March 28, 2026 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to prepare a draft ban on gasoline exports starting April 1 after a meeting on the domestic oil products market.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza frames it as an immediate ‘ban’ on exports, stressing decisive action. Center outlet reports Novak’s instruction to prepare the ban project with procedural details. Right-leaning government source covers only the meeting on market conditions, omitting any mention of the export restriction.

Story gist: Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a ceremonial event marking the Day of National Guard Troops and the 10th anniversary of Rosgvardia. He stated the importance of minimizing damage from any hostile actions against Russia.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets provided no coverage, absenting critical or oppositional perspectives. Center outlets like Vedomosti neutrally focused on Putin’s participation in the solemn evening dedicated to National Guard Troops’ Day. Right-leaning coverage emphasized the 10th anniversary of Rosgvardia and prominently featured the President, highlighting the milestone with positive tone.

Story gist: Brent crude oil prices exceeded $112 per barrel amid signals of escalation in the Middle East. Prices later fell after a decision to postpone strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets frame the story around falling oil prices following Trump’s decision to delay strikes on Iran’s energy sector, noting his talk of negotiations alongside military preparations, suggesting mixed de-escalation. Center outlets neutrally report Brent surpassing $112 per barrel due to Middle East escalation signals. Right-leaning coverage is absent, leaving conservative perspectives unrepresented.

Story gist: Balakovo will hold a farewell ceremony for Vitaly Kudryashov, a Hero of Russia, in connection with the SVO.

Bias summary: Left- and center-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting the story entirely and leaving pro-Russian military perspectives unopposed. Right-leaning Vzglyad-info frames it straightforwardly as a patriotic farewell to a national hero in the SVO context, emphasizing honor and using official terminology without criticism or context on the conflict.

Story gist: On March 26, 2026, drones attacked the Moscow region. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin reported three drones shot down on approach to the city.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting that perspective. Center outlet Vedomosti neutrally reported Sobyanin’s statement on three drones downed approaching Moscow. Right-leaning official Moscow Mayor site focused on the downing of the ‘second’ UAV, emphasizing sequential defensive action without total count.