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Mortgage loan disbursements may drop 50% in H2 2024 — expert

According to preliminary results of the first half of 2024, more than 700,000 mortgage loans amounting to $31.8 bln were granted in Russia, Mikhail Goldberg added

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. Mortgage disbursements in Russia may drop by a half in the second half of 2024 amid the end of subsidized mortgage lending for new developments, head of DOM.RF analytical center Mikhail Goldberg told reporters.

"We expect 1.3-1.4 mln mortgage loans totaling about five trillion rubles ($55.8 bln) will be disbursed over the year in total. In general, this will be approximately 35% lower than in 2023. However, one should understand that the second half of the year will be indeed much smaller than the second half of the prior year, and the decline will be about a half," the expert said.

According to preliminary results of the first half of 2024, more than 700,000 mortgage loans amounting to 2.8 trillion rubles ($31.8 bln) were granted in Russia, Goldberg added.

The subsidized mortgage lending program for housing in new development projects at the rate of 8% that was launched in 2020 ended on July 1 of this year.

OPEC countries’ exports revenues in 2023 to fall by 18% to around $680 bln

The physical volume of oil exports by OPEC countries in 2023 decreased by 5% to 19.31 mln barrels per day

Russia vows response to NATO's military buildup near its borders — Foreign Ministry

Russia is taking all necessary action, including military-technical, to counter aggressive decisions by Finland and its NATO allies, Andrey Nastasyin said

Beijing opposes hegemony, ready to promote multipolar world — Chinese leader

Xi Jinping said that Beijing is ready to promote equal multipolarity of the world

Putin may touch base with UN chief during SCO summit, Kremlin spokesman says

In response to a request from reporters, Dmitry Peskov explained the reasons behind the UN chief’s trip to the summit

Russian air defense downs at least 3 HIMARS missiles over Donetsk

According to the DPR mission, serious damage was also inflicted to the building and equipment of the primary medical aid laboratory

US surveillance drones can be stopped by MiG-31 jets, air defense systems — analyst

Igor Korotchenko said the most effective way to fight such targets is to use long-range surface-to-air missile systems, such as the S-400 or S-300V, which are armed with long-range SAMs, as well as use air-to-air missiles carried by MiG-31s

Ukrainian military thrown from left bank in Kherson Region, fighting underway on islands

The fighting has moved to the islands, with the Russian army having ramped up activities

Several Ukrainian pilots finish training on F-16 fighter jets in US — Pentagon

Pentagon Spokesman refused from specifying how many pilots are undergoing training and its timelines

Russian diplomat blasts Kiev’s reaction to Orban’s peace initiative as smokescreen

After his talks in Kiev on Tuesday, Viktor Orban proposed that Ukraine consider a ceasefire as a step toward starting talks with Russia to settle the armed conflict at a press briefing

Aide to Iranian leader stressed possibility of changing Tehran’s nuclear doctrine

Kamal Kharrazi noted that "up to now, we have not decided to go further than 60% enrichment"

Ukrainian commander-in-chief describes situation in Pokrovsk area as difficult

According to Alexander Syrsky, troops in this area need more munitions and weapons

Putin extols longstanding bonds with Belarus in Independence Day message

The Russian leader expressed confidence that boosting constructive bilateral cooperation across the board and strengthening the Union State between the two countries would fully meet their interests

Ukrainian military bringing reserves to Kharkov area amid heavy losses — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselyov, the Ukrainian military will be amassing forces and capabilities at its alternate positions in the Kharkov frontline area

Turkey ousts Austria from 2024 UEFA Euro Cup with 2-1 win in Last 16 stage

Turkey is now set to play against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2024 UEFA Euro Cup

Retired Ukrainian general says Zelensky could pin his failures on Syrsky, fire him

Sergey Krivonos also said the political leadership failed to pivot the economy on a war footing to provide the military with munitions, drones, fuel, and to recruit and equip brigades

Russia’s top brass declassifies documents on Soviet Army’s 1944 Operation Bagration

The documents published can be accessed on the ministry’s website in its new multimedia section

Lukashenko gives vote of confidence to military on country’s Independence Day

The Belarusian leader explained that today’s parade was in recognition of the professionalism and dedication on the part of soldiers, border guards and special service officers

Houthis, Islamic Resistance in Iraq deliver missile strikes on Haifa

They used cruise missiles, the movement’s military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said

Kremlin spokesman unaware of satellite tampering allegations

"We need to find out whether this is the competence of any UN structures," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin, Aliyev discuss assembly of Russian vehicles in Azerbaijan

