said he sees no other solution

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

US is beginning to understand that talking peace with Zelensky is useless — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk said that Vladimir Zelensky wants to drag the US into the war in Ukraine, and then the issue of any peace agreements will simply disappear from the agenda

Trump may politically eliminate Zelensky — US expert

Vladimir Zelensky has zero impact on the world, Scott Ritter said

Press review: US nears Iran ground invasion as Ukraine hits Russia with Flamingo missiles

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 30th

Russian troops liberate Kovsharovka settlement

The Ukrainian armed forces lost about 1,275 troops over the day in the zone of the Special Military Operation

Ammunition depots attacked at US military bases — Iran’s IRGC

They are located in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the IRGC press service said

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

Iranian parliament calls for withdrawal from NPT in response to US, Israeli aggression

"Iran not seeking to build a nuclear bomb, but one cannot simultaneously play by the rules and be subjected to bombing," Alaeddin Boroujerdi said

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

US president says he would like to take control of Iranian oil

On March 26, Donald Trump also said at a Cabinet meeting that he considers taking control of Iranian oil to be one of the possible scenarios

US could quickly shut down any move to charge fees in Strait of Hormuz — Trump

Donald Trump said that Washington "could close that up in two minutes"

Aid to Cuba from Russia: arrival of Russian oil tanker, energy crisis in region

The Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin transported 100,000 tons of crude oil

US to allow Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba — NYT

According to the newspaper, the arrival of the Russian ship carrying energy supplies will help Cuba avoid running out of fuel for several weeks

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

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

Russia seeks to boost cooperation with Gulf countries — Kremlin spokesman

They are among the countries we would like to develop bilateral cooperation with, Peskov added

Iran shows itself 'military adept' in conflict with US, Israel — expert

American political scientist Garland Nixon opined that Iran has shown "to be quite good at military strategy"

British MFA condemns Israel’s plans to expand security zone in Lebanon

Hamish Falconer stated that Israel must avoid further exacerbation of the conflict

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Russia’s Skat-350M recon drone equipped with anti-jamming system — Kalashnikov

Thanks to its specialized optical navigation system, the drone continues to perform its mission using previously loaded maps even when a false GPS signal is transmitted from the ground

US, Iran can no longer convince world of their victory through rhetoric alone — expert

According to Garland Nixon, President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared victory, trying to create the impression that the US is fully in control and has achieved definitive success

Retired MMA icon Emelianenko wants to fight at Russia's 2027 Sambo Championship

Fedor Emelianenko retired in February 2023 after a rematch against America's Ryan Bader

Russia condemns lethal attack on President of Iraqi Kurds Nechirvan Barzani — diplomat

"Moscow is deeply concerned about the continuing armed confrontation in the Persian Gulf region and the growing number of attacks targeting administrative and civilian infrastructure," Maria Zakharova stated

Ukraine left in lurch as partners divert Patriot missiles to Middle East, Zelensky says

Zelensky mentioned plans to provide autonomous boats to the Gulf monarchies amid Iran’s continued blocking of the Strait of Hormuz

Aggression against Iran shows West’s desire to impose its policy — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, the unprovoked US and Israel armed aggression against Iran is a manifestation of reckless and aggressive policy of the Western minority

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

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

Iran delivers strike on oil refinery in Israel’s Haifa — agency

According to NourNews, one of the fuel storage tanks went ablaze

Russia to continue work on energy supplies to Cuba — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said the desperate situation in which Cubans now find themselves cannot leave Moscow indifferent

US holds both direct, indirect talks with Iran, Trump says

The US leader added that "emissaries" are involved in the talks, but did not provide any details

FACTBOX: What to know on expulsion of British diplomat from Russia over spying allegations

The FSB cautioned Russian citizens to refrain from holding unsanctioned meetings with British diplomats, including within the premises of the British diplomatic mission

Putin to deliver comprehensive address at SPIEF-2026 — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that everyone looks forward to the president’s address

Zelensky seeks to fleece Middle Eastern countries — Iranian Foreign Ministry

According to Esmaeil Baghaei, "linking the conflict in Ukraine with the aggression of the Zionist regime and the US against Iran is a catastrophic mistake"

Russian forces discover Ukrainian chemical weapons caches in liberated DPR — FSB

According to FSB regional branch spokeswoman Arina Klepanova, the Ukrainian side is using bacteriological and chemical weapons to poison Russian population

Trump says Iran must comply with all US demands or face severe consequences

The US leader stressed that Iran has to "give up nuclear weapons"

G7 unlikely to find solution to energy crisis at online meeting on April 30 — Politico

The newspaper emphasized that the meeting could end without adopting a final statement

Russian women detained in California in January remain in custody — ICE

Natalya Dudina and Kristina Malyshko were arrested in California on January 17 and have been in custody for about two and a half months

Slovak PM accuses EU authorities of conspiring with Zelensky to stop oil supplies

