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Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

YEKATERINBURG, April 4. /TASS/. Russia’s economic growth has been slowing down since the beginning of the year and is now approaching "zero," President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin said.

"We are now witnessing a clear economic slowdown - this is already a fact. While last year the economy grew by 4.1%, and each revision by Rosstat has produced even higher figures - perhaps 4.1% is not the final number - in January we already saw a 3% growth rate, and in February it dropped to below 1%, to 0.8%. We are clearly heading, as they say, toward ‘zero growth,’" he said.

Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy.

Russia sees opportunity for launching transit route via Pakistan — senior diplomat

"We see huge potential in the sphere of facillitating transport and logistical routes," Andrey Rudenko said

Ukrainian forces planted mines at cemeteries in Kursk Region during retreat — sapper

According to the report, bomb disposal specialists while surveying these territories are invariably wearing armored gear that can weigh up to 50 kg

Musk unsuccessfully asked Trump to reconsider US retaliatory tariffs — newspaper

The media outlet also recalled that the businessman said over the weekend that he would like to see a "free trade zone" between Europe and the United States

Darchiev, Coulter to lead Russian, US delegations to talks in Istanbul — Foreign Ministry

"The second round of Russian-US consultations on normalizing the operation of the two countries’ diplomatic missions will be held within days," the ministry said

White House confirms increase of duties on imports from China to 104%

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump believes that President of China Xi Jinping wants to make a deal

Russian troops evacuate civilians from liberated Kursk Region village of Guyevo — officer

According to the report, Russian military units, as they pressed on with their offensive, had overcome "stubborn enemy resistance"

Ukrainian air defenses’ incompetent actions behind civilian deaths in Krivoy Rog — envoy

"The Russian Defense Ministry reported that as a result of a high-precision strike by a missile with a high-explosive warhead on the site of a meeting with commanders of formations and Western instructors, the enemy’s losses amounted up to 85 servicemen and foreign officers, as well as up to 20 motor vehicles," Vasily Nebenzya said

Europe now aggressive towards Russia, but all global tragedies began with that — Lavrov

"Only after World War Two, when Europe was weakened, the Americans became the leaders of the so-called free world, and then it was them who initiated the majority of conflicts on the planet," the minister said

US, Russia working on detailed plan of de-orbiting ISS — NASA deputy chief

"We work that together as a team with our Russian colleagues and all of our other international partners," Ken Bowersox said

Through its special operation, Russia is preventing a war of nuclear states — Kremlin

When asked whether Russia viewed Finland or Sweden’s membership in NATo as an "existential threat," Dmitry Peskov gave a negative answer

Trump’s trade wars may push more countries to join BRICS — Russian expert

Ekaterina Arapova emphasized that one of BRICS’ fundamental principles is inclusivity

US to start collecting 104% duties from China since April 9 — Fox Business

China missed its deadline to remove tit-for-tat tariffs, reporter Edward Lawrence noted

Brent oil price drops below $61 per barrel on ICE first time since March 2021

As of 3:00 a.m. Moscow time, the Brent price was down by 5.39%, to $60.89 per barrel

Net sales by top Russian exporters down to $10.2 bln in March — Central Bank

The population at the same time was either a net seller or a net buyer of foreign exchange amid small volatility of the currency rate, the regulator added

Trump orders aides to be ready to trade deals with other countries — White House

As Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted, "countries like China that have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers are making a mistake"

Chinese charge d'affaires in Kiev summoned to Ukrainian MFA — top diplomat

According to Andrey Sibiga, the reason for the summoning was the alleged participation of Chinese citizens in hostilities against the Ukrainian armed forces

'Ovechkin makes history': world media discuss sportsman’s 'miracle goal'

Alexander Ovechkin set a new record for the number of goals scored in the regular season of the NHL, surpassing Canada's Wayne Gretzky

Russian-US talks to be held in Istanbul on April 10 — source

The Russian Foreign Ministry said earlier in the day that the Russian delegation will be led by Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev

Court in Rostov-on-Don sentences member of nationalist battalion Azov to 18 years

The court found that on September 17, 2019, Artur Tkachenko voluntarily joined the banned terrorist regiment Azov

US tariffs will hit Slovakia harder than other EU countries — Russian ambassador

The situation is also negatively affected by anti-Russian sanctions, the halt of supplies and transit of Russian gas through Ukraine

