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Russian stocks up as Monday trading opens

On June 13, the Moscow Exchange suspended trading in the dollar and euro after the US Treasury imposed sanctions against it and the National Clearing Center, part of the Moscow Exchange group

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia’s stock market went up as Monday trading opened on Moscow Exchange as the MOEX Index added 0.28% to 2,759.58 points, while the RTS Index gained 0.28% to 901.63 points, according to trading data as of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (07:00 a.m. GMT). The yuan exchange rate against the ruble lost 4.1 kopecks as trading opened compared with previous closing to 13.342 rubles, according to trading data.

As of 10:16 a.m. Moscow time (07:16 a.m. GMT), the MOEX was up by 0.34% at 2,761.13 points, the RTS was up by 0.34% at 902.14 points while the yuan was up by 1.5 kopecks at 13.398 rubles.

On June 13, the Moscow Exchange suspended trading in the dollar and euro after the US Treasury imposed sanctions against it and the National Clearing Center, part of the Moscow Exchange group. The regulator uses bank reports and information from over-the-counter trading to determine the dollar and euro exchange rates to the ruble.

Gas reserves in Europe’s underground storage facilities approach 95.2%

Currently, the European UGS facilities are 95.18% full (3.05 pp higher than the average for this date over the past five years), containing 105.64 bln cubic meters of gas

Russia downs 18 Ukrainian drones last night — top brass

11 drones were intercepted over the Rostov Region

US provocations, Ukraine: Putin's remarks to BRICS media leaders

According to the Russian leader, Western countries, led by the United States, have caused the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and have started the war back in 2014

Blowing up roads in DPRK is republic’s internal affair, says Pyongyang

"Whether we dismantle roads and railway facilities or newly build them in the territory where the sovereignty of the DPRK is exercised, it pertains to the DPRK's sovereign right from A to Z and it is not a matter to be meddled in by the UN secretary-general," Kim Son Gyong stressed

Lavrov sees little merit in evaluating Rutte’s rhetoric on Ukraine

NATO’s new chief "serves as a `technical secretary’ who is articulating the position that has been agreed upon within NATO, largely influenced by Washington's stance," the minister said

Foreign minister to lead Brazilian delegation to BRICS summit in Kazan

The press service of the Brazilian president said earlier in the day that President Inacio Lula da Silva would not be able to attend the summit because of health problems

Putin to hold talks with UAE president at Kremlin

The Kremlin press service announced that the two leaders plan to discuss "the state and prospects for the development of multifaceted Russian-UAE cooperation and pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa region"

Russian troops liberate Zoryanoye settlement in Donetsk People's Republic

Russian air defense systems also destroyed 31 aircraft-type UAVs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Lavrov says shame on EU for supporting Nazism in Ukraine

"It turs out that the European leaders are ready to defend the so-called values of Nazism again, therefore denazification is an urgent task rather than a motto," the minister said

UAE president arrives in Moscow to meet with Putin — agency

Later in the day, the two presidents will meet in an informal atmosphere

Russian forces block Ukrainian group in Selidovo — security forces

All roads leading out of the city are under the full fire control of the Russian army

Russia successfully test-fires Kalibr cruise missile in Arkhangelsk region — top brass

The missile firing area was closed to civilian shipping and flights in advance by ships from the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet’s hydrographic ships

Russia ranks fourth globally by purchasing power parity — Putin

China is the largest economy of the globe by that parameter, the head of state said

Ukrainian crisis, other conflicts to be discussed at BRICS summit’s first session

According to the Kremlin aide, colleagues from Brazil and China will lay bare their views on these conflicts

Moscow-Pyongyang cooperation should not worry anyone — Kremlin

"North Korea is our close neighbor, our partner, and we are developing our relations in all areas," Dmitry Peskov underlined

State Duma’s budget committee passes draft federal budget for 2025-2027

The share of oil and gas revenues in total federal budget revenues is expected to fall from 31.3% in 2024 to 22.6% in 2027, while the share of non-oil and gas revenues of the federal budget will go up from 68.7% in 2024 to 77.4% in 2027

US will consider Russia adversary regardless of outcome of its elections — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also added that US President Joe Biden's statements on nuclear arms talks with Russia are aimed at helping Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential elections

