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Consumer Sentiment Index up 6 pp in Q1 2024 — statistics

"It is critical that growing demand of the population for purchases of goods and services was supported by development of the economy of the offer in key industries," Konstantin Tuzov noted

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Consumer Sentiment Index reflecting overall consumer expectations of households gained 6 percentage points (pp) quarter on quarter in the first quarter 2024 and stood at minus 7%, according to the Russian state statistical service.

The share of respondents positively assessing changes in the Russian economy during the next twelve months increased by 5 pp quarterly in the first quarter of 2024 to plus 27%. The share of neutral estimates added 4 pp to plus 48%. The share of negative estimates lost 8 pp to plus 24%.

"The consolidated consumer sentiment index has almost returned to 2014 figures. It is critical that growing demand of the population for purchases of goods and services was supported by development of the economy of the offer in key industries," research fellow of the Institute of Applied Economic Research Konstantin Tuzov told TASS in a comment.

The main conclusion that can be drawn is that the consumer demand will remain stable in the midterm to support the economy, the expert said. "Growth in real salaries will be the main factor stimulating the demand," Tuzov added.

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

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

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

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.

State of emergency triggered in two districts of Omsk Region due to flood

The emergency situation was earlier announced in the Ust-Ishimsky District

Russian forces hit Ukrainian points of deployment and equipment at railway stations

Тhe Russian Ministry of Defense noted that "air defense systems, arsenals, fuel depots, workshops for the production and repair of unmanned boats and UAVs, temporary deployment points for foreign mercenaries

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

Those complicit in terrorist attacks on Russian territory to be inevitably punished — MFA

On May 11, the day of the anniversary of the DPR, Ukrainian neo-Nazis fired US-made HIMARS missiles at the city of Donetsk, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reminded

New US arms shipment to Ukraine a reaction to Russia’s success at frontline — envoy

Anatoly Antonov also castigated the US administration for shrugging off responsibility for Ukrainian attacks at civilian facilities in Russia with the use of weapons being supplied from the United States

Section of high-rise residential building collapses in Belgorod

Five people suffered injuries

Israel carries out strikes on refugee accommodation centers in Jabalia - TV

The Israeli army is conducting a raid on the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus

Iraq, Kazakhstan to compensate for over-produced oil volumes by year-end

Iraq and Kazakhstan were to submit their detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 30, 2024

Russia-Japan trade turnover falls by 45.3% in 2023

The key cause for the fall in trade turnover between the two countries was the Japanese side's restrictive measures implemented in light of the situation in Ukraine

Russian ombudswoman urges world to denounce terrorism in wake of Belgorod attack

Tatyana Moskalkova also said she had asked her counterpart in the Russian borderline region of Belgorod to give necessary assistance to those affected as she wished soonest recovery to people injured in the attack

Twelve Vampire missiles destroyed over Russia’s Belgorod Region

The on-duty air defenses destroyed 12 missiles over the Belgorod Region

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

Battlegroup North liberates four settlements in Kharkov Region in past day

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

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

Relations with Russia are really important for Israel — Ambassador to Moscow

Dialogue between Israel and Russia is important, including on those topics where the parties "absolutely disagree," Simona Halperin said

Drone shot down near Crimea’s Simferopol, no casualties

Crimean head Sergey Aksyonov called upon residents to stay calm and rely on official sources of information

Seventeen people hospitalized after Belgorod shelling — governor

Two women are in an extremely grave condition; doctors are endeavoring to rescue their lives," Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Fans banned from bringing Russian flags to IIHF World Championship matches

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

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

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

Ukrainian shelling causes section of high-rise building to collapse in Belgorod

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into the Ukrainian attack

Entrepreneurs flock back to Russia amid improved business climate — Kremlin

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing data from the Finion company, that up to 45% of citizens who left the Russian Federation since the beginning of the special military operation have returned to the country

Mauritius set for friendship with Russia — Russian Ambassador

Mauritius also took place in the second Russia-Africa summit

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

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

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

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

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

Putin confident in Russia’s victory in special military operation

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony

Some countries reevaluating reliance on dollar over national security concerns — IMF

Meanwhile, "despite increased geopolitical risks, the latest data show that the US dollar remains dominant," Gita Gopinath noted

China ready to make car models meeting Russian market’s demand — envoy

Beijing expects Chinese car producers to uphold the image of their brands, Zhang Hanhui added

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

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

Russian military fights Nazi followers in special military operation — Shoigu

He stressed that during the war, the qualities of a multinational people were revealed — its strength and fortitude, incredible mutual support, and a commitment to fight for the ideas of justice and humanism

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

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

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

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"

