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Russian budget deficit amounts to $11 bln in January-May, Finance Ministry says

Budget revenues amounted to $160.4 bln, up 45.5% year on year

MOSCOW, June 10. /TASS/. According to a preliminary estimate, the Russian federal budget deficit stands at 983 bln rubles ($11 bln) or 0.5% of GDP forecast for this year, the Ministry of Finance reports on its website.

"The federal budget evolved as of the end of January-May 2024 with the deficit of 983 bln rubles ($11 bln), which is two trillion rubles ($22.4 bln) lower than in the like period of the last year," the ministry informed.

Budget revenues amounted to 14.29 trillion rubles ($160.4 bln), up 45.5% year on year. Expenses at the same time surged by 18.9% annually to 15.27 trillion rubles ($171.4 bln).

Kaspersky Lab eyes US sanctions as unjustified

"The recent step will not affect stability of the company because Kaspersky Lab itself, its subsidiaries and the CEO are not included in the OFAC list," the company said

Russia, Syria discuss achieving peace in republic — Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, the sides considered topical issues of multifaceted Russian-Syrian cooperation

Many Moldovans question refusal to interact with Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that for some reason this direction is now a priori excluded from the Moldovan leadership's agenda

Russia can both produce LNG in Vietnam and supply it there — Putin

The President stated that Russia was ready to establish long-term direct supplies of hydrocarbons, including LNG, to Vietnam, and Russian companies were ready to join large-scale projects using LNG as co-investors and suppliers

Moscow-Pyongyang strategic partnership treaty to counterbalance US’ actions — expert

The document provides for immediate military assistance in case of any aggression against either of the parties to the treaty

Russia pummels Ukrainian military-industrial sector’s energy sites in precision strike

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted casualties on three Ukrainian army brigades and repulsed two enemy counterattacks over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Cooperation between Russia and partners never directed against third countries — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow clearly realizes that Washington will continue to pressure all its partners, including Vietnam

Putin travels on trusted Russian aircraft — Kremlin

"All machinery in our country that transports citizens is also maintained at the proper level," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Energodar’s only remaining substation struck by Ukrainian troops — ZNPP

This was Ukraine’s second attack on the energy infrastructure in Energodar in recent days

Bentley issues recall of cars in Russia — technical regulator

"All vehicles will be checked and, if necessary, the fuel delivery module flange and electrical components for fuel pumps will be replaced with new, improved designs," the website also reports

Russian forces wipe out group of foreign mercenaries in DPR — adviser

Igor Kimakovsky noted that several pieces of equipment were also destroyed

KCNA releases text of comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia

TASS collected the key provisions of the open-ended treaty

Press review: China in NATO crosshairs over Russia support and Kiev eyes ZNPP return

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 19th

Diplomat comments on appearance of Ukrainian flag demanding elections during Euro 2024

A Ukrainian flag with a call "Give Us Elections" was spread during the group stage match between Ukraine and Slovakia on Friday

Russia may rise to high positions on world’s drone boat market — exporter

Rosoboronexport unveiled three of its drone boat models - Orkan, Vizir and BEK-1000 - during Fleet-2024 International Maritime Defense Show

Norway, Finland, Sweden agree to establish military transport corridor

It will go through northern parts of the three countries, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said

Russia discussing deployment of long-range weapons with partners, senior diplomat says

Sergey Ryabkov pointed to Russia’s "closest partners" in Asia and Latin America with which he said Moscow has been discussing "security in detail, not as an exchange of opinions only"

South Korea imposes more sanctions against Russia — media

A total of 243 new items will be added to South Korea's export control list, increasing it to 1,402 items

Associated Press reports SBU involvement in attacks on Russian oil depots

Earlier on Thursday, two fuel tanks caught fire at an oil storage facility in the Tambov Region

FSB declassifies evidence of Nazi massacres of children, wounded soldiers in Crimea

"All the locals heard Yelena Gavalova screaming until the burning house collapsed," the testimony reads

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

Russian strikes turn Western hardware into scrap metal — KCNA

"Russia's military edge is further assured on the Ukrainian battlefield," the news agency stressed

Putin believes Western sentiment about his peace proposals could change

The Russian President noted that the Istanbul agreements had been quite acceptable to Ukraine

Armenia remains CSTO ally with all commitments in place, says organization’s chief

