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Ruble-denominated savings of Russian households rise by 1.8% in April

Meanwhile, the volume of ruble-denominated funds raised by VTB over the first four months of the year grew by more than $4.75 bln

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Ruble-denominated savings held by the Russian population increased by 1.8% in April of 2025, reaching 55.5 trillion rubles ($698.17 bln), according to the press service of VTB Bank.

"According to VTB’s estimates, the total market volume of ruble-denominated liabilities reached 55.5 trillion rubles in April, expanding by 976 bln rubles (+1.8%) over the month. This growth is twice the figure recorded in March. VTB forecasts that the ruble-denominated savings market will grow by an additional 587 bln rubles in May. The total savings portfolio exceeded 58.8 trillion rubles in April," the bank’s press service stated.

Meanwhile, the volume of ruble-denominated funds raised by VTB over the first four months of the year grew by more than 378 bln rubles ($4.75 bln), exceeding 10.3 trillion rubles ($129.55 bln).

Apple intends to rename whole operating systems lineup — media

According to Bloomberg, the company plans to label the systems with next year’s number; thus, the latest OS for Apple smartphones will be called iOS 26 instead of iOS 18

J. K. Rowling approves choice of lead actors for new Harry Potter TV series

Earlier, HBO has officially introduced the actors who will play the lead roles in the new Harry Potter TV series

Russia reduces total gas output by 3.9% to 236.6 bcm in January-April

Production of liquefied natural gas reached 11.4 million tonnes, down 4.6% from the same period last year

Russia watching build-up of NATO troops along its borders with anxiety — Lavrov

The line of contact with Russia expanded after the once neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, were admitted to the alliance, the foreign minister noted

Hamas demands 90 peaceful days in Gaza, while Israel insists on 60 — media

According to Al Arabiya, Israeli authorities have demanded the release of ten living hostages, while Hamas’ plans at this point are to free the captives in two phases

Airbus executive says German soldiers not needed for Taurus missiles in Ukraine

Michael Schollhorn disagreed that sending missiles to the UK so that it can provide Kiev with the British-made Storm Shadow instead could not allegedly be implemented as the British Eurofighter fighters are incompatible with Taurus

Berlin, Kiev sign deal to make long-range weapons in Ukraine — German Defense Ministry

This agreement "is also based on Germany's commitment to invest directly in Ukrainian arms production"

Russia’s gold output rises by 8% in April 2025

However, compared to March 2025, the output declined by 3.8%

PREVIEW: Putin to meet with Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council

Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi is in Russia on an official visit

Russian troops 2 km away from Dnepropetrovsk Region after seizing Zelyonoye Pole — expert

Andrey Marochko added that the settlement of Zelyonoye Pole also borders on the Zaporozhye Region

Oreshnik will appear in Belarus by yearend, deployment sites determined — Security Council

Alexander Volfovich said that the primary concern was to remain confident and calm, ensuring the security of the peoples of Russia and Belarus

Russian Natural Resources Ministry suggests banning use of 28 types of plastic goods

The ministry stressed that the prohibition of these types of goods and packaging can be introduced only after the creation of infrastructure for the production of substitute alternative products

Russia offers Ukraine to hold meeting on June 2 in Istanbul — Lavrov

Russian foreign minister expressed gratitude to Turkish partners for offering a welcoming venue

Two die in explosion of unidentified device in Stavropol

The house sustained no damage, several cars were damaged

Bangkok Bank stops allowing foreign tourists to open accounts since start of year

"An account with the Bangkok Bank can be opened by foreigners present in the country under retirement or non-immigration visas," the spokesperson stressed

Russia’s Medvedev responds to Trump by saying 'one really bad thing' would be WWIII

Donald Trump said earlier on Tuesday that if it weren’t for him "really bad things would have already happened to Russia"

Germany directly engages in war with Russia — Lavrov

"Germany is sliding down the same slippery slope it has already treaded a couple of times just this past century — down to its collapse," the Russian foreign minister said

Lavrov decries his French counterpart for saying Paris not in a war against Russia

In this regard, the Russian top diplomat advised his French counterpart to revive the old motto of all freedom-loving politicians in France - freedom, equality, fraternity

Russian army takes Konstantinovka near Sumy, pushes Kiev forces away from border — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Konstantinovka in the Sumy Region on May 28

