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Coronavirus pandemic

Putin notes RDIF's role in attracting foreign capital into Russian economy

The Fund’s work prioritizes medicine and healthcare, as well as support for Russian pharmaceutical companies, which is "particularly important today when Russia and the whole world are battling a dangerous pandemic," the President noted

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has contributed much to attracting foreign capital into the Russian economy, as well as the development and promotion of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus, according to President Vladimir Putin’s greetings on the Fund's 10th anniversary released on the Kremlin website on Thursday.

"It was the Russian Direct Investment Fund that initiated the production of high-precision test systems for diagnosing COVID-19 and medications for treating the coronavirus infection. It made a substantial contribution to developing and marketing Sputnik V, the first registered COVID-19 vaccine in the world," President emphasized.

The Fund’s work prioritizes medicine and healthcare, as well as support for Russian pharmaceutical companies, which is "particularly important today when Russia and the whole world are battling a dangerous pandemic," he noted. These impressive achievements were made possible by the professionalism and experience of the Fund’s staff, skillful managerial and commercial decisions, the Russian leader added.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund has won tremendous prestige and trust among the Russian business community and foreign partners, and "has accomplished a great deal to attract foreign capital into the Russian economy," according to Putin. "Projects in which the Fund is involved help develop and introduce cutting-edge technologies, streamline the industrial, social and transport infrastructure and improve the quality of life," the president said, adding that he expects the Fund’s efforts to promote Russia’s economic and social development to "remain just as effective as they are today."

Russian Direct Investment Fund is the country's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to co-invest alongside top global investors, acting as a catalyst for direct investment in Russia. The Fund has invested and committed for this purpose over 2.1 trillion rubles ($28.5 bln).

Middle East conflict

Israel’s top diplomat sees possibility of reaching deal on Gaza hostages soon

Gideon Sa’ar also "requested support on the matter" from newly appointed foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the European Union in general

Russia, BRICS partners plan to develop investment platform — Putin

The Russian leader explained that the investment platform is intended to become a serious instrument for supporting the economies of the BRICS countries and providing them with financial resources

Putin comments on Trump’s threats to impose 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries

The Russian leader noted that the dollar was now used as a tool of political pressure

At least 45 Palestinians killed in Israeli air raids on two Gaza districts — WAFA

Dozens were wounded, and more remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, news agency reported

Russian troops enter Novy Komar settlement in DPR — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian troops have liberated approximately 20 square kilometers north of Velikaya Novoselka, near the village of Razdolnoye

Russian banks’ profit to lose 10-15% in 2025 — VTB chief executive

There will still be high profits and high return on investment, Andrey Kostin said

Russian airstrikes aid Syrian army in taking out over 100 terrorists in past day

In a separate development, Russian military police teams carried out patrol missions in the provinces of Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakah

US must focus on domestic issues without meddling in Belarusian affairs — embassy

The embassy noted that Minsk resolutely rejects Washington’s attempts to meddle in its domestic affairs by holding a "second strategic dialog" with opposition members residing outside Belarus

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NATO chief says bloc needs to be sure Ukraine has enough people to send to fight

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In these conditions, Russia was forced to retaliate, the president stressed

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NATO may offer Ukraine deferred membership in 2025, top Portuguese diplomat says

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated earlier that the only security guarantee the country could accept would be full-fledged NATO membership

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Russia's turn to global South and East has been gradual since 2000s — Putin

At the same time, the Russian leader noted that Russia's relations with China are developing independently of the events in Ukraine

Settlement of Nadiya in LPR up for grabs as Kiev retreats — Russian expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Ukrainian army was fighting with all its might to beat back Russian forces near the settlement of Belogorovka, hoping to prevent them from making gains and increasing Russia’s pressure on the northern section of the frontline

Russian minister highlights difficulties in establishing depository links with China

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NATO countries want Ukraine to fight until the last young soldier — Szijjarto

