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Russian stock market declines, yuan strengthens against ruble

As of 10:15 Moscow time, the yuan rose by 15.1 kopecks to 13,95 rubles

MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. The MOEX and RTS indices fell by 0.56%, to 2,478.78 and 751.2 points, respectively, at the opening of the trading session on Friday.

At the same time, the yuan rose by 11.35 kopecks to 13.855 rubles.

As of 10:15 Moscow time, the MOEX index slowed its decline and was at 2,479.74 points (-0.52%), while the RTS index reached 751.49 points (-0.52%). The yuan rose by 15.1 kopecks to 13,951 rubles.

The MOEX suspended trading in dollars and euros on June 13 due to US sanctions imposed on it and the National Clearing Center. The Bank of Russia reports and information from over-the-counter trading to determine the dollar and euro exchange rates to the ruble.

Russian tourism segment in Hainan's Sanya rapidly growing — authorities

Sanya has recently seen a surge in tourist arrivals amid closer cultural and economic ties between China and Russia, according to the local Tourism Development Commission

Trump considering airstrikes on Iran to impede Tehran’s nuclear program — newspaper

According to the sources, Trump’s transition team is working on a new "maximum pressure" strategy against Tehran, which would include military steps and tighter financial penalties

Russian forces repel nearly 20 counterattacks in the Svatovo-Kremennaya area recently

Andrey Marochko noted that when attempting to counterattack, the enemy "operated in small groups with insufficient preparation"

Russian forces occupy several high-rise buildings in Donbass region's Kurakhovo — official

"There is fighting near the town hall building but Ukrainian forces still control it," the official said

Kiev gives Orthodox shrines to Vatican almost for free — ex-SBU officer

According to Vasily Prozorov, the Orthodox Church may lose these relics permanently

Russia may partially continue gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine without contract — expert

If the transit through Ukraine is completely stopped, Gazprom's pipeline exports in 2025 may decrease by only 5-7 bln cubic meters, the expert noted

Russian forces quickly break through Ukraine's weakened positions in Donbass — newspaper

The New York Times also said that the test of Russia's newest Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile has increased pressure on Kiev and its allies

Netanyahu addresses Iranians, says freedom and peace to come ‘sooner than people think’

A video of his speech, with subtitles in Hebrew and Farsi, was posted to the prime minister’s accounts on X

EU lost over 1.5 trillion euro from anti-Russian sanctions — Russian diplomat

The European Union is following the self-destruction path, while the Russian economy has adapted to sanctions, Alexander Grushko noted

Russia to help its nationals if they want to leave Syria — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said the safety of Russian citizens in Syria is an absolute priority for Russia

Turkey to take action against Syrian terrorists if national security threatened — Erdogan

He said that Turkey, as a NATO country, will prevent attempts by the PKK and its units to take advantage of the situation

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Time names US President-elect Donald Trump person of the year

By claiming Time’s person of the year title, Trump left behind such other contenders as billionaire Elon Musk, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta Corporation (banned in Russia as an extremist organization)

Moscow establishes interaction with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s political committee — diplomat

On November 27, members of armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against government forces' positions in Aleppo and Idlib governorates

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Moldova declares state of emergency due to uncertainty over gas transit through Ukraine

During this period, the government's Commission for Emergency Situations is authorized to issue orders binding both state institutions and economic agents

US imposes visa restrictions against Georgian officials, lawmakers — State Department

The statement pointed out that "the United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Meeting with Medvedev helps in building trust between China, Russia — Xi Jinping

The Chinese president highlighted that his three meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this year have led to significant new agreements

Ukrainian Defense Ministry preparing to recruit young people over 18

In recent weeks, officials in the US administration have openly suggested that Ukraine should lower the draft age to bolster the frontlines

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

FACTBOX: Aftermath of UAV attack in Chechen Republic

Air defenses destroyed 16 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight across Russian regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian troops near Novosyolka surrender rather than counterattack

According to the captives, they were tasked with entering the outskirts of the settlement, gaining a foothold, and awaiting assault groups

Kurdish units ready to become part of Syria's army in future — spokesman

SDF representative Farhad Shami announced to readiness for dialogue with the current authorities in Damascus

Turkey continues facing challenges due to sanctions in nuclear plant project

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed gratitude to all counterparts and partners engaged in implementation of the Akkuyu NPP project, national nuclear regulation authorities and Russian agencies

Cuba, Bolivia may become BRICS partner states in 2025, says senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that talks on providing partner status to the invited countries were still ongoing but none of them had rejected the invitation

Russian troops liberate Zarya community in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian stock indices plunging on Thursday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index lost 0.79% to 2,492.63 points

Ukraine loses its population, Ukrainians choose Russia, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, even some representatives of the current government acknowledge that the state policy regarding the support of internally displaced persons has actually failed

