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Sber expects key rate to be within 12-13% by end of 2026

Taras Skvortsov opined that the Central Bank would keep the cautious approach towards monetary policy softening

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. Sberbank expects the key rate of the Bank of Russia will be within the range of 12-13%, Deputy CEO of the top Russian bank Taras Skvortsov told reporters.

"The Central Bank will keep the cautious approach towards monetary policy softening during the time remaining until the end of the year amid proinflationary risks preserved," the banker said.

"Accordingly, the key rate will drop to the range of 12-13% by the end of 2026," Skvortsov added.

UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC marks climax of quota dispute with Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Mustafa, the Director of the Cairo-based Asia Center for Studies and Translation, said the rift between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh simmered since 2020

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Iran gives US new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — media

The new proposal was given to the US via Pakistani mediators

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Ukrainian drones target industrial sites in Russia’s Orenburg Region, no injuries reported

The local authorities introduced airspace restrictions due to a drone threat

Liberation of Ilyinovka allows Russian troops to encircle enemy in DPR — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the liberation of Ilyinovka on April 28

Russia plans to increase military-technical cooperation with India — MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said Russia plans to continue increasing oil exports to India

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Donbass Dome reduces risk of Ukrainian AI-powered 'Martian' UAV attacks — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that reports, photos, and videos of neutralized drones are published weekly, demonstrating the effectiveness of the system

Ukraine publishes recordings of Mindich discussing defense contracts, luxury homes

According to the report, National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Secretary Rustem Umerov and the businessman discussed the potential sale of a 33% stake in a company

Nuclear powers continue to modernize their arsenals — report

In January 2024, there were some 12,121 nuclear warheads in the world, of which 9,585 were on alert

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Coup attempt thwarted in Mali: Russian Defense Ministry’s statements

Approximately 12,000 militants were involved in the attempted coup

Ukrainian forces attack Belgorod Region with smart bombs, injuring two people — governor

Two men sustained barotrauma, blast injuries, and contusions to their backs and legs, Vyacheslav Gladkov said

United States, allies use OPCW in pursuit of geopolitical aims — Russian Security Council

According to the statement, Washington and its allies continue to purposefully use the organization as a tool to preserve their notorious "rules-based international order"

Iran to neither surrender nor negotiate under pressure — ambassador to Cairo

Mojtaba Ferdowsi Pour says that Tehran does not plan to discuss its missile program or the so-called "Axis of Resistance" during negotiations with the US

FT calls UAE's withdrawal from OPEC big blow for cartel and Saudi Arabia

According to the article, it will be possible to fully assess the consequences of the step after the resumption of energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz

Industrial site in Russia’s Perm Region ablaze as air defenses down 98 UAVs overnight

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, drones were shot down over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov, and Saratov Regions, and Crimea

Ukrainian attacks, attempt on Trump's life: new briefing from Kremlin

Vladimir Putin has always condemned acts of violence and attempts on the lives of heads of state, including the recent plot against Donald Trump, Dmitry Peskov said

Kiev starts using new types of radar at Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

In addition, the Russian military have noticed the enemy's use of an American mobile electronic countermeasure and electronic warfare station AN/TPQ-36 near Izhevka, Andrey Marochko said

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Press review: Putin, Araghchi hold talks as Mali war challenges Russia’s Africa Corps

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 28th

US senator accuses Pentagon of unwillingness to transfer $400 million in aid to Ukraine

Mitch McConnell blamed Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby for the delay in providing assistance to Kiev

Up to 700,000 young people left Ukraine in past eight months — lawmaker

General mobilization was announced in Ukraine in February 2022 and has been extended several times since

India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft lands on Moon

According to an ISRO live broadcast, the spacecraft has successfully completed a soft landing on the Moon’s surface

Detainee in Crimea admits planning attack on senior police officer — Russia’s FSB

The man explained that he had agreed to work for Kiev in exchange for money

Mirotvorets site’s Western trace and silencing crimes against media: Nebenzya’s statements

Against the backdrop of deteriorating freedom of access to information, the Kiev regime is clamping down on what information its people take in, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya noted

FACTBOX: What is known about UAE's decision to quit OPEC, OPEC+

According to the Emirates state news agency, the UAE's decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+ "reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile"

UAE’s decision to quit OPEC seen as serious blow to Arab countries’ solidarity — expert

Khalil Jahshan, Executive Director of Arab Center Washington DC, said he would view this as "the first expression of the economic and political fallout from the Iran war on the Arab side of the Gulf"

Liberating Ilyinovka in DPR, Russian troops push into Dolgaya Balka — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, intense clashes are ongoing west of Konstantinovka

Russia prepared for settlement, but Kiev not in position to dictate terms — MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova separately says that Moscow does not have high hopes for dialogue with the US

Economy is basis for solving tasks in defense sphere

Vladimir Putin stressed the need of safeguarding legitimate interests of domestic entrepreneurs

