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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Payments in national currencies between Russia, SCO countries over 97% — Putin

As the Russian President noted, it is important that the share of national currencies is growing steadily in commercial operations between participants in the organization

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. The volume of payments in national currencies between Russia and its partners in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is over 97%, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the meeting with heads of delegations that participated in the SCO Council of Prime Ministers held in Moscow.

"It is important that the share of national currencies is growing steadily in commercial operations between participants in the organization. For example, this indicator is already above 97% in trade of our country with partners in SCO," Putin stressed.

Consultations on the expansion "of payment and depositary infrastructure" are on the agenda of the organization, the head of state added.

Tags

Vladimir Putin SCO

Putin renews ban on deals with stakes of foreigners from unfriendly countries

The ban covers transactions changing the ownership structure of Russian companies, their authorized capital and the established procedure for implementation of investment projects

Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

Israeli firm says it was approached to buy stolen Louvre treasure on darknet — Bild

According to CGI Group founder and CEO Zvika Nave, after a lengthy check, the company concluded that the unknown person "did own at least part of the stolen jewels"

Ukraine needs $15 bln to buy weapons under PURL program in 2026 — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said that as for this year, Ukraine was short of $1.5 billion but The Netherlands allocated $700 million

No one wants to share responsibility for seizing Russian assets with Belgium — Kremlin

Belgium opposes the European Commission’s plan for the expropriation of Russian sovereign assets blocked in Europe under the guise of a so-called "reparations loan" to Ukraine, being afraid of Russia’s potential response

Hungary, Turkey condemn Ukrainian attacks against pipelines, tankers — Szijjarto

Hungary and Turkey together speak for termination of war in Ukraine through negotiations, the Hungarian foreign minister said

Lenin bust unveiled in Venezuela’s capital

The sculpture was installed on the Liberators’ Alley

Russia’s top security official arrives in Pyongyang, scheduled to meet with Kim Jong Un

This is his second visit to Pyongyang in less than three months

Netanyahu says his regular contacts with Putin are in Israel’s interests

The United States, India, Germany, and Russia are the four powers Israel has bolstered ties with in the past two years, the Israeli prime minister added

Bank of Russia lifts limits on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens

As the Central Bank explained, the decision to lift the limit is due to the stable situation on the foreign exchange market

Trump says he is a bit disappointed that Zelensky has not read the draft peace deal yet

The US leader also noted that Vladimir Zelensky's people loved the US government's proposal

Large package of documents to be prepared for BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Russia plans more than a hundred various BRICS events throughout its presidency

Zelensky says new proposals for peace plan to be submitted to US on December 9

"The plan has been reduced from 28 points to 20," and a compromise on the issue of territories "has not yet been found," he said

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

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

Russia’s CSTO presidency to focus on strengthening organization — Putin

According to the Russian leader, this work will piggyback on Kyrgyzstan’s work in key areas during its presidency this year

Chief executives of European multinationals losing interest in EU investments — report

76% of respondents said they have not seen so far practically any positive effect from the initiatives

US to spend $800 million on support for Ukraine in 2026, 2027 — Pentagon budget draft

The document also obligates the Pentagon chief to report to the House of Representatives and Senate on the temporary suspension or cessation of intelligence provision to Ukraine

Kiev is luring foreigners into trenches, Ukrainians are hard to come by — Russian envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, this strategy is driven by the increasing difficulty Ukraine faces in mobilizing its own citizens

Russia uses Lancet loitering munition in protecting Crimea, destroying unmanned boats

Russian troops disabled a Ukrainian crewless boat Magura V7 with the help of a ZALA Lancet reconnaissance and strike system

Lavrov says Savchenko will be headache for Ukraine

The foreign minister considers handing the ex-servicewoman over to Kiev the right decision as Moscow had to bring back its citizens sentenced on terrorism charges in Ukraine

NATO’s Baltic exercises are part of preparations for military clash with Russia — diplomat

"Of course, such exercises are extremely provocative," Alexander Grushko said

Turkey, Hungary discussing joint defense projects — Erdogan

Touching on trade and economic relations between Turkey and Hungary, the Turkish president stated that the two countries "are close to reaching their trade target of $6 billion"

Rosatom ready to starting operations at Rooppur plant — CEO

"Construction of the first unit is almost completed," Alexey Likhachev said

Putin extends ban for residents to buy stakes in foreign companies without permit

The ban is renewed for transactions of residents on paying for participation interests, contributions or capital units in property of a nonresident foreign entity

Tucker Carlson hopes to visit Russia again

He also noted that the trip to Moscow left a strong impression on him

Record-breaking magnetic storm on Earth continues for 66 hours

In April 2017, geomagnetic storms continued for 69 hours

Lavrov says Kallas' statements show 'degradation of foreign policy methods'

The Russian Foreign Minister added that among the instruments of foreign policy in Brussels' arsenal there is still "direct theft, which is precisely what happened to Russia’s gold and foreign exchange reserves"

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

PREVIEW: Putin to meet with Russian government

The main theme of the meeting will be ensuring technological sovereignty in the domain of communication services

