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RUSSIA'S ECONOMY

Russia’s gold and currency reserves reach $442.8 bln — Putin

Russia’s GDP growth was 1.4% in 2017, the president said

NOVO-OGAREVO, January 31. /TASS/. Russia’s gold and currency reserves have reached $442.8 bln, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday at the meeting with representatives of the economic council of the French-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Russie).

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"Gold and currency reserves are kept at a high level. They have grown recently and amount to $442.8 bln," the president said.

Russia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 1.4% in 2017, he said. "Russia’s GDP added 1.4% over the last year," the Russian president said.

Inflation decelerated to record-breaking values, Putin said. It grew by 2.5% in 2017 and "continues declining this year," he noted.

The national foreign trade surged by 25% in January - November 2017, the head of state said.

Foreign direct investments into the nonfinancial sector of Russia amounted to $23 bln in three quarters of 2017 and rose twofold in annual terms, being an all-time high figure over the last four years, Putin said.

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 42.2 mcm via Sudzha

Earlier it was reported on the website of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU) that nominations for transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukrainian territory on April 28 could be about 42.3 mln cubic meters

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

Eight violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

The Russian military police had conducted patrols in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah provinces, Major General Yury Popov, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said

Ukrainian troops shell church premises in Donetsk

A woman was killed, a source in the emergency services said

UNRWA chief believes Israel preparing large-scale military operation in Rafah

"There is more than 1.45 million displaced people already concentrated in the south," Philippe Lazzarini pointed out

Regulators close US’ Republic First Bank — FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation signed an agreement with Fulton Bank to assume all of the closed bank’s deposits and on purchase of all its assets.

Russia provides UNRWA with platform to explain Gaza situation to BRICS — agency chief

Philippe Lazzarini explained that against the backdrop of the terrible crisis in Gaza, he wanted to warn the BRICS members of the consequences of banning UNRWA's activities in the conflict zone

Ukraine’s frontlines may collapse, if Russia decides to focus its offensive — paper

Ukraine is at a great risk of its frontline collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive

Hamas publishes another video with hostages — newspaper

The video showed hostages Keith Siegel, 64, and Omri Miran, 46, who were kidnapped from their hometowns during the October 7 Hamas attack

UNRWA to dissolve only when Palestine becomes full-fledged state — agency chief

And if there is a political solution, agency can phase out, Philippe Lazzarini said

Ukraine’s army chief reports deteriorating battlefield situation to Western allies

The Ramstein group meeting also discussed the state of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Alexander Syrsky said

Russian stock indices rising on Saturday

The dollar edged up to 93.4 rubles, the euro - to 98.9 rubles

One of 12 dismissed from UNRWA over October 7 massacre reinstated — agency chief

This person has been completely cleared, Philippe Lazzarin said

More children killed in Gaza over 6 months than in all world conflicts in 4 years — UNRWA

Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that it is very difficult to get precise figures under war situation

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

Scholz reiterates German soldiers, Taurus long-range missiles not to be sent to Ukraine

"There will be neither German soldiers nor NATO troops in this war," the German Chancellor emphasized

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves frontline positions — top brass

The adversary lost up to 85 troops, four pickup trucks, two self-propelled artillery systems, an electronic warfare station and a field munitions depot

‘Pointless’ to talk Easter ceasefire with irreverent Ukraine — Russian Orthodox Church

Since the onset of Kiev’s military operation in Donbass in 2014, ceasefires have been repeatedly declared on major holidays, including religious ones and most of them were broken by Ukrainian forces within hours

Protests at Washington university peaceful, no arrests — police

According to a spokesman for the city police department, the Metropolitan Police Department, supported by the District of Columbia, and the George Washington University Police, have been monitoring the situation since April, 25

Germany lukewarm to China’s idea of international investigation into Nord Stream blasts

"The investigation is already being conducted by the German Public Prosecutor General’s Office," the German foreign ministry spokesman said

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket with European Galileo satellite on board

According to the broadcast on the page of the company in the X social network, the launch took place at 00:34 a.m. GMT

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

Bill submitted to Russian legislature seeks more control over immigration

One of the bill's provisions would limit the stay of a foreigner to 90 days within one calendar year

Settlement proposal on Gaza to Hamas provides for release of 20-40 hostages — TV

A source told the news outlet that the agreement will be most likely reached in the next couple of days

