Russia

Russia's energy sector is generating significant revenue and seeking new markets despite infrastructure attacks. Oil revenue doubled to $9 billion in April due to the Iran war, and the Kremlin claims global demand for its energy is high. However, operations face disruptions, as seen when a key Baltic port resumed loading only after attacks.

• 36US extends waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil
• 13Russia to suspend Kazakh oil flows through key pipeline supplying Berlin
• 8Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
• 7Russia evacuates staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant after attack
• 6Ukraine to restart Russian oil pipeline to Europe 'within a few hours'

The Kremlin is actively shaping international alliances and managing the Ukraine conflict narrative. Russia and China jointly blocked a UN resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, and Putin announced an Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, though it was immediately disputed. Parallel diplomacy includes offering energy support to China and backing Iran's nuclear rights.

• 39Russia announces a ceasefire with Ukraine for Orthodox Easter
• 30Iranian FM meets Putin in Russia amid stalled US talks
• 19Lavrov discusses US-Russia dialogue, Ukraine red lines, and Russia's allies
• 17Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives in St. Petersburg
• 16Russian defense minister visits North Korea

Russia faces sustained Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure and heightened naval tensions with the UK. Ukraine struck oil facilities in the Black Sea region and near Libya, while the UK deployed military assets to deter Russian submarines it tracked near undersea cables. The announced Easter truce with Ukraine failed to halt fighting.

• 18Ukraine attacks Russian oil facilities in the Black Sea region
• 15Putin declares Easter ceasefire for Russian army
• 14Russia launches one of its largest drone attacks on Ukraine this year, killing 16
• 10UK deployed military to deter Russian submarines from its waters
• 7Medvedev warns of drone problem for all armies, discusses nuclear threats

The state is tightening control over information and education while using cultural events for national unity. Medvedev was appointed editor-in-chief of new Russian textbooks, and Stanford University was banned as an 'undesirable' organization. Orthodox Easter was leveraged as a national event, with Putin congratulating citizens and ordering aid for flood victims in Dagestan.

• 6Venice Biennale jury resigns amid Russia and Israel controversy
• 5Significance of Orthodox Easter in Russia goes beyond its religious nature
• 4Russian host Solovyov insults Meloni, calling her a 'fascist b...'
• 4Putin orders timely aid for flood victims in Dagestan
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