Russia, India work together to establish multipolar world — Putin

The Russian President added that Moscow and New Delhi are firmly convinced that this system should rely on the central role of the United Nations

Mediators aim to reach Gaza truce before Eid al-Adha holiday — REPORT

According to the report, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been piling pressure on Hamas in recent days so it softens its negotiating position

Former top EU diplomat resigns as College of Europe rector — agency

Earlier, Stefano Sannino, a second suspect in the corruption case, stepped down as head of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

National projects must lead to creation of domestic technologies — Putin

The head of state stressed that "technological leadership projects did not exist in isolation but had systemic significance for all spheres of life"

Reducing shadow-economy share to generate up to $13.02 bln annually — Novak

It is expected that fulfilling all planned measures will lead to a 1.5% reduction in the shadow economy’s share in gross domestic product over three years, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Hungary says no to EU’s preparations for conflict with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister called on his nation to vote for the ruling Fidesz party at the parliamentary election coming in April 2026 so that Hungary can "stay away" from Brussels’ dangerous plans

Russia alarmed by US rhetoric on China in new security outlook — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted "calls to all prominent regional partners to grant the Pentagon broader access to their ports and other facilities"

Kremlin spokesman points to possibility of next US administrations revising strategy

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin doesn’t rule out that the removal of the current irritants could open up prospects for the two countries to restore relations

Liberation of Volchansk year in making — expert

The Russian army began to move forward in the northern territory of the Kharkov Region back in 2024, Vitaly Ganchev noted

Earthquake with 7.6 magnitude occurs near Kuril Islands

The epicenter of shocks was situated at the depth of 20 kilometers

Istanbul to remain venue for Moscow-Kiev talks — senior Russian diplomat

Choosing a new venue is totally out of question, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said

Turkey reaches deep into diplomacy bag to resolve Ukraine conflict — Erdogan

"We will spare no effort to reach a settlement and will be guided by the motto that there can be no losers in a fair world," the Turkish president said

France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

Cambodian military again opened fire on the border with Thailand — army

Civilians are being evacuated from the border area

ITAR-TASS: 110 years of agency history in pictures

The history of Russia's central state information agency ITAR-TASS in pictures

Russian industrial products export up 18% in 9M 2025 — PM

Machine-building, chemicals and metallurgy were the main drivers, Mikhail Mishustin noted

Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora dies at age of 70

Alexander Matsegora has been Russia’s ambassador to North Korea since 2014

Yura Borisov may star in Luca Guadagnino’s new film — magazine

The production is expected to begin this summer in San Francisco, California

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Zaporozhye — official

The region's governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that the Zaporozhye Region authorities were ready to provide all necessary administrative and humanitarian assistance to residents of the liberated territories.

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

Russian parliamentary delegation arrives on official visit to China

The two sides plan to discuss ways to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation between Russia and China and to expand cooperation in various areas, including the economy, security, tourism, culture, education, and science

Russia urges US to refrain from escalating conflict with Venezuela — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Moscow views the situation around Venezuela with great alarm and concern

Outbound tourist flow from Russia rises by 17% in 2024 — association

At the end of 2024, the top 5 most popular foreign destinations for Russians included Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Thailand, and China, with trips to these countries accounting for nearly 85% of sales

Defendants in Donbass genocide case facing life sentence

The case has been referred to the DPR Supreme Court for consideration on the merits

Russia bans import of soybeans, corn from United States from Feb 15 — watchdog

In late January the watchdog said that it might ban imports of the US corn and soybeans due to contamination of products by quarantine objects and the risk of delivery of GMO products to Russia

Putin hopes VAT increase is temporary measure

The Russian president noted at the same time that the majority of activities anticipating adoption of federal laws is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 in the plan for improving legality in individual economic sectors

E3 leaders instruct their advisors to continue work on settling Ukrainian conflict

The leaders of UK, Germany and France discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made

GDP growth rate expectably declined this year — Putin

Growth rates of the Russian economy passed through the expected slowdown stage in the present year, the head of state noted

Russian army controls key highways in Kupyansk district — expert

The Ukrainian army sends its units to this area with full knowledge that the city and the region are lost, head of the Kharkov Regional State Administration Vitaly Ganchev said

Putin renews ban on deals with stakes of foreigners from unfriendly countries

The ban covers transactions changing the ownership structure of Russian companies, their authorized capital and the established procedure for implementation of investment projects

The New Finnish Doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev finds historical parallels in the behavior of the current leaders of Finland and their predecessors from almost a century ago and recalls the aftermath of their aggressive attacks on Russia

New US national strategy signals readiness to discuss security architecture — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman noted that for the first time in many years, the US document refers to Russia not as a "threat" but as a participant in the dialogue on stability

Brazil urges Venezuela not to enter into war with US, even if attacked — newspaper

Lula da Silva’s administration will work to prevent the US attacks from happening

Senior Russian MP hails rock-solid Russian-Iranian relations

Konstantin Kosachev stressed the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Moscow and Tehran

Only renewed cooperation with Russia can save Europe from collapse — Dodik

According to the Bosnian Serb leader, Europe’s economic success was largely based on access to Russian resources

