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Inbound tourist traffic up 1.5 times in H1 2024

Steady growth of the tourist traffic from Persian Gulf countries and the Asia-Pacific Region is observed in Russia

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. The tourist flow of foreigners to Russia gained 42.4% year on year to 1.8 mln in the first half of 2024, the press service of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development said.

"The number of foreign tourists stayed in hotels and other collective accommodation facilities in the territory of Russia surged by 42.4% in the first half. According to data of the Russian statistical service, 1.8 mln foreign nationals used services of Russian hotels," the press service said.

Steady growth of the tourist traffic from Persian Gulf countries and the Asia-Pacific Region is observed in Russia, Director of the Center for International Tourism Development Yulia Maksutova noted.

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Russian energy minister anticipates stable fuel prices in long-term perspective

According to the minister, the country’s oil sector has reserves of two million tons of gasoline and 3.5 million tons of diesel fuel and manages to offer high supply on the market

Serbian Deputy PM Vulin to take part in BRICS meeting on security in St. Petersburg

A meeting of BRICS and BRICS+ high representatives in charge of security issues will be held in St. Petersburg on September 10 through 12

EU officials focus on serving US energy interests, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova noted that the EU distorted facts and spread direct disinformation to portray Russia as an unreliable energy supplier

Germany to do its utmost to investigate Nord Stream pipelines blasts — Scholz

In an interview with the ZDF television channel, he was asked whether he trusted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky following reports about Kiev’s involvement in the blasts

Kremlin won’t help US 'decipher' Putin's remarks on Harris

Dmitry Peskov noted that unfortunately the issue of Russia is an integral part of the political struggle in the United States

Russian forces use drones in road mining to wipe out enemy vehicles — businessman

According to Alexey Chadayev, the new method has an advantage in that a mining device can be produced directly at the site of combat

Durov declines Russian, Emirati diplomatic assistance — Politico

"The person concerned refused Russian consular protection and an Emirati consular visit but agreed that the Emirati embassy be kept up to date on his situation," the official said

Medvedev touts Russia as global leader in drone warfare thanks to special op

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed out that no one could have imagined that drone usage would become so widespread before the special military operation

Serbia sees how high Putin values it — deputy PM

The deputy prime minister pointed out that the presence of high-ranking officials at the meeting was meaningful for Serbia

Kremlin not yet started preparations for Putin's Direct Line Q&A session

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Direct Line session would be held closer to the New Year and would again be combined with the year-end press conference

Ukraine pulling fresh forces to Kursk area — Russian officer

According to the commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit Apty Alaudinov, there were no large-scale attacks on Wednesday

Collapse of Operation Citadel 2.0

Focus on Africa and the Middle East: what weapons Russia offers in Egypt

The Egypt International Airshow 2024 is taking place for the first time on September 3-5. Russia is represented by a joint exposition organized by Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation). What samples of weapons and military equipment are on offer from Russian manufacturers to foreign customers, how Russia's military-technical cooperation with other countries is developing and more in this TASS factsheet

INTERVIEW: Russia to address issue of efficient use of ports for energy export

Currently, in Russia, only 50-60% of the port capacity for energy exports is used

West’s attempts to influence elections in Russia failed — lawmaker

"But, whereas they launched a campaign for those they support in Moscow, they opted for a different tactic in St. Petersburg - against those they did not like, the so-called anyone-but.. action. A range of illegal canvassing materials were published," he noted

Russia becomes largest economy in Europe, 'being right in hot pursuit of Japan' — aide

Maxim Oreshkin stressed that the gradual loss of all these elements leads to long-term stagnation of the European economy

Ukraine runs out of money to pay its military — Rada committee

Roksolana Pidlasa clarified that the difficulties regarding the payments arose as the US did not provide military assistance to Kiev in the first quarter of 2024 due to delays in the approval of the relevant bill in Congress

Iranian President plans to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Ambassador

There Masoud Pezeshkian plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kazem Jalali said

Paris sees 26,000 people take to streets protesting against Macron’s policy — prefecture

Against this backdrop, Jean-Luc Melenchon, founder of the leftist France Unbowed party, said about the onset of the "right of the strongest" in France and called on supporters for a "long-term struggle" against Macron’s policy

US charges political scientist Simes, his wife with violating American sanctions

According to the statement, the two suspects sought to "launder funds obtained from that scheme"

White House irked by Putin’s ironic comment about US elections

Earlier the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Russia to allocate $1.9 bln for purchases of currency, gold from September 6 to October 4

Daily volume of purchase of foreign currency and gold will equal 8.2 bln rubles

Lavrov says his only meeting with Kuleba lacked constructiveness

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Belgrade, Moscow to soon start negotiations on gas contract — Serbian deputy PM

The official emphasized that he "cannot imagine" a situation in which Serbia would survive the current winter without Russian gas

Trump says he was offended by Putin’s ironic remark about endorsing Harris

Earlier, the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

"It is very difficult to end this war diplomatically without the Russian side," Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said

Russia to continue raising topic of West’s involvement in attacks on Kursk Region at UN

According to Zakharova, such contacts are maintained via the foreign ministry, "via embassies, via exchanges of notes, via isolated targeted missions."

