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World Bank improves forecast for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025

According to the bank's experts, in 2024 Russia’s economic growth will reach 2.9%

WASHINGTON, June 11. /TASS/. The World Bank improved its forecasts for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025, according to the June World Bank report on the world economy.

According to the bank's experts, in 2024 Russia’s economic growth will reach 2.9%, in 2025 - 1.4%, in 2026 - 1.1%. In April, the World Bank forecast the Russian economy to grow by 2.2% in 2024 and in 2025 - by 1.1%.

The report noted that Russia's ties with China have strengthened as more Russian transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan. According to the assessment, the trade rebalancing is expected to continue, in particular the deepening of Russia's trade relations with China.

According to the document, the outlook for the Europe and Central Asia region is clouded by geopolitical tensions related to Russia's special military operation, as well as the likelihood of continued negative consequences of the conflict and the risk of its escalation. In addition, the World Bank believes that the uncertainty surrounding Ukraine poses ongoing risks to commodity markets, including oil and grain supplies, as well as to regional security.

Boosting regional relations key to expanding Russia-Vietnam economic ties — expert

Alexander Karpov expressed confidence that Russia's bid to create a new geography of trade and economic cooperation can become a basis for improving Russian-Vietnamese interaction with a view to developing its own eastern regions

Around 20 documents expected to be signed during Putin's visit to Vietnam

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Vietnam on June 19-20, the Kremlin press service said earlier

Three children wounded in Mariupol because of grenade launcher fire — DPR head

The children received medical attention and their lives are no longer in danger. Investigation into the incident is underway

Russia to continue establishing buffer zone until Ukraine stops shelling attacks — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in the day that Russia offers a new peace proposal on settling the conflict in Ukraine

Russia ranked world’s second largest military power — GFP

More than 60 individual criteria were factored into the rankings, including the number of military troops, financial and logistics capabilities, as 145 world powers were considered

Putin’s visit to North Korea to yield comprehensive strategic partnership treaty — Kremlin

The new treaty will replace the 1961 Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance, the 2000 Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighborly Cooperation, and the Moscow and Pyongyang Declarations of 2000 and 2001, Yuri Ushakov explained

Two-thirds of Europe’s defense spending goes to US contractors — Stoltenberg

According to Jens Stoltenberg, more than 20 NATO member-states spent at least 2% of GDP on defense

FACTBOX: Reshuffle in Russia’s defense ministry

Leonid Gornin was appointed first deputy minister, and Anna Tsivileva, Oleg Savelyev, and Pavel Fradkov - deputy ministers

EU extends sanctions due to reunification of Crimea with Russia

Earlier, the EU adopted an indefinite strategy of non-recognition of Crimea's accession to Russia, to which all countries of the EU and candidate countries are obliged to adhere

US to continue monitoring Russian Navy’s activity in Caribbean — White House

"I don't have insight as to what their course and speed is, and where they're going, but we're certainly going to be watching that very, very closely," John Kirby stressed

French far-right politician calls for overhauling EU

Marine Le Pen also said the association had turned toxic and pointed to the need to reform the EU to give member states more powers

Four conditions for negotiations with Kiev: what Putin said at Foreign Ministry

Russia considers Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, non-nuclear status and the lifting of all Western sanctions as a necessary condition

Russia, North Korea looking at organizing direct flights — official

According to Kozlov, the passenger traffic between the two countries is increasing

Putin announces plans to develop tourist trips between Russia, North Korea

It is highlighted that academic mobility between Russian and Korean universities is to be intensified

Kiev expects limited effect from deliveries of F-16 fighter jets

"Of course, everything depends on the number and modification of aircraft that will be delivered to Ukraine," Ilya Yevlash said

Eight people killed, 13 injured in car crash in Russia’s Ryazan Region

According to the report, four cars collided on a federal highway on Tuesday

Putin arrives on working visit to Yakutia

Yakutia is the first stop on Putin’s Far Eastern itinerary

French far-right politician says talking to Russia only way out of Ukraine quagmire

Marine Le Pen clarified that she still supports military and civilian assistance to Kiev, but said that anti-Russian sanctions should be thoroughly thought-out before being imposed

EU could die out within next decade if migration issues not solved — Polish MFA

Maciej Duszczyk explained that stricter border laws may be introduced in some countries of the union if the recently adopted EU migration pact is not amended soon