Growth of the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia in this year and in the last year demonstrates proactive interaction of economies of the two countries

Russian senior diplomat notes West’s responsibility for escalation in Ukraine — statement

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko also discussed the settlement in Kosovo during negotiations with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric

No contact with US after UAVs getting dangerously close to Russian aircraft — Ryabkov

The dangerous maneuvers were performed precisely by American UAVs, the Russian deputy foreign minister stressed

Russian commander predicts Ukraine conflict will end this fall

According to Apty Alaudinov, officials in Kiev have figured out that the war is nearing an end

Belarusian volunteer corps was involved in recent attack on Belgorod Region — Lukashenko

There are fewer than one hundred people, true, but a corps nonetheless, said Belarusian President

Putin to hold series of bilateral meetings on SCO summit margins — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, Moscow considers the summit in Astana as an "opportunity to organize bilateral contacts with the country leaders who will attend it"

Naval aircraft hammer enemy targets during drills in Russia’s westernmost region

The naval aviation pilots are accomplishing combat training objectives both in the daytime and at night and about 50 sorties have been planned, the Baltic Fleet’s press office specified

Putin arrives in Astana a day ahead of SCO summit to hold bilateral meetings

According to Yury Ushakov, Moscow considers the summit in Astana as an "opportunity to organize bilateral contacts with the county leaders who will attend it"

Putin sits down with Mongolian leader to open string of bilateral meetings in Astana

The Russian leader is scheduled to hold talks with the heads of at least six countries, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey and Pakistan

Ukraine turns down Hungarian PM’s ceasefire proposal

According to the statement, Ukraine’s position is that the crisis settlement could be reached through the Kiev-initiated peace summits

Russia develops single-use combat drone to intercept enemy UAVs

It is noted that before destroying an enemy UAV, the Vogan must get a corresponding command from an operator who makes a decision based on the image from the drone’s video camera

Belarus to respond to Ukraine if it ventures provocations on border — Lukashenko

"We will spare no effort to prevent the slightest escalation," the Belarusian leader stressed

Lithuania protests to Russia over airspace violation

The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said that "the incident took place on June 30, when an airplane owned by the Russian airline Pobeda, as it was heading from Moscow to Kaliningrad illegally entered Lithuanian airspace over the Baltic Sea"

Pentagon's words about strikes on Crimea 'free pass' for Kiev — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov Pentagon's "responsibility has now degenerated into this agency pushing the political leadership of its country towards taking actions that are difficult to predict in terms of what may follow"

First nuke drills showcase Union State’s defense power — Belarusian leader

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the military parade in the Belarusian capital of Minsk highlights "the strength of allied strategic partnership between Belarus and Russia"

Russian forces destroy another US-made Abrams tank in Ukraine

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it was destroyed in the Avdeyevka area with the use of a Msta-S self-propelled gun

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

He specified that his group took the helmet as proof of the elimination

Le Pen accuses Macron of preparing 'administrative coup'

The politician expressed hope that this information is nothing more but rumors, but noted that even before the first round of elections, last Wednesday, "many more appointments were made than during usual cabinet meetings"

UK’s attempts to isolate Moscow failed — Russian envoy

According to Andrey Kelin, London’s efforts to isolate Russia are "very detrimental for the UK itself"

Putin plans to discuss various economic topics with leaders of China and Turkey — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that Russia and China maintain cooperation in all fields, including sensitive areas

Beijing criticizes NATO for shifting blame in Ukraine conflict, urges self-reflection

According to Mao Ning, "NATO continues to outright challenge China as it interferes in its domestic affairs, distorting and discrediting China’s domestic and foreign policy and creating a major threat to its interests"

Two Russian Northern Fleet warships call at Venezuelan port

During the port call, the crews of the Russian ships will be given an opportunity to rest after the long-distance voyage and see local sights

China’s Xi arrives at Kazakh leader’s residence for talks with Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping held a friendly meeting at a dinner on July 2

Belarusian defense chief sounds nuclear alarm amid West’s continued 'aggressive' policy

It is noted that "the current military and political situation in the Eastern European region can be described as a crisis, with all the preconditions for switching to conflict mode"

Kiev shifts rhetoric on negotiations, but not its position on them — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov believes that the decision on the settlement of the conflict is not up to Kiev

Press review: Orban heads to Kiev to make bid for peace and what's behind Turkey protests

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 3rd

Russian troops destroy first Tunguska anti-aircraft missile system in Ukraine operation