Imangali Tasmagambetov said he hoped that Yerevan "will clarify the situation after all" about its membership in the CSTO and make an official decision on "whether to be in the organization or not"

Russia takes note of drastic changes in security area — Putin

The Russian president said some Western experts don’t see a problem in using nuclear weapons

Ukraine to lose territories, NATO when all said and done — media

According to the publication, the Swiss conference has demonstrated that "international support for a forever war is waning and the time for ugly compromises is beginning"

Japan imposes sanctions on 11 Russian individuals, 42 companies

Among the blacklisted companies are the Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, Degtyaryov Plant, Izhevsk Kupol Electromechanical Plant, Perm Powder Plant, Nizhny Novgorod Plant of the 70th Anniversary of Victory, and others

Interior minister points to attempts to expel Russia from Interpol

Vladimir Kolokoltsev pointed out that these restrictions played into the hands of international transnational criminal groups, those individuals who devise criminal schemes and engage in drug trafficking and cybercrime

All NATO member states endorse Mark Rutte as alliance’s next secretary general — Politico

Mark Rutte will succeed Jens Stoltenberg on October 2 for a 5-year term

Sanctions and peace initiatives: what Putin told reporters in Hanoi

Possible changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, a treaty on military aid with North Korea, peace initiatives and sanctions were among the issues raised by the Russian president

Putin sees no need to include first strike concept in Russia’s nuclear doctrine

A retaliatory strike will be enough to destroy the enemy, Russian President said

Russia-Vietnam joint statement following Putin’s visit: key provisions

Russia and Vietnam "consistently strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance amid the tough international situation"

Putin’s peace initiative is Russia’s fourth proposal on Ukraine, says top diplomat

Ukraine itself "destroyed its territorial integrity with the hands of those who came to power through a bloody state coup and began to impose Russophobic and Neo-Nazi rules," the top Russian diplomat stressed

US applying unfair competition technique against Kaspersky Lab — Kremlin

"They resort to such techniques every time," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian military airfields, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Southern Battlegroup improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 4,290 casualties on the Ukrainian army over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Press review: Russia, DPRK sign strategic pact and Israel authorizes offensive in Lebanon

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, 20th

Russia to increase deliveries of modern armament to troops — Putin

"We will ramp up supplies of unmanned aerial systems of different types, armored vehicles and precision means of destruction, strike aviation, enemy detection and counterbattery systems, control and communication systems to troops, to the frontline," the head of state said

Russian-made Forpost-R drone destroys Syrian militants

They were plotting a terror attack on the Syrian oil infrastructure facility

Zelensky now governs Ukraine without any reason — Medvedev

The politician stressed that the Kiev authorities, "hiding behind a sham declaration of presidential elections cancellation," hope to profit from the war to the end and fight to the last Ukrainian

EU’s new sanctions ban private flights and charters in the interests of Russian citizens

According to the document, the new ban will apply to any flights for which a Russian legal entity or individual has the authority to determine the place of takeoff and landing

US to ship only Patriot, NASAMS missiles to Ukraine, not systems themselves — Kirby

The US National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator added that Washington had been working closely with other countries about their willingness to contribute those systems to Ukraine

Russia realizes US to pressure all its partners — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov explained that the bilateral negotiations were intended to "provide a new, additional impetus to development of the Russian-Vietnamese cooperation"

US prohibits use of Kaspersky Lab software on its territory since September 29

The US authority claims that the use of Kaspersky Lab software may result in a data transfer to the Russian government

Belarus conducts surprise inspection of key military units — Defense Ministry

According to the press service, the first stage of the inspection will involve "the issues of rapidly capturing designated areas, their engineering preparation, organizing security and defense and assuming combat duties"

Terms of settlement will depend on situation along line of engagement — Putin

"Our conditions will also change depending on the situation on the ground," the Russian President emphasized

Russia’s sports arbitration center invites foreigners to review BRICS games disputes

The list of the invited arbiters includes Michael Geistlinger, Alexandre Genko-Starosselsky, Alexander Korochkin, Dmitry Morozov and others

Medvedev names conditions for negotiations with US on new strategic arms reduction treaty

"No, this is possible only after refusing to supply weapons to the Bandera regime and blocking its accession to NATO," the deputy head of the Russian Security Council stressed

US doubts likelihood of significant Ukrainian battlefield success — journalist Hersh