West sees great power conflict as inevitable, Russia-China relations disprove it — Lavrov

"Another example is Russia’s especially privileged strategic partnership with another great Eurasian civilization - India," the foreign minister noted

Ukraine open to meeting with Russia after it gets memorandum from Moscow — Umerov

"We are not against meetings with the Russians and are waiting for their memorandum so that the meeting would not be hollow and could actually bring the end of the war closer," the Ukrainian Defense Minister wrote

Over 250,000 refugees return to Syria from Turkey since December 2024 — interior minister

Ali Yerlikaya added that since 2016, the total number of Syrian refugees who have returned to their homeland has reached 1,126,000

Journalist Solovyov says Kremlin adviser Medinsky receives threats from Ukrainians

Vladimir Solovyov said that Ukrainians hinted at a number of terrorist attacks

Federation Council speaker congratulates Iranian parliament chairman on election

Valentina Matviyenko said that Russia stands ready to promote the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation for the sake of our peoples and the development of constructive intra-parliamentary dialogue

Putin-Zelensky meeting possible, but as result of Moscow-Kiev talks — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, "there are no changes in the position on the principal possibility of such a meeting"

Volgograd airport officially receives historical name Stalingrad

The push to restore the airport’s historic name originated from World War II veterans in the Volgograd Region

Russia cannot afford to be weak — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that Russia had no right to renounce its own values and to pursue the chimeras of totalitarian liberalism and globalism

Merz’s latest remarks show Europeans are getting ready for revanche — expert

Ralph Bosshard, a retired Swiss lieutenant colonel and an expert in political and military strategy, said that from the military point of view, Merz’s remarks look like "a dress rehearsal for Europe’s next war against Russia"

Russia, Belarus will make a new list of innovative import-substituting projects

According to Dmitry Krutoy, the head of the presidential administration of Belarus, 27 projects are being successfully implemented

Lavrov, Fidan discuss proposals for Ukraine settlement

Turkish Foreign Minister paid a working visit to Moscow from May 26-27 and was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Moscow prepares document to discuss truce with Kiev while continuing special op — Kremlin

When asked if the designation of "red lines" had been discussed with the Ukrainian side in connection with the increased drone attacks on Russian regions, Dmitry Peskov said that "this is an issue that is more related to the servicemen"

Berlin to partner with Ukraine on long-range weapons production — chancellor

Friedrich Merz said that Germany would do so "for as long as it takes"

West blocks Russian cargo passing through international waters — presidential aide

"In addition to fueling military tension in the Baltic Sea, Western countries continue to exert sanctions pressure on Russia," Nikolay Patrushev said

Fidan, Lavrov discuss Ukraine settlement — Turkish diplomat

The Turkish and Russian foreign ministers spoke by phone

Medvedev labels German chancellor candidate 'Nazi' for his idea to strike Crimean bridge

Kiev has repeatedly requested Taurus missiles from Berlin

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

US well aware Biden administration triggered Ukrainian crisis — top security official

As Sergey Shoigu stressed, it was the United States that started expanding NATO to Russia's borders

Highlights from Lavrov's statements on new round of talks with Kiev, Russia's demands

TASS has compiled the main statements by the Russian foreign minister

Russia-Yemen talks wrap up in Kremlin

During the opening remarks at the talks, the Russian president said the two countries have good prospects for economic cooperation, especially in the agricultural and energy sectors

Russian stock market closes with growing indices

The yuan moved down by 10.5 kopecks to 11.01 rubles

Industrial production in Russia grows by 1.2% in January-April 2025

In April, compared to March of this year, industrial production declined by 4.2%

SPB Exchange testing Bitcoin index futures

"Trading in cash-settled futures pegged to the Bitcoin price are planned to start as traders and their Internet trading systems become ready," the spokesman of the Exchange’s press service added

Russia should bolster trend of replenishing Army with volunteers — Medvedev

The top security official said at a meeting on the enlistment in the Russian Armed Forces that "50,000-60,000 people voluntarily" come to military recruitment offices each month

Ukraine admits its military sites struck by Russian UAVs near Kiev

Ukrainian military air expert Konstantin Krivolap lashed out at the Ukrainian Air Force command, which claimed that air defenses were effective

Ukraine seeking to use European countries to derail talks with Russia — diplomat

According to Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik, Kiev is using all the tools it has to frustrate any dialogue between Russia and the United States

