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Gas reserves in European UGS facilities reach over 86%, gas prices rise by 5.6%

Currently, European underground gas storage facilities are filled to 86.48% (8.67 percentage points higher than the average for this date over the past five years), they contain about 95.2 bln cubic meters of gas

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Gas reserves in European underground gas storage (UGS) facilities exceeded 86%, but are still slightly below last year's level, when UGS facilities were filled to more than 87%. Meanwhile, the price of gas on the European exchange rose the day before by 5.6% to $439 per 1,000 cubic meters amid concerns about Ukrainian transit, currently trading at around $434.

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), as of August 7, gas injections into underground gas storage facilities in EU countries amounted to 260.6 mln cubic meters, withdrawals - 36.7mln cubic meters.

Currently, European underground gas storage facilities are filled to 86.48% (8.67 percentage points higher than the average for this date over the past five years), they contain about 95.2 bln cubic meters of gas.

The share of wind power in the EU electricity generation in July fell to a minimum since June 2023 and amounted to 11.56% and in August the figure remains at a minimum level of 8.21%.

Russia expects to launch visa-free regime with Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in 2025

Interstate agreements on abolishing visa regime are also being developed with Bahrain, some African countries and Kenya

Poll reveals what Russians think about office love, polyamory

It is noted that opinions are changing not only about relationships with colleagues, but also about romance between a subordinate and a supervisor

Lavrov says West doesn’t want to reach fair agreement on Ukraine

"The West wants to continue to do everything so that Russia, as they hope, approaches a situation when it will be possible to declare that a strategic defeat has been inflicted on us on the battlefield," the Russian foreign minister stressed

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

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"

Uzbekistan will benefit from participation in Eurasian integration — Russian PM

Uzbekistan's participation in Eurasian integration can give additional advantages for business thanks to the opening of new sales markets and the creation of conditions for fair competition, Mikhail Mishustin said

De Gaulle's grandson tells State Duma speaker about plans to move to Russia

On September 9, Vyacheslav Volodin met with Pierre de Gaulle in the State Duma

Zelensky destroying Ukrainian economy — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that "during martial law, Zelensky has been actively raising prices," for example, by signing a bill on raising excise duties on gas, diesel and autogas

Lavrov calls for practical steps toward establishing Palestinian State

The Russian foreign minister emphasized "the position that it is necessary to immediately stop violence, resolve humanitarian problems"

Hungary’s Orban prepares new peace initiative event in September — TV

The Hungarian PM did not give any details about the upcoming event

Kiev loses over 11,400 troops since incursion in Kursk area — Russia’s top brass

The Ukrainian military also lost 89 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles and 74 armored personnel carriers

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

FACTBOX: Drone attack on Moscow and other Russian regions

At least 14 drones were shot down by air defense forces during an attempt to attack Moscow and the Moscow Region, several dozen UAVs were destroyed in other regions of Russia

Russia, Saudi Arabia aim to expand investment cooperation — Russian MFA

According to the ministry, during Sergey Lavrov's visit to the kingdom, the Russian Foreign Minister was received by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and met with the country's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

Hungary’s MOL reaches agreement on oil supplies from Russia via Druzhba pipeline

According to the document, in 2024 the Group "will take over ownership of the affected volumes of crude oil at the Belarus-Ukraine border, effective from 9 September 2024"

Ukraine peace proposals fail to protect Russian speakers — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, the root of the conflict in Ukraine was a crackdown on the rights of Russian-speaking residents by the Kiev regime following the coup in 2014

Int’l institutions unable to resolve crises in Ukraine, Gaza — de Gaulle’s grandson

"With no real political will for peace, the scale of the conflicts is only growing," Pierre de Gaulle stressed, adding that "international institutions have proved to be useless"

Turkey’s ambitions to join BRICS reflect its push to reduce reliance on West — newspaper

According to the Turkish newspaper, Turkey’s membership of BRICS will "complicate things at NATO," of which Turkey is one of the oldest allies

Harris team brings in Trump's stand-in to prepare for debate — newspaper

The two presidential candidates will debate on September 10 on ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Putin congratulates Kim Jong Un on North Korea's 76th anniversary — Kremlin

The Russian leader noted that relations between the two countries remain at a high level, which was fully confirmed by the recent substantial and fruitful talks in Pyongyang

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

Russia, China regularly exchange views on Middle East settlement — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled that Beijing had earlier come up with an initiative for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli crisis and drew attention to its similarity to similar efforts by Moscow

Russian forces wipe out several dozen Ukrainian militants near Slavyansk in DPR

It is reported that the exact number of eliminated Ukrainian neo-Nazi fighters is currently being determined

