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Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 82.86 rubles for April 25

The official euro rate was increased by 14 kopecks to 94.7129 rubles

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia set the official dollar rate at 82.8859 rubles for April 25, up 0.49 rubles against the previous indicator.

The official euro rate was increased by 14 kopecks to 94.7129 rubles. The official yuan rate is fixed at 11.3979 rubles, up six kopecks.

The Central Bank said last June that it would fix official dollar and euro rates against the ruble on the basis of reports of banks on results of transactions in the over-the-counter currency market.

Islamic world shows keen interest in Russian cybersecurity solutions — MFA

"We’ve noticed growing attention both from the countries of the Islamic world and from the states of the global South," Director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Information Security Department and Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security said

Israeli military structures recognize threat of starvation in Gaza Strip — NYT

According to the newspaper, "Palestinians in Gaza face widespread starvation unless aid deliveries are restored within weeks"

Russians can now pay with Mir cards in Iran — Islamic republic’s Central Bank

The main tourist centers of Iran popular with Russians were equipped with the technology in the first place

Russia’s project to develop Baikal aircraft will move forward

According to Denis Manturov, significant changes have been made to the aircraft

Trump family earned $2 bln in one month of his presidency

The New York Times noted that the primary inflows stemmed from foreign investments in cryptocurrency ventures, real estate, and exclusive club initiatives

US begins lifting sanctions on Syria, Treasury chief confirms

"The Treasury Department is moving to provide sanctions relief to stabilize and move Syria towards peace," the department’s chief Scott Bessent said

Ten Ukrainian soldiers surrender in southern DPR

They laid down their arms during assault operations on a number of strongholds

Trump will not travel to Turkey for Russia-Ukraine talks — agency

Earlier, US leader did not rule out that he would go to Turkey on May 15 to participate in talks on resolving the Ukraine issue

Russia-Malaysia relations advancing, room for more growth — Putin

"Both sides are sincerely interested in making such interaction even more meaningful and productive," Russian President said

Russian troops breaching Ukrainian defenses near Krasnoarmeysk in Donetsk region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are moving at quite a fast pace towards Dobropolye

Russia ready to supply more coal to Malaysia — Energy Minister

According to the results of 2023, coal exports from Russia to Malaysia amounted to 3.2 million tons

Ukrainian troops prepare for battles for Sumy, try to hold Yunakovka — security forces

They are building up several defense lines

Iran threatens to increase of uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels

Islamic Republic of Iran has no restrictions in research and development in the nuclear field and has the right to enrich uranium to the level of 93% in accordance with its scientific," IRNA news agency quotes the document

Israel shells UN peacekeepers' positions in Lebanon — mission statement

A similar incident reportedly took place on May 7 near the village of Aalma ash-Shaab, when laser beams were directed at a peacekeeper patrol from two Israeli Merkava tanks

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 80.22 rubles for May 15

The official euro exchange rate was increased by 69 kopecks to 90.3821 rubles

NATO using Ukraine as testing ground for military tactics — Russian lawmaker

Dmitry Belik stressed that for years, Ukraine was being prepared to become "a battering ram against Russia"

Forces of Libya's Government of National Unity open fire at protesters in Tripoli

According to the Al Marsad newspaper, protests are growing in Tripoli

Production of Baikal aircraft suspended due to increased takeoff run length — Trutnev

The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has emphasized that the effectiveness of improvements to the Baikal light aircraft has been confirmed

Islamic world shows keen interest in Russian cybersecurity solutions — MFA

"We’ve noticed growing attention both from the countries of the Islamic world and from the states of the global South," Director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Information Security Department and Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security said

Eight OPEC+ countries oil output by 475,000 bpd above target in April — OPEC

Kazakhstan produced 413,000 bpd above its quota in April

Putin speaks by phone with Brazil’s president as his plane stops over in Moscow — Kremlin

Lula da Silva announced his intention to return to Russia at a news conference in Beijing during his visit to China

Russia to send delegation to Istanbul talks on May 15 regardless of Kiev’s stance — MP

Leonid Slutsky called on Kiev to listen to the only viable position, formulated by the Russian president, that can bring peace

US envoy to NATO says focus is on ending Ukraine conflict, not more sanctions on Russia

