15 Apr, 15:47

Ethiopia to join BRICS bank in near future — ambassador to Brazil

Brazil will chair BRICS in 2025

BUENOS AIRES, April 15. /TASS/. Ethiopia intends to join the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in the near future and has already secured the support of all community members, Ethiopian Ambassador to Brazil Leulseged Abebe announced.

"We have already received political support from all BRICS members and hope to conclude our adherence process very soon," he said in an interview with the BRICS Brasil 2025 portal, noting that joining the NDB this year remains a priority for the country's leadership.

According to the diplomat, within the framework of BRICS, Ethiopia, together with South Africa and Egypt, also intends to defend security interests of the entire African continent.

"By adhering to the BRICS, Ethiopia —together with South Africa and Egypt— can promote the African positions on peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development, climate, and other issues," he said.

Brazil will chair BRICS in 2025. The key event of the year will be the summit of the community's heads of state, which will be held from July 6 to 7 in Rio de Janeiro.

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, 17:57

Don't get too high or too low about talks with US, Russian diplomat says

According to the diplomat, this pragmatic approach is seen in other areas. For instance, when the Russian president says that those companies that have withdrawn from Russia would be able to return, but "on certain conditions"

Situation around Iran’s nuclear program discussed by Putin, Sultan of Oman — Kremlin

According to Yury Ushakov, Russia maintains close contacts with its Iranian colleagues and offers its assistance if necessary

Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Russia and Algeria sign cooperation agreement

The document pays special attention to the development of cooperation at the regional level and the active participation of business circles in congress and exhibition activities

Erdogan’s son confesses he ‘enjoys coming to Russia’

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan said he had been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi and Yakutsk

Russia, Oman to create intergovernmental commission

The delegations signed a protocol amending the agreement on trade, economic and technical cooperation

NATO’s aggressive policy based on military planning — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that Moscow would use all available means to ensure its defense strength amid the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s aggressive aspirations

7 Oct 2024, 15:08

Tajikistan to take over CIS chairmanship in 2025 — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, this decision, as well as the date of the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State will be approved at a CIS summit on Tuesday

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

Yesterday, 15:47

China is top marine economic power now — Russian presidential aide

The struggle for the World Ocean lasted for several centuries and a small quiet period was only after 1991, when the socialist block disintegrated, Nikolay Patrushev said

Ukraine uses special op experience to train British military on drone warfare — The Times

According to the British Defense Ministry, British instructors have trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops between February 2022 and November 2024

Two days ago, 13:37

Russian groups of forces in area of special military operation strictly observe ceasefire

The Ukrainian army attacked the positions of Russian forces 444 times after the Easter truce was declared, as well as carried out 900 drone attacks, the Defense Ministry reported

Over dozen countries declare mourning over Pope Francis’ death

Francis made history as the first Latin American pontiff

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

Kremlin says is ready for talks with Zelensky, an illegitimate president of Ukraine

"An analysis by our country that has been repeatedly voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin shows that Mr. Zelensky has big problems de jure in terms of his legitimacy, but the Russian side remains open to negotiations even despite this," Dmitry Peskov stated

Trump’s plan to resolve Ukraine crisis to feature in new history textbooks — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Medinsky noted 'the extraordinary efforts being taken by the new US administration in an attempt to find a reasonable solution to the Ukraine conflict'

Yesterday, 13:53

Russia prioritizes trade, economic ties with Kazakhstan — PM

The governments of the two countries are working on clear execution of decisions taken by heads of Russia and Kazakhstan, Mikhail Mishustin added

Yesterday, 13:15

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

Improvements in the state of global economic relations are not expected in the near future because the West has historically engaged in trade and sanction wars, Maria Zakharova noted

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

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

Yesterday, 23:06

White House dismisses allegations against Pentagon chief as fake news

According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump said that 'he stands strongly behind the Secretary of Defense'

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

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

Patriarch of Serbia thanks Putin for his position on Kosovo, Republika Srpska

Patriarch Porfirije said that "without Kosovo and the Republika Srpska, the Serbian people have no future

