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Commodity export from Russia down 6% to $195.5 bln in H1 2025 — Customs

Imports increased by about 1%, to $131.6 bln, head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalev said

MOSCOW, August 5. /TASS/. Commodity exports from Russia totaled $195.5 bln, which is 6% less than the indicator for the like period in 2024, head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalev said in an interview with RBC.

"The commodity export of Russia totaled $195.5 bln in value terms during the first half of this year, down 6% against the like period of 2024. Imports increased by about 1%, to $131.6 bln," he said.

China, Turkey, India, Belarus and Kazakhstan are the top five trading partners of Russia as regards the trade turnover in value terms as of the end of the first six months of 2025, the chief customs official said.

"We are seriously expanding deliveries of the goods we need from such countries as Iran (plus 10% in value terms), Indonesia (+48%), Egypt (+43%), and Brazil (+10%)," Pikalev added.

EU ambassadorial meeting on expropriation of Russian assets ends with no results — source

The discussion will continue next week

US lobbies EU countries to block plans to use frozen Russian assets — Bloomberg

The news agency quoted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as saying there is "no possibility of leaving the money we mobilize to the US"

Russia insists on fulfillment of NATO’s promises not to expand NATO eastwards — Putin

The Russian president stressed that multiple waves of NATO’s expansion have taken place, culminating in efforts to include Ukraine in the alliance

Russia actively shares defense technologies with India — Putin

The Russian President also added that, India is one of Russia's "reliable and especially trusting partners" in this area

Putin says freedom must be fought for only by legal means

The Russian leader emphasized that any actions involving criminal methods or those harming people cannot be supported

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic two times over past day

There was no reported information about casualties or damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities

Russia to continue conflict if Kiev rejects settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia's position is clear, and it has not changed since the Alaska summit

Washington hopes for 'good news' on Ukrainian conflict settlement in few weeks — JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US administration has made "a lot of progress"

Revival of Soviet Union makes no sense — Putin

The president said that it would critically change the national and religious composition of the Russian Federation

Expert speculates that Zelensky's stay in Ireland might be permanent

Zoltan Koskovics also suggested that British intelligence services might stage an assassination attempt targeting him in order to prolong the conflict in Ukraine

RDIF, India’s Yadu Corporation to launch joint investment platform

Pilot projects in biotechnology and green energy are expected to be launched in the coming months

Putin says he’s not one to dwell on past, always acts with conviction

The Russian president said that it's more or less pointless to look back and say that he would have redone any thing

Moscow not against Kiev taking care of its security, but not at Russia's expense — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that there are general agreements to the effect that the security of one state cannot be guaranteed at the expense of the security of others

Press review: US proposed four-part Ukraine plan as EU eyes expropriating Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 5th

Putin concludes two-day state visit to India

The Russian president held a series of bilateral talks with Indian officials, took part in the Russia-India Business Forum, and laid a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial

Putin, Modi begin informal talks in Delhi

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said, this discussion can be considered the key event of the trip, as such informal settings typically address the most important and sensitive issues

Russia's participation in G8 discussed with Witkoff — Putin

As the Russian leader pointed out, this topic "just came up on its own"

European diving champion swaps Ukrainian citizenship for Russian

Sofia Lyskun faced discrimination in Ukraine due to her communication with Russian-speaking athletes and coaches

Russian diplomat points to growing fragmentation and politicization of int’l relations

According to the Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov, it was the result of ongoing attempts on behalf of certain Western countries "to aggressively impose their unilateral approaches"

Countries wishing to host US missiles are likely targets — Russian MFA

According to Alexander Grushko, this situation is very dangerous, because Europe is moving down the path of the Cold War, when aggressive military planning is paired with aggressive policies

Accepting Russia's conditions on Ukraine to benefit Washington itself — Iranian expert

Ruhollah Modabber also argued that normalizing relations between Russia and the United States would be advantageous for global stability

Russia to take adequate measures in response to Denmark building factory for Ukraine — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, this step confirms the absolutely hostile militaristic course of Copenhagen

US ambassador to Turkey claims Ankara to abandon S-400s so it can buy F-35s

In 2017, Turkey acquired four divisions of S-400 air defense systems from Russia in a $2.5 billion deal