De Gaulle's grandson elected as deputy chairman of Tolstoy Peace Prize jury

According to Vladimir Tolstoy, director general of the Leo Tolstoy State Museum, the writer's great-grandson, the prize will be awarded annually at the Bolshoi Theater

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

Apart from that, seven violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 were reported

Gulf countries stand for preserving Syria’s territorial integrity — statement

The Ministerial Council also affirmed its firm positions towards supporting the efforts of the United Nations to reach a political solution in Syria in line with Security Council Resolution 2254

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

Russian Battlegroup North hits Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region’s border area

According to the report, the operation was controlled online

Lavrov meets with GCC secretary general in Riyadh

The top Russian duplomat noted that this meeting is the fifth of its kind

Seven civilians killed in Ukraine’s shelling attacks on DPR in past week

56 civilians were wounded during the week

Gulf countries call for return of Palestinian Authority to Gaza

"The Ministerial Council underscored the importance of preparing a comprehensive plan for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza upon the conclusion of the war, reaffirming the GCC's rejection of entrenching the idea of separating Gaza from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem," the statement said

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"

Nine-year-old child killed in Ramenskoye drone strike

Another person was injured, Governor of the Moscow Region Andrey Vorobyov reported

US resident arrested on charges of conspiring to evade US sanctions against Russia

According to the charges, Sam Bhambhani worked with a Russian citizen who resold laser equipment to a subsidiary of the Russian government-owned company Rosatom from 2015 to 2021

Equipment failure may have caused crash of only Alex-251 amphibious aircraft

According to the source, the plane was flown by an experienced pilot

Large package of documents to be prepared for BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Russia plans more than a hundred various BRICS events throughout its presidency

Kremlin sees no reason for Putin to give interview to freed US journalist Gershkovich

Eight Russian nationals, detained or convicted in several NATO countries, as well as two minors, had returned home following a prisoner swap conducted at Ankara’s airport

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."

Ukrainian troops targeting civilian vehicles in Kursk Region — volunteer

Alexander Kasaurov cited an incident when a Ukrainian drone broke the windshield of a moving car with two civilians on board, a man and a woman

Russia’s foreign minister, Saudi crown prince discuss implementation of summit agreements

"In addition to the bilateral agenda, we discussed the tasks we are facing in the light of the evolving international situation," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

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

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

Alexander Schetinin told Izvestiya that the work is underway

Russia’s coal supplies total 100.9 mln tons to China, 26.2 mln tons to India in 2023

According to Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov, the geography of supplies includes countries of the Global South such as India, China, Brazil, Mexico, African countries and a number of others

IAEA chief rules out restarting reactors at Zaporozhye nuke plant amid ongoing hostilities

According to Rafael Grossi, all the plant’s reactors remain in cold shutdown

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

New Apple Watch Series 10 boasts thinner case, larger display

According to the company, it's the fastest-charging Apple Watch ever, reaching an 80% charge in 30 minutes

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

IDF stops UN convoy to check for Palestinian suspects

The Israeli military said they received intelligence that several Palestinian suspects could be hiding in one of the vehicles

Yerevan hands over to Baku completely agreed draft of peace treaty — top diplomat

According to Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia and Azerbaijan have all the chances to sign a peace treaty soon

Persian Gulf countries concerned about Iran's nuclear program — statement

According to the statement, the Persian Gulf countries are ready to cooperate to solve problems related to Iran's nuclear program and to participate in all relevant negotiations at the regional and international levels

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

Plane en route from Moscow to Istanbul makes unplanned landing in Warsaw — website

According to the online service database, the plane is owned by Turkey’s Pegasus

Joint Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian military unit may be used to occupy Ukraine, Putin warns

The Russian leader stresses that if Polish units enter Lvov or some other territories in Ukraine, they will be staying put there to remain on the ground "for good"

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

Russia works for preventing major war in Middle East — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed to "a sharp deterioration of the military and political situation in the entire region - from the border of Lebanon and Israel to the Red Sea"

Russia says its battlegroup North inflicts up to 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that air defenses shot down two French-made guided aerial bombs Hammer, four HIMARS rockets of US manufacture and 45 unmanned aerial vehicles

US pursuit for maintaining dominance in Middle East fails — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that there should be "an immediate cease-fire" and recalled that the root of the conflict's problem was the "80-year-old unresolved issue of the establishment of a Palestinian state"

Enemy wanted to disrupt elections, sow panic, Russian society consolidated — politician

"As always, Russian society responded to aggression and escalation with even greater consolidation around our president," Boris Gryzlov said

