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MOEX Index up as morning trading session opens

As of 7:10 a.m. Moscow time the MOEX Index was up by 0.13% at 2,744.65 points

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The MOEX Index with additional IMOEX2 ticker added 0.18% as morning trading session opened on the Moscow Exchange on Friday to 2,745.94 points, according to trading data as of 7:00 a.m. Moscow time (4:00 a.m. GMT).

As of 7:10 a.m. Moscow time (4:10 a.m. GMT) the MOEX Index was up by 0.13% at 2,744.65 points.

The Moscow Exchange resumed its morning trading session on the Equities and Derivatives markets on January 27, 2025.

Middle East conflict

Situation in Middle East does not critically impact Norilsk Nickel’s supply logistics

Vice President Anton Berlin said that ships take about three weeks longer to sail, and freight costs are slightly higher

Israel has chance to sign historic agreement with Lebanon — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister reiterated a demand for the disarmament of the Shiite Hezbollah movement

Czech Foreign Ministry calls in Russian envoy over alleged threats to two firms — agency

Comments to the list by Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev also raised concern, according to the Czech media

Russia says internal contradictions in NATO obvious and overwhelming

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that the contradictions "have gone over the top"

Arrest lifted: Deyna tanker leaves French territorial waters

There are no Russian citizens among the Deyna tanker's crew

Cossack Party plans to open branches in 83 regions

The party will be financed out of membership fees

Russian command in Transnistria declared persona non grata — media

The agency and other local media report that they have not received official confirmation

Estonia to receive proportionate response to all unfriendly actions against Russia — MFA

During a briefing, Maria Zakharova spoke about "another wave of Russophobia" in the Baltic country

Policeman killed, three wounded: what we know about shooting in Orenburg Region

An active search is underway to find and arrest of the attacker

One civilian wounded in Kiev’s shelling of DPR in past day

Eight shelling attacks by Ukrainian armed groups were registered

Russian troops align front ahead of Ozernoye offensive in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are completing the consolidation of units in the Ozernoye-Krivaya Luka-Kaleniki sector

Terrorism, spying on Russian army: more agents of Ukrainian special services detained

Officers of the Federal Security Service have detained a 52-year-old resident of the Zaporozhye Region on suspicion of high treason for transferring data to the Ukrainian side about the deployment locations and movement of the Russian Armed Forces

US delays arms supplies to EU amid operation in Iran — Reuters

According to sources cited by the news agency, several EU countries, including Baltic and Scandinavian states, were affected

Bank of Russia aims to end five years of high inflation in 2026

The central bank's chief said that inflation forecast for 2026 at 4.5-5.5% takes into account a temporary spike recorded in January this year

Europe risks being left without jet fuel in six weeks — speaker IEA chief

The current situation is the largest "energy crisis", IEA head Fatih Birol noted, stressing that it will lead to the increase in gasoline, gas and electricity prices

Kiev regime keeps getting rid of witnesses of Bucha staging — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova called all the stories about the alleged killings of civilians in Bucha by the Russian military in April 2022 "nonsense"

Kiev did not demonstrate a will for peace during the Easter truce — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that Zelensky never gave the order to cease fire, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the silence regime more than 6,000 times

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian army’s fuel and energy infrastructure in massive strike

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

US president assumes that Iranian conflict may not be settled

Donald Trump separately said oil prices stood at $89 or $90, while previously forecasts were $250-$300 per barrel

US statements on Russian cyberattacks ahead of elections come just out of habit — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said there is no evidence of Moscow’s involvement

Rosatom says other countries coming to Russia for help with quantum tech development

That said, having become one of top three developers of quantum tech, Russia has spent roughly 20 times less money on its quantum program than the leaders in the "quantum race," Solntseva noted

Hezbollah advises Lebanese citizens to avoid visiting country’s south despite ceasefire

The organization urged people to "wait until the situation stabilizes"

Israel, Lebanon agree to cease fire — Trump

The ceasefire will enter into force at 9 p.m. GMT

Bank of Russia set dollar rate at 76.09 rubles for April 17

The official yuan rate was set at 11.17 rubles, up 13.66 kopecks

Top brass discloses addresses of firms in Europe producing UAVs for strikes on Russia

The branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones for strikes on Russia are located in cities of eight European countries, including London, Munich, Prague and Riga

Trump expects conflict with Iran to end 'pretty soon'

The US president said the operation was going "swimmingly"

Russia’s Uragan MLRS destroys Ukrainian howitzer from distance of 30 km in Dobropolye

Subsequent UAV monitoring confirmed the destruction of the target, as well as the elimination of the Ukrainian militant artillery crew

Medvedev asserts no one will ‘let Trump take all the oil everywhere’

On March 30, the US leader said, speaking about Iran, that his "preference would be to take the oil"

Fishing vessel with Russian crew arrested in Namibia — Russian Embassy

The Russian Embassy in Namibia stressed that it is proactively interacting with government authorities for the soonest possible resolution of the occurred problem

Ukraine and Netherlands team up to produce drones

On January 30, the leaders of the new ruling coalition of the Netherlands presented a coalition agreement, which says that the new cabinet plans to send 3 billion euros annually to support Ukraine over the next three years, and seeks to increase military spending to the NATO target of 3.5% of GDP

BRICS member states discuss joint reaction to Persian Gulf conflict — Russian ambassador

According to Denis Alipov, current contradictions "should be regarded as a working, a natural working process, a natural situation, since the BRICS is not any formal organization"

Zelensky, his partners demonstrate lack of political will for peace — Russian MFA

"By directly or jointly sponsoring the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the participants of the Ramstein format fully assume responsibility for the death and injury of civilians, the destruction of residential buildings, social institutions, and civilian infrastructure facilities, against which the Kiev military use the various types of weapons supplied from abroad," Maria Zakharova stated

About ten planes unable to land at Pulkovo due to restrictions

The flights are from Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Ufa, Barnaul, Urgench, and Yekaterinburg

Trump hopes for Hezbollah’s compliance with ceasefire

The US president also said that the region "must finally have peace"

US still views Russia as adversary — Pentagon

US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll gave an assesment during a hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations

Kiev ban on all Russian, cyberattack allegations: Foreign Ministry’s statements

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova points out that the Kiev regime is purposefully turning Ukraine "into a military tool against Russia"

Israel retains right for self-defense despite ceasefire with Lebanon — State Department

According to the statement, Beirut will "take meaningful steps" to prevent "attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets" from the territory of Lebanon

Pentagon plans to deploy nuclear reactors to power bases in Pacific Ocean

In May 2025, the US president signed a decree ordering the launch of the first such reactor at a military facility no later than September 30, 2028

EU's anti-Moscow course detrimental for Europe — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, the Russia-EU trade turnover fell form 253 billion euro in 2021 to 58 billion in 2025

Lebanese premier congratulates citizens on ceasefire with Israel

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said his country had high hopes for negotiations with Israel

Russia’s Belogor heavy-duty robot deployed for mine clearing in Donbass

The robotic system detonates up to 90% of the mines, depending on their depth

Trump wants to end war with Iran as soon as possible — media

The US leader is convinced that the only way to bring Iran back to the negotiating table is to ramp up pressure on it

EU, Ukraine waging 'dirty war' on Russia with terrorist attacks — Brazilian expert

"Unable to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, the authorities in Kiev and the Eurocrats are resorting to terrorist attacks," Joao Pitillo said

Satellites for Russian defense ministry launched from Plesetsk

The launch proceeded normally

Drone swarm batted away at Madagascar presidential palace — spokesman

Harry Laurent Rahajason said that it could be "an intimidation attempt by external forces," dissatisfied with the Malagasy leadership's plans to diversify sources of energy supplies to the country

Ukraine launches 207 drones at Russian regions last night, strikes kill two children

According to preliminary reports, two adults suffered injuries

Russian judoka Vorobyova wins bronze at 2026 European Judo Championships

Russian athletes compete at the tournament in Georgia under their flag and to the tune of the national anthem

Ukraine not ready to become EU member, lawmaker admits

Alexey Kucherenko said that if Ukraine was granted membership, it would have to "adjust its tariffs in accordance with the average market tariffs" in the EU