Reuters producer in custody over YouTube publications posted on NavalnyLIVE web platform

Konstantin Gabov is accused of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 282.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (participation in an extremist community), the court’s press office said in statement

Palestinian president thinks Israeli operation in Rafah imminent

It will kick off in the next couple of days, Mahmoud Abbas thinks

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

China to send two pandas to American zoo in ten-year loan program

It is a part of international cooperation on conservation of bamboo bears

Russian investment in India’s strategic sectors of economy reaches $1.26 bln

India plans to step up cooperation with Russia in the area of oil and gas, metals, strategic natural resources and industrial equipment related to railways, ports and shipping industry

Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

State trials of S-500 are under way at a testing range in southern Russia

Russia closely watches all NATO maneuvers — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the lion’s share of the alliance’s wargames is designed precisely as the unfolding scenarios of confrontation with Russia

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

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Kiev refused to sign Istanbul agreements under pressure from London, Kremlin says

"Everybody knows very well that the document was actually initialed and everyone is also well aware, thanks to a statement from the Ukrainian side, of the reason behind Ukraine halting negotiations and not finalizing the document," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s response to West’s seizure of Russian frozen assets to be tough — diplomat

Maria Zakharova drew attention to The Wall Street Journal’s report that Germany allegedly wants to leave Russia’s frozen assets intact to used them as a tool during the conflict settlement talks to force Russia cede part of the Ukrainian territory it has taken control of

Bus carrying Iranians overturns in Armenia, killing three

Rescue work at the scene is ongoing

Ukrainian army says it will not ‘hide’ Abrams tanks, but keeps quiet about their location

On Friday, the Pentagon refused to comment on the rumored withdrawal of Abrams tanks from the battlefield and said that the Ukrainians themselves were in a position to say how they "use their Abrams tanks"

Death toll in Armenian bus accident rises to five

Nine people were injured, the country’s Interior Ministry said

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated the communities of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and advanced deep into the enemy defense

Israel reports another airstrike on Hezbollah facilities in south Lebanon

Military infrastructure in the area of Markaba in south Lebanon was attacked

Russia proposes new rules for foreigners buying sim cards, requires biometric data

People covered under the new rules will only be allowed to buy a sim card at physical telecom locations, and not via the Internet

Azov units suffer heavy losses in fighting near Avdeyevka, DPR official says

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the number of Azov members killed in action was in the hundreds

Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

Russia’s GDP grew by 6% in January-February in annual terms, the Russian president stressed

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Checks on Russian-Kazakh border due to remaining terrorist threat — diplomat

Russian border guards are in direct contact with foreign partners, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

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

TASS has put together the highlights of Shoigu's speech

Kiev requests over 800 Vector reconnaissance drones from Germany — media

According to Der Spiegel, last week the head of the German company Quantum-Systems GmbH, Florian Seibel, visited Ukraine together with German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck

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

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

Beijing sticks to the principle of non-alignment with any blocs, the Chinese leader said and called on Washington "to refrain from teaming up in small groups"

Air defenses down three drones near oil depot in Kaluga Region — governor

There are no casualties and no destruction

Russian air defense takes down Ukrainian drone over borderline Belgorod Region

The Kiev regime attempted to carry out a terrorist attack on facilities on Russian territory

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

Ukraine’s army chief acknowledges Russia’s successes in several frontline areas

Thus, according to Syrsky, the most difficult situation for the Ukrainian army is unfolding in the Pokrovksky and Kurakhovsky areas in the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), where Ukrainian units had to retreat

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

Russia must support the current dynamics in the special military operation zone, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukraine struggles to use GLSDB efficiently due to Russian jamming capabilities — report

When the GPS signal is suppressed by Russian electronic warfare equipment, the munitions can only rely on their inertial navigation system to calculate their impact location, and this causes them to miss the target

Moscow court orders arrest of 12th suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack

Dzhumakhon Kurbonov, a Tajik citizen, will remain in custody until May 22

Press review: Belarus' new national security strategy and Russia, US butt heads at UN

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 26th

Some want to dismantle UNRWA to prevent creation of Palestinian state — agency chief

According to Philippe Lazzarini, more than 80% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza believe that if UNRWA is dissolved, it will not be possible to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue through the creation of two states

