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

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

WASHINGTON, October 17. /TASS/. The World Bank revised upward its forecasts for Russian GDP in its October report dedicated to development prospects of the economy of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA).

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates.

"Tighter monetary policy and increasingly binding constraints on production capacity and labor resources are expected to slow growth to 3.2% in 2024, from 3.6% in 2023," the World Bank said. "Growth remains well above potential because of buoyant consumer sentiment, higher real incomes, and substantial increases in government spending, including on defense and infrastructure," authors of the report noted.

Germany prepares to give Ukraine AIM-9L missiles and 4,000 attack drones

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month

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North Korea fully severs transport communication with South

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Report on alternative payment systems will be prepared by BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also drew attention to the growth of trade in national currencies between Russia and other countries

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Ukraine to receive drones with range of up to 2,500 km in 2024 — report

The names of the drone making companies were not specified

State Duma passes draft law on fines for childfree propaganda in first reading

The biggest fine is 5 million rubles ($51,000), which would be imposed on legal entities who promote childfree to minors using the Internet or mass media

Russian Emergencies Ministry’s plane delivers 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza — agency

The batch included food, tents and sleeping bags

BRICS nuclear sector companies resolve to create common platform

Chief executives of relevant majors and organizations of BRICS+ countries, including Russia, Bolivia, Brazil, Iran, China, Ethiopia and South Africa, held the first meeting within the framework of the platform to be created

West's endgame to make Moldova part of Romania — Foreign Ministry

"This is a historical battle that has been going on for decades and centuries, and now it has simply reached a new level," Maria Zakharova stated

India’s imports from Russia up to $32 bln in April-September — ministry

Russia is one of India's leading trading partners and is among the top ten key importers to the South Asian republic along with China, the United States, the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Korea, Switzerland and Singapore

Israeli defense minister suggests Hamas leader definitely killed

The Israel Defense Forces said previously that three Palestinian radicals had been killed in Gaza fighting and one of them could be Yahya Sinwar

US sanctioned three companies, individual, for alleged development of Russian drone

Two Chinese companies, one Russian firm and one Russian national were blacklisted

Harris close on Trump’s heels, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted online and by phone on October 10 and from October 13 to October 15

Armenian PM asks Azerbaijani leader to meet, sign peace treaty — politician

According to the statement, the suggestion was that "the foreign ministers hold a two-day meeting and get on the same page on one or two unagreed articles of the peace treaty, and then the leaders sign the agreement before COP29 in Baku"

Number of deserters in Ukraine quadruples in 9 months

Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies are not capable of investigating such a large number of cases

Putin thanks outgoing ROC President Pozdnyakov for his work

He earlier proposed that the ROC Executive Committee hold elections in December

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

Ukrainians in Poland show no interest in fighting for Ukraine — Polish defense minister

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Polish national security official calls for producing, stockpiling cluster munitions

"We have production facilities that are capable of producing them," Jacek Siewiera said

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

Death toll in Makeyevka increases to 89 — Russian Defense Ministry

All the efforts were taken to save injured individuals immediately after the tragedy, the General noted

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On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

Russia promotes true ideals in sports, such as honor and respect for opponents — Putin

"Building on the vast experience of holding large-scale sports festivals, including the Winter Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup, Russia promotes new formats of cooperation," the Russian leader said

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Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

Bundestag lawmaker calls Zelensky’s initiative a 'world war plan'

According to Sevim Dagdelen, the German government must deny such an initiative

Growing autonomy of Russian strike drones prompts US to boost its defenses — portal

According to Defense One, the United States plans to employ the Leonidas high-powered microwave system, which is designed to overload an incoming drone’s circuits with energy and knock it out

Concept for common exchange market of goods signed at meeting of EAEU prime ministers

It was decided that "the issues of oil and petroleum products should be regulated by other documents," the official added

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

Ex-SBU officer sees Ukraine, US cooking up plot to expel Russia from OPCW

According to Vasily Prozorov, the OPCW received "advice" from its Western curators not to react to Russian statements about Ukraine's violating the convention

Russia’s ruling party leader says US political traditions should be treated with respect

Some of US political traditions may seem hilarious to an outsider, Dmitry Medvedev added

Israel obstructs Gaza ceasefire deal — Qatari premier

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani added that Qatar will continue its efforts aimed at resolving the conflict

Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe up 3 bcm in 9M — GECF

Imports of pipeline gas to the EU amounted to 10.8 bln cubic meters in September, down by 17% month-on-month and up by 2% year-on-year

Yearly plan for staffing of armed forces with contract servicemen 78% complete — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that "this rate is rather good"

