Russian stock market indices mixed on Friday — market data

The yuan rate gained 0.5% to 13.87 rubles

MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. The Russian stock market ended the trading session on Friday with mixed indicators, according to Moscow Exchange data.

The MOEX Russia Index dropped by 0.3% to 2,485.2 points. The RTS Index edged up by 0.2% to 756.93 points. The yuan rate gained 0.5% to 13.87 rubles.

Russia extends higher duties on goods from unfriendly countries until 2025 year-end

Renewal of measures was caused by continued effect of sanctions of unfriendly countries against Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development noted

UNESCO chief’s report on journalist safety not approved amid heavy backlash

"In a first for the IPDC Intergovernmental Council, the report was not adopted but merely taken note of," he said

NYT predicts Ukraine conflict will end in 2025

The article points out that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will serve to expedite the peace talks

Future of Russian bases in Syria to depend on its new authorities - top Turkish diplomat

The issue of Russian bases in Syria is linked to the negotiating process between the Russians and Syria’s new authorities, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said

FACTBOX: Explosions, blackouts ravage Ukraine

An air alert has been declared across the entire country

EAEU GDP growth surpasses 4.5% in three quarters of 2024 — PM Mishustin

Mikhail Mishustin also recalled the goal of the joint implementation of the comprehensive plan for the development of Eurasian transport corridors

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter may get flat nozzle for stealth purposes — pilot

The flat nozzle technology is a breakthrough in modern aircraft-building, Major-General Vladimir Popov noted

Georgian president declares she will not give up presidency

Georgia will hold its presidential election on December 14 and the new president will be inaugurated on December 29

Real effective ruble exchange rate falls by 1.6% in November — Bank of Russia

The real effective exchange rate of the ruble against the dollar in November fell by 2.8%, and since the beginning of the year - by 5%

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

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

Russian stock market indices mixed on Friday — market data

The yuan rate gained 0.5% to 13.87 rubles

Russia’s Lifintsev wins third gold at 2024 World Swimming Championship, sets amateur WR

This is Lifintsev’s third gold at the 2024 World Aquatics World Championship (25m), adding to his triumphs in the 100-meter men’s backstroke competition and 4x50 mixed medley relay

Saudi Arabia and Russia are on the right track to stabilizing oil prices

Trump team could reject Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO — report

According to the report, the move could prompt Russia to agree to talks on settling the Ukrainian conflict

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

Access to Viber messenger restricted in Russia — media watchdog

Viber is a messaging and voice communication app developed by Viber Media

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

Medvedev says US wants Taiwan to be its outpost in East Asia

According to the official, the plan is "quite in line with Washington's aspirations to bring the Asia-Pacific region into NATO's orbit and pit states against each other"

Putin extends Russia’s anti-'oil price cap' measures until June 30, 2025 — decree

The decree on retaliatory measures against the oil price cap initially came into effect on February 1, 2023, and was originally intended to last until July 1, 2023, but has been extended multiple times since then

Russia hits Ukraine's power grid after Kiev attacks airfield in Taganrog with ATACMS

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attack was carried out with the help of high-precision long-range airborne and sea-based weapons, as well as strike drones

Situation with payments for gas transit via Bulgaria to be settled — Szijjarto

Hungary and Bulgaria set the task for themselves "to find such legal and financial solution" of this problem that will enable making payments for the Russian gas and will be acceptable for all the parties, Peter Szijjarto said later on the air with M1 television

Russian agricultural products export rises by around 10% in 2024 — Agroexport

Dmitry Krasnov also noted the serious potential for further development of exports of meat, dairy, and finished products, which have shown extraordinary dynamics this year

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria

After Munich, world leaders strive to prevent crisis from spiraling out of control

The conference was a good chance for politicians to take a look at the world situation with the aim of devising common approaches to warding off the threats facing the whole of humanity

Israeli jets strike Syrian military sites in Latakia, Tartus — report

According to the report, the strikes hit command centers and military depots that were used by the Syrian armed forces

Trump team in talks with US, Ukrainian officials about ending conflict - report

Trump’s advisers and cabinet nominees have yet to present a specific settlement plan, according to the report

Will Grigory Yavlinsky’s Yabloko be able to make a comeback into active politics?

