{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Lukoil’s IFRS net profit halved in 1H 2025 down to $3.57 bln

Operating profit for the reporting period amounted to $4.29 bln, compared with $8.63 bln a year earlier

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Lukoil’s net profit attributable to shareholders under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) fell by half in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, amounting to 287.023 bln rubles ($3.57 bln), the company’s report stated.

Total net profit came to 288.6 bln rubles ($3.59 bln), compared with 591.5 bln rubles ($7.36 bln) a year earlier, likewise showing a twofold decline. Revenue from sales decreased by almost 17%, falling to 3.6 trillion rubles ($44.78 bln) from 4.333 trillion rubles ($53.91 bln) in the prior year.

Operating profit for the reporting period amounted to 344.7 bln rubles ($4.29 bln), compared with 694.19 bln rubles ($8.63 bln) a year earlier, halving over the period. Profit before tax declined 1.7 times to 414.8 bln rubles ($5.16 bln).

The company’s EBITDA for the first half of the current year decreased by 38%, totaling 606.2 bln rubles ($7.54 bln).

Lukoil’s IFRS net profit attributable to shareholders for 2024 fell 1.36 times compared with the previous year, amounting to 848.5 bln rubles ($10.56 bln).

Austrian parliament rejects proposal to support EU seizure of Russian central bank funds

The statement noted that the relevant proposal was submitted by the party but did not receive the support of a majority of deputies

Russian national detained in Iran released from prison — embassy

The embassy expressed gratitude to the Iranian side for its assistance in resolving the situation

Hungarian PM asks Putin about Russia’s response if EU uses frozen assets

According to Viktor Orban, Moscow responded that "a decisive response will follow, based on all mechanisms of international law"

Trio of Russian athletes barred from FIL Luge World Cup stage in US

The 2025/2026 FIL Luge World Cup stage in Lake Placid is scheduled for December 19-20

Iran reaffirms its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear program — foreign minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, even though they damaged buildings and equipment, were unable to destroy the technology

Whole world, save for Europe, condemns US actions in Caribbean — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that "all other countries have clearly expressed their positions"

Ukraine, Germany sign arms supply deals worth €1.2 bln

On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that since February 2022 Germany has provided €40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and another €36 billion in civilian aid

Germany withdrawing Patriot air defense systems, military personnel from Poland

The command in Rzeszow has been taken over by the Dutch military

Russia may ultimately replace UK in technology deal with US — Dmitriev

Russian Presidential Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that "the UK needs to learn to solve real problems - not imaginary ones"

Iran, Russia to sign deal on construction of Rasht-Astara railway within month

According to Houshang Bazvand, the Iranian side has accepted about 70% of Russian proposals for the design and construction of the railroad

Austrian parliament rejects proposal to support EU seizure of Russian central bank funds

The statement noted that the relevant proposal was submitted by the party but did not receive the support of a majority of deputies

Europe has no plan B in case seizure of Russian assets is rejected — Finnish PM

Petteri Orpo said he does not want to think about that

Trump slow-rolling decision on new sanctions against Russia — Bloomberg

The new measures could be unveiled as early as this week

Venezuela’s army rejects US’ accusations and threats

The escalation of threats of the use of force against Venezuela is aimed at "changing the regime, seize oil and other strategic resources of the republic," the defense ministry stressed

US informed Europe of its desire to use Russian assets as part of Ukraine settlement — WP

According to the publication, after Washington proposed its 28-point plan for settling the Ukrainian crisis in November, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other European leaders "have faced pressure from US officials"

BRICS nations seek alternatives to US dollar — Brazilian official

According to Celso Amorim, BRICS nations continue discussions of potential payment mechanisms that the group’s members could adopt

Roman Protasevich becomes host on Belarusian TV channel STV

He appeared in this role during the premiere of a program dedicated to the fire at the decommissioned Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania on November 25

February explosion at Chernobyl blown out of proportion by media — expert

According to head of the Atominfo research center Alexander Uvarov, forest fires that periodically occurred in the Ukrainian segment of the Chernobyl exclusion zone may have more significant radiation effects