BRICS summit, not US elections, will determine course of history — Russian official

Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko believes that truly responsible leaders of sovereign states understand this, and the level of representation at the summit and the ever-growing number of applications for membership are clear proof of this

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Putin describes situation in Middle East as very difficult

The UAE president, in turn, said that he is ready to discuss the situation in the Middle East

Russia says its Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk Region

The strike on the previously detected enemy targets were delivered with air-borne missiles

Russia says comms unit of Airborne Force helps seamless operations in Zaporozhye Region

Modern wearable communication systems are widely used at forward positions, allowing satellite radio communication with command points," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement

Press review: Kazan readies for BRICS summit and Israel's plan to attack Iran leaked

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 21st

Russian PM Mishustin to meet with his Kyrgyz counterpart

The two premiers plan to discuss pressing issues facing cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres between Russia and Kyrgyzstan

Sandu must prove that 'criminal groups' stole her votes — Kremlin

"If Maia Sandu says that she is short of votes because of some 'criminal groups', then she should present evidence," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukraine becomes hostage of West's colonial philosophy — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky emphasized that Ukrainians and the Baltic peoples live in an illusion, although there are people who understand the real state of affairs

Voting in Moldova: Sandu's failed 'blitzkrieg'

Sandu has 41.84% of the vote, while Stoianoglo holds 26.35%, according to preliminary results released by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) after processing 100% of the protocols

Economic growth to be in Russia, China, India and Saudi Arabia — Putin

"Forming of new centers of development" is the sign of time, the Russian leader underlined

Slovakia’s ruling party objects to inviting Ukraine to NATO — PM

According to Fico, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who has recently unveiled his conflict settlement plan, is aware of Slovakia’s position

Netanyahu accuses ‘Iran’s proxy’ of trying to assassinate him in drone attack

On Saturday, a drone was launched toward Netanyahu's home in Caesarea

Russia ready to work with any US administration, given mutual respect, Lavrov says

Russian foreign minister reiterated that Russia has never avoided dialogue, nor did it interrupt it

Russia has unique icebreaker fleet and is developing it — Putin

The President recalled that Russia had seven nuclear icebreakers and 34 diesel ones

Romania notifies Russia of imminent closure of its consulate general — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, this step on the part of Bucharest is conditioned by Russia's decision "to denounce the bilateral intergovernmental agreement on the opening of the mentioned consular institution"

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

Growth of gold prices threatens dollar-based financial system — expert

Over the past year the price of gold ounce grew by 39.4% from $1,947 to $2,715

BRICS to become alternative to global financial institutes — Cuba’s envoy to UN

BRICS countries have common interests and huge possibilities for foreign trade, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ernesto Soberon Guzman said

Lavrov calls on West, Kiev to abandon idea of Ukraine joining NATO

"In Kiev, separate regulations have been issued to cancel any cultural activities in Russian," Russian foreign minister noted

Lavrov rejects British PM’s remark about Istanbul talks between Russia, Ukraine as lie

In his latest memoir, Boris Johnson attempted to deny responsibility for derailing the Istanbul talks, Russian foreign minister said

Lavrov slams 'deception' Biden's words about US readiness for nuclear talks with Russia

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that it is necessary to talk about it taking into account all factors, "rather than cunningly advancing an attractive slogan that conceals a desire for unilateral benefit"

Brazilian president to skip BRICS summit due to head injury — media

It is reported that the Brazilian president was hospitalized on October 20 with "a wound in the back of his head"

Kiev cannot create nuclear bomb, but can make dirty one — politician

Nikolay Azarov emphasized that nuclear research was carried out in Ukraine after it renounced nuclear weapons

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

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

Ukrainian forces lost up to 460 troops in Battlegroup Center responsibility zone

The Battlegroup Center defeated five brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Donetsk People's Republic in one day and repelled nine counterattacks, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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

Russia ready to supply oil and gas to Indonesia — ambassador

"We are also ready to supply oil and gas, if there is interest, as well as Russian metals, fertilizers," the diplomat noted

Moldova’s president alleges 'unprecedented' plot to buy off votes

"Criminal groups working with foreign forces have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda <…> to keep our country trapped in uncertainty and instability," Maia Sandu said

