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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russia’s microfinance market cooling gradually — regulator’s department head

Ilya Kochetkov noted that microfinance companies will be required to identify borrowers using the Unified Biometric System when concluding contracts online starting March 1, 2026

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russia’s microfinance market began to cool gradually in 2025, with the Bank of Russia expecting the trend to persist this year, head of the regulator’s non-bank lending department Ilya Kochetkov told TASS.

"We see that the market has already begun preparing for the new regulatory environment. The lending market is cooling gradually. This year we expect this trend to continue," he said.

Microfinance companies will be required to identify borrowers using the Unified Biometric System when concluding contracts online starting March 1, 2026, Kochetkov noted, adding that it could seriously impact the availability of services to citizens.

Avtovaz plans to sell 370,000 cars in Russia in 2026

Everything will depend on the market and the market will depend on macroeconomic conditions, chief executive of the Russian automaker Maxim Sokolov said

Iran calls on UN to urge US, Israel to abandon destabilizing policy against Tehran

Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani stressed that "the United States and the Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives, particularly among the youth"

Venezuela, US tariff threats on Russia's partners, Macron's policy: Lavrov's comments

The Russian foreign minister added that Moscow signals its openness to contacts with American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

Over 1,000 Ukrainian troops convicted of killing civilians — top Russian investigator

They were also found guilty of abusing civilians and participating in military activities as mercenaries, Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin said

Paris not yet working on Putin-Macron contacts — source

A French diplomat still noted that nothing can be ruled out

What is known about Ukraine’s corruption scandal as Timoshenko faces bribery charges

Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Speaker Olga Postolyuk has confirmed the charges against Yulia Timoshenko, who faces five to ten years in prison

Russia’s international reserves set new record increasing to $763 bln — Central Bank

The previous record high of Russia's international reserves of $752.6 bln was reached on December 19

Venezuela’s authorized president to send envoy to US for talks — agency

According to the news agency, this envoy will be the chief of mission at Venezuela’s embassy in the UK and a former foreign minister Felix Plasencia

FACTBOX: New searches, 'unmasking' in Ukraine corruption scandal

Leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko confirmed the searches at her party's office and denied all accusations

Lavrov, top Namibian diplomat to discuss trade, political dialogue

The parties will also exchange views on international and regional issues of mutual interest

West aware their troops in Ukraine to become Russia’s legitimate target — envoy

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Moscow had repeatedly said it at various levels

Burevestnik cruise missile processes large stock of data with AI — expert

Burevestnik can fly at both high and low altitudes which makes it invisible, Valery Polovinkin, scientific head of the Krylov State Research Center, said

Witkoff, Kushner may soon visit Moscow to meet with Putin, Bloomberg reports

According to the agency's sources, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will present the latest drafts of plans for resolving the Ukrainian conflict

Russian Navy has everything necessary to fight piracy in Black Sea — Krylov Center

Valery Polovinkin said that, if necessary, the Navy would be able to easily transport new corvettes from their shipyards via inland waterways to both the Black and Baltic Seas

Over 370 Ukrainian troops convicted for crimes in Kursk Region — top investigator

Alexander Bastrykin said the Russian Investigative Committee concluded the probe of 279 criminal cases regarding 413 individuals implicated in these heinous actions

Ukrainian drones hit 130 civilians in January — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik pointed out that regions near the frontline experienced spikes in attacks by Ukrainian forces using multiple rocket launchers, mortars, and artillery

Iranian army more effective today than before June 2025 war with Israel — top brass

Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian army Major General Amir Hatami stressed that the June 2025 combat experience "strengthened the ability of the Iranian armed forces to repel various potential aggressive scenarios"

EU, British ruling elite actively obstruct peace deal on Ukraine — Zakharova

"Even the possibility of peace is viewed by the ruling elites of these countries and bureaucracy as a threat to their fading global dominance," Maria Zakharova said

American IT giant begins testing combat drones in Ukraine — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin emphasized that Qualcomm possesses the highest expertise in machine vision, mobile computing, communication equipment, and communications organization