Fitch warns Euroclear of potential rating downgrade over Russian assets confiscation

The agency explained that the move "reflects Fitch's view of potentially increased liquidity and legal risks for Euroclear Bank"

Putin blames West for Yugoslavia’s breakup

The president noted that nothing that was created in the post-war period worked in relations with the West

Silver prices continue setting records — market data

The precious metal surged by 5.88% to $67.045 per Troy ounce

West started war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to end it — Putin

The Russian president reiterated that it was the destructive forces in Ukraine, with the support of the West

Russia will not agree to deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in any form — MFA

Russia is open-minded in terms of what decisions might be made, Sergey Ryabkov noted

Russia had to start special op to change world — Serbian journalist

Mario Bojic said it needed to happen for the world to change

Russian tourist trips abroad increase by 14% yoy in 2025 — RUTI

Turkey ranks first in terms of demand among Russian tourists in 2025, followed by Egypt and Thailand

Von der Leyen, Kallas distance themselves from EU fraud scandal — Politico

According to the newspaper, the President of the European Commission "is separating herself from the corruption allegations engulfing the EU’s diplomatic service"

Press review: US-Ukraine talks fail on Donbass as Kiev struggles with election competition

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 16th

Trump says US wants back oil rights allegedly taken by Venezuela

"They took all of our oil from not that long ago", US President said

US extends permits for certain activities related to Sakhalin-2 project until June 18

In June 2024, the US Treasury exempted oil supplies from the Sakhalin-2 project to Japan from the price cap until June 28, 2025

Russian oil imports to India to top 1 mln barrels per day in December — Reuters

"Ties between the two countries have remained strong despite pressure from Western sanctions," the agency said

First stage of Russian Army transition to new military construction model over — Belousov

According to the Russian defense minister, the regulatory framework for forming military construction units will be developed in 2026

Religious persecution in Ukraine 'cannot be ignored' — US congresswoman

On December 8, Luna said the US government should stop supporting Ukraine because of Kiev’s actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Ukrainian troops attacked refugees during evacuation from Krasnoarmeysk, killing woman

Another woman was injured

Issue of seizing Russian assets not on EU summit agenda — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stated that Hungary "won the battle ahead of the EU summit"

Russian stock indices down as main trading session closes on Wednesday

The yuan-to-ruble rose 13.65 kopecks to 11.39 rubles

Russia manages to reverse trend of declining military exports — defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, Russia transitioned to a new system for promoting weapons to allies and partners

Europe's 'symbolic politics' undermining Ukraine peace process — Berliner Zeitung

According to the publication, what the Europeans are trying to sell as "active peace policy" is, from the perspective of Moscow and Washington, nothing more than "informational noise"

Presidents of Russia, Iran keep eye on North-South Corridor construction — Lavrov

Commissioning of the mentioned railway section "is a critical condition for the full-scale launch of the Western branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor" that is among the flagship international projects, the Russian foreign minister stressed

EU majority's decision on Russian assets to undermine solidarity within bloc — Euractiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his supporters are bluffing in this situation as both he and the EU leadership understand that implementing the plan bypassing Belgium will delegitimize the entire scheme

About five US military jets spotted over sea near Venezuelan border — air traffic control

According to the source, the aircraft are carrier-based

Hungary refuses loyal cooperation with EU on issue of Russian assets — Orban

Viktor Orban also said that EU leaders violated EU law by proposing to make decisions on Russian financial assets not by consensus, but by a qualified majority vote

Moscow values Budapest’s readiness to provide venue for Russia-US summit — diplomat

"I think the Russian and US leaders’ statements leave no room for doubt," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky said

Russia going to develop international military cooperation — Putin

The collective security system of the Union States requires improvement, the Russian president stressed

Karin Kneissl: Zelensky Has No Chance Left

Russian army gains steam as Ukraine's falls apart — Putin

The Russian president thanked the Defense Ministry for keeping Russia strong on the battlefield

