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RUSSIA'S ECONOMY

Russian new deputy finance minister to continue policy of his predecessor — experts

Head of Department of long-term strategic planning of the Finance Ministry Vladimir Kolychev has been appointed as new Deputy Finance Minister

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Head of Department of long-term strategic planning of the Finance Ministry Vladimir Kolychev has been appointed as new Deputy Finance Minister, an official with the Ministry said.

As Deputy Minister, Kolychev will be in charge for long-term budget forecasts, analysis of risks of budget system and issues of monetary and macroeconomic policies. Earlier these issues were supervised by Maxim Oreshkin who became Economic Development Minister in November 2016.

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Experts note that appointing Kolychev as Deputy Finance Minister after Oreshkin is a logical decision and it shows that the policy of the Finance Ministry in macroeconomic forecasts will not change.

According to Natalia Orlova, chief economist at Alfa Bank, this is an expected appointment.

"After Oreshkin was appointed as head of Economic Development Ministry there were two expectations: either Kolychev will follow Oreshkin and go to the Economic Development Ministry, or he will become Deputy Finance Minister. In general we can say that this appointment is logical and in line with previous assignments," she told TASS.

The expert recalled that Kolychev and Oreshkin had similar starting positions - they both worked in the investment banking industry.

For example, they both worked in Rosbank. Kolychev from 2005 to 2013 as an analyst, senior manager, head of the research and analysis department, and Oreshkin from 2006 to 2010 - as a senior manager and managing director.

Moreover, in 2012-2013, Oreshkin was chief economist for Russia at VTB Capital, and Kolychev held this position in 2013-2015.

"The role of Oreshkin at the Finance Ministry mainly implied working with investors and rating agencies, in this respect we can talk about continuity," Orlova said. However, she said that the question of how fruitful cooperation of the two ministries (of Finance and Economic Development) will be is still open, despite the fact that Oreshkin with Kolycheva were "a team."

Russian Economy Ministry expects trade balance surplus to decline

Exports of goods are expected to drop to $419.7 bln this year. Imports are forecast to grow to $315.7 bln in 2024

US can send Ukraine Patriot air defense systems currently deployed in other regions

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that the his country had doubled artillery production in order to help Kiev

Tourists discover fragment of Iranian missile in Israeli desert

According to the report of the IDF press office, the discovered missile was of "surface-to-surface" type

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

Russian diplomat accuses US of facilitating chemical warfare in Ukraine

According to Russian Permanent Representative to the OPCW Vladimir Tarabrin, Russian troops have repeatedly recorded incidents where the Ukrainian army’s used chemical weapons, including riot control agents as means of warfare

Russia may abolish gold export duty from June 1 — Finance Ministry

The law, introducing an extra coefficient to the mineral extraction tax for gold totaling 78,000 rubles ($848.8) per kilogram, will become effective at the same day

Kiev's attacks on ZNPP may trigger another Chernobyl — Zaporozhye governor

Tensions in the area of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant and in Energodar, where the nuclear power plant is located, escalated at the beginning of the month

DPRK supports Russia in defending sovereignty, security — ambassador

The North Korean ambassador Sin Hong Chol praised the "sincere and excellent friendly relations" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un

Israel ready to accept release of fewer than 40 hostages in deal’s first phase — newspaper

According to the report, Israel is willing to acceprt the release of women, men over 50 years old and those seriously ill

Russia-Europe relations require fresh approach — Kremlin

Russia and Europe are geographically close anyway, Dmitry Peskov noted

UN bound to stay as unique world organization — Russian ambassador

"If the UN did not exist, it should have been created," Vasily Nebenzya said

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The spokesman also pointed out the claims of US officials about the "necessity of informational infiltration of Korea"

Shoigu talks about ties with NATO, attacks on Zaporozhye NPP as he attends SCO meeting

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Diplomatic relations with Canada may be downgraded if Russian assets seized — ambassador

"All options are on the table, we will be guided by common sense and Russia’s interests," Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov said

Polish leader cautions NATO allies against provoking Russia

Andrzej Duda slammed the reported instances of Russian missiles entering Poland's airspace as "a Russian provocation"

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

Yury Chikhanchin pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack were provided with money, weapons, transportation and ammunition

NATO bears direct responsibility for Ukraine crisis — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that China was not providing weapons to the conflicting parties and strictly controlled dual-use goods, including the export of drones

Singapore Airlines resumes flights to Moscow starting from January 20

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Insurers refuse to pay compensation for Nord Stream — Russian envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that insurers conclude on their own that the "explosion at the gas pipelines was made using an explosive devices, willfully and due to political motives," thereby confirming its terroristic nature

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

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

International cooperation needed to investigate Nord Stream incidents — Russian diplomat