Seymour Hersh described US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy as a "disaster," as "Biden is continuing to send billions to Ukraine" and urging the US allies in NATO to do the same

Russian forces receive new batch of Su-34 bombers

Rostec First Deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov said the bombers are intensively used in Ukraine operation

Special operation shows that Western forces no match for Russia — newspaper

According to the article, "the Russian people and government stand united by patriotism, steadfastly defending the security and sovereignty of the country"

Russia demands US remove its nuclear weapons from Europe — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that said missions are based on the forward deployment of US weapons in Europe "thousands of kilometers away from the US national territory and within operational reach of Russian territory"

Kiev’s attempts to drive Russian forces out of Kharkov Region will cost it dearly — Putin

The Russian president also said that Russia has no goal to approach Kharkov

Medvedev cites facts of Zelensky usurping power

As the Ukrainian president, he simply "hid in his drawer" 32 laws, thus violating the сonstitution, the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

FACTBOX: Vladimir Putin and his pets

The list of the Russian leader's pets also includes a white goat, a white female reindeer and a falabella pony, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world

West wants to privatize matters of security in Eurasia — Lavrov

"A network of associations, grouped around the ASEAN based on principles of equality, equal indivisible security, consensus and mutual respect - the West wants to dismantle these structure," the foreign minister said

EU’s 14 package of sanctions against Russia targets 27 cargo ships — EUobserver

All 27 vessels will be banned from entering ports and gateways of EU Member States, as well as from using a wide range of services related to maritime transport, according to the document

Kim Jong Un gifts Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs

According to the expert, the North Korean people see this dog as "a companion," and not just a pet

IN BRIEF: Russia, Vietnam agree to deepen strategic partnership following Putin’s visit

The Russian leader thanked his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam for the warm welcome and invited him to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Moscow next year

IN BRIEF: Severe weather hits Moscow

The Moscow Transport Department has called on residents to stay off the streets, and urged drivers to be careful

24th package of Tokyo’s sanctions seen as another step to ruining relations with Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Tokyo about tough and painful countermeasures

Venezuela about to join BRICS — executive vice president

The country is ready to offer its fuel and mineral resources to future partners, Delcy Rodriguez said

Moscow and Hanoi working to eliminate problems with mutual payments — Putin

The Russian leader stated that this problem for Moscow and Hanoi was created "from the outside"

China plans to respond to Japanese sanctions against Chinese companies — Foreign Ministry

Spokesperson Lin Jian clarified that Beijing opposes unilateral restrictions that have no legal basis

Russian diplomat suspects nuclear deal with Iran may collapse

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov recalled that Britain, France and Germany had submitted "a destructive resolution condemning Iran" to the IAEA Board of Governors

West to replace Zelensky with someone else in 2025, Putin predicts

"The blame for all unpopular decisions, including the lowering of the conscription age, will be put on him [Zelensky]", the Russian president said

West’s response to Russian peace proposal limited to public statements — Kremlin aide

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with top Foreign Ministry officials and set forth new peace proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine, which envisage recognition of the status of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as parts of Russia

Russia’s Battlegroup East thwart Ukraine’s attempts to rotate its troops

According to Gordeyev, Ukraine’s daily losses amounted up to 120 troops, two infantry carriers, two Krab self-propelled artillery systems, one FH-70 tugged howitzer, three cars, as well as six fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and two field munitions depots

Russian troops should scale up FAB-3000 bomb strikes at key Ukrainian army sites — expert

"Considering a substantial strike effect of this munition, its use can be recognized as successful," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Hungary to take no part in NATO mission in Ukraine — PM

According to Viktor Orban, "Hungary wants to remain an island of peace in Europe"

MMA fighter Jeff Monson converts to Islam

He recited the shahada, a statement of faith in Islam, in Moscow on Wednesday.

