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RUSSIA'S ECONOMY

Russia’s international reserves hit new 5-year low at $388.5 bln as of Dec 26

Russia’s international reserves fell by $10.4 billion over a week

Russian Central Bank Pavel Smertin/TASS

Russian Central Bank

© Pavel Smertin/TASS

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MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign exchange and gold reserves fell 2.6% to $388.5 billion in the period from December 19 through December 26, the central bank said in a statement Wednesday.

In 2013, the foreign exchange and gold reserves fell 5% to $510 billion.

Russia’s international reserves have fallen below the $400 billion mark for the first time since August 2009.

During the crisis of 2008-2009, the country’s international reserves were seen to plummet to as low as $376 billion (mid-March 2009).

Russia’s international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets managed by the Central Bank of Russia. They comprise foreign currency, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a reserve position in the International Monetary Fund and monetary gold.

Without Ukrainian transit, gas to become much more expensive for Europe — expert

According to Karin Kneissl, in some households, people are already paying more for electricity and heating than for their rent

Germany's new chancellor may lead the West in standoff with Moscow — expert

At the same time, Oleg Bondarenko said, without affordable energy resources, the decline of the German economy will continue with no chance of stopping in the foreseeable future

Russia’s Velikiye Luki submarine dives to depth of 100 meters as part of tests

Upon completion of the underwater part of the test, the crew of the Velikiye Luki took the submarine to the surface and continued to carry out operations in accordance with the plan

Transneft restarts oil intake by rail for export shipments in Far East

This route of shipments to the port was not operated since 2016

Trump’s election victory changed Western approach to Ukrainian conflict, adviser says

According to Mike Waltz, Trump has made it clear that the war must end

Trump doesn’t want repeat of Minsk agreements — Kellogg

He expressed hope that the US president-elect will be able to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in a "relatively near term."

Roscosmos, NASA synchronize timeframes for completion of ISS — CEO

There are plans to start conducting manned flights to the new Russian Orbital Station about the same time when Russia exits the ISS program, chief executive of the Russian state space corporation Yury Borisov noted

Georgian court extends Saakashvili's arrest in border crossing case

Judge Mikhail Jinjolia explained that there remained a risk Saakashvili might escape or commit a new crime, so the motion to cancel the arrest was rejected

CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Kremlin announces countries to become BRICS partners from January 1

According to Yuri Ushakov, the confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan

Russian expert suspects Ursa Major sank due to act of sabotage

Alexander Stepanov remarked that such attacks are virtually impossible to identify and track down

Trump’s son posts image showing father buying Canada, Greenland on Amazon

"We are so back," Eric wrote for a caption

Russian embassy refutes reports on Sudan’s refusal to host Russian base

Some Western media outlets reported earlier, citing anonymous Sudanese intelligence sources, that Khartoum had allegedly annulled an agreement with Moscow on placing a Russian naval logistics support base due to potential US sanctions

Russian language taught in 4,500 schools in Tajikistan

Putin said 72 Russian teachers currently work in Tajikistan's schools, and next year their number will increase to 80

Mercenary from Norway faces criminal charges for incursion into Kursk Region

The investigation has found that Ocherkhadzhiyev personally participates in the armed conflict as a mercenary on Russian territory

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Indian envoy discuss schedule of political contacts

The sides also touched upon "a number of regional issues, as well as the cooperation between Russia and India within the BRICS format"

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

As Europe’s migrant crisis grows far and wide, many Russian media are recalling the late Libyan leader Muamar Gaddafi’s gloom prophecy made several months before his violent death

Four GLONASS navigation satellites ready for launch — Roscosmos head

Yury Borisov added that over the past year, Roscosmos has expanded its Earth remote sensing constellation by introducing high-resolution observation satellites, including a Resurs-P satellite and a Kondor radar imaging satellite

IN BRIEF: What is known about sinking of Ursa Major cargo ship in Mediterranean Sea

According to reports, fourteen crew members were rescued and two are missing

Syria’s Interior Ministry calls on members of former regime to hand over their arms

According to transitional Interior Minister Mohamed Abdel Rahman, the government has set a deadline for the handover of weapons held by members of the former regime and the public

Sunken tankers violated seasonal maritime traffic restrictions — authority

A number of tankers of the ships' owner Volgatransneft did not have a license for transporting dangerous cargoes in inland waters