US administration considers option of declaring end to Iran war — Reuters

According to sources cited by the news agency, US intelligence services are analyzing "how Iran would respond" if the US president declares a unilateral victory

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

Putin calls for closer attention to security during elections in borderline regions

Relevant measures need to be taken based on the current situation, he said at a government meeting on security issues during the upcoming elections

Trump blasts Merz for position on Iran, blames him for Germany’s woes

The US president says that if Iran gets nuclear weapons, "the whole World would be held hostage"

Kinzhal missiles strike terror into Ukrainian troops — Russian security source

The source said the missile’s speed is Mach 10, and air defense systems, including the American Patriot systems, cannot react in time

Authorities have situation in Mali fully under control — president

Assimi Goita called on citizens not to give in to attempts by hostile forces to divide society

Archaeologist Butyagin’s release: what we know about swap on Belarusian-Polish border

Alexander Butyagin was detained in Poland on December 4, 2025

Liberation of Ilyinovka in Donetsk region gives access to Konstantinovka urban area

Ilyinovka had been a major defensive area of the Ukrainian army and was liberated thanks to well-coordinated operations by Russian reconnaissance units, artillery support and effective actions by unmanned systems teams

First LNG tanker since start of Iran conflict passes through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to Bloomberg, the Liberian-flagged tanker Mubaraz loaded a cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s Das Island facility in the UAE

Kiev building multi-layered defense line near Kursk border area — expert

Andrey Marochko added that the enemy is laying minefields and setting up decoy positions

US strikes on Iran prompt strong opposition from many nations — Chinese experts

Deputy director of the China Institute of International Studies Dong Manyuan pointed out that "despite signs of war fatigue on both sides, reaching an agreement on core issues still appears to take time, and neither party has yet reached the point of making final concessions"

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI 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

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Russian fertilizer exports up 16% annually in Q1 2026 — statistics

According to preliminary estimates, Russia exported 9.6 mln tons of mineral fertilizers worth $3.6 bln in the first quarter of 2026

OPEC to have smaller influence on global oil prices after UAE withdrawal

Saudi Arabia is now left doing more of the heavy lifting on price stability, and the market loses one of the few shock absorbers it had left, he added

Russia’s marine sniper team repels Ukrainian shrapnel drone attack — soldier

According to the commander of a marine sniper squad from the 61st Guards Marine Brigade, call sign "Budda," in the course of just a few hours, the servicemen shot down seven Ukrainian drones packed with anti-personnel shrapnel

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Press review: EU backs Ukraine loan, adds Russia sanctions as France denies nukes to EU

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 23rd

Portuguese prime minister supports idea of inviting Putin to G20 summit — Politico

Luis Montenegro noted that dialogue with Russia is essential for resolving ongoing conflicts

By taking Taratutino Russian army penetrates 7 km deep into Ukrainian defenses — expert

The area around Taratutino represents the most significant advancement in Russia's military operations within the Sumy Region

Putin sees West losing its dominance, giving way to new growth centers

The Russian leader added that modern global challenges require a joint response and collective efforts

Extremely unstable global situation, arms suppliers to Kiev: Belousov's statements

The production and logistics chains for Western arms supplies to Kiev are being closely monitored and exposed to the general public, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said

Putin warns of growing terror threat in Russia

That is why, in his words, today’s agenda includes a range of issues of improving the anti-terrorism system and ensuring people’s security

UAE's withdrawal from OPEC could deal blow to Saudi Arabia, benefit Trump — news outlet

The UAE’s decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ will deal a significant blow primarily to Saudi Arabia

US Congress Democrats may sue Trump over operation in Iran — Time

The newspaper reports that under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the US president had 60 days to continue military action without legislative approval, that is, until May 1

Iran does not consider war with US, Israel to be over — army

Islamic Republic Army Spokesman Mohammad Akraminiya noted that the conditions are still considered wartime

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

IN BRIEF: What we know about consequences of drone attack on Tuapse refinery

On Russian President Vladimir Putin's instructions, Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov flew to the Krasnodar Region to control the extinguishing of a fire at the oil refinery

The National Interest ranks Russia’s T-72 as world’s top tank

The United States’ M1 Abrams tanks rank second on the list, and Israel’s Merkava V is third

Russia to view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threat in nuclear sphere — Lavrov

"During combat operations, our military will not be clearing out whether or not each particular jet of this class is equipped to carry nuclear weapons," the minister added

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

IRGC calls for US Air Force chief to resign after aircraft downed in Iran

The IRGC Navy also congratulated the air defense forces of the Islamic republic’s army on intercepting an US F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft in the skies over Iran

Indian tycoon Ambani offers to rescue Escobar's 'cocaine hippos', bring them to India

"These 80 hippos did not choose where they were born and are not to blame for their current circumstances," Anant Ambani noted

Ukraine strengthens fortifications on border with Belarus

According to Andrey Demchenko, spokesman for the Ukrainian Border Service, units of intelligence agencies, the Defense Ministry, and the State Border Service are closely monitoring developments in Belarus