Kaspersky Lab reveals patterns from Russia's data-leaked passwords

According to the company’s data, the average lifespan of a password is 3.5 to 4 years

Legitimate authorities regain control of situation in Benin — news agency

It was a small group of rebels who had access to television, a source told the agency

Trump believes Russia is fine with the US plan for Ukraine

Washington proposed a 28-point plan for settling the conflict in Ukraine

Conflict in Ukraine entering its decisive phase — Bloomberg

European leaders are deeply concerned about US attempts to broker a deal they see as a capitulation of the West, according to the report

Putin signs annual decree to call up reservists for military training

The Russian government and regional authorities are instructed to ensure the implementation of measures related to the call-up of citizens for military training and the conduct of these training sessions

Russian troops destroy Ukraine vehicles, stronghold in Zaporozhye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy was using the vehicles to covertly transport personnel to Gulyaipole to reinforce positions in the locality

No Putin-Trump meeting planned until New Year — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that at this point, Moscow has no information about the outcome of talks between Washington and Kiev in Florida

Putin gives principled assessment of Bucha provocation in phone call with Orban — Kremlin

Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban also discussed a number of key issues in the relations between Russia and Hungary

Adversaries of Russia, Iran, China try to undermine their cooperation — MP

Iranian parliament member Ebrahim Azizi also emphasized that Russia and Iran should cooperate to protect peace and security in their common region

Press review: President Putin begins India state-visit while EU mulls Military Schengen

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 4th

New anti-Russian sanctions ready, need to be approved by Congress, Trump — envoy

US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg emphasized that the restrictions are aimed primarily at Russian oil exports

Moscow working to encourage inbound medical tourism — senior diplomat

According to Alexander Grushko, Russia continues developing its health resorts

US not yet informed Russia about its contacts with Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

"Contacts are taking place," Dmitry Peskov said

Press review: Kushner emerges in Ukraine talks as world reacts to new US security strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 8th

Putin extends authorization for foreigners to pay for gas not only with Gazprombank

The new authorization will be in effect until April 1, 2026

Germany pushes back against Europe criticism in US National Security Strategy

"Political freedoms, including the freedom of expression, are among the fundamental values of the European Union," Sebastian Hille said

EU prepares to admit Ukraine by 2030 and start war with Russia — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister recalled, the treaty establishing the EU states that "in the event of an armed attack on the territory of one of its member states, the other member states are obliged to provide this state with all the assistance at their disposal"

Fire breaks out at fishing vessel in Sea of Japan, crew rescued

The fire broke out at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday local time

Middle East Quartet calls for preventing tensions in Gaza Strip

On May 14, the opening ceremony of a new US embassy took place in Jerusalem following Trump's decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv

F1 Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko to part ways with racing team at end of year

He joined Red Bull in 2005, and for two decades led the team’s Young Drivers Academy program, also helming the Red Bull helping program

Shoigu calls Russia's recently deceased North Korea envoy true patriot

According to the Secretary of the Security Council, Matsegora's caring attitude to the cause "and selfless service to the Motherland largely predetermined the consistent strengthening of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the DPRK"

Servicemen seize power in Benin — news outlet

The servicemen also have announced the dissolution of all state authorities

French politician calls Zelensky ‘irresponsible’ for not reading Trump peace plan

"Zelensky is disregarding the peace plan: this is inadmissible and irresponsible," Florian Philippot stated

Ukraine conflict likely to be resolved with Russian victory, US expert says

John Mearsheimer stressed that there’s nothing US President Donald Trump "can do to assuage Russian fears that any agreement Moscow reaches with Ukraine and the West will stick over time"

Ukrainian militants ordered to shoot retreating troops near Kupyansk — radio interception

This is evidenced by radio intercepts obtained by TASS

Malaysia ready to help de-escalate situation on Thai-Cambodian border — PM

Anwar Ibrahim noted that "the renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilizing relations between the two neighbors"

Ukraine can no longer depend on Western aid — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the promised economic integration between Ukraine and the EU had never materialized

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

Europe to come out of Ukraine conflict biggest loser — Republic Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik noted that Europe lacked an effective leader

Ukraine's new budget lays foundation for country's complete economic defeat

On December 3, the Rada adopted Ukraine’s draft budget for 2026 with a record deficit of $47.5 bln

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

The yuan exchange rate was down by 4.25 kopecks at 10.859 rubles

Russian security chief arrives in Vietnam for talks with country’s leadership

The agenda of the meetings includes discussions on a wide range of aspects in the Russian-Vietnamese relations

Musk criticizes Trump’s government spending bill as it harms his interests — portal

According to the report, Musk was frustrated by the fact that his duties as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency were not extended

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Iran, Russia sign agreement on cooperation in AI

The agreement was inked by Russian Deputy Digital Development Minister Alexander Shoitov and Iranian Deputy ICT Minister Meysam Abedi

UN Security Council will hold a meeting on Ukraine on December 9

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time

UN court accepts Russia’s lawsuit against Ukraine, gives Kiev one year to answer

Russia can submit its objections by December 7, 2027