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Mikhelson tops Forbes list of richest Russians with $14.4 billion fortune

Leonid Mikhelson in the key shareholder of Russia’s largest independent gas producer Novatek and petrochemical giant Sibur

Leonid Mikhelson ITAR-TASS/Valery sharifulin

Leonid Mikhelson

© ITAR-TASS/Valery sharifulin

NEW YORK, March 1. /TASS/. Leonid Mikhelson, key shareholder of Russia’s largest independent gas producer Novatek and petrochemical giant Sibur, has been for the first time crowned by Forbes as the country’s richest man.

Mikhelson is ranked 60th on the list of the world’s richest people with $14.4 billion fortune.

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A total of 77 Russians are on the 2016 World's Billionaires list, Forbes said, adding that 88 Russians were on the list last year.

Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman, who shares control of Alfa Group, the biggest financial and industrial investment group in Russia, is ranked 63rd with a fortune worth $13.3 billion.

The majority owner of Russian telecom operator MegaFon Alisher Usmanov, who topped the Russian list for several years, is on 77th place with $12.5 billion.

Vladimir Potanin, who topped the Forbes rating of the richest Russians with the fortune of $14.8 billion last year, is ranked 78th place with $12.1 billion.

Co-founder of the Gunvor Group, one of the largest international energy traders, Gennady Timchenko is fifth richest man in Russia and 85th in the world with a fortune worth $11.4 billion.

Russia's international reserves down by 0.34% in October to $631.573 bln — regulator

In October, foreign exchange reserves decreased by 2.33% to $423.874 billion, and the value of monetary gold in reserves increased by 3.97% to $207.699 billion

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

West brought situation to coup in Ukraine, forced Russia to begin special op – Putin

The West needs to rip Russia and Europe apart, especially Russia and Germany, France, Russian President said

West blocked post-quake aid to Syria for political reasons — Putin

In his words, it was not the only example of "egoistic and timeserving interests standing in the way of the common good"

Russia has repeatedly stopped those who pressed for world domination — Putin

The head of state recalled that some had already tried to ruin Russia and to eliminate everything that remained after the collapse of the Soviet Union

Russia, India boost cooperation in all areas – Putin

Bilateral trade turnover is almost $60 billion, Putin said

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Some countries could be seeking to inflame crisis around Taiwan - Putin

Everyone formally recognizes that Taiwan is part of China. But in reality they act in a completely different fashion, Putin said

Preparations for White House transition "well under way" — source

Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

Countries of collective West virtually live on credit — Shoigu

"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

Russian troops seize section of Seversky Donets-Donbass canal

Additionally, the division reported eliminating several dozen Ukrainian armed forces personnel

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

US received $12 trillion lately owing to dollar’s role as global currency — Putin

"The United States received for no apparent reason $12 trillion over the last decade, on account of issuing and giving. These funds then go as a rule to their banks, to their financial system, and also clipping coupons, having gains from that," Putin noted

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

Data on recon drone base in Finland near Russian borders must be verified — Kremlin

"If you recall their statements when they were joining NATO, they said that Finland will not deploy any elements of military infrastructure near our borders," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore

Western failure, Kiev's terrorism: what Shoigu told top security officials at CIS meeting

The Russian Security Council secretary pointed out that Kiev's aggression in the Kursk Region was aimed at seizing the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

Saratov airport operates normally after drone attack on southwestern region

Earlier, Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin informed that a drone had been downed in the sky over Saratov during the night

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Russia ready for talks, immune to pressure — Putin

"This is what we have called and are still calling on all participants in international communication to do," the president went on to say

Putin describes NATO as world’s only remaining bloc, ‘outright anachronism’

According to him, Russia has repeatedly pointed to the destructive role that the bloc played after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact

US companies can return to Russian market if so desire — Putin

"We see there are certain signals coming even from the US companies that they want to return to our market," the president said. "Let them return but certainly in new conditions, with losses, naturally; it was not actually our fault," Putin added

IN BRIEF: What is known about new UK sanctions against Russia

The British authorities have imposed restrictive measures against the Afrika Corps paramilitary organization, allegedly linked to Russia

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Russia, India develop defense cooperation – Putin

