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Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 96.1 rubles for October 15

The official euro rate was reduced by 0.45 rubles to 104.4016 rubles

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia set the official dollar rate at 96.0924 rubles for October 22, down 32 kopecks against the previous indicator.

The official euro rate was reduced by 0.45 rubles to 104.4016 rubles. The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.4733 rubles, up one kopeck.

The Central Bank said on June 13 that it would fix official dollar and euro rates against the ruble on the basis of reports of banks on results of transactions in the over-the-counter currency market.

Reactor assembly completed at first power unit of Rooppur nuclear plant

The next step is to hold hydraulic tests to check the reactor unit equipment operability, Rosatom 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"

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

Donetsk air defenses thwart almost 160 Ukrainian aerial attacks over week

In particular, the Donbass Dome airspace defense and electronic warfare system intercepted Ukrainian attack and reconnaissance drones near a school and an electric power substation in Donetsk

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"

In Moldovan election Sandu gets 42.45%, Stoianoglo, 25.99% with 100% reports reviewed

Since none of the candidates collected more than 50% of the votes, a runoff will have to be held on November 3

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

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

BRICS Plus/Outreach format participants in Russia to focus on Middle East settlement

According to Yury Ushakov, a session within the BRICS Plus/Outreach format meeting will kick off on October 24

Rapid development of BRICS raises questions about relevance of G20 — expert

BRICS member states are now overtaking the G7 countries in terms of output, Andrey Koshkin emphasized

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

Russian forces strike Ukrainian energy sites, military airfields over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel, two motor vehicles and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

US private military company’s main forces leave Kursk Region — Russian serviceman

The commander noted that Ukrainian mercenary units do not serve as assault squads, but rather they work as barrage detachments, sabotage and reconnaissance groups, and snipers

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Ukraine’s membership in NATO absolutely unacceptable for Russia — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya also added that threats to Russia’s security cannot be eliminated without the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine

Hezbollah attempts to assassinate two more Israeli politicians — TV

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused an Iranian proxy of trying to kill him and his wife in a drone attack near the city of Caesarea on October 19 and vowed it will not stop Israel from pressing on with its military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah

FACTBOX: BRICS association’s profile

Nowadays, there are more than 20 negotiating platforms within the BRICS framework, covering such areas as energy efficiency, climate change, food security, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and the activities of international financial institutions

US’ new aid package to Ukraine to include munitions, anti-tank systems — White House

According to the report, the package includes "more 155 artillery ammunition, as well as 105 millimeter ammunition, HIMARS ammunition and additional Javelin anti-tank systems"

Guterres’ visit to Kazan shows BRICS became important for West — official

President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand pointed out the importance and the value of the upcoming event

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

Medvedev says Russia's tasks are to weaken West, disintegrate US

The politician emphasized that Russia is also helped in this by the United States, "because their goal is to dominate the Old World (as well as the rest of the world)"

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

India eyeing coal imports from Mongolia via Russia — newspaper

"This route allows India to avoid over-reliance on transit through China," a government source told The Economic Times

Record 93,200 new Chinese cars sold in Russia in September

According to the report, the previous record was set in August, with 90,098 vehicles sold

Russian Office of General Prosecutor closely monitors Northern Sea Route expansion

"The Arctic region remains one of global environmental security zones," Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said

BRICS proactively discusses payment systems — Indian Foreign Ministry

"There has been a certain amount of research that has been commissioned on these issues," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added

Biden, Putin didn’t communicate directly recently — White House

US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby also added that the US is doing an "awful lot" to counter Russia’s purported attempts to meddle in the American election

Putin, Guterres to discuss Middle East, Ukraine at BRICS Summit — Kremlin aide

The UN secretary-general last visited Russia more than two years ago, on April 26, 2022

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace 20 times in past day

Apart from that six violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported

Nearly 40 countries to take part in BRICS Plus/Outreach format in Kazan — Kremlin

The BRICS leaders will exchange views on topical issues on the global and regional agenda, discuss the three main areas of cooperation outlined by the Russian chairmanship

Russian forces hit Ukrainian energy facilities crucial for defense industry

Russian tactical aircraft, strike drones, missile forces and artillery units hit the energy infrastructure facilities ensuing the operation of the defense industry, as well as enemy troops and equipment in 146 areas

Putin to summarize BRICS summit results, Kremlin aide says

Yury Ushakov added that "BRICS leaders will adopt the summit's final document"

West wanted Georgia to begin 3-4 day war on Russia — ruling party founder

Georgia’s authorities have repeatedly said that certain forces are seeking to drag the country into an armed confrontation with Russia, especially immediately after the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine

BRICS share in global GDP already exceeds G7 share and continues to grow — Putin

The Russian leader underscored that the joint work of BRICS to accelerate socio-economic growth and ensure sustainable development brings tangible results

Putin grants Russian citizenship to Finnish human rights activist

Johan Backman has defended the rights of the Russian-born families, whose children were taken away by the Finnish authorities, and has participated in many international conferences on the outcome of World War II

Turkey's Kazan Summit participation shows strong BRICS interest — ambassador to Russia

Anton Kobyakov is confident that this coperation "will contribute to the further development of relations"

FSB seizes 41 kilograms of gold from illegal miners

According to the report, the illegally mined gold was sold in Yekaterinburg

Medvedev doubts that Trump threatened Putin with striking Moscow

"In general, our relationship with him is quite warm," the politician said

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

Kiev's Kursk gamble alienates prospects for conflict settlement — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "by invading the territory of Russia recognized by all the states of the world, the Ukrainian armed forces have demonstrated to the world majority their terrorist and aggressive nature"

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will not have POW status — Russian military

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

Kalashnikov arms producer to deliver Kub kamikaze drones to foreign customer

Kub guided loitering munitions designed to strike enemy armor and manpower have proven their worth in the special military operation in Ukraine

