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Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 76.05 rubles for April 18-20

The official yuan rate was reduced by 2.43 kopecks to 11.15 rubles

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia set the official dollar rate at 76.0535 rubles for April 18-20, which is 3.26 kopecks below the prior figure.

The official euro rate was increased by 21.43 kopecks to 89.6256 rubles. The official yuan rate was reduced by 2.43 kopecks to 11.1457 rubles.

Hormuz opening enables Iraq to export over 20 mln barrels of oil

Tehran’s decision to fully open the strait "guarantees that about twenty tankers will be able to sail from Iraq already in the near future, which are capable to transport about 23 mln barrels of oil produced in Basrah to the global market," the news portal said

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

Yolka UAV is highly effective interceptor — Russian serviceman

The Defense Ministry recalled the operating principle of the latest Russian interceptor drone, emphasizing that it carries no warhead and that it destroys targets with kinetic energy in a direct collision

Finance Ministry does not rule out annual growth of Russian GDP this year

The growth may be observed in absence of external shocks and with proper macroeconomic policy, says Russia's deputy finance minister

Russian exports to the US up 35% in 2025 — AmCham

The US business invested about $100 bln during 25 years in Russia, the AmCham President said

Electric vehicles could account for one-third of global car fleet by 2050 — Novak

According to data from analytical agency Autostat, Russia’s new electric vehicle market reached a new milestone in 2024, with 17,800 electric cars sold, which represents a 26.4% increase compared to 2023

Tornado-S MLRS crews of Moscow Military District carry out combat training launches

Particular attention was paid to preparation for the strike using a remote control panel

At least 50 ice class vessels required by 2030 — Deputy PM

The current portfolio of orders of Zvezda shipyard provides for construction of 26 transport ships for cargo carriage along the Northern Sea Route, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev noted

Trump says deal with Iran may be reached in day or two

The US leader emphasized that the Irainian side wanted to make a deal

Russia’s pharmaceutical exports up by more than 30% yoy in 2025 to $1.3 bln — minister

Earlier, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that the Russian pharmaceutical market grew by 13.6% in 2025 to $38.6 bln

Russian ruble’s exclusion from international financial settlements impossible — experts

The ruble holds quite a small share in global trade and international foreign exchange conversion transactions

Russia cuts pipeline gas supplies to Turkey by 27% in January–February

According to the regulator, in February Turkey imported a total of 1.09 bln cubic meters of gas from Russia via the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines

US bans Israel from bombing Lebanon further — Trump

The US President said on April 16 that Israel and Lebanon had introduced a 10-day ceasefire

Most abandoned facilities on Kola coast cleaned, scientists say

The expedition maps the USSR industrial heritage to be processes or conserved - to present it to the authorities responsible for the large-scale Arctic cleanup

Moscow Arbitration Court rejects Google's appeal against FAS case

According to the court official, Moscow Arbitration Court has rejected Google's appeal against Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service

Russia, Libya discuss process of selecting UN’s new chief, prospects for its reforming

The sides also discussed international steps toward restoring Libya’s unity with the United Nation’s pivotal role

Putin: Russia’s would-be rating agency should be really independent

The president said such an agency would be highly expedient, since the United States-controlled international rating agency were too biased

Russian UAVs tested in combat to be showcased at Malaysia exhibition

Leading Russian reconnaissance aircraft of the Orlan series will also be on display in Malaysia

US plans to engage in talks with Iran in Pakistan on Monday — media

According to a senior US administration official cited by The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump’s team engaged in the talks are in a standby regime ahead of the negotiations

EU intends to prolong Ukraine conflict until 2030 — Belgian defense chief

Russia will not attack Europe, Frederik Vansina noted

Lavrov, Central Asian foreign ministers discuss cooperation, situation in Middle East

The officials also discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the second Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe in 2025, including the large-scale initiatives put forward at the summit

US irreparably tarnished image with defeat in Iran — Russian MP

Iran can defeat the United States in the sense that it will not allow the US to achieve the goals it has set for itself in the war, Alexey Pushkov noted

