Anti-Russian sanctions

1 Apr, 10:56

Russian assets blocked in Switzerland reach $8.4 bln

Real properties, cars, works of art, furniture and musical instruments are meant, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs informed

GENEVA, , April 1. /TASS/. The sum of Russian assets blocked in Switzerland increased to 7.4 bln Swiss francs ($8.4 bln) as of March 2025, a spokesperson of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said at a press briefing.

The increase was related to findings of completed investigation, whose content is not disclosed (1.7 bln francs ($1.9 bln)), the increase in the value of frozen assets (320 mln francs ($362 mln)) and expansion of sanctions (130 mln francs ($147.4 mln)), SECO said. The total amount of assets blocked declined by 510 mln francs ($578 mln) because of approvals of the exceptional release of assets, the loss of asset value and the exclusion of certain persons from the sanction list.

Russian assets frozen in Switzerland totaled 7.1 bln francs ($8 bln) in August 2024.

Real properties, cars, works of art, furniture and musical instruments are meant, SECO informed. The total amount of Russian Central Bank’s assets frozen in Switzerland did not change against August 2024 and totaled 7.2 bln francs ($8.1 bln).

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Sanctions vs. Russia

Russian, US officials begin meeting in Washington — WP

The talks are ‘ongoing,’ said this person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter

Real wages in Russia rise by 6.5% in January — statistics

The average monthly nominal wage of employees in organizations amounted to 88,981 rubles ($1,056) in January

Weekly inflation stands at 0.2% in Russia-statistics

In annual terms, inflation in Russia was 10.33% as of March 31, 2025

Russia’s public catering turnover up 9% YOY in 2M 2025 — statistics

The restaurant market turnover added 0.8% monthly in February 2025

Europe’s 'reassurance force' plan for Ukraine akin to occupation — Russian envoy

The idea behind the plan is "to take control over [Ukraine’s] political regime militarily while retaining external governance of this land regardless of how negotiations may end," Rodion Miroshnik maintained

Israel attacks Syrian military sites near Palmyra, Hama, Damascus

IDF press service said in a statement that it 'will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians'

Large deposit of rare earth metals discovered in Kazakhstan — ministry

The ministry explained that it concerns the Zhana Kazakhstan area, which includes almost the entire Kuyrektykol site

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

Pilots under medical supervision after crash of Tu-22M3 plane in eastern Russia — governor

The crew of four pilots ejected, but one of them died

Israeli jets attack military site in northern Damascus — report

According to the report, the attack was followed by a strong explosion that was heard across Damascus and its surroundings

Sollers Group launches mass production of manual transmissions for ST6, ST8

These transmissions will expand the current lineup of produced units, which are already used in various modifications of the Sollers Atlant with 2.7-liter engines, diesel versions of the Sollers Argo, and the Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickup trucks

Ukrainian attack causes temporary outage at Caspian Pipeline facilities — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, a large amount of damage was inflicted there

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts up to 435 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

The Ukrainian military lost over 95 troops, an armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and a field artillery gun in Belgorod area over 24 hours

Yesterday, 08:21

French, German, US citizens increasingly relocate to Russia — Russian lawmaker

Maria Butina noted that the choice of regions is explained by climatic conditions and a developed economy

Russia, Vietnam to expedite safeguarding ties from Western sanctions — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that payments in the banking sphere "are now impacted by unlawful Western sanctions that were introduced during the last several years"

Yesterday, 14:26

Russian stand opens at defense exhibition in Brazil first time in six years

Russia aims to collaborate with Latin American countries on joint development and production projects involving small arms, drones, and precision-guided munitions

Two days ago, 11:13

US’ draft minerals deal unconstitutional, Zelensky's office says

Sergey Leshchenko added that Kiev should take into account that US President Donald Trump, whose administration has put forward the agreement, "is there for a long time"

US to impose reciprocal tariffs of 34% on imports from China, 20% on goods from EU — Trump

In addition, similar measures will affect Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries

Toyota to recall 1,913 Land Cruiser SUVs in Russia

"The recall applies to 1,913 Toyota LC 300 and LX 600 automobiles manufactured in the period from April 2001 to February 2022, with VINs according to the appendix," the regulator said

Two days ago, 08:49

European brands expect Moscow to quickly pardon everything — Russian diplomat

According to Kirill Logvinov, the respective decisions will be made individually

Taiwan’s independence incompatible with peace in Taiwan Strait — China’s Defense Ministry