Concern mounts in Netherlands about superbug from Ukraine

According to the report, superbugs are often found in Ukrainian soldiers, who undergo treatment in the country

OSCE points to misuse of administrative resources by Moldovan president

Among the mission’s recommendations was "to increase the resilience of and citizens’ confidence in electoral processes in the country"

Kremlin aide describes UAE president’s visit as 'very successful'

"There were very fruitful talks with the Emirati delegation, a very useful conversation," Yury Ushakov underlined

Cargo plane downed over Sudan by mistake, no survivors reported — website

According to the report, one RSF commander said on a video, published by the militia, that it downed an "Egyptian Antonov plane" using "guided missiles

Back in the USSR: The Young Pioneers, the Soviet Union’s version of the Boy Scouts

On May 19, 1922 All-Union Young Pioneer Organization was founded

Russia calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon — ambassador in Israel

Anatoly Viktorov noted the "strategic failure" of the US policy

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

Putin to meet with Erdogan, Xi, Modi, Abbas, Guterres in Kazan

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that the series of talks will begin on October 22

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

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

Belarusian tennis star Arina Sobolenko back in top place of WTA Rankings

The Belarusian player, who competes at the international tournaments under a neutral status, returned to the top of the WTA Rankings for the second time in her career after she reigned the list of the world’s best female players last year for eight weeks - between September 11 and November 5, 2023

Date of Iranian president’s visit to Russia to be agreed soon — Kremlin aide

"We have agreed that neither we nor the Iranian side want to delay this visit," Yury Ushakov stressed

Indian company makes agreement on Russian Standard vodka distribution in India

The premium vodka brand will be available in Original, Gold and Platinum versions

Russian tourist visas being denied en masse by Argentinian authorities

According to Georgy Polin, the migration service justifies its refusals by the provision of the Russian-Argentinian agreement on visa-free travel "according to which the holders of ordinary Russian passports may enter, exit, transit and stay in Argentina without a visa for not more than 90 days within each period of 180 days"

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

Vietnam's parliament elects General Luong Cuong as country's new president

According to the National Assembly, the resolution to elect Luong Cuong, 67, as head of state was supported by 440 out of 440 lawmakers present at the session

Repelling enemy counterattacks, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian troops have repelled a Ukrainian counterattack in the area of Novoivanovka, the Defense Ministry reported

Putin, Erdogan to discuss gas hub project

The multi-aspect cooperation between Russia and Turkey is developing dynamically in all the main areas and has the partnering and mutually beneficial nature, the Kremlin said

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

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

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

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

Brazilian, Cuban presidents not to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will skip the summit due to health problems, while Miguel Diaz-Canel has opted to stay home amid serious energy problems

Israeli military says Hezbollah bunker holding $0.5 bln discovered in Beirut

IDF demonstrated a 3D animation of the bunker under the hospital

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

Russia, Iran almost completely shift to national currencies — Kremlin

Russia and Iran are implementing several large-scale mutual projects in the sphere of transport and energy, the press service added

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

Intersection of transport corridors to be important logistical step — Russian Deputy PM

The new route iscussed during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Kyrgyzstan will run across the territory of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea

Independent payment system to protect BRICS against economic pressure — expert

Gao Jian noted that 45% of the Earth population are living in BRICS countries and BRICS members reached 36% of the global GDP by the purchasing power parity, being above G7 figures

Russia has no plans of deploying nuclear weapons in space — Putin

However, space issues and efforts to neutralize threats that may emerge in the space sphere should constantly be in the spotlight of the government, the Russian president noted

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"

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

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"

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

Germany inaugurates new NATO naval HQ in Rostock

The new headquarters will be tasked to plan join naval drills with allies and partners and will direct NATO’s naval operations in times of peace, crisis and war

Hamas leader disguises himself in women's clothing to avoid capture by Israel — media

The Israeli army believes that Yahya Sinwar’s arrest or killing would mean the collapse of Hamas’ leadership hierarchy and its subsequent dissolution

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

Armenia has no plans to become BRICS member now — deputy PM

Earlier, the Armenian cabinet confirmed that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would attend the BRICS Summit

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

Israel’s war cabinet discusses 'new ideas' for releasing hostages from Gaza — adviser

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory

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

Reactor assembly completed at first power unit of Rooppur nuclear plant

The next step is to hold hydraulic tests to check the reactor unit equipment operability, Rosatom said

Putin grants citizenship to first US political refugee in Russia — decree

The media wrote that John Robles had lived in Russia since the 1990s, working as a teacher and international journalist

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

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

Abnormal voting for Sandu, Eurointegration seen in Moldovan election — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov explained what the unfree election campaign in Moldova was all about

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

Putin meets with his UAE counterpart in Kremlin

The official talks between the two leaders will focus on bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa

Post-Soviet security bloc thwarts enemy invasion in Tajikistan drills

Under the scenario of the drills, the notional enemy crossed the state border in several directions, the report specified

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

Putin congratulates Luong Cuong on his election as Vietnam's president — Kremlin

Luong Cuong has become the 14th president in the history of modern Vietnam

Turkey sees threat in Greater Israel plans — ruling party

Spokesman Omer Celik recalled Israel’s statements about its readiness to strike nuclear and oil targets in Iran

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

BRICS to become major power in 20 years — body’s treasurer

At the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, the leaders of the organization's member countries plan to discuss "the challenges their countries are facing" at the moment, as well as "providing financial assistance to the alliance members" and "transition to trade in national currencies," Ruhail Ranjan pointed out

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

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

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

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"

Kremlin keeps lid on Putin's secretive talks with world leaders

"We continue to prefer maintaining a very responsible stance in terms of not making public the conversations that are held at the highest level," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

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

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