Ukrainian deserters abroad are hunted through Interpol — parliament member

"The percentage of those who have left their newly formed brigades is the highest," Ruslan Gorbenko said

Another US fighter jet narrowly avoided friendly fire in Red Sea — Fox News

According to the report, the plane crew had to perform several maneuvers to dodge it

Putin notes importance of cooperation between Russian, Tajik regions

Many regions of Tajikistan and constituent regions of the Russian Federation have direct relations with each other, the Russian President stressed

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Press review: US, Israel aim to curb Turkey’s gains while Moscow, Tehran strengthen ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 24th

Uzbek president arrive in St. Petersburg to attend CIS, EAEU summits

The leaders are expected to discuss ways of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation within the CIS and EAEU

Trump wants to rename North America's tallest mountain Denali

Denali, standing at 6,168 meters, was once considered the highest point of the Russian Empire before the territory was sold to the United States

Putin, Rakhmon converse briefly ahead of bilateral talks

The leaders had a warm greeting, hugged each other, exchanged a couple of phrases and proceeded to the hall, where the bilateral negotiations started

Houthis say they attacked Israeli military target with hypersonic missile

The Israel Defense Forces said in the early hours on Tuesday that a missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted before entering Israel’s airspace

At least 21 killed in post-election violence in Mozambique

Pascoal Ronda suggested that the opposition probably joined forces with Islamic terrorists

Berlin’s any aggressive action will not remain unanswered — Russian ambassador

"This concerns both the potential use of Taurus and plans for stationing US mid-range and short-range missiles on German soil," Sergey Nechayev stressed

Top German officials pressured by Biden to strengthen anti-Russian coalition in EU — Dodik

"Now we see the outcome: a Europe burdened with numerous problems and struggling to determine how to establish relations with the Trump administration," the president of the Republika Srpska said

Roscosmos CEO says he has not yet spoken to NASA Administrator nominee

Yury Borisov emphasized that Roscosmos will need to establish relations with the new NASA administration following Trump’s inauguration on January 20

Russian forces gain control over road between Gulyaypole, Velikaya Novosyolka — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, actions by the Russian Armed Forces will compel the garrison of the Ukrainian armed forces in Velikaya Novosyolka to face difficulties with supplies and reinforcements

Gazprom expects EBITDA above $27.9 bln in 2024 — Deputy CEO

Gazprom will show strong results by key metrics as of the end of this year, the senior executive noted

Former Austrian minister names 4 suspect countries in connection with Nord Stream sabotage

Asked what countries could be behind the attack, Karin Kneissl replied that, like in an Agatha Christie novel, "there are many suspects in this imaginary room"

Putin notes Hermitage director’s contribution to world culture, his civic stance

The head of state mentioned this when bestowing upon Mikhail Piotrovsky the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, first class

Deliveries to unfriendly countries are slightly above 15% in Russian exports

CIS and the nearest Russian neighbors, Southeast Asia, Persian Gulf countries, Africa, Latin America and Iran are among other destinations for Russian exports

Without Ukrainian transit, gas to become much more expensive for Europe — expert

According to Karin Kneissl, in some households, people are already paying more for electricity and heating than for their rent

Russian scientists have lots of new ideas in nuclear sphere — researcher

Mikhail Kovalchuk also reiterated that for a long time, Russia has been and remains a guide for other countries in the sphere of developing technologies, including space

Initiative along entire frontline in Russian forces’ hands — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, Russian troops' daily advances amount to 1-2 kilometers (0.6-1.2 miles)

New US administration does not guarantee solution of Ukrainian crisis — expert

Ivan Timofeyev recalled that even during his first presidency, which proceeded in more favorable geopolitical conditions and without a personnel crisis, Trump pursued a hardline approach in relations with Russia

Keeping deaths of Russian journalists secret turns into global disgrace for West — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the report by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity for 2022-2023, failed to mention the numerous targeted killings of Russian journalists and military correspondents by the criminal Kiev regime

Hostilities in Ukraine to end in 2025 — Hungary’s Orban predicts

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that America and Europe spent about 300 billion euros on the war in Ukraine

Shelling on Donetsk decreases as frontline shifts — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that shelling in Donetsk’s Kirovsky and Petrovsky districts is expected to diminish further once Kurakhovo is liberated

South Korea's opposition postpones impeachment proceedings against acting president