The military official noted that the PLA military exercise around the island is "completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable" and serves as a powerful deterrent against supporters of Taiwan’s independence, who are "deliberately provoking a war"

7 Jun 2023, 08:48

Vikhr air-launched missile can smash any Western tank transferred to Ukraine, says expert

The missile is currently part of the ammunition load of the Ka-52 assault helicopter

28 Apr 2023, 16:33

Vatican cannot recognize OCU until all Orthodox Churches do — expert

Don Stefano Caprio recalled Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan in September of last year for the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

Ukrainian troops hit gas-distributing station in LPR, leaving 11,100 people without gas

"The strike hit the hydrate prevention node, which resulted in damage to the gas-distributing station equipment and ignition," the statement reads

Imprisoned Gagauzia head Gutsul writes letter to UN chief Guterres from jail

"Your support will serve as an important signal to the world that the rights to self-governance and democratic principles are upheld and that the UN is ready to intervene wherever these fundamental values are under threat," she continued

US looks to weaken Russia’s ties with Iran, China, North Korea — Kellogg

Cooperation between China and Russia is viewed by the US as "global issue" that also involves Iran and North Korea, according to the envoy

Russi’s agricultural production rises by 1.7% in January-February 2025

As of the end of February 2025, the total cattle population across all agricultural producers was estimated at 16.4 mln head, marking a 4.4% decline compared to the corresponding date in the previous year, including 7.2 mln dairy cows

Yesterday, 06:55

US Institute of Peace deletes financial data to cover crimes, Musk says

The entrepreneur noted that the data had been recovered

Yesterday, 12:04

Russian troops liberate Razliv community in Donetsk region over past day

"In the Belgorod direction, Battlegroup North units struck massed manpower and equipment of a mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Ugroyedy, Turya and Miropolye in the Sumy Region," the ministry said

Washington unable to dictate terms to Tehran like it does to Kiev — Iranian MP

Abolfazl Zohrevand emphasized that Iran possessed significantly greater capabilities and potential than Ukraine, and that Donald Trump was well aware of that

Eight OPEC+ countries to hold online meeting on Thursday

In the meantime, Reuters reports, citing its sources, that the meeting may decide to increase OPEC+ oil production in May

Armenia unlikely to combine membership of EU, EAEU, CSTO — Russian Foreign Ministry

On March 26, the Armenian parliament passed a law initiating the process of accession to the European Union in its second and final reading

Two days ago, 19:49

Trump annoyed with comments from both sides of Ukraine conflict — White House

According to the television channel, the US president also said he was "very angry" about the comments that Russian President Vladimir Putin made about Vladimir Zelensky and officials in Kiev

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Yesterday, 14:54

New French ambassador comes to Russia, presents copies of credentials — Foreign Ministry

Nicolas de Riviere replaced Pierre Levy, who had held this position since 2020

US not to withdraw troops from Europe — NATO Secretary General

Rutte pointed out that military plans take a wide range of scenarios into account

European Parliament nominates Jeffrey Sachs for Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

Nominations for the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize continue to flow in

Two days ago, 13:45

Prosecutor General’s office requests to suspend ban on Taliban movement in Russia

The administrative case is set to be heard in court on April 17 behind closed doors

Russia to seek resolution of root causes of conflict in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that at the talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Moscow confirmed its gratitude to its Vietnamese friends "for their consistent, balanced, and objective position on the causes of the Ukrainian crisis"

Joint actions by Russia, Belarus reliably ensure security of both countries — Putin

The Russian president specified that Russia and Belarus consistently defend their legitimate foreign policy interests and collaborate with international partners to establish "a fairer multipolar world order"

Lavrov highlights logistical advantages for EAEU members and partners

The Russian foreign minister underscored that the EAEU operates on principles of equality and mutual benefit

Zakharova calls London’s demands to declare Russian-related activities absurd

The diplomat referred to Britain’s intention to introduce an "enhanced" control regime against Russia as part of the future Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Israel carries out airstrikes on Syrian military airfields in 2 provinces — report

The report gave no indication of the damage, if any, from the attacks

Annual inflation in Russia accelerates to 10.24% — Economy Ministry

Prices changed by 0.05% in the non-food segment. Prices continued going down for electric and domestic appliances

Yesterday, 13:38

More than half of Ukrainians support peaceful settlement of conflict — poll

11% of polled Ukrainians supported a return to the 1991 country’s borders

Yesterday, 14:02

Vucic says Serbia, Hungary are moving towards military alliance

The document on strategic defense cooperation, along with a plan for bilateral military partnership for 2025, was signed by Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and his Hungarian counterpart, Krisztof Szalay-Bobrovniczky

