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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

National Bank of Ukraine cuts 2026 GDP growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points

According to the regulator, Ukraine's real GDP in 2026 is expected to grow by 1.8%

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. The National Bank of Ukraine has once again lowered its expectations for economic growth in 2026 due to the consequences of damage to the country’s energy infrastructure.

"The deterioration in the energy sector will continue to constrain business activity for a prolonged period. Taking this into account, real GDP in 2026 is expected to grow moderately — by 1.8%," the regulator said in a statement on its website.

The regulator also downgraded its estimate for GDP growth last year by 0.1 percentage points. Previously, economic growth was expected at 1.9%, but the regulator now puts it at 1.8%. The reasons cited were "disruptions to logistics" and "a larger-than-expected electricity shortage in recent months."

In October last year, the National Bank of Ukraine had already revised down its outlook for economic growth in 2026. The initial forecast stood at 2.3%, but was later cut to 2.0%. At the same time, the regulator reduced its forecast for GDP growth in 2025 from 2.1% to 1.9%, citing an energy deficit caused by damage to infrastructure and gas production facilities, as well as a persistent labor shortage.

European Commission registered initiative to fully ban Russian imports in EU

An unprecedented number of trade bans for EU countries was approved earlier as part of sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Moldova to remain in CIS agreements beneficial to it — organization’s chief

In March, Moldova intends to withdraw from the CIS' fundamental documents, Sergey Lebedev said

Peace, harmony among different faiths in Russia ensure its stability — Putin

The Russian President emphasized that "this is primarily thanks to the common and religious culture of the peoples of Russia"

France working on new anti-Russian sanctions, Macron says

The French president said that Paris is going to ratchet up the pressure on Russia

Russia’s Battlegroup West repels Ukraine’s counterattack near Kupyansk

The battlegroup’s mobile air defense teams shot down ten Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, 58 heavy combat quadcopters and 52 drone control centers

US not abandoning NATO, but ready to review its forces posture — Rubio

Marco Rubio also noted that the US will still have some of the largest military deployments in the world

US’ claims for Greenland undermine global stability — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui also noted that China maintains close contacts and cooperation with Russia on the issue of the Norther Sea Route

Ukraine territorial issue still unresolved, but differences shrinking — Rubio

US Secretary of State pointed out that the issue set was narrowed down

EU foreign ministers to add Russia to blacklist of money laundering countries — Kallas

The blacklist imposes additional obligations on European banks to monitor any transactions related to the countries on it

Top German diplomat says Berlin's support for Kiev has no strings attached

Johann Wadephul stressed that Ukraine's potential EU accession is a key security guarantee

Price of gold futures hits a new all-time high, exceeding $5,600 per troy ounce

By 02:48 a.m. Moscow time, the price of gold had slowed down up to $5,544.06 per ounce

Board of Peace now consists of 26 countries, including Belarus

Initially, on January 22, the charter of the Board of Peace was officially signed in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum by 18 internationally recognized nations

Rubio says Iranian government needs to change or get out

The US Secretary of State acknowledged that the protests in Iran have subsided

Kremlin mum on reports of energy ceasefire with Kiev

Kiev has consistently promoted the idea of an "energy ceasefire" because the Russian Armed Forces have successfully targeted the facilities supporting its military machine

EU foreign policy chief sees Kiev making `very hard’ territorial concessions for peace

Kaja Kallas called for more pressure on Russia

Senior diplomat sees NATO actually preparing for conflict with Russia

"At present, Russia is defined as `the most significant and direct security threat’ in all of the North Atlantic Alliance’s doctrinal documents," Vladislav Maslennikov recalled

At least 10 countries interested in Russia’s quantum technologies — expert

Rosatom’s Director for Quantum Technologies Ekaterina Solntseva emphasized that this interest is commercial in nature

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Kamchatka’s Shiveluch spews ash 4 km high

The ash plume is stretching 35 kilometers west-south-west of the volcano

Russia tests control unit for AI-powered turrets with automatic aiming

The first prototype has been sent for testing in the special military operation zone

Germany’s possible mediation role in Ukraine negotiations not on agenda — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Berlin has made "no attempts"

Putin says he appreciates UAE’s contribution to exchanges between Russia, Ukraine

The Russian president acknowledged the efforts of the Emirati side in the context of resolving the Ukraine crisis

Dialogue with EU can be resumed when EU drops its sanctions policy — Russian diplomat

Any resumption of relations with the European Union can be seen as possible only in the event European colleagues change their approach to cooperation with Russia cardinally, Vladislav Maslennikov said

Ukrainian troops forced to retreat to reserve positions in Ilyichevka in DPR — expert

"Naturally, the interposition space here has expanded," Andrey Marochko said.

