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Banks take note of growing dirham demand among Russians

It is reported that dirhams are popular among tourists exchanging the currency in advance at a rate beneficial for them but no roaring demand is observed

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. Russian banks take note of the demand for the UAE cash among their customers.

"We have launched the cash dirham purchase and sale service just recently but already see the growing demand of clients," the press service of Sberbank told TASS.

Dirhams enjoy the demand, said Sovcombank, which is selling dirhams from last September. "We saw the high demand for tourist purposes on the eve of holidays; the demand is growing at the same time for purposes of diversification of savings. Cash withdrawal restrictions stimulate citizens to form a portion of savings in cash currency," Managing Director of Sovcombank Philipp Agrachev said.

Dirhams are popular among tourists exchanging the currency in advance at a rate beneficial for them but no roaring demand is observed, press service of Otkritie Bank said.

Putin approves Russia’s development goals by 2030

The Cabinet is to finalize and approve an integrated plan for achievement of national development goals for the period by 2030 and in the longer term by 2036 by February 15 of this year

More than 70,000 tons of polluted soil gathered in Krasnodar Region

Activities of gathering and removing soil polluted with fuel oil are now underway on the area with the total length of 63 km

Ukrainian forces lose up to 310 servicemen in Russia’s Kursk direction

One infantry fighting vehicle was destroyed, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Four drones, two USVs destroyed in Sevastopol

All municipal services are working in the robust security regime

Chinese embassy tells US to stop smearing Beijing in cybersecurity affairs

The comments came after the New York Times reported on Monday that the US Treasury Department accused China-related hackers of breaching its electronic systems

Houthi movement strikes US aircraft carrier — spokesperson

The US forces were preparing a "major strike" against the Yemen’s territory

Russians would ask for success in special military operation, survey reveals

The survey results show that more than half of Russians follow the tradition of making a wish as the New Year’s chimes strike

Bosphorus transit suspended due to malfunction of tanker en route to Russia

The Cordelia Moon is 274 meters long and 50 meters wide

Ukrainian drones destroyed in North Ossetia, Crimea — Russian Defense Ministry

"On December 31, air defense assets on duty destroyed seven Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles from 08:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Moscow time," the ministry said

Humankind to face serious decline in herd immunity — expert

"As soon as our vaccination rate drops to 85-87%, these 3% of the people will be exposed to infections against our degree of crowding in cities," Baranova added

Temporary security restrictions were triggered at Kazan airport — aviation authority

Restrictions on arrivals and departures of airplanes at the Kazan Airport have been lifted from 09:30 a.m.

Dollar exchange rate surges by almost 6% surpassing 111 rubles on Forex

The euro exchange rate is trading above 109 rubles

Russian air defenses destroyed 103 Ukrainian drones over day

Ukrainian army lost up to 505 servicemen from Russia’s Battlegroup West actions

Russia open to talks on Ukraine, agreement must be ironclad — Lavrov

"I would like to particularly emphasize that this can only be about reliable, legally binding agreements which must remove the root causes of the conflict and enshrine the mechanism of the impossibility to violate them," he explained.

Ankara debunks claims that Erdogan had contacts with Israel on Syria

The Department for combating disinformation in the Turkish Presidential Office pointed out that its policy towards Israel in regards to the "policy of genocide," carried out in the Gaza Strip, remains unchanged, and the two countries do not engage in any contacts

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novotroitskoye — top brass

The battlegroup East has eliminated up to 170 Ukrainian servicemen over the past 24 hours, the military emphasized

South Korea to inspect all Boeing 737-800s after Jeju Air plane crash

The country has declared a week of mourning

Ukrainian troops leave their positions in Shevchenko near Krasnoarmeysk

"The Ukrainian military has abandoned its positions in Shevchenko. They could not withstand the onslaught of our troops and combined strikes," the sources told TASS

Trump’s Greenland comments could be part of policy of countering Russia and China — media

Trump’s transition team did not respond to a TASS request for comment

Drone destroyed over test range in North Ossetia — head of region

The drone threat was announced in regions of the North Caucasian Federal District from 04:00 a.m. local time