One of the oldest political forces of new Russia - the social-liberal Yabloko Party, set up by Grigory Yavlinsky in the 1990s and failing to enter parliament since 2003, is seeking a comeback

US wants to supply Kiev with 'massive quantities of weapons' before Biden steps down

According to one of the TV channel's sources, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been entrusted with the coordination of this work

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

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

The oppression of the Internet is global

The Western media have been predictably uniform and hypocritical in their outcry over Russia's string of new Internet compliance regulations and legislation

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

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 13th

Kremlin refutes Trump’s remarks on losses in Ukrainian conflict

The Ukrainian army’s losses surpass those of Russia exponentially, Dmitry Peskov said

Tourist traffic to St. Petersburg will reach a record 11.6 mln people by year’s end

According to the results of 2024, tourists from Moscow, Novgorod and Murmansk regions showed the biggest interest in trips to St. Petersburg

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

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

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

EU foreign ministers to approve new package of anti-Russian sanctions on December 16

On Wednesday, permanent representatives of 27 EU countries endorsed the 15th package of sanctions against Russia related to the conflict in Ukraine

Cuba is interested in expansion of cooperation with Eurasian Union — Prime Minister

Manuel Marrero noted that such areas of cooperation as pharmaceuticals, tourism, metallurgy, transport, and the development of banking relations are of particular importance for Cuba

"H-hour" looming for Syria

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

Netherlands may pause Ukraine’s association with EU, but only for a while

Forthcoming Dutch referendum may pause the implementation of Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union

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

Is danger from the "right" awaiting Europe amid migration crisis?

Economic problems and the migration crisis have confronted the European Union with a question about the danger of right-wing nationalist forces coming to power in Europe

Russian military has no plans to scrap traditional ushanka hat

"The decree only changes the terminology. The headgear itself did not change in any way," a Defense Ministry official said

Ukrainian losses exceed 40,260 troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian operational/tactical and army aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions

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

UNSC still paralyzed on Palestinian issue due to US’ veto — Russian foreign ministry

The ministry recalled that on December 11 the UN General Assembly adopted by the overwhelming majority of votes two resolutions

Any military presence in Syria should be decided by public referendum — Syrian politician

"This would occur only after achieving security and political stability in Syria, completing the political transition process, and establishing the political system that Syrians aspire to build," Mohammed Sabra added

Hungary hopes Ukraine will agree to Christmas truce — foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that during the main Christian holiday, "peace always comes first," but hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue

Fines to Viber messenger in Russia total more than $17,402 over past two years — official

Anton Nemkin noted that fraudsters most often choose Viber for their schemes due to its wide popularity among retired people

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

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

Russia thwarts Ukrainian attempt to attack Donetsk with long-range missiles

Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin added that two civilian infrastructure objects were also damaged in two districts of Gorlovka on Friday

Severstal reports 13% net profit growth under IFRS in Q1 2024

The company’s EBITDA surged by 25% year on year to $707.7 mln, driven by the increase in revenues and higher capacity utilization

Tourist flow to St. Petersburg by end of 2024 may reach record 11.6 mln people

At the same time, the number of return trips reached 48% of the total tourist flow, and the level of satisfaction with the visit was 86%

Putin meets with Turkish presidential spokesman, Kremlin confirms

Dmitry Peskov specified that the meeting "addressed the implementation of major projects on the two countries’ [joint] agenda, including the Akkuyu [project]"

Russian air defenses shoot down another drone over Bryansk Region

Emergency personnel are working on the scene

EAEU countries decide on next intergovernmental council meeting venue

Furthermore, the resolution was signed on amendments to Regulations on selection of joint cooperative projects in branches of industry and provision of financial assistance during their implementation by member-countries of the Eurasian Economic Union

Eurasian Economic Union falls short of 2014 founding vision — Belarusian PM

Member-countries of the association have not yet resolved all the issues they set for themselves, Roman Golovchenko said

Russia extends higher duties on goods from unfriendly countries until 2025 year-end

Renewal of measures was caused by continued effect of sanctions of unfriendly countries against Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development noted

Ukraine to attempt new offensive in late December on Zelensky’s initiative — blogger

He did not disclose in which direction the Ukrainian troops will attempt their advance

Russian troops liberate seven communities in Kursk Region, Donbass area over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 3,350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Brussels-London rifts add to EU migration crisis

Several missile attacks on Donetsk attempted by Ukrainian troops

The local emergencies services said earlier that a Ukrainian missile had been shot down over central Donetsk. The shock wave broke windows in several houses

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

Ukraine instructs its troops to kill civilians in front-line areas, POW testifies

Valentin Zubreichuk cited his fellow soldiers who have long been in military service in Ukraine as saying that civilians have been taken out not only in the South Donetsk region but also in the village of Kleshcheyevka and in Artyomovsk