The minister noted that the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels will continue on Wednesday

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Trump taps space tourist Isaacman for NASA chief

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Relations between Armenia, CSTO passed point of no return — Pashinyan

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Only quarter of Western companies leave Russian market — Putin

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South Korean opposition initiates president’s impeachment — news agency

The vote on the bill should be held within 24 to 72 hours from the time of its consideration at a plenary session

French lawmakers adopt no-confidence motion against Barnier’s government

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VTB projects Russian agriculture exports to exceed $50 bln by 2030

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Ukrainian front collapses as Kiev faces worst situation since conflict started — analyst

Maria Berlinskaya noted the demoralization of Ukrainian society that, she said, is brought about by the actions of the country's military and political leadership and the corruption of officials

Russia traps Ukrainian forces at Kurakhovo pipe plant — security services

The report clarified that the Ukrainian armed forces in this frontline area are being pressured by Russian troops from the north, south, and east

NATO infrastructure near Russia’s borders could lead to any scenario, says CSTO chief

Imangali Tasmagambetov pointed out that NATO’s attempt to invade Russia and Belarus would be sheer foolishness

Russia’s Usmanov steps down as president of global fencing

"The Executive Committee has accepted and ratified Mr. Alisher Usmanov's decision to suspend the exercise of his powers and duties as President of the FIE," the statement said

Russia hammers Ukrainian military airfield infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West repelled 10 Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted roughly 500 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russia won’t create special conditions for return of foreign companies — Putin

Meanwhile, the Russian president admitted that it will be fairly difficult for Western firms to get back as companies from other countries or Russian brands are actively tapping the niches that have been freed

Syrian forces break through encirclement in coordination with Russian military

According to the Syrian military command, the cadets who suffered wounds in fighting against terrorists would get the necessary medical care in Homs

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The youth unemployment level was as high as 20-25% in certain Russian regions before, the president noted

CSTO to hold drills in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan in 2025 — bloc’s chief

"I should also note that the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry takes a very responsible approach towards holding such drills and I am deeply convinced that the exercises which will run on the territory of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 will also be held at a very high organizational level," Imangali Tasmagambetov said

Russian forces mopping up Stariye Terny community in Donbass region, says official

Vladimir Rogov said earlier that the liberation of that settlement would deny the Ukrainian army the possibility to relocate units directly between Solntsevka in the north and Kurakhovo

Top Russian diplomat arrives in Malta to participate in OSCE Ministerial Council

The Ministerial Council, which is the OSCE's principal decision-making body, traditionally convenes in the first ten days of December

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IN BRIEF: What is known about the situation in South Korea

Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of martial law

Teenager wounded as Ukraine shells Novaya Kakhovka

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The ministry also reported that Syrian warplanes, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces and domestic rocket and missile artillery, managed to kill dozens of militants

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No one in Washington "is working to make sure that this conflict doesn’t become a nuclear holocaust," the journalist said

Zelensky softens rhetoric on territorial concessions to Russia — web portal

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Putin urges to prevent dramatic fluctuations of banks’ loan portfolio

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Belarusian diplomats stressed, that the country’s leadership and government are "accountable to the Belarusian people only"

Tucker Carlson says US embassy in Kiev barred Zelensky from doing interview with him

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The Russian president stressed that Russia allowed its German partners to operate under free market conditions in the country

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Over the past 2-3 years, the Russian economy has fundamentally change, the Russian leader noted

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Ukraine has to make tough decision on mobilization — US secretary of state

Antony Blinken said that United States is committed to do its best to train Kiev's soldiers and provide them with weapons

Russian MFA says Malta canceled visa for its spokeswoman ahead of trip to OSCE meeting

It happened just as the Russian delegation was about to board a flight from Moscow, the ministry said in a statement

Russia ready to bury the hatchet with Georgia, needs to see desire from Tbilisi — diplomat

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Developments in Russia’s Kursk Region: arrest of mercenary in absentia, Ukrainian losses