Yesterday, 15:42

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

Yesterday, 01:43

Russian Economy Ministry lowers forecast for 2025 Brent price from $81.7 to $68 per barrel

The forecast expectations for the price of Russian Urals crude oil in 2025 are $56 per barrel

Russian forces encircling Ukrainian troops in Gornal in Kursk region — senior lawmaker

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that, prior to the Easter truce, units from Russia’s Battlegroup North had struck Ukrainian brigades near Gornal

Russia remains among Tajikistan’s key trade and economic partners — envoy

The document stipulates expansion of cooperation in such areas as trade, industry, agriculture, transport, and logistics, as well as fuel and energy, financial and digital sectors of the economy, Grigoryev added

EAEU interested in tools provided by free trade agreement with Iran

There are many specific initiatives on enhancing trade announced by business, including those concerning the removal of certain barriers in Iran, such as restrictions at checkpoints and in infrastructure, Minister in charge of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission Andrey Slepnev said

Steel consumption in Russia down 13% in Q1 2025 — Severstal

The company expects improvement of financial indicators in the next quarter

Russia, Oman sign several cooperation documents

These include a memorandum of understanding in the field of transport and transit, a memorandum on cooperation in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism

Yesterday, 15:51

Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

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

Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders detained in Damascus — TV

Al Hadath noted that this is the first time leaders of Palestinian groups have been apprehended in Syria

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

Kiev yet to respond to Putin's proposal on not hitting civilian targets — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian president has repeatedly stated willingness to engage the other side on this matter, but as Kiev has forbidden direct talks with Russia, it's unclear with whom Moscow could talk the issue over

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Mining ban can be introduced in three more Russian regions — ministry

The Energy Ministry does not have information thus far whether the ban is a complete one or is introduced for the heating season

30 Jun 2021, 17:57

Russia offers cybersecurity dialogue, while US insists on finding hackers first — Lavrov

The approach suggested by Washington "is once again a bit unbalanced", the Russian Foreign Minister said

Yesterday, 18:57

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

15 Jan 2024, 13:38

US hindered probe into COVID origin, Pfizer, Moderna harvested profits — Russian military

According to Igor Kirillov, the list of people involved in COVID-19 relief fraud also includes top managers from a number of US contracting organizations, namely Nita Madhav, who was CEO of Metabiota, and Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance

Search operation for foreign climbers on Mount Elbrus suspended until morning

According to preliminary data, two climbers have high altitude sickness

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'

Pope Francis’ peace efforts rejected by Zelensky, NATO — Hungarian activist

According to Endre Simo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church "sought compromise between East and West, because he believed that the opposing sides should extend a hand to each other for the sake of harmonious coexistence of peoples and nations"

Trump’s approval rating slides to 42%, latest poll shows

The poll surveyed more than 4,300 US adults on April 16-21

Hyundai registers at least eight trademarks in Russia — patent authority

All trademarks registered are in Class 12 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which covers cars, as well as spare parts and accessories

Yesterday, 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

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

Yesterday, 00:34

Trump says many world leaders asking him to reduce tariffs

They "must right the wrongs," US president said

Envoy Witkoff cites status of five Russian regions as key issue in Ukraine conflict

According to him, 'that's the key issue in the conflict'

Putin holds talks with Oman’s sultan for first time ever

The sides plan to sign ten agreements following the talks, including documents on the mutual refusal of visa requirements for regular passport holders

Premature to talk about results of negotiations with US on Ukraine — presidential aide

"We are holding serious and substantial discussions on Ukraine and I believe the dialogue will continue this week," Yury Ushakov emphasized

Emergency introduced in Kirzhach district of Vladimir Region after explosion

Emergency response services are working on the site

Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Yesterday, 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

Yesterday, 15:43

Tariff preference for butter imports to be renewed until end of 2025 in Russia

The decision is aimed at saturating the domestic market and restraining the rise in prices for such products, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development noted

Yesterday, 22:11

PREVIEW: Putin to hold talks with visiting Omani Sultan Al Said

The Kremlin has announced that the two sides will focus on key areas of cooperation in the economic, financial, and cultural spheres as well as pressing international and regional issues.