Europe has exhausted legal tricks on expropriation of Russian assets — FT

According to the publication, even allies of EC President Ursula von der Leyen have stated that she is essentially exceeding her authority by proposing to use emergency measures to push through 210 bln euros in loans to Ukraine

Russia, India pursue independent foreign policies — Putin

According to the Russian leader, there is the right of each country to its own path of development and the preservation of its cultural and civilizational identity, respect for sovereignty, and an accurate balance of interests among all participants in the global community

Trump wants to see early end to conflict in Ukraine, Putin says

As the Russian leader pointed out, Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to minimize losses

S-400 gets new features unusual for air defense systems — Almaz-Antey

Modernization potential of the S-400 Triumph air defense system allows it to quickly mitigate emerging threats during the special military operation

Putin meets with Indian president in New Delhi

Earlier, the Russian leader held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Population collapse gathering pace in Ukraine — agency

Ukraine’s population, which stood at 42 million before the conflict, has now shrunk below 36 million

Russian air defenses down 41 Ukrainian UAVs overnight over Russian regions

Nine of them were destroyed over the Samara Region

Reports on Ukrainian military casualties demotivate people to enroll — expert

Boris Rozhin added that the Ukrainian army has been unable to gather a sufficient number of people who would voluntarily sign a youth contract

Russia’s T-90 tanks rank among best in world, Putin says

When asked when India could expect the deliveries of S-400 systems and Su-57 aircraft, President said: "India operates several other Russian-made aircraft too"

FACTBOX: US National Security Strategy on EU disputes, Russia, abandonment of Atlas’ role

The document declares Washington’s departure from the philosophy of sole responsibility for the world order

Russian forces pound Ukrainian army’s transport, energy infrastructure over past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and five armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US President Trump says Ukrainian conflict to be settled eventually

Donald Trump emphasized that his administration "is working very hard on it"

Putin, Modi kick off Russia-India talks

The two leaders had already held an informal meeting the day before, discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest in a friendly atmosphere

Russian forces capture Ukrainian FPV drone operators near Krasnoarmeysk

According to commander of a Russian assault detachment Vladimir Khodykin, many Ukrainian soldiers were unaware that Krasnoarmeysk had been taken by Russian troops

European Commission’s decision to blacklist Russia completely politicized

The European Commission made the decision earlier to include Russian into the list of countries with high risk

Minsk expresses serious concern to IAEA over fire at Ignalina NPP

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Sekreta emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and timely exchange of information in the area of nuclear safety

US-Ukraine talks in Miami conclude — daily

The Ukrainian side at the talks was represented by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrey Gnatov

FACTBOX: New nighttime attack with over 40 drones targets Russian regions

In the city of Temryuk, the drone attack damaged port infrastructure

US fears Europe on verge of civilizational collapse — National Security Strategy

The document doubts that some European states would have the appropriate economic and military potential to remain reliable allies of Washington

Putin, Indian PM travel in same car from airport

The media describe such situations as "limousine diplomacy"

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Israel about to be deported — Haaretz daily

As of today, the Israeli government has not decided whether to prolong the protection program and this issue is still under debates

If Russian assets are seized, retaliatory measures to 'surprise' EU — MFA

Maria Zakharova also criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s conduct, describing it as inappropriate and expressing concern over what she called the "inadequacy" of her actions

Swiss mercenary admits to violating Geneva Conventions in Ukraine

According to previously unpublished interrogation records obtained by the media, the mercenary said that many legal provisions discussed in textbooks and classrooms "cannot be applied" to the conflict in Ukraine

Putin says economic situation in Germany and France difficult

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the G7’s share in the global economy will continue to decline due to deeply flawed economic policies

Moscow working on response to potential EU seizure of Russian assets — MFA

According to Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the EU employs every possible method, up to explicit threats, blackmail and fake news

Peace in Ukraine has to destroy system of anti-Russian sanctions — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban also expressed hope that the European Commission’s plan to phase out Russian oil and gas supplies to Europe by 2028 will never be implemented

