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RUSSIA'S ECONOMY

Russia can meet 3% GDP budget deficit in 2016 — minister

It's possible in case the privatization of Rosneft and if Rosneftegas pays interim dividends

© Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS

SOCHI, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian government can meet the budget deficit of 3% of GDP (a target for 2016) if a number of conditions is met, Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev told reporters at a briefing at the forum of ASEAN.

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Putin says bottom of crisis was passed in 2015

"With the oil price of $40 [per barrel] it [budget deficit this year] would be about 4%. To meet 3% is possible in case the privatization of Rosneft and if Rosneftegas pays interim dividends," Ulyukayev said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that budget deficit in 2016 should not exceed 3% of Russia’s GDP. According to the Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the Ministry will reach budget deficit of 3.3% at the average price of Urals oil at $40 per barrel.

At the same time, the Finance Ministry said earlier that Russia's budget deficit in 2016 could reach up to 4% of GDP with oil prices around $32 per barrel. According to the calculations of the First Deputy Finance Minister Tatyana Nesterenko, so far the Finance Ministry reaches a 3.4% deficit taking into account all the new assumptions on budget optimization.

In January-April, the federal budget deficit amounted to 1.23 trillion rubles ($18.47 bln), or 4.7% of the GDP. In the April the deficit reached 552.45 bln rubles ($8.29 bln), or 8.6% of GDP, which is a record deficit-to-GDP ratio for this month's since 2011, according to the official website of the Finance Ministry.

Bulgaria, Westinghouse sign engineering deal for additional reactors at Kozloduy NPP

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Crowds throw mud at Spanish king during visit to flood zone

As a result, the king's visit to Paiporta was cut short

Over 78 mln US citizens vote early in presidential election — Florida State University

According to the report, more than 42.6 million people attended polling stations

Sandu is winning in 2nd round of Moldovan presidential elections with 55.04% — CEC

Votes at a number of polling stations abroad are yet to be counted

Putin signs law on regulation of digital currency turnover in Russia

The law gives the Russian government the right to prohibit digital currency mining in specific regions or in their individual territories, as well as to determine the procedure and cases for introducing such restrictions

Western military assistance to Ukraine tops 100 bln euros — minister

Ukraine regularly asks for additional military assistance from its Western partners, occasionally criticizing them for delays and insufficient amount of supplies

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Prosecutor's Office deems activities of US-based business society undesirable in Russia

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Gazprom supplies 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine

The day before the pumping volume reached 42.1 mln cubic meters

Plane with 103 Russian POWs lands near Moscow

They were swapped for 103 Ukrainian POWs

PREVIEW: Putin to lay flowers at monument on Red Square to mark National Unity Day

Representatives of religious denominations, public and youth organizations will take part in the ceremon

Total losses of Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Region reach over 29,600 servicemen

Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost over 350 servicemen

Press review: Putin highlights GDP growth while the Russian military claims top rank

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Russia’s Ionosfera-M satellites successfully put into orbit after launch

Soyuz-2.1b rocket also carried 53 other satellites

FACTBOX: Russian government sets up requirements for cryptocurrency mining

The law introduced the definition of mining, a set of security requirements, and the possibility of trading digital financial assets on special platforms

Industrial facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Meanwhile, explosions have been reported in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and the Kirovograd Region

Russia is not going to attack Poland, Baltics, Ukraine through Belarus rule — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President called for building relations in a neighborly manner

Opposition rally near parliamentary building in Tbilisi ends without incidents

President Zourabichvili and all the opposition parties refuse to recognize the election results, slamming them as rigged

Moldova’s presidential runoff can be considered valid — CEC

Turnout in the second round has amounted to 54.18%

Russian, Azerbaijani prime ministers discuss current issues of cooperation over phone

The two heads of government discussed current issues of Russian-Azerbaijani trade-and-economic and scientific-and-technical cooperation

Ukrainian ombudsman asks Russia to provide lists of Ukrainians POWs for exchange

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Malaysia rejects US call to 'stop being friendly' with Russia — PM

Anwar Ibrahim said the call came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Southern sector of Ukrainian defense in DPR close to collapse — The Guardian

Kupiansk military-civilian mayor Andrey Besedin described the situation as "critical" and said that approximately 1,400 people were refusing to evacuate from their homes, awaiting the arrival of Russian troops

