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Russian stock market closes mixed

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell 0.2% to 2,663.37 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 1.28% to 1,176.87 points

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell 0.2% to 2,663.37 points at the close of main trading on Tuesday, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 1.28% to 1,176.87 points. The yuan shed 26 kopecks to 10.35 rubles.

"The stock market showed predominantly neutral dynamics today, with the MOEX Index trading mixed near the intermediate resistance level around 2,660 points. Late in the previous session, the benchmark gained ground on the back of oil and gas heavyweights, which rallied on the news of the US extending its license for Russian oil operations. That positive sentiment has been priced in, and today oil itself turned negative following US President Donald Trump's announcement delaying the planned military strike on Iran by a few days," said Andrey Smirnov, equity market expert at BCS World of Investments.

"Shares of the Raspadskaya coal company (+4%) gained, likely driven by news that Russian rail-borne coal exports rose 17% year-on-year in April," noted Natalia Milchakova, leading analyst at Freedom Finance Global.

According to her, TMK shares (-1.7%) led the decline. The stock fell on no fresh news, but likely in investor reaction to the issuer's weak Q1 2026 financial results under Russian Accounting Standards (RAS).

BCS World of Investments' Wednesday forecast projects the MOEX Index at 2,600-2,700 points, with the dollar at 70.5-72.5 rubles and the yuan at 10.3-10.8 rubles.

Freedom Finance Global expects the MOEX Index to fluctuate within the 2,650-2,750 range on Wednesday. Its Wednesday forecasts for the dollar, euro, and yuan stand at 70-72 rubles, 81-83 rubles, and 10.3-10.8 rubles, respectively.

Anti-Russian sanctions

UK authorizes import of diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil from third countries

The exceptions to the sanctions rules come into force on May 20 and are of an indefinite duration

Armenia not looking to stoke tensions with Russia — top diplomat

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia realized that it had to choose between the European Union and the EAEU

Revenue of Russian theaters rises 18% to $819.66 mln in 2025

According to a report by RBC, attendance at theater events rose by 3.5% to 44.3 mln people

Russian troops gain control of road linking communities near Volokhovka in Kharkov Region

Russia’s Battlegroup North units continue creating the security zone on the territory of the Sumy and Kharkov Regions

Russia maintains strategic advantages in Ukraine — US authorities

According to a report compiled by inspectors general of the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the US Agency for International Development, now effectively terminated, the collective West’s assistance to Kiev has amounted to more than $325 billion since February 2022

Bulgaria insists on need to begin negotiations between Europe and Russia

The time has come for diplomacy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said

Iranian president says dialogue with US doesn’t mean surrender

Tehran will not "retreat from the legal rights of the people and the country," Masoud Pezeshkian says

China looking forward to Putin’s visit — MFA

At a scheduled summit, the two leaders will discuss China-Russia cooperation and global and regional issues of mutual interest, the Chinese diplomat said

Iran continues dialogue with Oman on security in Hormuz Strait — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Tehran was in constant contact other stakeholders to develop a mechanism to ensure safe passage for all nations

EU pays highest amount for Russian LNG in over one year in March

The European Union purchased around 933 mln euros worth of LNG from Russia

Putin, Xi to discuss most sensitive issues of bilateral relations — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said the Russian president will begin his meeting with Xi Jinping after the welcome ceremony in the Great Hall of the People

Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to two scientists for COVID-19 vaccine research

"The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020," the statement reads

German carmakers face chip shortages due to EU anti-Russian sanctions — Handelsblatt

The situation was triggered by Brussels' decision in April to include Chinese company Yangjie in the 20th package of sanctions against Russia

Iran to stand firm on its demands to US — president

Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran is conducting negotiations with honor

Nine fast-neutron reactors to be built in Russia by 2042 — Rosatom

According to the statement, fast reactors with a closed fuel cycle are not just a means of increasing the efficiency of nuclear energy, but a prerequisite for its long-term existence

Three NATO reconnaissance aircraft spotted over Kaliningrad Region

One of them is an American Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II intelligence and reconnaissance jet, which took off from Romania’s Constanta

Putin to travel to China on two-day visit

The Russian leader will meet with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, hold Russian-Chinese talks in both narrow and expanded formats