Kremlin spokesman comments on Russian oil sanctions, economic issues in daily briefing

Russia has been under sanctions for several years so it knows how to minimize their consequences, Dmitry Peskov said

Situation in global economy worsening — Russian Finance Minister

Many countries continue pursuing the imbalanced fiscal policy and continue boosting expenses and debts for the geopolitical struggle in conditions of huge budget imbalances and the record high government debt, Anton Siluanov stressed

Shoigu reminds Baltic states of Russia’s right to self-defense over Ukrainian UAV attacks

The Russian Security Council secretary emphasized that significant damage is caused to civilian infrastructure

EU countries risk war with Russia by housing sites producing UAVs for Ukraine — envoy

According to Dmitry Polyansky, Europe has shifted to a strategy of establishing ‘Ukrainian’ companies that manufacture drones and their components in EU member states in order to prevent its Ukrainian partners from losing, or at least from losing quickly

Process equipment on fire in Tuapse port after drone attack

The crisis response center reported that forces engaged in firefighting comprise 157 people and 49 vehicles

EU foreign ministers to discuss €90 billion for Kiev, 20th package of sanctions next week

The next EU Council meeting at the foreign ministers' level will take place in Luxembourg on April 21

Trump says Iran ready to hand over uranium from facilities attacked last year

According to the president, the US and Iran "have a lot of agreement"

Number of people wishing to join Bundeswehr spikes by 20% compared to 2025

About 22,700 people applied for military service in the first quarter of 2026

Iran capable of sinking all US naval ships in Persian Gulf, official says

Mohsen Rezaei said there are currently reasons to maintain the ceasefire and hold talks simultaneously

UK wants Strait of Hormuz to be reopened without any preconditions — premier

Keir Starmer says it is important to support mine clearance operations in the area to ensure "a return to global stability and security"

Press review: Pakistan advances US-Iran ceasefire as Russia joins Hormuz talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 16th

IDF strikes rocket launchers in Lebanon that were used to attack Israel

The army press service also said that search and rescue forces were operating at sites in northern Israel where strikes had been reported

Lebanese army confirms ceasefire violations by Israel

The armed forces warned residents of the country’s southern regions against returning to their homes

Diplomatic forum in Antalya to bring together delegates from 150 countries

The Russian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Germany becomes main sponsor of Ukrainian militarization — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Germany is Vladimir Zelensky’s main partner in sending Ukrainians to their deaths

Oil revenues in April, May to differ from Q1 figures — Russian finance minister

Anton Siluanov noted that extra oil and gas revenues will make it possible to compensate the shortfall in the industry income suffered in the first quarter

Spain purchased record large gas volume from Russia — newspaper

According to Enagas energy company, Spain purchased the equivalent of 9,807 GWh of LNG from Russia

US avoids cooperation with Russia on information security — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova highlighted that NATO and the US confirmed the course towards further militarization of the information and communication sphere in their March cybersecurity strategy

European companies manufacturing drones for Ukrainian army: Defense Ministry report

The Russian Defense Ministry views the decisions by several European countries to supply drones to Ukraine as a deliberate move leading to an escalation of the military-political situation and a "creeping transformation" of those countries into Ukraine’s strategic support base

Russian Security Council warns negotiations could mask planning for Iran strike

The Pentagon continues to increase US troop numbers in the region, the Russian Security Council said

UN secretary-general welcomes Israeli-Lebanese ceasefire, calls for compliance

The official commended the role of the United States in facilitating the ceasefire

IDF to remain in its positions in Lebanon after ceasefire takes effect — Netanyahu

The Israeli PM announced that, at the request of US President Donald Trump, the ceasefire "would begin at midnight"

Seven million foreign users register in Max messenger

Residents of Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kazakhstan are the most active in Max registrations

Syrian army takes control of Qasrak base following withdrawal of coalition forces

The Qasrak base was considered the Western coalition’s largest military facility in Syria

US supplements Epic Fury with Operation Economic Fury — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth warned Tehran that the US was ready to resume and expand the scope of its military campaign against Iran

Iran-US ceasefire agreements must be fully respected — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova empasized that Lebanon was also part of the deal

Medvedev says UAV manufacturers in Europe may be targeted now

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council wished his European partners "sweet dreams"

