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Russian stock indices in the green as trading on Moscow Exchange closes on Wednesday

The dollar-to-ruble rate went up by 0.397% to 92.25 rubles, while the euro-to-ruble rate climbed 0.36% and amounted to 100.29 rubles

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Russian stock indices were mostly in positive territory on Wednesday, recovering from a wave of profit-taking the day before.

By the end of the trading session on the Moscow Exchange, the MOEX index edged up by 0.07% to 3,267.1 points, the dollar-denominated RTS index rose by 0.21% to 1,113.87 points.

The yuan-to-ruble exchange rate decreased by 0.036% to 12.798 rubles, the dollar-to-ruble rate went up by 0.397% to 92.25 rubles, the euro-to-ruble rate climbed 0.36% and amounted to 100.29 rubles.

"The rise in Russian stock indices was restrained by the tendency of the ruble to strengthen and the price decline in oil, which, however, has remained at highs since the fall of 2023," said investment strategist at BCS World of Investments Alexander Bakhtin.

"Markets are waiting for the results of the Fed meeting. A reduction in interest rates is not expected, but investors will listen carefully to the rhetoric of the regulator’s leadership. Signals from the Fed at the moment can significantly influence the dynamics of risky assets, including raw materials, through the movements of the global dollar," the analyst believes.

On Wednesday, the growth leaders at the end of the session were ordinary and preferred shares of Rostelecom (+4.77% and +3.92%), receipts of Etalon (+3.43%), shares of Detsky Mir (+3.41 %), Yandex quoted prices (+3.25%), Ozon receipts (+3.01%), Cherkizovo quoted prices (+2.88%), Transneft preferred shares (+1.55%).

At the end of the session, the leaders of decline were shares of RussNeft (-3.57%), shares of TCS Holding (-3.49%), quoted prices of Gazprom Neft (-2.8%), ordinary and preferred shares of Mechel (-2.44% and -2.2%), Rosneft securities (-1.67%).

According to a forecast by BCS World of Investments, on March 21, the MOEX Index will vary in the range of 3,235-3,325 points, the dollar-to-ruble rate will be 91-93 rubles.

Freedom Finance Global expects that tomorrow the MOEX index will show fluctuations in the range of 3,200-3,300 points, the dollar-to-ruble rate can trade in the range of 91-93 rubles, the euro-to-ruble rate will be in the range of 99-101 rubles, the yuan-to-ruble rate will be in the range of 12.5-12.9 rubles.

Bank of Russia expects growth of prices on country’s non-energy export in midterm

According to the regulator’s forecast, the processes of adjustment and refocusing of supply directions will still be observed in 2024

Battlegroup North liberates four settlements in Kharkov Region in past day

Russian air defenses also downed a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet

Four Storm Shadow missiles, 12 Olkha rockets, 31 UAVs targeting Russia destroyed overnight

"Russian air defense forces on duty destroyed 12 Olkha rockets and 12 UAVs over the Belgorod Region, eight UAVs over the Kursk Region, four Storm Shadow missiles and seven UAVs over Crimea," the ministry noted

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Ukraine’s shelling of civilians backfires, unites Russians against common enemy — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik cited as an example this March, when during the presidential election in Russia's regions bordering Ukraine the number of shellings increased significantly, especially in the Kursk Region

North Korean delegation arrives in Russia’s Primorsky Region — news agency

Bilateral exchanges between Russia and North Korea have intensified since the second half of 2012

Russian forces down drones over Lipetsk Region, fire breaks out at power plant

An air raid alert has been introduced in the Lipetsk Region at 3:49 a.m. Moscow time (0:49 a.m. GMT)

Death toll in partial building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 11

Earlier reports said 10 people were missing and being searched for as a section of the building collapsed following a Ukrainian attack

Press review: Russia installs new defense minister and Ukrainian terror in Belgorod

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 13th

US ready to do utmost relieving Kiev of responsibility for atrocities — Russian ambassador

"The reaction of American officials to the deadly strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on residential areas, or rather the absence of even a hint of condolences, is very telling," Anatoly Antonov said

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

Russia ready to assist flood-hit Afghanistan — diplomat

Maria Zakharova expressed sincere condolences to the Afghan people over the natural disaster

Mauritius working on Mir system introduction — Russian Ambassador

Mir cards are now accepted in nine countries but operations of the system are limited in six of them

