25 Feb, 14:08

Return of Visa, Mastercard depends on removal of US sanctions on NSPK — VTB

Visa and Mastercard won’t be able to work with the National Payment Card System as it is on the US blocking sanctions list, while according to the Russian law, all domestic transactions in Russia should go through the NSPK

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. The removal of US sanctions on Russia’s National Payment Card System (NSPK) may signal the potential return of Visa and Mastercard payment systems to the country, VTB First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Financial Officer Dmitry Pianov told reporters.

"The removal of American sanctions on the NSPK may signal a potential return of Visa and Mastercard to Russia. Otherwise, those companies will not be able to carry out Russian transactions. There have been no such signals or signs so far," he said.

Visa and Mastercard won’t be able to work with the National Payment Card System as it is on the US blocking sanctions list, while according to the Russian law, all domestic transactions in Russia should go through the NSPK. "I don’t think that the Russian Federation will remove this condition within the framework of its own interests," Pianov noted.

The arrival of Visa and Mastercard is of limited importance, the top manager said, adding that approval might only be related to concessions in some other areas.

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Market Anatoly Aksakov said earlier that Visa and Mastercard might return to Russia and offer their services soon.

Kremlin says Russian businesses do not want Western firms to return

Russian business owners still have to pay back loans taken out under certain market conditions, Dmitry Peskov added

Flight connection between Russia and Myanmar suspended

The flight connection was canceled due to low occupancy rates and an earthquake in Myanmar

Yesterday, 08:20

Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Washington to quit negotiations on Ukraine if Moscow, Kiev reject its plan — Vance

According to JD Vance, the border may not wind up as the exact front lines as they stand now

Yesterday, 19:19

Zelensky fails to comment on Russian proposal to stop hitting civilian infrastructure

The first attempt to get him to respond to the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin came from a Politico reporter

London meeting on Ukraine fails to happen due to disagreements in positions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the London meeting was supposed to give the US "an opportunity to continue its mediation efforts"

NATO should be real alliance, not pact between US, 'handful of junior partners' — Rubio

"It has to be a NATO in which your partners are carrying their weight," the US secretary of state added

Yesterday, 20:57

Russian painter of Trump portrait describes his work as priceless amid current tensions

According to Nikas Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols

Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 strikes Istanbul

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Marmara Sea, in the area of the settlement of Silivri, the center lay at a depth of 6.9 km

US to unveil seven-point Ukrainian settlement plan in London — newspaper

The Daily Telegraph wrote, with reference to an unnamed source, that provisions one and two envisage an immediate ceasefire and direct talks between Ukraine and Russia

Yesterday, 19:39

No deal yet with US on further military assistance — Zelensky

Speaking about Kiev’s interest in obtaining Patriot air defense systems, he left the door open that these might be included in a new assistance package, but acknowledged that this would depend on further negotiations

More than 92 countries, territories confirm participation in SPIEF-2025

Asian, African and Latin American nations showed particular interest in the forum's agenda this year, advisor to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov said

Xi Jinping to use Hongqi N701 limousine in Moscow — source

Hongqi will supply twenty H9 executive cars and ten H10 business minivans for guests during the Victory Day activities

JD Vance calls on Ukraine, Russia to freeze border along current line of contact

In his view, both Russia and Ukraine would need to make certain concessions under such a scenario

Yesterday, 21:44

US to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, but they will never be at zero — Trump

US president noted that the negative economic effects from increased customs tariffs will be felt in the United States for some time

Yesterday, 18:07

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

The authorities in Kiev usually do not disclose incidents at military facilities and factories

London meeting on Ukraine involving foreign ministers postponed — British Foreign Office

"Official level talks will continue but these are closed to media," a Foreign Office official said

Intense battles raging near Gornal community in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

The Russian army is pushing Ukrainian troops out of the community

Yesterday, 13:51

Kadyrov says Ukrainian forces tried to cross Russian border in Sumy area, were stopped

According to the official, a Ukrainian armored fighting vehicle exploded on the minefield and was finished off by a precise strike of a fiber-optic drone

Launch of Shenzhou 20 spacecraft with three taikonauts due on April 24

The spacecraft will be launched atop the CZ-2F/G carrier rocket, from the Jiuquan space center