Russia developing stratospheric fighter drone called 'Predator'

The drone's design utilized monowing technology, which enhances the aircraft’s flight speed, payload capacity and stealth

France ready for dialogue with Russia through bilateral, multilateral channels — source

A French diplomatic source stressed that dialogue is always possible

Trump says ‘too many’ protesters killed in Iran

Commenting on reports about casualties during the protests in Iran, he said that he doesn’t have verified information about this

US asks Europe to share intelligence on potential targets in Iran — newspaper

According to a source, there are "no indications that President Trump will target nuclear facilities"

Kiev is increasing number of NATO EW systems in special military op zone — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that a number of other UAV operator crews are being formed in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces

Putin orders to put Canpack, Rockwool assets in Russia under temporary new management

The decision took effect on December 31, 2025

Charges of bribing Rada members brought against former Ukrainian PM Timoshenko

Yulia Timoshenko who is facing up to 10 years behind bars said she denied all charges against her

Kiev’s aggression kills over 7,100 Donbass civilians since 2014

According to the Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin, 21,000 civilians have suffered injuries

Trump says US tariffs on Iran's trading partners took effect

The US leader also reaffirmed that he does not have accurate data on the number of protesters killed in Iran

US’ new Iran-related tariffs will force India to review its trade policy — newspaper

Accordint to the report, India will have to balance economics, strategy, and geopolitics to maintain good relations with the United States while protecting its interests

Apple registers its trademark in Russia

Throughout 2025, the company registered only one trademark in Russia - Center Stage

Ukraine extends martial law, mobilization for 18th time

According to live television footage of the parliament session, 333 and 312 deputies voted in favor of the measures, respectively

US can't do in Iran what it did in Venezuela, says Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that external military intervention in the current conditions would only strengthen the unity of the nation

Moldovan president seeks economic lifeline from Romania with unification pledge — ex-PM

Former Prime Minister Vlad Filat commented on the opposition’s intention to impeach Sandu on high treason charges

All assets of Roszarubezhneft in Venezuela acquired by Russia under market conditions

Roszarubezhneft holds stakes in joint oil and gas enterprises with the Venezuelan side

US has limited military options to deploy against Iran — media

The US troops and ships that were once at the president’s disposal have shifted to the Caribbean, the newspaper said

Group of Ukrainian troops attempting to hoist flag destroyed near Krasnoarmeysk

The Kiev regime is still making attempts to deploy Ukrainian militants to stage such PR actions with a view to showing the presence of Ukrainian troops in localities liberated by Russian troops, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

South Korean prosecutors ask for death penalty for ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol

Yoon Suk-yeol is charged with organizing a rebellion against the constitutional order by attempting to impose martial law in December 2024

Four civilians injured in drone attack on Russia’s Rostov-on-Don

All four were taken to Rostov Emergency Hospital

Iran could see internet services resumed in two weeks — report

Restrictions had been implemented to counter enemy plans, the news agency reported

Battles at Kupyansk forcing Kiev to divert forces from other areas — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Kiev is currently attempting to send small sabotage groups to Kupyansk, calling it an "adventure" of the Ukrainian officers

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

FACTBOX: Drone raid in Russia’s Rostov Region, casualties reported

Rescuers recovered the body of a man while clearing an apartment hit in a drone attack on Rostov-on-Don

Russia says carefully documented Western hoax in Bucha

"Future researchers would have a much easier time navigating the issue leaning on sources, transcripts, rebuttals," Maria Zakharova said

NATO should lead process of Greenland joining US — Trump

According to the US leader, if the US does not seize Greenland, then Russia and China will

Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia urge US against striking Iran — media

According to the newspaper, in private contacts the Arab states warned the US administration that any such move would cause turmoil in oil markets and ultimately harm the US economy

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Russian troops liberate Komarovka in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, Kiev loses 1,310 troops along engagement line in past day

Russia strongly condemns external interference in Iran’s domestic affairs — MFA

Maria Zakharova also stressed that Washington’s threats to launch new military strikes against Iran are totally unacceptable