Kazakhstan’s relations with Russia enhance, seem promising — Kazakh president

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also emphasized that inter-parliamentary diplomacy and the work of the countries' lawmakers greatly contribute to the growth of cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan

Medvedev paints 'grim' picture of today's Syria

The politician noted that Russia had provided substantial support to the administration and government of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, recognizing the global threats posed by the potential fragmentation or disintegration of Syria, similar to what occurred in other Middle Eastern countries

Indian teen prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju wins Chess World Championship

Ding Liren, 32, was crowned the world chess champion in 2023, when he defeated Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi

Bank of Russia postpones release of upgraded notes

New banknotes will not appear immediately in the turnover and the time for equipment adaptation will be needed, the press service informed

Moldovan parliament does not support resignation of current government

The opposition accused the government of incompetence over the uncertainty of gas and electricity supplies

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine if Kiev grasps situation on battlefield — Medvedev

The politician went on to say that the topics of Ukraine and Syria were raised during his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

IAF unleashes 1,800 bombs on 500 targets, crippling Syria's air defenses — media

Previously regarded as one of the strongest in the region, Syria's air defense system has now been significantly weakened

General Ivanayev appointed commander of Russia’s Battlegroup East

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a working meeting at the command center of the Battlegroup East in the special military operation area where he listened to commanders’ reports on the current situation

Situation near Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria remains calm — witnesses

On December 9, the agency's source said that the armed opposition was in full control of the Syrian province of Latakia, where Russian military bases are located

Western sanctions outlived their usefulness, it's just grandstanding — senior diplomat

"There is nothing left in the foreign policy arsenal of this group except sanctions," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Trump suggests that European troops monitor potential ceasefire in Ukraine — report

It is noted that Europe should play the main role in defending and supporting Ukraine

Ex-Ukrainian officer shocked by high number of foiled terror attacks in Russia

Ukraine developed a major multi-phase operation to carry out the attack, Vasily Prozorov went on to say

Israel may strike Iran's nuclear facilities after Syria, army radio says

According to its information, various Israeli military structures, including the army, are now coordinating various intelligence and defense agencies

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

New Georgian president to be free from foreign influence — parliament speaker

According to Shalva Papuashvili, after the December 29 inauguration, Georgia will have a president focused on the country, its people, and respect for the constitution

Iran not to allow increased inspections of nuclear facilities under sanctions — diplomat

According to Kazem Gharibabadi, if IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi finds any deviations during inspections, it is best to document them "instead of relaying his assumptions and speculations to the media"

Biden approves another military aid package to Ukraine — White House

72nd aid package will include additional air defense, artillery, drones and armored vehicle

Kiev’s attempts to expand IAEA mandate hurt agency’s reputation — Russian diplomat

Ukraine "misuses" the agency which seeks to provide technical support to member countries, so the agency also gets engaged in issues that are outside its expertise, Mikhail Ulyanov said

Trump invites Chinese president to his inauguration in Washington — CBS News

It is unclear whether the Chinese leader accepted the invitation, CBS News reported

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

EU Council grants full Schengen membership to Bulgaria, Romania from January 1

In March, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area partially, as passport control was lifted at air and sea borders

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said

US must choose between ‘feeding gods of war’ in Ukraine and peace — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, Trump’s pledges to resolve the Ukraine crisis "in a day" should be taken as election rhetoric, given the complexity of the given crisis

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 12th

Ukrainian serviceman admits shortage of soldiers in Ukrainian ranks

He also noted that there are such commanders who send their subordinates to their deaths, for example, as on the islands in the Dnieper area

White House mum on Trump's criticism of Biden's decisions on strikes against Russia

According to John Kirby, president's decisions on aid to Kiev are aimed at ensuring the most favorable position for Kiev in possible future negotiations

Zelensky rejected ceasefire proposal, says top Hungarian diplomat

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated the Russian side’s commitment to a realistic resolution to the conflict, as outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 14

West may sacrifice Ukraine using its 1938 playbook for Czechoslovakia — Slovak PM

According to Robert Fico, Slovakia has no complaints with the authorities in Kiev, but Bratislava recognizes that Ukraine has fallen victim to Western ambitions to weaken Russia

Politician accuses Israel of trying to prevent Syria from achieving stability

Mohammed Sabra called on the UN Security Council and the Arab League to intervene urgently to prevent Israel from continuing these unjustified attacks

Kiev fails to hand over Soviet-era assets although Russia repaid Soviet debts — Putin

Russian President recalled that Russia asked other states to hand over those assets explaining that it had repaid the debts of the former Soviet Union but heard in response that it was its own problem

Afghanistan’s terrorists continue to receive financial support from abroad — envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, militants are strengthening their influence, committing new attacks

Russian ombudswoman asks Kiev for secure corridor for Kursk region residents

Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the weather is cold, while many residents in the occupied territories have no heat

