RUSSIA

Rising tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe contribute to a significant surge in oil prices, reaching levels not seen in six months.

France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years and, during meetings in Paris in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance.

The Ukrainian president also dismissed three advisers, along with two presidential representatives responsible for overseeing volunteer activities and soldiers' rights.

Ukraine identified the vessels hit as two amphibious landing ships, named the Yamal and the Azov, although the exact extent of the damage incurred remained unclear.

The disclosure of this information preceded Friday's horrific assault on a Moscow venue, resulting in a reported death toll of at least 137, with scores more injured.

U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink stated that Ukraine is currently under a heightened air alert, with residents advised to seek shelter for the third pre-dawn morning this week.

Russian security forces claimed that they had apprehended all four direct participants in the attack, who were caught heading for Ukraine.

Russia on Saturday said it had arrested 11 people -- including four gunmen -- over the attack on a Moscow concert hall claimed by Islamic State, as the death toll rose to 93.

According to the Russian Foreign Security Service, at least 40 individuals lost their lives, while over 100 others sustained injuries in the harrowing incident.

Russia said Tuesday that its troops had made gains in eastern Ukraine, building on recent advances against Ukrainian forces in critical need of Western aid.

Friends and allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin were quick to congratulate him on his election win but Western leaders denounced what they called an illegal election.

Putin asserted that his victory in the election would enable Russia to enhance its strength and effectiveness.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the interception of 35 Ukrainian drones, with four of them located in the Moscow region.

President Vladimir Putin has no doubt he will secure another term in Russia's election.

Microsoft reveals Russian state-backed hackers gained access to core software systems, compromising source code and internal systems.

What do Iran, Russia and North Korea have in common? They are all oppressive dictatorships, led by corrupt, autocratic despots who despise opposition and murder their opponents.

The "Two Sessions" -- parallel meetings of China's rubber-stamp parliament and political consultative body -- offer a rare glimpse into the strategy of President Xi Jinping's Communist Party-led government for the year ahead.

Ukraine's armed forces stated that the Odesa region was attacked by eight drones, of which seven were shot down by air defenses, reported AP.

The decision, outlined in a new Army document, aligns with the Pentagon's refocus on countering Chinese and Russian military capabilities after decades of concentrating on the fight against terrorism.

A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced top human rights campaigner Oleg Orlov to two and a half years in jail for denouncing Russia's assault on Ukraine.

Hungary's parliament grants approval for Sweden's NATO membership, marking a significant geopolitical shift and dealing a blow to Russia.