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Russian stock indices up as Friday's main trading session closes

The yuan-to-ruble rate rose by 6 kopecks to 11.11 rubles

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The MOEX Index rose 0.28% to 2,780.6 points by the end of Friday's main trading session, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 0.14% to 1,141.28 points. The yuan-to-ruble rate rose by 6 kopecks to 11.11 rubles.

"Geopolitical uncertainty and the approaching weekend restrained trading activity. Investors were encouraged by reports that EU representatives have not yet been able to reach a consensus on a new sanctions package against Russia, and consultations will continue over the weekend. The ruble suffered slight losses today, while oil and gold prices continue to be fueled by the risk of escalation in the Middle East," said Alexander Shepelev, a stock market expert at BCS World of Investments.

"VTB shares (+3.2%) led the stock market gains after the bank announced terms for converting its preferred shares into common stock that satisfied minority shareholders," said Natalia Milchakova, lead analyst at Freedom Finance Global.

Mosenergo shares (-5.6%) led the declines, she notes, after shareholders failed to approve dividend payments for 2024.

The BCS World of Investments forecast for the MOEX Index for Tuesday is 2,720-2,820 points. The ruble-to-dollar exchange rate is expected to be in the range of 76-78 rubles, and the yuan-to-yuan exchange rate will fluctuate within the range of 10.9-11.2 rubles.

Freedom Finance Global believes that after the holiday (February 23), the MOEX Index will fluctuate in the range of 2,700-2,800 points. The forecast for the dollar, euro, and yuan exchange rates on Tuesday is 75-77 rubles, 89-91 rubles, and 11-11.4 rubles, respectively.

Africa's economy projected to grow faster than Asia’s in 2026 — portal

Experts say that average economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will reach 4.6% in 2026, while the combined growth of Asian economies will slow to approximately 4.1% over the same period

Russia should not lose achievements it obtained under sanctions — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, this ultimately develops competencies that will be in demand in the country in the future

US military ready to strike Iran on Saturday, but Trump yet to make decision — media

The channel notes that the White House is weighing the consequences of both escalation and restraint

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Air defenses shoot down 26 UAVs near Sevastopol

The Ukrainian armed forces used drones loaded with metal balls

FBI, US Justice Department oversee Ukraine’s corruption probe into Energoatom — report

According to the report, the consultations helped to raise the "ability to process significant cases related to corruption in Ukraine’s state-owned energy corporation"

Trump considers large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear targets — media

On Thursday, the US leader said he would give Iran no more than 15 days to reach an agreement

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Child present among Chinese tourists who died on Lake Baikal

Seven bodies have been located using an underwater camera

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

Zelensky inventing battle plans to fuel 'war of attrition,' get more money

Vladimir Zelensky's future depends entirely on this conflict and on those who have invested in it, including arms manufacturers and others who expect results, Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said

Deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan discuss nuclear disarmament in Astana

The two sides exchanged views on work within multilateral structures, including the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Russia’s new Oko-2, Oko-3 recon drones deployed in special military operation zone

The Oko-2 drone has a range of up to 60 km, while the Oko-3 has a range of up to 130 km

Poland not seeking to possess nuclear weapons — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that the country will develop the nuclear sector still

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov commented on the "list of demands" to Moscow compiled by Kallas that requires reduction of the army and payments from Russia

US administration to speed up nuclear weapons development — expert

According to Greg Mello, the administration of US President Donald Trump leads the National Nuclear Security Administration via a more hawkish approach

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Zelensky's order to develop battle plan bad news for Ukrainians — senator

Grigory Karasin highlighted that Zelensky was too dependent on his Western curators

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

Snowmageddon in Moscow: nearly three feet of snow on ground

According to the World Meteorological Organization, Moscow’s Vnukovo district was one of the snowiest places on Earth in the last 24 hours

European Commission prepares legal grounds to intercept Russian oil tankers — source

The potential measure raises concerns among several EU states over a military confrontation risk

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Slovak PM warns about response measures if Ukraine playing politics around oil

According to Robert Fico, it can't be ruled out that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline

Geneva results, venue for next round, no sense in Europe’s participation: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already been briefed by the negotiating team on the results of the Geneva talks

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

Security in Europe impossible without Russia — top Russian senator

According to Valentina Matviyenko, European document with demands for Russia, if it indeed exists, once again clearly shows that with their current approach, Europeans have no place at the negotiating table for establishing a real, long-term peace

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

Car falls through ice on Lake Baikal, killing tourists: what we know

According to preliminary data from the Investigative Committee, there are deaths as a result of the incident

Deployment of Russian orbital station planned to begin in 2028 — first deputy premier

Denis Manturov said it will become a key platform for deep space missions, including the creation of a Russian lunar base

Russian army stocked with 70% modern weapons — official

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that continuous modernization of models and the development of advanced weapons is under way

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Europe blocks peace following Alaska summit — Russia’s former PM

Sergey Stepashin says believes that the summit was a breakthrough

Ukrainian lawmaker demands Zelensky's resignation after damning US corruption report

Alexey Goncharenko noted that due to US interest in this case, Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately delaying settlement negotiations and trying to bargain for better conditions for himself

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

US fails to issue visas to Belarusian delegation for Board of Peace meeting

Minsk has completed all the necessary procedures, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran

According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

Italian journalist detained in Turkey on mission to investigate isolation prisons

International Reporters’ official says the organization witnesses a second detention of its journalist in six months

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

US deploys 68 military cargo aircraft to Middle East over three days — media

According to the report, the US Air Force has also dispatched an AWACS radar aircraft to the Middle East

Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

Alexander Pivnenko also complained about a shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and acknowledged that the Ukrainian public is tired of the fighting

Russian Transport Ministry take support measures for ports of Gulf of Finland

A diesel-powered icebreaker already arrived in the Gulf of Finland, Andrey Nikitin noted

Poland's withdrawal from landmine ban convention threatens escalation — Russian MFA

"Beyond weakening the Convention itself, these steps could set off a domino effect, with other countries following suit," Maria Zakharova said

Russia does not see Switzerland as ideal venue for negotiations on Ukraine — envoy

This country cannot be perceived as an 'honest broker,' Sergey Garmonin said

Iranian-flagged container ship detained in Denmark — TV

The vessel is currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland

Trump fails to make compelling case for why he wants to attack Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, the American leader "has given no speeches preparing the American public for a strike on a country of about 90 million people, and sought no approval from Congress"

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

Some EU countries oppose EC plans to expand staff by 2,500 employees — media

EU ministers described the European Commission's request for an additional €1.4 billion to hire new staff and strengthen administrative capacity as inappropriate

Uralvagonzavod Group delivers batch of modernized BREM-80 vehicles to troops

The BREM-80 vehicle is based on the T-80 tank chassis and is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, providing it with high mobility

FACTBOX: Nearly 150 drones target Russian regions at night

One man was killed in Ukraine's attack on Sevastopol

Lavrov, Araghchi discuss situation involving Iranian nuclear program

The Russian side reaffirmed its support for the diplomatic process aimed at achieving fair political and diplomatic solutions, respecting Iran’s legitimate rights

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

EU envoys meeting on anti-Russian sanctions ended without result — Reuters

According to the diplomatic source, the 20th sanctions package contains a rationale for attempts to detain tankers with Russian oil

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

US looks into possibility of targeting individual leaders in Iran — Reuters

No details on who will be viewed as a target are available

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Opposition figure links Epstein, Ukraine in explosive commentary

"There is more than enough of the Ukrainian trace in the Epstein case," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict

European Commission should defend EU interests, not Ukraine’s — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says that the authority must also make Croatians understand the obligation to fully import Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

US could launch limited strike on Iran to push for nuclear deal — WSJ

The sources say that the potential strike could target military and government buildings

Trump says gets on well with Putin

The US president complained that he had underestimated the complexity of resolving the crisis in Ukraine

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

Venezuelan parliament passes law granting amnesty to political prisoners

The authority approved the bill unanimously, Speaker Jorge Rodriguez says

Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Everyone in EU knows that Ukraine is losing — Slovak premier

Robert Fico added that anti-Russian sanctions had proven to be ineffective

Russian Pacific Fleet frigate to join security exercise in India — Commander

According to Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, all Milan 2026 events "are being held in the spirit of cooperation, peace, and security"

Seven dead in Lake Baikal tourist vehicle tragedy — Emergencies Ministry

Rescuers conducted a survey using an underwater camera

IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

The IMF also pointed to the dollar depreciation against other currency from peak values of 2024

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Senior Russian, Cuban defense officials discuss military-technical cooperation

Further steps have been outlined for cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Cuban side

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

The president explains that the decision was made amid a "tremendous interest shown"

Kiev argues Ukraine is interested only in full EU membership

The deputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office expressed optimism that a political decision on Ukraine’s EU accession could be reached by 2027

Ukraine may make territorial concessions for sake of joining EU — Die Welt

According to the report, Kiev "does not have enough time" to go through the standard procedure, as Ukraine lags "light years" behind the EU members in the rule of law and the fight against corruption

Medvedev praised import substitution in Russian defense industry

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that this often happens because there is no other choice

AmCham head calls sanctions on Russian aviation mistake

Robert Agee also noted that he is working to remove some sanction restrictions on Russian banks’ licenses

International forces in Gaza to include troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police

Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

Trumps says is considering limited military strike on Iran

The US president refrained from giving further details

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday

Defense minister says Israeli military to stay in Gaza forever

Israel will not allow "threats of annihilation" in the future, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

The joint statements call for a solution to "all existing problems"

Many issues to address Ukrainian crisis mulled in Geneva — Russian deputy foreign minister

The talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine were held in Geneva on February 17-18

Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Russia strengthening its western border security — General Staff

According to Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy, equipping the general purpose forces with modern military equipment remains a priority

Ukrainian military attacks Belgorod Region using 50 drones in one day

An FPV drone attack on a vehicle in Zamostye resulted in three injuries

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

Zelensky actively sabotages peace process — Russian top senator

Valentina Matviyenko says Vladimir Zelensky "rejects any substantive basis for a peace agreement"

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

Preparations for Putin's visit to China have not yet begun — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also highlighted that there is a mutual understanding that the visit will occur this year

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Netanyahu warns Iran of response it ‘cannot even imagine’ if it attacks Israel

Israel demands that Iran destroy the uranium enrichment infrastructure, cut the missile program, stop helping the allies, the official says