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Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble gained 5.75 kopecks as trading opened

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russia’s stock market went down as the main trading session started as the MOEX Index lost 1.16% to 3,146.9 points, while the RTS Index fell by 1.16% to 1,144.47 points, according to trading data as of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (07:00 a.m. GMT). The yuan exchange rate against the ruble gained 5.75 kopecks as trading opened compared with previous closing to 11.994 rubles.

As of 10:15 a.m. Moscow time (07:15 a.m. GMT) the MOEX was down by 1.2% at 3,145.83 points, the RTS was down by 1.2% at 1,144.08 points, while the yuan exchange rate was up by 1.6 kopecks at 11.952 rubles.

The MOEX Index (with additional IMOEX2 ticker) lost 0.23% as morning trading session started reaching 3,176.56 points, according to trading data as of 7:00 a.m. Moscow time (4:00 a.m. GMT).

On June 13, 2024 the Moscow Exchange suspended trading in the dollar and euro after the US Treasury imposed sanctions against it and the National Clearing Center, part of the Moscow Exchange group. The regulator uses bank reports and information from over-the-counter trading to determine the dollar and euro exchange rates to the ruble.

Gas continues to determine EU electricity prices amid abandoning coal — Euractiv

The move away from coal has "reduced competition among conventional power sources, limiting the ability to switch between coal and gas"

Russia to insist on Ukraine’s neutral, NATO-free status to achieve peace deal — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, concrete security guarantees should be the part of the agreement

Rwanda severs diplomatic relations with Belgium — Foreign Ministry

"This decision was made after a profound analysis of multiple factors, all of them tied with the pitiable attempts by Belgium to sustain its neocolonial illusions," the statement reads

Putin-Trump meeting to occur once there is need — Kremlin aide

"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be organized as soon as there is a need for it," he said

Liberation of Stepovoye in Zaporozhye area to impair Ukrainian logistics — politician

"There is a road running from Orekhov to Kamenskoye through Stepovoye, which the enemy constantly used," Vladimir Rogov said

London seeking to use Ukraine to avoid being marginalized, Chinese expert argues

By convening "a coalition of the willing", London seeks to "demonstrate British influence and avoid being marginalized by the US and Russia," Cui Heng argued

Death toll in US strikes on Yemen exceeds 50, up to 100 wounded — health official

According to the Al Hadath TV channel, the strikes targeted the headquarters of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council

Foreign mercenaries target retreating Ukrainian troops, POW says

According to Nazar Valechenko, he had initially paid five thousand dollars to stay in the rear and guard a factory in the Poltava Region, which was later destroyed by Russian troops

Crimea would be ruined if not joined Russia in 2014 — official

Eleven years ago, the Republic of Crimea and the hero-city of Sevastopol rejoined Russia following a referendum held on March 16, 2014, amid the coup in Ukraine

Press review: Russia prepared for US ties as EU blocks Ukraine resolution

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 17th

EU readying military package of at least 20 bln euro for Ukraine — Hungary’s top diplomat

Instead, Hungary favors negotiations between Russia and the United States to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Peter Szijjarto explained

Press review: Putin backs ceasefire but calls for talks as Russian army shifts Kursk front

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 14th

Russia no longer willing to rotate IAEA experts at ZNPP via Ukraine — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that the rotation on February 12 "was completely derailed when heavy weapons were used against the convoy"

Zelensky signs law on sending army to other states

The decision to send the army to other states during martial law is made by the president, while simultaneously submitting a bill to parliament for its ratification

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 23 — TV

Among the dead are four children and one woman

External instigators of protests in Serbia tried to organize revolution — Russian envoy

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the West is "trying to show that it has nothing to do with it"

Russia’s import-substituted SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines takes off for maiden flight

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, it was an important and long-awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet

Rada MP calls organization of Ukrainian army retreat from Kursk Region barbaric

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff tried to present the retreat from the Kursk Region as "regrouping," but many experts spoke of a "very difficult" situation for the remaining Ukrainian units there

Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Rubio briefed Lavrov on US military operation against Houthis in Yemen — State Department

Rubio and Lavrov also discussed further steps to restore Russian-American ties during a telephone conversation, the US Department of State added

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Ceasefire may give Ukraine time to rearm — Kremlin aide

He added that Russia's stance and concerns on this issue "are well known to everyone."