The Ukrainian army lost a total of more than 37,935 servicemen since the start of the hostilities

Georgian president unable to become opposition leader — prime minister

Irakli Kobakhidze recalled that Salome Zourabichvili’s presidential term expires on December 29

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

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Italian foreign minister admits that Kiev will have to make concessions

In Antonio Tajani's opinion, reconciliation in Ukraine should be achieved in 2025

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Russian defense ministry says its satellite put into designated orbit

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Maria Zakharova ighlighted reports suggesting that the Kiev regime's security services are collaborating with terrorists, supplying them with drones and sharing expertise in their use

No one can ban bitcoin — Putin

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According to Sergey Ryabkov, "there might be openings and opportunities" in the future

Iran to join forces with Russia, China in its struggle against unipolar world — president

Masoud Pezeshkian said that Moscow and Tehran would manage to jointly neutralize the negative consequences of all sanctions

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Lavrov’s interview with Tucker Carlson turns out very interesting — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the interview is currently being translated and will be released in a couple of days

Press review: South Korean crisis deepens as Kremlin rules out talks with Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 4th

Ukraine to make concessions to Russia under Trump’s plan — agency

It is reported that the US president-elect has yet to establish a working group to develop a peace plan for Ukraine

Blinken says younger Ukrainians should be called up for military service

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Russia to start financial support of investment projects in Africa in 2025 — official

Russian business is interested in expanding trade and economic ties with African partners and fulfillment of its export potential, Alexey Overchuk noted

Pashinyan finds EAEU summit in Yerevan inexpedient, it will be held in Russia

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Russia 'making gains' along entire frontline, NATO chief says

Mark Rutte once again called on NATO countries to increase weapons supplies to Kiev

Trump reportedly has three plans for Ukraine, one drafted by VP-elect Vance — Reuters

According to the report, alongside Vance's plan, Donald Trump is reviewing settlement proposals from Keith Kellogg, whom he proposed as his assistant and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

Kadyrov admits Elon Musk did not present him with Cybertruck pickup

The Head of Chechnya revealed that the car was not his

Kremlin spokesman sees no grounds for Russia-Ukraine negotiations so far

Dmitry Peskov added that number of countries have already offered to host such talks, including Qatar

Georgian protestors leave square in front of parliament building

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West seeks to shift blame for its Ukrainian madness onto Ukrainians — Russian diplomat

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Israeli army kills nearly 30 Palestinians in Gaza Strip over past day — Health Ministry

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Medvedev sounds alarm on AI’s potential in biological weapons creation

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Ukrainian army to draft all men soon, officer warns

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Another anti-government rally held in Georgian capital

The protesters are carrying Georgian and EU flags and slogans urging the government to step down

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Nearly third of those identified at protests in Tbilisi are foreigners — ruling party

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Russia never rejected dollar — Putin

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Strategic defeat would mean destruction for Russia, Putin says

The head of state thanked the troops participating in Russia’s special military operation for rising up to defend the country this time

Russian finance minister says dividends from Gazprom not included in 2025 budget

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US journalist Carlson says he arrived in Moscow for interview with Russia’s top diplomat

The interview is "absolutely fascinating," the journalist said

South Korea unpredictable, Pyongyang right to worry about its security — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fate of former South Korean leaders: some were killed, overthrown, imprisoned, some committed suicide

Russian army captures soldiers of Ukrainian presidential brigade

The POWs are currently being kept safe and are receiving all necessary assistance

South Korea’s defense minister apologizes to citizens, resigns — media

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Russia's test of Oreshnik missile proves lack of trust in West — diplomat

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As impeachment looms, South Korean president sits down with ruling party — news agency

The meeting was attended by People’s Power Party’s leader Han Dong-hoon

Russian Su-34 bomber destroys Ukrainian armor by glide bombs in Kursk area

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Russia should negotiate Ukraine’s future with Trump — Russia’s ex-PM

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