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Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 77.45 rubles for December 30

The official euro rate was increased by 27 kopecks to 91.4775 rubles

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia sets the official dollar rate at the level of 77.4466 rubles for December 30, 2025, which is 25 kopecks below the prior indicator.

The official euro rate was increased by 27 kopecks to 91.4775 rubles.

The official yuan rate was set at 11.0501 rubles, almost flat against the prior indicator.

Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

Kiev’s drones attacked Kremlin at night, Putin unharmed — presidential press service

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that on Wednesday Putin is working in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, where he met with Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin

Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

The trademarks are registered under Class 9 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which includes various types of televisions and monitors

Trump believes prospects for new meeting with Putin hinge on settlement progress

The US president added that he believes the essential elements of a deal have already been outlined

Russian diplomat calls attack on president’s residence 'unprecedented'

Nevertheless, in Maria Zakharova's words, the US President Donald Trump's administration "has embarked on this course and is pursuing it on many tracks"

Putin holds meeting on state armament programs, defense industry development

The event took place in the Kremlin

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

President Vucic confirms plans to organize parliamentary elections in Serbia in 2026

According to the Serbian President, the snap elections will be a political response to the demonstrators

Kiev attacked Russian president’s residence by long-range drones — Kremlin aide

The attack against the state residence of the Russian leader took place actually right after talks between the US and Ukraine in Mar-a-Lago, Yury Ushakov noted

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

FACTBOX: Orthodox feast of Epiphany

The full name of the holiday is the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Aist-2T satellites launched from Vostochny spaceport put into orbit

They are designed to photograph the planet's surface and obtain stereoscopic images to create digital terrain models

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Moscow raises the issue of speedy release of 11 Russians detained in Baku — MFA

The parties also summed up the results of bilateral cooperation in the past year

Zelensky asserts US to formalize security guarantees for Kiev in Congress

Vladimir Zelensky said that bilateral agreements with Europeans from the 'Coalition of the Willing' will subsequently be ratified by European parliaments to ensure that these agreements are legally binding

Friday marks 60 years since first living creature’s flight into orbit

Three dogs were selected as candidate for the flight aboard Sputnik-2

Russian troops advance in Krasny Liman — Chief of General Staff

The liberation of the settlements of Bogoslavka and Dibrova was completed today

Rosatom supplied fuel for starting charge of reactor at Kudankulam plant

The second stage of the Kudankulam NPP will be the history’s first power generating units VVER-1000 that will be launched with the 18-month cycle

Comex silver futures climb to new all-time high of over $82 per troy ounce

By 2:05 a.m. Moscow time, the silver price accelerated gains to trade at $82.67 per troy ounce

Trump warns about potential strikes on Iran if it tries to revive its nuclear program

However, according to US President, he would prefer a diplomatic solution

Russia able to cover domestic needs, export lithium products — minister

Booked reserves in Russia amount to 3.5 mln metric tons of lithium oxide

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

Russia has plan in place in case frozen assets are seized — Novak

It will be implemented if such cases arise, the Russian deputy prime minister added

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Russia supplies another batch of Su-30SM2 fighters to Belarus — Defense Ministry

Deputy Commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces, Chief of Aviation Colonel Alexander Belyaev said these aircraft will soon undergo technical inspection at the air base

Trump recalls that he personally blocked Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine

US President commented on Ukraine’s attempted attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence

Ukrainians may support withdrawal of Ukrainian army from Donbass in referendum — pollster

Head of the Ukrainian sociological group Rating Alexey Antipovich confirmed that people in the western regions of Ukraine are less willing to support territorial concessions than those in the eastern regions

Profits of leading German companies down 15% in 2025 — DPA

Profits of German majors is falling for the third year in a row

Putin addresses soldiers on battlefield directly from Kremlin to thank them

The President highlighted that Russian soldiers, liberating Donbass, demonstrate courage and heroism every day, risking their lives

Gold price falls below $4,400 per troy ounce, first time since December 22

By 5:45 PM Moscow time, the price of gold had slowed to $4,391.8 per troy ounce

Impact of higher import tariffs on global economy weaker than expected — Bank of Russia

Uncertainty related to escalating trade frictions remains high, and the risk of a deterioration in the global economic situation persists

Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws troops from Lebanon — leader

The group’s leader Naim Qassem emphasized that the government’s striving for a monopoly over weapons now is in the interests of the United States and Israel

Russia’s top cinema chain says controversial tsar film will return to its screens

The film, which depicts a romance between Nicholas II and ballerina Matilda Kschessinska before his marriage and coronation, is set for release on October 26

Collapse of plans by Kiev, Europe key outcome of Trump-Zelensky meeting — media

According to the analysts, the eventual terms of a peace agreement could prove even less favorable for Kiev, as US proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine may no longer apply by that time

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Number of AWOL cases in Ukrainian army nearing 400,000 — lawmaker

Anna Skorokhod did not specify however which time period these figures refer to

Americans not sold that US should be involved in Ukraine peace, poll reveals

As the survey shows, 41% of respondents believe the US should remain involved in the Ukraine negotiation process, while 39% favor Washington's withdrawa

Russia launches satellites for its allies from Vostochny spaceport

These include satellites to serve scientific research and technology needs of companies based in Russia and friendly states

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

World appreciative of Trump’s peace efforts, Putin’s envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev made the following statement in English

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

Russian forces penetrate Ukraine’s defenses along entire frontline — Putin

"Ukrainian troops are retreating everywhere, along the entire combat engagement line," the Russian leader noted

No agreement reached at talks with Trump on ZNPP, territories — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said these are two outstanding issues from the 20-point document

Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

American expert expresses his frustration with Trump-Zelensky talks

Retired diplomat and former advisor to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission James Carden opined that negotiations in Miami offered vague promises

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

CUST ready to introduce integrated air defense system in Russian regions

The Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies is prepared to provide a training system for the personnel working at control posts, engaged in IT programs, and mobile air defense teams, as well as for those involved in maintenance

Trump confirms US strike on target presumably on Venezuela’s territory

US President gave no further details and did not elaborate on the exact location of the targeted site

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

Medvedev slams Zelensky ‘pathological liar, freeloader’

Security Council Deputy Chairman also noticed that Zelensky made US President Donald Trump sick of himself

Russian Railways Board approves 2026 investment program

The bulk of funds will be spent to maintain fixed assets of the company and assure transportation safety

High voltage line restarts after repair at Zaporozhye nuclear plant

The repair of the Ferrosplavnaya-1 high voltage power line damaged as a result of the Ukrainian army’s attack was performed with attending inspectors of IAEA, the plant informed

LazerBuzz laser system hits FPV drone at 1 km range

According to LazerBuzz representatives, during testing, the system completely damaged the battery and other components of an FPV drone

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Departures, arrivals delayed in Sheremetyevo Airport

The reason of the delays is not reported

Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine is much closer

Dmitry Peskov did not specify which version of the peace plan is currently being agreed upon

Kiev stages provocations once talks enter decisive phase — senior Russian diplomat

This is becoming a routine practice, Alexander Grushko said

Estonian intelligence chief says Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries

Kaupo Rosin added that Moscow "respects NATO and tries to avoid any open conflict"

Russian troops establish control over southeastern part of Grishino

About a half of Novopavlovka settlement in the Dnepropetrovsk Region has been liberated, Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov noted

Working groups, unresolved territorial issues: results of Trump-Zelensky meeting

The US president said that the territorial issue is one of the remaining unresolved issues in the negotiations to settle the conflict in Ukraine

Russian stock indices decline as trading on Moscow Exchange closes

The yuan rate rose 6.5 kopecks to 11.101 rubles

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Gold prices fall below $4,350 per troy ounce, first time since December 19

By 6:22 p.m. Moscow time, gold prices had extended losses to $4,316 per troy ounce, down 5.2%

Share of cashless payments in Russia to exceed 90% by 2030 — Central Bank

The number of transactions using bank cards slipped by 3% in Q3 2025

Press review: Florida talks ease Ukraine conflict and Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire at risk

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 29th

Germany’s defense exports to Ukraine in 2025 fall more than 7-fold

During this period, the government approved contracts for supplies of German defense-industry products to Ukraine worth 1.14 bln euro

