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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Slovakia to insist on resuming Druzhba oil pipeline operations — Prime Minister

Due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil transit via Druzhba, the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery, which specializes in processing Russian crude, has been forced to purchase oil from alternative sources at "extremely high prices"

BRATISLAVA, April 10. /TASS/. Slovakia will insist on the European Commission's assistance in getting Ukraine to restore the operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced.

"We will insist that the EC help us resume the operation of the Druzhba pipeline. I remind you once again that we are permitted to receive oil and gas from the East until 2027. We can receive this oil and gas. We are doing nothing that contradicts European Union decisions," the Prime Minister said in a video posted on his Facebook page (banned in Russia; owned by Meta Corp., which is recognized as extremist in Russia). "Without this pipeline, we will face enormous problems," he added.

Due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil transit via Druzhba, the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery, which specializes in processing Russian crude, has been forced to purchase oil from alternative sources at "extremely high prices." This oil is delivered by sea to Croatia and then transported to the republic via the Adria pipeline.

Meanwhile, according to Fico, Bratislava is confident that the Druzhba pipeline is not damaged, as Kiev claims, but remains operational. If the Middle East situation fails to stabilize, the republic's authorities are considering oil conservation measures. These may include lowering fares for trains and other public transport to encourage motorists to temporarily forgo using their cars.

Fico noted that the Slovak authorities "consider it wrong to support the war in Ukraine." "There are Western European countries that want the war in Ukraine to continue because they believe it is the only way to weaken Russia economically, politically, and at the international legal level. <…> This strategy is not working," the Prime Minister said.

Tags

Ukraine Slovakia

Iran to maintain contact with Pakistan after talks with US — MFA

Tehran is grateful to Islamabad for its mediation efforts, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said

US continues to build up its military group in Middle East — WSJ

According to the report, new fighter jets and attack aircraft have recently arrived in the region, while between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army may be delivered in the coming days

US vice presidential pool says he departed from Pakistan

JD Vance boarded the plane at 2:08 a.m. GMT

No one can cope with current global situation alone — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, "has been actively involved in the preparation of all editions and concepts of the Russian Federation's foreign policy since 2000

Russia pushes Ukrainian army to western bank of Udava near Miropolskoye in Sumy Region

Military expert Andrey Marochko says Miropolskoye was earlier liberated

Meteor-M satellite launched from Vostochny spaceport reaches orbit

The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle carrying the satellites blasted off from the Vostochny spaceport at 8:43 a.m. Moscow time (5:43 a.m. GMT)

Iran and US to hold new round of talks on Saturday evening — TV

The delegations held two rounds of talks in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported

Ukraine’s attack on Novaya Kakhovka shows talking with Kiev impossible — senator

Earlier acting head of the Novaya Kakhovka city district Vladimir Oganesov said that the Ukrainian army had violated the Easter truce by hitting Novaya Kakhovka with a drone injuring a civilian and damaging an apartment building

South Africa to align with Russia’s initiative to prevent arms race in space — official

Earlier, Dmitry Bakanov, head of Russia’s Roscosmos State Space Corporation, called for developing a legal document to prevent an arms race in space and make it possible for all countries to use outer space for peaceful purposes

FACTBOX: Orthodox Easter

In 2025, the holiday falls on the same date for both Orthodox Christians and Catholics

Estimate of jet fuel shortage start in EU too optimistic — Dmitriev

The official commented on the recent publication of the association's letter by FT

Pakistan ready to carry on with its mediation role in US-Iran talks, says PM Sharif

A source disclosed to TASS earlier that the Iranian delegation was likely to meet with Shehbaz Sharif before the start of negotiations

Iran, US continue expert-level talks in Islamabad — TV

"Iinformation from the talks has been scarce, but sources say that the general atmosphere can be described as positive," the TV channel said

Russia has no plans to abandon Visa, MasterCard

Visa CEO Charlie Scharf says the company may stop operations in Russia if the international payment systems are obliged to make guarantee payments of hundreds of millions of dollars

Piece of Holy Fire delivered from Jerusalem to Moscow

It is expected that various dioceses will be able to receive a particle soon

Remaining hostages from Kursk Region to return home from Ukraine today — commissioner

Tatyana Moskalkova also noted that the negotiations on the release of hostages had been difficult

Russia hands over last RD-180 rocket engines to US under existing deal

The United States has received 122 RD-180 rocket engines over more than 20 years of cooperation

