25 Feb, 14:57

Renault must pay $1.3 bln if it wants to re-enter Russian market — AvtoVAZ CEO

Maxim Sokolov noted that after Renault left Russia, annual investment in AvtoVAZ increased

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. To return to the Russian market Renault will have to reimburse at least 112.5 bln rubles ($1.3 bln) that were invested in the development of the AvtoVAZ car company during the absence of the French company in the country, AvtoVAZ President Maxim Sokolov told reporters.

According to him, Renault, which used to own a majority stake in AvtoVAZ, allocated about 20-22 billion rubles ($226-249 mln) annually to upgrade the Russian automaker's capacities.

However, after Renault left Russia, annual investment in AvtoVAZ increased: in 2023 it exceeded 27.5 bln rubles ($311 mln) and in 2024 it approached 40 bln rubles ($453 mln). In 2025, the amount of investment will be at least 45 bln rubles ($510 mln), Sokolov explained.

"They (investments - TASS) exceed the average annual investment volumes that were made when Renault was the shareholder in the early 20s <…> So, it is clear that these investments will have to be reimbursed somehow upon return," he said.

When Renault left Russia in 2022, all of its assets in the country became state property: shares of the Renault Russia plant were transferred to the city of Moscow, Renault's share in AvtoVAZ - to the NAMI institute (run under the Industry and Trade Ministry).

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $71.6 mln with settlements on March 27

The Bank of Russia carries out foreign currency purchase and sale operations on the domestic market in the currency section of the Moscow Exchange using the "yuan-ruble" instrument

Yesterday, 18:26

Russia needs to support national shipbuilding industry — Putin

The Russian leader asked the government to consider the issue of construction of new shipyards in the country

Two days ago, 10:00

Press review: Russia and US advance Black Sea deal as nuclear divide deepens in Europe

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 26th

BRICS, North Korea among Russia’s partners on Ukrainian settlement — Putin

As the Russian President noted, not only the United States can be Russia's interlocutor on this issue

Earthquake partially destroys historic Mandalay Palace in Myanmar — portal

The palace, built in the middle of the 19th century, is one of the key symbols of Mandalay and a major tourist attraction

Yesterday, 09:16

Gagauzia head urges Putin to help with her release

According to Yevgenia Gutsul, Chisinau is disregarding all principles of democracy and international law, consistently and methodically provoking internal confrontation

Two days ago, 08:49

Channel One says war reporter Prokofyeva dies in Belgorod Region

Anna Prokofyeva was 35 years old

Yesterday, 16:23

‘Coalition of the Willing’ aims to extend anti-Russian sanctions — Polish PM

"I’ve raised the question of looking for ways to make a common EU approach to Russia possible, even if Hungary is not interested," Donald Tusk said

Yesterday, 13:54

Russia says concerned over Kiev’s bill granting sweeping power to police

"It seems that the Kiev regime is planning a scenario worse than the sniper shootings during the Maidan," Maria Zakharova concluded

Yesterday, 12:43

Russia to press for proper reaction to killings of journalists — MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also took the UN to task for saying that it does not possess a special mandate to carry out an investigation

Neo-Nazi views have great influence in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin said during a meeting with the servicemen of the Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered submarine of the Yasen-M class (Project 885M)

Yesterday, 14:15

Ukraine not ready to sign revised minerals deal with US — lawmaker

Yaroslav Zheleznyak presented a copy of the document to prove that he was not making all this up

Iran sends its official response to Trump’s letter via Oman

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the message comprises two documents

Building falls in Bangkok due to earthquake — newspaper

Earlier, a TASS correspondent reported that in Bangkok, residents of multi-storey buildings were evacuated because of the earthquake

Yesterday, 12:26

Russian President Putin arrives in Murmansk on working visit

The head of state last visited the northwest Russian region in July 2023

Russia’s FSB reports foiling terrorist attack in a Moscow office building

The suspect recounted that in February he was recruited by Ukraine’s special services and took from a stash an improvised explosive device with a timer for planting it in a Moscow office building, according to the FSB

