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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

IMF lowers Russia’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 0.6%

The forecast for the current year has been lowered by 0.3 percentage points compared with the Fund’s July estimates

WASHINGTON, October 14. /TASS/. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised downward its forecast for Russia’s GDP growth in 2025 to 0.6%, while maintaining its 2026 estimate at 1%. The figures were published in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook report.

The forecast for the current year has been lowered by 0.3 percentage points compared with the Fund’s July estimates. For next year, IMF experts still expect Russia’s GDP to grow by 1%. Last year, according to the Fund, the Russian economy expanded by 4.3%. In April, the IMF had assessed this figure at 4.1%.

Regarding the revisions to GDP growth estimates for the current year, the report clarified that the downward revision is largely driven by the recent publication of data indicating a concentration of budget expenditures in the Q4 of 2024, which led to the adjustment of the 2024 GDP growth estimate from 4.1% to 4.3%. The reverse effect is reflected in the 2025 forecast, the report said.

According to the Fund’s projections, inflation in Russia reached 8.4% in 2024, will rise to 9% in 2025, and is expected to decline to 5.2% in 2026. The IMF estimates that Russia’s unemployment rate stood at 2.5% last year, will decrease to 2.4% this year, and rise to 3.1% in the future.

Earlier, Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development lowered its own GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 2.5% to 1%, and for 2026 from 2.4% to 1.3%.

Head of Euroclear ready to challenge EU asset-confiscation orders in court

Valerie Urbain noted that "there are laws"

Putin proposes options for grain exports from Ukraine

Kiev, according Putin, can also export grain by land, and the most logical route is Belarus

What we know about last night’s drone attack on Russian cities, including Novorossiysk

Drone debris damaged a civilian port in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, the operational headquarters of the Krasnodar Region reported

Russia increases output of Orlan drones several times

Orlan flies for a long time and fulfils more missions than an electric drone

Tor air defense system proves effective against drones on battlefield — Almaz-Antey

Dzirkaln told TASS earlier that the Russian-made modular Tor surface-to-air missile system had undergone upgrade based on the experience of the special military operation

Venezuelan president calls on American people to prevent war in Latin America

Nicolas Maduro said in English that "Venezuela wants peace"

World leaders offer condolences after Russian plane crash

The European Union has also sent condolences to the families and friends of those killed in a plane crash at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport

Seven Tu-142 aircraft fly over Barents, Norwegian Seas, Pacific Ocean

The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the flights were done in strict compliance with international airspace rules, without penetrating into other states’ airspace

Hungary won’t give Ukraine 1.5 million euros, will instead send it to Lebanon — Szijjarto

Hungary’s national security interest is peace in the Middle East, and that Lebanon’s stability is key to that, the Hungarian foreign minister said

Drone fragments damaged outdoor switchgear of Novovoronezhskaya nuclear plant

"Owing to concerted operation of Novovoronezhskaya NPP professionals, faults were promptly rectified and units were connected to the network," the plant's press service said

Independent agreements with Ukraine are meaningless — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukraine is now fulfilling the will of the EU and some European states that are "sponsors and masters of the Kiev regime"

US removes sanctions on CPC, Tengizchevroil, Karachaganak — Treasury Department

According to the document, it authorizes petroleum services and other transactions

US tests B61-12 nuclear bomb without warhead - statement

During the tests, American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets delivered and dropped the weapons with inert warheads

US destroyer came dangerously close to Russian warship in Mediterranean — defense ministry

The US warship approached Russia's Yaroslav Mudry frigate in the Mediterranean Sea on June 17

Putin, Netanyahu discuss developments in Gaza Strip — Kremlin

The leaders also discussed the issue of Iran's nuclear program and assistance in further stabilizing the situation in Syria

Russia employs all oxygen production facilities, eyes import — Minister

According to Denis Manturov, Russia is holding negotiations on oxygen supplies with Finland and considering the possibility of buying from China

Russian adventurer Konyukhov has set off for Antarctica to establish solo research station

The team led by Konyukhov departed from the Argentine city of Ushuaia on a two-masted schooner

Capacity utilization of Russian automobile plants is below 30% - newspaper

The segment of minivans suffered most in the commercial transport sector

North Korean defense minister notes extensive exchanges with Russia

No Kwang Chol expressed confidence that the official visit of the Russian Defense Minister to North Korea "marks a key moment in the exchange of valuable and constructive proposals, contributing to strengthening the defense and security capabilities of both countries and fostering friendship, cooperation, and development between their armies"