Turkey helped Moscow thwart second attack after Crocus — newspaper

The attack was being prepared by members of Wilayat Khorasan, which has links to the Islamic State terrorist organization which is outlawed in Russia, Hurriyet said

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"

Putin to pay state visit to Vietnam on June 19-20 — Kremlin

According to the press service, the talks are expected to focus on developing relations between Moscow and Hanoi

Taiwan records approach of 20 Chinese PLA aircraft, seven vessels in past day

Taiwanese aircraft, vessels and ground-based air defense systems were dispatched to monitor them, the Taiwanese military said

Putin calls DPRK Russia’s supporter in establishment of multipolar world order

Pyongyang is ready to confront the ambition of the collective West to prevent the emergence of a multipolar world order based on justice, Russian President said

Malaysia set to join BRICS — prime minister

Anwar Ibrahim noted that he held fruitful talks on BRICS expansion with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

G7 has no right to represent international community — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Lin Jian pointed out that the G7 "has long deviated from the original intention of coordinating and stabilizing the international economic environment"

Russian economy strongly overheated — Sberbank CEO

"We have never had such main capacity utilization in our history," Herman Gref added

Obama leads frozen Biden off stage — Republican Party

Former US President had to help Joe Biden to find the exit after his speech, said representatives of the National Committee

No decision from EU leaders on von dey Leyen’s re-appointment — Charles Michel

The issue of appointment of presidents of the European Commission and the European Council expected to be resolved before the end of June

Russia wins 33 gold medals on fourth day of BRICS Games

The Russian team also won 28 silver and 18 bronze medals

Ukrainian lawmaker says conference in Switzerland was a failure

According to the Ukrainian lawmakers, the conference in Switzerland was not meant to look for ways of settling the conflict

Russia’s Pacific Fleet begins deployment to exercise involving 40 ships

The Fleet explained that this is the first time this exercise is considered bilateral

Putin's visit to Vietnam to strengthen Hanoi-Moscow ties in all areas — ambassador

Dang Minh Khoi said that during the visit, the leaders will set long-term goals and concrete action plans to ensure sustainable and effective development of bilateral relations between the countries in the future

Russia, DPRK to counter sanctions together — Putin

Countries will establish independent transaction systems, Russian President said

All eyes now on upcoming Russia-North Korea summit — newspaper

"Independent forces must stand together and actively fight for the implementation of their own noble values, if they want to achieve stability and peace on the planet," the newspaper emphasized

Program of Putin's visit to Pyongyang expected to be very eventful — Kremlin aide

The substantive part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to the North Korea is planned for June 19, both bilateral negotiations and a meeting with leader Kim Jong Un are planned, Yury Ushakov noted

Putin hails friendship, glorious historical traditions between Russia, North Korea

Also, the Russian leader said that the Soviet Union was among the first countries to recognize the young DPRK and establish diplomatic relations with it

Ukraine ready to pay West in people’s organs for military assistance — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Kiev regime is rapidly turning the country into a global hub of human organ trafficking

West 'upping the ante' by allowing strikes on Russia — KCNA

"Encouraged by the US, lap-dogs in NATO, including the UK and France, are also gradually lifting restrictions on the use of the weapons they supplied," the news agency states

Priorities of Russia-North Korea partnership determined in 2000, Putin says

"The bilateral declarations signed back then defined the main priorities and areas of our constructive multidimensional partnership for years to come," the Russian leader noted

Russian military expert sees Ukrainian preparations for counteroffensive near Kharkov

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian commander in chief, Alexander Syrsky, is in charge of the operation jointly with NATO officers

New EU leadership to maintain course on countering Russia — Orban

Аfter the June 6-9 elections to the European Parliament, "right parties have grown stronger, while the left and the liberals lost their positions," the Hungarian prime minister noted

Russian-DPRK cooperation grows every day, steadily moves to new heights — newspaper

"Progress is being achieved in the practical area, which could contribute to the implementation of the interests of the people of the two countries," the Rodong Sinmun says

Netherlands’ Rutte 'cautiously optimistic' about his appointment as NATO Secretary General

Mark Rutte said that he and Viktor Orban discussed this issue and agreed to "look into the future"

New Russian regions not going back to Ukraine, end of story — Putin

"The people of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions expressed their position in referendums," the Russian president reiterated

Nine non-EU countries side with sanctions against Iran

"The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this Council Decision," the statement reads