Delegations from 25 Russian regions to visit Sino-Russian forum in Harbin

The 8th Russia-China Expo will be held in Harbin from May 17 to 21, 2024

Fire breaks out in Volgograd Refinery due to drone crash

No casualties, the regional administration said

Residential building partially collapses in Russia’s Komi Region

The press service told TASS that 14 people had been evacuated which is everyone who was present in the building at the time of the collapse

Russian defense industry creates over 520,000 new jobs in 18 months — Putin

People taking these positions are working very intensively, "in two, and on certain sites in three shifts," the Russian president stressed

Government spent 4tn rubles on crisis support of Russia’s economy, first deputy PM says

Russia’s government took from banks in the form of loans, Andrei Belousov said

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

Russia’s 6th-generation fighter jet to get lasers capable of burning missile homing heads

In addition to electromagnetic guns, the Russian sixth-generation fighter jet will also get guided electronic munitions

General staff chiefs of CIS armies discuss ways of counteracting drones — Russian general

The meeting participants also discussed developing joint (unified) military systems

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

Putin nominates Boris Kovalchuk as head of Accounts Chamber

The nomination is yet to be approved by the Federation Council

White House claims Russian forces started offensive on Kharkov

" We’ve been coordinating closely with Ukraine to help them prepare", John Kirby said

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

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

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

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"

Life on tusk tip. Chukchi bone-carving workshop upholds tradition for 90 years

People there work hard in long winter or short summer afternoons

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

France’s Bonduelle to continue operations in Russia, observe sanctions, says company head

It was stressed that Bonduelle’s mission is to "feed people, not to wage a war against Russians, Kazakhs or Central Asia"

Nine Russian canoeists cleared for 2024 Olympics qualifiers in Hungary’s Szeged

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board convened for a meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 19-20 and following the opening day it decided to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in the Parade of Athletes and also exclude them from the 2024 Olympics overall medal standings

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 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

Russia’s Battlegroup West destroys Ukrainian armored vehicles, M777 howitzer

Crews manning the Msta-SM2 self-propelled artillery system from the 1st Guard Tank Army also destroyed a manpower, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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

Three people wounded by rocket firing against Israel’s Ashkelon — newspaper

The rocket fired from the Gaza Strip fell together with the intercepting missile on a residential house, resulting in heavy damage, The Jerusalem Post said

Kiev troops presumably used ATACMS missiles to strike Lugansk — politician

"Missiles hit an oil storage facility within city limits," Vladimir Rogov said

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

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

Press review: Russia flexes nuclear muscle and Israel signals imminent offensive in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 7th

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

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

Ukrainian army loses up to 160 troops in Battlegroup East responsibility zone

The military agency added that Ukrainian losses included two armored fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, a Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicle, a self-propelled artillery system and three howitzers

Trump sees Biden willing to stop all aid to Israel soon

Earlier, former US President said that the Democratic Party actually hates Israel

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

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Putin approves structure of new government

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

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

Tucker Carlson reports on death of American reporter in Ukrainian custody

Gonzalo Lira was in prison because of criticism of the governments of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and US President Joe Biden, the TV presenter said

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

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

Putin requests focusing on curbing of inflation in Russia, says its decline outlined

Amid the Central Bank’s key rate hike lending has slowed down slightly in Russia, the president noted

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

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"

Russian commandos redeploy to Uzbekistan for drills on Afghan border

In the course of joint practical measures, the troops will accomplish the combat training tasks of ensuring the state’s territorial integrity

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

Russia’s ice cream production rises by 12% to 110 mln kg in Q1

In comparison with the previous quarter, when 66 mln kilograms were produced, the production of ice cream for January-March 2024 increased by 66%

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

US Army veteran urges Moscow, Washington to prevent WWIII from happening

According to Frank Cohn, life would never be the same in the event of a global military conflict

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

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

US, allies destroy four drones over Red Sea — CENTCOM

Three drones were also destroyed on May 11, the Command informed

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

The pilot ejected and was not injured in the accident

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

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

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

Lithuania to hold presidential election, citizenship referendum

Eight candidates are running for presidency

At least 90,000 soldiers attend Victory Day celebrations across Russia

Celebrations marking have been held in over 300 cities and towns across Russia

Ukrainians actively using British weapons to strike Russian regions, diplomat says

"According to the English themselves, since 2022, London has already donated around 7.1 bln pounds for Ukraine’s defense purposes," Sergey Belyaev 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

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

Russian GDP provisionally estimated to grow by 4.9% in Q2 2023 — statistics

Sectoral statistical indicators were used when calculating GDP dynamics, which showed production growth in the following activities: passenger turnover by 19.8%, wholesale turnover by 12.5%