United Shipbuilding Corporation to build at least 1,000 ships in next decade

The cutting-edge technologies should be used to solve this task and the complete import phase-out needs to be ensured for the national technological independence, Konstantin Golubev stressed

US not to 'abandon' Ukraine, Trump says

The US president-elect added that if he had been still in office in 2022, the special military operation would not have started "for numerous reasons"

At least 1,057 doctors killed in Gaza Strip since October 2023 — Health Ministry

The ministry reiterated its call to international human rights organizations to support Palestinian doctors and protect hospitals and health workers as they carry out their humanitarian duties

Russia’s defense chief inspects Battlegroup East in special military operation area

Battlegroup East Commander Lieutenant General Andrey Ivanayev reported to the defense minister that the Battlegroup’s units had liberated seven communities over the month and gained control of an area of more than 300 square kilometers

Rock-solid relations and Western machinations: What Medvedev said in China

Cross-party cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China is developing intensively, the Russian senior official pointed out

Russia, Ukraine agree on exchanging packages for POWs for New Year’s Eve

"This exchange is expected to take place in December on the Russian-Belarusian border or elsewhere," Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said

Ukrainian commander acknowledges 'incredibly brutal' situation near Krasnoarmeysk

The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the "situation on the frontline remains challenging," highlighting the Krasnoarmeysk, Kurakhovo, and Vremevsky areas

Door for negotiations on Ukraine opened, Hungarian PM believes

Viktor Orban reiterated that he had held a number of meetings and phone conversations with other leaders in order to settle the Ukraine conflict

Kremlin vows retaliation after Ukraine’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the response will come when and how Russia thinks fit

Russian troops close in on Ukrainian combat group at Kurakhovo power station in DPR

According to the source, the Ukrainian battlegroup is unsuccessfully trying to leave the power station’s premises

Russian forces trap Ukrainian battlegroup near Kurakhovo in DPR — security official

The kill zone stretches for more than four kilometers (2.5 miles)

World heading towards major changes, says Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, these changes will impact the entire Western civilization as they "will take a long time in historical terms, leading from war to peace"

Situation in Georgia returning to political track, speaker says

According to Shalva Papuashvili, forces seeking destabilization still remain in the country

FACTBOX: Explosions, blackouts grip Ukraine

An air alert has been declared across the entire country

Russia’s naval nuclear forces fully modernized, says Navy Chief

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that the condition and combat readiness of Russia's modernized naval strategic nuclear forces are at an exceptional level

Former FBI informant pleads guilty to fabricating charges against Biden family

Alexander Smirnov, who was arrested in February and is in custody, faces four to six years in prison

US citizen who entered Syria few months ago released from prison in Damascus — TV

Travis Timmerman said that he came to Syria "for spiritual purposes" as a pilgrim

Trump criticizes Kiev over strikes inside Russia with US-provided missiles

According to the US president-elect, such actions just escalate the conflict

Baltic countries’ disconnection from BRELL system not affecting Kaliningrad Region

The drill for independent disconnection of the region from the BRELL took place in September and was not noticed by residents, Alexey Besprozvannykh said

US pledges $63.5 billion in military aid to Kiev under Biden

According to the document, "the United States has committed more than $63.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration"

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability

PREVIEW: Russian PM to take part in Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

During the meeting the prime ministers of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union intend to discuss issues of further deepening of integration

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 10th

Trump unable to resolve Ukraine conflict in 24 hours as he promised — Slovak PM

Robert Fico added that the real actions of the Trump administration will differ from what the politician has previously said

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

At least four countries provide assistance to Syria’s armed opposition — Iranian general

In late November, armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on positions held by Syrian government forces in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Pentagon reports successful conventional hypersonic missile test in Florida

US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro called the Florida launch "an important milestone in the development of one of the most advanced weapons systems" at Washington's disposal

After Oreshnik launch, NATO fears Moscow’s resolute response to aggression — intel agency

Moscow has solid evidence of the West’s aggression against Russia, which is "an extremely disturbing sign for NATO," the SVR said

US allocates new $500 million military aid package to Kiev — top diplomat

According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the package will include ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, HARM anti-radiation missiles, drones

SpaceX headquarters to move to Texas, Musk says

Several hundred employees of the company already live there

Russian air defenses down four Ukrainian drones over Russia’s Vladimir Region

The Kiev regime’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia using fixed-wing drones was foiled between 5:05 a.m. and 5:40 a.m. Moscow time

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

Russian forces liberate Novoivanovka: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, four motor vehicles and three mortars

Talk of Moscow-Kiev dialogue 'absurd' given Ukraine’s negotiation ban — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov referred "not only to the authorities in Ukraine but also to those located thousands of kilometers away who are heavily involved in shaping Kiev's political agenda"

Trump did not invite Putin to his inauguration in January — Kremlin

The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025

CIS governments agree to allocate funds for joint air defense project

They also agreed to direct some of these funds toward projects to build and enhance individual air defense systems in 2025