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novogrodovka

Also the Defense Ministry said that Russian servicemen have hit a temporary deployment site of Ukraine’s Special Operations Center South

Russia, North Korea to keep strengthening strategic partnership — Putin

Russian President said it in his congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of founding of the republic

Russia plans to create 90 nm lithography machine — minister

The first commercial specimen of the lithographic printer operating on the 350 nm topology already appeared this year

US cannot confirm downing of MQ-9 Reaper drone by Houthis

The movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree said earlier that a US MQ-9 drone had been downed when it was carrying out hostile actions over the airspace of the Marib province

Kiev seeks lifting of restrictions on strikes on Russia amid dire battlefield situation

However, according to Maria Zakharova, this will turn out to be "a plan of trouble" for Kiev rather than "a plan of victory"

Scholz says it is time for discussing ways out of conflict in Ukraine

At the same time, he pledged that Germany would continue its assistance to Kiev but admitted that the results of the regional elections in Germany, where parties opposing weapons supplies to Ukraine won the majority, "stem from the fact that some people are against support for Ukraine."

Conflict in Ukraine to be settled through talks — Pentagon chief

"We are going continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position" for peace talks, Lloyd Austin pledged

World opting for BRICS as it is tired of US’ aggression — Russian diplomat

When asked why so many countries are seeking BRICS membership, Zakharova said that the world is tired of "America’s claims," attacks and "implicit or even explicit aggression."

Expert who predicted Biden, Trump victories says Harris to win

American historian and political scientist Allan Lichtman explained that he bases his predictions on his own system, which takes into account 13 key factors

Russian Su-34 jet hits Ukrainian forces in Kursk border area with aerial bombs

According to the Defense Ministry, after receiving confirmation from the intelligence service that the targets had been destroyed, the crew returned safely to the airfield

Putin didn’t pass along new information about potential unrest, Kremlin spokesman says

"We continue to have regular communication at various levels, including in very, very sensitive areas," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukrainian drone shot down over Kursk Regions — defense ministry

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Russian government orders to set up embassy in Dominican Republic

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Syrsky to be fired over fallout from attack on Kursk Region, says Ukrainian politician

Ukraine’s former Interior Minister Yury Lutsenko said that the best Ukrainian units and equipment had been deployed to the Kursk Region

Ruling party leader hails elections in Russia as complying with country’s laws

The Single Voting Day was held throughout Russia on September 6-8, when almost 4,000 election campaigns held

Press review: Big bucks flow at EEF and Macron's PM pick has left talking impeachment

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 6th

Algeria’s incumbent president wins early election — agency

The voter turnout was 48.03%

Kiev violating legal, humanitarian rules of warfare — Belarusian security chief

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Russian energy minister anticipates stable fuel prices in long-term perspective

According to the minister, the country’s oil sector has reserves of two million tons of gasoline and 3.5 million tons of diesel fuel and manages to offer high supply on the market

Final day of regional, municipal elections starts in Russia

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Putin says Russia 'backs' Harris post-Biden exit

The Russian president joked that Harris’ "laughter is so expressive and contagious," that you can assume "she’s doing well"

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 12 times in past day

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BRICS expansion enhances group's economic standing — UAE Finance Ministry

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Former NASA chief hopes for US-Russia-China cooperation in outer space

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Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Gazprom Neft to launch needle coke production at Omsk Refinery in 2024

The future production facility will reduce the import dependence of many sectors of the Russian industry, from steelmaking to aerospace

Press review: Mongolia shoves Putin's arrest warrant and big deals abound at EEF

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 4th

Germany does not give Russia reliable information on Nord Stream sabotage case — envoy

Ambassador to Berlin Sergey Nechayev emphasized that the project involves not only Russia, but also many other countries as well

EAEU, SCO, BRICS can become backbone of global economic regulatory system

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US, Europe working on substitutes for S-300 system, R-27 missile — Pentagon chief

Earlier, Western media outlets reported that Ukraine had failed to fully replace Soviet-made S-300 missile systems with Western-manufactured ones

Ukraine loses over 11,220 troops since start of hostilities in Kursk area

Russian servicemen repelled five Ukrainian attacks, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Philippines storm Megi: 214 killed and 132 missing

An emergencies situation was declared in 61 cities and municipalities

Voting in Russia proceeding without violations — human rights ombudsperson’s office

The Single Voting Day is being held throughout Russia on September 6-8, when almost 4,000 election campaigns being underway

Vietnamese parliament speaker arrives in Moscow on official visit

Melnikov said earlier, that the Vietnamese parliament speaker would pay a visit to Russia from September 8 through 10 to discuss aspects of interbank cooperation, trade, and joint projects

CEC sees no intense activities by anti-Russian elements during these elections

The Single Voting Day is being held throughout Russia on September 6-8, when almost 4,000 election campaigns being underway

Belarusian tennis player Sobolenko wins US Open

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Over 100,000 people take to streets in France protesting against Macron’s policy