UAV attack on Putin's residence undermines US peacekeeping efforts — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky also expressed confidence that Russia's retaliatory measures "will inevitably follow," including a change in its negotiating position

Russia, Vietnam close to adopting draft agreement on NPP construction — Russian envoy

Gennady Bezdetko said that cooperation between Moscow and Hanoi did not begin from scratch

Houthi leader warns rebels will view Israeli presence in Somaliland as military target

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stressed that the movement will consider any Israeli presence as threat to security in the region

Ukraine faces demographic crisis if those who left country do not return — sociologist

Only about a third of Ukrainians who have left the country are ready to return home after the end of hostilities

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 77.45 rubles for December 30

The official euro rate was increased by 27 kopecks to 91.4775 rubles

Russia to begin industrial lithium production by 2030 — ministry

According to Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, the first stage of the mining and processing complex at the Kolmozerskoye deposit is expected to be launched in 2028

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Russian Railways to allocate $1.5 bln for high-speed rail construction in 2026

The approximately 700-kilometer-long railway will pass through six regions of the country, home to 30 million people

Trump calls The New York Times ‘threat to national security’

According to the US leader, it is necessary to put an end to "fake articles and opinions"

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

West’s eyes are 'wide shut' to corruption scandals in Kiev, says Lavrov

These scandals did nothing to prevent Europe from using the Kiev regime as a battering ram against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister said

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

Ukrainian revanchists may plan terrorist attacks once peace is reached — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that such groups are quite numerous in Ukraine

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

Russian diplomat blames West for erosion of conventional arms control in Europe

Yulia Zhdanova pointed out that after the Cold War ended, the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty has served as an instrument of stability and security

Trump rejects suggestions Russia not serious about peace in Ukraine

The US leader stated that Kiev had carried out strikes in various parts of Russia

Digital ruble has significant potential — Central Bank

According to the Central Bank’s estimates, following its large-scale rollout in 2026, the digital ruble could account for up to 5% of the volume of cashless payments over a seven-year horizon

Three 22-year-olds become billionaires in 2025, youngest ever to reach mark — Forbes

The net worth of these three young entrepreneurs is estimated at $2.2 billion

Turkey says purchase of Russia’s Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets possible

The Turkish president added that the decision would be made after he learns the final US word on Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program

Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence is ‘slap’ in Trump’s face — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists earlier in the day that overnight to December 29 the Kiev regime had attempted a terrorist attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region with the use of 91 long-range combat drones

Russia needs communications systems resistant to EW — expert

According to Andrey Bezrukov, the key development trend and the main solution for combating electronic warfare systems is drones’ complete autonomy, their own onboard intelligence

Putin talked with US representatives 17 times this year — Kremlin aide

"This includes his visit to Alaska, 10 telephone conversations with Donald Trump, and six meetings with his special envoys," Yury Ushakov said

Russian troops liberate Dibrova community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

EU, NATO prepare for armed confrontation with Russia — diplomat

"All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the Russian Federation's defense capability and security are 100% guaranteed under any circumstances," Alexander Grushko stated

Gas companies of Russia, Lithuania ink transit agreement

The natural gas transport volume stipulated in the agreement totals 10.5 mln cubic meters per day

President Milei says sovereignty over Falklands 'non-negotiable' issue for Argentina

The Argentinian president also stressed that he wants "to improve trade" with the United Kingdom

Czar Nicholas II's Faberge egg set to smash auction record with $26 mln price tag

Created for the Russian imperial family for Easter 1913, the piece was designed by Alma Pihl, a young jeweler and the daughter of one of Carl Faberge’s leading craftsmen

Regulator notes interest of payment market players in introduction of innovative solutions

According to Director of the National Payment System Department at the Bank of Russia Alla Bakina, the main reason motivating market participants to innovate is competition for customers

Sweden better apologize for detaining Russia's Adler vessel — Foreign Ministry

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Swedish customs and law enforcement agencies, including security services, continued their so-called inspection

FACTBOX: What is known about meeting on special op with Putin

Russian President instructed to continue fulfilling special operation’s objectives in accordance with the General Staff’s plans

Gold prices down 2% on Comex

Silver futures with the settlement in next March lost 6.04% to $72.53 per Troy ounce at the same time