US, UK carry out airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen — report

According to the Houthi-controlled television channel, two strikes hit targets in the Hodeidah province. No further information was provided

Jeju Air plane returns to airport after departure due to landing gear problem - media

The plane took off from Gimpo International Airport on Monday

Upgraded T-90M tank to enter service soon

The first consignment will be enough to rearm one battalion

Two militants killed while preparing terrorist attack against Kadyrov

They had arrived in Grozny on instructions from warlord Doku Umarov

Russian Su-35S jets cover combat aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian troops in Kursk area

It is highlighted that the Su-35S fighters practiced aerial cover in the designated area for sorties by bombers and attack aircraft and army aviation helicopters in delivering air strikes at Ukrainian armor and manpower

Russia practically eliminates remnants of Ukraine’s Air Force — source

The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

US Treasury says China-related hackers breached its systems — report

This is not the first time the US recently made allegations of attacks by Chinese-affiliated hackers on US infrastructure

Ukrainian troops attempt unsuccessful counterattack in DPR — republic’s head

The adversary attempted a counterattack with several of these attempts resulting in enemy losses

Special aircraft brings Kyrgyz citizens injured in plane crash near Aktau to Bishkek

The plane arrived at the international airport in the Kyrgyz capital on the night of December 30

Air defenses thwart nearly 170 Ukrainian air attacks on DPR over week

The system also intercepted a fixed-wing drone attempting to attack the Makeyevka machine-building plant

Ukrainian army lost over 445 servicemen in Kursk Region over day

"Losses of the Ukrainian armed forces totaled more than 445 servicemen; an armored personnel carrier, thirteen armored combat vehicles, and twenty-two motor vehicles were destroyed," the ministry said

Putin wishes prosperity to every family in Russia

Russians always treat the New Year’s Eve warmly and cordially, the president said

Illegal migrants must leave Russia or legalize their status until April 30 — decree

The deportation requirement will not be applied to foreigners, who want to stay on legal grounds and have met several preconditions

Kiev’s newly built host airfields for F-16s to be wiped out before paint dries — experts

It is noted that the Russian Armed Forces will wait until the construction work reaches a certain point and then carry out strikes to destroy what has been built

German lawmaker slams Ukrainian diplomat for demanding more weapons

According to Sevim Dagdelen, Friedrich Merz, Economic Minister Robert Habeck and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz 'will probably continue to burn German taxpayer money in Ukraine'

Fox News includes Biden’s Putin slip-up in top political gaffes of 2024

The list also concludes Biden calling Donald Trump’s supporters "garbage" during the US presidential campaign

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un wishes to Putin, Russia that 2025 be year of ‘great victory’

The North Korean leader said he was sending the wishes on behalf of himself, the Korean people and all the service personnel of the country’s armed forces

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

Russia to respond to blocking of media Telegram channels in EU — diplomat

Zakharova noted that blocking a Russian news outlet is seen as the reinforcement of the West’s policy to suppress

Taiwan reports approach of 23 Chinese planes, six vessels

16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ

Trade turnover between Russia, Thailand to be about $2 bln as of 2024 year-end

"The business of the two counties want to cooperate and looks for models of interaction in the environment of toughening of the so-called sanction. It seems important for me because there are avenues of interest for the business exactly with the long-term focus. This pertains to branches of industry, energy, transport, agriculture, pharmacy and food security provision," the Russian diplomat added

Public debt back on Europe's agenda for first time in five years — media

It estimates that increasing public debt during the coronavirus pandemic was not seen as a priority in European countries due to low interest rates

Conference on Syria’s future to take place in Damascus in early January — report

The conference will involve 1,200 people, who will represent all segments of the society, as well as various religious and ethnic groups

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

Thirteen officers who fled Syria detained while crossing border into Lebanon

According to a Lebanese security source, local residents spotted the fleeing Syrian soldiers in a pickup truck that had crossed the border near the village of Mish Mish in the Akkar border district

Germany seen defenseless against Russia’s Oreshnik missile system — report

Bild said the German Foreign Ministry commissioned an internal government analysis on defense from ballistic missiles