Putin’s peace initiative being last chance to save Ukrainian state — politician

"The peace proposals returns not only the peace to Ukraine but also rights of Ukrainian citizens," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Number of supporters of Burgenstock final document reduced to 78

Two countries has been removed from signing final communique

Press review: Putin's Far East tour ruffles feathers and Russian Defense Ministry shake-up

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 18th

Russian forces develop Perun strike-transport drone — top brass

According to the Defense Ministry, the drone operates on Russian software and is capable of carrying cargo weighting up to 200 kilograms

Russia values DPRK’s support in special operation in Ukraine — Putin

North Korea's solidarity with Russia's key international matters is appreciated, said President Vladimir Putin

Russia, Belarus approve Union State development plans

Plans provide for activities in the areas including creation of a common financial market, pursuit of common industrial policy and cooperation in trade and functioning of common energy markets

Kremlin views NATO’s rhetoric on putting nukes on alert as escalation

Unlike Western officials, the Russian president never talks nukes "at his own initiative as he takes the issue seriously," Dmitry Peskov said

Israeli intelligence knew of Hamas plans to seize 250 hostages weeks before attack — media

The report said that Hamas was planning to seize some 200-250 hostages (over 240 people were captured and some 1,200 killed in the October 7 attack)

Press review: G7 pushes EU to tap Russian assets and BRICS sends strong message to West

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 11th

Kazakhstan, Russia transfer over 85% of payments into national currencies

According to Serik Zhumangarin, the situation around the Moscow Exchange has not currently affected the trade balance of Kazakhstan with Russia

NLMK functioning normally after drone attack

Since the start of the year, ten drones in total were involved in four attacks aimed at production facilities

NATO holds consultations on putting nuclear weapons on alert — chief

Jens Stoltenberg refused to go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads should be operational and which should be stores

Russian minister denies North Korea has harsh rules

Alexander Kozlov only urged reporters to remember that they are guests and should treat the local culture with respect

Russia’s defense chief listens to reports on special military operation in command center

As the ministry specified, Andrey Belousov also listened to a report on coordinating the work of Russian peacekeeping units and the commandant’s service in new Russian regions

Russia, Vietnam have similar views on many international problems — newspaper

According to the Hanoi Times, as of April 2024, Russia was implementing 186 investment projects worth around $985 million in Vietnam

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories

The countries and territories mentioned in the list imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of a special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine

Press review: Putin comes out with peace plan and tough road ahead post-Ukraine summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 17th

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 110 areas over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 405 troops in battles with Russian forces in the Kupyansk area over the past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

About 20 NATO countries involved in conflict in Ukraine — lawmaker

"I believe they are in a state of war with Russia," Sergey Tsekov said

North Korean troops again violate South Korean border, warning shots fired — news agency

According to South Korea, a group of 20 to 30 soldiers crossed the demarcation line in the middle part of the demilitarized zone at about 08:30 local time on June 18

Stoltenberg using bully tactics with NATO nuke arsenal comments — Russian intel chief

"As far as I can tell, no special significance should be given to it. We should keep a cool head," Sergey Naryshkin said

Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation in Pokrovsk frontline area in DPR

Kiev has regularly mentioned the Pokrovsk direction as complex or tense in its frontline reports since May

China ready to ensure global security together with Russia — MFA

The commentary was provided in connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to build a new security system, with the Greater Eurasian Partnership at its core

Western attempts to contain Russia failing — Putin

"We continue to steadily build up our economic capability, develop our industry, technologies, infrastructure, science, education and culture," the Russian leader said

NATO shouldn’t accept Ukraine due to risk of nuclear escalation with Russia — magazine

The report said that the nuclear deal between NATO and Moscow must include commitments not to admit Ukraine to the alliance and not to deploy the bloc's troops and infrastructure on Ukrainian territory

Russia, North Korea united in building fairer world order — Putin

The United States "is going out of its way to impose" a rules-based order globally, "which is essentially nothing more than a global neo-colonial dictatorship relying on double standards," the Russian leader emphasized

Ukrainian forces refuse to obey Commander-in-Chief Syrsky — CIA ex-analyst

Larry Johnson also noted that the Russian forces manage to advance recently despite the slush on the roads

Macron not deaf to Russia's warnings on sending troops to Ukraine — Russian intel chief

Earlier, the French president suggested that he would consider sending troops to Ukraine if Russian forces break through the front line, and Kiev requests help

Frigate commander gives high marks to 1st stage of naval group’s long-distance deployment