Medvedev sees West waging real war on Russia in Ukraine

"Our current adversaries argue that they have a right to send any weapons to Ukraine or that they have a right to dispatch their advisors to consult on how to conduct hostilities," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Soyuz-2.1b blasts off from Vostochny spaceport carrying 55 Russian, foreign satellites

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Japan’s defense minister says North Korea launched 7 missiles that flew 400 km each

Japan issued a protest to Pyongyang through diplomatic channels

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

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North Korea probably launched ballistic missile, Japan’s coast guard says

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Fencing installed around Harris’ residence in Washington ahead of election

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Kursk region will be cleared of Ukrainian forces — Putin

He added that victory is impossible without volunteers who support the fighters at the front

Kiev may look at Qatar-mediated agreement with Russia on non-targeting energy facilities

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Around 100 air attacks of Ukrainian Armed Forces in DPR were foiled in one week

In particular, a fixed-wing drone without a warhead or visual surveillance equipment was eliminated in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk, near an energy facility

Russia bans entry to 9 New Zealand Defense Ministry, armed forces officials

Given that "Wellington does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian policy and continues to introduce new sanction measures, work on updating the Russian stop list will continue," the ministry said

Russia’s Medvedev cautions next US leader against adding fuel to fire in Ukraine

The politician doubted the deep state in the United States wants another global war

Events in Bangladesh show similarities with color revolutions — Indian expert

According to Melkulangara Bhadrakumar, "these developments signifying the ascendance of Anglo-American influence in the highly strategic Bay of Bengal region are a setback for both India and Russia — and China"

Trump catches up with Harris in latest poll before election — The New York Post poll

Both candidates have received 49% support among likely voters, with 2% saying they would back another candidate

Putin plans to discusses rural development with government

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Ghost town of Pripyat after Chernobyl disaster

On April 26, 1986, the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded causing the world's worst nuclear disaster

Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine Russia's legitimate military target — Kremlin

Earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced that the company was opening a plant in Ukraine specializing in the repair and production of armored vehicles

Russia’s latest Lotos artillery gun for paratroopers to receive counter-drone system

After successfully undergoing all preliminary trials, the new self-propelled artillery system was sent for state tests

Mishustin to travel to Minsk for meeting of Russia-Belarus Union cabinet

The meeting’s agenda includes about 20 issues, such as mobile communications tariffs and development of suburban rail service

Ukrainian forces lose 11,800 soldiers on LPR borders in a week — military expert

During the mentioned period, the Russian military destroyed 196 vehicles, 89 various armored vehicles, five tanks, three multiple launch rocket system launchers

Putin meets with visiting North Korean foreign minister — Kremlin spokesman

On November 1, Choe Son Hui held talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov

US warns it won’t be able to restrain Israel if Iran attacks — report

An Israeli official said the message was passed from Washington to Tehran through the Swiss

Russian Guardsmen uncover Ukrainian arms cache with over 100,000 munitions in LPR

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NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

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Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

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Austria accepts terms of payment for Russian gas in rubles — Chancellor

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BRICS countries dominate world economy — official

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Russian forces liberate settlement of Vishnyovoye in Donetsk People’s Republic

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

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Ukrainians do not want war with Russia, but US keeps them trapped — expert

According to Professor Ruhollah Modabber, Washington has effectively banned free elections in Ukraine

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Syrsky admits Ukraine faces one of strongest Russian offensives since 2022

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Russia to deliver New Year’s souvenirs to its cosmonauts on ISS to spread holiday cheer

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BRICS to consider expanding group in 2025 — Lavrov

"Criteria for the partner country category will be agreed upon," the Russian Foreign Minister said

NATO undecided on intercepting projectiles over Ukraine — top Polish diplomat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said that Warsaw and its NATO partners will discuss the possibility of taking down projectiles over western parts of Ukraine near the Polish border

West itself signed death warrant for dollar, turning it into punishment tool — Lavrov

At the same time, the volume of mutual settlements in national currencies in foreign trade between the BRICS member countries reaches around 65%

FACTBOX: Vladimir Putin and his pets

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Hezbollah fires 105 rockets from Lebanon at Israel on November 3 — IFD

The army "will continue to protect Israel and its people from threats" from Hezbollah, the press service noted

Former CIA, Pentagon chief describes incursion into Kursk as Kiev’s ‘strategic mistake’