Russia liberates 8 sq km near Zaporozhye's Stepovoye, takes its eastern part — politician

The Russian troops are actively advancing toward the west in this settlement

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

US proposal for ceasefire in Ukraine may replicate scenario of Minsk agreements — expert

According to Krissada Phromvek, there are many complex issues that must be resolved before reaching an agreement

Trump says he sees 'very good chance' of resolving Ukraine conflict

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end," the US president said

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

Closure of Radio Liberty, Voice of America US’ internal matter — Kremlin

"These media outlets can barely be considered popular or widely recognized in the Russian Federation," Dmitry Peskov noted

Kiev does not rule out foreign companies returning to Russia is inevitable

Vladimir Zelensky's adviser for sanctions policy Vladislav Vlasyuk also did not rule out that European countries would conclude new agreements on the purchase of Russian oil and gas

Sanctions against Rubio still in place, publications saying otherwise fake news — MFA

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EU approves payment of 3.5 bln euros to Kiev as part of macrofinancial assistance program

"With this third disbursement, Ukraine will have received close to 20 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility since its entry into force a year ago," the statement reads

Court in Georgia sentences ex-president to 4.5 years in prison for illegal entry

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Kinzhal missile wipes out Patriot air defense system in Kiev — Russian Defense Ministry

On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces hit a US-made Patriot system in Kiev with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile

Russian deputy foreign minister discusses situation on Korean Peninsula in Pyongyang

According to the report, Andrey Rudenko met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and held talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Gyu

Trump calls those who are trying to discredit US-Russia contacts ‘sick degenerates’

US President stressed that during his visit to Moscow, his special envoy Steve Witkoff had a series of other contacts

Russian forces fully liberate Stepovoye community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian UAV training center and military airfields over the past day, the ministry reported

Lebanese troops carry out attacks on firing positions in Syria

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Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump conversation being prepared for Tuesday

The last telephone conversation between the Russian president and the US leader took place on February 12

Germany delivers new military aid shipment to Kiev, including MRAPVs and drones

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French PM says Europe should prepare for trade war with US

At the same time, the prime minister expressed the view that Europe and the US still have the opportunity to resolve the situation through negotiations

EU trying to get in on Ukraine talks, no openings yet — Kallas

The chief of European diplomacy said the EU has met with US negotiators to voice "different elements that could be brought up by the Russians"

US hopes for deal with Russia within weeks to address Ukraine crisis — presidential envoy

Earlier, the US special presidential envoy said he expected that there would be a phone conversation between the US and Russian presidents next week

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

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Russian forces liberate Rubanshchina, Zaoleshenka in Kursk Region

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Although Ukraine uses reserves Russian army pushes forward near Krasnoarmeysk — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin noted that the "most rapid" advance of Russian troops is taking place around Velikaya Novoselka

Serbia ready to invite Russia, US to investigate use of 'sound cannon' against protestors

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US role helps persuade Hungary to approve sanctions against Russia — paper

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No information followed immediately regarding possible casualties after the attacks

China's leader refuses trip to Brussels to honor anniversary of relations — media

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Europe must cut social spending to boost military budget — FT

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French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Security central to Russian-Tajik agenda — President Rahmon

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Lavrov urges to halt use of force in Red Sea during talk with Rubio

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Violence against protestors in Belgrade unacceptable — Russian envoy

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Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

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US maintains contact with European countries on Ukrainian conflict resolution — Witkoff

According to US Special Presidential Envoy, Washington is 'in discussions with European countries and that includes France, Britain, Norway, Finland and all the others'

Russia, Iran, China nuclear program meeting productive — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that Russia, China, and Iran were closely aligning their positions

Trump to ignore Germany’s call to coordinate on Russia concessions — MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, Donald Trump thinks that "agreeing policies with Europe would mean burying any hope for a peaceful settlement"

Almost entire Voice of America staff sent on leave, radio station going silent — CEO

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Hungary opposes EU proposals on military aid to Ukraine — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto believes that Brussels is now in international isolation "because liberal European politicians who advocate conflict are constantly trying to prevent the success of peace talks" between Russia and the United States on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

US President Trump says plans to speak with Russia’s Putin on March 18

"A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US president said

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

Possible truce in Ukraine complicates EC's plans to militarize Europe — source

Confrontation with Russia is now becoming a new European project, which is being formed by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the source said