FACTBOX: It’s all about the tree: How Russia celebrates New Year

The main New Year’s tree celebration takes place in the State Kremlin Palace

Gazprom supplies 42.4 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine to Sudzha

The application for pumping through Sokhranovka was rejected by the Ukrainian side

Foreign Minister of Syria to make his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia

Hassan al-Shaybani said that the new Syrian authorities hope to build strategic relationships with Riyadh in all areas

Georgia expects steps from new US leadership to improve relations — PM

On November 30, the US State Department announced that the United States had suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia

Fighting erupts on border between Afghanistan, Pakistan — report

According to sources, light and heavy weapons were employed in the skirmishes

Finnish president wants to be more Ukrainian than Ukrainians — Lavrov

" I know that Kiev's officials never stop speculating about the illegitimacy of the Russian Federation, because the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was written down in the UN Charter," the Russian foreign minister said

Ukrainian army hit hospital in Kherson Region again

Attacks did not result in new casualties, Alekseenko added

China uses opportunities to promote cooperation with Russia — PM

Beijing is ready to cooperate with Moscow and use the consensus reached between the head of two states

Kiev loses nearly 400,000 soldiers on Lugansk’s frontline in 2024

Andrey Marochko noted that over the year the Russian army did not just manage to withstand the onslaught of the Ukrainian armed forces and mercenaries, but also "successfully advanced" deep into the enemy’s defense

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

Russian troops liberate Novoelenovka settlement in Donetsk People's Republic

At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces hit energy facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, airfields, storage depots, command posts, and launch sites for attack drones over the day

Investigators of Azerbaijan Airlines crash to release findings within 30 days — official

The Kazakh Transport Ministry earlier announced that it sent flight recorders from the plane to the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center in Brazil

Azerbaijan toughens rules of stay for Russian citizens

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has signed a decree on the matter

Oreshnik missile systems still few, but they are enough — Putin

According to the head of state, the system's serial production has begun

Ukraine’s army reports forced retreat to ‘last defensive line’ in Donbass area

Ukraine’s General Staff admitted earlier that the frontline situation remained tense for the Ukrainian army

Ukrainian authorities close electricity market trading data

The Market Operator is responsible for organization of trading in electric power and electricity supply

Putin approves Russia’s development goals by 2030

The Cabinet is to finalize and approve an integrated plan for achievement of national development goals for the period by 2030 and in the longer term by 2036 by February 15 of this year

Restrictions lifted in three airports — Russian aviation agency

Restrictions in airports were introduced for civilian flights safety reasons

Putin congratulates foreign leaders on New Year and Christmas

The list did not include the leaders of the UK, Germany, the US, France, Japan, and other large states unfriendly to Russia

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

Ukrainian forces attack Kherson region hospital with drone, chief doctor seriously injured

His deputy was killed, Head of the region Vladimir Saldo reported

AI in healthcare may lead to substitution of doctors by new technologies — expert

"For example, the US and Russia are moving to semi-automatic medicine but the more automated a system becomes, the easier it will be to substitute doctors by AI. And they will be replaced, particularly in ‘conventional medicine,’ in polyclinics and medical institutions at the governmental level," Baranova noted.

US must make first step to restore ties with Russia — Lavrov

"So we’ll see. If the Americans begin to take our interests into account, dialogue will gradually recover. If not - then everything will remain the way it is," the top Russian diplomat said

Ukrainian Armed Forces attack settlements in Russia’s Belgorod region over 50 times

One person was injured, the region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 37.2 mcm via Sudzha

The contract on Russian gas transit via Ukraine expires at the turn of 2024

INTERVIEW: Georgia’s people, new government lack desire to become West’s pawn — Lavrov

He noted that over many years, Washington and its allies have been using "color revolutions" as a tool to contain their geopolitical rivals and get rid of those unwanted

Baku demands Moscow admit guilt, punish those responsible for AZAL plane crash

Russian, Azerbaijani presidents hold telephone conversation on Aktau plane crash

Musk calls idea of Russian NPP on Moon ‘interesting’

US entrepreneur and founder of the SpaceX space technology company Elon Musk has called the prospect of delivering a Russian nuclear power plant to the Moon in 2033-2035 "interesting."

