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Banks continued ramping up retail, corporate lending in February — regulator

According to preliminary data, mortgage lending had incremental growth of 2.2% against January

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russian banks continued building up portfolios of retail and corporate loans, the Central Bank said on Monday.

"Lending continued growing in February and early March but this likely to be related to utilization of earlier approved credit limits. The corporate portfolio increased by significant 1.3 trillion rubles ($12 bln) (+2.4%), mainly at the turn of the month," the Bank of Russia said.

According to preliminary data, mortgage lending had incremental growth of 2.2% against January. Consumer loans gained 1.1% against the prior month, with adjustment for sales and writeoff.

Russian stock indices show mixed performance in 2025

The MOEX Russia Index lost 116 points to 2,766.62 points this year, the RTS Index gained 220.91 points to 1,114.13 points

Obligatory evacuation announced in 45 settlements in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Local authorities in Ukraine call evacuation when the frontline approaches populated localities

Russia may launch an experiment in targeted recruitment of foreign workers in 2027

The experiment will involve the introduction of registers containing data on employers and foreign workers

IN BRIEF: What we know about thwarted terrorist attack against schoolchildren in Adygea

A citizen of a Central Asian country, a supporter of an international terrorist organization banned in Russia, has been detained

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen wins 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship

The Norwegian chess player claimed his sixth World Rapid Championship title with a score of 10.5/13, finishing a full point ahead of the field

INTERVIEW: Effect of Trump’s new approach to Ukraine felt at UN — diplomat

The US avoids anti-Russian attacks and calls for a peace agreement, noted Polyansky

Two wounded in drone attack on south Russian port city of Tuapse

Also damaged five houses, a berth and oil processing equipment

Top Iranian diplomat urges colleagues to condemn Trump’s threats against Tehran

Mentioning the Israeli-US attack on Iran in June 2025, Abbas Araghchi said US president’s recent threats show the US administration’s plans to continue this illegal and aggressive process

Switzerland declines to comment on Kiev's attempt to hit Putin's residence

The Swiss Foreign Ministry called on the parties to the conflict to "respect international humanitarian law" and again expressed its readiness to "act as a mediator" to resolve the crisis in Ukraine

US to analyze intel about attack on Putin’s residence — UN envoy

AccoSuch Kiev’s actions would be "reckless or not helpful," Matthew Whittaker said

Security advisers from Ukraine, coalition of the willing nations to meet in Kiev on Jan 3

Vladimir Zelensky thanked US President Donald Trump for his readiness to take part in all effective formats

Attack on Putin's residence was guided by NATO systems, expert says

Andrey Marochko believes that disrupting negotiations on a peace settlement of the conflict was Kiev's primary aim in the attack

Duma insists on tough response to Ukraine's drone attack on Putin's residence — Volodin

"For Vladimir Zelensky, military action is the only chance to remain in power and receive financial support from the European Union," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Merz confirms negotiations on Ukraine taking place in Berlin

The German Chancellor said that the European and Canadian leaders participate in the talks

US blogger blames EU elites for Ukrainian attack on Russian president’s residence

"European elites are mired in corruption and are profiting from the war," Jozef Schutzman said

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Russia-EU relations may change under new European Commission — diplomat

"I don’t think that the Russia-EU dialogue is lost forever," Vladislav Maslennikov said

Russian GDP reach $685.5 bln in Q3 2025 — statistics

The physical volume of GDP gained 0.6% against the like quarter of 2024

Kiev loses nearly 17,000 soldiers, mercenaries near LPR in December — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the number of the Ukrainian armed forces’ sanitary losses and irreparable personnel losses has been increasing

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian servicemen attempting to break through to Kupyansk

According to the Russian Defense Ministry the FPV drones destroyed three pickup trucks used by Ukrainian militants to transport assault troops and Ukrainian infantry

Medvedev slams Zelensky ‘pathological liar, freeloader’

Security Council Deputy Chairman also noticed that Zelensky made US President Donald Trump sick of himself

