RTS Index falling after official rates released by Bank of Russia

The MOEX Russia Index was traded at 2,941.54 points, up 0.65%

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The RTS Index declined after the Bank of Russia had posted official rates, according to market data.

The regulator sets the rates at 81.462 rubles for the dollar, 94.04 rubles for the euro and 11.123 rubles for the yuan.

The RTS Index edged down by 0.28% to 1,136.81 points. The MOEX Russia Index was traded at 2,941.54 points, up 0.65%.

Fully domestically made SJ-100 plane makes maiden flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Certification tests are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and deliveries to Russian air carriers are to begin in 2026

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

The authorities in Kiev usually do not disclose incidents at military facilities and factories

NATO’s aggressive policy based on military planning — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that Moscow would use all available means to ensure its defense strength amid the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s aggressive aspirations

Move over Malkin: Ovechkin breaks record for playoff power play goals by Russians

The Russian hockey star now has 29 power play goals in the NHL playoffs surpassing Yevgeny Malkin’s record of 28 goals

No plans for Putin to attend Pope Francis’ funeral — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, no decision has been made yet on who will represent Russia at the ceremony

Ukraine uses special op experience to train British military on drone warfare — The Times

According to the British Defense Ministry, British instructors have trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops between February 2022 and November 2024

Russian army advances near Pokrovsk despite massive attacks by Ukrainian drones

According to military expert Vitaly Kiselev, the Russian troops are still making gains under these challenging conditions

Russia to reduce import duty on French perfumes, eau de toilette, hair products to 20%

In general, the list of countries subject to increased duties on imports of perfumes, cosmetics and household chemicals into Russia has expanded

No deal yet with US on further military assistance — Zelensky

Speaking about Kiev’s interest in obtaining Patriot air defense systems, he left the door open that these might be included in a new assistance package, but acknowledged that this would depend on further negotiations

Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

The agreement sets out the legal framework for further development of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran for the long-term perspective

IAEA chief says agency experts’ presence at ZNPP is 'invaluable'

As Rafael Grossi stressed, there were critical moments where the IAEA could immediately say what was going on

Pope did not allow his court to set him against Russian Orthodox Church — Patriarch Kirill

He noted that Pope Francis’ attitude towards Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church will not be forgotten

ECB warns Brussels of potential crypto apocalypse over Trump’s actions — Politico

European officials fret that several major financial market reforms the US president has touted will "undermine efforts to become strategically independent" as the EU tries to revamp its financial sector, the newspaper said

Zelensky fails to comment on Russian proposal to stop hitting civilian infrastructure

The first attempt to get him to respond to the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin came from a Politico reporter

Trump’s plan to resolve Ukraine crisis to feature in new history textbooks — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Medinsky noted 'the extraordinary efforts being taken by the new US administration in an attempt to find a reasonable solution to the Ukraine conflict'

Russian forces encircling Ukrainian troops in Gornal in Kursk region — senior lawmaker

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that, prior to the Easter truce, units from Russia’s Battlegroup North had struck Ukrainian brigades near Gornal

Search operation for foreign climbers on Mount Elbrus suspended until morning

According to preliminary data, two climbers have high altitude sickness

Suzuki issue recall of over 3,700 vehicles in Russia due to vacuum pump malfunction

The pump valve may swell and partially block the negative pressure channel to the brake booster, which in turn may lead to an increase in the required force to press the brake pedal and the appearance of extraneous sounds when pressing the brake pedal, the technical regulator explains

IMF forecast update reflects current trends in Russia's GDP growth — experts

Earlier, the International Monetary Fund released a report in which it raised its forecast for Russian economic growth in 2025

Slovaks not to forget who liberated them from fascism — PM

Robert Fico also reminded that in 1944, some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War took place in the vicinity of the Dukla pass near the Slovak-Ukrainian border

Press review: Vatican adjusts after Pope’s death as Moscow eyes Afghan projects post-ban

US to unveil seven-point Ukrainian settlement plan in London — newspaper

The Daily Telegraph wrote, with reference to an unnamed source, that provisions one and two envisage an immediate ceasefire and direct talks between Ukraine and Russia

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

According to the Russian servicemen, the Ukrainian military considered the monastery a military facility

Memorial prayer held outside church where Pope Francis is to be buried

The prayer was led by Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City Pietro Parolin

Hyundai registers at least eight trademarks in Russia — patent authority

All trademarks registered are in Class 12 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which covers cars, as well as spare parts and accessories

Erdogan’s son confesses he ‘enjoys coming to Russia’

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan said he had been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi and Yakutsk

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

Top Russian diplomat, Laos deputy prime minister discuss trade, economic cooperation

"The sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest on the regional and global agenda," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Visa-free regime will give new impetus to development of tourism with Oman — minister

