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Bank of Russia does not expect negative GDP figures for Q2 due to fuel situation

An updated medium-term macroeconomic forecast will be released at the meeting of the regulator’s Board of Directors on July 24

ST. PETERSBURG, July 3. /TASS/. The situation in the fuel market will impact Russia’s GDP in the second quarter of this year, but no negative figures are expected, Central Bank Deputy Governor Alexey Zabotkin said.

"The reduction in intake in the fuel sector will, of course, be reflected in the Q2 figures," he told reporters.

Asked whether GDP could turn negative in the second quarter, Zabotkin said: "I don't think so."

An updated medium-term macroeconomic forecast will be released at the meeting of the regulator’s Board of Directors on July 24, he noted.

"The forecast will be updated in July, taking into account all the parameters included in it," the official said.

Russia’s National Wealth Fund totals 13.104 trillion rubles on July 1 — Finance Ministry

As of July 1, the National Wealth Fund held 189.8 bln Chinese yuan and 141.1 metric tons of gold in accounts with the Bank of Russia

Moscow, Minsk coordinating their efforts to counter external threats — Putin

The Russian president emphasized that Belarus’ Independence Day was significant to Russians as well because it was linked to a glorious event in their shared history: the liberation of Minsk from Nazi invaders

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

Attacker who caused explosion in Monaco stays in Europe — TV

According to the channel, it is not Monaco or France

Zelensky says Kiev in contact with US negotiators

As the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yet

Woman killed by Ukrainian projectile in Belgorod

The attack caused serious damage to power infrastructure and led to disruptions in electricity and water supplies to the city’s residents

Germany's deindustrialization began with Nord Stream blasts, RDIF head Dmitriev says

The Russian special presidential representative said it was accompanied by Germany's economic decline

Bank of Russia to assess feasibility of key rate cut at July meeting

Kirill Tremasov everything voiced in June remains relevant

Learning personally from Putin about Russia’s foreign policy important for Turkey — Fidan

The Foreign Minister added that it is important for Turkey to understand Russia’s position on the "ongoing peace process in the Caucasus," positions and opinions on Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria

Russia successfully tests new fixed-wing FPV training drone

The trials took place at the Moscow Military District's counter-UAV center

EU to grant Armenia €38 mln and open market for 80% of its goods — von der Leyen

EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million to help strengthen and diversify its trade

UK, EU countries finance killings of Russian civilians by Kiev — Foreign Ministry

Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stressed that everyone who voted to provide Kiev with a 90-billion loan to continue its terrorist war over the next two years has taken part in the killing of civilians

Ukrainian attack on city bus in Lugansk People’s Republic leaves 12 injured

Leonid Pasechnik added that Russian investigators continued to document the consequences of such attacks

Bullet found among ‘d’Artagnan’s remains’ in Maastricht turns out to be a nail

The researchers acknowledged that the discovery sheds no light on the cause of the man’s death and has no significance for establishing his identity

Senior Russian senator says high time to stop calling Britain ‘Great’

According to Konstantin Kosachev, Britain is a "unique" country in many respects

EU countries see Hormuz Strait fees as inevitable

According to the media outlet, Europe has not yet formalized its position as the United States continues to press for free passage through the strait, while European countries are "also pushing for an international maritime coalition to help with clearing mines in Hormuz"

Press review: US military aid to Israel debate grows as US ramps up pressure on Cuba

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 2nd

Dutch government advisory council urges long-term funding for Ukraine

According to the report by the Advisory Council on International Affairs, the prospects for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict depend directly on maintaining large-scale military assistance to Kiev

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

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on Minsk-Anapa bus in Bryansk Region

Two bus drivers from Belarus' Gomel Region and one passenger were injured as a result of the drone attack

Somali pirates demand $10 mln for release of tanker — portal

According to the news outlet, the vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, was seized on May 2 in the Gulf of Aden while transporting diesel fuel from the UAE

Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs recommends sending military to Ukraine

The body that advises the Dutch government and parliament on foreign policy says the Netherlands should take part in a potential international military mission to Ukraine when a ceasefire agreement is reached

Mobile UAV jammer protects Russian troops, vehicles from enemy drones — tech firm

The ‘Puzzle’ radio jammer operates within a 300-meter radius

Ronaldo’s sister says he will end football career after FIFA World Cup

This championship will be his last tournament in the national team’s uniform, Katia Aveiro says

Putin extends Independence Day greetings to Belarus’ Lukashenko

The Russian president noted that Moscow and Minsk had been working together productively in all areas, coordinating their efforts in countering external threats and challenges

Four more drones downed while approaching Moscow — mayor

First responders are working at the crash sites

Over 200 children in Russia affected by Ukrainian attacks from April to June — ambassador