Russian Defense Ministry operates under severe financial constraints this year — minister

Andrey Belousov noted that "austerity measures were applied" to expenses not directly related to military operations

Foreign journalists to be able to ask questions during Putin’s Q&A session — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that there will be journalists from unfriendly countries as well

Russia to conclude military-technical cooperation agreements with six countries

Russia started the transition to a long-term and comprehensive nature of planning interaction with partners, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said

Russia, China could become world leaders if US does not step up — Biden

The former US president also called on Washington to continue to adhere to its current role, saying that the US "owes it to the world"

Special op, nuclear forces, Oreshnik and Burevestnik: what Putin told defense officials

The Russian president noted that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will continue to play a key role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power

MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center director shot dead in US

According to the newspaper, the scientist was found with gunshot wounds at his Brooklyn home on Monday

US to fail to get via talks what it failed to get via attacks — Iran’s foreign minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the United States should first change its approach to negotiations, then Iran will consider sitting down with it

Press review: EU sees Russia as threat while US ramps up attacks on boats near Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 17th

Russia welcomes emerging progress in dialogue with Trump administration — Putin

The head of state stressed that Russia still advocates cooperation with European countries and the shaping of a unified security system throughout the Eurasian region

Russia does not deny anyone right to security, but insists on NATO not expanding — Putin

It was publicly stated that there would be no NATO expansion to the east and the West "couldn't care less" about these promises, the Russian leader noted

US Congress approves defense budget proposal amounting to $901 billion

Ultimately, the lawmakers arrived at a compromise

Security guarantees for Kiev make no mention of arsenal limits — newspaper

According to the publication, the United States is unlikely to directly supply long-range missiles to Kiev or finance the Ukrainian defense industry

Russian industrial producers cut prices by 0.9% in November — statistics

In the mineral resources mining segment, prices went down for natural graphite, sea salt and dewatered, desalinated and stabilized oil

West tries to twist international law where Ukraine is concerned — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, the West, especially the Europeans, want to continue their neocolonial policy, "aimed at living at the expense of others, as it has been for the last 500 years"

Russia says shoots down three bogeys over sea in Sevastopol

Earlier, an air alert was announced in the city

Ukraine loses more than half of energy capacity — Russian defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, this directly affected Ukraine’s resistance capability

Putin awards Gold Stars to Russian heroes who excelled in liberating Seversk

The ceremony took place at the Defense Ministry

Incremental growth of Russian GDP close to 10% over last 36 months — Novak

According to the official, the main drivers of the economy are processing industry, machine-building, agriculture and construction

Anti-government protests took place in Slovakia — TV

The protests, where people demanded the resignation of the government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, a Social Democrat, were organized by opposition liberal parties and movements of Slovakia

Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

Euroclear rating’s downgrade could trigger capital outflows from EU — expert

Fitch's decision may be related to the agency's desire to reduce its own risks, deputy head of the specialized department of financial markets infrastructure at the HSE Andrey Stolyarov said

'Coalition of willing' has not called Putin's hotline, Kremlin official jokes

The event will be held at noon on December 19

Russia ready to assist Iran in finding acceptable solutions to nuclear program — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the crisis had been created by the hands of the West and Moscow condemned attempts to put selfish interests above the principles of the UN charter

Turkey’s Marmara Sea recedes 20 meters from shore — TV

According to the TV channel, the phenomenon occurred in the Marmaraereglisi district of the Tekirdag province in western Turkey

Reducing threat of invasion, military support, new weapons: Belousov’s statements

According to the Russian defense minister, the threat of an incursion into the Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions has been reduced with the creation of a buffer zone in the Ukrainian border regions

West supplies arms to terrorists in North Caucasus — Putin

The President noted that the West liked to speak the language of force with Russia

S-500's capabilities unachievable for Russia's military-industrial rivals — expert

Head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis Alexander Mikhailov emphasized that the S-500 functions as a sophisticated space defense system

Russia looks to work with US to reform UN — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the work of BRICS and the SCO could serve as a good guideline for changes at the United Nations