Global South countries aware of root causes of conflict in Ukraine — Russian MFA

"It’s unlikely that the current EU leadership will gain a clearer perspective anytime soon," Kirill Logvinov stated

US understands Russia's position on Ukraine better after consultations — Rubio

According to the US secretary of state, the next thing is to find out whether the sides are "in the same neighborhood"

Russia says its Marines routing Ukrainian units in Kursk Region village of Gornal

"The Marines are successfully forcing enemy units from key fortified positions in the area of the settlement," the statement reads

Russian troops liberate Tarasovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 335 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry added

Russia welcomes US’ mediation efforts on Ukraine — Kremlin

As Dmitry Peskov noted, "there are many nuances around the settlement that must be talked through"

Yesterday, 17:00

Shooting in northern India kills 27 tourists, injures many others

The incident occurred in Pahalgam, a popular destination for tourists in the region

Yesterday, 22:41

China’s ambassador to Kiev summoned to Ukrainian foreign ministry

Kiev claimed that certain evidence was presented to the Chinese side, and "serious concerns" were expressed

Two days ago, 18:59

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

Russia protests Japan’s plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine — MFA

The ministry condemned Tokyo’s initiative, asserting that it amounts to complicity in the Kiev regime’s crimes and warned that such actions will entail severe retaliatory measures

Yesterday, 14:15

Hungarian PM casts vote opposing Ukraine's admission to the EU in national referendum

The Hungarian government intends to take the results of the referendum into account during talks with the EU leadership

Yesterday, 13:57

Russian army breaches second line of Ukrainian defenses near Konstantinovka

Advisor to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky noted that intense fighting is ongoing in the Chasov Yar area, where the enemy is attempting to hold strategic heights to prevent the Russian Armed Forces from gaining control of the region

Yesterday, 14:38

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Yesterday, 09:52

Ukrainian reserves near Krasnoarmeysk running low amid new Russian successes — politician

Igor Kimakovsky recalled that the Ukrainian army attempted to "cut off" Russia's advance by drones

Senate speaker resolutely rejects idea of sending European troops to Ukraine

According to Valentina Matviyenko, the idea was doomed from the start

PREVIEW: Lavrov to discuss bilateral ties, upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Uzbekistan

The top Russian diplomat arrived in Samarkand on Tuesday evening

US will not let Hamas to participate in post-conflict Gaza government — Trump

The American leader also reported "great progress in the Middle East"

Yesterday, 22:12

Kiev delegation set to discuss ceasefire during talks in London

According to Vladimir Zelensky, once a ceasefire is declared, Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia in any format

Yesterday, 10:51

Russian army advances near Pokrovsk despite massive attacks by Ukrainian drones

According to military expert Vitaly Kiselev, the Russian troops are still making gains under these challenging conditions

SVR chief says Russian Army busy expelling Nazi enemy from Russian soil again

"The Russian army is expelling the enemy from Russian soil, doing tough, routine combat work," Sergey Naryshkin said

Next round of Russia-US talks to be held soon — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat did not specify exactly what the meeting will discuss or who will take part in it

Yesterday, 15:00

EU’s demands to leaders not to come to Moscow on May 9 show depth of West’s descent

"It's shameful that on the other side our adversaries dare to issue warnings to those who want to come to Moscow," Alexander Grushko said

Yesterday, 12:21

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Yesterday, 20:16

Rubio won’t attend Ukraine talks in London

US President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will attend the discussions

US to pursue other tasks if no progress in Ukraine settlement comes — Rubio

The US secretary of state said that Washington put a lot of time and energy at the highest levels of the US government

Blasts at munitions depot in Vladimir Region subside

Schools and other education facilities, as well as a number of enterprises in the region’s Kirzhach district, will be closed on Wednesday

Russia bars entry to 21 UK lawmakers — MFA

The decision came as a "response to London's ongoing confrontational policies, which include efforts to demonize our country, fabricate many anti-Russian narratives"

Yesterday, 12:51

Ukraine conflict taught Russia how to counter Western weapons, senior NATO commander says