As an example, Putin named the BrahMos cruise missile project

Putin congratulates Trump on his election as US president at Valdai Forum

We will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people, Putin said

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Putin's speech at Valdai Forum gives a chance to end Ukrainian conflict — expert

"It has long been known about [the conditions for ending the conflict, which include] Kiev’s neutrality, determination of Ukraine's new borders along the division line, maybe with taking our new regions into account," Alexander Dynkin noted

Putin expresses readiness to engage in discussions with Trump

Earlier, when talking about a potential call from Trump, he noted that he would not consider it a disgrace to call Trump himself

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

European countries often lack competence for making wise decisions – Putin

This applies to the green agenda as well, Putin continued

India should be added to list of global superpowers – Putin

At the same time, Putin said some other countries are showing rapid development as well

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of drone attack on Russia’s Saratov

First responders and representatives from the local administration were dispatched to the site of the incident

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

China set to cooperate rather than dominate, Putin believes

He also emphasized that there is no tension between Moscow and Beijing regarding their relations with Central Asian nations

Putin sets record at plenary session of Valdai International Discussion Club

It lasted four hours and seven minutes

Trump to offer deal on Ukraine unacceptable to Russia, conflict to go on — expert

In his comments on the results of the US presidential election, Dmitry Suslov noted that Trump "will indeed try to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine"

Kiev lost over 30,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

At the same time, Ukraine lost fewer tanks - around 200, compared to 240 lost last year

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

Russia ready to restore relations with US, it never spoiled them — Putin

"The president-elect of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, has been speaking in roughly the same vein. It remains to be seen how this will function in reality," Putin concluded

Trump’s readiness to resolve Ukrainian conflict overnight is overstatement — Peskov

Kremlin spokesman added that if the new US administration "will be eyeing peace instead of conflict," it will certainly do better than its predecessors

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

EU reveals statistics for Ukrainians under temporary protection in September

Following the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis warned that they would launch strikes on Israeli territory

Russia ready to supply Su-57E fifth-generation fighter to foreign partners — UAC

The aircraft will take part in the airshow’s flight demonstration program while visitors will also be able to see the aircraft at the show’s static display

Men’s participation in women’s competitions kills women’s sports, Putin says

Speaking about the Paris Olympics, Putin pointed out that certain scenes from the opening ceremony were insulting for millions of Christians

US engages in policy of dual deterrence on Russia, China – Putin

In Putin’s opinion, Washington views China’s economic growth as a threat to its global dominance

Prolongation of Ukrainian conflict narrows options for diplomacy — Erdogan

"The negativity, caused by the war in Ukraine gets exacerbated every day," the Turkish leader noted

Putin says ‘chaos and systemic crisis’ intensify in Western countries

According to Putin, the policy of the United States and its allies increasingly features the dangerous principle of "you're either with us, or against us"

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Russian Mi-28NM helicopter crew destroys Ukrainian stronghold in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry noted the combat mission was aimed at providing support to ground troops

Russia open to dialogue on Ukraine, but this does not change special op goals — Kremlin

"Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Eurasian security system requires restoring trust between Russia, Europe – Putin

This will be the first step towards creating a common system of Eurasian security, Putin said

Russia pounds Ukrainian military-industrial sector, army, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup South repelled 11 Ukrainian army counterattacks and inflicted more than 4,420 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported

Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine sparks alarm in Kiev — newspaper

According to Corriere della Sera, the demilitarized zone could be patrolled by European troops, who would also be assigned the task of defending Ukraine, with US weapons supplies continuing

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Change of power in US increases likelihood of military coup in Kiev, expert says

According to Vyacheslav Smolenko, under the new administration, circles associated with the Democratic Party will remain sidelined in the United States

Saudi Crown Prince’s words have enormous influence on energy market – Putin

Saudi Arabia is playing a very big role in the global energy sector, Russian President said

Russian MLRS crew strikes Ukrainian infantry, vehicles near Krasnoarmeysk in DPR

According to the ministry, the use of the Uragan MLRS allows for delivering pinpoint strikes at ammo depots and concentrations of military harware and cutting off reserve units from the enemy’s main forces

Putin finds impressive Trump's behavior during assassination attempt

He is a courageous man, Putin said

Kremlin names two reasons preventing Putin from congratulating Trump

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov also said the Russian president had no plans for congratulating Donald Trump

