MOSCOW DAILY - 28 FEBRUARY 2026
Russia Condemns U.S.-Israel Iran Strikes as "Catastrophic Escalation," Offers Mediation; Trump Signals Sanctions Relief in Ukraine Framework; Duma Escalates Nuclear Rhetoric on Alleged UK-France Transfer Plans
US-Israel launch major strikes on Iran; Tehran retaliates against Gulf bases, killing at least one
President Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran to prevent nuclear weapons acquisition, coordinated with Israeli strikes on Tehran, Isfahan, Qom. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on US bases in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuvait, killing at least one in Abu Dhabi. Russia's MFA condemned strikes as "planned and unprovoked armed aggression," warned of regional catastrophe, offered mediation.
Russian MFA condemns US-Israel Iran operation as catastrophic escalation, offers mediation role
Foreign Minister Lavrov told Iranian counterpart Arakchi that Russia condemns "unprovoked armed attack," warned of "humanitarian, economic, and radiological catastrophe" risks. MFA statement emphasized Russia's readiness to facilitate peaceful solutions based on international law. Positions Moscow as potential mediator while criticizing Western military action in region where Russia maintains strategic interests.
Trump signals willingness to lift Russia sanctions in Ukraine peace deal framework
US President Trump stated he would seek lifting sanctions on Russia as part of Ukraine peace agreement, though did not elaborate on timeline or conditions. Continues February 27 reporting on ceasefire control mechanism progress, suggesting sanctions relief now part of negotiating framework.
State Duma unanimously condemns alleged UK-France nuclear transfer plans to Ukraine
Russian parliament approved statement condemning alleged plans by London and Paris to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons components, characterizing this as NPT violation risking catastrophe. Duma Chairman Volodin stated German Chancellor Merz concealed information on these discussions from Bundestag. No independent verification of transfer plans; represents escalation of Russian nuclear rhetoric. MOSCOW DAILY - 28 FEB 2026: Russia Condemns U.S.-Israel Iran Strikes as "Catastrophic Escalation," Offers Mediation; Trump Signals Sanctions Relief in Ukraine Framework; Sweden Confirms Russian Drone Approached French Carrier
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Russia issued unusually stark warnings that U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities risk "humanitarian, economic, and radiological catastrophe," with Foreign Minister LAVROV personally condemning operations to Iranian counterpart ARAKCHI and positioning Moscow as potential mediator—a diplomatic pivot exploiting Middle East crisis to demonstrate relevance while criticizing Western military intervention. Separately, President TRUMP stated he would seek lifting sanctions on Russia as part of Ukraine peace agreement framework, extending 27 February reporting on ceasefire monitoring mechanism progress but providing no detail on sanctions categories, sequencing, or conditions. Swedish Defense Minister JONSON confirmed a drone that approached French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during NATO exercises 13 kilometers distant was Russian—a significant hybrid escalation that could trigger alliance discussions if interpreted as reconnaissance for potential strike. The State Duma unanimously adopted appeal condemning alleged UK-France plans to transfer nuclear weapons components to Ukraine as Treaty on Non-Proliferation violation, though no independent verification of transfer plans exists. Battlefield tempo remained high with 148 clashes on 27 February per Ukrainian General Staff, concentrated in Huliaipole sector. END SUMMARY.
