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Russia dismisses US comments on Ukraine invasion justification as nonsense; multiple global developments reported

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed US remarks about justifying an alleged invasion of Ukraine as nonsense, while other developments included falling dollar-ruble exchange rate, British national killed in Ukraine conflict zone, Italy's potential resumption of Russian gas imports post-conflict, Putin's GDP growth forecasts for Russia and allied states, Red Sea shipping stability, EU sanctions disagreement, CSTO-NATO tensions, and various economic and military updates across regions.

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Why It Matters

Ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western nations regarding Ukraine conflict, economic fluctuations, and security developments across multiple regions.

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Russia slams US’ words about plans to justify alleged invasion of Ukraine as nonsense

Sergey Lavrov said that the craziness of such ideas was obvious to any more or less experienced political scientist

Not enough air defense assets in whole world to meet Kiev’s needs — former Estonian leader

The situation for Ukrainians has clearly worsened, Kersti Kaljulaid said

Dollar's average weighted rate goes down against rouble in "tomorrow" deals

The official exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Russian rouble established by the Central Bank of Russia on Tuesday amounted to 33.2001

British national eliminated in Russia’s special mil-op zone in Ukraine — top brass

The sources said that three more Ukrainian officers have been killed as well, including a senior lieutenant of the National Guard of Ukraine

Italy could resume Russian gas imports after Ukraine conflict ends — Deputy PM

"We need to find a diplomatic solution – not by sending weapons, but by supporting the negotiation process," Matteo Salvini said

Russia's GDP expected to grow by 3.5% in 2023 — Putin

The Russian leader also stated that GDP growth in Armenia will be more than 9% for the first nine months of this year, over 5% in Kazakhstan, more than 4% in Kyrgyzstan, and 3.5% in Belarus

Shipping in Red Sea remains stable, head of Houthi-controlled corporation says

About 85 vessels passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the past 72 hours, al-Washli said, adding that this was almost 96% of the normal traffic level

Duma advises Kallas to seek treatment for her persecution complex regarding Russia

Andrey Kolesnik commented on a statement by the head of European diplomacy Kaja Kallas, who claimed that the purpose of a recent incident where a drone attacked a train near the border between Ukraine and Poland was allegedly to "intimidate" European countries

EU envoys fail to agree on extension of anti-Russia sanctions at first meeting — Politico

According to the report, Slovakia has demanded the removal of Russian businessmen Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from the blacklist

Russia ready to beat back any aggressor like Soviet Union did in WWII — Putin

When commenting on a popular Russian car slogan reading "We can repeat it," Putin recalled another famous phrase

Italy’s deputy PM says Rome could play role in Ukraine peace process

He said that the Italian government has always tried to be more cautious and restrained than other European capitals

CSTO says concerned about creation of NATO military infrastructure on its borders

According to Masadykov, a sober analysis of the situation clearly shows that this state of affairs does not serve the interests of any country or international association pursuing constructive goals

Brazil and Russia ready to assist in organizing direct flights — ambassador

He said that establishing direct air service between the two countries "would bring many positive benefits to the interaction between the two nations

Risks of large-scale conflicts with catastrophic consequences grow — CSTO

According to Masadykov, the ongoing transformation of the international relations system "is accompanied by a growing number of global contradictions and demonstrates the low capacity of existing political and legal mechanisms to effectively resolve emerging conflicts between countries and blocs."

Forces supporting Yemeni government lose 500 fighters in battles with Houthis — TV

Another 1,500 or so were wounded, Al Jazeera reported

Bank of Russia may keep key rate at 14.25% — consensus forecast

Experts noted that the room for further monetary easing has narrowed due to accelerating inflation driven by rising fuel prices, higher inflation expectations

Leaders of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland sign memorandum on right to leave UK

The signing ceremony took place in the Welsh capital of Cardiff

European gas price may rise to $1,200-$1,300 in cold winter — expert

According to Sergey Kaufman, in the medium term, gas price dynamics will depend entirely on the situation in the Middle East and winter weather

Lavrov meets with Ugandan candidate for UN secretary-general — Foreign Ministry

The minister informed Ottunu about the requirements the Russian side imposes on candidates for the highest post in the secretariat of the global organization

CSTO does not believe there are no prospects for dialogue with NATO — secretary general

Under the plan, it should function as a platform for specialized discussions, as well as for forming proposals for a further development of the organization and for strengthening peace and stability in its area of responsibility, Masadykov noted

Russia may respond to attacks on its territorial integrity with nukes — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said the hypothetical extreme situations were outlined in detail in Russia’s military doctrine and the fundamentals of Russia’s state policy on nuclear deterrence

Sales of new cars in Russia up 63% in 1H 2024 to over 844,000 units — ministry

Sales of new electric vehicles amounted to 11,200 units in the period (+137%)

Russian nuclear firm expects to attract investors to Akkuyu NPP project by end of 2017

"We plan that investors will enter the project by 49%," Rosatom's head of the department of debt financing and investments said

West’s hybrid war on Russia in full swing, diplomat says about leaked German military talk

The transcript of the leaked conversation indicates that the officers were discussing how much destruction Germany’s Taurus long-range missiles could cause to the Crimean Bridge

Europe's rush to fill gas storage amid LNG shortage drives prices higher — expert

Earlier, the price of the October futures contract at the TTF hub in the Netherlands exceeded $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time since December 2022

US Navy escorts oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz at night, energy secretary says

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the United States had taken away Iran's leverage in negotiations by preventing it from holding shipping hostage like it wanted

Japan maintains its presence in oil and gas projects in Russia — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that Tokyo maintains and reaffirms the importance of its relations and energy cooperation with Moscow

IN BRIEF: What we know about scandal surrounding firing of Ukraine’s Prosecutor General

Ruslan Kravchenko accused NABU and SAP of attempting to usurp power and called Ukraine "a country of distorted mirrors"

US lawmaker says there is chance to reach settlement in Ukrainian crisis

Anna Paulina Luna added that she will do everything in her power "to help facilitate peace"

US ramps up advanced weapons production, Trump says

The United States is producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in its History, the US president noted

Dommaraju, Sindarov to play for World Chess crown next month in Geneva

According to the chess federation’s press office, the upcoming match should be the youngest contest for the world’s chess crown as both contenders are aged at 20

Russia to increase oil output to 540 million tons by 2030 — Energy Strategy

As the document stresses, Russia has the potential to increase free oil production capacity in order to be able to flexibly respond to changes in the global market

US reconnaissance drone flies over Persian Gulf for several hours

The source added that the drone could maintain an altitude of about 14.5 km, which is significantly higher than commercial planes typically fly

UK Prime Minister’s office rejects possibility of referendums on countries leaving Britain

According to the statement, the prime minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the union

Gold futures fall below $4,300 per troy ounce, first time since August 6

As of 4:08 p.m. Moscow time, gold was down 2.6% at $4,294.2 per troy ounce

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

EU may revisit sanctions policy against Russia following internal disagreements
Possible · Within weeks
Italy may resume Russian gas imports after Ukraine conflict concludes
Possible · Within months
CSTO-NATO dialogue prospects may remain limited despite stated openness
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

What specific actions will Italy take regarding Russian gas imports after Ukraine conflict ends?
How will EU sanctions policy evolve following disagreement on extension?
What is the long-term outlook for CSTO-NATO relations given current tensions?
Will Red Sea shipping stability be maintained amid regional tensions?