The Democratic Party seeks clarification on whether the acting president will appoint new members to the Constitutional Court

Group of foreign mercenaries taken out in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The military said that a conversation in a foreign language was intercepted by radio intelligence before visual control over the group was established

Russian warship shoulders responsibility for rescue operation after cargo ship sinks

The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service is currently staying in the area of the accident in order to remove floating objects that can pose a danger to navigation and to check whether the marine environment might have been polluted

Qatar has not mediated between Russia, new Syrian authorities; ready for this role

Spokesman for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari noted that the emirate continued to maintain relations with Russia and stressed that they were positive

Former Austrian minister believes EU ignored message Russia sent with Oreshnik missile

According to Karin Kneissl, Russia doesn’t want to trigger any nuclear war

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military airfields, ammo depots over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian Defense Ministry identifies over 30 more people connected to US biolabs in Africa

The Major General noted that among these individuals are: servicemen of the US Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, employees of regional branches of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, disease control and prevention centers in Africa, as well as members of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Press review: Kiev escalates attacks as payments ease for Russian raw material buyers

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 23rd

Over 150 spontaneous graves found in Popasnaya in LPR

Around 250 people are still staying in the city

Turkey’s, US defense chiefs discuss Syria, security issues

A conversation took place between National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Strike on SBU control center response to Russian general’s assassination, expert says

The ministry clarified that Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Kamensky Integrated Plant in the Rostov Region using six US-made ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles

Putin bestows order upon Hermitage director general

The head of the State Hermitage Museum now has the full set of Orders for Merit to the Fatherland

Houthis say attacked US aircraft carrier in Red Sea, shot down US fighter jet

According to the Houthi spokesman, the strike on US vessels was delivered with the use of "eight cruise missiles and 17 drones"

Russia continues special military op because Ukraine refuses talks — Kremlin

"It is important for us to achieve all the goals that we face in ensuring the security of our country," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russia not to deviate 'one bit' from its main conditions in talks on Ukraine — speaker

"Certainly, the negotiation process will begin next year, without any doubt, but in my opinion it will be very complex," Valentina Matviyenko stressed

More than 20 countries show interest in BRICS — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov noted that uncontrolled expansion of the association would break its backbone

Russia’s FPV drone Gortenzia with fiber-optic cable control used in military operation

The design bureau added that the drone is also equipped with a universal payload attachment system

Press review: Putin outlines Russia's future goals and Tehran faces energy blackout riots

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 20th

FACTBOX: What to know about Ursa Major shipwreck in Mediterranean Sea

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry's Situation and Crisis Center, the Ursa Major, built in 2009 and owned by a company called SK-Yug, sank after an explosion in the engine room

Almost 440,000 Russians sign up for military service this year — Medvedev

"The results of work over the year can already be assessed," the politician said

Russia not closing its border with Estonia — MFA

Russian border crossings near the Estonian border are functioning as usual, Maria Zakharova said

Syria’s new authorities rename hospitals named after ex-president’s family members

Some of them were named after Bashar Assad’s brother Bassel, who died in a car crash in 1994

Gazprom sets gas price in budget below current prices — Deputy CEO

Key parameters of the budget for 2025 are based on the forecast of macroeconomic indicators of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Famil Sadygov said

Sandu takes office as Moldova’s president for her second term

Parliamentarians, members of the Constitutional Court, and foreign diplomats attended her inauguration

United Kingdom’s defense expenditures up by 14% in past decade — The Times

According to the article, Iran’s military budget grew by 57%, China’s - by 60% and Russia’s - by 34% in the reported period

Greece continues to ship munitions to Ukraine en masse — website

According to the report, the people of Greece witnessed the passage of convoys of Greek and foreign-made trucks transporting containers, mainly with shells, to Balkan states and Poland, and eventually to Ukraine

Situation with gas supplies from Russia to Europe difficult — Kremlin

"You have heard the Ukrainian side’s statement and you know the position of the European countries that continue purchasing Russian gas and that consider it necessary for normal operation of their economy," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian drone operators use air ramming to down 4 Ukrainian copters in Kharkov Region

UAV operators of the battle group North continue to be on round-the-clock duty in the sky over Kharkov Region and identify reconnaissance and strike drones of the Ukrainian militants

Deployment of Moldovan troops to Transnistria to violate settlement accords — expert

