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Russia’s GDP decline in Q1 2026 seen at 0.2% — Federal Statistics Service

Earlier the Bank of Russia estimated the decline of Russian GDP in the first quarter of 2026 at 0.5% year-on-year

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Russia’s GDP in January-March 2026 will decline by 0.2% year-on-year, according to a preliminary estimate by the Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat).

Earlier Rosstat confirmed its estimate of Russian GDP growth in 2025 at 1%.

Earlier the Bank of Russia estimated the decline of Russian GDP in the first quarter of 2026 at 0.5% year-on-year, which is below its February forecast. The regulator expects GDP to grow by 0.9% in the second quarter of 2026.

Russia’s annual inflation at 5.58% in April — statistics service

In April, food prices decreased by 0.2% month-on-month and increased by 4.02% year-on-year

Russia’s Battlegroup North UAVs destroy over dozen Ukrainian EW stations in Kharkov Region

An attack UAV platoon commander, call sign "Funtik," noted that eliminating jamming stations and equipment the Russian military can more widely utilize various types of reconnaissance and attack drones

IN BRIEF: Detailing '205-for-205' prisoner swap between Russia, Ukraine

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation for the return of Russian service members from Ukrainian captivity

Russian troops liberate Nikolayevka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russian troops delivered a massive strike by precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles on Ukrainian military-industrial sites and military airfields over the past 24 hours

Sachs calls NATO's existence absurd, urges putting stop to alliance’s expansion

Jeffrey Sachs added that as a multilateral model of the world develops, it is necessary to stop the "residual wars of hegemony," and accepting the fact of the development of multipolarity in the modern world should become a "peaceful root forward"

IN BRIEF: Ukraine swarms Russian regions with 355 UAVs, causing casualties in Ryazan

Two multi-story residential buildings were also damaged as a result of the attack on Ryazan

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

Trump refuses to call Xi Jinping 'dictator'

The US President said that he respects the Chinese leader

China maintains 'consistent and clear' stance on Strait of Hormuz — Chinese diplomat

Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy to the United States Liu Pengyu also said that Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discussed other major international and regional issues

Resignations of Latvian politicians over Kiev may be just beginning — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says one should not allow drones flying toward Russia to pass through their territory

Russia seeks to create direct land routes with Uzbekistan — Deputy Prime Minister

Marat Khusnullin added that, despite external challenges, relations between Russia and Uzbekistan have historically been characterized by friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation

Iran guarantees safe passage through Hormuz Strait for all vessels after end of war — MFA

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that complete cessation of hostilities is the only solution

Xi pledges not to supply military equipment to Iran, Trump says

The US President called the Chinese leader's words a "bif statement"

One killed, three others injured in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region

In Shebekino, the cabin of a truck caught fire after a drone detonated, and another FPV drone struck a motorway, damaging five cars

Russia's SVR uncovers wily Kiev scheme to spread disinformation on Telegram

According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Ukrainian special services have recently intensified attempts to destabilize Russian society

West uses Baltic region as springboard to practice Russia’s containment — diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko says various coalitions are "attempting approaching the Arctic"

UEC becomes world leader in combat aircraft engine production in 2025

UEC CEO Alexander Grachev noted that, being cut off from international cooperation in 2021, the corporation had to work "in isolation" for five years

Ukraine deploys Colombian mercenaries to Sumy without support

The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that the Ukrainian armed forces hire mercenaries from various countries

Ukraine’s army must be main guarantee of peace, not outside support — US State Department

"The most important deterrent capability necessary is a strong, well armed, technologically advanced Ukrainian military," Deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian affairs at the US State Department Christopher Smith said

West frozen about $590 bln in foreign assets — Shoigu

Secretary of Russia’s Security Council of Russia Sergey Shoigu is convinced that all leaders will draw the proper conclusions regarding the storage of national savings in the West

Gladkov’s, Bogomaz’s resignations, Putin’s visit to China: topics of Kremlin’s briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader’s visit to China will take place soon, and the dates will be announced shortly