Rodion Miroshnik said that it is the highest figure in the past two years

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

One person killed, two more injured in Ukraine’s drone attack on Bryansk Region

Governor Yegor Kovalchuk expressed his condolences to the man's family and friends

Over 19,000 rescuers deployed to Venezuela’s quake-hit La Guaira state — leader

Delcy Rodriguez thanked other nations for their assistance, adding that 147 countries have shown solidarity with Venezuela

Ukrainian 'national pantheon' to be installed in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra — Culture Ministry

The decision on reburial will require approval through a vote of the Verkhovna Rada, the Center for Strategic Communications under the Culture Ministry said

German defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'

Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"

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

Kiev records health-threatening levels of air pollution — TV

Since late last week, air pollution has been present in Kiev due to smoke from fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

US attained practically all its goals during negotiations with Iran — Trump

The US president said he was not going to wage a war against Iran for years

Tanzania become 34th country with direct flights from Russia in summer season

Flights on the route Dar es Salaam - Moscow - Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam will be operated three times a week

Ukraine attacked Belarusian bus to provoke Minsk — Russian Senator

Kiev is also trying to intimidate residents of the Union State, threatening reprisals for trying to enter the territory of Russia, Russian Senator from the Kherson Region Igor Kastyukevich said

Pilgrims arrive in Tehran for farewell ceremony for Ali Khamenei

According to the Iranian authorities, several million pilgrims are expected in Tehran

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

Practically all La Guaira officials killed during earthquake — acting president

Delcy Rodriguez separately said the government would announce economic measures aimed at rebuilding the country on Friday

Erdogan regularly holds consultations with Putin on regional issues — Fidan

Because look at our region, at the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea basin, which is important to us. The Caucasus is important to us, Central Asia and the Middle East, said Turkish Foreign Minister

FSB foils terrorist plot on railway in Stavropol Region

According to the FSB, the suspect photographed the intended target and purchased chemicals to make Molotov cocktails

Monaco blast probably perpetrated by Ukrainian woman residing in Germany — newspaper

According to the Le Figaro article, the woman fled towards the commune of Beausoleil in southern France and later crossed into a neighboring country

Russia to create risk management tool for first industrial use of domestic technologies

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia has formed a special working group to consider this initiative

Amid Russian advance Ukraine is trying to draw Belarus into conflict — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that Moscow and Minsk remain prepared to utilize the full scope of their bilateral security agreement to safeguard their shared interests should Kiev's provocations escalate further

Israel tests its Iron Beam laser as part of modernized Iron Dome system

The Israeli Defense Ministry called the capabilities demonstrated during the test "a significant leap in the system's ability to counter a wide range of attack scenarios"

Chinese mobile UAV launch systems changing rules of war — expert

Yue Gang explained that containerized modular weapon systems provide "a distributed, intelligent combat architecture spanning both maritime and land domains"

Czech PM hits back at US criticism of Prague’s implementation of NATO commitments

Andrej Babis said that the Czech Republic is not a colony, but a partner

Identity of EU negotiator irrelevant as long as EU demands Russia's capitulation — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Russian side has consistently maintained that the EU’s representative should be someone who "has not said or done anything offensive towards Russia"

Kiev troops shell DPR 15 times in past day, one killed

Four people were wounded

US offers Iran access to frozen funds for free Hormuz Strait passage

Iran rejected the proposal, insisting on its right to control the Strait of Hormuz, while its military also threatened tough measures against vessels that do not use routes approved by Tehran, The Wall Street Journal noted

Russia develops augmented reality system for mobile fire team training

Designed for on-site training at actual combat positions, the system eliminates the need for ammunition expenditure and reduces barrel wear

Moscow, Minsk to defend their interests on world stage through partnership — Putin

The Russian leader wished his Belarusian counterpart good health and success and the Belarusian people well-being and prosperity

Bulgarian PM confirms readiness to veto EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia

Rumen Radev emphasized that he would do that in order to defend Bulgaria's national interests

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

Kaliningrad constantly on presidential, governmental agenda, Kremlin spokesman says

According to Dmitry Peskov, the development of the region is an ongoing priority

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

Three in serious condition after drone strike on bus in Lugansk People’s Republic

Nine people suffered injuries, Assistant Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov said

Merz sends more money to Kiev despite its role in Nord Stream sabotage — politician

Sahra Wagenknecht urged the German government to resume imports of Russian gas

Slovenian lawmaker questions idea of upping defense spending to please Trump

Slovenia could either "continue investing in projects that benefit the people" or "simply listen to what ‘daddy’ says and purchase only American weapons", said Martin Premk, a member of the Slovenian lower house of parliament representing the Freedom Movement, the largest opposition faction

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

US believes that Israel plotted assassination of Araghchi, Ghalibaf — NYT

According to the newspaper sources, when Washington learned about plans to assassinate the Iranian parliament speaker, it asked Israel to refrain from such attempts