Over 80 Russian nationals, their families evacuated from Gaza

"As of the evening of November 22, as many as 82 compatriots and their families crossed the Rafah checkpoint," the Russian emergencies ministry said

UK and EU officials can fool many, but not all — Dmitriev

This is how Kirill Dmitriev commented on the news that France has joined the protests against rising fuel prices

Nuclear shield has reliably ensured Russia's security for many years — Putin

"This anniversary is a major, significant event not only for your team, but also for the domestic nuclear industry and for all of Russia," the Russian president said

Iran holds two rounds of talks with Pakistani military chief ahead of negotiations with US

According to the agency, Field Marshall Asim Munir facilitated another round of indirect communications between the Iranian and US sides

Iran to maintain contact with Pakistan after talks with US — MFA

Tehran is grateful to Islamabad for its mediation efforts, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said

US guarantees Beirut’s safety until Lebanese-Israeli talks on April 14 — TV

Al Hadath also stated that negotiations between Israel and Lebanon "will be held at the level of ambassadors"

Israel says attacked more than 200 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over past 24 hours

The army "continues to strike at the launchers to prevent attacks" on Israeli territory

Date, venue of next round of US-Iranian talks unknown — Tasnim

During the 21-hour negotiations, Iranian negotiators showed flexibility on numerous occasions, and suggested that the US side take a more realistic approach

Hungarian government to keep foreign policy, if it wins elections — Szijjarto

It will fight for the return of Russian energy to Europe, the foreign minister said

Italian vessel has been stranded in Hormuz for over a month — agency

According to the report, the crew members are safe, and the vessel is undamaged

Researchers from Wegener Institute discover unknown island in Antarctica

A 93-strong expedition team was exploring the northwestern Weddell Sea when the island "appeared." The available nautical charts mark it as a danger zone

Estonia will not detain Russian vessels in Baltic Sea due to risk of escalation

Authorities would only consider intervention in case of damage to infrastructure or an oil spill, Navy Commander Ivo Vark says

Israeli army attacks Lebanon amid US-Iran talks

Earlier reports said that the first, preliminary round of consultations between Lebanon and Israel would take place in Washington on April 14

Russian air defenses intercept 259 Ukrainian UAVs, 12 smart bombs over past day

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 671 Ukrainian combat aircraft, 284 helicopters, 133,387 unmanned aerial vehicles

Ukrainian drones wound two Belgorod Region civilians — governor

Shelling of Shebekino broke windows and damaged facades, fences of 18 private houses, six outbuildings, and six cars

Russia’s Rostec creates anti-drone system to protect country’s infrastructure

The developer specified that the technology eliminates the human factor and can respond to threats with lightning speed

Russia's Western Military District gets newest Tornado-G multiple rocket launchers

The new 122-mm Tornado-G MRLS will replace the BM-21 Grad system

Zelensky’s ‘Middle Eastern bravado’ flops — envoy

"Ukrainian air defense specialists" were kicked out "after catastrophic failures", the Russian foreign ministry ambassador at large on Kiev’s war crimes said

Russian army advances 1.5 kilometers near Miropolye in Sumy Region

Active military activities are currently underway in this area along a front approximately 8 kilometers wide, military expert Andrey Marochko told

Easter truce announced by Putin coming into effect

The truce will be in effect from 4:00 p.m. Moscow time (1:00 p.m. GMT) on April 11 until the end of April 12

US leader says main demand Iran should not acquire nuclear weapon

Donald Trump called this criterion of a good deal with Iran "that's 99%"

Putin calls 2025 generally positive year for Russian cosmonautics

Consolidated revenue increased by 10%, to over $63 million, the Russian president said

Roscosmos chief approves schedule of creating Russian orbital station through 2033

Russia is set to launch the future orbital outpost’s first research and energy module in 2027, the space corporation said

Russia needs to develop its own LLMs to guarantee its progress — Putin

The president called LLMs a "basic, end-to-end technology that is the foundation for the sovereign development in all areas"

Holy Fire descends in Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

The descent of the Holy Fire takes place in the Kuvuklia

Russia pounds Ukrainian long-range naval and aerial drones’ facilities over past day

Russian troops struck storage sites of Ukrainian unmanned naval, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

China denies plans to supply air defense systems to Iran

China consistently fulfills its international obligations, Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese diplomatic mission in the United States, said