Over thousand soldiers desert from Ukrainian army daily — reporter

Accoridng to Ukrainian journalist Vladimir Boyko, this number means the army is gone, and it can no longer be rebuilt

Putin's New Year message to Russians to air at midnight as always — Kremlin

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov said that this year Putin's New Year's address will come from the Kremlin, also a well-established tradition

Tatneft becomes participant in methionine project

Russian oil producer Tatneft got 50% in Biomethionine company specializing in chemicals production, according to data from the united state register of legal entities, the other 50% in the project belong to NTL Chemical Technologies company

Prep for war with Moscow now top narrative in EU policy — Russian senator

At present, European leaders are not considering the option of a direct military conflict with Russia, Alexey Pushkov added

Afghani injures five people with crowbar in English hospital — police

The victims are being treated in the hospital, there is no threat to their lives

UAE ships with weapons received no permission to enter Yemeni port — coalition

These two vessels "also switched off their tracking and identification devices before entering the territorial waters of Yemen," the spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said

Kiev’s provocations have no power over Putin-Trump dialogue — Kremlin

"The leaders maintain a trusting dialogue and continue to engage in talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia to retaliate Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia’s actions against Russian embassies — MFA

On December 30, the charges d'affaires of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia were summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where they were presented with a strong protest

Netanyahu claims Iran starts restoring production of ballistic missiles

Netanyahu claimed that after the Fordow nuclear facility was "obliterated," Tehran may try to restore its nuclear program at "other sites"

Trump urges PM Netanyahu to refrain from West Bank provocations — media

According to sources, during talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence near West Palm Beach, Florida, the US president and his aides "expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank"

Port infrastructure in Odessa region damaged in overnight explosions

Facilities in the ports of Yuzhny and Chernomorsk were damaged

Poland views Ukraine as client country — Russian senator

According to Alexey Pushkov, Warsaw has always dreamed of a Poland 'from sea to sea'

Over 882,000 Ukrainian men now EU refugees — statistics agency

Most Ukrainian refugees live in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic

Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

Unipro completes upgrade of power unit at Surgutskaya plant

The plant underwent replacement of the turbine generator and electrical equipment, and the power generating unit was overhauled

Outgoing year created possibilities for restoring ties with US — ambassador

Darchiev also expressed his gratitude to "concerned compatriots and friendly American citizens" for preserving the memory of US-Russia cooperation during World War II

Incident with tankers get caught in Marmara Sea resolved

Involvement of rescuers was not needed

Yemen declares state of emergency for 90 days amid UAE-backed offensive

The chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council also announced a 72-hour air, sea, and land blockade on all ports, airports, and border crossings

Kiev discusses with Washington deployment of US troops in Ukraine — Zelensky

Moscow opposes the presence of NATO military personnel in Ukraine

Bulgarian authorities allow the Sofia Metro to receive Russian spare parts

The exception will be valid until March 31, 2027

Russian Ministry of Natural Resources to pay attention to water quality

Water is turning into the strategic raw material of the future, Alexander Kozlov said said

Zelensky will have to hide for rest of life, Medvedev predicts

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict", Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

BRICS Plus to hold naval exercise in South African waters in early January

The exercise will be held on January 9-16 and will involve BRICS Plus navies "for an intensive programme of joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials," the South African Ministry of Defense and Military Veterans said

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

Mi-34M1 first 10-minute test flight successful — Russian Industry and Trade Ministry

The new helicopter is equipped with a crash-resistant fuel system and Russian-made avionics

Mongolia imports 95% of petroleum products from Russia as of end of 2025 — ministry

The remainder is imported from China

Russian coal companies’ savings total $476 mln — Finance Ministry

More than 130 coal industry companies that experienced deteriorating financial and economic indicators have received system-wide support in the form of deferrals of mineral extraction tax and insurance premium payments

Iran adds Canadian Navy to its list of terrorist organizations — Foreign Ministry

In June 2024, the Canadian authorities recognized the IRGC as a terrorist organization

