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Bank of Russia not setting timeline for phasing out Visa, Mastercard cards

According to the regulator, the share of Visa and Mastercard cards in the Russian market continues to decline

ST. PETERSBURG, July 2. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia is not setting a timeframe for withdrawing Visa and Mastercard cards from circulation as they will be phased out gradually, the regulator’s chief Elvira Nabiullina said.

"You know, we aren’t setting these timeframes. It is simply the case that these cards, <...> Visa and Mastercard, essentially function just like Mir cards. In our view, they will gradually be phased out of circulation, and this is already happening, partly through economic measures," she told a briefing.

According to the Central Bank, the share of Visa and Mastercard cards in the Russian market continues to decline: it currently stands at around 17%, having shrunk significantly over the past five years.

Armenia already restoring railways to borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan — Pashinyan

Yerevan is currently holding legal consultations with the South Caucasus Railway, the Armenian prime minister said

IN BRIEF: US’ stance on Ukraine, Kiev's plans to fan conflict: Foreign Ministry comment

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted that Kiev does not seek peace

Russia says Kiev, at West’s behest, tries to draw its closest allies into conflict

Maria Zakharova noted that Ukraine does not seek peace, and the West has set Vladimir Zelensky the task of continuing the escalation

Four drones destroyed on approach to Moscow — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin also reported that emergency responders are working at the crash sites

Russian embassy in Sweden comes under drone attack again

The embassy condemned the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate the Russian mission

Foreign national detained in Monaco over investigation into attack on businessman

The individual was later released, and no charges have been announced

Ukraine loses over 38,000 servicemen, mercenaries in June — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, this is 7,180 more than in May

Russia, Ukraine negotiate another round of POWs exchange — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova added that she could not disclose dates and details in advance

Russia’s reliable security, its interests to be guaranteed — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that the European Union's escalation towards Russia is forcing Moscow to plan additional measures to ensure its own security

US decision to exclude South Africa from G20 events illegitimate — Russian sherpa

Denis Agafonov said that Moscow expects Washington to reconsider this decision

Russia supports US ambitions to bring G20 back to basic mandate, sherpa says

Denis Agafonov noted that the agenda includes fostering economic growth, and ensuring financial stability

Russia to comply with international humanitarian law no matter what — top diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with International Red Cross Committee President Mirjana Spoljaric in Moscow

Russian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstacles

The new technologies made it possible to combine the maneuverability of an ATV and a helicopter

Oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz rise to 10 mln barrels per day — media

According to the report, another 5 million barrels of oil per day are being transported via alternative routes

US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers leave Royal Air Force base in UK — TWZ

The event marked the end of the deployment to support the war against Iran

Annual inflation in Russia reach 6% from June 23 to 29

Consumer price growth rates slowed down to 0.22% over the week from June 23 to 29, the Ministry of Economic Development noted

Air defenses down 327 Ukrainian drones over Russia overnight — top brass

UAVs were intercepted over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Veliky Novgorod, Oryol, Pskov, Rostov, Saratov, Tambov, Tula, Moscow and Krasnodar Regions

German prosecutors confirm charges against Nord Stream saboteur

According to Federal Public Prosecutor General, a Ukrainian national and his accomplices developed a sabotage plan on behalf of Ukrainian government agencies

Russian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine

The commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basements

Kremlin unaware of any official statements on potential elections in Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov recalled Vladimir Putin’s remarks that "Vladimir Zelensky’s legitimacy is seriously in question from a legal standpoint"

Brent falls below $71 per barrel, first time since February 27

As of 3:04 a.m. Moscow time, Brent crude reached $70.90 per barrel

Russian forces deliver retaliatory massive strike on Ukraine — top brass

Military-industrial sites, energy infrastructure, and military airfields’ infrastructure were damaged in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regions

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

Levels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limits

Moscow conveys to US Russian businesses’ interest in participating in G20 events — sherpa

There is a well-established ‘Business 20’ (B20) format, Denis Agafonov recalled

EU Court of Justice allows criminal prosecution for reposting RT videos — judgement

The court ruled that the EU sanctions ban on RT broadcasts "applies also to a website accessible to the public free of charge"

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

Dmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian population

Lithuanian leadership backs lifting constitutional ban on nuclear weapons deployment

President Gitanas Nauseda, Acting Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, designated Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius, Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas and Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas supported the initiative

Closure of railway border crossings with EU not affecting national economy — lawmaker

Leonid Liminchuk, Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Industrial Policy, Energy, Housing and Utilities of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia, called this a technical issue

Zelensky becoming 'lame duck' even for Kiev hardliners — governor

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term has ended and that the head of the Kiev regime is clinging to power through a ban on normal political competition

Turkey boosts NATO role as Europe’s reliance on US weakens — agency

According to Bloomberg, Ankara is becoming an increasingly important member of the alliance as it strengthens its defense industry and arms exports

Vance says US may resume military action against Iran

If the Iranians try to rebuild their nuclear program, if they try to start shooting at commercial vessels again, that's going to change our calculus, US Vice President said

