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Russia’s international reserve assets go down to $ 493 billion on March 7-14

As of January 1, 2014, the Russian gold and foreign exchange reserves amounted to $509.6 billion

Russia’s gold and foreign exchange reserves went down by $1.4 billion over a week ITAR-TASS/Boris Kavashkin

Russia’s gold and foreign exchange reserves went down by $1.4 billion over a week

© ITAR-TASS/Boris Kavashkin

MOSCOW, March 20. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia’s gold and foreign exchange reserves (or the national reserve assets) went down by $1.4 billion over a week from March 7 through March 14, 2014, to stand at $493.2 billion, the External and Public Relations Department of the Central Bank said on Thursday.

Over the preceding week (March 1 - March 7, 2014), the national reserves went up by $1.3 billion, and amounted to $494.6 billion.

Foreign exchange and gold reserves are highly liquid foreign assets at the disposal of the Bank of Russia and the Russian government on a certain date. They comprise monetary gold, Special Drawing Rights, reserves with the International Monetary Fund, and foreign currency. Foreign exchange and gold reserves are external assets controlled by the monetary authorities and may be used for financing balance-of-payments deficits, for interventions in currency markets affecting the national currency's rates or for similar purposes.

As of January 1, 2014, the Russian gold and foreign exchange reserves amounted to $509.6 billion.

Russian court blocks JPMorgan’s funds in VTB lawsuit

The court also blocked any securities held by JPMorgan’s entities in Russia

Four women killed in Zaporozhye Region in Ukrainian drone attack

The local emergencies services stressed that the car was targeted deliberately

Ukrainian forces refuse to obey Commander-in-Chief Syrsky — CIA ex-analyst

Larry Johnson also noted that the Russian forces manage to advance recently despite the slush on the roads

US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

"In any case, whatever the modality of providing this aid, de facto it is about provoking Ukraine into further hostilities down to the last Ukrainian, putting guarantted money in the pockets of the US," Dmitry Peskov said

Continued threats to Pyongyang to put US, allies in danger, Kim Jong Un’s sister warns

"We will keep building up overwhelming and strong military capacity to protect our sovereignty and security, as well as peace in the region," Kim Yo Jong said

US authorities prepare military aid for Ukraine worth $1 bln — Reuters

The aid package includes vehicles, Stinger man-portable air defense system munitions, HIMARS rockets, 155-mm artillery shells, TOW and Javelin anti-tank missiles and other weapons that could be "used at the battlefield immediately"

Russian envoy, authorities of Afghanistan call for unfreezing of Afghan assets

The Foreign Ministry noted that the sides discussed "further development of the diverse bilateral cooperation in political and economic areas, and the establishment of the regional cooperation with Afghanistan within the Moscow format"

Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

Andrey Babenko said that after a crash course in Britain he had been sent to the frontline near Liman

Baku cannot turn blind eye to France, India, Greece arming Armenia — President Aliyev

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North Korea’s economic delegation leaves for Iran — agency

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Putin informed about detention of Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov

Minister Sergey Shoigu was also informed beforehand, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Drone crashes in industrial zone in Russian city of Lipetsk

There were no casualties, egional Governor Igor Artamonov said

Israel retaliates missile launches from Gaza Strip — IDF

A warning had been issued before the attack calling on people to temporarily evacuate from the area

Gagauzian leader on unity of Moldova’s opposition, ability to watch Russian TV channels

Yevgenia Gutsul underlined that Gagauzia plans to start exporting products to Russia in the near future

Russia tasked with 'building new world' — Putin

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Russia seeks to break down barriers for its food exports — MFA

Sergey Vershinin recalled that Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea initiative for the export of grain and food due to the fact that it could not be implemented in the original volume

Ukraine lost best fighters near Artyomovsk, retired general says

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Press review: Dissecting US aid package to Ukraine and sands of global economy shifting

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Modern weapons make up 82% in Russian air defense troops — Shoigu

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US military aid for Kiev cannot stop Russian army’s advance — North Korean diplomat

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According to the investigation, Timur Ivanov and Sergey Borodin "criminally conspired with third parties" in order to receive a bribe "as providing monetized services when conducting contracted and subcontracted work" for the Defense Ministry

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Press review: GOP tussles over Ukraine bill and Putin, Aliyev talk partnership

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No damage, casualties after drone attack over Russia’s Kursk Region

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Russian deputy defense minister detained on suspicion of bribe-taking

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West’s unwillingness to give up hegemony escalates tensions in world — security official

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Russia has significant amount of West’s funds in case of confiscation of its assets

Russia views the West’s encroachment on its assets as "a blatant and shameless theft for the purpose of lining its pockets," Maria Zakharova noted

Ukrainian connection to Crocus terrorist attack undeniable — ex-SBU officer

Vasily Prozorov noted that the perpetrators could have been eliminated once they crossed the border

Russia presents world’s first hydrogen-fueled luxury car at Innoprom exhibition

The unique vehicle was built on the basis of the Aurus Senat luxury car

Radicals, intel services behind terror attacks in various countries, says Putin

The tactics employed by these criminals are becoming increasingly complex and barbaric, the Russian leader pointed out

All those linked to Crocus terrorist attack must be punished — Putin

"Russia’s intelligence services and law enforcement agencies are investigating and scrutinizing every detail of this despicable act [the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack], identifying all parties involved, including instigators, sponsors, and orchestrators," the Russian president stressed

Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

"Today, under the two countries’ leaders’ special attention, political contacts, exchanges, cooperation in the economic, culture, science and other areas are developing with renewed momentum," Minister Plenipotentiary of the republic's embassy in Russia Lee Yong Zin said

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US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Russia recovers black boxes from crashed Tu-22M3 bomber

According to the law enforcement, the search for the fourth crew member is ongoing

Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, the Ukrainian troops are holding drills to cross the Dnieper from the right bank to the left bank and capture a large industrial site

Russian troops destroy four boats with Ukrainian assault force on Dnieper River

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Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

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Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region lift antennas with kites to get better signal

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Russia’s top brass reports destroying US-made Hawk air defense system in Ukraine operation

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Detained deputy defense minister suspected of taking grand bribe of over $10,000

This charges carries a punishment of up to 15 years behind bars

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

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Russian children’s commissioner holds first face-to-face talks with Ukrainian counterparts

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked Qatar for setting up a venue for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine regarding children’s interests

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Russian forces take Ukrainian strongholds near Klescheyevka under control

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Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

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Russia's response to seizure of frozen assets in US to have no timeframe — chief delegate

Konstantin Gavrilov emphasized that the US will have to be brought to account for this decision

Putin stays in daily contact with Sergey Shoigu, Kremlin spokesman says

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US using human rights topics to shake political situation in Russia — embassy

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Switzerland unblocks Russia-related assets worth 290 mln Swiss francs

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Russia to incorporate US nuke scenario in Poland in its military planning — diplomat

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Hamas threatens that hostages remaining in Gaza may go missing

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US arms supplies unable to change situation in Kiev's favor — Kremlin

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Top Russian security official pledges continued push toward global justice

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Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

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Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

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Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

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US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

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