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Government not going to surrender control in VTB — CEO

The government’s share must be 50 +1, Andrey Kostin said

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The Russian government is not going to surrender control in VTB and its share will be kept at the level of 50% + 1 share, CEO Andrey Kostin said at the annual general meeting of bank shareholders.

"The government is not going to give away control, the government’s share must be 50 +1, and the government does not intend to contribute money into the capital. So we can make further additional issues, certainly, but they are limited by the existing cap," Kostin said.

Earlier reports said that VTB would float additional stocks totaling about 500 bln rubles ($6.4 bln). VTB updated later that from 300 bln rubles to 400 bln rubles ($3.8-5.1 bln) are planned to be raised during the forthcoming additional issue.

Max messenger’s share of Russian brands' media coverage nearly triples

The VKontakte platform accounted for more than half of the media mix

Meeting with E3 ambassadors, Gyumri base, referendum on EAEU: senior diplomat’s statements

Contacts through the human rights commissioners of Russia and Ukraine have turned out to be the only channel through which humanitarian issues can be discussed, Mikhail Galuzin noted

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Russia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensured

Aeroflot maintains traffic forecast for 2026 at 2024-2025 level — chief executive

Sergey Aleksandrovsky added that these are quite high figures given current conditions

US receives more than $6 billion from NATO arms procurement for Ukraine — envoy

Matthew Whitaker said that the US intends to continue the PURL program

Witkoff, Kushner to travel to Doha for talks with Iran this week — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that technical talks will also be held in Doha

Russian troops liberate Bogodarovka community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 485 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progress

The Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagement

Russian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regions

Units of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of Novosyolovka

Top of EU filled with 'losers' — Otto von Bismarck's descendant

What is needed today is real, effective policy that acknowledges what’s happening right now, Alexander von Bismarck said

Russian FPV drones destroy Ukrainian robotic vehicles near Krasny Liman

A Molniya-2 drone crew of the Battlegroup West destroyed a camouflaged Ukrainian UAV control post in the Krasny Liman direction

World central banks intend to reduce dollar share in reserves — Reuters

Central banks plan to increase their holdings of gold and are showing heightened interest in several other reserve currencies

Russia-Africa trade exceeded $27 bln in 2025 — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat stressed that Russia and the countries of the continent continue to enrich their cooperation

Italian publishing house launches series dedicated to Russian literature

The authors include Fyodor Sologub, Alexander Kuprin, Ivan Bunin, Andrey Bely

Kiev engulfed in acrid cloud from Chernobyl, fresh air is gone — journalist

Levels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limits

Upcoming US-Iranian consultations may be important — Trump

The US leader made it clear that the consultations will, among other things, touch upon the question of the Iranian nuclear program

Over 100 streets, ten villages in Sevastopol without power — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev asked the townspeople to meet the temporary difficulties with understanding

Syrian president urges Israel to withdraw troops following strikes in southern country

Ahmed al-Sharaa also condemned the recent actions of Israeli units in this territory

Serbian president announces plans to resign by fall, hold elections in 3-4 months

On June 27, Aleksandar Vucic announced that he would step down as president "in a few weeks" and pledged to help the ruling Serbian Progressive Party secure victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections

Russia informs UN of identified suspects in strike on bus carrying Belarusian children

Russia’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva emphasized that numerous pieces of evidence found at the attack site confirm the drone’s Ukrainian origin

Expansion of NATO infrastructure in East Asia aimed against China, Russia — expert

Dmitry Kiku pointed out that NATO’s strategy "will not yield the necessary result as China has made significant progress in developing its naval component"

Russian troops begin fighting for Osykovo northwest of Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this direction

Guterres says terrorists learn to new technologies

"Terrorists have grown adept at exploiting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and unmanned weapons," the UN secretary general said

ISU allows Russian athletes to compete in tournaments under neutral status

The press release emphasized that athletes or team members are not eligible to compete as neutral athletes if they are on active duty in the armed forces or security agencies of Russia or Belarus

Seven US biolabs set up in Ukraine starting in 2005 under Yushchenko — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the agreement signed between the Pentagon and the Ukrainian Health Ministry provided for the collection and storage of dangerous pathogens in laboratories on Ukrainian territory, funded by the US

State Duma lauds Vatican's criticism of EU's policy of double standards

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations Nikolay Novichkov noted that neither the European Union nor the United States are waging "fair or humane wars"

Paraguay’s national team defeats Germany, advances to World Cup Round of 16

Paraguay’s players proved more accurate in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3

Zelensky moves to real terror against Belarus — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin said the Kiev regime intentionally attacked an absolutely peaceful object

Russian farmers have harvested over 1 mln tons of grain from new crop

The average yield is one and a half times higher than at the same time last year

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake recorded off coast of Tonga

No information on casualties or damage has been reported

Number of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz on decline for third consecutive day

In all, a total of 108 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz between June 26 and 28

French politician accuses Kiev of plotting assassination attempt on entrepreneur in Monaco

Florian Philippot suggested that the attack on Vadim Yermolayev may have been financed "directly by Zelensky" and that "Ukrainian special services" or "pro-Ukrainian extremist groups" may have been involved

