27 Feb, 18:32

Sber has no earthly rivals, but Martians could be a different story, CEO jokes

"We welcome competition," Herman Gref added

MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Sberbank CEO Herman Gref joked that the only competitors his bank fears are those that Elon Musk might bring back from Mars.

"Concerning whether we are afraid of some ‘magical’ competitors: only in one case - if Elon Musk brings them from Mars. At this point, I do not see a single competitor on Earth that we should fear, one which could come in and take our market share. They already attempted to do that. To be frank, I do not see any rivals in the banking sphere, especially on the Russian market," Gref said during a conference call with analysts and investors after the release of Sberbank’s financial report.

"We welcome competition," he added.

Coal production in Russia up 3% in Q1 to 111 mln tons - Rosstat

In March, coal output slipped by 1.4% year-on-year to 37.6 mln tons

IN BRIEF: What is known about earthquake in Istanbul

No casualties have been reported

Europe needs to do more to reach settlement in Ukraine — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Vladimir Zelensky was not moving toward peace in Ukraine, but in the opposite direction

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

Around 400,000 Ukrainians flee abroad since 2022 to avoid mobilization — MP

As of late February 2022, about a million Ukrainian citizens stayed abroad and did not return after the military conflict began, Ruslan Gorbenko said

White House spokeswoman unaware of any plans for Putin-Trump meeting in Saudi Arabia

On Tuesday, Leavitt said Trump will make a trip to the Middle East from May 13 to 16, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE

Zelensky not moving towards peace, but in opposite direction — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Donald Trump's "patience is running very thin"

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

Ukraine’s GDP growth rates projected at 2% in 2025, 5.2% in 2026 — World Bank

That said, growth rates for next year have been downgraded by 1.8 percentage points compared with the previous forecas

Russia wants negotiations, while Europe wants war — Kremlin

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

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky doesn’t control all Ukrainian military formations

Some nationalist battalions don’t listen to him, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Vucic thanks Putin for support against color revolution in Serbia

Serbian President said earlier that an attempt to carry out a color revolution had been made in Serbia during the March protests

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

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

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'

Senate speaker resolutely rejects idea of sending European troops to Ukraine

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

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

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

US won’t wage 'land wars' in Yemen — Pentagon chief

The US military has been carrying out massive airstrikes against Houthi targets since March 15 on the orders of US President Donald Trump

India uncovers cross-border linkages in Kashmir terrorist attack — Foreign Ministry

According to India's First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri, the attack came after a successful election in Jammu and Kashmir and amid the region’s economic development

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"

US to consider duties lowering for China — WSJ

Total US duties for goods from China reach 145% at present

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

Putin grants citizenship to former deputy mayor of French commune Talant

The respective presidential decree has been published

Russia copes with sanctions, which boomerang back on EU — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Europe needs "cheap security and cheap energy" to keep its high global standing

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

Putin's meeting with Witkoff may take place on April 25 — Axios

The Gulfstream G650 plane with the US special envoy on board is reportedly heading towards Russia from Paris

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

Russian combat engineers survey 45 communities in Kursk border area for explosives

Bomb technicians of the Russian Emergencies Ministry come as a support force for the engineering troops whose grouping has been increased to 1,000 personnel

US public debt to reach 127% of GDP by 2030 — IMF

Should there be no major changes in the state policy, deficit is projected to decline to 5.6% GDP, the report said

Russia’s gold production up 6.9% in March - Rosstat

Compared to February 2025, production fell by 11.3%

Kiev worries US to cut off military aid due to failure of talks — newspaper

According to the The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian officials "are worried that Trump might blame Kiev for a breakdown in talks and refuse to provide further military aid"

Russia to achieve its goals peacefully or militarily — Kremlin spokesman

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

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

RTS Index down 2% after release of official rates by Central Bank

The MOEX Russia Index dropped by 0.86% to 2,929.06 points

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

Putin grants Russian citizenship to German anti-fascist Liane Kilinc

According to open sources, Kilinc is the chairwoman of the charity foundation "Peace bridge — Aid to war victims"

Russia has no territorial claims to the Baltic states — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underlined that Russia has no problems with the Baltic states

Russia able to guarantee security to four new regions' residents — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "totally transparent referendums were organized in the regions, during which the residents were able to express their position"

US to deploy additional troops to Panama Canal, Hegseth says

The US defense secretary first mentioned plans to expand US military presence in Panama on April 9 following a visit to the Central American country

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

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

White House slams Zelensky's attempts at megaphone diplomacy ‘unacceptable’

Leavitt also pointed out that no one has asked Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian territory

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 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

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

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

Nord Stream pipes still stored in Germany — newspaper

Pipes are reportedly kept in a warehouse located in an industrial park in the Lubmin Community, where the landfall of the gas pipelines is situated