FACTBOX: Incident at Crocus City Hall near Moscow

Washington, Tehran discuss exporting some of Iran's uranium to third country — media

Citing two US officials and two other sources, the report says the United States is demanding that Iran hand over "all its nuclear material"

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

The Russian troops gained control of the settlement of Volchanskiye Khutora in the Kharkov Region and Zybino in the Kharkov Region

Satellites for Russian defense ministry launched from Plesetsk

The launch proceeded normally

Russian GDP growth forecast improved to 1.6% in 2026 — Dmitriev

According to the IMF, the Russian economy grew by 1% in 2025

Foreign ministers of Russia, Uzbekistan discuss measures to stimulate mutual investments

Particular attention was paid to practical implementation of agreements reached at the top level

Kremlin says 'nothing to add' to statement on drones for Kiev from Russia’s top brass

In its statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said that European countries are increasing the production of drones "amid rising losses and worsening manpower shortages in the Ukrainian armed forces"

Trump professes 'diktat of crude force' in Iran case — senior legislator

Alexey Pushkov said this aggressive stance is justified in a cynically superficial manner

Russian Security Council lists instances of Ukrainian drones using EU airspace

More than 240 drones have already been shot down over the Leningrad Region since the beginning of the year

Restoration of energy resources production in Middle East to take two years — IEA chief

"The situation will differ from country to country," Fatih Birol noted

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

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

US, Israeli commercial ships still banned from passing through Strait of Hormuz — agency

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that following the enforcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz for the passage of commercial vessels

Russia ranks 4th in EU gas import value share in February

The United States ranked first with its LNG supplies, accounting for 30.5% and 1.8 bln euro

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

Kalashnikov to unveil Skat-350M drone at exhibition in Central Asia

Director of the Kalashnikov Group Division for the Export of Drones and Loitering Munitions Leonid Rokeakh said that Central Asian countries had been displaying a steadily growing interest in the Skat-350M UAV

Hormuz opening enables Iraq to export over 20 mln barrels of oil

Tehran’s decision to fully open the strait "guarantees that about twenty tankers will be able to sail from Iraq already in the near future, which are capable to transport about 23 mln barrels of oil produced in Basrah to the global market," the news portal said

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

Gazprom requests that Naftogaz repay its gas debt — Energy Minister Novak

Ukranian partners do not acknowledge the debt, although being billed according to active contract, Minister of Energy of Russia Alexander Novak says

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

Russian trade turnover with Central Asian countries increases to $50 bln — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister drew attention to the demand for the six-side dialogue mechanism that is "developing successfully, dynamically, with the benefit for all the participants"

Iran proposes to restrict vessels posing military threat in Strait of Hormuz

The ambassador also noted that along with the security aspects, the economic side of the issue also occupies an important place in navigation through the strait

Opening of Strait of Hormuz linked with Iran's desire to keep nuclear program — expert

Adnan at-Tamimi says that another reason is related to Washington's actions towards Israel and a possibility of suspending the war in Lebanon

Talks with Israel do not mean Lebanon admitting defeat — president

According to Joseph Aoun, the talks do not mean a waiver of rights

Lukashenko calls US actions in Iran ‘mindless adventure’

The Belarusian leader stressed that the United States should pause and recognize that, beyond their own interests, there were nations that had their own priorities

UAC delivers batch of Su-35S fighter jets to Russian Aerospace Forces

The state tech corporation Rostec said that the Su-35S fighter is designed to achieve air superiority and engage ground infrastructure targets at significant distances from the base airfield

Terrorists take 18 students hostage in Nigeria — TV

The criminals attacked a minibus and drove the school graduates in an unknown direction

NATO rearmament, talks on Ukraine: senior diplomat’s statements

Alexander Grushko said that Russia takes the negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement "very seriously"

Somalia threatens to restrict access to Bab el-Mandeb Strait

"Any country interfering in Somalia's internal affairs and compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty will face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait," Somalian permanent representative to the African Union Abdullahi Warfa stressed

