Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the United States and Israel suffered a 'miserable defeat' following what she described as an unprovoked and unilateral aggressive attack on Iran on February 28. She made the remarks in an interview with Sputnik Radio, emphasizing that Russia had opposed the attack from the outset and had called for an immediate halt to the aggression.

Zakharova reiterated that there is no military solution to the current situation and that diplomatic engagement remains the only effective way to resolve the crisis. Her comments reflect Moscow’s continued criticism of Western and Israeli actions in the region and its advocacy for diplomatic approaches over military confrontation.

The statement underscores Russia’s positioning as a vocal opponent of military escalation in the Middle East and its support for diplomatic conflict resolution.

A Ukrainian drone attack struck civilian infrastructure in Russia’s Vladimir region, killing three people when a drone hit a residential building, according to the regional governor. The incident was reported on Tuesday, with the governor confirming that the victims included two adults and a seven-year-old boy. A five-year-old girl was also injured and hospitalized with burns.

The governor, Alexander Avdeyev, stated on Telegram that enemy drones targeted civilian infrastructure in the region. The report, citing AFP, did not specify the exact location or the extent of the damage beyond the affected residential building.

Authorities have not released further details about the attack or any potential response measures following the incident.

Russia has called on the United States to refrain from using the language of ultimatums or threats in efforts to ease ongoing tensions with Iran. Moscow stated that Washington should return to the negotiating table instead of escalating the conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which Lavrov expressed hope that current de-escalation efforts would succeed.

According to the ministry’s statement, Lavrov emphasized that if the United States abandons threatening rhetoric and restores dialogue, it would help resolve the crisis. The statement added that both Russia and Iran urged all parties, including the United Nations Security Council, to avoid actions that could undermine remaining opportunities for a political and diplomatic solution.

The appeal reflects Moscow’s position favoring negotiation over confrontation as regional tensions continue to rise, with both sides calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

Russian authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone strike damaged an oil pipeline near the Baltic port of Primorsk on April 5, 2026. According to Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko, Russia’s air defense systems shot down 19 drones in the region. Debris from one of the drones struck part of the pipeline, which was later safely burned off. No casualties were reported in the incident.

The attack comes amid an increase in Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian infrastructure in recent months. Primorsk, located between the Finnish border and the major city of Saint Petersburg, was also attacked in March, when a fire broke out at an oil depot.

Authorities did not provide further details about the extent of the damage or potential disruptions to oil operations in the area.

Russia has announced its readiness to assist in resolving the ongoing conflict involving Iran, following aggressive attacks by the United States and Israel and Iran’s retaliatory strikes. The situation has heightened tensions across the Middle East, prompting several countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, to seek ways to de-escalate the crisis.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday that Russia is prepared to contribute to resolving the Iran conflict. He said President Vladimir Putin continues discussions with regional leaders and emphasized that Moscow stands ready to help restore peace as quickly as possible if its assistance is needed.

The statement underscores Russia’s intention to play a diplomatic role in stabilizing the region as multiple nations engage in mediation efforts.

Russia has accused NATO of preparing for a direct military confrontation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the allegation, citing NATO’s growing defense expenditures and frequent military exercises as indicators of such intentions. She referred to NATO’s 2025 activity report, claiming it shows the alliance’s role in escalating global tensions.

Zakharova stated that NATO’s potential military spending for 2025 could reach about 1.64 trillion dollars, representing roughly 62 percent of global defense expenditure by its 32 member states. She questioned why Russia continues to be portrayed as a threat despite such high spending. According to her, NATO conducted more than 120 joint military drills last year, while member states held over 700 separate training activities, many involving partner nations.

She further alleged that these exercises include offensive strategies, reflecting what she described as NATO’s aggressive stance. Zakharova rejected NATO’s labeling of Russia as the main threat to the Euro-Atlantic region and questioned accusations of airspace violations, sabotage, and cyberattacks. Analysts believe these remarks could heighten existing NATO-Russia tensions.

A Russian military transport aircraft crashed in Crimea, killing 29 people, according to the country’s defense ministry. The incident occurred on the evening of March 31 near a mountain peak close to the Black Sea. The ministry confirmed that the victims included six crew members and 23 civilian passengers. The aircraft, identified as an AN-26, disappeared from radar around 8 p.m. Moscow time while on a scheduled flight within Crimea.

Russian authorities have not clarified the total number of people on board, but no survivors have been reported. State news agencies TASS and RIA cited defense officials as saying that preliminary investigations suggest a technical malfunction caused the crash.

The AN-26 model has been in service since the 1960s and is primarily used for cargo transport. Several previous accidents involving this aircraft type have been recorded, according to the report.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the United States and Israel of deliberately avoiding efforts to normalize relations and reduce tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to Reuters, Lavrov said Washington and Tel Aviv show no genuine interest in improving ties between Iran and its neighbors, instead pursuing policies that prolong conflicts and sustain regional unrest.

Lavrov further claimed that the ongoing crises in the Middle East reflect a clear trend of regime change aimed at securing control over oil and gas resources. He argued that such actions not only weaken regional stability but also intensify competition among global powers.