Putin vows that special military operation's goals will be achieved

In any international situation, the armed forces remain the key guarantor of Russia's sovereignty and independence, its security and future, the Russian leader emphasized

West tries to destabilize situation in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger — Deputy Foreign Minister

Sergey Vershinin also pointed out that Moscow is paying increasing attention to building multifaceted cooperation with Africa’s subregional communities

Investigative Committee outraged by publication of footage of school attack near Moscow

According to Armen Gasparyan, if the media does not adhere to the request of the Human Rights Council, the state should punish them

Interpol puts two Ukrainians suspected of railway bombing on wanted list

"Interpol red notices have been issued for the men suspected of committing acts of sabotage in Garwolin County" Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said

Trump names countries that will truly play important role — Kneissl

"Europe no longer plays any role in the world at all," the former Austrian Foreign Minister noted

Tucker Carlson believes Trump may declare war on Venezuela

The journalist added that he does not know whether the announcement "will actually happen"

Four civilians injured after Ukraine’s attack on Bataisk — region’s governor

According to Yury Slyusar, the attack caused fire to two single-family houses

EU stuck in the mud on Russian asset seizure — media

According to the media outlet, the ambassadors only moved further away from reaching an agreement

Liberating Gerasimovka, Russian troops expand bridgehead along Gaichur River — source

As a result of active combat operations, assault groups of the 36th Brigade advanced along the western bank, taking under control a 2-kilometer sector along the front and up to a kilometer in depth

Russia says rising tensions around Venezuela carry unpredictable fallout

Russia reaffirms its solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the challenging times they are going through

Resolving Ukrainian issue impossible without Russia — Duma speaker

Saudi Arabia will not participate and earlier, China declined to attend, Vyacheslav Volodin noted

Roblox signals it will comply with Russian law, paves way for service's unblocking

Roskomnadzor said the platform admitted that it failed to ensure both content moderation in games and the safety of chats between users

Russian army’s capabilities keep developing — Putin

According to the head of state, the defense industry "has quickly restructured many production and technological processes"

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian troops attempt to approach liberated Kupyansk

Airborne observation posts and mobile air defense teams ensured combat safety of the self-propelled guns

Investors will start withdrawing funds if Euroclear rating downgraded — Dmitriev

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund, "collapse begins"

US imposing its ideas on Venezuela same as 100 years ago — ambassador to Russia

According to Jesus Rafael Salazar Velasquez, it is essential to defend the Bolivarian ideas of equality, social justice, and the unity

Parliament member admits 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, just as many wounded

The official number of killed Ukrainian soldiers has not been disclosed, but deputies and military personnel regularly complain about a shortage of personnel

Former UN expert warns against deploying European force to Ukraine

Alfred de Zayas stressed that "NATO boots on the ground would only mean an escalation to the war"

Russian troops liberate Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian army lost roughly 235 troops, two tanks and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East

Rome wary of Russian asset seizure, calls for going different route — radio

The broadcaster recalled that Italian PM Giorgia Meloni had signed a letter requesting "the exploration of less risky alternatives"

West, Ukraine exhaust diplomatic options in resolving conflict — Merz

The first round of negotiations between the US and Ukrainian delegations took place in Berlin on December 14

Italian PM says Rome has no intent of sending troops to Ukraine

The leaders of European countries said that security guarantees for Kiev should involve the creation of "a European-led ‘multinational force’ made up from contributions from willing nations

Putin highlights contribution of North Korean soldiers to liberating Kursk Region

Alongside Russian specialists, combat engineers from North Korea took part in the difficult task of clearing the Kursk Region from explosive devices

Any sanctions harmful to fostering relations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that it is obvious

Russia hopes for US pragmatic approach to situation around Venezuela — diplomat

"We hope that common sense will prevail and will proceed from this in our actions," a high-ranking Russian foreign ministry official said

Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

Annual inflation in Russia down to 6.34% from December 9 to 15 — Economy Ministry

Price growth rates changed by 0.05% for foods