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

UNRWA urges to stop artificially provoked famine in Gaza — chief

Philippe Lazzarini noted that the agency alone "cannot provide food to everybody in the Gaza Strip"

West to attempt to ‘play chicken’ with Russia — Kremlin

It is important not to succumb, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Israeli police arrests seven people after protest in Tel Aviv

The demonstrators burned pyrotechnics and refused to obey police orders, the press service of the Israeli police said

Russia’s Tasoyev wins 2024 European Judo Championship in over-100kg weight category

The Russian clinched the gold after defeating in the final bout of the championship Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

UNRWA chief considers involving ICC in investigation into deaths of his staff in Gaza

It also could be the Board of Inquiry or the Commission of Inquiry, Philippe Lazzarini said

Ukrainian forces fire 72 rounds of ammunition at DPR settlements over past 24 hours

During the day, the mission received reports about three injured civilians, four damaged houses and two civilian infrastructure facilities

Russia to grant asylum to Kyrgyz citizen convicted of participation in special military op

According to Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Irina Volk, the young man lived in Russia even before the start of the special military operation and worked in the film industry

UNRWA Chief: Number of child lives lost in Gaza is staggering

Russian GDP gain 5.4% in Q1 2024 — Economy Ministry

In March 2024, the Russian economy grow by 4.2% annually

Ukrainian forces trapped on outskirts of Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky reported that the enemy "experiences problems with logistics and the supply of ammunition and essentials"

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Musk travels to China — Reuters

He had not advertised the trip in advance

Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

Putin’s inauguration to be aired at noon on May 7 — TV channel

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Zelensky’s legitimacy to be soon called in question — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, it will be done from the legal point of view in any case

Hezbollah shells Israeli Air Force base, neighboring settlements

Al Mayadeen TV reported that at least 30 projectiles were fired at the facility from several rocket launchers

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

Kiev recognizes difficulties, losses on battlefield over six months of waiting for US aid

The office of the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky notes that the Ukrainian army needs to stabilize the frontline

Russian mission to UN critisizes post of Lithuanian ambassador on Crimean Bridge

On Friday, Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden Linas Linkevicius published the photo of the bridge, saying "If someone hasn't had a chance to take a photo at the Kerch bridge, it's still time

US intel finds no proof of Russian leadership’s involvement in Navalny’s death — newspaper

"Some European intelligence agencies have been told of the US view," The Wall Street Journal added

India confident Russia’s pivot to East profitable for both countries’ economies

"Russia is India’s long-standing and reliable partner," Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rajesh Kumar Singh said

Repaired strategic bomber Tu-22M3 re-enters service with Russia’s Aerospace Force

The bombers will get advanced precision weapons while their radio-electronic devices and engines will be similar to the equipment aboard the latest Tu-160M2 aircraft

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

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

Southern neighbors of US to regain stolen lands — Russian Security Council’s secretary

Nikolay Patrushev speculates that country may split into the North and the South again to get back to its original shape

Portuguese government refuses to pay reparations for colonial past

The colonial empire at various times included Angola, Brazil, East Timor, Cape Verde and Mozambique, as well as some parts of India

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Armenians protesting against border delimitation with Azerbaijan disrupt concert

A similar protest took place at the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theater

Russia strikes major thermal power plant in western Ukraine — underground resistance

Five missiles hit Dnepropetrovsk while a strong blow with the subsequent detonation was registered in Krivoi Rog, the spokesman specified

Polish general expects Russia to continue wiping out Abrams tanks in Ukraine

Waldemar Skrzypczak underlined that "no tank is invincible"

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

Eight people wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on borderline Belgorod Region

Five people were hospitalized while three others received medical aid on site and are being treated on an outpatient basis

Russian Interior Ministry puts Ukrainian lawmakers, TV anchors on wanted list

In addition, former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Vitaliy Yarema and businessman Seyar Kurshutov were included in the database

Refinery in southern Russia partially suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack

Ten unmanned aerial vehicles flew directly into the plant, causing a big fire

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"

Israeli troops conduct night raids in West Bank

The military used sting grenades and tear gas, the news agency noted

US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

The Russian top defense official added that in order to achieve its goals, Washington is exerting unprecedented pressure, including on its partners

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Associated Press says its journalist detained in Russia’s Murmansk Region

According to the agency, the reporter was detained on Friday in the Murmansk Region, purportedly accused of extremism, while he denied his guilt