Apart from Paris, massive rallies took place in Nantes, Nice, Marseille, Rennes and other major cities

Press review: Putin goes to Mongolia and Berlin gives Kiev free run to use its weapons

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 3rd

Author of "My Heart Will Go On" hit dies in US

He had been in declining health for the past 5-6 years

12 fuel tanks catch fire in Belgorod Region after Ukraine’s drone attack

The region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, wrote on his Telegram channel earlier that a fuel storage facility had been attacked by a Ukrainian drone in the region

First Starships to Mars to launch in two years, Musk says

If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years

Over 460,000 children vaccinated against polio in Gaza Strip — agency

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan earlier ordered to allocated $5 million to support the campaign

Summer Paralympic Games in Paris declared closed

The closing ceremony is being held at Paris’ Stade de France stadium

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Kalinovo settlement in DPR

The Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 810 servicemen in the area of responsibility of Russia’s South battlegroup over the day

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian training center with NATO instructors in Poltava

Vladimir Saldo stressed that the military bloc is providing both financial and administrative support for the operation of such centers

Russia says its Grad MLRS destroys Ukrainian positions near border in Kursk Region

The ministry said that, in cooperation with forward reconnaissance teams and unmanned aircraft, Grad crews strike enemy locations, strongholds and observation posts

Ukrainian shell hits residential house in Belgorod Region, two children injured

A 9-year-old boy with a head injury and a laceration of the left shin and his 7-year-old brother with a closed head injury are in serious condition, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported

Russian forces shoot down three ATACMS missiles in past day

The Russian air defenses also destroyed five French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, an Olkha rocket and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles in the past day

Lavrov arrives in Riyadh to take part in Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting

The heads of the delegations will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, developments in Syria, Yemen, and Libya

Ruslan Kukharuk elected governor of Khanty-Mansiysk Region

Thirty-three out of 36 deputies voted for him

Fire area in Chernobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine exceeds 2,600 hectares

The radiation background in the area is normal, with critical infrastructure facilities not at threat

Israel committed to achieving its objectives in Gaza Strip — Netanyahu

"The great majority of Israel's citizens are not falling into this Hamas trap," he stressed

Kiev’s allies worried Ukraine could be pushed out of Kursk border area in a few months

Bloomberg reported that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that Kiev could use the situation in the Kursk Region "as a bargaining chip in talks"

Houthis down US MQ-9 Reaper drone — rebel representative

This is the eighth drone of the US air forces of this type downed by the rebels over the airspace of Yemen since the start of escalation

Kremlin spokesman denies Russia meddles in US elections

"This is not the first time that Russia has been blamed for interfering into America’s elections," Dmitry Peskov told

Landing humans on Mars needs international collaboration — former NASA chief

However, the former chief of the US space agency was skeptical about the prospect of a private company’s capability of sending humans to Mars alone

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

Ukraine’s troops cling to outskirts of Krasnogorovka, sustain daily losses — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said Russian soldiers were very resourceful in selecting methods and tactics of liberating the city, as well as rescuing the local population

INTERVIEW: Ban on export of gasoline not to cause decline in its production — minister

The ban on export of gasoline from Russia has been extended from September 1 until the end of 2024

Mercenary activities and Ukraine’s losses: What is known about situation in Kursk Region

The enemy has lost more than 7,800 troops since fighting began in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Potential catastrophe at Kursk NPP to affect entire Europe — Russian officer

He said that he doesn’t understand "why Europe as yielded to America’s globalist interests and is doing everything it can to let America stage a catastrophe that would affect not only Russia and Ukraine, but also entire Europe."

Press review: Putin meets with global movers and shakers and ZNPP welcomes IAEA chief

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 5th

Single Voting Day over in Russia

Local legislative elections took place in 13 Russian regions

Russia expects Latin American representatives at BRICS summit, invitations sent — diplomat

Alexander Schetinin told Izvestiya that the work is underway

PREVIEW: Lavrov to discuss regional crises, global economy with Gulf Cooperation Council

The intensification of the strategic dialogue occurs amid an objective global trend of strengthening of new centers of growth and development beyond the historic West

Russian diplomat summoned to Latvian MFA over reports about fallen Russian drone

A similar incident was reported in Lithuania

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, the Russian military repelled two attacks by enemy assault groups towards Matveyevka and Olgovka, and foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack three settlements

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

Putin inspects Pacific Fleet corvette in Russia’s Far East

The flotilla chief told Putin about the troops and means from his unit as well as their operational procedures

French war correspondent says country had hand in planning attack on Kursk

It is reported that France strategically calls its military specialists in Ukraine mercenaries to avoid responsibility

Four villages in Belgorod Region attacked by Ukrainian drones

According to the governor, a minivan was damaged in the village of Dronovka, two single-family houses were damaged by in the villages in Novopetrovka and Murov

Nearly 270 cyberattack on Moscow’s e-voting system repelled

Meanwhile, the headquarters’ chief, Vadim Kovalev, said that no serious violations or incidents that might impact the outcome of the voting have been reported in Moscow