Guarantees to Kiev would mean US involvement in potential new conflict — Rubio

Marco Rubio also criticized the military potential of the US's European NATO allies, namely its erosion

Security crisis in Europe not limited to conflict in Ukraine — envoy

According to Dmitry Polyansky, the Ukrainian crisis has become merely the culmination of the security crisis in Europe

Xi receives UK PM in Beijing

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun, the Chinese authorities hope to use this visit to boost bilateral practical cooperation with the United Kingdom

Third of Zaporozhye residents stay, most left — former Ukrainian serviceman

"The men were all taken by officers of the territorial recruitment centers, or they’re hiding somewhere, dispersed to villages, and sitting there so as not to fight," the volunteer fighter said

Russia thinks Council of Europe has completely lost its authority — diplomat

Director of the ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov stressed that Western elites have turned this regional organization into an obedient tool for promoting a politicized agenda

Ukrainian forces fire more than 10 artillery shells on Kursk Region in past 24 hours

Alexander Khinshtein added that there was no damage to infrastructure, and there were no casualties

All US systems go for Iran op, call to strike deal: Trump's statements

The US president said he hoped that Tehran would sit down at the negotiating table and sign a deal on its nuclear program

Iran enters phase 3 of conflict with US, Israel after 12-day war and riots — MFA

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Tehran had never desired war and did not seek it at present

Rubio admits that Russia's consent to potential guarantees for Kiev yet to be secured

US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio called on Europe to build up its military capabilities

Delegates from 155 countries invited to first International Security Forum

The forum will be held under the auspices of Russia’s Security Council from May 26 to 29, 2026

Relations reset, territorial integrity: Putin meets with Syrian leader

The Russian president noted that Moscow has always advocated the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity and supports all efforts of its authorities in this direction

Venezuelan army takes oath of allegiance to authorized president

Delcy Rodriguez was proclaimed commander-in-chief of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces

Putin says everybody closely watching situation around Iran

The Russian president told his UAE counterpart that he would like to get one on one with him at a working lunch

Holocaust, Leningrad siege sharing remembrance date highlights Nazi atrocities — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that "this is also a crime associated with the destruction of an entire large settlement"

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,125 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia’s Il-114-300 aircraft performs 'brilliantly' in India's hot climate — chief pilot

According to Sergey Sukhar, this aircraft is "definitely suitable" for use in India's skies

US hopes to turn Venezuela into 'very strong ally' — Rubio

The Secretary of State said that Venezuela pre-Chavez was a very strong US ally

Russian troops liberate Belaya Beryoza community in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,150 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian military receive first Zubr anti-drone systems — Rostec

The Zubr airspace monitoring and control system is designed to provide close-in coverage for critical infrastructure

EU already 'divided' Russian assets between Kiev, its defense sector — Russian diplomat

Vladislav Maslennikov opined that the EU's unwillingness to unblock the Russia’s assets is an additional factor why "the European Union doesn’t even doubt the expediency of continuing the policy of anti-Russian sanctions"

Zelensky more likely to 'kill' Ukraine than accept compromise — US economist

"Europe, which is very poorly led, alas, goes along with Zelensky’s policies, which are catastrophic for Ukraine," Jeffrey Sachs said

Head of Russia's Maritime Board talks strategic stability in world ocean in Oman

Following the meetings, Nikolay Patrushev described the consultations aimed at developing maritime cooperation between Russia and Oman as fruitful

The West is trying to destabilize Georgia, create tensions on Russian border — legislator