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

The Russian army is pushing Ukrainian troops out of the community

Kremlin spokesman says Ukraine should adopt neutrality, accept territorial reality

"And so is the recognition of reality regarding the territories", Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

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

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

Russia, China to sign new investment protection agreement

The new agreement after its signing will replace a similar one that was enforced in 2006

Russia to create conditions for attracting foreign investments — PM

As Mikhail Mishustin said, the long-term savings program launched in 2024 already made it possible to attract about $2.4 bln

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

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

Russia partnership boosts Ethiopia’s epidemic readiness — institute head

Director of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute Mesay Hailu stressed that training in the use of mobile laboratories represents great importance for the country and is the cornerstone for a rapid and effective response to emergencies and especially dangerous infectious diseases

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

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

India declares military advisors of Pakistan's embassy in New Delhi personae non gratae

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added that the diplomats are expected to leave India within the coming week

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

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

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

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

Entire Kursk Region to be mopped up soon — Russian Security Council chief

According to Sergey Shoigu, the situation in the special military operation zone is now the key factor influencing both international affairs and the situation inside Russia

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

Russia doesn't need democracy lessons from Europe — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov cited the example of banker Dominique Strauss-Kahn's candidacy being withdrawn for the French presidential election in 2012 on trumped-up charges as an example of this hypocrisy

Fire at shopping mall in downtown Moscow extinguished

The shopping mall continues to operate normally, no injuries have been reported

Coal production in Russia up 3% in Q1 to 111 mln tons - Rosstat

In March, coal output slipped by 1.4% year-on-year to 37.6 mln tons

Trump accuses Zelensky of making 'harmful' statements on Crimea

According to the US president, the sides "are very close to a Deal"

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"

Russia’s steel output down 3.2% YOY in March — WSA

Steel production in the country within three months of this year lost 2.8% to 17.7 mln metric tons

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

Gornal now only Kursk Region village with Ukrainian presence — commander

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

Russia’s industrial production up 1.1% in Q1 2025 — Rosstat

In March, industrial production went up by 0.8% year-on-year, and by 9.5% month-on-month

14 Jun 2023, 09:00

Medvedev sees option of Russia destroying Western communications cables on Atlantic seabed

On September 27, 2022, Nord Stream AG reported unprecedented damage that occurred the day before on three strings of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 offshore gas pipelines

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"

Majority of Russian bodybuilders declined visas for 2025 European Championship in Spain

"Only 10% of the initially confirmed roster will travel to Spain," spokesman for the Russian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation said

Trump sets no deadline for reaching ceasefire in Ukraine — Kremlin

Asked about a possible meeting between Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Dmitry Peskov noted that both "want to achieve results"

Jordan’s interior minister says Muslim Brotherhood to be dissolved, outlawed

According to Mazin Al-Farrayeh, the Islamists have been involved in covert activities aimed at disrupting the situation in the country and undermining national unity

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

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

US not to slash tariffs against China unilaterally — White House

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories

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

Russian ministry prepares guidelines for Western business comebacks

The ministry would follow the instructions of the country’s leadership on the issue, Deputy Minister Vasily Osmakov stressed

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

Yesterday, 18:07

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

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

India closes key checkpoint on border with Pakistan — Foreign Ministry

India's First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said people who crossed the border from India can use this route to return until May 1, 2025

Investigators fail to detain Republika Srpska president in Istocno Sarajevo - news outlet

According to its information, representatives of the Interior Ministry of Republika Srpska (an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina) prevented SIPA from doing so

US tariffs do not pose risks for Russian-Uzbek trade — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said "this situation could affect trade relations between Uzbekistan and the US"

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"

Almost 200 civilians killed since Kiev incursion into Kursk Reg — Investigative Committee

According to the report, more than 49,000 people have been negatively affected by the fighting

Russia is not going to attack anyone — Kremlin spokesman

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

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

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’s vodka supplies to China increase by 3 times in Q1 — Agroexport

Russia ranks fourth in the list of the main exporters of vodka to China

Uzbekistan to be always Russia’s reliable ally — Uzbek foreign minister

According to Bakhtiyor Saidov, the presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan set the tone for bilateral relations

US pressure causes China, Russia to enhance cooperation in space

Wu Weizhen, the chief designer of China’s Lunar Program, said that Washington has exerted pressure on China’s attempts to engage with European countries

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

Yesterday, 23:02

Trump to travel to Rome on April 25 to attend funeral of Pope Francis

The funeral is scheduled for April 26

Zelensky's resignation not among Russia's demands — Kremlin

According to the Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, doubts "are related to martial law and some articles of the Ukrainian constitution"

Putin, Trump both agree that refusing to engage in dialogue 'absurd' — Peskov

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the administration of former US President Joe Biden lacked the desire to maintain a dialogue