The Economic Development Ministry stressed that the route network of air traffic with the kingdom is also developing

EU’s demands to leaders not to come to Moscow on May 9 show depth of West’s descent

"It's shameful that on the other side our adversaries dare to issue warnings to those who want to come to Moscow," Alexander Grushko said

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

Ukrainian reserves near Krasnoarmeysk running low amid new Russian successes — politician

Igor Kimakovsky recalled that the Ukrainian army attempted to "cut off" Russia's advance by drones

Over dozen countries declare mourning over Pope Francis’ death

Francis made history as the first Latin American pontiff

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Iran plans to build 19 more nuclear reactors, top diplomat says

According to Abbas Araghchi, Tehran has never opposed scientific and technological cooperation with Washington

Mediators offer Israel, Hamas truce for 5-7 years — media outlet

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled its readiness to relinquish control in the enclave and hand over governance of Gaza to another Palestinian political force, such as the Palestinian National Authority or some new organization

Kiev hits LPR with UAVs, trying to show importance before London talks — expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Ukrainian forces might escalate their attacks on other frontline villages ahead of the forthcoming talks

Russian troops take precautions to prevent civilian casualties in Kursk Region settlement

The Ukrainian army lost a total of over 200 troops during fighting in the area

FACTBOX: What to know about explosion at Russia’s military unit

According to Governor Alexander Avdeyev, first responders are working at the scene of the explosion in the region’s Kirzhach District

White House confirms Witkoff to travel to Russia this week

Kremlin Foreign Policy Aide Yury Ushakov earlier said Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week

Farewell ceremony for Pope Francis begins in Vatican

According to the press service of the Holy See, members of the Roman Curia and the Vatican staff are currently paying last respects to the Pope

Plane flying from St. Petersburg to Kirov makes emergency landing in Moscow

The flight operator, Pobeda Airlines, said later that the pilot of flight DP513 made a decision to land in Moscow after a hydraulic system gauge signaled a malfunction

Shooting in northern India kills 27 tourists, injures many others

The incident occurred in Pahalgam, a popular destination for tourists in the region

Ukraine conflict taught Russia how to counter Western weapons, senior NATO commander says

French Admiral Pierre Vandier warned that if NATO forces "do not regain their technical and tactical superiority," they could face difficulties during the next conflict

Trump to travel to Rome on April 25 to attend funeral of Pope Francis

The funeral is scheduled for April 26

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

Fully domestically made SJ-100 plane makes maiden flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Certification tests are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and deliveries to Russian air carriers are to begin in 2026

Trump’s approval rating slides to 42%, latest poll shows

The poll surveyed more than 4,300 US adults on April 16-21

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

Improvements in the state of global economic relations are not expected in the near future because the West has historically engaged in trade and sanction wars, Maria Zakharova noted

US disbands group gathering intelligence on Russia’s actions in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the group’s aim was "to gather intelligence from across the government" about alleged Russian crimes in Ukraine

Hungarian PM casts vote opposing Ukraine's admission to the EU in national referendum

The Hungarian government intends to take the results of the referendum into account during talks with the EU leadership

Rubio won’t attend Ukraine talks in London

US President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will attend the discussions

Russia to impose 35% duty on import of perfume, eau de toilette from unfriendly countries

As the Industry and Trade Ministry notes, the updated list of goods subject to duty was determined jointly with the business community

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16 — White House

In March, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS that Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet in Saudi Arabia at some point, but as of today, no concrete plans have materialized

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

Situation around Iran’s nuclear program discussed by Putin, Sultan of Oman — Kremlin

According to Yury Ushakov, Russia maintains close contacts with its Iranian colleagues and offers its assistance if necessary

Kremlin dismisses idea of placing rushed deadlines on Ukraine conflict resolution

As Dmitry Peskov stressed, the issue of the Ukrainian settlement is "extremely complex"

US to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, but they will never be at zero — Trump

US president noted that the negative economic effects from increased customs tariffs will be felt in the United States for some time

Russia negotiating with US on Ukraine, tense work underway — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the process is difficult and time-consuming

Russia’s grain harvest in 2024 among top five best in history — minister

"It is enough to feed ourselves and feed 160 countries of our world more," Oksana Lut said

Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week, Kremlin aide says

Steve Witkoff most recently visited Russia on April 11 and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg

Russian army breaches second line of Ukrainian defenses near Konstantinovka

Advisor to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky noted that intense fighting is ongoing in the Chasov Yar area, where the enemy is attempting to hold strategic heights to prevent the Russian Armed Forces from gaining control of the region

Russian troops liberate Sukhaya Balka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Trump’s plan may include deployment of European troops in Ukraine — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the negotiators are now considering "a separate peacekeeping force to monitor any ceasefire, which would look like a ‘joint commission’ of Russians, Ukrainians and a third, non-NATO country"