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

US, Iran to hold meetings, not talks in Oman — US Department of State

US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce recalled that both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio insist that Iran must not possess any nuclear weapons

Russia to step up number of ground-based robots in army — top defense official

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov pointed out that the defense industry and volunteer organizations delivered several hundred ground-based robots to the Russian military in 2024

US not setting timeframe for talks on tariffs — trade representative

Jamieson Greer noted that the US president "indicated that he's willing to negotiate with parties that want to pursue reciprocal trade with the United States"

US says its troops to keep helping with Ukraine aid after pulling out of Polish airfield

On April 7, the command announced it was transferring military personnel and equipment from Rzeszow to other bases throughout Poland

Kiev reiterates offer to use Ukraine as testing ground for Western weapons

"Among the opportunities Ukraine offers to international partners are testing products in real combat conditions and developing long-term partnership within joint ventures," Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin said

Ukrainian command orders to abandon injured troops in Kursk Region — prisoner of war

According to the POW, his group was ordered to proceed to an evacuation point during the retreat, but when the Ukrainian servicemen arrived at the rendezvous point, there was no evacuation vehicle

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Lithuania's territorial claims against Russia justify Moscow's actions — Kremlin

Earlier, the Lithuanian president referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania"

Russia’s Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft with international crew docks to space station

The Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft traveled to the orbital outpost under an ultra-short two-orbit scheme

Russian army’s combat readiness now highest worldwide — Putin

"We are increasing production of everything necessary for our army and navy," the Russian leader said

EC proposes 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods from April 16 — Reuters

As the agency says, the EC has removed whiskey from the list of goods subject to import duties

Trump assassination attempt suspect tried to buy rocket launcher in Ukraine — Fox News

According to the report, a month before the failed assassination in September, Ryan Routh wrote to a "Ukrainian contact" via an internet messenger and asked to "send me a rpg rocket-propelled grenade or stinger"

Russia, Iran, China at consultations in Moscow consider scenarios after JCPOA — MFA

"Various options and scenarios are being considered regarding what will occur after the current Security Council resolution expires on October 18 of this year," Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said

Talks with Japan now impossible, Kremlin says

Dmitry Peskov recalled that "Tokyo has rushed to fully join all unfriendly and hostile steps with regard to our country"

Trump's own bottom line hit hard by tariffs — Forbes

Donald Trump’s biggest loss comes from his most valuable asset, the Trump Media and Technology Group, which declined 8% over the last three trading days, hitting its lowest price since October

Over 300 Houthi targets hit by US in Yemen since mid-March — TV

Al Jazeera television channel did not say however which targets were hit but noted the Houthis still have potential for attacks on US warships and commercial vessels

Belousov believes drones will be integrated into single network in near future

The Russian defense minister made the statement at a conference on ground robotic systems that the ministry held on April 8

Partnership treaty with Iran does not mean military alliance — Russian diplomat

As Andrey Rudenko noted, the treaty’s "Article 3 says that Russia and Iran will not provide military or any other assistance to an aggressor in case either of them comes under attack, and will rely on the UN Charter and other norms of international law to resolve conflicts"

Russian army to liberate remaining Kursk Region villages soon — expert

According to Oleg Ivanov, Ukrainian soldiers are likely to barricade themselves in the Gornal monastery and continue fighting but the village will be liberated anyway

Russian defense chief calls for systematic analysis of combat use of ground-based robots

On April 8, the Russian Defense Ministry hosted a scientific and technical conference on the development and use of ground-based robotic systems based on the experience of the special military operation

Russian soldiers in Guyevo were confronted by Ukrainian elite units

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that units from the battle group North had liberated Guyevo

Goldman Sachs says markets pricing in 70% probability of Ukrainian peace agreement

According to the investment bank, this number is slightly lower than a peak of 76% in February

Russian defense chief sets task to outline process of development of robots for army

The defense ministry ordered the relevant officials and the organizations to determine the order of developing ground-based systems and address their flaws based on the current needs of the army

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Israeli warplanes deliver strike on residential building in east Lebanon

Meanwhile, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces said it has struck a weapons storage facility belonging to Hezbollah's Aerial Defense Unit

Russia sees opportunity for launching transit route via Pakistan — senior diplomat

"We see huge potential in the sphere of facillitating transport and logistical routes," Andrey Rudenko said

