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Portfolio of unsecured consumer loans down 0.5% in July — Bank of Russia

The regulator added that in annual terms the decrease equaled 3.7%

MOSCOW, August 26. /TASS/. The portfolio of Russian banks’ unsecured consumer loans fell by half a percent in July after declining by 0.8% in June, according to the Central Bank’s files.

"According to preliminary data, the portfolio of unsecured consumer loans decreased by 0.5% in July after losing 0.8% in June. Cash loans were still not issued very actively," the Central Bank said, adding that in annual terms the decrease equaled 3.7%. As of August 1, the portfolio of such loans was worth 13.3 trillion rubles ($165 bln).

The share of bad loans in the retail sector continued to grow, although more slowly than in previous months (+0.1 percentage points, to 6% after an average of +0.2 percentage points in January-June), the regulator noted.

Flights from Russia to Malaysia planned to launch in 2026 — minister

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin didn't specify which routes there will be the launch of flights

Syrian president issues decree protecting Kurds’ rights

The Kurdish language is recognized as official and can be taught at schools in Kurdish-populated areas

Ukraine needs to make 'painful concessions' to achieve peace — Czech president

Petr Pavel did not say which concessions he was referring to

Russian paratroopers advancing in four localities in Zaporozhye Region — governor

The fighting is heavy, but Russian soldiers are confidently advancing, Yevgeny Balitsky said

US military operation in Venezuela kills 83 people, defense chief says

32 Cuban comrades were among those 83 killed, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said

FACTBOX: Who is running in the Russian presidential election

Four candidates will vie for the top office

Russian oil tankers in crosshairs of West, legal blocking of Baltic Sea impossible — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that international law guarantees unimpeded passage of ships through the Baltic straits

Stoltenberg does not rule out possibility of US leaving NATO

The former secretary general believes that NATO must take measures to preserve the transatlantic alliance "regardless of whether the United States remains an active ally in NATO or not"

Putin, Iranian president speak over phone — Kremlin

The results of the telephone talk with Iranian President Pezeshkian will be announced in the near future, Dmitry Peskov said

WhatsApp to be completely blocked in Russia this year — lawmaker

Andrey Svintsov said this is because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as the extremist company in Russia

Russia lags behind some countries in terms of autonomous transport — Putin

"Certain countries have reached full sovereignty in producing all the components for autonomous equipment," the head of state noted

Gazprom notes active gas withdrawal from Ukrainian underground storage facilities

Gas reserves in the sole underground gas storage of the Baltic States dropped below 40% on January 15, the Russian gas major added

Trump claims Iran has canceled 800 scheduled hangings

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate

Trump getting Nobel medal doesn't confer Peace Prize to him, laureate center says

The comment came amid news that Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her medal to US President Donald Trump

Russia awaited in global driverless system markets — Putin

There is a need to scale up exports of advanced products and reach global markets in order to create the really strong and cost efficient industry of driverless systems, he noted

Ninety-nine Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

29 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Venezuela not humiliated by US military aggression, defense chief says

Vladimir Padrino Lopez emphasized that the honor of Venezuela’s national armed forces "remains unwavering"

Russian troops liberating Zhovtnevoye straighten frontline at Orekhovo — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky called Orekhovo one of the largest enemy hubs in this section of the front

Azerbaijan has begun gas supplies to Austria and Germany — SOCAR

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic did not disclose the timing or volume of deliveries

Poland to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine during the year

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said this requires a government decision, as well as Ukraine’s transfer of UAV production and countermeasure technologies to Poland

Putin said he was impressed by specimens of driverless systems

Issues of accelerated development of the national industry of driverless and autonomous technologies are on the meeting agenda, the president said

US, Ukraine 'not on same page' on some issues in peace talks — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky continues to insist that Ukraine field 800,000 soldiers while admitting that Kiev cannot afford such an army

Contract for electricity supplies from Russia to China remains in effect — Inter RAO

The parties are currently actively exploring opportunities for electricity trade

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Flights from Russia to Malaysia planned to launch in 2026 — minister

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin didn't specify which routes there will be the launch of flights

Relocation of major transport companies to regions discussed — Transport Ministry

No specific decisions have been made so far, Andrey Nikitin said

Russian troops gain foothold on western bank of Gaichur River — top brass

As a result of the offensive, Battlegroup East units crushed the enemy defense, liberating an area of over 6 square kilometers

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Bank of Russia lowers dollar exchange rate for January 17-19 to 77.83 rubles

The regulator lowered the official euro exchange rate by 1.27 rubles to 90.5366 rubles

London is again trying to boost its authority at Kiev’s expense — senior legislator

"London seems to have entered the race for dominance within the 'warmongers’ camp,' effectively closing the 'window of opportunity' for Europe to reclaim its sovereignty," Leonid Slutsky said

Precious metals futures in the red — market data

Palladium futures with delivery in March 2026 lost 5% on NYMEX to $1,782 per Troy ounce