According to Nebenzya, the real goal of the West, which is seeking to persuade the world of the futility of international efforts, is "to keep on telling the tale of lost time" as long as possible in a hope that "international community will forget about this terrorist attack"

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Russian gas production to gain 4.6% in 2024 — Economy Ministry

Pipeline gas exports are forecast to edge up by 7% to 108 bln cubic meters

EU remains unreliable partner for Russia for now — Lavrov

Moscow hopes that Brussels will pay attention to its vital interests in the end, Russia's top diplomat said

Police checks reports of bomb allegedly planted at Russian embassy in Brazil — newspaper

The Russian embassy has not yet commented on the situation

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 16% per annum again

"The return of inflation to target and its further stabilization close to 4% assume that tight monetary conditions will be maintained in the economy for a longer period than previously forecast," the regulator said

Bank of Russia does not rule out keeping key rate at current levels until year's end

The Bank of Russia also does not rule out raising the estimate of the neutral key rate in the near future

Space station’s orbit raised by 1 km — Roscosmos

According to preliminary information, the average altitude of the orbital outpost was increased to 414.8 km above the Earth’s surface

Russia warns US, NATO against harming its security — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the level of nuclear risks have risen dramatically as a result of the West’s destructive policy, which is fraught with a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers"

TotalEnergies to announce force majeure for Yamal LNG in case of EU sanctions

The company has two contracts for LNG supplies to Europe from the Yamal LNG project and one for Asia that requires closer consideration, CEO of the French energy company Patrick Pouyanne said

Over 60% of Russian companies continue using Microsoft services

57% of companies replaced at least one foreign service with a Russian one over the past few years, the analysts noted

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

Charles III to return to public duties soon — Buckingham Palace

The king, 75, and queen will host their majesties the emperor and empress of Japan for a state visit in June, according to the palace

US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

Lithuania’s prime minister warns US may curtail aid to Ukraine

Ingrida Simonyte called for getting ready for such a turn of events right away, and not just watch and wait

TotalEnergies expects gas price hike if Russian LNG falls under sanctions

Patrick Pouyanne expressed confidence that the European leaders understood that security of gas supplies depended on LNG and would not like to see a price crisis in Europe again until 2027

Russia fights West’s sanctions at UN for the sake of developing countries — envoy to UN

According to the diplomat, Russia is engaged in "fierce battles on this issue in different committees of the General Assembly"

EAEU trade turnover reaches record high level of $8.7 bln in 2023 — Russian Prime Minister

The trade turnover between Russia and Belarus reached 4 trillion rubles ($43.8 bln)

Athens hold official hand-over ceremony of 2024 Olympic Flame to France

"Exactly three months before the Olympic Games begin, the Olympic flame has been handed over, transitioning from its Greek origins to the French stage, signifying the next chapter in its journey towards Paris," the statement reads

Russian troops destroy 89 Ukrainian UAVs, 5 boats in Kherson area over past day

"Battlegroup Dnepr units conducted active counterbattery warfare and destroyed enemy drones, manpower and equipment on the right bank of the Dnieper River," Governor Vladimir Saldo said

Russia has many questions for UN chief, Russia’s envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya said that he has "good personal relations" with the secretary general

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

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Kiev troops may strike targets in Crimea with ATACMS missiles — newspaper

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Wreckage of US MQ-9 Reaper drone is of interest to Russian defense industry — Rostec

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US’ Blinken to visit Israel amid rising tensions between two countries — NYT

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Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

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Terrorist attacks occur in Iran, Russia due to US support for terrorism — Iran’s top brass

According to the news agency Tasnim, when speaking about NATO eastward expansion, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani emphasized that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states should utilize the SCO potential in order to neutralize common threats

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Russia, India plan to launch ‘green corridor’ project in trade shortly

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Russian subsidiary of JP Morgan scaling up Russian assets

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Kiev may use ATACMS missiles to hit Crimean Bridge — Russian defense ministry official

Russian military will do its utmost to repel such attacks, Apty Alaudinov said

Russian Economy Ministry expects trade balance surplus to decline

Exports of goods are expected to drop to $419.7 bln this year. Imports are forecast to grow to $315.7 bln in 2024

Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

Alexander Dubinsky argues that the only situation where the president can continue to fulfill his duties after the expiration of his term is the period until the president-elected takes office

West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

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Ukraine had to negotiate agreements with Russia with ‘three masters’ — Russian envoy

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Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

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Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

China, US free to have their own friends, partners — President Xi

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Hamas fighters have destroyed more than 400 Israeli vehicles — group’s senior member

Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said the brigades had completely or partially destroyed 135 units of Israeli military equipment over the past three days