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker was all positive about the upcoming May 15 talks on Ukraine in Istanbul, proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia proceeds with groundwork for Istanbul negotiations — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin currently has no plans to provide additional comment on the projected Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

United States and Qatar sign agreement worth $1.2 trillion — White House

In particular, Qatar Airways will purchase 210 modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft for $96 billion

Russian troops advance in Verkhnekamenskoye community in Donetsk region — expert

The situation in the community remains tense, Andrey Marochko added

Malaysia’s Prime Minister proposes restoring direct flights with Russia

Anwar Ibrahim and Mikhail Mishustin discussed restoring direct Aeroflot flights to Malaysia and enhancing people-to-people ties

Russia to receive many foreign guests soon — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov announced that in the nearest future Russia would host many guests, including at the St. Petersburg forum

US realizes futility of forceful approach in Yemen — Russia’s ambassador to UN

"It seems that Washington has finally come to realize the futility of a forceful approach, as we have consistently emphasized," Vasily Nebenzya said

EU envoys approve 17th package of anti-Russia sanctions — source

A source in EU institutions said that the approval of restrictions by EU foreign ministers is expected on May 20

Europe dreams of dividing Russia into parts using Ukraine — Republika Srpska leader

Europe also wants to seize the country’s energy and mineral resources, Milorad Dodik emphasized

Russia, China make every effort to achieve Middle East settlement — Palestinian ambassador

Abdel Hafiz Nofal also mentioned that an international conference on the Middle East will take place in New York next month at the initiative of Saudi Arabia and France

Idea of 30-day ceasefire based on cheating, Crimea’s head says

"Practice shows that Kiev is completely unable to respect any agreements," Sergey Aksyonov noted

Russian investigators report 24 civilian deaths in Kursk Region’s village

According to Russia's Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko, representatives of Ukrainian armed formations involved in these crimes are being identified

US doesn't want Zelensky at NATO's June summit — ANSA

According to the agency, only Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand have received invitations among non-alliance members

Bolivian president not to run for re-election

"I am telling the people of Bolivia with absolute resolve about my decision not to participate in the August election because I have no intention to split the popular vote or facilitate the implementation of a Fascist right-wing project," Luis Arce said

UN ready to provide support to sides of Ukraine conflict — secretary-general

According to Antonio Guterres, a ceasefire must help pave the way for a durable peace

Eyewitnesses claim Donbass militia downed Ukrainian An-26 plane

A missile hit the An-26, it fell on the ground and caught blaze

Istanbul 2.0 signals a losing game for Zelensky, even if he skips talks — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Zelensky erred by overestimating his geopolitical role, as he has been a pawn, not a queen as he was told, since the very beginning

The Netherlands, Australia want ICAO to oblige Russia begin talks on MH17 case

According to the Dutch government, the ICAO Council ruled earlier in the day that Russia "is responsible for the downing of flight MH17"

Russian troops liberate Mikhailovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 525 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Kalashnikov gunmaker unveils latest shortened, small-size assault rifles

Russian troops are already using the latest assault rifles in the special military operation in Ukraine

Taliban delegation headed by deputy prime minister arrives in Russia

The delegation also includes Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Hibatullah Akhundzada, the aviation and transport minister

Pentagon does not rule out direct US-Russia conflict if Ukraine crisis escalates

Even though China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran "seek to avoid armed conflict with the United States," their conviction in "Western decline fosters a growing willingness to challenge the United States, General Gregory Guillot, commander of the United States Northern Command, said

Trump says ready to make deal with Iran if Tehran refuses to develop nuclear weapons

The US president called on Iran to stop supporting terror and not have a nuclear weapon

Russian researcher arrested in US for attempting to smuggle frog embryos

A charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years, the US Department of Justice said

Russia must brace for Western moves that hurt both sides — Putin

The president said that Russia must at least minimize the negative consequences

Hamas, US hold talks in Doha in positive atmosphere

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, Hamas leader Muhammad Ismail Darwish, head of the negotiating delegation Khalil al-Hayya and leader of the Hamas cell in the West Bank Zaher Jabarin took part in the negotiations