Kazakhstan sends AZAL plane flight recorders to Brazil for decoding

"The flight recorders will be delivered to the CENIPA," the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan said

Former Armenian defense minister detained in Moscow

Arshak Karapetyan has been put on the international wanted list under a number of articles of the Criminal Code, law enforcement bodies told TASS

COVID-19 pandemic prompted quick development of technologies — expert

"Medical awareness of the population increased" seriously in connection with the pandemic, the professor added

Russian Cabinet to expand duties on products from unfriendly countries

Higher rates of duties are also introduced for individual kinds of meat and fish, canned ready food made of vegetables, fruits and nuts, confectionery, pasta, and soft drinks

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Expert offers to use navy ships to escort tankers after Eagle S incident

Alexander Stepanov believes that NATO intends to lock the Kaliningrad enclave, to lock the Russian trade fleet in Neva estuary and to simultaneously block the Leningrad naval base

Putin addresses Russians with New Year's greetings from Kremlin

Putin's New Year's address will be shown before midnight local time in all time zones

China, Russia move ahead avoiding confrontation — Xi Jinping

According to Chinese President, mutual political trust and coordination of positions between China and Russia "regularly rise to higher levels under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries"

Kremlin points to a wide range of countries to host negotiations on Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow respects the peacekeeping efforts of various countries

Russian units attack Ukrainian troops near Kurakhovo power plant in DPR — republic’s head

"Russian units are also storming the industrial zone and we are also seeing combat in the vicinity of the thermal power plant," he said in a video address published on his Telegram channel

Moscow condemns Israel’s disproportionate strikes on Yemen — Russia’s UN envoy

Information in the media that the IDF air force attack on Yemeni ports was planned in advance is alarming, Vasily Nebenzya emphasized

FACTBOX: New Year’s celebrations in Russia

In 2024, according to a government decree, December 29-31 (Sunday through Tuesday) will be days off, while December 28 (Saturday) will be a working day

Court issues warrant to detain impeached South Korean president — agency

According to the agency, it has not yet made a decision about its next moves regarding the president

The Carter Center confirms death of former US president Jimmy Carter

The Carter Center non-governmental organization confirmed the death of Jimmy Carter

Biden announces around $2.5 bln in aid for Ukraine

The American president also said the US Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds and thousands of missiles to Kiev

Putin orders Accounts Chamber to analyze National Projects implementation

The relevant assignment was given in conclusion of the meeting of the Council for Strategic Development

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

Slovak PM calls on EU to pay urgent attention to Ukraine's decision to halt gas transit

Robert Fico stated that the EU's governing bodies had not adequately evaluated the negative consequences of halting gas transit through Ukraine

Kiev signs deal with World Bank on $15 bln loan from US using Russian assets

The agreement will include funds from the PEACE in Ukraine project and part of the $20 bln US contribution to the G7 initiative, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal announced

Houthis declare missile strike against Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv

The movement also attacked a power plant located in the vicinity of Jerusalem

Russia not satisfied with Trump team’s proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

At the same time, Lavrov noted that Moscow has not received any official signals from the United States on the Ukrainian settlement at the moment

INTERVIEW: US applies Ukrainian scenario to pressure China — Lavrov

"We do not make assumptions about the plans of the future US administration", Russian Foreign Minister said

Russia updates record for rice harvest surpassing 1.2 mln tons — Agriculture Ministry

At the same time, almost two thirds of the production falls on the Krasnodar region - in 2024 the rice harvest in the region amounted to 829,000 tons

Over 340 military officials’ cars set on fire in Ukraine over year

According to the report, the majority of these crimes occurred between Spring and Summer this year

Putin establishes scholarship for Olympic athletes, coaches

The size of the scholarship depends on its category; its maximum size stands at $555 every month

US to shut down federal agencies, departments on January 9 to honor Jimmy Carter’s memory

Some offices, department and agency facilities will continue to operate on January 9 "for reasons of national security, defense or other public need"