French Admiral Pierre Vandier warned that if NATO forces "do not regain their technical and tactical superiority," they could face difficulties during the next conflict

IN BRIEF: What is known about fire at parking lot of Moscow’s Afimall City shopping center

Emergency services said later that construction materials and gas cylinders, stored at the entrance to the parking lot, had gone on fire

China opposes Kiev’s accusations over alleged aid to Russia in Ukraine conflict — MFA

"China strongly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulations," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun pointed out

Yesterday, 19:54

White House confirms Witkoff to travel to Russia this week

Kremlin Foreign Policy Aide Yury Ushakov earlier said Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week

Yesterday, 17:39

Pope did not allow his court to set him against Russian Orthodox Church — Patriarch Kirill

He noted that Pope Francis’ attitude towards Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church will not be forgotten

Top diplomats from UK, France, Germany, Ukraine postpone meeting in London — TV

According to the broadcaster, discussions will instead take place among senior officials from the five nations

US outraged by Ukraine's refusal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory — newspaper

Washington is also unhappy that Kiev prefers "to discuss a complete ceasefire first and everything else later"

Press review: Russia, Oman discuss key issues as US may probe Ukrainian war crimes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 23rd

Africa tired of West’s arrogance, double standards — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya added that Africans do not intend to put up with this state of affairs

Meeting between top diplomats, defense chiefs of Ukraine, UK underway in London

The agenda includes "ways to make Ukraine stronger and guarantees of lasting peace and security"

Yesterday, 17:30

US to propose that Europe recognize Crimea as Russian — report

According to The Washington Post, the proposal will be part of a possible peace deal

Two days ago, 09:10

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

US disbands group gathering intelligence on Russia’s actions in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the group’s aim was "to gather intelligence from across the government" about alleged Russian crimes in Ukraine

Yesterday, 07:31

Ukrainian troops blow up historical buildings at monastery in Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the Russian security forces, the monastery sustained major damage

IN BRIEF: What is known about earthquake in Istanbul

No casualties have been reported

PREVIEW: Russian premier to address expanded meeting of Finance Ministry’s Collegium

It is tasked with resolving separate important issues

Russia doubles production of armaments, electronic warfare systems last year — Putin

The head of state emphasized that in 2024, almost all defense facilities "successfully completed the assignments under the State Defense Order, efficiently and on time"

Drafts of Ukrainian settlement cannot be made public — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov declined to say whether Russia was demanding that Ukraine legally recognize the Russian status of Crimea as part of the settlement

PREVIEW: Meeting on Ukrainian settlement to be held in London

President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will attend the discussions

US can no longer serve as guarantor of Europe’s security — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth reiterated that the US will ask its NATO allies in Europe to increase their military spending to 5% of their GDP

Russia is not going to attack anyone — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia has not had any problems with Finland or Sweden

Yesterday, 16:03

Kiev hits LPR with UAVs, trying to show importance before London talks — expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Ukrainian forces might escalate their attacks on other frontline villages ahead of the forthcoming talks

Yesterday, 17:57

Russia to impose 35% duty on import of perfume, eau de toilette from unfriendly countries

As the Industry and Trade Ministry notes, the updated list of goods subject to duty was determined jointly with the business community

EU continues to disregard shaping of multipolar world order — Russian diplomat

The Europeans still refuse to recognize the very fact of the emergence of new centers with political and economic influence across the world, Kirill Logvinov noted

US waiting for Ukraine’s response to Trump’s final proposal on settlement — Axios

At the same time, sources said that Ukrainian emissaries want 'to discuss a 30-day ceasefire during Wednesday's meetings in London rather than Trump's peace plan framework'

Yesterday, 14:41

Kremlin unaware about contents of Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia continues communication with the US through all available channels

Yesterday, 06:07

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

According to the Russian servicemen, the Ukrainian military considered the monastery a military facility

Yesterday, 20:52

Search operation for foreign climbers on Mount Elbrus suspended until morning

According to preliminary data, two climbers have high altitude sickness

Immigrants, talks with US, Afghanistan: Lavrov runs gamut with reporters

The Russian foreign minister confirmed that another round of Russian-US talks is expected to take place "soon," without specifying the exact date