Russia, Ukraine carry out '205-for-205' prisoner exchange

The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, receiving the necessary medical assistance, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Liberation of Charivnoye in Zaporozhye area opens way for Russian army towards Orekhov

According to the defense source, Charivnoye was a major defensive line of the Ukrainian army

Kiev, its sponsors should deal with Ukrainian corruption themselves — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the Ukrainian authorities led by Vladimir Zelensky had plunged the country into catastrophe

Zelensky may need allegations of Russia plans to attack to divert attention — senior MP

Leonid Slutsky noted that the head of Kiev regime could be trying to create a background for yet another "terrorist provocation, possibly not against Russia alone"

Over 700 Ukrainian militants sentenced in Russia since start of special military-op

Head of the Russian Military Investigative Directorate Konstantin Korpusov said that 24 criminals were sentenced to life

Lavrov expects Russia, US to confirm Alaska agreements, 'better sooner than later'

The top Russian diplomat said there are still a lot of issues that require detailed consideration

Ukraine issue: what is known about summons of Russian ambassador to Hungarian MFA

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry has so far refrained from making any comments

Kiev will spare no one if left unrestrained — Kremlin

Actions by the Kiev regime may lead to more resignations in Europe, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told

Maduro’s son says his father shares cell with 18 people in US jail

According to Nicolas Maduro Guerra, the Venezuelan president communicates with them, watches TV and learns a little English

Trump highlights 'strong relationship' with Chinese leader

According to the US president, both leaders have settled a lot of different problems

India’s PM commends BRICS as important platform for cooperation between emerging nations

Narendra Modi says BRICS will work together in 2026 to strengthen multilateralism

Russian forces intensify advance in Volchansk direction — administration

Vitaly Ganchev says morale within the Ukrainian army is extremely low

Putin's test for Europe, Nazi revival, US-China relations: Lavrov's statements

Russia will not be drawn into any triangulation attempts by the US to pit Moscow and Beijing against one another, the Russian foreign minister said

US, Israel betrayed diplomacy, and Tehran 'does not trust them' — Iranian diplomat

Ambassador to Belarus Alireza Sanei says the other side of the negotiations "wants everything in their favor"

Russia proposes creating new BRICS investment platform — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that it would allow for the accumulation of substantial funds, including through the use of digital assets

US secretary of state calls Chinese military second strongest in world

Marco Rubio said the pace of growth in the Chinese military over the last 10 years has no precedent

Russia could boost trade with Oman given situation with Strait of Hormuz — official

Head of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin noted that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE dominate the structure of trade among Islamic countries

BRICS Foreign Ministers call on Israel to withdraw troops from Lebanon

The ministers recalled the agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms

Trump concludes his China visit, now flying home — TV

The US president spent three days in China

IN BRIEF: Lavrov speaks of US plans to control energy flows, Western neocolonialism

The West uses unscrupulous methods to prevent countries from purchasing Russian oil, the Russian foreign minister said

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic three times over past day

No information on casualties among civilians is available so far

Lavrov, Araghchi discuss negotiation process to resolve Middle East conflict

The Russian Foreign Ministry underscored the significance of upholding the ceasefire and maintaining the fragile truce

Saudi Arabia proposes non-aggression pact between Iran, Middle Eastern states — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources, many European Union countries and institutions backed the Saudi initiative

Press review: China, US temper rivalry and Yermak case hides Ukraine corruption underbelly

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 15th

Sarmat ICBM superiority over Western counterparts, laser technology: Manturov’s statements

Russia is at least several years ahead of its foreign partners in the technologies used in the Sarmat system, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

Kremlin spokesman speaks on Putin’s China visit, Cuba’s fuel issues in daily briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader will travel to China very soon and preparations for his visit are over

Ukraine saw explosive increase in drug production since 2022 — Russian foreign ministry

Dmitry Lyubinsky noted that the UN Office on Drugs and Crime classified Ukraine as one of the main countries of origin for methadone seized between 2020 and 2024