Kremlin aware of Scholz’s 'peace plan' only from media

"We are not rejecting any plans in advance but it is necessary to understand what this is about," Dmitry Peskov noted

Main thing in Ukraine settlement is protection of people's rights, says Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that it is easy to agree on the place and time of the negotiations on Ukraine, but first it is necessary to understand what will be discussed

Actor James Earl Jones, iconic voice of Darth Vader, dies at the age of 93

The cause of the actor's death was not made public

Lavrov says US attempts to meddle in Russian elections only unite people

According to the foreign minister, the United States "still cannot realize that longstanding attempts to stir up Russian society inevitably end in complete failure, as it happened this time"

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate for September 10 to 90.39 rubles — regulator

The regulator raised the euro-to-ruble exchange rate by 19 kopecks to 99.9067 rubles

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

DPRK strengthens sovereignty under destructive forces’ heavy pressure — Medvedev

The Russian senior official also noted that the interaction between the United Russia and the Workers' Party of Korea "is a tangible component of comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang"

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"

Gulf countries support Qatar, US, Egypt’s mediatory efforts toward Gaza settlement

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave

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

Conditions in Russian hostage even better than in Ukrainian units — commander

Major General Apty Alaudinov said that Russia "fully provides the prisoners of war with food and everything they need, and they receive full medical care"

It’s up to Eurasian nations to decide about their future, West must accept this — Lavrov

At the same time, the top Russian diplomat noted that no one is closing the doors on communicating with the West

Russian stock indices in the green as Monday trading closes

Following the main session, the MOEX Index rose by 3.04%, to 2,703.17 points, the dollar-denominated RTS index rose by 2.4%, to 942.14 points

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

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

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

Foreign mercenaries operating in Kursk direction particularly brutal — security source

It is the mercenaries that act the most brutally towards civilians, a source in security agencies said

Ukrainian attacks thwarted: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost up to 240 servicemen and 13 armored vehicles, including two tanks and 11 armored combat vehicles

Coal supplies from Russia to China to return to 100 mln tons starting 2025 — minister

The export dynamics is affected by duties on Russian coal imposed by China, a drop in global prices, as well as coal producers’ supply and production costs that have risen in recent several years, Sergey Tsivilyov noted

First-ever Leo Tolstoy Peace Prize awarded to African Union

The prize was handed over to African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat by Jury President and Bolshoi Theater Director Valery Gergiev

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

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

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

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."

Firefighters extinguish fire in Rostov Region depot 12 days after drone attack

There were no casualties

Princess Catherine of Wales completes her cancer treatment

The princess said that she would focus on making sure that the remission that had occurred lasted as long as possible

Russia, China to hold joint drills in two seas in September — Chinese top brass

The drills will be held according to a plan agreed by the two countries, the Chinese ministry noted

PM Mishustin to travel to Uzbekistan with two-day official visit

The sides will review the implementation of agreements, achieved during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan on May 26-28

CAS rejects Russian biathletes Sleptsova, Ustyugov’s appeals against anti-doping charges

Ustyugov’s competitive results obtained from 27 August 2013 through to his retirement at the end of the 2013/14 World Cup season are invalidated - including forfeiting any medals, points and prizes

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

Missing 75th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow would be a mistake for WWII allies — Putin

Russia sent invitations to many world leaders to attend the celebrations

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

De Gaulle’s grandson says Putin wants peace, unlike Western leaders

"I believe in the wisdom of the Russian soul," Pierre de Gaulle said

US to face domestic problems regardless of presidential election results — Russian MFA

The next US presidential election will take place in November 2024

Russia, North Korea to keep strengthening strategic partnership — Putin

"This, undoubtedly, meets the core interests of our peoples and is in line with the course on ensuring security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeastern Asian region in general," the Russian president said

Press review: Kiev bets on own arms production and US, NATO bearing down on Latin America

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 9th

UNGA should respect decisions by member countries including Russia — diplomat

President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis said he had hoped the conflict in Ukraine would have come to an end already

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

Armenia, EU begin visa liberalization talks — Armenian deputy PM

"We see this process as a strategic agenda on the modernization of such spheres as migration, people’s movements and border management," Mger Grigoryan said

FACTBOX: What is known about plane crash near Moscow

Moscow’s interregional transport prosecutor’s office has launched a probe into the crash

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

UN General Assembly opens 79th Session in New York

The Russian delegation will be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Apple unveils iPhone 16 models

The new models have the Action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models last year, and a touch button for camera control, giving quick access to shooting settings

Armenia and EU start talks on visa regime liberalization — Pashinyan

The Armenian prime minister added that "especially after his speech in the European Parliament last year, discussions continue in the country regarding the possibility of joining the EU"