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian Bukovel electronic warfare station in Zaporozhye Region

It happened near Komsomolskoye,the Russian Defense Ministry said

Agreement on Russian gas supplies to Iran prepared

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian also said that Russia and Iran ratified the treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership of the countries

Putin’s helicopter at epicenter of Ukraine’s drone attack during visit to Kursk Region

"We simultaneously conducted an air defense battle and ensured the safety of the presidential helicopter’s flight in the air," air defense division commander Yuri Dashkin said

UN welcomes plans for new round of Russia-Ukraine talks — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric added that he has no information yet whether UN representatives will take part in the talks

Lavrov briefs Rubio on drafting proposals for second round of talks with Ukraine

The sides also touched upon key issues on the bilateral agenda

Nine shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day

Most of the attacks were reported from the Gorlovka area

US delegation greets Ukrainians coldly at NATO parliamentary assembly

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte did not give a direct answer when the Ukrainian delegation asked if Kiev representatives would be invited to NATO's June summit in The Hague

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 79.6 rubles for May 29

The official euro rate was lowered by 56 kopecks to 90.3365 rubles

Russian army advances 10 kilometers into Sumy Region in some areas — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian troops are not only advancing but also reporting great progress

State Duma approves amendments to 2025 federal budget

According to amendments, revenues of the Russian budget will total 38.5 trillion rubles

Russia calls on Sweden to observe Vienna Convention — diplomat after drone attack

According to Maria Zakharova, the Russian embassy in Stockholm is operating "literally in combat conditions"

Russia invites Ukraine to meet in days, Kiev takes pause to deliberate — chief delegate

According to Vladimir Medinsky, Russia is awaiting confirmation from Ukraine as soon as possible

Germany to fund production of Ukrainian long-range drones — media

According to the sources, financing Ukrainian long-range drones is part of the new assistance package for Ukraine, which was announced on May 28 during Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to Berlin

Russia unaware of alleged transfer of Ukraine's settlement 'conditions' to US — Zakharova

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said that Russia and Ukraine agreed that each side would exchange relevant documents directly and discuss them at the next round

US expects to assess Ukraine talks progress within two weeks — Trump

A reporter asked Trump if he believed that Russia is genuinely aspiring to end the Ukrainian conflict

German chancellor’s statements threaten tenuous Ukraine peace process — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Friedrich Merz "confused everyone, and maybe was confused himself"

Trump warns Netanyahu against actions on Iran that could disrupt talks

"I’d like to be honest. Yes, I did," US president said

Ukrainian troops flee liberated Belovody, leaving dead, wounded behind

According to the Defense Ministry, before liberating Belovody, Russian paratroopers breached the enemy’s defense lines in and around the settlement

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Battlegroup North units liberated the settlement of Konstantinovka in the Sumy Region and Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Zelyonoye Pole in the DPR through active and decisive operations

EU intends to control safety of navigation in Black Sea without Russia

According to the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, participants in the coalition should be involved in organizing critical infrastructure patrols and monitoring shipping and port activities, among other things

Russian companies remain financially stable — Central Bank

"Individual bankruptcies of companies with excessive loans are nevertheless possible," the regulator said

Asian Development Bank to allocate $3.5 bln to support states vulnerable to climate change

"The contribution and initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the respected Emomali Rahmon, reflect the country’s leading role in this crucial global direction," ADB Vice-President Yingming Yang said

Most important thing now is internal mobilization of every person — Putin

The Russian president stated that the most vital task was the internal mobilization of each individual and society as a whole

Foreign IT services still operating in Russia must be 'suppressed' — Putin

The Russian president said that foreign IT services are trying to strangle Russia

Slovak parliament vice speaker admits country may leave EU

According to Andrej Danko, one of the drivers of Germany's prosperity is cheap Slovak labor

Russia’s UN envoy says Israel continues siege of Gaza, although not as tight as before

Vasily Nebenzya mentioned that before the siege at least 600 truckloads were required every day to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza

Merz reiterates there are no limits on range of weapons supplied to Ukraine

"This will enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively," the German chancellor stressed

Inflation in Russia reaches 0.06% on May 20-26 — Rosstat

The week prior - from May 13 to May 19, 2025 - inflation was measured at 0.07%

West has not mentioned human rights once throughout Ukraine conflict — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the West has become accustomed to "lecturing" many other countries "with or without justification" on the need to respect human rights

