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Retail lending in Russia up 2.8% in 2025, Central Bank says

The moderate expansion of claims against the population continued in December

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. The portfolio of retail loans disbursed by Russian banks edged up by 0.4% in December and grew by 2.8% as of the last year-end, the Central Bank said.

"The moderate expansion of claims against the population continued in December. The increase was 0.4% after 0.5% in November (the incremental growth rate was at the same time constrained by transactions on securitization of mortgage and consumer loans). The debt was largely growing in the housing mortgage segment, fueled by higher demand on the verge of tightening of family mortgage loan conditions. The portfolio of non-mortgage loans declined," the Bank of Russia said.

Balances of ruble deposits of households notably increased in December in view of the advance payment of January social benefits and seasonal receipt of salaries and bonuses.

Domodedovo is business project to rehabilitate important part of Moscow hub

CEO of Sheremetyevo Mikhail Vasilenko still noted that the Domodedovo Airport is a very challenging facility with chronic problems, high risks, significant debt burden and losses

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

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

Lavrov has big questions for UN secretary-general over his position on Ukraine

The Russian foreign minster also noted an "interesting aspect" in the position of the UN Secretary General on Greenland, which, in particular, was outlined by his official representative, the head of the world organization, Stephane Dujarric

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

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

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

'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

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

Syria no longer bent on prosecuting Assad — Lavrov

The Foreign minister stressed that Russia's partners are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding President al-Assad and his family’s arrival in the Russian Federation in December 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Ukraine territorial issue still unresolved, but differences shrinking — Rubio

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

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

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

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"

Russia considers Moscow sole venue for talks with Zelensky — Kremlin

Earlier, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov emphasized that Moscow had never rejected such communication and was ready to guarantee Zelensky’s safety so that the two leaders could negotiate

FACTBOX: Key points from EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday

According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, EU Foreign Ministers have for the first time openly advocated for further war in Ukraine, confirming they are not ready for peace

Ukraine assistance, Iran situation: Russian, UAE presidents talk current affairs

According to Vladimir Putin, the Russian-Emirati economic partnership is intensively developing on all tracks, and there are a number of significant initiatives in the energy sector

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"

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

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

Moscow's January 2026 snowiest in two centuries, scientists say

The intense snowfall was driven by deep and expansive cyclones with sharp weather fronts passing over the Moscow Region

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

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

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

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

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

Six enemy drones were shot down

Musk rebukes Polish top diplomat over Starlink use in Ukraine

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

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

Dmitry Peskov said that Berlin has made "no attempts"

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

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

West prepared battle in Ukraine in advance, planning Kiev’s accession to NATO — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that Ukraine’s declaration of independence "clearly proclaimed a policy of non-participation in military blocs, neutrality and renunciation of nuclear weapons"

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

US officials held meetings with supporters of Alberta’s secession from Canada — FT

According to the sources, leaders of the Alberta secessionist Alberta Prosperity Project have met with State Department representatives in Washington three times since April 2025

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

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"

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

Dmitry Peskov said there are many factors involved

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Kaja Kallas called for more pressure on Russia

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

US experts say Russia has no claims to Greenland — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that President Vladimir Putin has recently shared his take on the situation with Greenland ahead of a meeting of Russia’s Security Council

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

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

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

Iranian-flagged cargo ship grounded near Makhachkala Port

Two tugs are en route to the vessel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venezuelan army takes oath of allegiance to authorized president

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

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

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

Daniel Zharkov earlier confessed to killing a Russian soldier

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

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

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

Trump says he asked Putin to halt strikes on Kiev for one week due to extreme cold

According to Donald Trump, the Russian president "agreed to do that"

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

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 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

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

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

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

Europe, Kiev rewrite US plan for Ukraine, seek to sell it to Trump now — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, "it merely states that the sides should remain tolerant and be guided by the EU rules"

Russia to showcase new aircraft, air defense systems at Airshow China 2026

The Airshow China 2026 international aerospace exhibition will take place in November

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

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

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 territorial issue is most important, but other issues numerous — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said that the sides held the first round of talks within the framework of the security working groups

Ukraine is Western pawn for creating direct threats to Russia — Lavrov

The foreign minister added that Moscow regards this conflict as a major confrontation between Russia and the West

Truce sought by Zelensky unacceptable to Russia — Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that all previous periods of diplomatic efforts during the special military operation resulted in each ceasefire being immediately exploited to pump new weapons into Ukraine

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

Viktor Vodolatsky pointed to a shift in perception among some nations

Rubio says Iranian government needs to change or get out

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

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

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

France working on new anti-Russian sanctions, Macron says

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

Wall Street Journal outlines three scenarios for Ukraine conflict

One of the options is that Ukraine’s "military eventually becomes exhausted" due to a lack of troops and Russia’s superiority in drone technology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Putin considers establishment of full-fledged Palestinian state matter of principle

It should coexist in peace and security with Israel, the Russian leader stressed