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Russia rating downgrade no problem for Russian companies' debt repayment — official

Even if a problem of early bond repayment exists it’s less than initially expected, Deputy Minister of Economic Development says

© AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin

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Russia’s rating cut to have little impact on companies — Central Bank official

MOSCOW, January 28. /TASS/. Almost no Russian companies will face problems with early bond repayment due to recent Russian ratings downgrade, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nikolay Podguzov said on Wednesday.

"Our thorough study showed that there are no such covenants (early repayment peg to Russia’s or company’s rating — TASS) in the Russian companies’ public debt contracts, including Eurobonds. I mean we didn’t find such conditions, but probably we missed something out," Podguzov said.

"We can say that even if a problem like that exists it’s not that huge, and it’s less than we initially expected," he added.

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On January 26, the international rating agency S&P cut Russia’s credit rating to junk level, putting it below investment grade for the first time in a decade. It added a negative outlook on the rating, saying, "The downgrade reflects our view that Russia's monetary policy flexibility has become more limited and its economic growth prospects have weakened." S&P last downgraded Russia in April.

Earlier this month, Fitch and Moody’s downgraded Russia to their lowest investment grades.

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Meanwhile, Q1 sales totaled 1.226 mln used cars, which is 2.2% lower than in the same period in 2023

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Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Iran’s possession of enriched uranium doesn’t mean it has nuclear bomb — Grossi

The IAEA director general said he plans to visit Tehran in the next few weeks

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as 'very dangerous precedent'

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Servicemen of Russia’s battlegroup West receive certificates for destroyed Leopard-2 tanks

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that immediately after the award ceremony, the servicemen returned to their units to continue performing their assigned tasks in the special military operation zone.

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Yury Borisov noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was used no more than ten times

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

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FSB makes arrest in Ukrainian Security Service officer’s car bombing

According to the FSB, the detainee had departed for Ukraine after the launch of the special military operation where he was recruited by an SBU officer in October 2023

Israeli defense minister holds meeting on preparations for operation in Rafah

Yoav Gallant held discussed with the participants in the meeting a number of measures that need to be taken as part of the preparations for the operation in Rafah with a focus on the evacuation of civilians and expanding activities linked with the delivery of food and medical equipment to the Gaza Strip

Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

It was possible to establish that the Ukrainian servicemen were tasked with hitting Orthodox sites in the region aide to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic Igor Kimakovsky said

Journalist Hinkle agrees with Carlson that Moscow is cleaner and safer than US cities

Tucker Carlson also singled out the subway as one of the exemplary aspects of Moscow

Israel Defense Forces announce planned military drills in country’s north on April 16

According to the IDF, "the military exercise was planned in advance as part of the IDF's annual military training program for the year of 2024, and as part of the IDF's increased preparedness for possible threats in all spheres"

Ukraine actively uses Caesar self-propelled howitzers in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov did not specified the amount of Ukrainian equipment

Turkish-mediated Black Sea security pact crumbles as Ukraine backs out — Reuters

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Russian skiers unlikely to return to int’l competition before 2028 — sports official

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Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

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Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

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Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

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Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

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Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

Demarche delivered to UK consul general in Yekaterinburg over propaganda work

Alexander Kharlov also specified that the provision of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the bilateral Consular Convention on the need for foreign diplomats to comply with the laws and rules of the host country had been reiterated to Kotecha

Putin shocked by brutality, cynicism of terrorist attack in Iran - Kremlin

The killing of civilians visiting a cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism Putin said

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

According to Grigory Karasin, many BRICS members share the opinion that the association should be in no hurry to adopt a strict charter, "seeing how counterproductively and even provocatively the European Union is acting"

Ukraine announces blocking of 83 TikTok channels, including 'tass_agency'

Meanwhile, almost half of all Ukrainians view the authorities’ attempts to control the information on the web negatively, according to polls

Arbitration rules for recovering 114.8 mln from Glencore in favor of Sber

In February 2023, the Moscow Arbitration Court ruled to recover the debt totaling 117.9 mln euro in favor of Sberbank from Glencore Energy UK Ltd

Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

FSB prevents terror attack on Trans-Siberian Railway

According to preliminary information, the suspect was interacting with unknown individuals in Ukraine and agreed to set fire to relay boxes on the Trans-Siberia Railway for money

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems

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Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

Greece to hold Olympic flame lighting ceremony on Tuesday for 2024 Paris Games

The ceremony will be attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and other dignitaries

FACTBOX: Water down in Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen at risk

More than 15,000 residential houses and over 23,600 garden plots are exposed to the flood in the Orenburg Region

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

According to Yair Lapid, Israeli allies "smell this weakness," too

Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

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Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

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Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

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Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

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US House could consider separate bills on aid to Israel, Ukraine this week — report

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Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Russian finance ministry considering abolition of export duty on gold

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Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

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US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Iran to retaliate for any new Israeli attack 'within seconds,' senior diplomat warns

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White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Russian investors in Belarus interested in logistics, oil refining — minister

According to Roman Golovchenko, Russia is a key economic partner and source of finance for Belarus

Negotiations on safety of navigation in Black Sea continue — source

The talks are being held within the framework of a letter sent earlier by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Ukraine

Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

Iran plans negotiations with Russia on purchase of Sukhoi fighters

Iran's Ministry of Defense the country needs to strengthen its air force

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

Izzat al-Rishq noted that Israel’s attempts to release its hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip have failed and "there is no alternative to a real deal on this matter with Palestinian groups"

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

Russian foreign ministry blames Paris for death of French mercenaries in Kharkov

The ministry hopes "that the people of France will ultimately learn the truth about the actual scope of France’s involvement in the conflict"

US continues to foment new conflicts to save itself from default — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin cited data from the US Treasury Department, according to which the country's budget deficit in March amounted to $236 bln

Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

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Israel to soon retaliate Iranian attack, no exact date yet — media

The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact day

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

Iranian president warns of 'terrible response' to any action against country

Ebrahim Raisi opined that the UN Security Council and the organization as a whole "failed to fulfill their minimum legal obligations to condemn the [Israeli] attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus"

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day

According to Vladimir Saldo, during the night there was a strike on the Ukrainian troops' landing zone on the right bank of the Dnieper River, nine boats and up to 20 militants were destroyed

Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

"We, both sides, and you can take it from me - as I meet with colleagues from NASA, would hate to lose this cooperation," Yury Borisov noted

Russian forces suppress nearly 80% of Ukrainian drones in island zone of Dnieper River

According to a servicemen of Russia's Northern Fleet marine infantry from the battlegroup Dnepr, control of this area is necessary to organize a buffer zone that ensures the safety of Russian units on the left bank and civilians

Israel considering retaliatory steps following Iranian attack — top brass

According to Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military was well-prepared for the Iron Shield operation to counter the Iranian attack

Share of young men in Ukrainian population drops to record low, says paper

According to the report, the situation "seriously undermines the combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian army, where young men under 30 years of age are the backbone"

Russia to continue boosting cooperation with countries of Global South, East — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister added that these countries "are firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter, advocate respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world's peoples and their right to determine their own destiny"

Lavrov sees no chance of Germany, Japan becoming permanent UNSC members

The Russian foreign minister also said the two countries would bring absolutely nothing new to the Security Council discussions as they "obediently do Washington's bidding, just like virtually every other Western country"

Israeli response will likely targets outside Iran — NBC

The report said the Israeli retaliation will be "limited in scope"

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized previously that similar drills and patrols are held in strict compliance with international law

Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint military drills in Tajikistan

The joint bilateral exercise is running on April 15-18, 2024

Iran detains MSC Aries ship over violation of maritime law — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani noted that Tehran monitors "all ships in the strategic strait" and prevents violations of the country's sovereignty

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

The London Metal Exchange’s ban on Russian aluminum, copper and nickel produced after April 13, 2024 leaves the Shanghai Futures Exchange as the only major commodities bourse in the world to accept Russian shipments of the three metals

Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

According to the source, the owner of the drone is being questioned by law enforcement

Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

Russia urges Middle East nations to show restraint amid escalation — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, further escalation is in no one's interests