Senior Russian senator calls Israel 'only clear loser in war with Iran'

According to Konstantin Kosachev, this situation is evident, in particular, in the fact that Israel should not continue its military operations against Lebanon, but it does so because "anything else would look like a defeat"

Kiev not seeking peace, Zelensky tasked with escalating conflict — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Kiev regime is not independent

Kiev escalates conflict with Poland with decision on pantheon of heroes — Nawrocki office

On July 1, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the creation of a "national pantheon," where Nazi accomplices from the UPA can be reburied

Belgium edges out Senegal with 3-2 comeback win at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Belgium is set to play its Round of 16 match against either the US or Bosnia and Herzegovina

China to accelerate development of world-class armed forces — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader emphasized that "a strong country must have a strong military" and that national security is impossible without powerful armed forces

US Navy helicopter makes emergency landing in Arabian Sea, one person missing

There is no indication that the emergency was caused by hostile action, the military said

Russian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, Finland

The Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1

Explosion hits Damascus, causing casualties — TV

According to the report, the incident occurred on Al-Nasr Street near the Palace of Justice, leaving several people injured

Russian forces hit Kiev facility that manufactures Flamingo missile control systems

The Russian forces delivered the strike in retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attacks on civilian infrastructure on Russian territory

Next round of Iran-US talks to begin on July 18 — TV

The location of the talks between the Iranian and US delegations has not yet been disclosed

Estonian presidential adviser admits Tallin assists Kiev forces’ attacks on St. Petersburg

Madis Roll clarified Estonia's stance regarding drone incidents that have fallen on Estonian territory, emphasizing that Tallinn does not blame Ukraine

IN BRIEF: Novak’s key statements on Russia’s gasoline supply and fuel prices

The Russian deputy PM stressed that the fuel situation is monitored and adjusted on a daily basis

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

Three civilians were wounded

Iran's Security Council vows punishment for those responsible for Ali Khamenei's death

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said "the file of revenge for the pure blood of Khamenei and the innocent martyrs of Iran remains open"

Kiev announces mechanism of controlled weapons export

"As many as 20% of revenues from the export of finished goods and technologies, and 30% of revenues from component exports will be transferred to a special state budget fund for the development of the Ukrainian defense industry," Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko said

Kremlin briefing covers Russia's massive strike on Ukraine, EU's confrontation with Moscow

The European Union's escalation toward Russia further intensifies already heightened tensions across Europe, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilities

Most Europeans say EU cannot defend itself in event of attack — poll

Respondents identified the Baltic states, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Portugal, Italy, and Ireland as the countries least prepared to wage a war on their own

Kremlin has no information whether ‘Power of Siberia 2’ deal will be finalized at EEF

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the topic was raised during President Putin's recent visit to China

Demand for Rosatom charging station services surge by 40% — CEO

Alexey Likhachev noted that owners of hybrid cars, seeking to reduce dependence on gasoline, began to use the stations more actively

France’s National Assembly approves hike in military budget

Total defense spending under the 2024-2030 program will now increase from 400 to 436 billion euros

Asset grab, Kiev trail: who tried to kill Ukrainian oligarch Yermolayev

The Kiev regime could have organized an attempt on Yermolayev because of the "redistribution of financial flows," Yevgeny Brykov, head of the information policy department of the Kherson Region, believes

US advances to Round of 16 at 2026 World Cup after 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

The US is set to face Belgium

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

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 155 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey agree to protect underwater infrastructure in Black Sea

The Bulgarian government has approved amendments to a memorandum on the establishment of a joint naval mine countermeasure group

Russian diplomat reveals what EU can do to bring relations back on good track

Brussels and other European capitals must end all unfriendly actions against Russia, Maria Zakharova said

Europe at hard times finding suitable negotiator for talks with Russia — senator

According to Konstantin Kosachev, this person should possess sufficient authority in Europe, and he or she must have sufficient credibility in Russia

FACTBOX: German federal prosecutors file charges, Kiev’s involvement in Nord Streams blast

Prosecutors support media reports that the sabotage team used a sailing yacht rented with forged documents to transport explosives to the pipelines

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

Press review: US-Iran truce strains and EU struggles on new Russia sanctions

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 1st

Liberation of Ukrainskoye in Kharkov Region creates conditions for Russian advance

Assault units from the 82nd and 83rd mechanized infantry regiments of the Battlegroup North overcame persistent Ukrainian resistance, repelling the last remnants of a separate motorized infantry brigade

Ukrainian drone with explosives crashes in Turkey’s Trabzon Province — newspaper

No injuries were reported in the incident

Europe should bear financial burden of Ukraine war — US envoy to NATO

The United States will continue to do what it does, Matthew Whitaker noted

Ukrainian parliament approves creation of 'national pantheon'

287 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill

Moscow cannot ignore EU’s commitment to confrontation with Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov believes it is clear that Europe is escalating tensions with Russia

Russia to take response measures over deployment of US missile systems in Japan — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow is coordinating with its partners on maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific region