SpaceX offers free Starlink satellite service in Iran

According to the news agency, information about the free service isn’t public

Kiev in midst of near-total blackout — media

Supermarkets continue to shut down due to long-lasting power outages

Expert sees death sentence for ex-South Korean president as unlikely

Head of the Korean and Mongolia Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies Alexander Vorontsov also did not rule out that Yoon Suk-yeol could be pardoned when a new president came to power

Roszarubezhneft to continue to fulfill its obligations in Venezuela

Roszarubezhneft intends to continue steadily developing its assets together with the Venezuelan side

'We choose Denmark' over US — Greenland PM

According to Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the island cannot be bought and it will remain part of the Western alliance

Trump threatens to take 'very strong action' against Iran

The US President thus commented on allegations about the Iranian authorities’ plans to execute anti-government protesters

Nearly 600 Ukrainian shelling attacks reported from Kherson Region municipality in week

As many as 323 rounds were fired from artillery systems and 262 attacks were staged with the use of drones

US Tempest system likely to play leading part in NATO’s 'drone wall' — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Tempest is a compact and relatively inexpensive system, developed in collaboration between the US private sector and military industry

Russian Oreshnik missile exposes US Patriot's weakness vs hypersonic missiles — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, unbiased Western and Ukrainian sources recorded the warheads’ final velocity at approximately 13,000 km/h

West’s systems cannot intercept Russia’s Oreshnik warheads — expert

"Currently, there is only one air defense missile system on planet Earth that was originally designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic warheads — the S-500 Prometheus," Alexander Mikhailov said

Limitations on US, Russian strategic nuclear arms will cease to exist on February 5

The United States seems to be unwilling to accept Russia’s proposal to continue adhering to the treaty's key provisions for another year after it expires in February, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said

Poseidon UUV is pinnacle in underwater drone development — Krylov Research Center

"It's rightly called a 'doomsday' weapon", Valery Polovinkin noted

IOC should allow all world's athletes to compete — Russian lawmaker

The IOC press office said earlier in the day that the organization must take into account the present-day political context, but does not take sides in global conflicts, as that falls outside its intended mission

Kim Jong Un’s sister says Seoul dreaming with reconciliation statements

Relations between the two Koreas will never change, Kim Yo Jong said

Pentagon obtains, secretly tests device that causes Havana syndrome — CNN

Experts continue to study the device and are looking for its connection to dozens of bizarre incidents that the authorities have not been able to explain

Iran to withdraw from naval maneuvers involving BRICS countries — news portal

Two Iranian Navy vessels that have already arrived in South Africa will not be taking a direct part in the exercise which runs until January 16

Russia strongly calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — MFA

It also emphasized the need "to create conditions for resolving any existing problems between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue"

Israel, Arab countries ask US not to strike Iran at this time — TV channel

The states also suggested that the administration of US President Donald Trump wait to launch large-scale strikes until the situation in Iran becomes "even more strained"

Top investigator says 445 civilians killed, 553 injured in Kursk Region because of Ukraine

According to the Defense Ministry, Kiev has lost up more than 76,500 servicemen in the hostilities in the Kursk area

London court charges Russia's Motin with negligence in March tanker crash

The prosecutor added that Motin took no action despite the fact that "the collision course was obvious when seen from the bridge" and had earlier been apparent on the computer installed there

Explosions reported in southern Ukrainian city of Nikolayev

No other details were available

Top Turkish, Iranian diplomats discuss situation in Iran — source

A source in the Turkish foreign ministry gave no further details

The consequences of January 9 strike with Oreshnik missile system on targets in Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant

US seeks to manufacture pretext for military intervention — Iran’s mission to UN

US President Donald Trump’s statement about support for protesters in Iran threatens the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, Tehran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani said

Explosions reported in Ukrainian city of Krivoy Rog

Air raid warnings are currently in effect for the Dnepropetrovsk region

Matilda tanker not having critical damage after drone attack

No victims and injured individuals are among the crewmembers

Switzerland updates anti-Russian sanction list — government

The government’s press service said that 5 individuals, 4 organizations and 41 ships were newly added to the annexes