Finland lifting its ban on nukes requires Russian response, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova lambasted the move as unfounded, given repeated statements from leading Finnish politicians and relevant agencies in the Nordic country that Russia does not pose a direct military threat to Finns

Refineries operating at maximum capacity, Russian market becoming saturated with fuel

All major suppliers are carrying out seaborne shipments of diesel and gasoline to the Kaliningrad Region

Ukraine shells Novaya Kakhovka district of Kherson Region more than 460 times over week

Three civilians were injured

Minibus overturns in Russia’s Altai region, five injured

Police are establishing the cause and circumstances of the accident

Six-month-old baby killed outside Moscow as Russia downs 419 Ukrainian drones

In particular, UAVs were intercepted over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Krasnodar, Lipetsk, Moscow, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Saratov, Smolensk, Tambov, Tver, Tula, Vladimir, Volgograd, and Voronezh Regions as well as the Republic of Crimea

Lukashenko to make working visit to Myanmar — ministry

The Belarusian leader will pay a working visit to the Asian republic at the invitation of President Min Aung Hlaing

Explosion rocks Monaco, at least three wounded

Two of the victims are in critical condition

Ukraine’s Hornet attack UAVs shot down over Novorossiya highway — Russian Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, air defense personnel employed small arms fire and aerial ramming tactics to down the drones

US will support efforts to restore unity in Libya — top diplomat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he had discussed with Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army Saddam Haftar "unifying Libya's military and building the conditions for lasting peace"

Commissioner informs Putin on Kursk Region residents return, foreign media in Starobelsk

The Russian president noted that Yana Lantratova has actively started working as the commissioner for human rights

Kiev’s criminal conduct behind infant death outside Moscow — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that everybody should know and remember that

Ukrainian attacks kill over 40 Russians, including two children, over week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces attacked medical facilities and emergency vehicles as well

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The US leader stated that companies engaged in retail gasoline sales in the United States should immediately reduce prices

West's coercive policies undermine global stability — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister called adherence to the UN Charter a guarantee of peaceful development for all humanity

European Gymnastics postpones decision on use of Russian flag at tournaments

The General Assembly was originally scheduled for June 29

Growth in trade between Russia, India creates new business opportunities — trade mission

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Zelensky’s 'pantheon of heroes' move will cost Ukraine — former Polish PM

Mateusz Morawiecki clarified that "the cult of the UPA" did not strengthen Ukraine, but rather, it weakened its authority, complicated relations with allies, and distanced Ukraine from Western integration

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

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Press review: Ceasefire strain amid US-Iran tensions and Finnish nuclear plans near Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 29th

Russian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstacles

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Russian artillery crew destroys Ukraine’s heavy drone command post in Krasny Liman

Reconnaissance units reports that a Baba Yaga drone has landed, and operators rushed to fetch it

Ombudswoman’s office documents every account of torture in Ukrainian captivity

Yana Lantratova stressed that every report of torture, abuse, threats, unlawful detention, and other violations is taken up for action

Iraq ready to host US-Iran talks — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa noted that it depends on the will and the wish of the US and Iran

US waging proxy war on Russia in Ukraine, not taking steps to end it — former US lawmaker

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Russian forces strike drone storage facility in Kharkov

Secondary detonations were detected at the facility, which confirmed that the premises of Megasklad were used for military purposes in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Russian exports of fish, seafood to Japan down 8% to 43,000 tons in January-May

In particular, surimi shipments rose by 5% in volume and 15% in value to 10,000 tons worth $24 mln, while pollock fillet shipments increased by 5% in volume and 15% in value, reaching 2,300 tons worth $8.5 mln

Lebanese army to be deployed along entire border with Israel — president

"Israel must not obstruct this," Joseph Aoun said

Child’s death in Moscow Region, discussions on fuel imports: topics of Kremlin’s briefing

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the death of a child in Yegoryevsk, near Moscow, due to a drone attack is the result of the Kiev regime's actions

Russia passed 30 laws to support special military operation veterans in 2025 — PM

Mikhail Mishustin thanked Deputy Speaker Inna Svyatenko, who actively worked on the creation of a working group on legislative support for the rights of defenders of the Fatherland

Expert does not rule out resumption of steady oil supplies through Hormuz by early August

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Press review: Peace in Lebanon under threat and Germany readies military draft return

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 30th

Air pollution from fires in Chernobyl in Kiev Region registered

The fires started on June 25, 2026

Iran, China unlikely to be thrilled about creation of Trump Route in Armenia — Russian MFA

According to Mikhail Galuzin, recent events demonstrate that the prospects for implementing the Trump Route project are mixed

Wars abroad now merely business for US defense industry, its supporters — former lawmaker

Marjorie Taylor Greene described the American military-industrial complex as a true evil

Russia calls for international attention to Kiev’s crimes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian population

Almost all terms of contract for 90 MC-21 aircraft agreed upon — Aeroflot chief

The lease rate will align with the company’s financial model, Sergey Aleksandrovsky said

Russian stocks close in the green on Monday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 2.84% to 2,350.43 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.92% to 952.28 points