Russia’s deputy PM names Europe’s reluctance to trade with Russia its own problem

Alexey Overchuk agreed with the assertion that the current situation is the result of a disconnect between politicians and analysts in Europe

Yesterday, 16:53

Ukraine to suggest plan of European military deployment within 7-10 days

At the same time, Zelensky admitted that the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership is out of discussion

Russia supports peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict with root causes removed — Putin

The Russian leader described the conflict as complex and demanding a "careful approach"

Zelensky understands that his days are numbered — Lavrov

In Russian Foreign Minister's words, he remains popular only among 'a part of the population that shares radical, ultra-right, revanchist and Banderite views'

Yesterday, 15:20

US could use Greenland to spy on Russia, China in Arctic — Bloomberg

Greenland is a region whose vast stores of critical minerals and fossil fuels are coveted by the US and its strategic rivals China and Russia

Yesterday, 16:28

China ready to actively cooperate with Russia, Iran at sea — defense ministry

"Starting from 2019, China, Iran and Russia have successfully held five joint maritime exercises," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian recalled

Yesterday, 21:19

Russia will do its best to maintain status of powerful seafaring nation — Putin

"We will build new surface ships and submarines, and improve their performance" and "they need to correspond to present-day standards and to be, of course, combat-ready and effective in the near term," he said

Russian envoy submits credentials to US Department of State

According to a TASS correspondent, the ceremony was held in the Blair House, an official residence in Washington, DC

Yesterday, 12:55

Russia sees no grounds for strategic stability dialogue with US — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "there have been recent signals from Washington at the highest level that the topic, as it was formulated by US President [Donald Trump], of denuclearization of the countries that are on Washington's radar when it comes to nuclear arms control should be considered"

Yesterday, 08:07

Poland prepares people for war — newspaper

"Now the frontline state is getting its population ready for war," Politico said

Yesterday, 21:07

Putin describes floating out of Perm nuclear sub as milestone for Russian Navy

"It is supposed to enter service with the Russian Navy and to start performing its combat tasks next year," the president added

Yesterday, 14:26

Russia's envoy to UN calls for moving towards new global paradigm not dominated by West

"Russia, remaining committed to the legacy of the Yalta Conference, consistently promotes, including via the UN, the principles of the UN Charter's essential role," Vasily Nebenzya said

About 99% of LPR, more than 70% of DPR, Novorossiya liberated, says Putin

According to the Russian president, "along the entire line of engagement, the strategic initiative is fully with the Russian Armed Forces"

Two days ago, 03:52

Nuclear weapons previously held by Ukraine belonged to Russia — Trump’s special envoy

Richard Grenell called it 'an uncomfortable fact'

Putin proposes introducing UN external governance in Ukraine to hold election

The Russian president reiterated that such precedents under the auspices of the UN existed in East Timor, New Guinea and parts of former Yugoslavia

Yesterday, 21:04

Putin gives go-ahead to launch Perm nuclear submarine

"Go ahead!" the Russian leader said

Russian forces to overwhelm Ukrainian troops, Putin believes

"There are grounds to think that we will finish them off," the Russian leader said

Russia to do everything possible to bolster its Navy — Putin

The Russian leader added that the strategy of developing the Navy and shipbuilding until 2050 is in the works

Russia did not initiate combat in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin emphasized that for eight years, Russia has been trying to settle the Ukrainian issue peacefully

Yesterday, 14:13

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroys 80 Ukrainian troops in past day

"As many as 80 [Ukrainian] military personnel, five motor vehicles, an artillery gun, an electronic warfare station and an ammunition depot were destroyed," the ministry said

Yesterday, 11:40

Russia displays counter-UAV laser rifle

According to the designer company, the laser beam destroys the drone body, propeller, engines, battery