Ukraine stages massive aerial attack on several municipalities in south Russia

At least four people have been injured, the region’s crisis response center said

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward his latest peace proposal for the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, which envisages the recognition of the status of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions as Russian constituencies

Russian troops gain much ground in Kharkov area, await enemy’s next step — senior officer

Major General Apty Alaudinov said he believes this will be a decisive battle for Russia, in which it will destroy the remaining enemy assets

Russia aspires to unite Global South to counterbalance NATO — Turkish expert

According to Huseyin Bagci, Moscow "will not enter the arms race with NATO alone, proceeding from its own economic considerations"

South Korea intends to reconsider arms supplies to Ukraine

Earlier, the Republic of Korea provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supplied non-lethal military items, but not weapons

At least 18 people hospitalized after gale winds in Moscow

Two people were killed

Russian national team wins medal count of BRICS Games

Russian athletes have won 173 gold medals

Press review: Vietnam, Russia forge closer bonds and EU imposes fresh sanctions on Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 21st

Man killed by falling drone fragments in south Russia’s Krasnodar

Veniamin Kondratyev said that as a result of the massive drone attack on the region in the early hours of Friday, a bus terminal and a nearby boiler station were damaged

South Korean military supplies to Ukraine depend on Russia's actions — administration

"There are various options for providing weapons," the South Korean presidential administration official said

Houthis planted explosives onboard attacked Tutor bulk carrier — Houthi leader

The Houthis announced the attack at the ship on June 12

Dogs presented by Kim Jong Un to Putin to be named later — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin was in the DPRK on June 19 on a state visit

Putin to meet with top graduates of higher military schools in Kremlin

The event will bring together more than 600 top graduates

Russian court seizes securities of Linde's subsidiaries based on claim of RusChemAlliance

RusChemAlliance is the operator of the project for the construction of a gas processing and liquefaction complex in Ust-Luga

Strategic stability talks with US must touch on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov asserted that US authors of proposals on the matter "cannot be bothered" with the stance expressed by Russia’s top political leadership

Russia ready to start talks on conflict settlement even tomorrow — Putin

The Russin president added that Russia never rejected the idea of negotiations

Putin outlined most realistic basis for Ukraine settlement, says top diplomat

Pursuant to the Russian leader’s proposal, the territories clearly, unambiguously and finally defined as Russia’s territories in its constitution must be fully liberated from foreign troops, Sergey Lavrov stressed

Pilgrims who died in Saudi Arabia mostly performed Hajj illegally — Russian mufti

Rushan Abbyasov emphasized that most of the pilgrims' deaths were due to overexertion caused by the extreme heat

Russia and Vietnam switch to national currencies for payments — Putin

The Russian president noted that at today's negotiations considerable attention was paid to trade and investment interaction

Lavrov calls for all-inclusive Eurasian security dialogue

The top Russian diplomat noted that during the meeting, the participants talked not about creating a security system but about "the need to launch a discussion on how to ensure the security of all countries on the Eurasian continent most effectively and on an equitable and fair basis"

West to discard Zelensky once Russia consolidates successes on battlefield — SVR

The SVR dismissed Zelensky’s latest claims about "bringing Russia to its knees," calling them laughable

Russia sees its agreements with North Korea as deterrent — Putin

The Russian leader noted the treaty between Russia and North Korea was almost identical to the bilateral pact that had previously expired

Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli army barracks in Western Galilee

Shiite militias fired at least 25 shots into Israeli territory

Japan was ready to attack Soviet Union in case Nazis captured Leningrad — archive

The Japanese were also collecting information about the Red Army in the Far East, including naval and military air bases and railroads

Hungarian PM says West's quest to defeat Russia in Ukrainian conflict hopeless

While blaming Russia for the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Viktor Orban pointed out that the main reason for the conflict was Kiev's intention to join NATO

West has to come to terms with BRICS power, adjust its course — expert

Zhang Weiwei explained that the anti-Russian policy of US President Joe Biden's administration is now destroying the economic chains that used to exist in the world

No return to security dialogue with US without revision of anti-Russian policy — MFA

"Now the dialogue on strategic stability with Washington is completely curtailed through its fault," Sergey Ryabkov said

Scholz wished to make secret deal with US on Nord Stream 2 — newspaper

According to the report, confidential papers confirm that the German chancellor "not only approved the project, but for years actively advocated it" and "by means of a dubious deal tried to prevent the United States from sanctions against the pipeline"

Attack on electrical substation in Energodar done by four drones — city mayor

Eduard Senovoz said Ukraine regularly attacks infrastructure sites in Energodar in order to sow panic among the people

Russian-made Forpost-R drone destroys Syrian militants, plotting terror attack

"They were plotting a terror attack on the Syrian oil infrastructure facility," Maj. Gen. Yury Popov said

IN BRIEF: Key points of Putin’s address to military college graduates

The Russian leader noted that Russia plans to keep developing its nuclear trifecta, because this is a guarantee of strategic deterrence and balance of powers in the world