Trump threatens countries opposing US plans on Greenland with tariffs

The United States needs Greenland for national security, the US president noted

AfD leader questions expediency of Kiev support amid evidence of Nord Stream involvement

Der Spiegel reported on Thursday that the German Federal Supreme Court considers it "highly likely" that the explosions were carried out "on the orders of a foreign state"

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

French politician labels Ukrainian actions in Donbass as genocide

Fabrice Sorlin said he had been regularly visiting Donbass for humanitarian purposes since 2017

Inflation in Russia total 5.59% as of 2025 year-end — Economy Ministry

In monthly terms, consumer price growth rates declined to 0.32%

Chadian president awarded 2026 African Peace Prize

Experts highlighted the efforts of Mahamat Idriss Deby to strengthen national unity, combat extremism and cross-border crime, and use dialogue as a strategic tool to resolve political and regional disputes

Putin, Netanyahu discuss situation surrounding Iran — Kremlin

The Russian president outlined fundamental approaches favoring the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,345 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Trump declares readiness to end ninth war, conflict in Yemen

Donald Trump previously claimed that the US had stopped eight wars since his return to the White House

Trump says no one convinced him not to strike Iran

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, and spread to most major cities. Authorities reported the deaths of 40 law enforcement officers

Russia has no claims for Greenland — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin recalled Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s remarks during a conference in Washington on January 14

UK rejects French, Italian calls to restore diplomatic ties with Russia — newspaper

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London needs "evidence" that Moscow "actually wants peace"

Karin Kneissl: Greenland Could Become the 51st US State

Russia to present over 200 military products at exhibition in UAE

Rosoboronexport is the organizer of the Russian exhibit

Trump feels ‘empowered’ after Venezuela operation — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the Trump administration’s aggressive policy has negatively impacted Trump’s approval ratings

Dmitriev calls Canada 52nd state of US

The Russian special presidential envoy noted that Greenland would be the 51st state

France deploys troops to Ukraine as instructors back in 2022 — politician

International Russophile Movement Vice President Fabrice Sorlin noted that Paris has retreated from its historical role as peacemaker

South Africa's largest game reserve closed due to flooding

Heavy rainfall has been battering the north and east of South Africa for the second week

Russia needs sovereign AI technologies — Putin

The plan of their creation and rollout will be discussed shortly with participation of domestic high-technology business, Putin added

Germany allocates 60 mln euro to support Ukraine’s energy sector — Ukrainian top diplomat

According to Andrey Sibiga, the money will go "to reinforcing the heat-supply system"

Kremlin welcomes signals from Rome, Paris, Berlin regarding dialogue with Moscow

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was necessary to talk to Russia

Agriculture Ministry expects grain harvest in Russia to grow in 2026 compared to 2025

According to preliminary data by the Federal Statistics Service, the grain harvest in Russia in 2025 amounted to 139.4 million tons in net weight

Russian troops liberating Zakotnoye expand zone of control southeast of Krasny Liman

This will speed up the formation of the southern flank, Igor Kimakovsky noted

Unacceptable to use blackmail, threats when talking to Cuba — Russian MFA

Moscow is concerned about escalating tensions around Cuba, Maria Zakharova said

Introduction of driverless solutions is necessity, not fashion — Putin

Bringing autonomous driverless solutions into life is certainly not the fashion, Putin stressed

All districts in Kupyansk controlled by Russian troops — Battlegroup West

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov listened to the report of the battlegroup commander and inquired about the situation around Kupyansk

German court believes Nord Stream explosions were ordered by Ukraine — media

Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that Sergey K. should remain in custody

US announces Houthi-related sanctions, one Russian listed

A statement from the US Treasury Department states that restrictions are being imposed on "21 individuals and entities," as well as one vessel

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

More than half of Americans assess Trump’s first year in office negatively

55% of those polled think that Donald Trump’s policy has worsened the economic situation in the country

Turkey’s losses from Russia’s restrictions may exceed $11 bln in 2016 — ambassador

Russia’s ambassador to Ankara Andrey Karlov referred to "forecasts made by Turkish think tanks"

IAEA announces localized ceasefire for repairs on power line to Zaporozhye nuke plant

This will enable repairs to begin on the last remaining backup power line to the ZNPP

Moldovan PM says would vote for unifying with Romania

Numerous political parties in Moldova have for decades been advancing the idea of unification with Romania

Venezuela will defend its economic rights, develop production — Rodriguez

A national committee will be created for this purpose, Venezuela’s authorized President said

Brazil's defense ministry calling for stronger air defenses after US strikes on Venezuela

The military commander also noted the need to modernize the helicopter fleet and purchase reconnaissance and attack drones

Witkoff announces US demands for Iran on diplomatic settlement

The US Special Presidential Envoy mentioned nuclear enrichment as one of four issues

Syrian army has launched retaliatory operation against Kurdish fighters in Aleppo province

The strikes will target facilities used by the Kurdish coalition and its allies as military bases

