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Economic growth in developing Asia projected at 5% in 2026 — report

India is still the leader in the region in terms of growth rate, ADB experts said

TOKYO, September 23. /TASS/. Economic growth in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected at 5% this year compared to 2025, the Manila-headquartered Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in its September Asian Development Outlook (ADO). The 2026 forecast is 0.1 percentage points higher than the previous outlook in July.

India is still the leader in the region in terms of growth rate, ADB experts said. They expect the country’s GDP growth to reach 7%, which is 0.4 percentage points higher than projected in the previous report.

The forecast for China’s GDP growth remained intact at 4.6%. GDP in Southeast Asian countries is expected to grow by an average of 4.7%. The report does not cover Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Coal supplies for Russia’s electric power industry to increase by almost 30% by 2050

They are expected to reach 90-100 mln tons by 2030, and 85-125 mln tons by 2050

IN BRIEF: Kremlin statements on European Russophobic stance, possible Putin-Trump meet

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that high-level negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, including those between Russia and the US, would be meaningless without prior preparation at the expert level

Russian forces strike Ukrainian metallurgical, chemical industry sites — top brass

Russian forces used sea-launched hypersonic Tsirkon missiles during a massive nighttime strike against targets in Ukraine

Ukraine's Interpipe Steel halts production after Russian strike

The company stated that its main production equipment and infrastructure had been damaged

Delegates from 11 countries unfriendly to Russia to attend United Cultures Forum

The St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum will take place from September 24 to 26

US, Denmark, Greenland support NATO activities expansion in Arctic

According to the agreement, the US request "to establish unmanned military installations in Greenland" will be considered under an accelerated procedure

EU decides not to renew sanctions against three individuals, one entity

Three deceased persons have also been removed from the list

New agreement allows US to expand Greenland base, establish two more

The document allows a foreign military presence on the island only with the consent of the three partie

Introduction of temporary administration preemptive signal to EU — RSPP chief

Alexander Shokhin expects the attempts to use Russian assets to continue

Russia, Belarus to convene UN meeting on work on Eurasian Charter on September 25 — MFA

The idea of drafting the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century was first put forward at the First International Conference on Eurasian Security, held in Minsk in October 2023

Former CIA analyst says EU has no means to back threats against Russia

Larry Johnson added that European economy, as well as cultures are broken

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s logistics centers, energy facilities, defense enterprises

The Russian Armed Forces also hit a dry cargo ship carrying military supplies en route to the port of Odessa

Kosovo Albanian militants to face punishment for their actions — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the Kosovo Liberation Army as a "classic armed gang"

Ukrainian forces try their best to prevent Russian kids from receiving education — envoy

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that distance learning has been introduced in many frontline areas to protect children from danger

Russia’s Yak-130M aircraft effectively hunts enemy strike UAVs — Rostec

The state corporation emphasized that the Yak-130M has turned from a "flying classroom" into a full-fledged combat aircraft as a result of modernization

NABU winning 'smear campaign' in Ukraine — former SBU employee

Vasily Prozorov considers what is happening in the country to be a "very bad sign" for Zelensky

Ex-Ukrainian soldiers fighting alongside Russians capture group of Ukrainian servicemen

The Maxim Krivonos Battalion was formed three years ago from former Ukrainian servicemen

Russia has to achieve goals by force, no hope for dialogue with Kiev — former CIA officer

Larry Johnson said the denazification of Ukraine has to take place, which means new elections

Russia promises to use all available means for peaceful resolution of Ukrainian conflict

No one will force Russia to abandon the defined goals and objectives, Maria Zakharova emphasized

Pezeshkian to follow Iran's interests on Trump meeting at UNGA — envoy

Kazem Jalali added that US President Donald Trump lies every day about the actions of Iranian officials

US President Trump threatens Iran with ‘quick annihilation’ if no deal reached

The US leader noted that the deal would Iran to create "a far greater country than it ever was before"

Liberation of Dobropolye to disrupt Ukrainian forces’ logistics in Kramatorsk — DPR head