Russia’s Southern Battlegroup inflicted roughly 450 casualties on the Ukrainian army and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian president submits protocol on e-commerce in EAEU for State Duma’s ratification

It stipulates registering goods acquired within foreign electronic commerce as a separate category of goods with determination of peculiarities of its regulation

Putin praises development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan

The Russian president also touched upon joint infrastructure projects of Moscow and Baku, noting that the North-South international transport corridor comes as the priority

Russia, China, Kazakhstan have reached agreement on creation of single digital corridor

The document was signed by Slavtrans-Service JSC, Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. and КTZ Express JSC

Russian forces strike nine Ukrainian Su-27, MiG-29 fighter jets over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North repelled two Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Kharkov area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Cyprus negotiations stalled, no compromise in sight — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya added that the UN Security Council is now seeing that the sides to the conflict are becoming more entrenched in their positions

By inviting Baku, Yerevan to NATO summit West wants to break their cooperation with Russia

Moreover, Andrey Nastasin noted that Moscow sees how aggressively NATO seeks to promote its approaches to regional issues

Yevpaty Kolovrat icebreaker handed over to customer

She will operate in the Pacific fleet, the United Shipbuilding Corporation said

Kiev wants no compromises with Russia

Andrey Yermak also noted that Ukraine will try to convince the new US administration to continue supporting the Kiev regime

Kremlin refutes media reports of Putin-Trump dialogue on Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov commented on reports by Western media outlets that Donald Trump is purportedly communicating with the Russian leader on the terms of achieving peace in Ukraine

Russia, China maintain cooperation in all fields, including 'sensitive' areas — Kremlin

"We work in numerous task forces and joint commissions, and this work will continue," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukraine deploys more troops to Karlovka in DPR to hold defenses — security official

It is reported that Ukraine has sustained heavy losses in terms of personnel and equipment as Karlovka is under fire control from several directions

Press review: Dems scramble to replace Biden and Russia continues to feed the world

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 1st

Former US President Trump can 'hardly' resolve Ukrainian conflict within 24 hours

Russian Ambassador to London Andrey Kelin noted that Russia was "not going to stop with its offensive actions" even if negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine were launched

Russia independent from China — Foreign Ministry

"We will, as always, stand on the side of peace and dialogue, maintain communication with all parties, including Russia," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning added

Russian oil industry will be independent of foreign equipment by 2027 — Gazprom Neft CEO

According to Alexander Dyukov, digital technologies are also important for the industry, which can significantly increase the efficiency of working with both hard-to-recover reserves and traditional reserves

Lavrov, Szijjarto say Kiev must ensure rights of all ethnic minorities — Foreign Ministry

The ministry noted that the sides praised the achieved level of the Russian-Hungarian political dialogue

Senior Russian diplomat discusses escalation in Red Sea with Houthi delegation

The sides exchanged views on the problems of comprehensive settlement of the nine-year-long military-political crisis in Yemen, the Russian Foreign Ministry added

US set to announce $2.3 bln arms package for Ukraine — media

The new arms package will reportedly include anti-tank weapons, as well as interceptor missiles for air defense systems

Iran sees no obstacles to military-technical cooperation with Russia

Kamal Kharrazi also refuted repeated accusations of Iran selling drones to Russia, stressing that they were false

Roscosmos chief approves schedule of creating Russian orbital station through 2033

Russia is set to launch the future orbital outpost’s first research and energy module in 2027, the space corporation said

218 candidates withdraw ahead of second round of France’s snap parliamentary elections

They did this in favor of stronger candidates in a bid not to let Marine Le Pen’s right-wing National Rally Party win the elections

Russia considers SCO, BRICS backbones of new international order — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov described SCO and BRICS as "locomotives in the context of establishing genuine multilateralism in global affairs"

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Serbian president lauds robust relations with Russia

On Monday, the Russian deputy foreign minister held talks with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, who also serves as the country’s interior minister, and Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin

Ukraine fears harsh debt restructuring terms from West

Alexey Kushch noted that back in 2022 he cautioned that Kiev was losing a "historic window of opportunity" in order to cast off the "debt noose"

Russian troops create ZVeraBoi counter-drone buggy in Ukraine operation

The vehicle’s front part features a turret with two mounted PKT machine-guns and an improvised six-barrel muzzle-loading shotgun placed between them

Frenchman pleads guilty in Russian military espionage case

The investigative Committee points out that Vinatier is charged with failing to comply with his obligations under Russia’s foreign agent legislation