Europe receives record amount of LNG from terminals in March

By the end of March, flows amounted to about 12.7 billion cubic meters, representing a 17% increase over February and a 19% rise compared to March 2024

Trump tells his team that Musk's role in politics to soon diminish — newspaper

Politico pointed out Musk's role is likely to diminish after he loses his status as a "special government employee" doing work on behalf of the US federal government

US preparing to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in coming weeks — Daily Mail

An Israeli diplomatic source said that the government believes that "From Israel's perspective, with Trump in the White House, this represents the optimum moment to deal with Iran"

Two days ago, 10:01

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Construction work volume in Russia up 11.9% annually in February 2025 — statistics

According to the business activity research for construction entities completed as of February 10, 2025, the business confidence index in construction lost 8% annually

3 Mar 2022, 14:40

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will not have POW status — Russian military

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

1 Apr 2024, 05:03

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Volume of Russia’s National Wealth Fund reaches $140.4 bln as of April 1

The total estimated income from the placement of National Wealth Fund assets in foreign currency accounts at the Bank of Russia, recalculated in US dollars, amounted to $22.9 mln for the period from December 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025

Israeli shelling of southern Gaza kills nine Palestinians, including four children — TV

According to Al Jazeera, residential buildings in the al-Nasr neighborhood in the eastern part of the city were targeted

Yesterday, 08:05

Russia enhances performance of in-demand weapons during special military op — intel chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, it’s clear that "advancements in the development of domestic unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic systems and new materials will be used in Russia’s civilian industries"

US reporter says Dmitriev to meet with Witkoff at White House on April 2

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier confirmed to reporters that the Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO may visit Washington in the near future

Spaniards detained near Baikonur spaceport released — source

"On April 1, at night, on the territory of the Baikonur spaceport, staff at the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at the Baikonur complex detained four foreign citizens who tried to enter without authorization the protected area where space infrastructure facilities are located," the statement said

No US reaction to ongoing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities yet — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov advised turning to the Foreign Ministry with a question about a diplomatic reaction

Putin authorized Russian shares buyout from Goldman Sachs

The US-based Goldman Sachs suspended operations in Russia in March 2022

Russian forces sink three Ukrainian boats trying to cross Dnieper in Kherson Region

According to the report, the enemy keeps trying to disrupt spring fieldwork in the Kherson Region

Yesterday, 03:46

Kiev loses almost 22,000 troops, mercenaries in March in battles near LPR — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko pointed out that during March Russian fighters advanced deep into the enemy's defenses

Ruble strengthening still not eyed as stable disinflationary factor — Bank of Russia

Although influence of monetary policy on the rate weakened since 2022 due to capital movement restrictions, this channel of the transmission mechanism is working, the regulator noted

Two days ago, 13:14

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, UAV assembly workshops over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian official says country unlikely to cancel martial law in May

According to the official, US efforts to achieve a settlement in Ukraine have not yet yielded a result

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 84.55 rubles for April 3

The official yuan rate was set at 11.5258 rubles, down eight kopecks

Belarus-Russia exchange trade turnover grows by 17% in Q1 2025

Russia remains not only the largest trading partner on BUCE but also the main destination for Belarusian exchange exports

Hollywood star Val Kilmer known for Batman, Jim Morrison roles dies at 65

In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and later recovered

French politician Le Pen says 2027 presidential election could be her last

The politician stressed that despite a court ruling that she could not seek election, she was not going to let that stop her from running, and had no plans to choose a replacement

Musk to stop working for US authorities after fulfilling DOGE goals

"This scoop is garbage," Leavitt emphasized

Missing plane found crashed in Alaska, all 10 people aboard killed — report

It is unclear yet what caused the accident

Badra Gunba sworn in as president of Abkhazia

Following the ceremony, the Abkhazian president addressed his compatriots

Commercial catching of butterflies threatens Arctic species — scientist

According to Andrey Tatarinov, butterflies from the northern regions regularly appear at entomological fairs, including foreign ones, despite all the existing restrictions

Trump's trade duties push US away from globalization — expert

Commenting on Russian-US economic relations, Ivan Timofeyev said that if "political normalization begins, the resumption of trade and economic ties may follow"

No one refused to participate in Operation Pipeline — Russia's deputy defense minister

Assessing the operation, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov stressed that it demonstrated "the highest level" - a small force performed a daring maneuver to determine the outcome of the battle