"The main supply route to the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk metropolitan area from the Dnepropetrovsk Region runs through Dobropolye," Denis Pushilin said

Lavrov to take part in about 20 international meetings at UN, Russian diplomat tells TASS

According to Kirill Logvinov, the top priorities are undoubtedly the ministerial meetings with Russia’s allies within the Collective Security Treaty Organization

Bank of Russia cuts dollar rate for September 23 to 84.07 rubles

The regulator lowered the yuan exchange rate by 1.57 kopecks to 12.5291 rubles

IN BRIEF: Russian army completes encirclement of Ukraine’s strongpoint in Dobropolye

The elimination of the trapped enemy formations is underway, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Japanese PM calls for reform of UN Security Council

Sanae Takaichi said that the Security Council reflects the international situation of 1945 in its current form, rather than today’s realities

Lavrov, Rubio may discuss cooperation between two countries at UN — Russian MFA

After Donald Trump returned to the White House, "Washington’s policy at the United Nations has become more pragmatic," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Press review: US may impose sanctions on ICC as AfD may push for early elections

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 22nd

PM Mishustin stresses importance of balanced approach to financial market development

Mikhail Mishustin noted that new infrastructure is becoming the main driver of change

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

Russia’s MOEX and RTS indices added 0.46% to 2,310.59 and 865.78 points, respectively

Putin speaks by phone with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince

The Russian leader congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on the upcoming national holiday - the day marking the founding of Saudi Arabia

Russian forces take multi-level approach to striking targets in Ukraine — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that a key aspect of the Russian strikes against Ukraine’s industrial sector is the systematic nature of the elimination of the Kiev regime’s military-industrial potential

Russia distances itself from two items on UN General Assembly agenda

They concern the 'temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine' and the 'international residual mechanism for criminal tribunals'"

Spain to reject Russian LNG despite its companies’ contracts — foreign minister

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares noted that Madrid would comply with the relevant restrictions previously adopted by the European Union

UN chief has long called for end to Ukraine conflict — spokesman

Earlier, Donald Trump stressed that it was important for Ukraine to try to achieve a settlement of the conflict with Russia before winter

Trump keeps Kiev concessions secret, says deal with Russia coming

The meeting with Zelensky took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly

Kremlin slams West’s talk of energy ceasefire 'mere rhetoric' for Kiev’s militarization

Dmitry Peskov said that European countries are trying to find more money to purchase weapons

Ukrainian troops almost completely driven out of Klinovoye by Russian forces — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian forces are also developing their offensive toward Druzhkovka from the side of Kurtovka

Russia’s Lancet systems, strike UAVs destroy Ukraine’s foreign artillery systems

Reconnaissance teams detected a camouflaged M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer and two Bogdan self-propelled howitzers

US to expand military presence in Greenland, build two bases — Trump

Donald Trump stated that no US adversary will be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland

Trump says 'a lot of good thoughts' presented at Iran meeting

The US President said his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff "met with the mediators on Iran deal"

Russia’s grain, oilseed harvests in 2026 exceed last year’s levels

The harvesting of the new crop is gradually entering its final stage, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev noted

US must accept new status of Strait of Hormuz for shipping to pass through — Iranian envoy

It will be determined "precisely by the two countries that possess this strait - Iran and Oman," Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said

Russian banks’ August profit remains virtually unchanged from July at $5.22 bln

Funds held by individuals at Russian banks declined by 0.2% in August to $812.57 bln

Russia’s Defense Ministry reports use of Tsirkon missiles in nighttime strike on Ukraine

The ministry compared the massive strike to the Ninth Wave

Japanese PM calls for removing term 'enemy states' from UN Charter

In her speech, Sanae Takaichi recalled that a 2005 UN World Summit resolution expressed a determination to remove references to "enemy states" from the UN Charter

Russia shoots down 17 drones over regions and Black Sea over past day

On-duty air defense forces intercepted Ukrainian UAVs over three Russian regions

Press review: Trump, Zelensky signal Russia deal interest as Moscow eyes fresh US dialogue