Trump says US intends to do nuclear testing soon

The US leader didn't specify whether a warhead will be exploded during the testing

US Treasury extends waiver for Lukoil from sanctions on some operations until December 13

Lukoil’s representatives announced on November 14 that the company is negotiating the sale of its foreign assets with several potential buyers

ZNPP’s one of two external power supply lines switched off

The background radiation at the facility and in adjacent territories is within the natural level

40 ships to enter service with Russian Navy this year, Putin says

The president also noted that several days ago six new vessels of the far maritime zone had been laid down at three leading Russian shipyards

Medvedev jokingly calls on EU to donate more to corrupt Kiev officials

The main figures in the Ukrainian corruption scandal, which does not yet include Vladimir Zelensky and Andrey Yermak, have already been charged with money laundering

Russia convinced only inclusive approach can ensure sustainable peace in Gaza — mission

Russian Permanent Mission to the UN is convinced that this can lay the groundwork for durable stability in the region

Fico reiterates his opposition to EU transferring Russian assets to Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized that transferring 140 bln euros to Ukraine "means two more years of killings"

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

Anti-Russian sanctions entail political, financial consequences for Europe — Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister said that because of the conflict in Ukraine, European countries have started to invest more heavily into their own military might

US’ Operation Southern Spear may backfire on US, warns Russian expert

"As for the pressure on Latin American countries that don’t want to bend to Washington, the spring cannot be compressed endlessly," Alexander Stepanov said

Kalashnikov gunmaker says implements AK-203 contracts within joint venture with India

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a joint venture with Russia to manufacture Kalashnikov guns in India

About 250 refugees return to their homes in Stepanakert thanks to Russian peacekeepers

The Russian Defense Ministry clarified that the Russian military personnel ensured the safe movement of buses across the contact line

Kiev provocations, talks with US, Lavrov’s interview: Foreign Ministry comments

Russia is ready to hold a summit with the United States in Budapest, given it is duly prepared

Serbia preparing to nationalize NIS, expects understanding from Russia

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Dedovic-Handanovic expressed hope that the Russian side will take into account the scale of pressure Belgrade is facing

Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan will increase gas transit volumes

Also there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in the oil sector and in the nuclear industry, noted Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

13 Ukrainian drones taken down over several Russian regions in three hours

Five of them were destroyed over the Rostov Region

Ukrainian troops encirclement threatens frontline collapse, territorial losses — Medvedev

The Russian politician stressed that the leadership in Kiev "has predictably found itself in a zugzwang: every day is bringing it into a worse position on the chessboard"

Direct maritime cargo route from Bangkok to Novorossiysk set to launch by July

"All the goods supplied from Russia to Thailand and from Thailand to Russia pass through third country ports," Andrey Severilov noted

Europe must propose new security system to Russia — Orban

In his view, Europe must be militarily strong in order to conduct such a dialogue with Russia

Russia has no plans to attack NATO, but prepared for any developments — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the statements that officials from NATO member states make on the issue seem to be part of "an orchestrated campaign to indoctrinate their own population"

Russian emergencies minister says impossible to continue rubble removal in Magnitogorsk

Sources in the Emergencies Ministry told TASS that it might take up to 24 hours to remove the risk of a new collapse.

Russia develops neural network for guiding kamikaze drones

According to designer Alexander Rodikov, the neural network is prepared for transfer to Russian arms manufacturers

FSB says foils terrorist attack against top Russian official

The Federal Security Service reported that three accomplices in the plot were arrested

Russia ready for joint production of cars with India — deputy minister

The Russian deputy minister noted that no talks on arranging such production were currently underway so far

Over 3,000 Russian, Tajik troops alerted in first joint snap check

Eight Russian warplanes - Su-24 bombers and Su-25 attack aircraft - were earlier sent to Tajikistan

Russia issues permit to Air France for new flight route to Moscow

The company representative pointed out that the flights will be bypassing the airspace of Belarus

UK increases military budget, purchases hardware — Russian envoy

Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin pointed out that London was actively working to ramp up its production of ammunition and explosives used for military purposes

UNGA committee passes Russia-submitted resolution on fight against neo-Nazism

As many as 114 countries backed the document, while 52 voted against, and 12 abstained