Top British diplomat concerned about potential Russian advance in Kharkov Region

The West expects the Ukrainian army to be able to stand its ground this year

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Fans banned from bringing Russian flags to IIHF World Championship matches

The tournament is taking place in the Czech Republic on May 10-26

Rusagro posts 68% drop in net profit under IFRS for Q1

Net debt totaled $683 mln as of March 31, 2024

Motor rifle troops in Urals receive upgraded T-72B3M tanks

The T-72B3M is a heavily upgraded version of the T-72 main battle tank

Putin’s decision to appoint Belousov as Russia’s defense chief explained by Kremlin

"On the battlefield today, the winner is the one who is more open to innovation <…>. Therefore, at this stage, the president has made a decision for a civilian to head the Defense Ministry," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Lawmakers support all candidates to Russia’s new government — first deputy speaker

In Zhukov’s words, the candidates "demonstrated their competence, as well as clear understanding of their duties in the government"

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Putin proposes Belousov as Shoigu's replacement: what is known about cabinet reshuffle

Other heads of security ministries and services, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, will retain their posts in the government

Federation Council holds consultations on Belousov's candidacy for top defense official

As the press service of the upper chamber of the parliament explained, the Federation Council will not make any public statements about the candidates based on the results of the consultations

Kharkov authorities acknowledge advance of Russian troops

The head of the military administration cited the delay in Western arms deliveries as the reason for the Ukrainian forces' failures

FSB says Ukrainians attempted to attack May 9 crowds in Mariupol using drones

In all, more than 300 Ukrainian drones have been jammed over five large cities in the DPR over the past week

Four Russian Emergencies Ministry employees injured in drone attack on DPR

Currently, the injured are in the hospital, being provided with the necessary medical care

Egypt decides to join South Africa’s UN court case against Israel

Egypt called on the Jewish state to "implement the ICJ’s provisional measures ordering Israel to ensure the entry of enough humanitarian aid to meet the needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip"

Death toll in partially collapsed apartment building in Belgorod climbs to 15

Belgorod and its suburbs came under massive shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces earlier on May 12

Polish diplomat fears Russian response should Warsaw decide to house NATO nukes

Warsaw should weigh joining the program should such a need arise for the alliance’s security architecture, Andrzej Szejna insisted

Russian National Guard to ensure that perpetrators of Belgorod attack face retribution

Belgorod and its surroundings were subjected to massive Ukrainian shelling on Sunday

Russian robotic drone jammers shield evacuation groups in Ukraine operation

The innovation was prompted by the existence of gray zones in areas of combat operations that are dangerous for groups to evacuate wounded personnel, Denis Oslomenko noted

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

Ex-Yandex employee detained for state treason, sponsoring Ukraine — FSB

According to the FSB, he subsequently left Russia while hiding from partial mobilization

Russian forces repelled 15 Ukrainian attacks over past week, analyst says

Andrey Marochko noted that Russian forces destroyed six tanks, including two Leopard tanks, as well as over 40 different vehicles, including armored vehicles, field artillery guns and three counter-battery stations during the abovementioned period

US veteran calls Washington’s decision to drop Elbe Day celebrations with Russia ‘dumb’

That was the last good link that we had, Frank Cohn said

West may benefit from Zelensky’s elimination to put blame on Russia — DPR head

France sends outdated missiles to Kiev in move to save money, expert believes

However, these missile systems should not be underestimated as they are high-precision weapons that have an operational range of up to 560 kilometers, depending on specific modification, Alexander Stepanov said

Three civilians killed in Ukrainian attack on LPR’s Krasnodon — governor

Leonid Pasechnik said that one of the components of the missile fired by the Ukrainian serviceme fell on a children's playground: "Fortunately, there were no people on it at that moment"

US is plotting another pandemic — Russian Defense Ministry

"We do not rule out the United States may use so-called defensive technologies for offensive purposes, as well as for global governance by creating crisis situations of biological nature," lieutenant general Igor Kirillov stressed

Russia remaining second largest supplier of LNG to Spain

In the first four months of 2024, Madrid purchased 26,854 GWh of gas from Russia, according to data provided by Spanish energy company Enagas

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

At least 11 Belgorod residents killed in Ukrainian shelling attacks in past day

According to Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, 25 people have been injured in the city over the past 24 hours, of whom three have been taken to hospital

Poll reveals mixed feelings towards Internet in Russia

According to the survey, more than half of respondents (53%) do not consider the Internet to be a source of any danger

Russia launches program to assist veterans in returning to civilian life

Army General Alexander Dvornikov added that heroes of the special operation will participate in military-patriotic events engaging young people

National project on labor efficiency to cover at least 40% of enterprises by 2030 — Novak

According to the minister, it is planned to involve 100% of state and municipal enterprises of the social area in the project on growth of labor efficiency

One in two Germans believe Russia unlikely to attack NATO, poll shows

Only two percent of respondents are confident that the German army is well prepared to defend the country, while 39% believe the armed forces are in poor condition.