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Brazil, India, Africa should become permanent members of UN Security Council — Lavrov

"This is necessary to ensure representativeness, representation of the global majority," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Ninety-five Russian troops return home from Ukrainian captivity

According to the broadcaster, a special flight brought them to the Chkalovsky airfield outside Moscow, where buses were waiting for them

Russian troops fight for native Russian territories during special op — Putin

He said it, commenting on the discussion moderator’s remark that Western states have already abandoned their idea to "defeat Russia on the battlefield

Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza kill over 70 Palestinians — TV

According to the enclave’s Health Ministry, more than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed and 99,600 have suffered injuries in Gaza since October 2023

Brazilian president to skip BRICS summit in Kazan

According to Brazil’s Metropoles news portal, the Brazilian leader got into a home accident and bumped the back of his head

Moving frontline 40 km away from Nikopol needed to start Zaporozhye NPP — Governor

The two cities are located on the right bank of the Dnieper controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Nord Stream sabotage made Germany, Europe dependent on US in energy — Lavrov

"Everyone has heard of the terrorist attack on the Nord Streams which was swallowed by a silent and obedient Europe, even as it undermined the possibility of development, mostly for Germany and other European countries," the minister said

Russian troops thwart subversive attack on military base in Tajikistan drills

The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders

West ready to blow up dam in Kiev to pin blame on Russia — Zaporozhye head

Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that Russians and Ukrainians are a single nation

Vucic describes his phone call with Putin as conversation of two friends

He also said that during the phone call with Putin they "exchanged views on all of the major bilateral issues, including economic"

Lavrov says rapprochement with BRICS may directly benefit Russia’s allies in CSTO, EAEU

"They do not have to join BRICS, but they should collaborate in the implementation of specific projects, which is in the interests of all of us," Russia's top diplomat said

Kremlin welcomes Scholz's readiness for dialogue with Putin

At the same time, the Kremlin has not yet received any real proposals from Germany or other Western countries to organize contacts with the Russian president, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Kremlin sees no links between cancellations on Russia, Brazilian leaders’ visits

The press service of the Brazilian president said earlier in the day that Lula da Silva would not be able to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24 because of health problems

Participation in BRICS in line with Egypt's overall development strategy — expert

Rami al-Ghadran noted that Egypt's priorities for BRICS included transition to green energy, food security and exchange of experience and transfer knowhow

Russian forces destroy two Baba Yaga bomber drones in Kharkov Region

Data recorders show FPV drone crews wiping out two Ukrainian Baba Yaga unmanned aerial vehicles over the Kharkov Region in the course of the special military operation

Ukrainian forces out of chances to break through to Kursk NPP — Russian fighter

According to a Russian commander, more than 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers died in an attempt to implement the so-called blitzkrieg plan in Kursk region to give Russia a nuclear ultimatum

Israel hits five offices of Hezbollah sponsor organization in Lebanon

According to Al Hadath, missiles were fired at two buildings housing Al-Qard Al-Hassan office in southern Beirut

Terrorists plan to stage provocations in Syria using toxic agents — Russian military

Terrorists reportedly plan to carry out a false flag operation together with members of the White Helmets pseudo-humanitarian organization in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone

Right-wing conservatives in Europe loyal to their electorates, not Russia — Lavrov

"The interests of a sizable portion of the EU population lie in the fact that they do not wish to see yet another war break out," the minister said

France in discussion with partners about inviting Ukraine to NATO immediately

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a two-day visit to Kiev

Russia has long been ahead of countries considered developed — finance minister

In May, the World Bank updated its GDP data at purchasing power parity, taking into account data for 2021, Russia entered the top four economies in the world

Putin to hold working meetings at BRICS summit ‘from morning to night’ — spokesman

The president will have such a busy schedule "within the next three to four days," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian helicopters foil rotation of Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region’s border areas

"Strikes were delivered at designated enemy targets with air-fired rockets. After using aircraft weapons, the crews conducted an anti-missile maneuver, fired decoy flares and returned to the home base. According to the air support controller, Ukrainian armored vehicles and manpower were eliminated," the ministry said

Moldova’s Social Party calls for balanced relations with EU, Russia — ex-President Dodon

He rejected allegations that his party is seeking termination of talks on Moldova’s European Union membership

