Russia's economy is hanging between stagnation and decline, and ordinary Russians are beginning to feel the pinch.

The humble cucumber, a favourite in Russian salads and meals, is the latest staple to suddenly skyrocket in price, angering consumers and stirring up politicians and regulators keen to tamp down any popular discontent at a time of war.

Geopolitics will be the main theme of the day, with markets watching the high-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran, as well as Ukraine and Russia.

Russia and Belarus will have a combined 10 para athletes at next month's Milano Cortina Paralympics, the International Paralympic Committee said in a statement on Tuesday. Both co

Today, we speak to Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Russia editor, on the tightrope of reporting from Moscow under Vladimir Putin. Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow. Credit: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool/Reuters.

He ended his message with a direct threat aimed at Western nations, declaring: "And then two can play this game. Impose sanctions on Western cargo ships, stop them, and seize their cargo for the benefit of the Russian state. For the Motherland!"

Iran has been joined by Russia and China in deploying naval vessels for a joint live-fire exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening regional tensions even as negotiators from Washington and Tehran met for diplomatic talks aimed at averting a military confrontation.

However, the flow of Irish and EU components has continued. Trade data covering the period January 2024 to March 2025 shows Russian companies imported 140 shipments of TE Connectivity-made products, weighing 8.5 tonnes, which are covered by the EU trade ban.