Yesterday, 11:38

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb

When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno, the researchers said in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance

Top Russian diplomat, Laos deputy prime minister discuss trade, economic cooperation

"The sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest on the regional and global agenda," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

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

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

COMEX gold futures rise to new historic high of $3,500

As of 6:30 a.m. Moscow time (3:30 a.m. GMT), the gold price rose as high as 4.59%

Yesterday, 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

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

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

Putin says he expects Serbian president to attend May 9 celebrations in Moscow

The Russian president said this during a meeting with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije

Yesterday, 15:55

Russian Cabinet considering processed rice exports in 2026

"The decision on this issue is planned to be made within the framework of subcommittee activities in the third quarter of this year," the press service informed

Slovaks not to forget who liberated them from fascism — PM

Robert Fico also reminded that in 1944, some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War took place in the vicinity of the Dukla pass near the Slovak-Ukrainian border

Two days ago, 02:53

Japan may increase rice imports from the US — newspaper

Japan is also considering an opportunity to offer simplified access of US vehicles to the country’s market, Nikkei reported

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

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

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

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

Ukrainian forces launch 114 drones at Belgorod Region over day — governor

A woman was injured in the Dolgoye settlement

Yesterday, 16:41

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

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

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

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

Gold futures rise to new record high of $3,450 per troy ounce

As of 2:18 a.m. Moscow time on Tuesday (11:18 p.m. GMT on Monday), gold rose 1.72% to as high as $3,451,3

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

Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week, Kremlin aide says

Steve Witkoff most recently visited Russia on April 11 and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg

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

Russian president, Oman’s sultan to discuss Gaza, Syria

The plan is also to focus on "the unprecedented deterioration of the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone"

Moscow breaks temperature record for April 18 — lead meteorologist

According to Roman Vilfand, the previous record was set in 1921

Yesterday, 11:18

Moscow welcomes US statements on Ukraine’s impossibility to join NATO — Kremlin

Bloomberg news agency reported earlier that Washington presented its allies in Paris with proposals for a Ukrainian settlement and they included a refusal to discuss Kiev’s NATO membership and the easing of sanctions against Russia

Rubio won’t attend Ukraine talks in London

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

Yesterday, 11:14

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Russia’s grain harvest in 2024 among top five best in history — minister

"It is enough to feed ourselves and feed 160 countries of our world more," Oksana Lut said

Russia, Oman ink agreement on visa-free travel between countries

"Each party grants citizens of the other party the right to stay in the territory of its state without a visa for 30 days during each visit," the statement reads

Russian troops take precautions to prevent civilian casualties in Kursk Region settlement

The Ukrainian army lost a total of over 200 troops during fighting in the area

Yesterday, 14:02

Kiev foolishly squanders chances given it by Russia, int'l community — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said that the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that Kiev is incompetent

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

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

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

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

Suzuki issue recall of over 3,700 vehicles in Russia due to vacuum pump malfunction

The pump valve may swell and partially block the negative pressure channel to the brake booster, which in turn may lead to an increase in the required force to press the brake pedal and the appearance of extraneous sounds when pressing the brake pedal, the technical regulator explains

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

ECB warns Brussels of potential crypto apocalypse over Trump’s actions — Politico

European officials fret that several major financial market reforms the US president has touted will "undermine efforts to become strategically independent" as the EU tries to revamp its financial sector, the newspaper said

Putin to take part in SPIEF 2025, Foreign Ministry says

The forum will be held on June 18-21

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

No plans for Putin to attend Pope Francis’ funeral — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, no decision has been made yet on who will represent Russia at the ceremony

Putin recalls late Pope's warmth towards Russia

"But his Latin American heritage played a part in this, as the overwhelming majority of people from Latin America have this same attitude," the Russian president said

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

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Top Russian human rights defender reveals real reason behind conflict with West

"They fear that the world will not be organized by their rules but by competing principles," Valery Fadeyev pointed out