Russian stock indices show mixed performance in 2025

The MOEX Russia Index lost 116 points to 2,766.62 points this year, the RTS Index gained 220.91 points to 1,114.13 points

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Part of Zaporozhye Region left without power after Kiev’s attack on energy grid

According to the governor, air defense systems are operating, repair works have already begun

Trump furious over Ukraine's attempted attack on Putin's residence — politician

Florian Philippot also stated the need to "assess as soon as possible the extent of Europe and NATO's involvement in this insane act of sabotage"

Zelensky wouldn't dare to attack Putin's residence without direct order — ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that the target had been chosen deliberately

New housing sales by Russian developers above $63 bln in 2025

Analysts indicate market adaptation to high mortgage loan interest rates, growth of installment plan sales and sales for own funds among drivers of positive dynamics, including also a change in the sales structure

UAE ends its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen

This decision was made in "the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase"

Russia promises to invigorate OSCE work

Russia's new permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Dmitry Polyansky said that it will soon become clear to what extent the OSCE members and European countries as a whole are ready for diplomatic work

Escalation between UAE and Saudi Arabia diplomatic challenge for US — WSJ

The confrontation between the two Gulf states could lead to an expansion of hostilities in a region already gripped by conflict

Zelensky, Western media's denial of attack on Putin's residence is insane — Kremlin

In response to a question from a Western agency journalist regarding the possible public presentation of the attack’s evidence, Dmitry Peskov replied: "I don't think there should be any evidence here when such a massive drone raid was carried out"

Ukrainians may support withdrawal of Ukrainian army from Donbass in referendum — pollster

Head of the Ukrainian sociological group Rating Alexey Antipovich confirmed that people in the western regions of Ukraine are less willing to support territorial concessions than those in the eastern regions

Canada's support for Ukraine example of strategic helplessness — Russian ambassador

"Ottawa is a hostage to its own political decisions," Oleg Stepanov said

Cosmonauts wish Russians to believe in miracles in New Year congratulations from space

Kud-Sverchkov wished all Russians health, well-being and the New Year spirit

Bosnia and Herzegovina legalizes use of cannabis for medical purposes

This step is intended to "bring under control" the black market of cannabinoids in the country

Andrey Guryev appointed as head of Russian part of BRICS Business Council

The directive came into force

Top Chinese diplomat points to stronger relations with Russia

Wang Yi added that "communication between the two countries’ leaders in this historic year highlights the essence of comprehensive strategic partnership and strategic mutual trust and support"

Attack on Putin’s residence marks major step towards Kiev’s collapse — expert

"The Kiev regime is betting on another round of escalation", Vadim Gigin, a member of the Belarusian lower house of parliament, said

Bosnian Serb leader condemns attack on Putin’s residence as act of terrorism

This reveals Zelensky’s inability and reluctance to end the suffering of his own people, Milorad Dodik said

Russian budget deficit in 2025 not above target — Finance Minister

The share of oil and gas revenues of the budget will be 23% as of the end of this year and will decline to 22% in 2026, Anton Siluanov noted

London considered overthrowing Zimbabwe's leader Mugabe in 2004 — FT

Zimbabwe was suffering hyperinflation, the sometimes violent occupation of white-owned farms and election rigging and harassment of the opposition by Mugabe’s ruling Zanu-PF party

European politicians helping Zelensky against their countries’ interests — Russian MP

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, European countries transferred money to Kiev in hope of being compensated in the form of Russia's immobilized assets

Ukrainian forces near Druzhkovka lost 15 armored vehicles to UAV strikes Rubicon center

The targeted equipment included T-64BV and T-80U tanks, an M113 armored personnel carrier, and an American-made M109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun

Loading of Russian Railways to be 1.1 bln tons as of 2025 year-end — minister

According to the Russian Railways, shipments totaled 1.21 bln metric tons over eleven months of 2025, which is 5.6% less than in the like period of the last year

FACTBOX: What is known about meeting on special op with Putin

Russian President instructed to continue fulfilling special operation’s objectives in accordance with the General Staff’s plans

Diplomat points to OHCHR biasedness due to silence after attack on Putin’s residence