On April 15, 2013, two explosions, with 12 seconds in between, happened in Boston’s downtown, near the finish line of the traditional marathon

Tajikistan satisfied with development of relations with Russia — President Rakhmon

According to Emomali Rakhmon, the year 2024 was very beneficial for both countries

Putin travels to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

On Tuesday, the Russian leader is scheduled to meet with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

Syria’s new authorities want Syria to regain its status of key regional player

Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, the foreign minister in Syria’s transitional government, promised that Damascus will take measures to ensure the safe return 'of each Syrian national who had to flee his land and his home'

Biden considers new sanctions against Russian energy sector — The Washington Post

According to the newspaper’s sources, possible options also include revoking the license that allows banks to handle transactions with Russian energy resources

Europe should support Sino-Brazilian initiative on Ukraine — Swiss newspaper

The article’s author believes that Russa’s absence during the peace conference in Burgenstock, Switzerland, was 'a crucial mistake'

IBA chief Kremlev slams as illegitimate organization

Umar Kremlev noted that the number of participants at World Boxing events was extremely low

Pakistani forces attack Afghan province just across border

Taliban-controlled Afghan Defense Ministry condemned the attack, saying it violated international law and didn’t represent a solution to any issue

Scientists detect five powerful M-class solar flares

A ten-minute-long solar flare classified as M4.7 was recorded in X-rays in sunspot group 3932

US engages Pentagon contractors who worked in Ukraine in Senegal — top brass

According to Major General Alexey Rtishchev, Washington is using African countries' economic problems in the health sector to build up its military and biological research

Russian bank expects hot chocolate consumption growth next year in country

Ivory Coast ranks first by cocoa-beans deliveries to Russia in 2024 with the share of about 60%, down 26 percentage points from the last year

Israeli delegation leaving Doha talks for consultations — PM’s office

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said earlier in the day that the Qatari mediators continue consultations on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip

Two-thirds of Russians dissatisfied with 2024, survey reveals

Russians most often attribute their negative emotions regarding the past year to economic hardships and rising prices, while citing family events as positive highlights

Ukraine intensifies shelling of Kremennaya fourfold due to Russian successes — expert

As Andrey Marochko noted, the enemy's indiscriminate attacks on Kremennaya's civilian targets are ruled out, since Ukraine is attacking the city with drones, and "drone operators see the target"

No Russians killed in Magdeburg car attack, information on injured being updated — embassy

At least five people got killed and 235 were injured as a result of the attack

West to criticise Fico's visit to Russia, but understands necessity for it — expert

Fyodor Lukyanov emphasized that Robert Fico, just like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has also visited Russia, is driven by the interests of his country and first of all "is accountable to his own citizens, and not the European Commission"

Syria may see economic upturn, Russian expert says

Vitaly Naumkin is certain that Syria will be able to eliminate to some extent the failures that stemmed from the fact the previous regime was unable to use the resources, because the Americans would not let it

Pope Francis opens Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica

The Holy Door, which is usually bricked up, is expected to remain open over the next 12 months

Georgia became inconvenient for 'friends' after rejecting Ukrainian scenario — official

According to Kakha Kaladze, the country faced unprecedented pressure because of this

Serious conflict between Israel, Turkey possible — Russian expert

"It’s important to note that the primary development in this context is the markedly increased role of non-Arab states in the region, particularly two key players," Vitaly Naumkin said

Russian agency starts investigation into shipwreck in Mediterranean Sea

The fate of two crew members is currently being established

Over 100 people involved in extinguishing jet fire at drilling rig in southern Urals

The accident posed no threat to nearby settlements

Israeli military conducts operation in Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that civilians, medical personnel and patients had been evacuated from the area ahead of the operation

China adheres to non-intervention policy with regard to South Korea — Wang Yi

The Chinese Foreign Minister expressed Beijing’s readiness to cooperate with Seoul "to jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains"

US ramping up biological warfare presence in Africa — Russia’s top brass

Major General Aleksey Rtishchev said that branches of the US National Naval Military Medical Center are stationed in Ghana and Djibouti where active work is carried out in natural disease foci, isolation and sequencing of pathogens

AI can help generate personalized cancer vaccines in an hour — Russia’s vaccine chief

Now it takes quite long to build personalized vaccines because computing of how a vaccine should look like uses matrix methods, Alexander Gintsburg said