Russia 'will never forget' Odessa events of 9 years ago, will punish those responsible

The ministry expressed its indignation at the lack of any probe into the incident

Xi arrives in Astana to attend SCO summit

Xi Jinping is making state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan during this international trip, which will last until July 6

Russian President Putin arrives in Astana for SCO Summit

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the leaders of several international organizations were also invited

World Bank recognizes Russia as high income country

It follows from the document that the gross national income per capita in Russia is $14,250

US intends to ship air defense missiles to Ukraine via accelerated procedure — Pentagon

The United States will soon announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $2.3 billion, which will include anti-tank weapons, air defense interceptor missiles and other weapons

German troops kept destroying Minsk while preparing for defense, WWII archives reveal

On March 8, 1944, Hitler assigned the status of a stronghold to Minsk and issued orders to create long-term fire emplacements in the city. For their construction, the Nazis decided to use building materials from nearby buildings and for this purpose began to blow them up, it said

Press review: Kiev puts out negotiation feelers and Moscow to put OSCE membership on ice

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 2nd

Pentagon considers use of US weapons against Crimea admissible

Don't have any specifics to provide on that front, other than to say you know our policy as it relates to the use of long-range weapons into Russia has not changed, said Pentagon Spokesman

Russian official highlights growing threat coming from Ukraine's jet-powered drones

According to Andrey Tabekin, experts are currently working on ways to jam such drones

Ukraine’s irretrievable losses five-times higher than Russia’s, Putin says

According to him, this is the reason behind attempts to carry out an all-out mobilization campaign in Ukraine

No expectations from Hungarian PM’s visit to Kiev, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed, however, that "Orban is well known as a politician who knows how to defend his country’s interests in quite a tough manner"

Federation Council unanimously votes to suspend Russia’s participation in OSCE PA

"During the suspension period, any actions to amend the rules of procedure of the assembly with the aim of prejudicing the Russian delegation will be considered legally null and void," the document states

BRICS goals in line with Thailand’s foreign political line — ex-ambassador to Russia

"Thailand has always supported the interests of developing countries at multisided forums," Thanatip Upatising pointed out

Loss of five Su-27s unaffordable for Ukrainian forces — Forbes

According to the business magazine, the attack may have inflicted one of the costliest losses on the Ukrainians since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine

Lukashenko sounds alarm on Ukrainian troop movements near Belarusian border

Earlier, Minsk reported Ukrainian troops amassing on the border with Belarus. General Chief-of-Staff Pavel Muraveiko noted the active movement of Ukrainian forces, periodic drone flights across the border and the activization of reconnaissance of Belarusian territory

Trump’s sentencing under paper falsifying case postponed to September 18

Judge Juan Merchan postponed the sentencing date from July 11 for over two months and satisfied Trump’s lawyers’ request to file an application to cancel the guilty verdict

Russian forces overwhelming Ukrainians in northern Volchansk, military leader says

"And, certainly, we are pushing forward every day while squeezing the enemy out of all their positions," Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed

Explosions rock Kiev-controlled city of Kherson

Earlier, air raid sirens went off in the Kiev-controlled part of the Kherson Region

Biden’s team thwarts calls for his replacement after debate failure — Washington Post

According to the report, Biden’s campaign made private calls to campaign donors and Democratic lawmakers

Russia Services PMI Business Activity index declines to 47.6 points in June — research

The corresponding seasonally adjusted index was at its lowest level since January 2023, the study noted

Belarus not going to get involved into any hostilities — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian president, NATO doesn’t want the war in Ukraine to be ended, instead, it is seeking to drag Belarusians into it

Iran ready to strike Israel again once 'conditions are ripe' — senior IRGC commander

According to Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Tehran "is sad to see that [Israel] has been committing crimes in Palestine for nearly nine months with the support of the US and its European allies"

Somalia appreciates Moscow’s contribution to food security — Russian envoy

According to Mikhail Golovanov, in February 2024, the Russian embassy received a letter from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, addressed to the Russian president

Russian, UK diplomats discussed Eurasian common security issues — Russian envoy

"One of them is the settlement with Ukraine," Andrey Kelin said

'Rotten and lost': Russian diplomat says about OSCE

No European security system "has ever materialized in Europe," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Ukraine losing whole battalions every day in special-op zone — DPR adviser

Igor Kimakovsky noted that currently Russian forces are registering tactical success practically everywhere in the DPR

New security architecture in Eurasia to exclude external military presence — Russia’s MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that the initiative to create a new continent-wide security architecture in the Eurasian space had been put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin