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Retailers staying in Russia intend to work here "for a long time" — expert

The growth of retail trade turnover in Russia by the end of 2024 could reach around 7-8%, Igor Karavaev noted

MOSCOW, June 14. /TASS/. The Association of Retail Trade Companies, which unites Russia’s largest retailers, does not see any prerequisites for reducing the presence of foreign retail chains - those that remain in Russia intend to work "seriously and for a long time," Chairman of the Association’s presidium Igor Karavaev said in an interview with TASS.

"I am inclined to believe that those who wanted to leave the market have already left it, and the remaining companies intend to work in Russia seriously and for a long time," Karavaev said.

He stressed that the Auchan, Metro, and Globus retail chains, which are members of the association, confirmed their intentions to continue working and developing in the Russian market. "We do not see any prerequisites for the reduction of their presence," he said.

The growth of retail trade turnover in Russia by the end of 2024 could reach around 7-8%, Karavaev added. "Judging by the observed demand revival, as well as the projected growth of real incomes of Russians, we can expect that the growth of retail trade turnover this year will surpass the figures for 2023 and will reach around 7-8%," Karavaev said.

According to the Russian State Statistics Service (Rosstat), retail trade turnover in Russia in 2023 will amount to 48.156 trillion rubles ($533.7 bln), increasing by 8% year-on-year (in comparable prices).

Anti-Russian sanctions

New EU sanctions will close EU ports for Russian oil tankers — Dutch Foreign Minister

On Thursday, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council announced that the EU ambassadors agreed on the 14th package of sanctions against Russia

Prosecution asks court to sentence US military man Black to 4 years and 8 months in prison

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Previously, a court ruling deemed the militia a terrorist organization

Russia, North Korea conclude new treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership

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

Putin, Kim Jong Un exchange gifts

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Kim Jong Un calls Russia 'true friend'

"I stand with my Russian comrades, true friends and associates, in this solemn hall," the North Korean leader noted

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Also, debris from a drone was discovered in the region’s Pervomaisky District, Maxim Yegorov said

BRICS giving voice to global South, opposing Western hegemony — media

According to the article, developing countries "have long been unheard," their position largely ignored on the world stage and at the United Nations

MMA fighter Jeff Monson converts to Islam

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Second oil reservoir in Azov suffers breach after drone attack

Governor Vasily Golubev added that Ministry of Emergency Situations specialists continue working to extinguish the fire

Ukrainian soldier who switched to Russia’s side on T-64 tank applies for Russian passport

Maksim Likhachyov surrendered to Russian troops near Donetsk in late May

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

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Russia to work to expand visa-free travel with BRICS countries — senior diplomat

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

Erdogan plans to hold talks with Putin during SCO summit in Astana — TV

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Putin’s visit to North Korea to bring bilateral relations to new level — newspaper

According to the Global Times, cooperation between the two countries will make Moscow more capable of "playing the long game" amid the Ukrainian crisis

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"We are ready to continue active joint work on a wide range of topics, including economic, scientific and technical spheres, defense, security and humanitarian relations," the Russian leader underlined

Tokyo accuses Moscow of violating UNSC resolutions by cooperating with Pyongyang

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from direct comments on the Russian-North Korean comprehensive strategic partnership treaty

Moscow attaches great importance to strengthening friendly ties with Pyongyang — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that the two states are linked by common history

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 ready to help Vietnam in forming nuclear power sector — Putin

"An initiative is being considered to create a Center of Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam with Rosatom's assistance," the President wrote

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"

G7 to carry through use of Russian assets for Ukraine — Russian diplomat

The global majority will draw relevant conclusions from this situation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Kiev forces pound city near Zaporozhye NPP with artillery after drone attack — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, as of 9:00 p.m. Moscow time, Ukrainian forces had fired seven shells at Energodar

KCNA releases text of comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia

TASS collected the key provisions of the open-ended treaty

Russian culture minister invited director of Brazil’s National Museum to cultural forum

Olga Lyubimova said that after visiting the museum and meeting with Alexander Kellner

RusHydro interested in upgrading Vietnam’s hydropower plants — Putin

Several hydropower plants were built in Vietnam with participation of Russian companies

Russian troops strike command posts of three Ukrainian brigades over past day

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 560 personnel, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, a US-manufactured Humvee armored combat vehicle and five pickup trucks

US Central Command says senior official of Islamic State killed in Syria

CENTCOM that his death "will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks"

Russian warships call at Libyan port of Tobruk

The Russian ships will stay in Libya for three days

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Kim Jong Un gifts Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs

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Putin takes Kim Jong Un for ride in Russian-made Aurus

Putin took a seat behind the wheel, while Kim Jong Un got in the neighboring passenger seat

Russian National Guard finds three Ukrainian caches in Kherson Region

According to the press service, two grenades with detonators, more than 150 rounds of ammunition, four electric detonators, ten TNT testers, one MON-50 anti-personnel mine

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

Russian Navy Commander kicks off 'Fleet 2024' MVMS expo in Kronstadt

Alexander Moiseyev is confident that "this unique platform has gathered the best designs of the best ship builders, designers and arms, military vehicle makers"

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

Putin calls Vietnam one of Russia's most reliable partners

The Russian president noted that the Soviet Union had provided effective assistance in the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people against the French and US invaders and later contributed to the postwar reconstruction of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

West now hopeless, Russia’s attempts to reach out do not yield results — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the West "has completely closed itself in its shell of rejection of alternative models of both socio-political structure and foreign policy positioning"

Fashion designer Yegor Zaytsev dies at age of 64

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Kim Jong Un awards Putin with Kim Il Sung Order

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Ukraine's inability to defeat Russia means no NATO membership — diplomat

As regards the chances of Ukraine joining the European Union, Maria Zakharova continued, the bloc takes the same approach as the North Atlantic Alliance

Tsirkon hypersonic weapons in service with Russian naval ships — defense firm

The Tsirkon underwater modification was test-fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk in its surface position

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

Development of Russia-DPRK security cooperation may pose challenge to US — experts

"It remains to be seen if Moscow will bear the risks and costs associated with pursuing a deeper form of Russia-North Korea security cooperation," the researches believe

Riyadh taking part in BRICS, still undecided on full membership — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov drew attention to the fact that Saudi representatives sometimes "do not participate in the entire range of events, but are involved in those cases and in those formats that are most comfortable for them"

Kiev better accept Russia's peace proposal or face worse outcomes — official

"Now they have the opportunity to consider Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's peace proposal and at least try to make peace and end this part of the conflict," Dmitry Medvedev noted

Kim Jong Un drives Putin around in Russian-made Aurus

Earlier, the two leaders held talks at the Geumsusan residence

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"

Russian troops wipe out Western-supplied equipment depot in Ukraine operation

Russian forces improved their frontline positions in the Donetsk area where the Ukrainian army lost roughly 665 troops over the past day

Putin invites Vietnamese president to Victory Day anniversary in Moscow next year

"I expect that we will be able to discuss all key issues in the development of our bilateral relations," the Russian leader said

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

Igor Kimakovsky noted that several pieces of equipment were also destroyed

Ukrainian drone attack causes fire to oil depot in Republic of Adygea

According to Murat Kumpilov, no one was hurt

Annual inflation in Russia surging to 8.46% over week — Economy Ministry

In the food sector, the price growth rate was 0.21%

Argentina won’t send military aid to Ukraine — presidential spokesman

According to Manuel Adorni, Argentina's actions cannot be considered hostile to Russia

Three settlements in borderline Belgorod Region shelled by Ukrainian forces

The regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov added that a backyard structure of a private house was destroyed by a shock wave in Murom

Russia wins 25 gold medals on sixth day of BRICS Games

Russia leads the overall medal count with 156 gold, 93 silver and 63 bronze medals

Official welcome ceremony preceding Putin-Kim Jong Un meeting held in Pyongyang

In the square, which is among the thirty largest in the world and can accommodate more than one hundred thousand people, a guard of honor was lined up

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

Kalashnikov unveils equipment developed for Legionnaire combat suit

The fighting capabilities were developed by Kalashnikov’s engineers on the basis of requirements from servicemen that are engaged in the special military operation

US destroys two Houthi unmanned surface vessels in Red Sea

US Central Command shared data in the past 24 hours

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"

Dnieper Hydroelectric Plant goes offline, disrupting Ukrainian defense output — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, the disabling of the power plant is designed to help halt production in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Putin notes USSR’s aid in Vietnam’s fight against foreign invaders