Ukrainian lawmaker says Zelensky has a hand in attempt on Trump’s life, Kirk’s killing

Vladimir Zelensky’s regime is capable of killing anyone, Artem Dmitruk said

Former colonial powers still see the world as their backyard — Medvedev

Former colonial powers continue to interfere in the domestic processes of other counties, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

Peace talks on Ukraine inevitable and may be held in Turkey — Foreign Minister

Hakan Fidan believes the conflict in Ukraine is currently at its closest point to ending

Halloween preparations: kids and pets ready

Halloween traditionally falls on 31 October

Russian diplomat warns US against using drug war as way to meddle in countries’ affairs

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia believes that combating drug trafficking, including in the United States, requires consolidated efforts, both internationally and regionally

Russia suggests organizing second investment forum in Pakistan — PM

The first investment forum held in Moscow gave a strong impetus to development of economic interaction between the two countries, Mikhail Mishustin said

Press review: Ukraine scandal fuels political tension as Russia warns of Lebanon war risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 14th

EU paid its lowest amount for Russian gas since August 2023 in September

At present, the TurkStream pipeline remains the only active route for Russian pipeline gas deliveries to Europe

Several powerful blasts rock Damascus’ western neighborhood — media

A guided missile hit a three-storey house near the Abdul Rahman mosque

The Times article proves Kiev’s desire to buy time under pretext of talks — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that such statements "only reaffirm the lack of interest of Vladimir Zelensky's regime in a peaceful settlement"

West studying use of Russian weapons during special military op — Lavrov

According to Lavrov, Rosoboronexport’s products that are supplied to Russia’s strategic partners and other countries are commercially viable and demonstrate their competitive edges on the battlefield

Hungary to block any EU decisions aimed at escalating Ukraine conflict — foreign minister

If Brussels pushes for war, Budapest will use its veto power against its decisions, noted Peter Szijjarto

Lukashenko, Putin discuss construction of new power unit at Belarusian NPP

Particular attention in the conversation was paid to the situation developing on the border of the Union State

Team of six Russian fighters to take part in 2025 World Karate Championship in Cairo

"According to the agreements in place, Russian athletes will be competing at the World Championships under a neutral status, flying the banner of the World Karate Federation," the RKF stated

Russia’s Sukhoi-27 intercepts US, Swedish planes over Baltic Sea

Previously, a Sukhoi-27 jet intercepted a P-8A Poseidon plane of the US Navy over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday

Russian watchdog to check imported wine production technologies

The regulator noted that it would hold inspections, including by video, of wine production sites to confirm compliance of production processes to Russian norms

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

Russian troops liberate 11 communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 960 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy tanks and six armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

US officials seek to dissuade Trump from resuming nuclear testing — TV

According to the TV channel, the officials will seek to steer the White House into a workable plan that doesn’t involve blowing anything up

Composition of Palestinian committee to govern Gaza already known — Turkish minister

According to Hakan Fidan, the Hamas movement is ready to hand over control over Gaza to it

West to hardly convince itself to cooperate with corrupt Ukraine — Polish PM

Donald Tusk emphasized that enthusiasm for helping Kiev is waning in Poland and other European countries

Putin, Lukashenko agree to meet in Bishkek and later this year in St. Petersburg

The two presidents also discussed the development of bilateral relations, including the issue of building a new power unit at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant

Russia ready for dialogue with Europe despite frozen official channels — senior senator

Direct inter-party and inter-parliamentary communication plays an important role even in the conditions of tension, he stressed

Japan's PM supports possibility of deploying US nuclear weapons in country — newspaper

Sanae Takaichi opined that the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country negatively impacts the deterrent and defense potential of the United States

Group of Ukrainian marines surrender to Russian forces near Dimitrov

The servicemen said they had decided to surrender some time ago but had to wait for the safest opportunity

Japan may offer loans to Russian regional banks

When asked if Russian banks could seek for Japanese financing, Seko replied "there is such a possibility," but did not specify which banks and which projects could seek for it

Russia's draft resolution on Gaza welcomes provisions of Trump's plan — permanent mission

Russia's draft also notes the tireless efforts by the mediators, including the United States

Ukrainian garrison of several thousand soldiers blocked in Dimitrov

Adviser to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Igor Kimakovsky said the units have nowhere to go