The Russian diplomat warned that if the current situation remains unchecked, it could escalate into a broader regional conflict. He cautioned that the expanding scope of the Middle East crisis risks upsetting the balance of power and could pose a threat to global security.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is not preparing to send drones to Iran, dismissing media reports on the matter as false. He made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question, urging people not to pay attention to what he described as widespread misinformation in the media.

Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership agreement, and Moscow has consistently condemned U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. However, there has been no public disclosure of Russia providing weapons or military equipment to Tehran. Some discussions have suggested that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran, though this has not been confirmed.

The report also recalls that Iran previously supported Russia during the war in Ukraine, notably through the supply of Iranian-made Shahed drones, which drew international attention.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the current state of global conflicts gives the impression that a third world war has already begun. Speaking at a meeting of the Gorchakov Fund’s Board of Trustees, he said some international relations experts have started describing ongoing regional conflicts as part of a global war. Lavrov attributed recent events in Latin America and the Middle East to Western efforts to maintain dominance and accused Western political elites of expending their remaining political and economic resources to confront Russia.

Lavrov expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly worsening relations between Iran and its neighbors. He accused the United States and Israel of military aggression against Iran and warned that the situation could threaten global trade, energy security, and international communication systems. He said Russia is in contact with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries to share its assessments.

He added that Russia supports dialogue-based solutions in the Middle East, backs Cuba’s sovereign development rights, and continues cooperation with Arab and Muslim nations to ensure a just resolution of the Palestinian issue in line with UN resolutions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov made the appeal during a phone conversation on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as reported by Al Jazeera. The ministry stated that Lavrov emphasized the need to stop hostilities quickly and pursue political and diplomatic solutions.

Lavrov also described attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as unacceptable. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned a U.S.-Israeli strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, calling it extremely dangerous. The Russian Foreign Ministry further noted that both Lavrov and Araghchi expressed concern that the conflict could expand to the Caspian Sea region.

The statements reflect Moscow’s growing alarm over escalating tensions and its call for restraint and dialogue to prevent regional destabilization.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to Iranian leaders on the occasion of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, reaffirming Moscow’s position as a loyal and reliable partner of Tehran. According to the Kremlin, Putin wished the Iranian people strength and dignity in overcoming the hardships of war, emphasizing that Russia remains a steadfast friend and dependable ally during difficult times.

Russia also commented on the broader regional situation, accusing the United States and Israel of pushing the Middle East into chaos through attacks on Iran and Israel. Moscow said these actions have triggered a major global energy crisis. Additionally, Russia described the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a brutal assassination.

The report further mentioned related developments, including Iranian attacks on military bases in the UAE and Kuwait, as well as a call from Russia for an international investigation into an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended Nowruz greetings to Iran’s leaders, emphasizing that Moscow will remain a “close friend and reliable partner” to Tehran. The Kremlin released the message on Saturday, noting Putin’s wishes for the Iranian people to face current challenges with courage. He addressed his greetings to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Despite Putin’s assurances, some Iranian sources reportedly question the extent of Russia’s actual support, arguing that Tehran has not received the expected assistance during what they describe as the country’s most severe crisis since the 1979 revolution. Russia, meanwhile, blames U.S. and Israeli attacks for destabilizing the Middle East and affecting global energy markets, condemning the assault on Iran’s supreme leader as a “cruel act.”

According to Politico, Moscow allegedly proposed to Washington that if the U.S. stopped sharing intelligence on Russia with Ukraine, Russia would halt intelligence exchanges with Iran. The U.S. reportedly rejected the offer, which the Kremlin later dismissed as false.

Russia has reported that Ukraine launched more than 280 drone attacks overnight, describing it as one of the largest assaults since the war began. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, a total of 283 drones were shot down. Regional officials said about 90 drones were intercepted over the southern Rostov region, while Moscow’s mayor confirmed that 27 drones targeting the capital were neutralized. In the Saratov region, several houses were damaged and at least two people were injured, local authorities said.

The report noted that since 2022, Ukraine has been striking targets inside Russia in response to continuous Russian attacks, claiming its operations focus on military and energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and U.S. representatives will meet in the United States on Saturday to revive momentum toward ending the war.

Zelensky added that Ukraine seeks a clearer understanding from Washington regarding the next stage of trilateral talks involving Russia, which had been delayed due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The Russian government has refused to comment on reports that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was taken to Moscow for emergency surgery. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia was aware of the media coverage but declined to provide any details. The reports, first published by Kuwait’s Al Jarida on March 15, claimed Khamenei was seriously injured in an Israeli attack and flown to Moscow for urgent treatment.

According to Al Jarida, Russian President Vladimir Putin arranged for Khamenei’s transfer aboard a military aircraft, and the operation was conducted at one of Putin’s presidential residences. The report also alleged that the mission to move Khamenei was highly secret. British outlets The Daily Mail and The Sun cited similar claims, including that Khamenei’s legs were severely injured and that he might be in a coma.

The incident follows the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike on February 28, after which Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as Iran’s new top religious leader. Russia has not confirmed any details of his reported treatment in Moscow.