Tokayev shares his impressions of his visit to Brussels with Putin — Kremlin

Following the visit, Kazakhstan signed commercial agreements and memorandums with the EU worth a total of over $12 billion

Protection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chief

Andrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by November

German police identify Stade shooting suspect as 45-year-old man of Turkish descent

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UK, France, Germany chose unacceptable approaches to Ukraine — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that he had articulated Russia’s stance to ambassadors to the European trio during a recent meeting in the Foreign Ministry

Iraq opposes Israeli aggression in Lebanon — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa stated that Iraq was always against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, of Lebanese territories and the Israeli aggression on Lebanon

Russia says does not accept ultimatums, not to allow decisions to be imposed on itself

Russia’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva also noted that the Western members of the UN Security Council, whose governments supply weapons to the Kiev authorities, are direct accomplices in the crimes

Putin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situation

The Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilities

IN BRIEF: No injuries reported as Russia downs total of 209 Ukrainian drones overnight

As many as 29 UAVs were downed in Sevastopol over the past day, Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

France, Oman to jointly participate in mine clearance operations in Hormuz — Macron

According to the French president, the two leaders also agreed to continue efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East

US biolabs triggered disease outbreaks in Ukraine — Medvedchuk

The leader of the Other Ukraine movement noted that after the ruling power in the country was changed following the 2014 state coup the issue of biolabs was taken off the agenda, but a new multi-year contract was signed in 2015

Roscosmos, NASA define strategy for safe deorbiting of ISS

The report highlights that in May, international partners reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ISS operations until 2030

Washington may pose military threat to Cuba — former US lawmaker

Marjorie Taylor Greene called for the lifting of Washington's unilateral sanctions and trade embargo against Cuba

Ukraine forms 'cult of betrayal,' erects monument to Mazepa — MP

"Zelensky's actions to erect a monument to the traitor Mazepa in Kiev fully fit into his collaborationist logic," Mikhail Sheremet said

Kremlin delivers remarks on Putin-Lukashenko talks, Ukraine dialogue channels

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia's position on Ukraine, outlined by Vladimir Putin during his address at the Russian Foreign Ministry two years ago, remains unchanged

Ukraine as transit hub, Kiev’s cooperation with drug cartels: statements by SVR

Ukraine’s security agencies "deliberately show indulgence towards the increasing drug transit from Latin America to Europe"

Kiev loses 10,000 troops, mercenaries over week — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the trend towards the growth of losses among the Ukrainian military personnel has been observed for the sixth consecutive week

Europe has injected only one-third of the gas volumes needed for winter by end-June

Injection rates this year have been significantly affected by Europe's lost battle with Asia for available LNG volumes during the Middle East conflict, higher fuel prices and extreme heat in June

Expert identifies most dangerous asteroid to approach Earth in 2028

According to Yevgeny Burmistrov, close attention is directed at the recently discovered asteroid called 2024 YR4, which is estimated to possibly enter Earth's atmosphere on December 22, 2032

Ukraine’s population decreasing by 300,000 people per year excluding troops — expert

Vasily Voskoboynik added that millions of Ukrainians are currently abroad and are unlikely to return because they have already settled there

India rejects media reports about Chinese army’s intervention into its border state

Earlier, Nah Welfare Society, a public organization in the state of Arunachal Pradesh representing interests of the Nah tribe, had reported an alleged Chinese military advance in the state’s Taksing Circle

Hungarian government analyzing financial aspects of Paks-2 NPP project — Magyar

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the previous government led by Viktor Orban left the state budget "in a terrible state" and with a deficit that could approach 7% of GDP by the end of the year

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister tells Ukraine not to cross border 'red line'

Igor Sekreta emphasized that in case of a border violation, Belarus would respond with full force

Iraq would like to join BRICS — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa pointed out that Iraq's potential accession to BRICS depends on a lot of things, on how the organization is organized and what is the condition to be part of BRICS

Armenia to have to take into account Russia’s view on Trump Route — MFA

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Indonesia receives official status of partner country for this year’s Innoprom exhibition

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Mexican drug cartels help finance sabotage operations against Russia — expert

At the same time, Ukraine's effectively uncontrolled port infrastructure, currently under the supervision of the Kiev regime and operating with virtually no customs or border procedures, is being widely used, Alexander Stepanov said

Ukrainian authorities once again report difficult situation in Druzhkovka

The city has absolutely no gas, water and power supply, Vadim Filashkin said

Witkoff, Kushner to discuss Iran deal with Qatari PM in Doha — Axios

The US-Qatari meeting will come as part of Doha consultations between Washington and Tehran, announced earlier

Russia to open diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Union of Comoros — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that a new department for partnership with Africa was established

Extensive economic growth has been exhausted, new technologies needed — Sberbank CEO

German Gref stressed that investments are needed to implement new technologies

Frontline developments reinforce confidence that Russia’s goals to be achieved — Kremlin

Russia's position on the settlement is well known and remains consistent, Dmitry Peskov said

Venezuela's earthquake death toll exceeds 1,700

5,034 people were injured