At least seven drones taken down near St. Petersburg, no casualties reported

Windows of a residential building and a car were damaged near Pulkovo Heights

France lifts seizure of tanker Deyna after fine, vessel leaves territorial waters

The Mediterranean maritime prefecture reported that Deyna remains under the supervision of the competent maritime authorities led by the Mediterranean maritime prefect

West unleashes 'war of ideas' against Russia, Cuba — Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova paid special attention to the fact that Moscow and Havana are linked not just by partnership cooperation, but by "warm, time-tested fraternal relations"

Lavrov to meet with CIS foreign ministers in Moscow

The minister will hold a separate meeting with his Central Asian counterparts

US, its allies turning space into springboard for aggression — diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that it was a "destructive course"

Russian stock market closed mixed on Thursday

The MOEX Russia Index ticked up by 0.03% to 2,741.14 points

Russia goes from drone zero to drone hero — Medvedev

Speaking at a meeting with the expert council on the preparation of the party’s national program, the politician noted that drones had become one of the most pressing issues these days

Russia becomes top sunflower oil exporter globally — Agroexport

Russia exported almost eleven million tons of oils and fats as of the end of 2025, head of the Agroexport federal center Ilya Ilyushin said

Number of drones downed near St. Petersburg reaches 12

Previous reports said seven drones were downed in the area overnight

Russian forces advancing in downtown Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko pointed out that the Russian forces continue advancing in the center of the city and expanding the zone under their control

Russian Foreign Ministry calls Kiev's plans to ban Russian in Odessa theater of absurdity

Maria Zakharova drew attention to the statement by the representative of the language ombudsman in Ukraine, Anna Nerush, that on the eve of the tourist season in the Russian-speaking Odessa, a one hundred percent ban on the use of the Russian language should be introduced

Russia’s T-90M tank destroys Ukrainian strongholds in Zaporozhye Region

After completing the combat mission, the tank crew quickly withdrew and left the firing position

US gained nothing from war with Iran, suffered huge losses — Chinese economist

He Weiwen noted that Washington had failed to achieve its goal of changing the government in Tehran

US’ violation of obligations prevents establishment of peace — Iranian parliament speaker

Bagher Ghalibaf expressed gratitude to Pakistan for the support and mediation efforts to resolve the conflict

US Congress narrowly rejects resolution on war with Iran

The document failed by one vote

Nord Stream sabotage hearings begin in London

The operator Nord Stream company argues that it is entitled to an indemnity of 580 million euros from the insurer Lloyd’s of London

Moscow International Film Festival opens at Rossiya theater

The jury for the main competition is chaired by Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage

Moldova declares Russian command in Transnistria persona non grata

If the Russian officers try to leave Transnistria for Moldova, he added, they will be deported back to Russia without the right of return

Threat of WWIII greater than ever — Russia’s Federation Council Speaker

According to Valentina Matviyenko, it has not been possible to create a truly collective, universal and indivisible security system

Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon — ministry spokesman

Esmail Baghaei thanked Pakistan for help in reaching the deal

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys three Ukrainian mortars, EW station over past 24 hours

"Combined arms units of Battlegroup North, including unmanned system crews, eliminated up to 145 servicemen, 12 motor vehicles, an Anklav electronic warfare station, three mortars, three ATVs, and a buggy of the Ukrainian armed forces in one day," Vasily Mezhevykh said

Russia to assess Hungary’s new government by its deeds, ready for dialogue — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that "Russia respects the results of the will of the Hungarian people, as well as any other people who act independently on the basis of their own laws"

Mexican ambassador summoned to Russian MFA over detention of Russian woman — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry is keeping a close eye on this matter in close coordination with State Duma Deputy Chairwoman Anna Kuznetsova and presidential children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova

US renews for one year ban on Russian ships’ calls to its ports

Restrictions were introduced by the US administration in April 2022

US’ blockade of Hormuz illegal, escalates conflict — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stressed that Washington's actions contribute to further escalation of the conflict and lead to corresponding economic consequences

IDF attacks 380 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on day before ceasefire

"Launchers" and "headquarters" were stricken, according to the Israeli military