Some 20% of Serbs left Kosovo in past 18 months — Russia’s UN envoy

It has happened due to discriminatory policies of the Pristina leadership, Vasily Nebenzya said

Kiev betrayed its spiritual values, history — Lavrov

"Forgetting history, their spiritual values, their roots, if you wish - all of this became one of the main reasons for what we are currently seeing in Ukraine," the minister said

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

US Special Operations Forces to plan operations based on Ukrainian conflict experience

The Pentagon has set up the Center for Special Operations Analysis, according to a statement by US Army General Bryan Fenton

Russian forces strike Ukrainian missile/artillery depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the past day

Musk’s agency uses AI to identify officials disloyal to Trump — report

Cybersecurity experts expressed concern that AI could be used by the Trump administration or Elon Musk personally to advance their political interests or gain access to sensitive information

Tariff wars impact inflation in Russia — Bank of Russia Governor in Duma

The Central Bank sees global tariff wars intensifying and evaluates the channels of their influence on the Russian economy, Elvira Nabiullina added

Brazil supports search for peaceful solutions on Ukraine — Russian ambassador to Brazil

Alexey Labetsky stressed that the Ukrainian issue is still on the agenda of Russia-Brazil contacts, and Moscow highly appreciates Brasilia's non-adherence to Western sanctions and refusal to supply arms to the conflict zone

US nuclear security nominee opposes resuming nuclear testing

According to Brandon Williams, it is better to rely on the scientific information that has been collected from previous tests

No point in peace treaty talks with Japan until it changes attitude to Russia — diplomat

The Japanese foreign ministry said earlier that the country’s government is determined to sign a peace treaty with Russia, despite their strained bilateral relations

Serbia, Russia launch expansion of Banatski Dvor gas storage facility — minister

According to Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic, investments in 12 additional wells to expand the storage facility will total 145 mln euros

Western brands inquiring about running ads in Russia — advertising agency

According to National Advertising Alliance Director General Alexey Tolstogan, those brands that continue to operate in Russia, but do not advertise, can launch PR campaigns right away

Possible US-Iran conflict to entail dire consequences — Russia’s deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko clarified that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran is not a military alliance

NATO commander in Europe says US should maintain current reinforcements

The media earlier reported, citing US and European officials, that the Pentagon was considering the option of withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe

Nissan mulls transferring part of production from Japan to the US due to tariffs

The automaker also told the local authorities that it intends to maintain production capacities in the prefecture despite the reduction in production

Japan set for peace treaty with Russia despite strained relations — foreign ministry

The ministry emphasized that the resumption of the exchange program with the southern Kuril Islands, especially visits by former Japanese residents to the graves of their ancestors, remained one of the highest priorities for Japan

US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to arrive in Middle East in coming days — TV

The source said that the majority of troops and equipment sent to reinforce US troops in the region has already arrived there, Al Jazeera reported

Belarusian president calls Trump's decision on tariffs 'economically illogical'

According to Alexander Lukashenko, although the US economy is among the world's leading and accounts for a significant share of global GDP, this does not guarantee its sustainability in the face of increased import duties for so many countries

Ex-top Ukrainian commander confirms reports of secret center for coordination with US

According to Valery Zaluzhny, the coordination center, initially established at the headquarters of the United States European Command in Stuttgart, was later transferred to Wiesbaden

Ukraine attacks Zaporozhye Region’s gas pipeline, power line — authorities

According to the report, 870 people were left without electricity

Russia-US Istanbul talks to focus solely on operation of diplomatic missions — US official

The Russian foreign ministry said that the Russian delegation to the second round of Russian-US consultations in Istanbul will be led by Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe Sonata Coulter will lead the US delegation

Russia ready for dialogue on Ukraine, will not let it be used to strengthen Kiev — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya also noted that the scenario being discussed by Russia and the United States is aimed at finding a sustainable, long-term solution to the Ukrainian conflict

Investigation results into hole in Russia’s Soyuz MS-09 handed over to law enforcement

Earlier, a source informed that the hole had been drilled in weightlessness by a person not acquainted with the spaceship’s design

Washington yet undecided on reducing military presence in Europe — Pentagon

According to the report, the Department of Defense is currently undergoing a global force posture review, but no decisions have yet been made

Solution to Iran nuclear issue could be like Libya's or involve military force — Netanyahu

