Maria Zakharova in the spotlight again as Moscow’s sharp-tongued foreign ministry spokeswoman, a longtime envoy since 2015.
A missile strike in Isfahan killed 15 people and damaged the Russian consulate, prompting its temporary closure. Russia condemns the attack as a violation of international norms. The incident follows an attack on a government building, with Russia reaffirming support for Iran amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Iran reports a projectile hit the Bushehr nuclear plant, with no damage or radiation release. Russia evacuates staff amid ongoing strikes linked to US-Israeli military actions. International calls for restraint grow as safety concerns escalate.
As of April 1, 2026, Cuba faces a severe energy crisis caused by a US-imposed oil blockade following the January US military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration has escalated rhetoric about regime change and possible takeover of Cuba, while negotiations between Washington and Havana continue. Russia recently delivered a large oil shipment to Cuba, temporarily easing fuel shortages that have caused widespread blackouts and humanitarian strain.
In early April 2026, Russia delivered two oil shipments to Cuba, breaking a US-imposed oil blockade that began in January after the US captured Venezuela's president. The first Russian tanker docked at Matanzas port carrying about 730,000 barrels of crude oil, providing temporary relief to Cuba's energy crisis. The US allowed the deliveries for humanitarian reasons despite ongoing sanctions and threats.
Israeli forces targeted areas near the Litani River in southern Lebanon, striking bridges used by Hezbollah. RT journalists reporting from the scene were injured in the attack, which Israel claims was a warning to Hezbollah. Russia condemned the strike, calling for an investigation. The conflict continues with ongoing rocket fire and military operations.
Russia's Rosatom is evacuating staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant following recent attacks. Over 200 personnel are leaving for Armenia, with some volunteers remaining to maintain operations. The plant has been targeted multiple times during escalating regional tensions, raising nuclear safety concerns.
On April 5, 2026, Serbian authorities discovered powerful explosives near the TurkStream pipeline extension in Vojvodina, Serbia, which supplies Russian gas to Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban convened an emergency defense council. Orban and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić suggested Ukrainian involvement, which Kyiv denies, calling it a likely Russian false-flag operation. The incident occurs days before Hungary's April 12 elections.
A Russian LNG tanker has been drifting in the Mediterranean since a suspected sea drone attack in early March. The vessel, carrying 60,000 tonnes of LNG, was badly damaged and is now out of control. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility but is accused of targeting the tanker with naval drones. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over sanctions and energy exports amid the Ukraine conflict.
The EU has implemented its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting dozens of companies, ships, and individuals involved in energy, military, and disinformation activities. Russia condemns the measures and promises retaliation, citing economic and energy market impacts. The sanctions aim to weaken Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
Moscow has issued a formal notice urging evacuations for Kyiv-based staff and residents amid warnings of possible Russian strikes on May 9, amid rival ceasefire proposals and Kyiv’s response. The Kremlin aims to shield Victory Day celebrations while Kyiv vows to respond to any aggression.