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 23rd

Xi Jinping’s visit to US: what to expect from talks with Trump

The agenda includes fentanyl precursors, mutual moratoriums, rare earth supplies, US tariffs, China’s access to advanced artificial intelligence chips and other high-tech products, and US arms supplies to Taiwan

Czech diesel prices rise by 14.3% in August, highest increase in EU

The EU average was 8.3%

Trump stresses need to settle Ukraine conflict with Russia before winter

Vladimir Zelensky earlier acknowledged that the coming winter in Ukraine would be "very difficult"

US AI Force being created after same pattern as Space Force — expert

Alexander Stepanov also noted that the new organization will be headed by a person whom Trump himself has called the "AI Czar" – the nation’s digital leader

‘Sanctions from hell’ law not expected to hurt Russian exports

According to Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs President Alexander Shokhin, political support for business projects takes on particular importance under such conditions

US seeks partial Ukraine ceasefire by winter, Finnish president says

According to the Alexander Stubb, the US president is seeking to take an even more active role in peace talks

Lethal autonomous weapons becoming military reality, UN chief says

According to Antonio Guterres, power is shifting in three directions at once

Russian air defenses show unmatched efficiency repelling Sept 20 attack on Moscow — expert

Igor Potapov emphasized that this level of effectiveness was achieved through the coordinated performance of the Russian air defense forces, the interaction between the regional and Defense Ministry’s capabilities

Germany finds substance resembling explosives near military airfield — newspaper

According to the media outlet, the forensic experts have not yet completed their examination of the substance

Oil refineries, ports emerge as main customers for interceptor UAVs — expert

According to Mikhail Filippov, the Ukrainian armed forces have also been targeting facilities that are not included in the list of critical infrastructure, forcing owners to bear additional costs to protect their facilities

Kremlin comments on US denying visa to senior Russian diplomat, Zelensky’s statements

Dmitry Peskov said the US refusal to grant a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov to participate in the UN General Assembly will be discussed during contacts between Moscow and Washington

Putin ready to meet with Trump, no details available — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump always emphasized their readiness to hold another meeting

Finnish politician says NATO should return to its 1990s borders to reach peace in Ukraine

"The west will re-arm Ukraine if any peace deal were made," Armando Mema said

Ukrainian authorities treat people like concentration camp prisoners — Russian envoy

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik also stressed that the Ukrainian elites are not concerned about the problems of people

Xi Jinping's visit to US to stabilize markets, geopolitical situation — expert

As Qian emphasized, Xi’s scheduled trip to the US will mark his second meeting with Donald Trump in the past six months

Debunking Bucha false-flag operation, UN’s confusing reports: top diplomat’s statements

Sergey Lavrov noted that the West nurtured a generation that believes the wildest anti-Russian cliches

US studying tougher Russia sanctions law — Trump

Donald Trump stressed that "it's a very severe bill"

Four dead and five injured: fire in southern Urals mall

47 people and 16 units of equipment were involved in the firefighting effort

F-16 fighter jet crashes near Spangdahlem US airbase in western Germany — airbase

According to the statement, the cause of the incident is under investigation

Situation at Bushehr NPP construction site currently calm — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, there are currently 63 specialists at the facility

Ukraine loses nearly 1,400 troops in special op zone over past 24 hours — Defense Ministry

Russian Battlegroup North units took control over the Krasny Yar and Potikhonovo settlements in the Kharkov Region in the course of the special military operation over the past day

Trump undermined trust in US during negotiations on Greenland deal — senator

According to Jeanne Shaheen, Donald Trump’s threats and bullying rhetoric on Greenland issue have come at a cost

Ukraine redeploying Colombian mercenary groups to Kharkov — Russian defense source

According to defense agencies, the number of foreign mercenaries in the Ukrainian armed forces is approaching 16,500, including 7,000 Colombians

US to get free access to Greenland’s airspace and territorial waters

United States aircraft may fly over and land in any territory in Greenland

No clear front-runner for post of new UN secretary general yet — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry official Kirill Logvinov noted that the problem lies not so much with the candidates themselves as with the scale and nature of the tasks that the new secretary general will have to address urgently