Mi-28NM helicopter obliterates temporary base of Ukrainian troops in Kursk border region

"Before taking off, the crew received the coordinates of a temporary base of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk Region’s border zone," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Chances to reach deal with US exist — foreign intel chief

Russian-American dialogue has intensified since the US President Donald Trump's administration took office in Washington

Yesterday, 12:34

US overestimates own power in attempt to squeeze China out of global trade — newspaper

Washington's blatant coercion of negotiating parties to "pick sides" and its open attempt to contain and isolate China lay bare its arrogant and hegemonic intentions, representing a blatant defiance and disruption of the global economic and trade order, the paper wrote

Lavrov sees West trying to get back into 'Afghan game'

The Russian foreign minister warned about the danger of the North Atlantic Alliance’s military infrastructure returning to Afghanistan, likening it to a "time bomb"

Gornal now only Kursk Region village with Ukrainian presence — commander

"We are busy completely clearing our territory up to the border," the commander said

Yesterday, 18:46

Four people hurt in blast at munitions depot in Vladimir Region — governor

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a fire at a Russian military unit set off a detonation of munitions at the unit’s depot

EU shows lack of any clear foreign policy strategy — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to Kirill Logvinov, large-scale efforts on counteracting the so-called Russian threat vividly confirm this

Yesterday, 19:46

Plane flying from St. Petersburg to Kirov makes emergency landing in Moscow

The flight operator, Pobeda Airlines, said later that the pilot of flight DP513 made a decision to land in Moscow after a hydraulic system gauge signaled a malfunction

Yesterday, 02:42

Kiev blocks every effort to take bodies of Ukrainian soldiers from battlefields near Kursk

Russian security officer told TASS that Russian servicemen came under attack as they attempted to take the bodies of Ukrainian troops from areas near Guyevo and Nikolayevo-Daryino to mortuaries

Russian forces move forward in Gornal after wedging in Ukrainian defenses — officer

According to the regiment commander with the call sign Apostol, Gornal is the last settlement in the Kursk Region that is being held by Ukraine

Peace in Ukraine possible after Kiev withdraws troops from Donbass, Novorossiya — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that these regions are enshrined in the Russian Constitution as an integral part of it

Two days ago, 10:46

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Yesterday, 18:41

Russia negotiating with US on Ukraine, tense work underway — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the process is difficult and time-consuming

Yesterday, 16:46

IMF forecast update reflects current trends in Russia's GDP growth — experts

Earlier, the International Monetary Fund released a report in which it raised its forecast for Russian economic growth in 2025

Fully domestically made SJ-100 plane makes maiden flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Certification tests are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and deliveries to Russian air carriers are to begin in 2026

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Vatican adjusts after Pope’s death as Moscow eyes Afghan projects post-ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 22nd

Yesterday, 20:28

Houthis report another attack on US aircraft carriers

According to the Houthi spokesman, these operations were carried out 'in the context of resisting America’s aggression against Yemen and supporting the Palestinian people'

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

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

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian troops that seized Gornal monastery in Kursk Region

The regiment commander with the call sign Apostol said that a clean-up operation was underway at the monastery

No threat to lives of those injured in ammunition detonation in Russia’s Vladimir Region

Four people were injured as a result of the incident

Two days ago, 14:25

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

According to the former Austrian foreign minister, "France is now very upset that Germany and Poland are buying weapons from the United States, and not from France"

Yesterday, 16:16

FACTBOX: What to know about explosion at Russia’s military unit

According to Governor Alexander Avdeyev, first responders are working at the scene of the explosion in the region’s Kirzhach District

Yesterday, 11:22

Russian troops liberate Sukhaya Balka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

London meeting on Ukraine ends with 'agreement on further consultations'

Earlier, the UK government said that talks on a peace settlement in Ukraine at the level of foreign ministers, which were to be held in London on Wednesday, had been postponed

Russia wants negotiations, while Europe wants war — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Europe "has not shown any signs of independence"

Russia to achieve its goals peacefully or militarily — Kremlin spokesman

"The initiative on the battlefield belongs to Russia," Dmitry Peskov noted