Russia has no intention to deliver nuclear strike on UK, envoy says

When asked about whether Russia could employ tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine, Kelin stressed that Russia’s military doctrine did not allow doing that

Iran denies US Navy destroyer passed through Strait of Hormuz

Earlier correspondent for American portal Axios and Channel 12 of Israeli television Barak Ravid quoted American official sources as saying that several US Navy ships had passed through Hormuz on Saturday without coordination with Iran

Ukraine violates Easter truce by attacking Donetsk with drones

Work of the air defense system was visible in the sky accompanied by the sound of an explosion

Putin meets with head of Roscosmos Bakanov

The conversation took place on the eve of the Cosmonautics Day celebrated on April 12

Russia says rocket, artillery forces struck about 700 targets in past day

Russia says it destroyed 977 Ukrainian drones, 3,198 armored vehicles during operation

White House official says US-Iran talks in Pakistan still continue

The talks in the capital of Pakistan continue for more than 15 hours

Iran to allow no more than 15 vessels per day through Hormuz — source

This new regulatory framework, operating under the supervision of the IRGC, has been officially communicated to regional parties, the sourse said

Strait of Hormuz status to remain unchanged until common framework with US reached — CNN

According to the TV channel, Washington and Tehran have to shape a common stance for continuing the talks

Russian lawmaker calls for recognizing Ukrainian army as terrorists after Bryansk attack

Sergey Mironov also called for neutralizing the leaders of the criminal Ukrainian regime, starting with Vladimir Zelensky

Kiev troops shell DPR once in past day, two killed

The deadly attack occurred in the Yasinovataya area

EU will forgive Zelensky anything as long as he continues his mission — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat says the Kiev regime has ignored both EU demands and its own Constitution

Russian Emergencies Ministry issues tsunami warning for Sakhalin island after Japan quakes

A warning system has been activated in these areas and local residents are being evacuated to safe places

Russian Foreign Ministry calls Johnson ‘villain, who returned to crime scene’

Zakharova said that "Johnson personally participated in the process of canceling the negotiation process" and escalation of the Ukrainian conflict

Dmitriev calls on British and EU officials to 'urgently correct mistakes' amid protests

"UK/EU people are tired of migration, warmongering, lack of fuel, and are rising up," Russian President’s special representative and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev said

Court in Kirov finds guilty Navalny in Kirovles criminal case

Oppositional blogger and candidate for Moscow mayor faces up to ten years in prison

India sees Iran-US talks as historic event for Middle East — expert

Robinder Sachdev said that easing tensions between Iran and the United States could benefit the energy markets, the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, as well as the balance of power in India's neighboring regions

Italy’s UniCredit denies plans to liquidate Russian business — Reuters

Russian news outlet Kommersant reported earlier, citing sources, that UniCredit dropped plans to sell its Russian subsidiary and considers complete winding-up of its business in Russia

Peru to vote in presidential, parliamentary elections amid political crisis

According to polls, none of the candidates managed to garner even 20% of the vote

Plane carrying Russian soldiers who returned from captivity lands in Moscow Region

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 175 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime

Easter truce announced by Putin begins

It will be in effect until the end of the day on April 12

Putin attends Easter service at Cathedral of Christ Savior

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will celebrate Easter Matins and Divine Liturgy at the country's main cathedral

Ombudswoman to discuss Kiev striking civilian targets in Russia with UN human rights chief

Tatyana Moskalkova wants to inform Volker Turk that not all information provided to her is reflected in UN documents

Trump reiterates Strait of Hormuz to be soon open to navigation

"And the empty ships are rushing to the United States to "load up", the US president said

US, Lebanon have asked Israel to stop attacks on Hezbollah until talks begin — Axios

According to sources cited in the report, some Israeli officials agree and think it is in Israel’s interest to announce a ‘pause’

US-Iran talks last for more than five hours

Consultations began around 17:00 local time

US-Iran talks last over two hours — TV

According to Tasnim, a decision may be made to extend it by one day

Several US Navy ships pass through Strait of Hormuz without Iran’s permission

The move was not coordinated with Iran. It's the first time this happens since the beginning of the war

Czech arms giant CSG shares plunge to historic low on Ukraine Easter truce news

Shares of other defense contractors, including Rheinmetall, Leonardo, Hensoldt, and BAE Systems, also saw significant losses on Friday

Iran to open Hormuz after end of war with the US, Israel — Iranian Supreme Leader’s envoy

Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi said that countries would benefit from it