Two days ago, 10:53

Chinese expert doubts US role as mediator in peace talks on Ukraine

Meanwhile, profound disagreement on a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine remains, and the most complex talks are yet to come, Sun Qi warned as he referred to territorial disputes and US military assistance to Ukraine

Mass rapid transit system in Bangkok suspends service in wake of earthquake

"The MRT is closed and we don’t know when it will resume operation," a station operator told TASS

Yesterday, 11:16

EU outraged over being excluded from discussions on Nord Stream pipelines — Politico

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Channel One that Moscow and Washington were discussing the Nord Stream issue

Yesterday, 15:23

Paris summit fails to reach consensus on military mission to Ukraine — Macron

The French president acknowledged that the format of the "support forces" would also require additional discussions

Yesterday, 18:34

Siberia, Ural to have railway approach to Arctic — Putin

"Regions of Siberia, Ural, Northwest Russia will have the direct access to the north, to Arctic ports, making it possible to reduce the load on the Trans-Siberian Railway," the Russian leader stressed

Yesterday, 13:36

Houthis attack another US aircraft carrier in Red Sea — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, by striking the aircraft carrier, the Houthis prevented "the enemy's attempts to redeploy its warships to the southern Red Sea and expand its aggression against Yemen

Yesterday, 14:01

IN BRIEF: Ukraine continues to attack Russian energy sites

TASS has compiled the main information about the attacks

Yesterday, 15:04

Participants of Ukraine summit in Paris oppose lifting anti-Russian sanctions — Macron

The French president pointed out that the European Union has no legal basis for seizing frozen Russian assets

Yesterday, 14:53

British PM urges not to lift, but to strengthen sanctions against Russia

Keir Starmer also noted that the session, attended by nearly 30 states, focused on the determination to support Kiev and secure peace in Ukraine, including plans for military operations on land, in the air, or at sea

Black Sea ceasefire to enhance relations between Russia and Turkey — senator

Alexander Voloshin said that even if the security agreement for the Black Sea area is signed and Ukraine begins to comply with it, "Russia should be ready for Ukraine's attempts to violate the agreement at any time"

Two days ago, 14:59

Many questions remain regarding use of intact Nord Stream 2 line — Novak

Technically, the pipeline is in working condition, the official stressed

Europe engages in ‘freeloading’ in cases with Ukraine, Yemen, NATO — Trump

US president said that 'the European Union has been absolutely terrible to us'

EU leaders prepare for conflict with Russia, Hungary will not go to war — Orban

While Europe continues to speculate that the Ukrainian conflict could spread across the continent, the Hungarian prime minister dismissed this notion, stating, "This is not true"

Yesterday, 15:14

Russia needs to strengthen infrastructure, protect environment in Arctic — Putin

The president added that it is necessary to consistently improve the urban environment, enhance the settlements of the Far North, and generally raise the quality of life, "so that they could have interesting, good, well-paid jobs, as well as access to modern education and healthcare services, making the Arctic truly comfortable and attractive to live in"

Yesterday, 05:35

Washington keeps mum about killings of Russian military correspondents

TASS submitted its request for comment regarding the killing of Russian war reporters or the activity of the Ukrainian military to the White House and the Department of State on Wednesday morning, local time

Russian Deputy PM calls for creating new basis for effective international partnerships

Alexey Overchuk noted that all these changes raise the question of how to maintain the pace of development achieved in the previous period and ensure development in an increasingly fragmented world

Yesterday, 17:42

Russia to put new generation icebreakers into service — Putin

Russia already has the largest icebreaker fleet globally, the head of state noted

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Kiev challenges Black Sea deal as the US reasserts China as its top rival

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 27th

Yesterday, 07:04

Russian politician warns Europe against flooding Ukraine with weapons

Sergey Mironov recounted how the Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups banned in Russia "once spiraled out of control" in the West

Yesterday, 19:00

Putin visits Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine

This advanced fourth-generation multipurpose nuclear submarine entered service with the Russian Navy on December 27, 2024