According to the Israeli prime minister, he discussed the issue during talks with US President Donald Trump when they met in the White House on April 7

Support of Ukraine raised NATO’s preparedness for future conflict in Europe — Pentagon

US Special Operation Forces in Europe have been boosting its interoperability with similar European military structures for many years, Commander of the SOCOM Gen. Bryan Fenton said

Tiraspol concerned about Moldovan authorities’ aggressive rhetoric towards Transnistria

During the meeting, the Transnistrian delegation urged Moldova to intensify negotiations aimed at settling bilateral relations

US uses Ukrainian crisis to divert attention from trade war — political analyst

Andrey Sushentsov believes that "Russia and the United States remain adversaries on numerous international issues, but for the first time in many years, they are seeking to manage this rivalry"

US may withdraw up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe — TV

NBC pointed out that this initiative builds on Western concerns regarding Russia strengthening its positions in the region

Trump believes that China will eventually sign trade deal with US

"They want to make a deal," US leader said

US deliver more strikes on Yemen’s Hodeida, killing four — TV

According to the report, 13 people were wounded

Several countries ready to cut duties on US goods — American trade representative

According to Jamieson Greer, Vietnam has already reduced some of its duties on American goods

Trump expects China’s call to discuss trade deal

The US leader pointed out that he and the acting South Korean president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, had held a telephone conversation and discussed trade cooperation

Moscow ready to 'lend hand' in US-Iran nuclear talks — senior diplomat

"We sincerely wish our Omani friends success in their mediation role," Andrey Rudenko said

US not satisfied by current situation around Ukraine — Trump

"So we're meeting with Russia, we're meeting with Ukraine, and we're getting sort of close," US President added

Reconnection of Russian banks to SWIFT depends on negotiations on Ukraine — lawmaker

Disconnection of Russian banks from SWIFT began after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine

Iran’s foreign minister calls on US to reject ‘military option’ to make headway in talks

"We face a significant wall of mistrust and harbor serious doubts about the sincerity of intentions, made worse by US insistence on resuming the ‘maximum pressure’ policy prior to any diplomatic interaction," Abbas Araghchi said

German politician calls for resuming gas supplies from Russia in response to US tariffs

"Stock markets are plummeting and there is a real threat of a global financial crisis," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Europe has ordered $265 bln worth of US weapons during Ukraine crisis — NATO general

Purchases of US weapons are the easiest way for allies to make sure their weapons systems are compatible, US General Christopher Cavoli added

Russian army to push Ukrainian troops out of two last settlements in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier on Tuesday that Russia’s Battlegroup North units had liberated the settlement of Guyevo

Russian diplomat calls on US to audit Ukraine aid spending

In Rodion Miroshnik words, an audit is necessary so that "no illusions are left about what [the Kiev regime] really is"

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

US senator claims Iran close to creating six nuclear bombs

"They will kill Israel" and "they'll come after us," Lindsey Graham said

At least 58 killed in nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic

Other details are not known, according to Listin diario

White House insist that talks with Iran will be direct

"I won't further any details from this podium, for obvious reasons, security reasons," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Russian forces liberate settlement of Guyevo: developments in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian military lost over 290 troops in the past day, as well as a tank, three armored personnel carriers, four armored combat vehicles, seven motor vehicles, two mortars and four drone control points

New pandemic inevitable, WHO chief asserts

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the dire consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide

Trump confident US, Israel, Turkey reach deal on Syria

The US president noted that during a conversation with his Turkish counterpart, he congratulated him on 'taking over Syria,' accomplishing something that 'nobody has done in 2,000 years'

Russian lower house ratifies Treaty on Strategic Partnership with Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the document to the State Duma in March

Press review: Iran, Russia, China plan talks as US and China intensify trade conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 8th

Trump administration unearths issues within US intelligence community — expert opinion

According to Alexander Stepanov, the structurally complex US intelligence community has never been subjected to such intense internal scrutiny

US should explain to Ukraine that military aid won’t last forever — magazine

According to article, a security agreement between Washington and Kiev would prolong the fighting in Ukraine and could become "a liability for the United States"

Putin grants Russian citizenship to French journalist Adrien Bocquet

According to the corresponding presidential decree, Russian citizenship granted to 34 people, four individuals striped of citizenship

Press review: US sees first protests since Trump’s return and OSCE seeks Russia’s comeback

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 7th