Degradation of international situation, security architecture: Putin's statements

The Russian president pointed out that Russia was "sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world"

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Artist's Day to be celebrated in Russia for first time

The initiative to hold this professional holiday has been put forward by Chairman of Russia’s Union of Theatre Workers and People's Artist of Russia Vladimir Mashkov

Russia must move quicker from testing to rollout of autonomous systems — Putin

The Russian leader drew attention of meeting participants and all the colleagues in the government to this

UK marines in Norway conduct exercises to prepare for NATO-Russia conflict — newspaper

According to the report, the number of personnel at the base is expected to reach 1,500 by spring 2026 and increase to 2,000 by 2027

Stoltenberg calls on Western countries to engage in dialogue with Russia

Former NATO Secretary General stressed that this is necessary, among other things, for the discussion of arms control

Operational security makes Oreshnik system in Belarus invisible to opponents — official

Alexander Volfovich emphasized that the Oreshnik and tactical nuclear weapons are deployed in Belarus only to protect its territory

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

Russia capable of persuading NATO countries to abandon provocations in Baltic region

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that "Russia will not allow navigation in the Baltic Sea to be regulated according to NATO and the European Union's model"

Twelve Russians enter 2026 Australian Open singles bracket to play under neutral status

The tournament runs between January 18 and February 1

Annual inflation slows down to 5.59% in December 2025 — statistics

In monthly terms, consumer prices gained 0.32%

World heading toward chaos due to West's actions — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to "the West’s destructive activities, both in its own countries and abroad, aimed at dismantling the basic principles of morality"

Rodriguez’s envoy visits US for high-level meetings — WP

According to the newspaper, Felix Plasencia, who previously served as the Bolivarian republic’s foreign minister, has visited Washington for consultations with senior US officials

Cuban officer downs US helicopter during US operation in Caracas — Cuban president

Cuban servicemen offered fierce resistance to the prevailing enemy, Miguel Diaz-Canel said

Driverless truck fleet in Russia to reach 920 units by end of 2028

To date, 95 vehicles were manufactured, which are engaged in commercial transportation on M-11 Neva highway and the Central Ring Road

Russian foreign ministry advises Russian citizens not to travel to Moldova

"Moscow continues to record numerous episodes of discrimination, ungrounded harassment and undue treatment of Russian citizens in Moldova by the Moldovan authorities," the ministry said

Kiev promised victory, but US now starts to realize it was deceived — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Washington administration is now "beginning to ponder on the question of where their money went," because "the Kiev regime promised" that aid worth $100 billion will secure them victory on the battlefield

India’s IIT Madras researchers develop innovative ramjet-propelled artillery shells

According to the institute’s press release, the new 155mm ammunition will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s firepower

Argentine microsatellite to be launched into space along with NASA's lunar mission

The microsatellite will be deployed 70,000 kilometers from Earth

New ranking shows where Russian students want to work

The IT industry remains the top choice among young people

Situation in Middle East: Putin holds telephone talks with Netanyahu, Pezeshkian

The Russian president confirmed the readiness of the Russian side to "continue appropriate mediation efforts and foster constructive dialogue with the participation of all interested states"

Senior Russian legislator slams US fund's suit for 'tsarist debts' as legal aggression

Previously, Noble Capital RSD initiated legal proceedings demanding $225.8 billion based on alleged obligations under sovereign bonds issued during the Russian Empire

BRICS naval maneuvers finish in South Africa

Operational command of the drill was carried out by the Chinese Navy

Canada’s prime minister recalls NATO Article Five amid US plans regarding Greenland

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army’s HIMARS system that attacked civilian facilities

The Ukrainian army’s HIMARS MLRS was completely destroyed together with its crew as a result of prompt and well-coordinated operations by the teams of reconnaissance and strike UAV operators

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

Finland opens probe into three German snow trekkers who trespassed border into Russia

According to the Finnish Border Guard, the adventurists crossed the border in Paljakka in northeastern Finland’s Kuusamo "out of curiosity"

Driverless systems to substitute low-skilled labor — Putin

Growth of labor productivity, increase of quality of life of people are meant, Putin noted

Israeli defense minister confirms military continues demolishing buildings in Gaza

Israel Katz stated the goal is to "destroy the deadly underground terrorist infrastructure that Hamas built beneath the homes of Gaza residents and all the buildings above them in order to eliminate threats to the residents of the Negev and the State of Israel"

Lavrov, Oman’s top diplomat push for preventing use of force against Iran — MFA

"The conversation focused on a major escalation of tensions around Iran, being artificially fueled from the outside, that is fraught with a broader regional conflict," the ministry said

Russian mogul skier Ivanova to compete at FIS Freestyle Cup stage in US

Ivanova, 30, is the winner and holder of numerous prizes in Russia’s national mogul competitions

EU leaders tell Europeans fairy tales about Ukrainian victory — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stressed that the calculations of European politicians advocating the continuation of military action against Russia "do not correspond to reality"

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country