Yesterday, 16:08

US will not withdraw troops from Europe or fold nuclear umbrella — expert

Dmitry Suslov noted that Donald Trump administration aims to reduce the strength of US forces in Europe to levels that existed before the onset of the Ukrainian conflict

Almost 80 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions last night

Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin said that no one was injured in last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on the region

Yesterday, 15:13

Ukrainian lawmakers admit that new version of minerals deal tougher than last one

Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexey Goncharenko (listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia) also lamented the fact that the previous version of the document was way more lax on Ukraine. Now, due to Zelensky’s incompetence, he has hurt every citizen in his country, Yaroslav Zheleznyak said

Yesterday, 15:51

Unidentified man injures five people during knife attack in Amsterdam

According to the TV channel, part of the square is currently cordoned off

Yesterday, 10:16

Sending NATO 'peacekeepers' to Ukraine risks military confrontation with Russia — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, London and Paris are still nurturing plans for military intervention in Ukraine, disguising it as a certain peacekeeping mission

Yesterday, 18:35

Far North airports to be upgraded — Putin

According to the Russian leader, sixteen airports of the Arctic zone will be modernized in coming years

Yesterday, 16:10

FACTBOX: Russian tourists die in submarine incident near Egypt’s Hurghada

TASS has gathered the key information about the incident

Two days ago, 00:38

Lavrov describes NATO secretary general as ‘laughable and pathetic’

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Mark Rutte 'does not want even to speak on the subject'

Lithuania's territorial claims against Russia justify Moscow's actions — Kremlin

Earlier, the Lithuanian president referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania"

Russian forces breach Ukrainian defenses, advance near DPR’s Katerinovka — expert

Andrey Marochko added that some of the Ukrainian army units, which had become fragmented following the breakthrough by Russian Armed Forces, retreated and reinforced their positions south of Katerinovka

Russia proposed peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict back in 2022, Putin says

He also reiterated that during talks, Russia had also achieved certain agreements with Ukraine which were later discarded by the Kiev regime

Yesterday, 14:48

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, weapons enterprise over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 80 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Belgorod direction over the past day, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 18:20

Teenage Russian actress placed on Ukraine's undesirable persons database

The girl, only 14 years old, becomes one of the youngest individuals on the list

Seven individuals killed in Gaza Strip during IDF operations — TV channel

Several people were wounded during the raid

Yesterday, 15:38

United States’ urge to negotiate indicates inability to defeat Russia — lawmaker

This means only one thing for us, that we must multiply all our efforts in opposing the West in economics, in the military field, in diplomacy, and in basic issues of morality," Alexander Babakov stated

Yesterday, 06:52

Russia’s top diplomat announces plan for Putin to visit India

Sergey Lavrov noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first foreign visit to Russia upon his re-election last year

Yesterday, 14:44

Paris, London to send group to Ukraine to work out Ukrainian military’s future — Macron

According to the French president, "in close cooperation with the Ukrainian side, we will determine the format in which the Ukrainian army will have to exist in the future"

Yesterday, 21:15

UNESCO chief condemns killing of Russian journalists in LPR — statement

"I condemn the killing of Alexander Fedorchak, Andrey Panov, and Alexander Sirkeli and call for a thorough and transparent investigation," Audrey Azoulay said

Russian economy stable, Putin says

He said that the country’s economic growth is at 4.1%

Yesterday, 15:24

Putin calls Northern Fleet most powerful in Russian Navy

The Northern Fleet is based in Severomorsk in the Murmansk Region

EU initiates preparations for 17th sanctions package against Russia

According to the source, the EU’s foreign service and the European Commission are actively engaged in this effort

Yesterday, 14:20

Pharaoh tomb 3,600 years old discovered in Egypt — media

Archaeologists first discovered a pharaoh's tomb at Abydos more than 10 years ago, providing evidence of a "lost" royal dynasty at the site

Yesterday, 15:35

Over 3,300 foreign mercenaries take part in armed conflict in Ukraine — investigators