Attempts to cancel Russian culture after 2022 have failed, deputy PM says

Tatyana Golikova also mentioned unsuccessful attempts to isolate the country

Lavrov, Guterres to meet on sidelines of UN General Assembly — MFA

The Russian side will present a report by the International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of the UN General Assembly that exposes the falsification of events in Bucha, Maria Zakharova said

Rostec introduces fully domestically produced Igla small-arms system

The system will replace a number of foreign counterparts

US could push Ukraine toward peace, but it lacks will to do so — former CIA officer

Larry Johnson believes that Washington has leverage over Kiev, yet so far it has been unwilling to use that leverage

US stays ready to use military force to protect its key national interests — Trump

The US president said that Washington will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere

Guterres’s actions as Secretary-General ruined trust in UN — Russian MFA

Kirill Logvinov, Director of the MFA Department of International Organizations, said the Portuguese official’s tenure will be remembered for frequent instances of departure from adherence to the fundamental norms and principles of the UN Charter

Russian foreign minister to begin working program at UN General Assembly high-level week

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the UN remains "an indispensable and most representative universal platform for multilateral diplomacy"

Damaged civilian facilities in Samara Region, 297 downed UAVs: Ukrainian attack aftermath

As a result of the Ukrainian attack, one civilian died and four others were injured in Russia’s southwestern Samara Region

Russian non-resource exports rise by 8% in first seven months

Russia's non-resource exports exceeded $1.14 bln

Ukraine cannot win drone war — Russian expert

Alexey Chadayev said that Ukraine is wasting a lot of money

Russian Permanent Mission staff in New York can move only within '25-mile zone' — MFA

Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations Kirill Logvinov said the dialogue is ongoing with the US side to remove bilateral irritants, including restrictions on staff of the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN

Witkoff calls consultations with Iran through mediators successful

US Special Envoy noted that the mediators will continue their work

Russian foreign minister arrives in New York to attend 81st session of UN General Assembly

The central event of the visit will be Sergey Lavrov’s address to the general political debate, scheduled for September 26

US to supply allies with weapons 'at faster rate' in near future — President Trump

Donald Trump announced that massive munition plants will be opening

Iran has not drawn on foreign military experience in war with US — ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali said that Iran relied entirely on the internal potential

Zelensky receives no clear answer from Trump to request to give air defense missiles

Vladimir Zelensky noted that Ukraine has a shortage of missiles for Patriots

IN BRIEF: What is known about Hungary’s refusal to join Carpathian Eight

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar noted that while Hungary had been invited, it did not participate in the initiative, citing "valid reasons" for the decision

Iran is not holding any negotiations with US — ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali emphasized that the US leader was trying to balance energy prices with his statements

Consultations among 5 UNSC permanent members on new secretary general soon — Russian MFA

Antonio Guterres' term expires December 31, 2026

US, Denmark, Greenland sign agreement on island's security

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York

Press review: State Duma set to keep five parties while Europe faces record fuel prices

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 21st

EU ambassadors agree on historic 3-year extension of Russia sanctions — Reuters

According to the agency's sources, EU permanent representatives agreed to lift sanctions on Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman

Europe faces harsh winter amid gas supply problems — IEA

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that gas storage levels in the region stood at historically low levels at present

France to supply interceptor missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine — Macron

The French leader added that he discussed this initiative with US President Donald Trump

Trump thinks he, Putin may meet soon, but unlikely at US G20 summit

The G20 summit will take place on December 14-15 in Doral near Miami

Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz within week if US agrees to its terms — Kyodo

Tehran’s demands include lifting the US blockade of Iran’s ports, ending the war on all fronts, and unblocking Iran’s frozen assets

Iran satisfied with pace of military cooperation with Russia, says ambassador to Moscow

According to Kazem Jalali, the cooperation is expanding more rapidly than in the past

Russia concerned about military-biological activities of several countries — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, half a century after the BTWC took effect in 1975, "the problem of ensuring biological security has not lost its urgency"