Corruption, combat losses threaten to become ‘insurmountable challenges’ for Kiev — expert

"The best and only way for the Zelensky administration to surmount these challenges is to fully commit itself to getting a negotiated settlement across the finish line," Mark Episkopos said

Russian troops squeezing neck of fire cauldron by destroying Ukrainian army near Seversk

The Ukrainian group trapped in the fire pocket near Zvanovka is being systematically destroyed, military expert Andrey Marochko said

'Gold train' of Third Reich said to be found in Poland

The exploration team got a permit from a local forestry for ground penetrating radar operations in its territory

'Azov' squad flees positions, abandoning wounded soldiers — security forces

According to the source, this situation shows that the brigade has been dubbed the "running team"

Russian troops to get S-500 air defense systems in coming years

The commander of Missile Defense Troops of the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergei Babakov said that apart from aerodynamic and ballistic targets, S-500 systems can detect and destroy hypersound weapons of all modifications, including in the near space

Russian troops liberate Yablokovo community in Zaporozhye Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry

Russia to always remember North Korea’s help in clearing Kursk Region of mines — Kremlin

Mine-clearing operations in the Kursk Region, which was earlier freed from Ukrainian forces, are still underway

Bus-truck collision in Russia’s Perm Region kills six, leaves 15 injured

Response teams are working at the scene of the accident

Head of Euroclear ready to challenge EU asset-confiscation orders in court

Valerie Urbain noted that "there are laws"

Ukrainian army completely encircled near DPR's Dimitrov, unable to escape — expert

Andrey Marochko stressed that the Ukrainian soldiers still have a choice now to voluntarily surrender and lay down their arms

Latin American states preparing response to possible US aggression against Venezuela

Representatives of diplomatic missions from several countries are already holding consultations

US still believes in peaceful solution of Ukrainian conflict — envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker said that the conflict has turned into "a battle lab of the future" that shows how modern warfare has changed

Germany in constant contact with US on Nord Stream 2 — Cabinet

On Thursday, the US Senate turned down the bill on sanctions against the project

Russian Baltic Fleet warships destroy notional enemy’s submarine in drills

The small anti-submarine warfare ships Zelenodolsk and Urengoi have held drills to search for and destroy a simulated enemy’s submarines in the Baltic Sea

Proton can compete with Falcon 9 in commercial launches

Proton heavy lift launch vehicle services are offered at prices exceeding $100 million while all key players such as Ariane-5 and Atlas have raised their prices for different reasons

OPEC+ to hold next monitoring meeting on February 3

The OPEC+ monitoring committee meetings are held once in two months

Russia forced to prepare alternative to American draft resolution on Gaza — mission to UN

Russian Permanent Mission to the UN emphasized that Moscow appreciates the efforts by the US and mediators, owing to which it became possible to end the bloodshed and mass starvation in the Gaza Strip, free Israeli hostages and detained Palestinians

Swedish SVT, like BBC, edited Trump's speech — newspaper

According to the newspaper, last year SVT used an excerpt from Donald Trump’s speech, which spliced several parts in one of the reports

Number of customers without power due to attacks rises to 66,000 in Zaporozhye Region

Another strike on critical infrastructure has been recorded

UN Security Council to vote on US resolution in support of Trump’s Gaza plan

The vote would take place at 5:00 p.m. local time on Monday

Trump understands importance of negotiating with Putin — Vance

US Vice President noted that many people criticized Donald Trump for talking to Vladimir Putin

Russia should top rating of world's most combat-ready armies — analyst

Russia has the most military experience, specifically combat experience, in virtually all branches of the armed forces, Military-Political Analysis Bureau head Alexander Mikhailov said

Upgrade of ground handling at northern Krasnoyarsk Region’s airports to cost $25 mln

Air transport is the only year-round means to deliver freight and passengers to the region’s Extreme North districts

Russian troops advance by 1 km near Liman in Kharkov Region — military expert

Russian forces began to mop up the territory both northwest and northeast of Liman, Andrey Marochko said

Trump says he would like to discuss cutting back on nuclear weapons with Russia, China

Donald Trump noted that the US has "more nuclear weapons than any other country"

Second attempt to launch Angara rocket may be made July 9 - daily

The first test launch of the light class rocket Angara-1.2PP was originally expected to take place on June 27