Viktor Vodolatsky pointed to a shift in perception among some nations

Erdogan proposes to Trump to organize trilateral summit on Iran — media

According to the newspaper, the US leader is positive about the proposal of his Turkish counterpart

US Navy ready to carry out operation in Iran a la Venezuela — Trump

The US president said he hopes that Iran will negotiate a fair and equitable deal

Russia already seeking recovery of losses from its frozen assets via arbitration court

Director of the ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov emphasized that Russia considers any illegal actions involving its assets as a theft

POW details Ukrainian killings, sexual violence against LPR civilians

According to former police officer and Ukrainian Security Service agent Sergey Mykhaylov, a unit of policemen under a police major’s command was particularly cruel

Putin shakes hands with al-Sharaa before start of meeting in Kremlin

After the meeting, the Russian and Syrian leaders will continue negotiations during a working breakfast

Fire at hotel in France's Courchevel put out

Around 120 firefighters were involved in combating the blaze

Kremlin calls for restraint, renunciation of use of force against Iran — spokesman

CNN reported on Wednesday, citing sources, that Donald Trump is considering a new plan for strikes on Iran

EU’s diplomacy chief excludes possibility of creating European army outside NATO

"If we create parallel structures, then it’s just going to blur the picture," Kaja Kallas said

Russian forces expand zone of control near Ilyichevka in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Ukrainian troops offer fierce resistance, trying to counterattack

Ukrainian brigade loses 70% of personnel in fighting at Krasnoarmeysk — defense source

The 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces was deployed by to the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd direction to plug the gaps in the defenses, when it was already clear to everyone that both localities would be taken by Russian soldiers under control

Utilities catastrophe in Ukraine to last ages — former lawmaker

Vladimir Oleynik said the current state of the utilities requires complete replacement

Poland to cut child support for unemployed Ukrainians starting February 1

According to the Polish Interior Ministry, about one million Ukrainians live in the republic under a special refugee status

Maduro hard to rescue legally, only via UN — lawyer

"The only thing we can do is raise the question that Maduro’s capture is illegal, which we are doing through the UN Security Council," Sergey Stepashin said

Training for new branch of armed forces begins in Southern Military District

The training system at the district’s training grounds has been modernized to meet the demands of modern conflicts

'Everyone understands everything' in Abu Dhabi talks — Russian military intel chief

"Everybody said that it was constructive," Igor Kostyukov said

Putin to hold talks with visiting UAE president

The two leaders are expected to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation, the situation in the Middle East and other issues on the international agenda

Hungary to oppose EU granting Ukraine $1.5 trillion — top diplomat

"As long as our government is in power in Hungary, Brussels will not be able to allocate a single forint of Hungarian citizens' money to implement this senseless plan," Peter Szijjarto pointed out

US 'can't give timeline' for holding elections in Venezuela — Rubio

Delcy Rodriguez, who served as executive vice president under Nicolas Maduro, took over for him as head of state

Expert blasts Sweden’s plans to host UK, French nukes on its soil

This reckless and largely suicidal policy course may lead to unpredictable escalation scenarios, Alexander Stepanov noted

Core demands, security guarantees: Lavrov's statements on talks on Ukraine

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Moscow does not have information about the security guarantees the United States and Ukraine could have agreed on

Negotiation potential on Iran not exhausted, military action to create chaos — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that any military action could create chaos in the region and lead to dangerous consequences

Il-114-300 makes its first overseas demo flight in India

The Il-114-300 was more than one hour in the air

Putin-Zelensky meeting, security guarantees: statements by Kremlin aide

The issue of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky was raised several times during telephone conversations between the Russian president and his US counterpart Donald Trump

US wants Venezuela to curtail Russian, Chinese, Iranian presence — Rubio

The US administration sees its mission in ensuring that Venezuela is no longer "the central base of operation for every geopolitical adversary" the US has, Marco Rubio said

Top Russian lawmaker says Westerners freezing to death because of Russia sanctions

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that sanctions should be thought through before being imposed

Russia only has emergency channel of communication with NATO — senior diplomat

According to Vladislav Maslennikov, the bloc froze the dialogue with Russia at its own initiative in 2014