Naval exercises involving six NATO countries begin in Black Sea

The exercises involve Bulgaria, Canada, Portugal, Romania, the United States, and Turkey

Unidentified gunman opens fire at Islamic Center in San Diego

No information about deaths or injuries is available at this point

Putin arrives in Beijing for two-day visit

The Russian president's working schedule in China is quite extensive

During Beijing trip, Trump suggests US, China, Russia join forces to oppose ICC — media

The White House declined to comment on the report

Spokesman says Kremlin has no reaction to award of Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian activist

Narges Mohammadi was awarded "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all"

Russia no longer looking for replacing Western products but introducing its own — PM

Mikhail Mishustin made this statement during the Digitalization of Industrial Russia conference

Zelensky becomes ‘inconvenience’, setting stage for his removal — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk recalled that Vladimir Zelensky's name had repeatedly popped up in corruption investigations

Iran, US still far apart on key issues — agency

The American side "is still seeking to link talks on ending the war to the nuclear issue"

Russian presidential envoy urges EU to find constructive voice in support of peace

Kirill Dmitriev’s statement came in response to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said that the European Union has failed to use its diplomatic potential in the situation around Ukraine

FSB detains two foreigners in Voronezh Region for blowing up drone at military unit

According to the FSB, two citizens of former Soviet republics were recruited by a Ukrainian Security Service agent via Telegram

Superiority of Russian services and proactive work: statements by Mishustin

Advances in import substitution and development have reduced the urgent need for domestic software by a factor of four in recent years, the Russian prime minister noted

Israel occupies nearly 1,000 sq. km of Middle East territory since Oct 2023 — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Israeli forces control over half of the Gaza Strip

Russia holding nuclear forces drills — top brass

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drills are set to practice readying some of nuclear forces’ units and formations for accomplishing assigned objectives

Expectations from Putin’s visit to China and Zelensky’s remarks: Kremlin's briefing

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that any contacts between President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping help create new momentum for the further development and expansion of relations between Moscow and Beijing

Vladimir Region creating BARS-Vladimir anti-drone unit

Under the guidance of instructors with real combat experience, the BARS-Vladimir unit members will master firearms, tactical, engineering, and medical training, as well as the basics of electronic warfare and communications

US probe confirms presence of military-biological facilities near Russian border — expert

According to Boris Rozhin, the probe will transfer the issue of American military-biological activity abroad from the level of charges to the status of legal recognition

Preliminary data shows Luna-25 lunar probe collided with Moon’s surface – Roscosmos

Automatic station "Luna-25" ceased to exist, noted in the state corporation

Bank of Russia’s assets to remain frozen — Euroclear

The decision is based on the fact that the Russian Central Bank's claim against Euroclear Bank is not recognized under EU law, and Euroclear "does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction"

Russian troops liberate Volokhovka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,175 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Press review: Putin China visit puts energy sector in focus as Trump signals bluff on Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 19th

Russia’s air defenses destroy six Ukrainian UAVs over Kaluga Region

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Russian nuclear drills come in response to Western preparations for invasion — expert

The Russian nuclear triad is currently in optimal condition, Colonel Levon Arzanov said

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Latvia sets precedent by enabling strikes on Russia — expert

Ruslan Pankratov said that a new legal reality is emerging in which the territory of a NATO member state is being used as a bridgehead for strikes against Russia

Russian troops deliver massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,075 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia’s air defenses destroy 17 Ukrainian UAVs over Voronezh Region overnight

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Putin to meet in China with grown-up participant in 2000 joint photo — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized the significance of this encounter

UK premier intends to lead Labour Party into next parliamentary election

Keir Starmer said he had no intention of resigning

Ukrainian troops attack localities in Russia’s Kursk Region with artillery 171 times

A private home completely burned down in the village of Novaya Krivtsovka in the Oboyan District as a result of the attack

Chinese diplomat dismisses report of Xi Jinping’s remark about Ukraine as 'pure fiction'

Guo Jiakun said the Financial Times information contradicts the facts

Russia, China create peaceful nuclear development roadmap for decades to come — Rosatom

According to CEO Alexey Likhachev, the entire range of fast reactors in China is the result of the joint efforts

Putin to arrive in China on evening of May 19 to be met by Wang Yi — Kremlin aide