Kiev ready to put a quarter of Ukrainian population on drugs to please West — Russia’s MFA

The Kiev authorities are seeking to get access to the EU’s lavish funding programs, Dmitry Lyubinsky said

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Russia does not interfere in relations between third countries — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that Moscow does not utilize the "divide and conquer" principle

US signs 'fantastic trade deals' with China — American leader

Donald Trump did not elaborate on any details

Xi offered help in resolving Iran crisis — Trump

According to the US president, the Chinese leader supports opening the Strait of Hormuz

Kazakhstan proposes launching program to support creative industries in OIC countries

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva noted that the creative economy is becoming an increasingly important driver of national development

Russia’s Medvedev to clash with World No.1 Sinner in 2026 Italian Open semifinals

In the quarterfinals, the player defeated Martin Landaluce from Spain

Top Iranian diplomat comments on Russia’s uranium proposal, attempts to derail talks

Abbas Araghchi pointed to the Iranian authorities' efforts to maintain a ceasefire with the US in order to resolve the conflict diplomatically

Kremlin comments on Sarmat reaction, EU participation in Ukrainian conflict, Yermak case

Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case against Andrey Yermak, the former head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office, will not affect the peace process

Russian combat aircraft a cut above NATO weapons in combat — UAC CEO

According to Vadim Badekha, the country’s aircraft manufacturing industry became much more efficient

State Duma appoints Yana Lantratova as Russia’s human rights commissioner

The term of Russia’s previous human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova expired in April 2026

Battlegroup North UAVs destroy Ukrainian EW station, UAV control post in Sumy Region

The drone crew commander added that the coordinates of the detected Ukrainian facilities were immediately transmitted to the command post and strike drone crews

Russian diplomat ridicules Japan’s allegations that Moscow seeks meetings with Tokyo

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow was open to contacts with Japan, but it is not asking for or insisting on such communication

Press review: Russia not done building nuke triad and Trump taps Xi to help with Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 14th

Moscow ready for talks with Europe, ball in their court — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also noted that Russia will never beg or chase anyone

Russia, Oman see vast potential for transit via North-South transport corridor

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin noted that the development of the North-South, West-East, and Europe-Western China international corridors remained among the key priorities

BRICS must act with confidence amid Middle East crisis — Russian MFA

Sergey Ryabkov says the BRICS group must send a signal to the international community about its ability to deepen cooperation across a wide range of issues

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on results of government’s economic measures, SPIEF program

The Russian president said the measures taken by the government to improve the economic situation are already yielding positive results

Iran conflict plunges European chemical industry into crisis — FT

According to the publication, high energy prices and weak demand have already led to the closure of two plants in the chemical cluster of the Port of Rotterdam

US would need week and a half to stay in Iran to remove uranium — Trump

According to the US president, during the operation to remove enriched uranium, they would have to drill through granite

Russia downs 38 drones over its regions during 15 hours on Thursday

The reported period lasted from 8:00 a.m. Moscow time (5:00 a.m. GMT) to 11:00 p.m. Moscow time (8:00 p.m. GMT)

Russian troops pressing ahead along entire engagement line in Ukraine operation — Shoigu

The Russian Armed Forces currently firmly hold the strategic initiative, the Russian Security Council secretary noted

IMF plans to provide Kiev with approximately $3.8 billion in 2026

The 4-year $8.1 billion program was approved in February

US approach to Iran shaped by oil concerns — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said it was not Iran that created the problem, including with the Gulf countries

Putin congratulates Iraqi PM on taking office — TV

The Russian president wished Ali al-Zaidi "all the best, as well as health and prosperity"

Zaporozhye NPP employee in critical condition, other one got leg injuries

The plant’s director, Yury Chernichuk, specified that one of the injured employees was a driver from the transportation department, while the other worked in the landscaping unit of the plant’s administrative and maintenance department

US leader admits dozens of agreements could be reached following his visit to China

According to Donald Trump, China agreed to buying oil from the United States

Vessel for fishing control Hui Chuan seized off coast of UAE — TV

According to the TV channel, communication with the vessel has been lost, it is no longer transmitting its location and is "heading towards Iranian territorial waters"