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Putin to accept diplomatic credentials from 28 ambassadors of countries like Japan, Canada

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Kremlin aide sees continued Western attempts to drive Russia away from Black Sea

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Syria demands UNSC take measures to stop Israel’s attacks

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Putin to accept letters of credentials from 28 new ambassadors on November 5

The ceremony will also be attended by representatives from Argentina, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Finland

Russian diplomat says Ukraine took back just 279 POWs, although 935 were offered

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Putin participates in Russia’s strategic deterrence force training

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Economic sanctions against Russia not working — top Hungarian diplomat

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US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Apart from that, in his words, as many as 5,175 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous during the past day

Kiev's violation of agreements means less territory for Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also recalled the Istanbul agreements

Russian diplomat slams Moldova’s election as most undemocratic in country’s history

The outcome of the runoff presidential election "exposed a profound split in Moldovan society, which began after the first round of election and the referendum on European Union membership," Maria Zakharova noted

Ukraine lost 6,000 more fighters on LPR borders in one month than in September

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Moldova’s opposition to challenge presidential election results with Constitutional Court

According to Sor, the opposition has evidence of massive ballot rigging in favor of the incumbent president during the presidential election

Press review: Russia strengthens nuclear triad while Ukraine awaits US strike approval

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 30th

Attempts to destroy Iran’s nuclear capacity may expand conflict — top Turkish diplomat

According to Fidan, Israel continues to put forward conditions in talks with the Palestinian movement Hamas

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg appears at a rally in Georgia

According to some reports, she came to the country at the invitation of a non-governmental organization

US citizen who shared data on Ukrainian military with Russian army wants to stay in Russia

Daniel Martindale noted that after peace is restored, he would like to go back to farming

Russian-North Korean partnership treaty called to stabilize region — Russian diplomat

"The treaty’s provisions, including article 4 on mutual support in case of an armed incursion, will be fully implemented, if need be," Anna Yevstigneyeva said

Bulgaria, Westinghouse sign engineering deal for additional reactors at Kozloduy NPP

The cost of construction has not been determined yet, but is expected to be between $14 billion and $30 billion

Thai Airways exploring opportunity to open scheduled air service with Russia

The deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand also pointed to the increasing of air fares, linking it with the rise of air transportation costs, comprising fuel prices, airport service costs, inflation

Final poll by NBC shows equal support for Harris, Trump in US presidential election

Both candidates are being supported by 49% of registered voters with merely 2% remaining undecided

Sandu wins Moldova's elections with 55.33% of votes, Stoianoglo gains 44.67%

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Russian Air Defense Forces shot down four HIMARS missiles, Hammer bomb, 42 Ukrainian UAVs

Russia’s East battlegroup improves its position, Ukraine loses up to 110 servicemen

US to hold 60th election of president, vice president on Tuesday

Election results must be officially certified in states by December 19

Moscow calls on Seoul to refrain from sending weapons to Ukraine — diplomat

"We call on our South Korean colleague to think twice and not to embark on this extremely dangerous path, which will lead Seoul to nothing good", Anna Yevstigneyeva said

NATO intends to fight ‘defensive battles’ thousands of miles from its territory — Lavrov

According to Lavrov, all reasonable observers understand "that this is a road to nowhere".

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

Israeli minister’s suggestion of nuclear strike on Gaza raises questions — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that such statements by Israeli officials shed light on the true reasons why Tel Aviv was opposing the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East

Moscow bars over 130 Australians from entering Russia — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made "in response to the Australian government's politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities, imposed as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West’"

Russian forces destroy US-made Stryker armored fighting vehicle in Kharkov Region

The target was attacked by an FPV drone, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Iran has hundreds of missiles capable of inflicting severe damage Israel — WSJ

The article states that the Israeli attack has compromised the air defense systems protecting key Iranian facilities

Israel hits Hezbollah intelligence headquarters near Damascus — IDF

According to the IDF, Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters has a branch in Syria, "which includes an independent intelligence gathering, coordination, and assessment network."

Kremlin spokesman says he cannot recall Putin ever talking to Kamala Harris

"When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Joe Biden, Mrs. Harris was not in Geneva," Dmitry Peskov said

Germany ‘shamefully resigned’ itself to destruction of Nord Stream — Lavrov

Lavrov also drew attention to the fact that "reckless proposals" are being made about strikes with Western long-range systems deep into Russian territory