Interpol turns down request for arrest of Republika Srpska leaders — Dodik

The Republika Srpska president thanked Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for "clear and principled communication with Interpol"

Europe standing to lengthen life of Kiev’s regime — Lavrov

Instincts of the ruling class in Europe are clearly demonstrated in developments in Ukraine, the top Russian diplomat said

Amazon submits bid to acquire TikTok — NYT

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he had no desire to ban TikTok and expressed confidence that a deal for the platform’s sale would be reached

Two days ago, 17:58

Trump's son says Le Pen's verdict proves Vance right about EU

The US State Department declined to comment

Russia’s retail trade turnover up 3.8% YOY in 2M 2025 — statistics

The ratio of foods, including beverages and tobacco products, was 49.3% in the retail trade structure in February 2025

Yesterday, 13:51

Hungary, Slovakia boost gas supplies from Russia, bypassing Ukraine — Szijjarto

According to the Hungarian Foreign Minister, the volume will rise to 3.5 billion cubic meters

Houthis say US strikes cut off water supply to 50,000 people

On March 15, Trump announced the US was starting a military operation against the Houthis, who control about a third of Yemen's territory

Russian stock market plunging for eleven trading days in a row

The market is declining continuously since March 19

Georgian president signs law on foreign agents

The law was proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party, which expects the new legislation to be more effective than the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence adopted in May last year to combat foreign financing of non-governmental organizations, who have been accused of supporting revolutionary processes in the country

Work on US-Ukraine minerals deal still ongoing — Kellogg

The deal would benefit both countries, according to the US Special Envoy

Russia open to realistic peace initiatives, mediation offers on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

The statement read that the meeting was held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere typical of Russian-Chinese communication

Russia’s telecom watchdog repels over 1,100 DDoS attacks on critical systems in March

According to Center, the majority of attack sources were linked to IP addresses registered in the United States, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany

US to impose 25% tariff on all imported cars since April 3 — Trump

In his words, US carmakers also face serious trade restrictions in India, South Korea and Japan

‘Liberation Day:’ Trump imposes retaliatory customs duties against 'all countries'

US president is expected to personally announce the details of the restrictions

'Cowboy money' coming into Russia — Finance Ministry

The amounts of money are very small thus far, Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov noted

Threats to bomb Iranian nuclear sites unacceptable — Russian Foreign Ministry

The parties also confirmed the course set at the high-level consultations between Russia, China and Iran on March 14 in Beijing to find "viable, sustainable negotiated solutions" that dispel Western prejudices and misunderstandings regarding the Iranian nuclear program, while taking due account of Tehran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of atomic energy arising from the country's participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

25 Oct 2021, 15:32

Putin grants Russian citizenship to actress and singer Natalia Oreiro and her son

Natalia Oreiro said in an interview that she had applied for Russian citizenship in June 2020

Russia’s annual GDP growth in February stands at 0.8%, down from 3% in January

The ministry noted that the overall dynamics of key macroeconomic indicators in February were largely influenced by the calendar factor, as February 2025 had one fewer day than February 2024

Europe's militarization fuels people’s discontent over EU authorities — expert

As Catherine de Vries noted, "the cost of rearmament and military readiness will have direct implications for European voters, who have traditionally prioritized social welfare spending"

13 Jul 2020, 02:30

An-2 plane crashes in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region

One person killed, one injured

Russian envoy arrives in Washington, CNN says

Dmitriev is expected to meet special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff later on Wednesday, the TV channel says

25 Apr 2019, 10:50

Russia’s 12-year-old figure skater executes quintuple, posts video as proof

In an interview with TASS Maxim Belyavsky said he executed this new element on the next training day after he tried it for the first time and failed

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian special units in Guyevo — security forces

"The enemy expects to hold off the advance of the Russian armed forces as long as possible, hoping to escape through the forest to the Sumy Region," the source said

US adds Russian individuals, companies to sanction list

Restrictions cover Russian companies Edison, Kolibri Group and Sky Frame, and AM Theseus vessel

Trump’s envoy on Ukraine says Moscow, Kiev ‘on precipice’ of ceasefire

According to Keith Kellogg, US president is "very, very engaged" on issues related to resolving the conflict

Yesterday, 09:10

World majority countries see Russia-China relations as stabilizing factor — Lavrov

"We recognize the responsibility of Moscow and Beijing to maintain close coordination in the international arena," the Russian foreign minister stressed