Putin announces members of Russian delegation for talks with Ukraine

Kremlin Aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the delegation

White House bans U.S. agencies from all work on G20 in South Africa — WP

The G20 Summit will be held in November in Johannesburg

Nothing strange about US authorities’ desire to build relations with Syria — Kremlin

"It is definitely necessary to build relations so that the Syrian people can finally attain long-awaited peace," Dmitry Peskov said

Poland to ban Dodik from entering its territory — foreign ministry

Earlier, Dodik was banned from entering Australia and Germany

EU nuclear proliferation won’t contribute to Europe's security — Kremlin

The entire system of strategic stability and security is in a deplorable state for understandable reasons, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

China to suspend export control measures for 28 US companies — Ministry of Commerce

China and the US held talks on trade and economic issues in Switzerland on May 10-11

Press review: Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine talks as NATO starts drills by Russian border

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 12th

No sense in pause to hostilities at all for Russia, Medvedchuk argues

The politician recalled that Russia had alreadey withdrawn troops from Kiev in the spring of 2022, but no peace ensued

EAEU, Mongolia complete negotiations on temporary trade agreement — EEC

The EEC Council approved the draft temporary trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia and sent it to member states for internal procedures

Russian delegation to discuss political, technical issues at Istanbul talks — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov did not answer whether he himself is part of the Russian delegation

Kalashnikov to show KUB-2 kamikaze drone at exhibition in Belarus

MILEX-2025 is scheduled to take place in Minsk from May 21 to 24

Brazilian President thanks Putin for warm reception during Victory Day festivities

"The heads of state confirmed the determination to continue comprehensive development of the Russian-Brazilian strategic partnership," the Kremlin said in a statement

Rubio, Witkoff to travel to Istanbul on May 16 for Ukraine talks

A White House spokesperson confirmed earlier that the Secretary of State, US Presidential Special Representative and US Special Envoy for Ukraine are scheduled to travel to Istanbul for talks

Zelensky says ban on talks with Russia does not apply to him

Vladimir Zelensky claimed his decree was meant to prevent potential contacts between fugitive Ukrainian opposition activists and Russia’s authorities

More than 150 companies present their products at the Kazan Halal Market fair

It is expected that over 40,000 people will visit the fair

Zelensky’s entourage wants to trade abducted Kursk civilians for captured Azov terrorists

According to SVR intel, Kiev intends to hold on to the remaining Kursk civilians forcibly held in Ukraine for as long as possible

Trump suggests Iran choose between friendly or unfriendly course of nuclear development

The unfriendly is a violent course, "I don’t want that," US leader noted

Russian troops to receive large batch of shortened AK-12 assault rifles

"The shortened AK-12 is primarily designed for arming assault units," Kalashnikov Group Chief Designer for Small Arms Sergey Urzhumtsev said

Putin to hold talks with Malaysian premier

At this time, Russia and Malaysia have concluded 20 cooperation agreements

Serial deliveries of RPL-20 machine gun may start this year — Kalashnikov

Sergey Urzhumtsev also mentioned that each RPL-20 will feature a specialized device for rapid belt loading

Kalashnikov starts mass deliveries of low-noise firing devices for AK-12 to Russian army

The key features include the complete elimination of muzzle flash, and a reduced noise level

Moscow's rivals scheme to replace power in Russia — foreign intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin added that Russia’s geopolitical rivals are hatching plans, with financial support from the West, to split Russia into multiple parts

UN secretary general not to partake in talks between Russia, Ukraine in Istanbul

On May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to resume direct negotiations without preconditions, interrupted in 2022

Lavrov says release of МН17 verdict sought to overshadow Malaysian PM’s trip to Russia

There are "plenty of facts" that show the investigation was dubious, the Russian foreign minister stressed

NATO summit in The Hague to focus on strengthening alliance, not Ukraine — news agency

The summit will be shorter than previous meetings, and the outcome will be a brief declaration, Bloomberg reported

Russia ready to increase exports of oil products to Malaysia — Energy Minister

According to Sergey Tsivilyov, Russia exported about 5 million tons of oil products to Malaysia in 2024

Berlin's silence over video showing Merz, Macron is telling — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the Elysee Palace had immediately labeled the news as fake, but had not asked the Kiev regime to stop spreading false information