US should not provide Kiev with security guarantees — US expert

According to senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington Doug Bandow, Ukraine "certainly is not worth war against a nuclear-armed power"

G8 comprised leading economies, while G7 now in decline — senior Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko emphasized that "the collective potential of BRICS is higher than that of the G7"

West punishes countries that dare to pursue independent policies — Russian diplomat

Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov pointed out that certain Western countries widely use the notorious and harmful practice of introducing unilateral coercive measures

Kushner working actively toward resolving Ukraine conflict — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, Jared Kushner’s personality added continuity to the work

Russian diplomat slams Europe for being blind to Ukrainian army’s atrocities

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukrainian militants don’t hide their hatred of the people who live in southeastern Ukraine and Donbass

Rada’s decision on Russian language shows Kiev wants no peace — Russian MFA

As Maria Zakharova pointed out, the Kiev regime is thus demonstrating "signs of abnormality and madness"

NATO has decided to disband NATO-Russia Council, says Sikorski

The decision was announced to the alliance's foreign ministers by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Potential visa-free travel, fuel supplies: takeaways from Putin-Modi negotiations

Russia is satisfied with the results of discussions with Indian counterparts in New Delhi, the country’s head of state noted

NATO destroys all relations with Russia — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the bloc's plans to dissolve the Russia-NATO Council do not really matter

Russia winning conflict in Ukraine, to dictate its terms — The Daily Telegraph

"No amount of indignant protests from EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas will change that brutal fact," British journalist Owen Matthews said in an article

The Results of the Negotiations in Moscow: What the Parties Are Willing to Concede

Many US companies want to return to Russia — Putin

The Russian president noted that large US companies sent the letters reminding "about their existence"

Europe warns Kiev against making deal with Moscow without US security guarantees — WSJ

The message was delivered during a telephone call on December 1 between Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the newspaper said

Euroclear to go bust if Russian asset seizure plan executed — depository head

Valerie Urbain warned that if the plan is approved at the EU summit on December 18-19, Euroclear is "ready to challenge it in court"

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian special force group in Sumy Region

The enemy launched a counterattack using a special forces company from the 225th separate assault regiment near Alekseyevka, but it was unsuccessful

European Commission’s plans on asset seizure contradict EU norms — Russian mission

According to the statement, any illegal actions with Russian assets will have long-term negative consequences for the European economy and will entail Russia’s harsh response measures

US continues buying Russian nuclear fuel — Putin

The Russian leader noted that if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, then India should rightly have the same privilege

Resumption of economic ties between Russia, United States to benefit both sides — Putin

According to the Russian leader, there are numerous areas for that

Russian Battlegroup South destroys 36 Ukrainian dugouts, two Starlink stations in past day

The Ukrainian army lost up to 150 servicemen in 24 hours

Russia did not annex Crimea, but extended helping hand to its people — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the residents of Crimea recognized that they had become part of an independent Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse

S-400 surpasses Patriot in mobility and target range — experts

The S-400 significantly outperforms the American system in terms of deployment speed from march to combat formation

Russia-India talks take place in constructive, friendly atmosphere — Putin

The Russian president specified that he and the Indian head of government maintain close business and personal ties

Ukraine drone attack damages port infrastructure in Temryuk — emergencies center

According to the emergency response center, 32 specialists and eight pieces of equipment have been deployed to extinguish the fire

Russia says may respond to British sanctions against Main Directorate of General Staff

As Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed, the British can be confident in the inevitability of such measures

EU, G7 to completely ban transportation of Russian oil on Western ships — Reuters

Representatives of the US and UK are actively promoting this idea at G7 technical meetings, sources told the agency

India to lease submarine from Russia in 2028 — Indian government

"No new agreement has been signed between India and Russia," the government information bureau stated

Russian troops liberate seven communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

In particular, during the week, Battlegroup North units liberated the town of Volchansk in the Kharkov Region through decisive operations

Russian embassy rejects UK’s allegations of Moscow’s involvement in Salisbury incident

The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that "there still are no clear answers to the key questions related to the Skripal case"

US clashes with European countries that ‘trample’ democracy — National Security Strategy