Zelensky’s so-called victory plan has two secret annexes that won’t be made public

The public part of the third provision spoke about the deployment of a kind of "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" on the territory of the country

Russian women's futsal team 'didn't have to wear hijabs, but chose to' — coach

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Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Command of Ukraine's 59th brigade executes Russian POWs — Ukrainian captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov urged his fellow soldiers to surrender and stressed that in the current conditions this is the only way for the Ukrainian soldiers to survive

Israel may strike Iran soon — media

Iran had launched a massive missile attack on Israel on October 1, in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

EP committee backs 35 bln euro Ukraine loan to be repaid with income from Russian assets

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Pope's envoy for Ukraine meets with Russian presidential aide in Moscow

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Russian Olympic Committee’s work requires adjustments, says Putin

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NATO chief admits Ukraine won’t be next country to join organization

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China says US missile cruiser driven away after intruding into Chinese waters off Spratly

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Australia to send military aid worth $164 million to Ukraine — deputy premier

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Former Barcelona, Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic signs with CSKA Moscow FC

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Kazakh leader explains Russia's invincibility by military potential, population's support

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No casualties or damage were reported in the shelling, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant's communications director said

Russian troops close to encircling Kurakhovo after liberation of Maksimilyanovka in DPR

"Maksimilyanovka brings closer the encirclement of Kurakhovo from the southeast," the defense circles said

IMF Chief notes significant decline in global inflation rate

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"This would be a catastrophic development and a complete rejection of the existing postulates in the sphere of nuclear security," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

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The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Russian government presented draft federal budget to lower house of parliament

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EU, West losing Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM Orban

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Ukrainian Defense Ministry reshuffle aims to keep intel chief away from finances — expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, Budanov has set his sights on becoming the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces

Russian government to allocate $6.2 mln for drug development equipment — PM

Creation of drugs to prevent severe diseases, including cancer, is the priority, Mikhail Mishustin stressed

Traffic across Crimean bridge up a quarter from May to October

Almost 1.8 million automobiles and buses moved over the Crimean Bridge in both directions

One Direction’s former member Liam Payne falls to death in Buenos Aires

He was 31 years old

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

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

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This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

Russian Airborne Force snipers daily destroy Ukrainian manpower in borderline Kursk area

Sniper pairs pay special attention to camouflaging their positions

Russia to fully provide itself with critical raw materials by 2030 — official

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Putin set to present Russian Paralympians with state awards at ceremony in Kremlin

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NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

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Russian diplomat dubs Zelensky’s plan as 'collection of incoherent slogans'

Maria Zakharova stressed that the Ukrainian president is using his plan to push NATO toward a direct conflict with Russia

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

EU fails to persuade Gulf states to support anti-Russian sanctions

The document’s section, devoted to Ukraine, says that the sides "reaffirm our respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and commitment to fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

US connivance with Kiev fraught with risk of full-scale West-Russia conflict — MFA

"We need not some signals, but real evidence that there is an understanding of the futility of unconditional support for the minions in Kiev, and of the dangers that are exacerbated in a situation where this policy is not revised," Sergey Ryabkov stated

Undocking of Crew Dragon with cosmonaut Grebenkin on board due on Oct. 20 or later — NASA

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Hamas head Sinwar eliminated during operation in Gaza’s south on October 16 — IDF

The identification process is complete

Russia invites UN secretary-general to attend BRICS summit in Kazan

According to the statement, the UN expects that important agreements will be reached at the summit and that it will "give the necessary forward momentum to ensure that the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" are implemented

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"

US claims of China’s help to Russia in Ukrainian conflict hypocritical — Chinese embassy

"China always handles the export of military products in a prudent and responsible way, and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, including drones for civilian use," the spokesperson for Chinese embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, said

All African states to take part in Russia-Africa meeting of foreign ministers in Sirius

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Ukrainian troops sent to areas seized by Russia to become 'cannon fodder,' POW says

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Russia to give military help to North Korea if it comes under attack — senior diplomat

Andrey Rudenko said clauses to that effect are contained in the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea that was submitted to the State Duma for ratification the day before

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

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Ukrainian troops attack volunteers aiding in evacuation of civilians for sport — volunteer

Maria shared a story of Ukrainian forces trying to attack a civilian car carrying eight civilians with a kamikaze drone in the settlement of Krasnooktyabrskoye

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

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US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

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Hamas leader Sinwar eliminated thank to US intelligence - White House

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that it is "a credit to the IDF for taking out Sinwar," but the United States is "proud of the support it has given to the IDF all along the way