Palestine hopes Trump recognizes its statehood — envoy to Russia

"Despite everything Israel is doing, we still want peace and the two-state solution," Abdel Hafiz Nofal emphasized

Effectiveness of improvements to Baikal aircraft confirmed, development work to continue

The aircraft will undergo modifications, including the installation of a cruise powerplant featuring the Russian-made VK-800SM engine and AV-901 propeller

At least 6 people killed in Libya clashes — health official

Tripoli Health Department spokesman Mohammed Abdel Wahab said that 70 others were injured

Russia won’t renounce ties with Islamic world — top diplomat

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia and the Islamic world states share common goals

Russia, Ukraine to meet in Istanbul for first time since 2022

Once again, Russia’s delegation will be led by Kremlin Aide Vladimir Medinsky

Trump does not rule new sanctions against Russia, Iran

According to the US president, the secondary sanctions against Iran "drove them into bankruptcy"

Istanbul 2022 draft may serve as basis for settlement — Russian envoy

"Let's go back, make adjustments to it that have emerged over the past three years and after that we will move to signing this document," Rodion Miroshnik said

Kremlin spokesman declines to name starting points of Ukraine talks

"No one will say in advance what the starting points will be," Dmitry Peskov said

IN BRIEF: Putin's key statements at a meeting with the Business Russia association

Private business is writing the "success story of the Russian economy," the President noted

Kalashnikov presents newest uniform from Novator uniform kit

The presentation took place at a shooting complex within Patriot Park near Moscow

AK-12K based on feedback from special operation zone — Kalashnikov

Sergey Urzhumtsev, the chief designer of small arms at the concern, emphasized that operational experience from the special operation has shown that for certain units, including assault troops, rifle dimensions are a key factor

Kiev did not want to send delegation to Istanbul, West convinced it — WP

"Zelensky didn’t see the point in going at all," Washington Post quoted a diplomat

Iran proposes creation of consortium for peaceful uranium enrichment — NYT

Iran’s proposal entails the establishment of a three-country nuclear consortium, in which Iran would enrich uranium to 3.67% and supply it to other Arab countries for use for civilian purposes

Press review: Russia prepares for Ukraine talks and Trump pursues Middle East megadeals

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 14th

US discusses deployment of European deterrence force west of Dnieper River — Kellogg

Kellogg noted that starting positions in negotiations on the territorial issue should begin with freezing the conflict along the lines of contact

Russia’s annual inflation slows to 10.09% from 10.21% on May 6-12

As previously reported, in April the Russian Ministry of Economic Development revised its forecast for inflation in 2025 upward from 4.5% to 7.6%

Russian government receives official proposals on conditions for return of Western firms

According to RSPP, the requirements will not apply to all foreign companies that would like to return to Russia

Foreign companies' exit tactics won't be forgotten — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted that product quality requirements in Russia have always been higher than in the EU

West allocated roughly $550 billion to support Ukraine — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik also drew attention to the fact that the United States views the Ukrainian conflict today as a redundant burden

Indian premier notes Russian-made S-400 air defense system’s role during escalation

Narendra Modi also praised domestically made Akash missile systems

RPL-20, RPL-7 belt-fed hand-held machine guns demonstrated for first time in Russia

"Our goal is to expand our line of products to meet the specific needs of our customers," stated Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alan Lushnikov

Russia says ready to expand flights to BRICS countries

The BRICS countries have also prepared a joint statement on sustainable aviation fuel, to be presented to the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in October - November this year

Russian stock indices mixed as trading on Moscow Exchange closes

The dollar-denominated RTS index rose by 0.02% to 1,148.28 points

Putin says Western brand apologies insufficient for return to Russian market

The president noted that Russia would focus on its own national interests in deciding on Western brands’ return to the country

Ukraine is being used as springboard for cyberattacks on Russia — Foreign Ministry

Highlighting the resilience of Russian cybersecurity measures, Artur Lyukmanov emphasized the effectiveness of strategies developed during the special military operation

EU fueling conflict between Russia, Ukraine instead of pushing for peace — EP deputy

"It’s time to put an end to the spiral of sanctions, threats and military rhetoric," Harald Wilimsky noted