Lavrov, Red Cross head sum up work on verifying data on crimes in Kiev — MFA

Both sides emphasized the importance of "strictly observing international humanitarian law and depoliticized cooperation in this area," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

ICAO chooses to simply rubber-stamp MH17 crash investigation — Russian diplomat

"The Council misused its mandate, particularly demanding that Russia hold talks with Australia and the Netherlands on paying the so-called reparations for the crash," Maria Zakharova said

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

Russia to have decent representation at upcoming G20 summit in US — sherpa

Denis Agafonov confirmed that Moscow is aware of public statements from US officials regarding plans to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 meeting

Lavrov believes Japan still has supporters of cooperation with Russia

The top diplomat's message was read out at the exhibition’s opening ceremony at the Russian Embassy in Tokyo

Qatari diplomat notes progress at US-Iranian indirect talks in Doha

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari added that the parties would try to schedule the next meeting as soon as possible following the funeral procession for the former Iranian supreme leader

FACTBOX: What we know about drone attack on Russia's diplomatic mission in Sweden

One drone dropped a container filled with red paint onto the embassy grounds, while the second drone carrying a mock improvised explosive device crashed

US stance regarding Ukraine limited by shifts in rhetoric so far — Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev noted that the current US presidential administration does not support Kiev to the extent that former American leader Joe Biden did

Russia’s Battlegroup Center deploys latest BM-70 drones with 100 km strike range

The BM-70 drone is outfitted with a powerful payload capable of penetrating reinforced concrete shelters and taking facilities out of service

Russian army increases advance pace in DPR in June — military expert

Andrey Marochko specified that in June Russian forces had liberated 20 settlements, including ten in the DPR

Russia 80% adapted to external challenges — Novak

According to the official, gasoline and diesel fuel volumes are sufficient in the domestic market, despite the turnarounds underway at some oil refineries

Moscow says Chisinau prevents withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria

The Moldovan authorities are trying to shift the blame from their sick head to the healthy one, Maria Zakharova said

Kiev’s atrocities surpass terror violence in various world regions — Russian MFA

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to the atrocities against civilians who fell into the hands of Ukrainian soldiers

Transfer of Kiev’s military firms to West turns inhabitants into 'human shield' — diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova added that the international program Build with Ukraine, which forms a shared Ukrainian-NATO production network, is one of the most cynical and dangerous adventures related to the participation of NATO countries in the conflict

Iran warns US, Israel against strikes during supreme leader farewell ceremonies

Farewell ceremonies for Ali Khamenei will begin in Tehran on July 3

NATO does not care Kiev uses its technologies for terrorist purposes — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that Ukrainian military drones employed in these attacks are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence capable of making autonomous decisions

Russia calls for practical steps to ensure non-use of force between Transcaucasia nations

Such an approach would make a significant contribution to strengthening stability in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement

South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Russia voice concern over Georgia's accelerating NATO integration

The 67th round of the Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus concluded on July 1 at the UN Palace of Nations in Geneva

Russian forces strike facilities used by Kiev for killing civilians — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, it was a terrible night for the city

West effectively at war with Russia now — Slovak PM

Robert Fico called for peace, which, in his view, can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations

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

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Newly formed Russian mobile units assume combat duty to protect energy sites from drones

During several weeks of training, the mobile fire groups honed the skills of protecting strategic facilities from aerial threats

There can be no compromise on addressing root causes of conflict in Ukraine — senator

Konstantin Kosachev recalled that Russia had demonstrated a willingness to compromise in the past

German defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'

Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"

Ukraine must withdraw troops from Donbass for conflict to end — Russian MFA

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Ukrainian authorities should "stop making unrealistic demands"

NATO chief admits to sleepless nights over Russia

According to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer term

NATO to announce long-term commitments to support Ukraine at Ankara summit — US envoy

Matthew Whitaker also stressed that the United States would continue working toward a peaceful settlement in Ukraine

Von der Leyen "excellent liar" saying Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe — Zakharova

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that any EU citizen can sue the European Commission president for this statement and win the case

Russia begins testing new Svarog pro AI-assisted interceptor drone in combat

The drone that is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs is hand-launched and is used jointly with a ground-based control station, enabling an operator to strike targets at a distance of up to 17 km

Drone attack on Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod kills one, injures four others — governor

According to Gleb Nikitin, several houses and an industrial facility were damaged from falling drone debris

Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhny Novgorod Region kills one as Russia downs 327 UAVs

More than 25 drones were destroyed over six districts in southern Russia’s Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar reported

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russian massive retaliatory strike against Ukraine

Military-industrial enterprises and facilities of the fuel and energy complex in the city of Kiev and the Kiev region were struck, as well as the infrastructure of military airfields in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regions

Death toll from devastating Venezuela earthquake surpasses 2,000

Speaker of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez says the number of fatalities has reached 2,295

Germany accuses suspect in Nord Streams bombings of war crime — TV

According to the German investigation, the Ukrainian was the leader of a sabotage group