According to Robert Fico, the European Commission is capable of influencing Vladimir Zelensky but it is reluctant to do it

Iran completes 87th wave of attacks on Israel and US bases in Middle East — IRGC

During the 87th Wave of Operation True Promise 4, control centers, weapons depots, drones, and hiding places for terrorists and US pilots in various areas were hit

One person killed, 11 others injured: aftermath of Kiev’s night attack on Russia’s south

Overnight, air defenses shot down Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Rostov, Volgograd, Penza, Ulyanovsk, Samara and Krasnodar Regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea

Trump says Cuba to face problems 'within short period of time'

On March 27, the US leader said that Cuba would be the next US target, without specifying Washington’s plans regarding the country

US, Israel discuss next steps against Iran’s military-industrial enterprises — CNN

According to the TV channel’s sources, the meeting focused on the war against Iran and efforts to halt Iranian weapons production

Russia to respond immediately if London escalates situation — ministry

Earlier, the Russian Federal Security Service uncovered evidence of intelligence and sabotage activities by the British diplomat

Ukraine planted explosives in Seversky Donets — Donbass Canal

Earlier reports said that the distance from the outermost position of Russian troops to the canal, the main water artery in the region, declined significantly

NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercept aircraft near residence of US president

The North American Aerospace Defense Command said it used dispensed flares to draw the pilot’s attention during the interception

Number of US troops in Middle East surpasses 50,000 — newspaper

The current number of US troops in the Middle East is roughly 10,000 above the usual

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

China ready to defend global energy security amid crisis — MFA

The global energy and commodity markets are facing a supply shortage due to the situation in the Middle East, Mao Ning said

UK fines Apple over $500k for violating anti-Russian sanctions — OFSI

The penalty imposed was for "making funds available to a designated person without a license"

Belarus develops trilateral cooperation with Russia, North Korea, top diplomat says

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus is "actively working on options for the development of trilateral cooperation"

Board of Peace appears less current amid US aggression in Iran — Peskov

Russia has not yet decided whether to enter the Board of Peace or not, the Kremlin spokesman said

FACTBOX: Iran moves to charge toll for passage through Strait of Hormuz

The fee will be charged in accordance with a new law that the Iranian parliament is set to pass shortly

Iran considers Ukraine party to war against it — envoy to UN

Amir Saeid Iravani noted that sending "hundreds of specialists" to the region "indicates active participation and facilitation of the unlawful use of force against a sovereign state"

UK charge d’affaires summoned to Russian MFA leaves ministry without comment

The diplomat remained at the ministry for about 15 minutes

Russia revokes accreditation of British diplomat — FSB

The second secretary of the British embassy in Moscow was ordered to leave Russia within two weeks

Number of injured in Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Taganrog rises to eight

Eight more Taganrog residents sought medical assistance

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

US unlikely to allow its allies to fall outside of its protective shield, expert says

Alexey Gromyko warned of serious repercussions, addressing the prospects of nuclear proliferation, particularly the potential transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine from France and Britain

Russia ready to host Olympic Games in the future — Putin

The president congratulated the Russian Olympic Committee on its 115th anniversary

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russian women held in US

Natalia Dudina and Kristina Malyshko are currently in custody at the Otay Mesa Immigration Detention Center in San Diego, with ICE stating that they will remain detained until the ongoing investigation concludes

US does not oppose humanitarian oil supplies to Cuba, including from Russia — Trump

According to Donald Trump, these deliveries will not "have an impact" on efforts to overcome the energy crisis on the island

Trump cannot declare victory if Iran continues launching missiles at Israel — US expert

Ritter also noted that declarations of victory would look questionable if the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked

Iran to let 20 oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz, Trump says

Donald Trump told this to reporters aboard his plane on route from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Washington

US-Israeli war on Iran on verge of spiraling out of control — Global Times

The US government, the newspaper notes, initially projected that the war against Iran would last "four to five weeks", and later repeatedly claimed it would "end soon", but the facts proved otherwise

Ukraine loses up to 8,900 troops, mercenaries in special op zone over week — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops destroyed five tanks, nearly 700 various combat vehicles and 51 electronic warfare and counter-battery stations over the past week

Serbian president plans to discuss extension of gas agreement on Monday

Earlier, Aleksandar Vucic announced his intentions to get in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin "in the coming days" to discuss the extension of the gas contract

Russia achieves success in degrading weapons provided to Ukraine by West — analyst

Meanwhile, the US "has not had any success at all" in the Middle East, Ritter noted

Iranian army to prevent repetition of US, Israeli aggression — acting top defense official

Iran will continue with all its might to punish the aggressors, Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza said

Russia wishes the US good luck in settlement with Iran — Kremlin aide

The continuation of bombing is just terrific, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Hezbollah takes responsibility for attack on Israeli military intelligence headquarters

Missile strikes also targeted an Israeli naval base in Haifa Bay