Russia demands investigation into security threats against peacekeepers in Lebanon from UN

Vasily Nebenzya says that the perpetrators must receive punishment regardless of their status

NATO forces intercept missile presumably launched from Iran — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at Turkey's territory and airspace"

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Mali declares failure of Western media campaign

Vice President of the country's Transitional Council Defense Commission Fousseynou Ouattara says that the population took to the streets in Bamako, Kati, and other cities to confront well-armed terrorists with bare hands

Local election commission premises destroyed after Ukraine’s attack on LPR

The commission’s IT administrator received a light wound

Russia at UN calls on Israel to comply with its obligations on Syria

Vasily Nebenzya says that "the political wisdom and strategic restraint of Damascus" should not be confused with weakness

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

Russian troops struck energy infrastructure sites used by the Ukrainian army and enemy deployment areas over the past 24 hours, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Sanctions against Russian businessmen affect even distant relatives — Putin

The Russian economy is operating in the environment of serious external challenges for many years, including the difficult economic situation, illegitimate sanctions and certain other adverse circumstances, the Russian leader noted

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

No systemic risks, cryptocurrency, and key rate decision: Nabiullina’s statements

The Bank of Russia chief noted that the regulator did not see any risks to the financial stability of the economy

Japanese tanker traversed Hormuz by agreement with Iran — news agency

The vessel flying the flag of Panama departed from the Saudi port of Ras Tanura on April 17

Norwegian professor sees Zelensky as tool of foreign powers

Glenn Diesen predicted that "the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians will celebrate the day" Zelensky leaves office

Press review: Russia ready to resume Ukraine talks in Middle East as UAE plans OPEC exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 29th

US president instructs aides to prepare for prolonged blockade of Iran — WSJ

According to sources cited by the newspaper, Donald Trump believes that other options, such as resuming bombing or exiting the conflict, carry greater risks

Iran continued to produce UAVs even during war with US, Israel — army

According to army representative Mohammad Akraminia, if the United States and Israel commit aggression again and endanger Iran's security, they will definitely face a tougher response than before

Stubb says Europe-Russia dialogue to happen eventually

According to the Finnish president, the key question remains whether there will be a resumption of dialogue with Moscow before the end of the conflict in Ukraine or after that

Russia at final stage of developing advanced electronic warfare system

The onboard defense system comprises integrated technical means designed to identify and classify the threat of the protected object’s destruction, and also to neutralize it

Critics label Elon Musk US 'shadow president' — media

The report says that "Musk’s rapid-fire messages - which included numerous false claims about the contents of the spending bill - ricocheted" across Washington

UAE’s exit from OPEC to eventually lead to lower oil prices — Chinese expert

Sun Degang, director of the Middle East Studies Center at Fudan University, says that the UAE may increase oil production and release additional capacity

Russian volunteer regiment destroys 10 Ukrainian drones via ram

The targets included Bulava, Mini Shark, Leleka-100, and Domakha drones

Kremlin spokesman comments on oil facility fire, plans for Victory Day parade in briefing

The massive fire on the Tuapse oil facility resulted from a Ukrainian drone attack, Dmitry Peskov said

Rebel attack in Mali results in casualties among Russia’s Africa Corps — diplomat

According to Georgy Borisenko, the attacks were repelled in most locations, including Bamako

Putin calls for ensuring security during upcoming elections in Russia

Our priority is to ensure security to all participants in the elections -candidates, election commission members, observers, and the tens of millions of people who will come to polling stations to cast their votes, he stressed

Russia developing new UAVs to combat Ukrainian drones — Officers of Russia

Alexander Mikhailov noted that Russian technologies are "improving very rapidly"

Russian president to meet with leader of Republic of Congo

The two leaders will discuss the development of friendly Russian-Congolese relations

Argentina’s leader sees Europe on brink of extermination because of its policies

According to Javier Milei, Europe was clearly faced with self-inflicted problems and tried to fix those by "importing people"

Kiev destabilizes global energy market by attacks against oil storages in Tuapse — Peskov

The oil from the storage facility was intended for export operations, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian forces push Ukrainian military 2 km away from border — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, by developing success in the Kharkov direction, the Russian military is forming a buffer zone at the junction with the Belgorod border area

No payment received by Iran for Japanese tanker’s passage through Strait of Hormuz

Sources in the Japanese government told the newspaper Nikkei that this was made possible thanks to negotiations with the Iranian side

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Russia sees no tangible results from work of Board of Peace — envoy to UN

On January 22, 19 countries signed the Charter of the Board of Peace, established as part of a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip

Zaporozhye plant de jure, de facto belongs to Russia, no one else — director

According to Yury Chernichuk, an object like a nuclear power plant cannot have two gods or two masters

UAE's withdrawal from OPEC stems from its desire to profit from excess capacity — expert

Nabil Jaafar Al-Marsoumi emphasized that "it cannot be ruled out that this move by the UAE will undermine the efforts of OPEC and OPEC+ to control and regulate oil supplies and adjust production in line with global demand"