Russia's COVID-19 tally increases by 18,140 to 1,618,116

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned a drone strike on the commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean. Calling it "a terrorist attack & a war crime," she detailed the crew's rescue after a gas explosion, criticised Malta's refusal to assist the injured, and denounced the European silence.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iran's "egregious attacks" against regional neighbours, demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and interference with maritime trade. While 13 members voted in favour, Russia and China abstained, with Tehran dismissing the move as a "manifest injustice" and a "serious setback."

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission (EC) making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan on the need to make efforts to prevent further escalation of the Middle East crisis.