CIS countries modernizing their anti-aircraft missile equipment — deputy commander

"Countering unmanned aerial vehicles is a key task for the air defense forces," Yury Grekhov said

Russian gas crucial for preserving Europe’s industry — envoy

Kirill Dmitriev made the comment in response to a post by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who said that Slovakia is filing a lawsuit with the Court of Justice of the European Union over the ban on imports of Russian gas

Europe’s role in Ukraine conflict, Iran's enriched uranium — Kremlin briefing

Dmitry Peskov said the direct involvement of European countries in the conflict in Ukraine is growing, and all the details were mentioned in a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry

IN BRIEF: Interest rates, fiscal rule discussed at Moscow Exchange Forum 2026

Governor of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said the Russian economy faced the workforce shortage "for the first time in modern history"

First cruise liner sailed through Hormuz

The liner is now going to Muscat in Oman

Stranded whale in Germany shows movement for first time since March 31 — media

Volunteers continued efforts on Friday to prepare the whale for a possible lifting onto a floating platform and towing to open waters

Gazprom points to difficulties with replenishing European gas storages

The company said that Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland had net withdrawals on April 14, while gas was lifted from the single UGS in Baltic countries on April 15

US to continue naval blockade of Iran until agreement is reached — Trump

The US president said this process should go very quickly

Rostec develops line of standardized combat payloads for various UAVs

The tech corporation said the products are already successfully used in real-world conditions by FPV drones, bomber drones, multicopters, and loitering munitions

Standard demining methods in Donbass are obsolete — Emercom-Demining CEO

The humanitarian demining team’s field engineers use the comprehensive approach, Bogdan Pilipchuk said

Russian Finance Ministry suggests 5% budget cuts in 2017

According to the minister, Russia’s budget deficit next year will stand at 3.2% of GDP

Abolishing veto power to spell beginning of end for EU — Slovak PM

Robert Fico condemned the European Commission’s attempts to secure an EU-wide decision to abolish member states’ veto rights on foreign policy issues

Russian Geographic Society to have its own research ship in 2012 – Shoigu

The Russian Geographic Society will have its own research ship already in 2012, Emergency Situations Minister

New rules of navigation in Hormuz inevitable — Iranian ambassador to Turkmenistan

Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani noted that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer just a geographical route for ships to pass through

Ceasefire, opening of Strait of Hormuz temporary steps — Russian expert

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Iranian and US delegations to talks in Islamabad on April 10 to "reach a final agreement to resolve all disputes"

Russian ex-cop-turned-serial killer re-sentenced to life imprisonment for 19 murders

According to investigators, the murder spree began in the autumn of 1998 and carried on until July 2005

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

Alcaraz withdraws from 2026 ATP Madrid Open tournament

The 2026 Madrid Open is an ATP-1,000 Masters tournament played on clay courts at the Park Manzanares in the Spanish capital between April 22 and May 3

US will not pay for transfer of Iranian uranium — Trump

This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, Trump added

IN BRIEF: What we know about Iran’s decision to open Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s ban on the passaged through the Strait of Hormuz is still in force for warships from any country, the Iranian state television said, citing a military source

EU sanctions hurt Europe more than Belarus and Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that even among his ministerial colleagues in Europe there is a clear opinion that the sanctions are not working as planned

Russia inks deals at Army 2021 forum on delivery of latest electronic warfare systems

The Krasukha mobile EW system is designated to protect command posts, groupings of forces, air defense capabilities and vital industrial and administrative-political facilities

Iran does not accept temporary ceasefires with US — deputy foreign minister

Saeed Khatibzadeh added that ongoing contacts through intermediaries "are being implemented precisely for this purpose"

Putin says launching Kalashnikov rifle plant will help enhance India’s defense potential

The plant will become another symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Russian President stressed

Belgian defense chief says Europe cares not about Kiev's future — Russian security forces

General Frederik Vansina said earlier that the EU intended to continue the conflict in Ukraine until 2030

Iran, Oman may overhaul navigation rules in Hormuz — Iran’s ambassador to Turkmenistan