Washington, Tehran negotiate via intermediaries — Iranian diplomat

Ambassador to Belarus Alireza Sanei says that no personal consultations are on the agenda

China, US to maintain stability in trade, economic relations — Xi Jinping

Donald Trump’s current visit to China was a "historic and landmark event," Xi Jinping said

Fantastic trade deals, very successful visit: Trump's trip to China in review

The US president expressed the utmost respect for Xi Jinping and described his relationship with the Chinese leader as "a very strong one"

Control of Chaikovka to enable Russian army to expand security zone in Kharkov Region

It creates conditions for Russian troops’ further advance deep into Ukrainian territory, the defense source said

Kiev sought to use foreign instigators to disrupt V Day celebrations — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, attempts were made to deny the grassroots nature of the Immortal Regiment activity, claiming that it was being orchestrated by the authorities’ who sought "to undermine the foundations of international security"

Russia has about 40 contracts for construction of NPP units abroad — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, the state corporation needs to build about 40 reactors domestically and currently has contracts for about 40 reactors abroad

Ukrainian attacks killed 25 Russians during Zelensky’s 'pseudo-ceasefire' — Russian MFA

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that 209 people were injured

Zelensky acknowledges extensive damage in almost all regions of Ukraine

The damage primarily affected the western regions of the country

Russian ambassador, Hungary’s new top diplomat confirm sides ready for cooperation

Yevgeny Stanislavov expressed confidence that dialogue would continue soon

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Explosions reported in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid alert is in effect across the Kiev-controlled part of the region

Baltic states contaminated with Russophobia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov says sees it doubtful that "any political forces there" who speak in favor of a dialogue with Moscow have a say

Kiev deploys White Angel evacuation units to Marganets, Nikopol

According to the security agencies, units are patrolling streets and conducting inspections of houses and apartments

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

Russian troops delivered one massive and two combined strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy and transport infrastructure over the period of May 12-15 in response to Kiev’s attacks on civilian facilities

Discussions on denuclearization with Russia and China, Iran operation: Trump’s statements

The US president noted that the US will resume and finish the operation in Iran, which is currently 70-75% complete

Hague court rejects General Mladic’s early release request on health grounds

According to the ruling, the court’s President Graciela Gatti Santana found that Ratko Mladic’s stay in the hospital wing of the UN detention facility in The Hague under law enforcement supervision is neither inhumane nor degrading in nature

Three killed, 12 wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Ryazan Region

Governor Pavel Malkov says emergency response units are working at the scene of the incident

Russia remains Kyrgyzstan’s strategic partner with $5 billion trade volume

Kyrgyz First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiyev says the country is interested in cooperation and building a strategic partnership with the Republic of Tatarstan

No reason for Iran conflict to continue — Chinese MFA

According to the statement, a swift resolution of the situation would benefit both the United States and Iran

Numerous countries show interest in joining BRICS — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that it happens despite the pressure from Western countries

UAE remains important member of Arab League despite leaving OPEC — envoy to Russia

Walid Hamed Shiltagh says the UAE is a respected country that plays a role in the development of the community

Ukrainian army launches drones at host city of Zaporozhye nuke plant

Energodar Mayor Maxim Pukhov stressed that the enemy deliberately targeted civilian facilities

IN BRIEF: Putin's statements at 10th Congress of Russian machine builders

Russia intends to "create and expand mutually beneficial alliances with other countries and support foreign partner initiatives that utilize Russian machinery, equipment, and technology platformsб," the Russian president noted

Sachs calls for abandoning dollar as US weaponizes currency

Jeffrey Sachs added that the US "used the dollar payment system as a threat point and a choke point by using the dollar payment system as an enforcement mechanism for illegal unilateral sanctions"

Russia’s Battlegroup North FPV drones kill Ukrainian contingent in Sumy Region

Airborne reconnaissance capabilities of the units detected the movement of a group of enemy personnel near a forest belt in the Sumy Region