"After the victory and complete liberation of the Vietnamese territory from the occupiers, it was Soviet builders, engineers, doctors, teachers and scientists who helped rebuild Vietnam," the Russian leader said

Israeli minister warns Israel will destroy Hezbollah if war breaks out

"The State of Israel will pay a price on the front and home fronts, but with a strong and united nation, and the full power of the IDF, we will restore security to the residents of the north," Israel Katz said

Russia-North Korea relations seen as part of strategy of developing ties with global South

According to the expert, such an agreement, especially its part on military cooperation, can be seen as a response to the West’s recent actions against both Russia and North Korea

Putin arrives at Presidential Palace in Hanoi

Hanoi greeted the Russian president with sweltering heat

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

Vietnam remembers Russia’s help in struggle for independence — president

To Lam noted that he was going to discuss the main areas and topics in the development of comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia in the interests of the two countries and the development of cooperation in the region and the world

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

New NATO secretary general to make no difference in alliance's policy towards Russia — MFA

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed at a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington that the alliance is close to appointing a new secretary general

Russia concerned over Japan’s potential departure from non-nuclear stance — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the US is using Japan as a tool to counteract not only Russia, but also China

Russia to respond if restrictions placed on diplomats’ travel in EU — MFA

As Yevgeny Ivanov noted, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow at a certain point lifted restrictions on the US diplomatic mission

Novatek intends to implement LNG projects in Vietnam — Putin

"The energy sector remains a strategically important area of bilateral cooperation," the Russian leader stressed, highlighting successful operations of Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro joint ventures

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

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, 20th

City next to Zaporozhye NPP hit by blackout after Ukrainian drone attack on substation

ZNPP’s spokeswoman Evgeniya Yashina emphasized that the outage would have no effect on the operation of the power plant

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

Vietnam, Russia to step up cooperation on defense, security tracks — president

The Russian and Vietnamese presidents have held bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi

EU plans to restrict LNG supplies from Russia — EUobserver

According to the draft document, the package comprises sanctions against the oil tanker fleet and restrictions on the access to dual-use technologies

Russia dispatches plane to US to pick up diplomats whose assignment is ending — MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that this is "not about expulsion, but about the restrictions that Washington has created for Russian foreign institutions in their work"

Western companies still working in Russia, despite promises to leave — Bloomberg

It was noted that most of these companies rebranded instead of leaving the country

Strategic partnership, rejection of sanctions: results of talks between Putin, Kim Jong Un

The treaty will take interaction between the two countries "to a new level" rather than resting on laurels that already exist

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

Vietnam’s ties with Russia built on basis of equality, mutual benefit — senior diplomat

The leaders of the two counties "always attach great significance to bilateral relations, which meet the expectations of the two people’s and development interests of each country," Le Thi Hang Thu said

US still unwilling to normalize operation of embassies — senior Russian diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov noted that the process of rotation of Russian diplomatic personnel in the United States is very difficult

Russia increases oil supplies to China by 11% to 46.7 mln tons in January - May

In May, Russia exported 8.91 mln tons of oil to China, which is 4% less than in April

Ukraine will never join NATO, says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov

He noted that the condition for Ukraine's entry into the military bloc will be its victory in the conflict with the Russian Federation, which means this will never happen

New document, historic ties: Putin’s statements in Pyongyang

A new document was drafted which will act as a framework for ties between the two countries going forward

Vietnam, Russia have similar assessments of situation in Asia-Pacific region — Putin

"We see Vietnam as a like-minded partner in shaping a new architecture of equal and indivisible Eurasian security on an inclusive and non-discriminatory basis," the Russian president said

Russian-North Korean treaty to be barrier for US’ aggressive policy — expert

The equal and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and North Korea "encourage other countries to move closer to Russia," Adnan Sayyed Hussein told

Critical infrastructure facility damaged in Ukraine’s Vinnitsa Region

An air raid alert was issued in most Ukrainian regions overnight to June 20

Germany to refrain from reckless ventures around conflict in Ukraine — Scholz

According to the German Chancellor, the key tasks for Berlin are to ensure Europe’s security and to see to it that "Ukraine is able to defend its independence"

Putin paying state visit to Vietnam

The talks are expected to focus on issues of partnership between Moscow and Hanoi and will yield a number of bilateral documents