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

"No NATO ally would ever receive the copious amounts of [funds and weapons] that non-member Ukraine has," Maria Zakharova argued

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

Ankara’s strategic goal is to exterminate Kurdish forces in Syria — top Turkish diplomat

Turkey’s authorities said earlier that they plan to complete the establishment of a buffer zone in northern Syria

Russia targets digital tech partnerships with EAEU, Asia — rating

Latin American and African countries make up the second and third groups

Press review: Israel controls Golan Heights as Kiev plans aid summit before Trump’s term

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 11th

Russia in talks with Syrian authorities on keeping its military bases — source

On December 9, a TASS source said that on the previous day armed groups of Bashar al-Assad's opponents had established full control of the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where Russian military bases are located

Medvedev criticizes idea that Russian, Ukrainian languages inherently different

"And all the more obvious is the foolishness of the idea that the true Ukrainian language, which exists 'somewhere out there' in Western Ukraine is so far removed from Russian," Dmitry Medvedev said

Swiss lawmakers receive threatening letters over death of children in Gaza

The Bern Cantonal Police are investigating the incident

Top Turkish diplomat warns of risks of nuclear war because of Ukraine

Hakan Fidan also stressed that Turkey called for an early ceasefire and the launch of talks on a peaceful solution to the conflict

Russian statistical service confirms GDP growth by 3.1% in Q3 2024

The GDP amount in the third quarter totaled 49.59 trillion rubles ($476.8 bln) in current prices

Fuel explosion likely behind destruction of European Intelsat satellite — scientist

Nathan Eismont added that all the satellite fragments recorded so far have been catalogued and their trajectories can be predicted

French president names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

Bayrou, aged 73, takes over from Michel Barnier, who also shares the same age and stepped down after France’s lower house passed a successful no-confidence motion against his cabinet on December 4

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"

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

The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025

Russia to cut wheat export duty to $39.77 per ton from December 18

The export duty for wheat is calculated on the basis of the indicative price of $236.5 per ton, $197.8 per ton for barley, and $229 per ton for corn

Druze in Syrian border village opt for 'lesser evil,' seek Israeli rule

Early on December 8, Israel officially announced the deployment of its forces to the buffer zone on the border with Syria in the Golan Heights

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

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

Moldova will not allow Russia organize presidential election vote in Transnistria

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said the government may also prohibit the vote on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau

Hostilities in Syria should stop, UN Resolution 2254 should be implemented — Lavrov

"We have clearly reaffirmed our commitment to UNSC Resolution 2254, first of all in the context of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and with regard to the need to establish political dialogue," he said

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

Russia seeks return of national flag, anthem at int’l competitions — new ROC chief

Mikhail Degtyarev replaces previous ROC chief Stanislav Pozdnyakov

Belarus aims for good-neighborly relations, but will protect sovereignty at all costs

Alexander Volfovich noted that border security and other structures are ready to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the republic

Turkish embassy in Damascus to begin operation on December 14 — Foreign Ministry

Previously, the media reported that Turkey appointed Ambassador to Mauritania Burhan Koroglu as its charge d'affaires in Syria

Severstal to publish financial results for Q1 2024 on April 22

Head of Severstal’s investor relations department Nikita Klimantov said in early March that the company could return to publication of quarterly financial results

Ex-Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu appointed as OSCE Secretary General

"After months of intense negotiations, we have reached consensus on the top posts of the OSCE for the next three years," Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said

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

Outlook for Georgia’s NATO accession remains hazy, but military aid keeps pouring in

The outlook for Georgia’s accession to NATO remains hazy. Far from all members of the alliance regard it expedient. The question of inviting Tbilisi to join the NATO Membership Action Plan remains suspended and may never materialize.

Ukraine refuses to allow Russian gas to transit through its territory — Moldovan Deputy PM

"Ukraine will not agree to preserve transit for Hungary and the Republic of Moldova only," Oleg Serebrian noted

Calling all residents of Ukraine 'Ukrainians' not accurate, Medvedev says

The Russian senior official pointed out that the very word "Ukrainians" did not take on its modern ethnic meaning until the mid-19th century

Syria truce plan crushes Turkish president’s aggressive intentions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a live broadcast of Turkey’s national television on Wednesday that the Syria truce deal was a "dishonest" step as it ignored Ankara’s position

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"

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

Series 11356 frigate custom-developed for Indian Navy

Project 11356 "integrates the best of Russian engineering, delivering a versatile and reliable warship, which has advanced combat capabilities against above-water, surface, underwater and aerial targets"