US destroys Houthi drone over Gulf of Aden

The military noted that the drone posed an imminent threat to US and allied warships and commercial vessel's

Putin nominates Boris Kovalchuk as head of Accounts Chamber

The nomination is yet to be approved by the Federation Council

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Kiev tried to kill Chief of Russia’s General Staff Gerasimov, The New York Times says

According to the daily, Kiev allegedly launched the attack when Gerasimov was on the front line

Russian troops destroy over 30 Ukrainian observation posts in Kherson area over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on May 12 that Russian troops had inflicted roughly 50 casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kherson direction over the past 24 hours

US forms new anti-China, anti-Russia proxy alliances in APR — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the Pentagon has formed a kind of strike group comprising Japan, the Philippines and Australia, which includes high-accuracy and long-range weapons systems and components of the US missile defense and air defenses

Putin approves structure of new government

According to his decree, the distribution of authority between deputy prime ministers has changed

Russia to enter new promising markets for growth of non-resource-based exports

Growth of labor efficiency is the key factor for Russia to become one of the world’s top four economies, Alexander Novak noted

West attempted to disrupt Aeroflot flights to Mauritius — Russian Ambassador

The Western countries "stoop to nothing" in order to prevent other countries from developing relations with Russia, Konstantin Klimovsky said

Gerasimov to continue his duties as chief of Russian General Staff — Kremlin spokesman

"The military component has always been a prerogative of the Chief of General Staff, and he will continue his duties. In this sense, no changes are expected at this point," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia to restore peace in Donbass regardless of Zelensky’s attempts — MFA

Russia will bring back the long-awaited peace and will solve the most complex tasks, Maria Zakharova said

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, "fierce fighting" is taking place in the Kharkov Region

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Russian budget deficit preliminarily totals $16 bln in January-April — finance ministry

"The built-in parameterization of the revenue base and expenditure commitments of federal budget ensures the primary structural balance starting 2025 in accordance with fiscal rule parameters," the report said

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Ukraine replaces Kharkov group commander for second time in two months

Mikhail Drapaty, who continues to be a deputy chef of the general staff, replaced former Kharkov group commander, Yury Galushkin, who was appointed to the post in early April 2024 to succeed Andrey Gritskov

Swedish PM allows for presence of nuclear arms stateside in wartime

Ulf Kristersson answered a question on there being no official ban on nuclear arms in a bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the US, even though such a ban is in effect in Norway and Finland

US top diplomat discusses developments in Rafah with Israeli defense minister

"The Secretary reaffirmed the US opposition to a major military ground operation in Rafah, where over one million people have taken shelter," according to the US Department of State

Russian troops wipe out 10 pieces of Western armor in DPR

It is noted that the number of destroyed Western armored vehicles could be considerably larger

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Ukraine fires at least three ATACMS missiles at LPR’s Krasnodon — military expert

Andrey Marochko said that emergency services, the National Guard and the Interior Ministry were working at the scene "to protect civilians"

Russia’s offensive near Kharkov to put Ukrainian reserves under more stress — expert

Mick Ryan suggested that Russia intends to form buffer zones "in Ukraine itself" to prevent potential Ukrainian long-range attacks

Ceasefire in Gaza to occur after hostages release — Biden

"There would be a cease fire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," US President said

Russia expects global bodies to impartially assess Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod — envoy

"We want an unbiased view of the events that are taking place," Rodion Miroshnik said

Developer shows first image of Russia's new Sarmat ballistic missile

The RS-28 Sarmat is the newest heavy liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile currently being co-developed to replace the world’s largest and most formidable ballistic missile, the Voyevoda

Global geopolitical situation may have serious implications for trade — expert

It is noted that further aggravation of the current situation may have serious implications for global trade