Russian rights commissioner sends evidence of Ukrainian army’s war crimes to UN

The document points out that information about the crimes was received from Russian service members who had returned from captivity in prisoner exchanges, as well as from civilians

Musk rebukes Polish top diplomat over Starlink use in Ukraine

"Starlink is the backbone of Ukraine’s military communications," Elon Musk said

Drafting START Treaty anew, as Trump proposes, will be long, complicated — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said there are many factors involved

EU to supply Ukraine with arms regardless of talks between Russia, US — delegation

This approach only creates additional obstacles to a settlement, Yulia Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation to the disarmament talks in Vienna, said

Kallas and von der Leyen are jointly destroying EU industries — Dmitriev

A report from the European Chemical Industry Council says that Europe has lost 9% of its chemical production capacity since 2022

Russian Battlegroup South destroys 31 shelters with Ukrainian personnel in past 24 hours

Six enemy drones were shot down

Lukoil reaches agreement with American Carlyle to sell foreign assets

The agreement signed is subject to some precedent conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including permission of the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control for the transaction with Carlyle

Roscongress flags possible 'black swans' for global economy in 2026

Among the potential "black swans," the authors cited a possible crash in the cryptocurrency market, though it currently appears unlikely

Iranian-flagged cargo ship grounded near Makhachkala Port

Two tugs are en route to the vessel

'Complex' talks on Ukraine, EU ban on Russian gas: Kremlin spokesman’s statements

Trilateral talks on the Ukrainian settlement in Abu Dhabi are scheduled to continue on February 1

Security guarantees for Kiev involve deployment of UK, French troops, US backstop — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized the need to seriously rethink NATO’s military capabilities and the commitment of some allies

Confiscating Russian assets could undermine EU stability, Roscongress warns

The implementation of such a scenario would send a signal to dissenting EU members that their views are being disregarded

Azov fighters act on instructions to kill Russian troops rather than capturing them — POW

Daniel Zharkov earlier confessed to killing a Russian soldier

Press review: Russia ready to aid Syria as Trump tariffs fall short on US national debt

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 29th

Ban on Russian nuclear fuel purchases to jeopardize nuclear safety — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev enphasized that he looked forward to the common sense to prevail over the desire to increase the number of anti-Russian sanctions

Russia signs deal with India for licensed production of SJ-100 aircraft

India's Hindustan Aeronautics will be granted a license to manufacture and sell the SJ-100, including components, parts, and spare parts necessary for the aircraft’s maintenance and repair

Expert negotiations in Abu Dhabi may take more than one day if necessary — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not specify a start time for the next meeting

Press review: India, EU sign mother of all deals and Moscow offers Iran‑US mediation

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 28th

Any US attack will be considered as start of war, Iran Supreme Leader’s advisor warns

Ali Shamkhani stressed that "the response will be immediate and unprecedented"

Iran open to talks with US, if they are 'genuine' — Iranian parliament speaker

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed that Donald Trump "just wants to impose his will on others"

One shelling attack by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day, one civilian wounded

The attack targeted the Kurakhovka area, the DPR government said

FACTBOX: What is known about Lukoil's agreement with Carlyle to sell its foreign assets

The deal is not exclusive as Lukoil continues negotiations with other potential buyers

US to hand over one of seized tankers to Venezuela — agency

According to the news agency, the tanker that will be handed over to Venezuela is the Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia

One million Russian jews killed by Nazi evil, Putin notes on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Vladimir Putin noted that this day holds special significance in Russia

US wants to see change of power in Cuba, but won't take matters into own hands — Rubio

After the American military operation in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has already said several times that the state structure in Cuba could fall

Price of gold futures hits a new all-time high, exceeding $5,400 per troy ounce

By 01:00 a.m. Moscow time, the price of gold had speeded up to $5,410.94 per ounce

Europe risks losing LNG competition to US domestic market — Gazprom

The cold snap led to redirection of gas intended for liquefying terminals to the US home market

Russian military equipment arrives in Saudi Arabia — Rostec

Rostec specified among the equipment that has arrived at the show there is the BTR-22 armored personnel carrier, Ballista remotely controlled weapon station, and Planshet-A artillery fire control system mounted on the Atlet armored chassis