Brent futures gain 1.7% after OPEC+ ministers meeting

Futures for the Brent oil retreated later to $65.12 per barrel

Electricity output in Russia down 2% in January-April — statistics

In April 2025, electricity output amounted to 96 bln kWh

Microsoft starts cutting Russia off from its cloud services — Softline

Microsoft promised to start restricting access to its cloud services in Russia on September 2

Investments in Russia’s port infrastructure could reach $30.02 bln over 10 years

According to General Director of VTB Infrastructure Holding Anton Novikov, the current share of cargo turnover through the southern seaports of the country reaches 35%

IN BRIEF: What is known about repulsion of massive overnight UAV attack on Russian regions

The drones were destroyed over the Moscow, Bryansk, Belgorod, Vladimir, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver and Tula Regions

Iran won’t halt uranium enrichment MFA

Reuters reported that Tehran could suspend uranium enrichment for a year if the US agreed to unfreeze the country’s assets and acknowledge its right to conduct enrichment for peaceful purposes

Trump says ready to meet with Putin, Zelensky

The US president said that "US and Russia are doing fine"

Putin jokes about being called 'cyborg' by friend

The Russian leader commented on the option of proposing marriage via the nationwide government services website

Russia appreciates battle comradeship with North Korea — Shoigu

The Russian Security Council secretary also expressed gratitude to Korean friends for their "solidarity with Russia on all critical problems of world politics, and especially on the Ukrainian issue"

IN BRIEF: What is known about mass murder of teenagers in Russia’s eastern Irkutsk Region

The deadly assault occurred as a result of drinking alcohol at the birthday party, Vasily Temgenyevsky, the head of the local administration, said

Apple intends to rename whole operating systems lineup — media

According to Bloomberg, the company plans to label the systems with next year’s number; thus, the latest OS for Apple smartphones will be called iOS 26 instead of iOS 18

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Analysts polled by Bank of Russia revised inflation forecast for 2026

Analysts expect inflation will be close to the 4% target in 2027

Britain may deploy permanent military contingent in Arctic — The Daily Telegraph

The publication says that the Royal Armed Forces may be stationed in the Arctic a la the model used by Estonia, where about 1,000 British troops are stationed as part of a multinational NATO battalion

Russia’s coal output rises by 2.4% to 147 mln tonnes in January-April

Production of other types of hard coal increased by 6.7% to 70 mln tonnes

Moscow stock market index hit 2,800 points first time from May 22

Positive dynamics was noted amid the statement of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the second round of talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2

Russia strikes Ukrainian military sites in retaliation to Kiev’s massive UAV attacks

The Russian Defense Ministry stressed that the Kiev regime supported by some European countries has taken a number of provocative steps aimed at disrupting the negotiating process

Terms of settlement handed over to Washington concern ceasefire — Zelensky's office

According to Igor Brusilo, Ukraine has proposed to the United States the initiation of a ceasefire

Russia already responding to Western provocations in Baltic Sea — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev emphasized that Europe continues "to escalate the conflict situation in the region"

Russian troops to receive large batch of shortened AK-12 assault rifles

"The shortened AK-12 is primarily designed for arming assault units," Kalashnikov Group Chief Designer for Small Arms Sergey Urzhumtsev said

Merz’s latest remarks fuel continued war — Kremlin

"This is nothing but continued attempts to make the Ukrainians keep fighting," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Lavrov says Trump gets incomplete reports on Ukraine, with some info edited out

The top Russian diplomatmade the comment in an interview with Russian television host Pavel Zarubin, when asked about Donald Trump’s warning that Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire"

Press review: EU eyes clash with Russia as Taurus missile strikes expected by July

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 28th

Russia increases fertilizer production by 6.5% in January-April

In April, fertilizer production rose by 5.3% year-on-year, reaching 2.5 mln tonnes

Kremlin hopes Berlin won’t stymie settlement in Ukraine

"This is Germany taking an irresponsible position," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Geneva not to be venue for second round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations — source

According to the source, "Switzerland has lost its neutrality thanks to its stance"

Russia offers Ukraine to meet in Istanbul on June 2 — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that the Russian side promptly developed a relevant memorandum

	
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