Russia-North Korea cooperation not directed against South Korea — embassy

Earlier, South Korean diplomats reported that First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun had met with the Russian ambassador

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

BRICS considering 15 countries as its potential partners — BRICS aide

"It would be illogical to admit so many countries at once, because it would no longer be am association but rather an amorphous structure, which would be unable to work," he said in an interview with Russian TV Channel One

South Korean Foreign Ministry summons Russian envoy

On October 10, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that media claims regarding the involvement of North Korean servicemen in the special military operation appear to be yet another hoax

Presidential candidate reports violations at elections, referendum in Moldova

Observers received more than 170 reports of violations in the first two hours, 34 of which were verified and confirmed

Voting at Moldova’s presidential election, referendum on joining EU over

However, voting will continue at some overseas polling stations

Putin informs Vucic about course of special military operation — Kremlin

The leaders discussed the situation around Ukraine

Situation gets bleaker for Ukrainian military, US thinks about negotiations — news agency

Columnist Hal Brands pointed out that none of the plans of US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris so far provide an answer to how to "turn a deteriorating battlefield situation into a decent peace" for Kiev

Over 4,600 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

The Russian reconciliation center conducted three humanitarian operation in the settlement of Albasit and in the city of Latakia and distributed more than one tone of food among their residents, Oleg Ignasyuk said

Russia-UAE trade up three-fold in past three years — Putin

According to the Russian leader, mutual investments between Russia and the United Arab Emirates reached $7 billion and sovereign funds are working on about 60 projects worth $2 billion

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

Administration of Zaporozhye Region’s district attacked by Ukrainian troops

According to Titsky, no one was hurt

Every participant in BRICS summit can feel free to discuss Ukraine — Kremlin

The BRICS summit will take place in Kazan on October 22-24

Vucic thanks Putin for Moscow’s principled position on Kosovo

Aleksandar Vucic thanked Vladimir Putin for Russia’s principled position on issues of Serbia’s territorial integrity

Units of battlegroup West captured 56 Ukrainian strongpoints

Ivan Bigma, a spokesman for the battlegroup, also specified that during the counter-battery battle, artillery units destroyed an M198 howitzer, M119 and L119 guns, and six mortar crews

Pentagon chief Austin arrives in Kiev — news agency

According to the agency, the purpose of the Pentagon chief's visit is to demonstrate support for Ukraine ahead of the US elections

Gazprom supplies 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine

The application for pumping through Sokhranovka was rejected by the Ukrainian side, Gazprom representative told reporters

Russian forces strike Ukrainian seaborne drone factory in Zaporozhye

As Vladimir Rogov pointed out, "the Ukrainian regime tried to present it as if our troops delivered a strike at a shopping mall"

Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 18th

Situation in Kursk region

Aviation, artillery and missile troops continued to defeat manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region, as well as their reserves in the Sumy region

Israeli servicemen destroy rocket launchers in southern Lebanon — army

The Israeli troops also eliminated Hezbollah fighters, including tactical-level commanders

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter thwarts Ukrainian troop rotation in borderline Kursk area

A forward air controller confirmed the target destruction

Russian troops destroy several dozen mercenaries from Latin America in DPR over two weeks

The location of the Ukrainian army’s foreign mercenaries is uncovered by data-recording equipment and radio intercepts, the defense circles said

Zaporozhye Region governor warns Ukrainians won’t be forgiven if they fight for Zelensky

Yevgeny Balitsky said that only Ukrainian military servicemen have the potential to move against the Kiev regime inside their country now, but they are unlikely to do so because they would not be forgiven for the atrocities they have already committed

Russian ambassador tells BBC that UK wages ‘aggressive war’ against Russia

While Ukraine still keeps resisting, that resistance is getting weaker, Andrey Kelin says

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

Kiev working on dirty bomb, Medvedev warns

Bild reported earlier that Kiev is seriously considering replenishing its nuclear weapon stocks

FETO chief Gulen, suspected of preparing coup by Turkey, dies in US

His nephew Ebousseme Gulen confirmed the information

Ukrainian military losses mounting, Russian forces continue to advance — Foreign Affairs

According to Jack Watling, "Ukrainian forces have become dangerously stretched"