As Yury Ushakov specified, the Chinese side will organize a formal welcome ceremony at the airport

Chances for agreement with Iran appear very good right now — Trump

The US president added that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other countries asked the US to delay strikes on Iran by two to three days, believing that a deal is close

United States to conduct test launch of nuclear-capable Minuteman III ICBM on May 20

The statement emphasized that the test launch is routine, was planned several years ago, and is not in response to current world events

Russia, China stand for independent foreign policy and supreme rule of law — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to China on May 19-20

US has already spent more than $85 bln on military operation in Iran

As calculated by Iran War Cost Tracker, basing on a Pentagon briefing for the US Congress on March 10, Washington planned to spend $1 bln for each day of the conflict

World Gymnastics clears Russians to compete under country’s flag: what to know

European Gymnastics will make its own decision on lifting restrictions on Russian athletes by the end of the week

Kiev forces lost over 1,100 troops in 24 hours across all special military operation zone

In the Battlegroup North zone, the enemy lost up to 155 soldiers

Russia wipes out part of Ukraine’s Alpha special forces in Dnepropetrovsk Region — sources

The Ukrainian troops have been eliminated with aerial bombs and guided munitions

Zelensky’s office dreams of drafting women to patch gaps in army — Ukrainian lawmaker

Maxim Buzhansky urged the members of the Office to focus on their own responsibilities instead of broader issues

No military-political foundation exists for Russia-West security dialogue — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said it is impossible to build this foundation unless the Western countries are willing to genuinely take Russia’s fundamental interests into account

US says Iran’s new proposal 'insufficient for a deal' — media

According to the report, Iran rejects many of Donald Trump's demands and refuses to make any meaningful concessions on its nuclear program

Europe ready to come to negotiating table to resolve conflict in Ukraine — Merz

The German chancellor underscored that "the fighting must cease first"

Senior diplomat sees growing risks of head-on clash between NATO, Russia

Sergey Ryabkov highlighted "the escalatory narrative" from European capitals about "the looming threat of a high-intensity war" with Russia

US increasingly leaning toward use of military force against Cuba — Politico

According to one of the newspaper’s sources, US President Donald Trump and his aides have grown frustrated that the US pressure campaign has not led Cuba’s leaders to agree to significant economic and political reforms

Ukrainian forces subject Zaporozhye NPP to massive shelling — plant’s management

Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina said the exact number of drones that attacked Energodar is being established

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on unprecedented level of ties with China and mutual support

The Russian president says that the two countries are ready to support each other on key issues, including the protection of sovereignty

Moscow, Beijing manage to return to positive trade dynamics — Russian first deputy PM

Denis Manturov noted that investment activity is having a positive impact on the development of bilateral trade

Erdogan says Iran conflict 'devastating' global economy

The extent of the damage caused by the shockwave that has swept across the world like a tsunami cannot yet be accurately assessed, the Turkish president said

US investigates 56 cases of corruption and theft of American weapons in Ukraine

According to a report prepared by the inspectors general of the Pentagon, the State Department, and the now effectively dismantled US Agency for International Development, 13 other investigations have been closed

US laboratories in Ukraine violate legal norms, threaten millions of people — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large added that the activities of the laboratories constitute "a deception of US taxpayers"

Newspaper points to unprecedented level of Putin-Xi friendship

Since his official inauguration in 2013, Xi Jinping has met with Vladimir Putin more than 40 times

Biden spared no expense on deadly biological research in Ukraine — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large says that the results of the research could have included the development of biological weapons

Russia’s Battlegroup North artillery destroys over 500 Ukrainian troops in week

The platoon commander said that artillery crews of the Battlegroup North thwarted several attempts by the Ukrainian army to rotate personnel in the Sumy and Kharkov Regions, accomplishing over 350 firing missions

US to waive sanctions on Russian oil shipments for 30 days — Treasury Secretary

This will ensure the most vulnerable countries have access to energy, Scott Bessent said

Trump says not ready to make concessions to Iran during peace talks

The US president also made it clear that Washington may take new measures against Tehran

US continues to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets — report

According to the report issued by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State, and the Agency for International Development, the training commitments are coordinated by the Air Force Capability Coalition that the US co-leads with Denmark and the Netherlands