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

China not to blame for East Asia tensions, it’s NATO interference — Putin

He acknowledged certain difficulties on the border between India and China

Western plot to strategically defeat Russia failed — Shoigu

It is noted that the countries where color revolutions, supported by the West, took place had experienced "decreased living standards, weakened economic potential, the uncontrolled drain of capital and resources, and, in the worst-case scenario, the country becoming an instrument for implementing the interests of Western elites"

Russian troops liberate Kremennaya Balka community in Donbass region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Local who transferred data about Russian military facilities to Ukraine nabbed in Crimea

A criminal probe has been launched

Nearly 20% Ukrainian servicemen gone AWOL from battlefield — The Economist

According to the journal’s estimates, Kiev may face acute shortages of personnel and ammunition within about six months

Putin considers premature to talk about common BRICS currency

Other variants are impossible and harmful, the Russian leader added

Russian troops destroy group of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov area

Two militants sustained wounds incompatible with life and one militant was hospitalized in severe condition, Andrey Marochko specified

All countries involved in Middle East settlement oppose further confrontation – Putin

Almost all participants no longer want further momentum toward confrontation, Russian President said

Warsaw gave Kiev all it could, Ukraine has no right to complain — Polish Defense Ministry

On October 31, during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities and districts in the Zakarpatye Region, Vladimir Zelensky criticized Poland for its reluctance to deliver the promised MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine despite prior agreements

Finland invites NATO to deploy reconnaissance drone base on its territory — yle

The media notes that due to the nature of the operations, the reconnaissance base needs strong military protection around it, both from attacks using conventional weapons and from electronic warfare

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

Russia offers aid to Cuba to help deal with energy crisis, hurricanes — minister

That Hurricane Rafael caused no deaths on the territory of Cuba, although damage was reported

Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

The main strike weapon of the Project 12418 fast attack missile boat is the Uran anti-ship missile system fitted with Kh-35 missiles

Residents of Kursk Region border areas describe living under rubble with no food

The resident of the borderline Kursk Region explained that her family was rescued by Russian troops

Russia open to dialogue with US if Washington takes initiative — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat described the problems facing Russia-US relations as "very deep," stemming from the perception by the American elite that any rivals in the international arena should be suppressed unless someone questions the US global dominance

Putin says West was trying to influence China's nuclear arsenals through Russia

"Everything else is nonsense," he added

Democrats blame Biden for Harris’ election loss — report

The party "needs a complete reboot," hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said

Assassination attempt on Putin mentioned by Budanov prepared with US money — Russian MFA

"Yesterday one of chiefs of the Kiev regime Buganov openly admitted that the Ukrainian intelligence service prepared assassination attempts on the Russian president. This assassination attempt was again prepared with US money," Maria Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

Trump to focus on China, leaving Europe to deal with Ukraine — analyst

Andrey Bezrukov said it’s an open question how much resources the United States will spend on the European track

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Kremlin unaware if Putin would pass messages to Western leaders at APEC summit

According to Dmitry Peskov, "relations with many [APEC] countries are developing very well, so such forums are used for bilateral contacts anyway"

Putin reaffirms Russia's stance at Valdai Forum, signals readiness for US ties — expert

According to Alexander Dynkin, the Russian leader gave his assessment "on all key issues of the international agenda"

Trump to appoint campaign manager Wiles as his chief of staff

Susie Wiles became the first female chief of staff in US history

Zelensky says he needs no help to arrange talks with Russia

The Ukrainian president mentioned that Kiev had prepared its own settlement plan and intended to continue pushing for its implementation

FACTBOX: Developments in Kursk Region: Russian advance, Ukrainian losses

The battlegroup North repulsed 11 enemy counterattacks toward the settlements of Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Russian troops overtake forest belt, railway station in Kupyansk advance — military expert

Russian forces also expanded the liberated area north and south of Kruglyakovka and took over the Skorostnoi railway station, Andrey Marochko specified

No place for hegemony in new world order, Putin says

Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

US to pressure Europe, which may turn to Minsk, Moscow — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

George H. W. Bush called US boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics huge mistake – Putin

Under outside pressure, the International Olympic Committee has turned into circus buffoonery, Russian President said