"A total of 871 now have a warrant out for their arrest," the statement says

Yesterday, 14:40

Americans must reflect on why Kiev's military hits civilians with US weapons — Russian MFA

"I believe it is important for American civil society to reflect on why they remain silent," Maria Zakharova said

China’s top diplomat Wang to visit Russia early next week — Beijing

Guo Jiakun, a Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said at a news briefing that Wang would meet senior Russian officials and hold talks with Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov

Yesterday, 21:07

Moldovan authorities suppress pro-Russian opposition — Kremlin

"Moldova’s current government decided to take the path of forcibly repressing political opponents, who enjoy significant support from the country's population," Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Putin appoints deputy commander of Russia’s Navy

The Russian leader added that Gudkov’s purview will also involve the command of marines and all artillery and missile coastal troops

Yesterday, 21:09

Putin says US Greenland ambitions nothing to sneer at

In his words, the United States has entertained the idea since the 1760s

Yesterday, 21:13

Second round of Russia-US consultations may take place in Riyadh in mid-April — source

"Technical consultations between Russia and the United States are to continue," the source said

Two days ago, 15:06

US offered Riyadh to monitor ban on strikes against energy facilities — Zelensky’s office

The deputy head added that the final decision on who will conduct the monitoring has not been made yet

Yesterday, 13:30

Houthis say hit Ben Gurion Airport, military facility in Tel Aviv with missiles

"The objectives of the operation have been successfully achieved," the movement’s military spokesperson said

Two days ago, 16:37

Europe moving away from idea of sending troops to Ukraine — Reuters

In addition to Kiev's position and Washington's stance, the initiative to send European troops is hampered by fierce opposition from Russia and logistical constraints, the sources said

5.5-magnitude earthquake rocks Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

The epicenter was located at a depth of 17 kilometers

Yesterday, 21:11

Arctic cooperation affected by West’s course towards confrontation with Russia — Putin

The president went on to say that certain Western politicians and party leaders flaunt their green agenda and environmental concerns, but "do quite the opposite in reality"

Yesterday, 07:34

Ukrainian combat group hits its own mines upon escape from Sudzha — Russian army engineer

There were both wheeled and tracked vehicles with Ukrainian crews and military personnel blown up on the minefields, he specified

Lavrov to discuss Ukraine with visiting China’s top diplomat on April 1

The two top diplomats will discuss the most pressing international issues, including prospects of resolving the Ukraine crisis, the ministry specified

Yesterday, 15:08

G7 countries have no right to criticize China on nuclear weapons — defense ministry

Wu Qian also called upon the G7 nations to move away from the Cold War mentality and ideological biases, and to stop dictating to others

FSB nabs member of terrorist neo-Nazi cell in Crimea for plotting to set mosque on fire

According to the report, the attacker kept in touch with the leader of a terrorist cell from Ukraine

Russia turns UN Security Council's attention to Gutsul's detention — permanent mission

This is yet another instance of the Moldovan government persecuting the political opposition in the country Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said

Trump sincerely wants to end Ukraine conflict — Putin

He reiterated that Russia supports the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 15:32

Polish PM Tusk says no decision made to send troops to Ukraine at Paris meeting

Donald Tusk noted that "it is already clear that the United Kingdom, France and some other countries" are ready to send a mission in Ukraine to "monitor the observance of peace"

Russia ready to work with Europe without ‘being fooled’ by it — Putin

They are acting inconsistently, constantly trying to fool, Russian President said

Yesterday, 21:08

US plans to increase its Arctic military presence — Russian presidential adviser

"Today, airfield infrastructure for aircraft capable of carrying nuclear and high-precision weapons is under construction in the [Arctic] region, in addition to currently active ballistic missile warning systems and reconnaissance satellite control stations," said Anton Kobyakov

IN BRIEF: What we know about impacts of earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand

Chinese seismologists believe the epicenter lay at a depth of 30 km