On Monday, the group of the Northern Fleet’s ships led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov wrapped up its unofficial visit and left the Havana port in Cuba to continue accomplishing long-distance deployment missions

Russian naval group wraps up visit to Havana port — Northern Fleet

After leaving the territorial waters of the Republic of Cuba, the Russian Northern Fleet’s naval group will continue accomplishing missions in accordance with its long-distance deployment plan, the press office said

More than 30% of Americans polled oppose sending military aid to Ukraine

The survey was conducted from May 20 to 27, with 1,257 adult American citizens participating

Putin congratulates Ramaphosa on being reelected South African president — Kremlin

The leaders expressed the hope for continuing joint efforts toward comprehensive strengthening strategic partnership

Shipbuilders float out next-generation missile corvette for Russian Navy

The corvette Provorny will soon enter service with the Russian Navy, Alexander Moiseyev said

Swiss meeting on Ukraine not about peace — Kazakh expert

According to Daniyar Ashimbayev, it is neither in the interests of the state nor of its society to directly or indirectly support pro-Ukrainian propaganda

Armenian opposition announces action plan for near future

The movement must step outside Yerevan and spread across the country, the leader of the Armenian opposition group Tavush for the Motherland Bagrat Galstanyan said

Russian forces receive new batch of Su-34 bombers

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

Refusing Russia participation at OSCE PA indicates fear of open dialogue — chairman

"But at the same time they pour a lot of claims on us and talk about the fact that there is no democracy here," Vyacheslav Volodin stressed

Document of Ukraine’s surrender to be Russia’s next proposal to Kiev — diplomat

Konstantin Gavrilov said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposals were realistic

Russia to develop unmanned aviation industry — Putin

"Overall, all our plans on developing transport infrastructure in the Far East must be implemented," the Russian president noted

If Putin’s Ukraine peace proposal rejected, next offer to be tougher — Russian intel chief

Earlier, the Russian leader presented new peace proposals on settling the Ukraine conflict

Putin vows support for North Korea’s fight for independence

"Russia has incessantly supported and will support the DPRK and the heroic Korean people in their struggle against the treacherous, dangerous and aggressive enemy," the Russian leader underlined

Russian strikes turn Western hardware into scrap metal — KCNA

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

Kiev agrees to extradite suspect accused of murdering Forbes editor to Russia

In 2017, the Russian Prosecutor General’s office sent an appeal to Ukraine to hand over Dukuzov for prosecution

Nuclear powers continue to modernize their arsenals — report

In January 2024, there were some 12,121 nuclear warheads in the world, of which 9,585 were on alert

Russia-North Korea relations actively develop in recent years

The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea will show Moscow's desire to conduct equal dialogue and cooperation with all countries, Aide to the President of Russia for Foreign Policy Yury Ushakov said

Leroy Merlin plans to change its name to Lemana Pro in Russia

It is noted that the rebranding will be done in stages

Stoltenberg says more assistance to Kiev to help end conflict sooner

Earlier, NATO secretary general said that the alliance had begun consultations on putting nuclear missiles on alert

Over 10 settlements in Russian Kursk Region come under Ukraine’s drone attacks in past day

No one was injured

No sabotage behind explosion at Czech army training area, says defense minister

The explosion killed one serviceman, injuring seven others as well as a civilian

Expert views Russia-North Korea treaty as counter to US plans for Asian NATO

The Moscow-Pyongyang treaty indicates a very deep partnership, with the big question now being how large a military and political component it will have

Russia to expand humanitarian mission in Africa to help children — ombudswoman

"We plan to organize recreation and rehabilitation for 90 children," Maria Lvova-Belova noted

ICAO given proof Russia had nothing to do with Flight МН17 crash, official says

Even so, the country doesn’t expect the ICAO Council to pass a fair judgement as it is dominated by nations from the collective West, Denis Grunis told TASS

Deployment of Russian military bases to Venezuela impossible under its constitution -envoy

The Russian ambassador pointed out that the biggest threat for the US is "to have independent countries here, close by, to the south of the Mexican border, which have the right to choose who they will cooperate with and how"

Kiev recognizes need for talks with Moscow to resolve conflict

Both sides' voices need to be heard to settle the conflict, Dmitry Kuleba said

Putin sees US doing everything it can to protract Ukraine conflict

According to the Russian leader, Moscow is open to dialogue to resolve existing issues