According to the ambassador, the regime will be based on three key provisions: ensuring sustainable maritime security, preventing military abuse of this strategic waterway, and establishing a balance between the freedom of navigation and the right for sovereignty of the coastal states

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"

Russian MP calls on EU to heed Russia’s warnings about arms supplies to Kiev

Leonid Slutsky pointed out that Europe was not only arming the Kiev regime but also actively building up its own military potential in preparation for a conflict with Russia

Russia views US military activity in Black Sea region as security threat — top brass

The true goal of the US actions unprovoked by Russia are to study the theater of military operations in case of the use-of-force scenario in the southeast, Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement

Tehran says US seeking to strip Iran of its defense capabilities ahead of new war

Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said Washington aims at advancing the project of destruction and fragmentation of the Islamic republic

Novak instructs agencies to analyze situation in sectors considering global environment

Relevant agencies were tasked with presenting a detailed analysis of the state of the automotive industry, the areas of construction and building materials in terms of demand and supply, Russian Deputy Prime Minister said

Russia to supply nuclear fuel to Hungarian NPP until 2035

This became possible after Hungary’s agency for nuclear power issued a license to prolong operations of the nuclear plant’s second unit

Tatneft to upgrade crude distillation unit at Taneco refinery

"The cryogenic unit is planned to be revamped," Minister of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan Oleg Korobchenko said

Orban joins opposition, but remains at helm of party

Viktor Orban stressed that Fidesz would have to learn from the April 12 vote and move forward

Russian stock indices rising on Tuesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index surged by 1.17%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.4%

Trump says may travel to Pakistan for signing agreement with Iran — agency

The US delegation to the last weekend’s round of negotiations with Iran was led by Vice President JD Vance

Transnistria calls Moldova’s attempts to squeeze out Russian troops destructive

Transnistrian Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiyev says these actions have a negative impact on the course of the peacekeeping operation

Death toll in a campsite fire in Russia's Khabarovsk region rises to four

Director of the Holdomi children’s camp Maxim Kuznetsov has been detained in the case of a deadly fire

Russia’s Su-35S fighter jet boasts world’s largest experience of air combats — expert

Ruslan Pukhov said the target detection and engagement range is crucial for the success of combat operations in the air and the Su-35S is unrivaled in its class in this regard

Iran will receive no frozen assets for suspending nuclear program, Trump says

According to the US leader, an agreement to end the war that was unleashed by the United States and Israel in late February, is largely complete

Russia’s defense spacecraft placed in target orbit

According to the Defense Ministry, stable telemetry communication with the spacecraft has been established and maintained

Putin orders to supply gas to unfriendly countries for rubles only

Russia will continue supplying gas to other countries in accordance with volumes and prices stipulated in earlier concluded contracts, the head of state stressed

Russia sees Mongolia as key ally — Gerasimov

Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said that Russian-Mongolian cooperation is carried out in the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership

Trump says Iran agrees to indefinite moratorium on nuclear program — media

Iran has not yet commented on the statement by the US leader

Ukraine imposes sanctions against 130 Russian military personnel, priests

Vladimir Zelensky regularly signs decrees on sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities, as well as citizens of Ukraine and other countries whom Kiev accuses of cooperating with Russia

Israel to continue holding areas in southern Lebanon it has taken — defense minister

Israel Katz acknowledged that the new security zone south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon has not yet been demilitarized and pledged that "it will be cleared through a diplomatic arrangement or by returning to fighting" after the ceasefire expires

Roscosmos head praises ‘great’ relations with NASA

Rogozine said last month that Russia and US would continue cooperation in missions to the ISS

EU does its best to destroy Visegrad Group — Fico

The Slovak PM noted that the main topic dividing the member countries of the regional association is Ukraine

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 76.05 rubles for April 18-20

The official yuan rate was reduced by 2.43 kopecks to 11.15 rubles

EU cannot weaken Russia and has nothing to offer for peace — Slovak Prime Minister

According to Robert Fico, European countries believe that through supporting Ukraine they will weaken Russia