US support for Syria opposition may lead to direct military interference

Assad has support of a considerable part, if not most, of the Syrian population, State Duma International Affairs Committee head Alexei Pushkov believes

Spacecraft carrying Artemis II mission astronauts returns to Earth — NASA

The crew completed a splashdown off the coast of San Diego

Pakistan to continue US-Iran mediation, hopes ceasefire will last — foreign ministry

Pakistan also thanked both delegations for accepting Islamabad’s invitation to participate in the consultations

Cosmonauts congratulate Russians on Cosmonautics Day from space

TASS correspondent aboard the ISS Sergey Kud-Sverchkov recalled that 65 years ago Yury Gagarin orbited the Earth for the first time

Moskva cruiser sank while being towed in a storm — Russian Defense Ministry

"During the towing of the Moskva cruiser to the designation port, the ship lost stability due to hull damage, sustained during the detonation of ammunition because of a fire. Amid the heavy storm, the ship sank," the Ministry said.

Iran, US disagree on two or three important topics — foreign ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei noted that some new topics were added during these talks, such as the Strait of Hormuz issue

Over 380 residents of Kursk borderline areas still missing

On Saturday, a bus carrying the last seven Kursk residents released from Ukrainian captivity arrived in Kursk

Russian president, patriarch exchange Easter gifts

According to tradition, Vladimir Putin has come to the Easter night service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

IRGC to prevent all military vessels from crossing Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC Navy command also denied reports "about the passage of American ships via the strait"

Russia to halt rocket engine deliveries to US, says Roscosmos chief

The ban applies to RD-180 engines that are used on US Atlas V launch vehicles as the main propulsion systems and RD-181 thrusters operated as the first stage of Antares rockets

Pro-government rally under way in Tehran amid Iran-US talks

According to the report, residents took to the streets of the Iranian capital carrying national flags and photos of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Over 500 detained in London for supporting Palestine Action

The age of those arrested ranges from 18 to 87, the London Metropolitan Police said.

FACTBOX: Cosmonautics Day

It established under a decree by the USSR Supreme Soviet of April 9, 1962 in honor of the world’s first space flight by a Soviet citizen

Parliamentary elections to be held in Hungary

The new parliament will form a government that will shape Hungary’s policies over the next four years, including the country’s relations with the European Union, Russia and Ukraine

Iranian foreign ministry confirms that US-Iranian talks continue

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed that a broad range of issues was discussed in the past day

Iran began negotiations with US after assurances about asset unfreezing — TV

Tehran’s second condition was a ceasefire in Lebanon and it is currently being discussed, IRIB reported

Putin describes Ukraine as artificial state

"We have every reason to affirm that Ukraine is an artificial state that was shaped at Stalin's will," the Russian President said

France edges out Russia’s neutral team in quarterfinals of 2026 Men's Water Polo World Cup

The French squad is now set to play in the semifinals of the Division 2 against the winner of the quarterfinals match between the teams of Montenegro and Romania

Putin notes huge constructive role of Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian leader emphasized that it helps to preserve Russia’s historical and cultural heritage

Putin congratulates Amedi on election as president of Iraq

Previously, the parliament of Iraq voted to elect Amedi, a candidate from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, as the new president of the Arab republic

Paris ready to help ensure safe navigation in Hormuz — Macron

The French president added that Iran needs to "take advantage of the opportunity offered by the negotiations initiated in Islamabad to pave the way for sustainable de-escalation"

Polling stations open in Hungary for parliamentary elections

The ruling coalition of Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Alliance and the Christian Democratic People's Party currently holds the constitutional majority of 135 votes

Trump claims US starts ‘clearing out’ Strait of Hormuz

The US president also said there is a danger of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz being damaged with sea mines

Agricultural crisis prompts panic among EU and British officials — Dmitriev

Earlier, Kirill Dmitriev wrote that European farmers facing a shortage of fertilizers may not have enough patience, and will be the first to remind Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen of their strategic miscalculation

Russia plans to have 20 remote sensing satellites by 2022 — Roscosmos

Besides,Russia plans to start creating a national remote satellite sensing center next year

Ukraine loses some 1,200 troops along engagement line over past day — Russia’s top brass

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army up lost over 180 troops in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Trump warns China against sending weapons to Iran

"If China does that, China could have big problems," the US leader said

Iran-US talks held face-to-face after meetings with Pakistanis — CNN

The delegations are "conducting a direct dialogue"