Scholz asks allies to find additional air defense capabilities for Ukraine

Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the US

Press review: US tries to strong-arm China and Zelensky's bid to bring men home

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Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Official hand-over ceremony of 2024 Olympic Flame kicks off in Athens

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Russia appreciates Bolivia’s push to defend sovereignty, Lavrov says

The Russian foreign minister said that the sides would exchange opinions on how to develop bilateral relations along the path outlined by Bolivian President Luis Arce and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Blinken’s visit to China meant to shatter Russian-Chinese ties — senior Russian diplomat

"I think that Beijing understands this perfectly well and will not even pretend being ready to reach any agreements with the Americans to the detriment of Russia’s interests," Sergey Ryabkov said

Over 10,000 Polish nationals fought in Ukraine in 2022, politician says

According to Vladimir Rogov, expected changes in Poland’s legislation may highlight the country’s interests in Ukraine and its possible territorial claims to parts of western Ukraine

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

Acording to Yury Popov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, apart from that, in his words, four violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019

Chances of Baku-Yerevan conflict settlement higher than ever, Scholz says

The German chancellor emphasized that Berlin's "offer to lend support in finding a long-term and acceptable solution remains valid"

Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

Russian defense chief points to West’s double standards on right to self-defense

In this regard, Sergey Shoigu mentioned the operation that Tehran carried out "in retaliation for a blatant attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus"

About 20% of weapons sent to Kiev end up on black market – Russia’s UN mission

Dmitry Polyansky said that some of the weapons supplied to Kiev are "in the darknet, which means that it is available to anyone"

Better situation for peace in Ukraine, threats to Belarus: new statements by Lukashenko

The head of state accused Washington of preparing a "Belarusian liberation army" and reiterated Minsk's readiness to "defend its country"

Kremlin spokesman describes European Parliament as 'Russophobic machine'

Dmitry Peskov added that the EP "has turned into a machine brimming with internal contradictions that keeps generating boorish statements"

Staff shortage cannot be covered by labor migration — Putin

Labor productivity requires a significant increase in all sectors of the economy, the President stressed

Russian draft UNSC statement on Nord Streams sabotaged by West — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian draft was "very balanced"

Hamas says it received Israel’s response to proposal on resolution in Gaza

The movement will analyze the Israeli proposal and will provide its own response afterwards, Hamas politburo member Khalil al-Hayya said

Erdogan’s May 9 visit to US postponed to more convenient date — Foreign Ministry

"The high-level dialogue between Turkey and the US will continue," the spokesman Oncu Keceli said

One more suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack arrested — police

The detention was reported earlier by the media, which said that police had captured Tajik national Djumokhon Kurbonov

SCO expects Belarus to join the organization very soon — Shoigu

The Russian defense chief is certain that "this is an important moment in strengthening security in the SCO space"

Damaged energy facilities not to be repaired in several months, says Ukrainian PM

According to Denis Shmygal, despite the repairs, the country's energy system is facing shortages

West reluctant to punish those responsible for Nord Stream blasts — Russian diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the situation is as though a year-long probe into a murder yielded a conclusion that "the victim was murdered"

Israel eliminates one of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya commanders in Lebanon — IDF

The strike was conducted by Israel Air Force’s aircraft in the area of Meidoun in Lebanon

Russian aerospace forces hit two terrorists base in Syria’s Homs governorate

Yury Popov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, also said that one shelling attack on the positions of government forces was reported in the Idlid de-escalation zone from positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra

Ship receives damage in missile attack off Yemeni coast — UKMTO

The Master has reported two attacks

Putin’s trip to China will rivet world’s attention, Kremlin spokesman predicts

The countries will jointly announce the time of this trip, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia grateful to DPRK for unconditional support of special operation in Ukraine — MFA

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

Russia invites all countries to develop North - South transport corridor — Putin

"The North-South transport corridor should become an example of the broadest international cooperation," the Russian leader said

Russia may cut oil production by 1.2% in 2024 — Economy Ministry

The Russian oil export prices is expected in the base case at the level of $65 per barrel in 2024-2027

Most countries in Global South wary of growing NATO influence — Lavrov

"Those may be right who, instead of playing this geopolitical game which NATO views as a zero-sum game, prefer to handle their domestic affairs," the Russian foreign minister noted

Poland practices transfer of mechanized brigade to Lithuania's Suwalki Corridor area

The exercise under the classified Orsha plan involves 1,500 military personnel from Lithuania's Zemaitija Motorized Infantry Brigade, Poland's 15th Mechanized Brigade, allied US and Portuguese units, as well as about 200 pieces of military equipment

Hungary sees Ukraine conflict entering new phase, NATO involvement rising

According to the minister Gergely Gulyas, the North Atlantic Alliance "wants to provide financial assistance, as well as supply weapons and train Ukrainian soldiers"