Press review: EU mulls Russia oil sanctions as Trump hits Iran trade partners with tariffs

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 14th

Israel follows US lead, announces withdrawal from several international organizations

According to the Israeli foreign ministry, the relevant decision was made by Minister Gideon Saar "after reviews and discussions held following the United States withdrawal from dozens of international organizations"

Over seven tons of drugs seized in Venezuela since New Year — interior minister

Diosdado Cabello recalled that in 2025 the country’s law enforcement structures took down numerous drug production operations and transit routes going through Venezuela from Colombia and Ecuador

NATO secretary general admits there are no Russian, Chinese ships around Greenland

Mark Rutte also promised to continue negotiations within the alliance to strengthen Greenland's defense so that the United States would not need to annex the island

EU distracts population from US attempts to seize Greenland — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova questioned the actions of EU officials

Tariffs on cooperation with Iran to cause turmoil in US itself — Chinese expert

Zhu Yongbiao said that Washington’s tariff measures could further exacerbate Iran's economic crisis

EU may appoint special envoy to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine — newspaper

According to Politico, the EU fears that it will not be able to defend its position without a seat at the negotiating table

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian army’s energy sites over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and an armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

West’s hoaxes, attempts to keep dominance: Russian foreign ministry’s statements

Maria Zakharova noted that Russia has carefully documented the hoaxes purported by the West and the Kiev regime, including the Bucha tragedy

Proposal to seize Russian assets remains in effect — European Commission

The Russian assets were frozen permanently and these can only be released if the qualified majority of EU countries votes for that, Ursula von der Leyen stressed

Two tankers attacked by drones near CPC terminal — Kazakh Energy Ministry

Nobody was injured among crewmembers, the ministry informed

Russian forces repel air attack on ten cities, districts in southern Rostov Region

Airstrikes damaged apartment buildings in Rostov-on-Don, Governor Yury Slyusar said

Kingisepp Machine Building Plant withdraws from United Shipbuilding Corporation

KMZ owner Mikhail Danilenko said the current staff will be retained

Iranian freighter in distress in Caspian Sea, all those on board rescued

As a result of timely measures, all 14 people who were on the ship were rescued

Iran to keep court trials over some rioters open — judicial official

Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei personally visited one of Tehran’s prisons, where he spent five hours studying the situation and the detainees’ cases

Ukraine attacks Belgorod Region with almost 70 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis center reported that a civilian was killed and a driver was injured in a UAV attack on a car

Ukrainian army carries out four attacks on Donetsk People’s Republic in past day

A total of 11 projectiles were fired

Kazakhstan boost oil supplies via Atyrau-Samara route after attacks against CPC

The authority completed the effort on export flows reallocation to mitigate the consequences of the drone attack on the industry and prevent production halt

Finnish politician calls London’s missiles for Ukraine attempt to prolong conflict

The UK has been an obstacle to peace many times, Armando Mema noted

Iranian diplomat warns US tariffs could trigger negative consequences

Ismail Baghaei stressed that "the US economic sanctions, which violate and infringe upon the basic rights of each Iranian citizen, are a crime against humanity"

Trump sees Greenlanders’ reluctance to become part of US as 'their problem'

Thus, Donald Trump commented on Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen’s remark that the island chose Denmark over the US

EU wants to settle Greenland issue with Trump through talks — newspaper

According to Politico, the discussion intensified amid Donald Trump’s recent statements that the US "needs" Greenland

Tanker chartered by Chevron attacked by drone

All crew are safe, and the vessel remains stable

US Navy seeks to enhance submarine stealth — Krylov Center expert

According to Valery Polovinkin, the US has begun installing small drones on Ohio-class submarines that pinpoint the submarine's location

Drone attack damages apartment buildings in Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia

Falling drone debris caused some buildings at an industrial site to catch fire

Greenland situation going to get harder — Danish PM

It was difficult to withstand the absolutely unacceptable pressure from Washington, Mette Frederiksen said