Ukraine’s military redeploying reserves to Kharkov from DPR

It is reported that currently, several Ukrainian army brigades are stationed in Krasnoarmeisk

Putin relieves Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev of duty

The announcement about Nikolay Patrushev’s new post will be made shortly, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Multiple deaths, at least 20 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling of Belgorod

At least eight people were reported to have been killed and 20 - wounded, including two children

Kharkov Region’s authorities continue evacuation of civilians

A total of 1,377 local residents have been evacuated from the Chuguyevsky District, 2,097 form the Kharkovsky District, and another 29 from the Bogodukhovsky Sky District

Russia urges OSCE to condemn Ukraine's criminal attack on Belgorod — mission

Russia’s mission to the OSCE said that "there should be no double standards or political filters at the OSCE when it comes to obviously brutal violations of international humanitarian law by the Kiev regime"

Police in Tbilisi starts dispersing protesters near Georgian Parliament’s building

Protestors refuse to follow the instructions of the police, a TASS correspondent reported

Section of high-rise residential building collapses in Belgorod

Five people suffered injuries

Russian National Guard uncovers nationalists’ weapons in Kharkov, Zaporozhye Regions

It was noted that during clashes in one of the communities in the Zaporozhye Region, Russian National Guard senior lieutenant N. Perkov eliminated two nationalists from the adversary’s sabotage and reconnaissance group

Kharkov regions aspiring to join Russia — interim administration

According to Head of the Kharkov Region’s interim civil administration Vitaly Ganchev, residents are already making numerous enquiries about receiving the Russian citizenship

Kiev troops shell Kherson Region’s Skadovsk, casualties reported — governor

The Vladimir Saldo added that power and water supplies were disrupted in some parts of the city

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

Gazprom delivering 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe through Ukraine via Sudzha

The volume also stood at 42.4 mln cubic meters on May 11

Mercenaries’ flow to Ukraine declining — Business Insider

A half of coming mercenaries now is from Latin America, Carl Larson, a US veteran that participated in hostilities in Ukraine in summer 2022

Five SBU agents sentenced to significant time in prison in Crimea for espionage — FSB

Five Ukrainian nationals, aged between 30 and 55, collected and transferred to SBU officers data about the deployment, number and itineraries of Russian troops in the special military operation zone, investigators established

Russian air defenses destroy two Ukrainian drones over Belgorod Region

Russian Defense Ministry said that Another attempt by the Kiev regime to use fixed-wing drones to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia was foiled at about 1:30 p.m. Moscow time

Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet crashes in Far East

The pilot ejected and was not injured in the accident

Conference in Switzerland pointless without Russia — Turkish diplomatic source

"However, the talks’ success will rest on Kiev’s willingness to hold dialogue, which is absent judging by the recent statements by Ukrainian leaders," the source added

Poland cancels talks with Ukraine over corruption allegations

It is reported that the Polish Agriculture Ministry failed to solve all the problems of the farmers, which led to their mass protests

Search and rescue operations over at partially collapsed residential building in Belgorod

Seventeen people were rescued, a spokesperson for the Russian Emergencies Ministry said

Russia’s S-300PS in Tajikistan confirm combat readiness

In April, at a meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the CIS armed forces special attention was paid to the development of the joint communication and air defense systems

Several explosions heard in Belgorod after civil defense sirens start to wail again

Rescuers clearing the rubble of a partially collapsed ten-storey building in the city had to once again pause the rescue and recovery effort and take cover in a nearby shelter

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Russia’s new Security Council secretary to assume senior posts in other bodies

Dmitry Peskov said that the new structure of the Russian executive branch places the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, previously under control of the Russian Defense Ministry, under direct subordination of the Russian presiden

Ukraine shells Krasnodon in LPR due to Russia’s successes in Kharkov area — ruling party

"They think that they can intimidate us but we know that our victory is near," Ivan Sanayev noted

Black Sea Fleet makes invaluable contribution to routing Ukrainian army, says Crimean head

Sergey Aksyonov congratulated Fleet commanders, service members and veterans on Black Sea Fleet Day and wished them "good health, prosperity and new successes in serving the Fatherland and our quickest victory!"

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

Putin hears reports on `barbaric’ attack at Belgorod, gives all instructions — Kremlin

"All necessary instructions have been given," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said as he condemned the latest missile attack on Belgorod as barbaric