According to the document, this situation could lead Europe to be "trapped in political crisis", preventing it from reforming its institutions

EU needs to draw up its own plan regarding Ukraine, says EU Commissioner Kubilius

The European Union "needs to be independent or at least be ready to be strong in geopolitical developments," Andrius Kubilius said

Russia never cooperates against other countries — Putin

Vladimir Putin said that the American leader has his own policies and objectives, while Russia and India are engaged in solving their own

US views reestablishing strategic stability with Russia as a priority — document

According to the National Security Strategy, it is also a core interest of the United States to negotiate an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine

Putin explains what it takes to avoid big mistakes

When asked about the potential establishment of a BRICS currency and other alternative systems of payment aimed at reducing dollar dependence, Vladimir Putin noted that "in this process there's no rush anywhere"

EU, German leaders to turn screws on Belgium over Russian assets — French politician

According to Florian Philippot, Germany realizes that the use of Russian assets will deal a blow to France because two French citizens are the principal shareholders of the Euroclear asset depository

Russian troops dislodge larger part of Ukrainian battlegroup from Rodinskoye, says DPR

Pockets of resistance remain and Russian assault teams are suppressing them with the support of UAV operators, adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said

Putin likes how Russian intelligence does its job, makes no comment on foreign ones

The Russian leader still described the CIA and Mossad as powerful intelligence agencies

Russia seeks to end war unleashed by West — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that the West had orchestrated a coup in Ukraine, while Russia had tried for eight years to resolve the issue peacefully

Russia genuinely values friendly relations with India, Putin says

The Russian president pointed out that Soviet specialists had taken an active part in the construction of major industrial, energy and infrastructure facilities in India

British Foreign Office summons Russian envoy following report on Amesbury incident

The Foreign Office said that the envoy had been summoned to answer questions about Moscow’s alleged "hostile activity against the UK"

Russia offers Ukraine troop withdrawal from Donbass, but Kiev chooses war — Putin

The president recalled that Russia had refrained from recognizing the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic for eight years

Modi joins Putin’s meeting with Indian President Murmu

After a closed-door meeting, Vladimir Putin and Droupadi Murmu took part in the ceremony of introducing the two countries’ delegations

US administration sees 'world on fire' as threat to national interests — strategy

The Trump administration "uses unconventional diplomacy, America’s military might, and economic leverage to surgically extinguish embers of division" between nations

Kallas' claims Europe has made Ukraine stronger sound monstrous — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that from Kaja Kallas's point of view, the fewer people there are in Ukraine, the stronger and richer it is

Putin says briefed Modi on Ukraine situation yesterday

The Russian president thanked the Indian prime minister for the invitation, as well as "for yesterday's very pleasant evening and for the friendly yet meaningful and useful discussions"

Macron acknowledges that Europeans cannot compel Russia to negotiate Ukraine with them

According to the French president, it is necessary to "build up pressure on the Russian economy to compel Moscow to return to the negotiating table"

High-rise Grozny City building attacked by Ukrainian drone — Kadyrov

The head of Chechnya condemned this attack as an attempt to intimidate the republic’s civilian population

Source in Ukrainian intelligence calls Rubicon 'tough guys' — Le Parisien

According to a Ukrainian soldier in the drone battalion stationed near Krasnoarmeysk, which was previously liberated by the Russian Armed Forces, Rubicon has good weapons and well-trained operators

Ukrainian army conducts punitive operations against civilians — official

Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik said that this situation reflects the real policy pursued by the Kiev authorities today

Seven more children reunite with families in Ukraine — Russian presidential commissioner

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her continued commitment and participation in this work

Russia, India maintain trusting relations in military-technical sphere — Putin

These include technology "related to the development and joint exploration in aircraft design, space, the broader hi-tech sphere and artificial intelligence," the Russian leader specified

Kiev negotiators, EU, Ukraine corruption scandals: Foreign Ministry statements

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova assumed that Ukraine and the EU are linked by "unified corruption chains," which largely explains the inaction of numerous international anti-corruption structures

Russia’s economy is in phase of declining inflation — Novak

Russian Deputy Prime Minister said the national economy showed its resilience and ability to move forward