Iranian issue, Eurovision criteria and Anchorage’s six-month anniversary: Lavrov’s remarks

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow is not trying to intrude into the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran, wishing this process every success

Russia to respond to aggression as Kiev plans to launch drones from Latvia — intel agency

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence reported that service members from the Ukrainian army’s Unmanned Systems Forces had been deployed to Latvia to prepare attacks on Russia from the Baltic country’s territory

NATO countries importing 'HIMARS clones' from South Korea to use against Russia — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, contracts are currently known to be in place for the supply of at least 290 systems of this type to Poland, 9 to Estonia, and 16 to Norway

US oil sanctions relief aimed at stabilizing market — Treasury Secretary

"It will also help reroute existing supply to countries most in need by reducing China’s ability to stockpile discounted oil," Scott Bessent believes

Russia’s military planning to take into account NATO’s growing nuclear capabilities

This "cannot go unaddressed," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Nearly 70% of Ukrainians use Russian language on daily basis — former PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that Ukraine tried to eliminate the Russian language and ban a significant part of its culture

Drone attack being repelled by air defenses on Iranian island of Qeshm — agency

Tasnim did not elaborate on the incident

Asia, Europe showing interest in Russia’s anti-drone nets — developer

The nets feature an innovative "spider knot" weave

Industrial site affected in Yaroslavl as Russia downs 315 Ukrainian drones overnight

There were no casualties or injured

Ukrainian forces attack DPR territory 11 times over past day, one person killed

Two people were injured

Baltic states to be punished for assisting Ukraine in attacking Russia — MP

Speaking about Lithuanian threats against Kaliningrad, Leonid Slutsky noted that by making such statements the "hotheads" in the Baltics "are drawing fire not only upon themselves, but also on Europe as a whole"

US extends sanctions waiver until June 17 on Russian oil loaded by April 17

The document emphasizes that the license does not authorize transactions related to a number of Russian regions, including Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as Iran, Cuba, and North Korea

Russian firm unveils laser system for protecting civilian infrastructure from UAVs

The system detects targets at a distance of up to three km

Bilateral relations, energy and Russian delegation members: aide on Putin’s visit to China

There is no link between the visits to China by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov noted

Roscosmos to bring US astronaut back to Earth March 30 as scheduled

Earlier, some US media expressed doubts if Russia would agree to take US astronaut Mark Vande Hei back to Earth amid the sanctions imposed on Russia over the situation in Ukraine

Russia’s envoy highlights importance of Russia-China investment cooperation

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian Direct Investment Fund has invested in more than 50 projects with Chinese partners

Russian anti-drone technology market may reach $2.76 bln in 2026

Bulat Khabriev, managing investment director at VEB.RF, says that cyberattacks and UAV attacks have ceased to be abstract risks

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

Ruble tops ranking of world’s best currencies — Bloomberg

The ruble’s exchange rate against the dollar has fallen to its lowest since February 2023

Leaders of Russia, China to adopt declaration on emergence of multipolar world — Kremlin

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will sign a Joint Statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction

Russia develops Odyssey repeater to increase UAV strike range

The Aviatechnolab Design Bureau said the Odyssey system extended the range of attack unmanned aerial vehicles to 70 kilometers

Press review: US, Israel preparing new strikes against Iran as Ukraine mum on Russia talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 18th

Estonia downs drone allegedly en route from Ukrainian territory — top defense official

According to Hanno Pevkur, the drone entered Estonia’s airspace and was downed over Lake Vortsjarv

Euroclear refuses to unfreeze Russian Central Bank’s assets: what is known

The decision is based on the fact that the Russian regulator’s claim against Euroclear Bank is not recognized under EU legislation, and "Euroclear does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction"

Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to American researcher Claudia Goldin

The American researcher "provided the first comprehensive account of women’s earnings and labor market participation through the centuries"

Iran ready to hand over enriched uranium to Russia instead of US — Al Hadath

The required conditions were not specified in the media report

US military intelligence believes Ukraine is delivering chaotic strikes on Russia

Ukrainian strikes lack the coordination, tempo, and concentration on critical Russian military infrastructure, according to a report compiled by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State and the Agency for International Development