Turkey calls Israel ‘problem for whole world’

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Israeli authorities "have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear"

Gold futures top $4,200 per ounce first time since June 22

As of 4:24 a.m. Moscow time, gold prices gained 1.96%

Death toll in Damascus explosion rises to nine — Health Ministry

Spokesman Wael Daghmash says that over 20 people were wounded

Moldovan prime minister announces resignation

Alexandru Munteanu said he could no longer carry out his mandate in accordance with his principles and convictions

Bomb in Monaco house activated when Yermolayev’s companion passed by — TV

"When Anna Nasobina passed by the bomb, the suspect detonated the explosive device using an object similar to a remote control," the source said

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

Finland on list of targets for Russian nuclear weapons — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of the Security Council explained that this happened after Finland lifted its ban on the import of nuclear weapons

Kiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoy

Boris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territory

Ukrainian army suffering heavy losses, fact evident during bodies swaps — MFA

The losses suffered by Kiev on the battlefield are enormous, the diplomat stressed

Spain defeats Austria in its first World Cup playoff victory in 16 years

The match ended with a score of 3:0

Russia says EAEU shares its concern about Armenia's rapprochement with EU

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added that these two integration associations are fundamentally incompatible

Kremlin sees Germany's continued sponsoring of Ukraine as paradox

Dmitry Peskov commented on Germany’s move to bring charges of sabotaging the gas pipelines against a Ukrainian national

Investigation sees woman behind Monaco explosion — Le Figaro

Several newspaper sources claim that the woman conducted reconnaissance several days and several hours before the explosion

Portugal advances to next round of FIFA World Cup playoff

Portugal defeated Croatia 2:1

Russia, Indonesia plan to expand space cooperation

According to Russia's Roscosmos CEO, in a period when space services are increasingly used worldwide, every country needs to have sovereign access to outer space

No more difference between two major US political parties — Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former lawmaker opined that it would be some time before a third powerful political force emerged in the US

Senior diplomats from Russia, China, Mongolia discuss trilateral cooperation

The sides also exchanged opinions on the security situation in northeast Asia, cooperation under the UN framework and as part of other organizations

Saudi Arabia sent largest oil shipment in four months through Hormuz

This indicates an increase in Saudi Arabia's oil exports after the United States and Iran agreed in June to resume maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg said

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

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

Switzerland advances to Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup

In the Round of 16, Switzerland will face the winner of the match between Colombia and Ghana

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’s Mnogotochiye rounds can shoot down enemy drone with first shot — Rostec

During the test, the presenter hit a drone with an attached soda bottle to visualize the damage with the first shot

Russian embassy in Sweden comes under drone attack again

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

NATO allies now assume more security responsibilities — Pentagon

Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby says Washington wants to see NATO as "an alliance of partnership, not dependency"

Finland takes side in Ukrainian conflict, to which has no relation — politician

Armando Mema, a member of the conservative Freedom Alliance party, says that in recent years, Finland has pursued a terrible policy towards Russia

Russia's new vehicle sales rise by 12% to 679,800 vehicles in 1H 2026

The market for domestically produced vehicles expanded by 29.3% to 431,000 vehicles

Press review: Iran, US far from peace deal and EU seeks to disrupt Russia-Armenia ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 3rd

Missile strike on Belgorod, fire near Smolensk, 155 UAVs target Russia: new attack

A woman was killed and another was injured after a Ukrainian munition struck the city of Belgorod

Russian government permits sales of Euro-3 fuel in Russia until year-end

Several oil processing plants were allowed to produce gasoline with higher maximum permitted sulfur content

Only one session scheduled at NATO summit to keep Trump’s attention — newspaper

According to the report, organizers will deliberately shorten the session duration to focus the US president’s attention on increasing defense spending

Russia ranks as EU's third-largest gas supplier in first half of year, trailing Norway, US

According to calculations, total Russian gas supplies to the EU in January-June amounted to approximately 22.1 billion cubic meters

Trump says he congratulated Musk on becoming trillionaire

The US leader added that he had "very good relations" with the entrepreneur

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clock

Investigators establish Monaco bomber identity — AFP

An arrest warrant has been issued

Transnistria extends yellow terrorist danger code for another two months

The yellow level has been in effect for fourth years after a series of terrorist attacks in 2022

Americans are 'tired of being engaged in foreign wars' — former US lawmaker

Marjorie Taylor Greene argued that the war with Iran had imposed significant economic costs on the United States

Putin supported request for extra fuel supplies to Kaliningrad Region — Kremlin

The head of state also backed a request "to allocate funds for subsidized air tickets for residents of the Kaliningrad Region," Dmitry Peskov said

West behind Ukraine terrorist state project now threatening Europe — politician

Kiev has already issued threats to European politicians too, Viktor Medvedchuk recalled