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Geneva Office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov noted that an increasing number of states condemned the Kiev regime's terrorist attack

Gazprom believes Qatar's quagmire won't become 'catastrophe' for LNG market

"The European market is still separate from the markets of Asia and the US. The impact, if it emerges, won’t be so catastrophic," Gazprom says

Terror plot targeting schoolchildren thwarted in Adygeya — FSB

A citizen of a Central Asian country, who supports an international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia, has been detained

US Treasury removes ex-Sberbank executive Alexandra Buriko from sanctions list

The department did not provide any explanation for this move

Kiev to face retaliation for terrorist actions, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky "is trying to accuse Russia of lying, and claim that nothing like that happened"

Ukraine lost 3.6 bln euros in Western funding in 2025 by failing to meet EU conditions

Verkhovna Rada Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak described the last quarter of the year as a "total failure," resulting in a loss of 2.3 billion euros

Kiev saboteur killed in southwest Russia while attempting to blow up gas supply system

According to the FSB, the man had undergone special training at a Ukrainian special operations forces camp before returning to Russia via other countries

By continuing support to Kiev, NATO is losing — Dutch expert

The expert also believes that there is still a threat of the conflict becoming a protracted one because of Ukraine’s right-wing extremists’ reluctance to admit their defeat

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate for December 31 - January 9 to 78.23 rubles

The regulator raised the official euro exchange rate by 62 kopecks to 92.0938 rubles

Romania joins program to buy US weapons for Ukraine

Romania will allocate 50 million euro to purchase weapons for Ukraine

Putin's whereabouts cannot be discussed publicly under current circumstances — Kremlin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Kiev launched an attack on President Vladimir Putin's state residence in the Novgorod Region on December 29 using 91 drones

Top defense official calls Russian army ‘world’s most combat-ready’

According to Andrey Belousov, the Russian army has proven in practice that it can ensure the country's sovereignty

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Putin signs decree to call up reservists to protect critical facilities in 2026

The government has been instructed to approve the list of critical facilities and other vital infrastructure to be protected

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

IN BRIEF: Global reactions to Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence

The Russian leader told Donald Trump that Moscow's position in negotiations to resolve the conflict would be reassessed

One of longest New Year holiday periods begins in Russia

In all, January 2026 will have 15 workdays and 16 days off

West using Ukraine to analyze Russia’s combat tactics — head of Kherson region

Vladimir Saldo added that the line of engagement along the Dnieper River in the Kherson Region has not been an exception

Russia to demonstrate SJ-100, Il-114-300 jets at air show in India

SJ-100 and Il-114 aircraft are also planned to be placed on a static display for showing to potential customers, the Russian trade mission in India added

Belarusian top brass confirms Oreshnik missile system goes on combat duty in republic

The Oreshnik missile system arrived in Belarus pursuant to a decision made by the Russian and Belarusian leaders

Russia slams US’ reaction to ambassador’s comments on drone incident as unacceptable

Russia consider the Press Secretary’s assessments of Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States of America Anatoly Antonov’s comments on the incident with the MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea to be unacceptable, especially if they come from an employee of the US diplomatic service, Russian embassy spokesman Igor Girenko said

Russia's retaliatory measures to create operational problems for Euroclear — FT

According to the report, Euroclear has hired 200 additional employees to handle frozen Russian assets on a permanent basis

German chancellor says year 2026 may be decisive for Europe

In his opinion, the year 2026 may be "the moment of a breakthrough"

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Press review: Russia may revise Ukraine talks post attack and China launches Taiwan drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 30th

FIS extends int’l neutral-status participation list by five more Russian freestyle skiers

The athletes at the issue are freestyle skiers Nikita Andreyev, Nikita Novitsky and Svetlana Andreyeva, as well as snowboarder rider Ilya Khurtin and ski jumper Ilya Mankov

Ukraine’s opposition welcomes Russia’s decision to lift ban on transit of Ukrainian goods

The chairman of the political council of the Ukrainian party Opposition Platform - For Life stressed the economic importance of the decree