Russian commander expects buffer zone to be created after Kursk Region liberated

According to Major General Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian military is suffering heavy losses, despite deploying its best reserves to the Sudzha and Sumy directions

Foreign mercenaries perpetrate brutal atrocities in Kursk Region — Russian diplomat

According to testimony of civilians evacuated from the liberated areas, Poles and Georgian Legion members were especially brutal

France temporarily lifts court-mandated supervision over Telegram found Durov — source

The source said the decision was made "by the investigating judge"

US discussing with Ukraine what territories it will concede — Trump

In the US President's words, "phase one [in the reconciliation process] is the ceasefire"

Britain's wish to steal Russian assets stems from historical craving for piracy — MFA

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Russian envoy says US speech at recent IAEA meeting was very constructive

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, Hungary and Slovakia refused to sign off on a joint statement of 47 IAEA member countries in support of Ukraine

Trump declares his predecessor’s pardons `void and vacant'

On January 17, Joe Biden issued individual pardons to a number of persons, including former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and former US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Anthony Fauci

US to exit international center on ‘investigating’ Russia’s actions in Ukraine — NYT

Washington will officially announce this decision today, the sources said

Verkhovna Rada member accuses chief of General Staff of corruption

"Bargilevich was involved in a number of dubious activities related to bribery and commerce, all without any investigations," Maryana Bezuglaya said

Up to 90% of arms, munitions destroyed in Kursk Region belong to NATO — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, these are military and technical supplies, ammunition, small arms, mines, shells, and multiple rocket launchers

Merkel views Russia as a strong nuclear power that captures Trump’s admiration

Commenting on the notorious clash between Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in the White House, Merkel recalled thinking that she never wanted to see anything like this again

Putin, Rahmon to meet for talks in Moscow on Monday

The two leaders are expected to exchange opinions on pressing regional issues

Over 36 people killed in devastating natural calamity in US, says President Trump

According to US media outlets, the natural calamity struck residents of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas

Russian army captures outskirts of Shcherbaki, Malye Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye — politician

Vladimir Rogov previously told TASS on March 15 that Russian units had reached the outskirts of Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region and had begun fighting to take control of the settlement

Ukrainian army's morale at rock bottom after defeat in Kursk — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, Ukrainian propaganda "is trying to magnify" frontline successes but soldiers on the engagement line see the actual state of things and have a different view about what is going on

Over 30 countries to join 'coalition of willing' to support Ukraine — spokesman

"The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways," the statement reads

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Security forces detain Ukrainian soldiers disguised as Russian troops in Kursk border area

"They immediately inform the Russian military about suspicious persons," the source said.

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on €40 bln aid package for Ukraine — Kallas

The EU top diplomat stressed that everyone recognized that the EU needed to "show result" right now and support Ukraine "so that they can defend themselves"

Crimea protected against land threats from Ukraine, region's leadership says

Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov stressed that Crimea was also protected by air defenses

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

According to the media outlet, the authenticity of summonses has not been established

Europe’s words about sending troops to Ukraine is a bluff — Russian official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber, the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace

No repetition of Kiev 'Maidan' in Belgrade — Serbian president

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

Taiwan detects 13 Chinese PLA warplanes, nine vessels, two balloons near island

Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late

Russian air defenses down four JDAM bombs, 141 Ukrainian drones in past day — top brass

Russian troops have hit Ukraine’s military airfields, drone production workshops and their storage sites in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Time running out for Ukrainian troops in Kursk area to lay down arms — Kremlin

Putin thus responded to the call of US President Donald Trump, who offered to "spare" the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

Over 370 people taken out of Kursk Region's liberated territories since March 12

"Today, 70 more people were evacuated", Alexander Khinshtein, announced on his Telegram channel

Ukrainian forces continue to threaten to blow up Crimean Bridge — city head

According to Sergey Aksyonov, the priority at the moment remains safety when crossing the bridge, in case of threats, the traffic on the Crimean bridge will be closed to protect citizens

Coordination of new Putin-Trump talk took several days — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the preparation time, in general, "depends on the decisions of the heads of state"

Russian army begins fighting for Volnoye Pole near DPR-Zaporozhye border — politician

Vladimir Rogov earlier told TASS that the Russian army had driven Ukrainian forces out of the DPR’s settlement of Privonloye on February 28