Pope Francis’ peace efforts rejected by Zelensky, NATO — Hungarian activist

According to Endre Simo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church "sought compromise between East and West, because he believed that the opposing sides should extend a hand to each other for the sake of harmonious coexistence of peoples and nations"

China’s ambassador to Kiev summoned to Ukrainian foreign ministry

Kiev claimed that certain evidence was presented to the Chinese side, and "serious concerns" were expressed

Emergency introduced in Kirzhach district of Vladimir Region after explosion

Emergency response services are working on the site

Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders detained in Damascus — TV

Al Hadath noted that this is the first time leaders of Palestinian groups have been apprehended in Syria

US overestimates own power in attempt to squeeze China out of global trade — newspaper

Washington's blatant coercion of negotiating parties to "pick sides" and its open attempt to contain and isolate China lay bare its arrogant and hegemonic intentions, representing a blatant defiance and disruption of the global economic and trade order, the paper wrote

US waiting for Ukraine’s response to Trump’s final proposal on settlement — Axios

At the same time, sources said that Ukrainian emissaries want 'to discuss a 30-day ceasefire during Wednesday's meetings in London rather than Trump's peace plan framework'

Ukrainian troops blow up historical buildings at monastery in Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the Russian security forces, the monastery sustained major damage

Kremlin unaware about contents of Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia continues communication with the US through all available channels

Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Kiev blocks every effort to take bodies of Ukrainian soldiers from battlefields near Kursk

Russian security officer told TASS that Russian servicemen came under attack as they attempted to take the bodies of Ukrainian troops from areas near Guyevo and Nikolayevo-Daryino to mortuaries

Putin to take part in SPIEF 2025, Foreign Ministry says

The forum will be held on June 18-21

Kiev delegation set to discuss ceasefire during talks in London

According to Vladimir Zelensky, once a ceasefire is declared, Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia in any format

Putin offers condolences over terrorist attack in India — Kremlin

The Russian president also expressed readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Indian partners in the fight against all forms of terrorism

Houthis report another attack on US aircraft carriers

According to the Houthi spokesman, these operations were carried out 'in the context of resisting America’s aggression against Yemen and supporting the Palestinian people'

US basketball legend Michael Jordan is world’s highest-paid athlete of all time — portal

According to the US-based sports business web portal, adjusting for inflation, Jordan, the 62-year-old six-time NBA champion, has earned $4.15 billion

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Patriarch of Serbia thanks Putin for his position on Kosovo, Republika Srpska

Patriarch Porfirije said that "without Kosovo and the Republika Srpska, the Serbian people have no future

Top Russian human rights defender reveals real reason behind conflict with West

"They fear that the world will not be organized by their rules but by competing principles," Valery Fadeyev pointed out

Tariff preference for butter imports to be renewed until end of 2025 in Russia

The decision is aimed at saturating the domestic market and restraining the rise in prices for such products, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development noted

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

PREVIEW: Lavrov to discuss bilateral ties, upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Uzbekistan

The top Russian diplomat arrived in Samarkand on Tuesday evening

Mining ban can be introduced in three more Russian regions — ministry

The Energy Ministry does not have information thus far whether the ban is a complete one or is introduced for the heating season

Putin holds talks with Oman’s sultan for first time ever

The sides plan to sign ten agreements following the talks, including documents on the mutual refusal of visa requirements for regular passport holders

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Political firestorm around Pentagon reshuffle aimed at hurting Trump agenda — Hegseth

The US defense secretary reiterated that the fired officials were deemed to be responsible for several high-profile information leaks

PREVIEW: Russian premier to address expanded meeting of Finance Ministry’s Collegium

It is tasked with resolving separate important issues

Premature to talk about results of negotiations with US on Ukraine — presidential aide

"We are holding serious and substantial discussions on Ukraine and I believe the dialogue will continue this week," Yury Ushakov emphasized

Four people hurt in blast at munitions depot in Vladimir Region — governor

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a fire at a Russian military unit set off a detonation of munitions at the unit’s depot

US will not let Hamas to participate in post-conflict Gaza government — Trump

The American leader also reported "great progress in the Middle East"

RTS Index falling after official rates released by Bank of Russia

The MOEX Russia Index was traded at 2,941.54 points, up 0.65%

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Russian painter of Trump portrait describes his work as priceless amid current tensions

According to Nikas Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols

Kadyrov says Ukrainian forces tried to cross Russian border in Sumy area, were stopped

According to the official, a Ukrainian armored fighting vehicle exploded on the minefield and was finished off by a precise strike of a fiber-optic drone

US to propose that Europe recognize Crimea as Russian — report

According to The Washington Post, the proposal will be part of a possible peace deal

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

According to the former Austrian foreign minister, "France is now very upset that Germany and Poland are buying weapons from the United States, and not from France"