IN BRIEF: Key statements from Putin’s meeting with government

IN BRIEF: Key statements from Putin’s meeting with government The head of state urged officials to explain to the public in greater detail what the digital ruble is and what advantages it offers© Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASSMOSCOW, September 23. /TASS/. Russian authorities must do everything to live up to the trust shown by the public in the recent elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with cabinet members. The head of state also urged officials to explain to the public in greater detail what the digital ruble is and what advantages it offers. For her part, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina reported that the mass launch of the digital ruble went according to plan. In addition, Putin requested a report on the relocation of major state-owned companies' headquarters to the regions. TASS has compiled the key statements made during the meeting. The recent elections Putin noted that Russians turned out to vote despite all obstacles created by the adversary: "I want to thank the citizens of Russia for their participation in this election campaign. It is well known that attempts were made to hinder us and disrupt these elections, as evidenced by constant attempts to breach the air defenses of Moscow and other regions." According to the head of state, the high voter turnout in the parliamentary elections, despite all interference from the adversary, shows that Russians support the authorities' efforts to strengthen the country: "Such strong public involvement – with a record number of people coming to polling stations to vote – shows that the people of Russia support our efforts aimed at strengthening the country." Putin emphasized that it is impossible to intimidate Russia, a fact demonstrated by the course of the parliamentary elections, which took place despite all attempts by the adversary to disrupt them: "The queues at polling stations show that it is impossible to intimidate Russia!" The President noted that the recent elections showed that Russians trust those serving at the front and believe in their devotion to the Motherland and the country's victory: "We certainly understand the times we are living in. And now, I would like to address our soldiers and commanders on the front line. I want you to know, comrades: this vote was for you. People believe in you and in our victory. They believe in your courage, your heroism, and your devotion to the Motherland." Digital ruble Putin stated that the digital ruble, the use of which began on September 1, has become a full-fledged financial instrument: "As of September 1, the digital ruble has become a full-fledged payment instrument within the Russian financial system." The President pointed out the need to explain the difference between the digital ruble and ordinary cashless payments in greater detail to the public: "Because for the average citizen, this is not very clear." In turn, Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina noted that "the launch of the digital ruble went according to plan": "This is an event we prepared for meticulously. Citizens and businesses now have a new, additional tool for payments and settlements. In essence, our country now possesses all components of a national payment infrastructure." She emphasized that the digital ruble is an entirely Russian-developed product "featuring the highest class of protection and security." Nabiullina reported that the Central Bank, together with developers of secure SIM cards, is preparing a solution that will allow payments in digital rubles without an internet connection: "However, this is currently under development." The head of the Bank of Russia stated that citizens had opened nearly 200,000 digital ruble accounts in just three weeks: "That is a significant number for the first three weeks." She added that 36 Russian banks are currently connected to the digital ruble platform: "So, the digital ruble is gradually becoming part of our lives." According to Nabiullina, the digital ruble will enable tighter control over the expenditure of budget funds and accelerate the transfer of funds to contractors: "All accounts are opened directly on the Central Bank's platform, creating new opportunities for automating settlements – including ensuring that budget funds are spent for their intended purpose." The head of the Bank of Russia noted that the regulator intends to "expand the functionality of the digital ruble platform," with solutions for cross-border settlements possible in the future. In turn, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated that opportunities to make payments using digital rubles would increase "as the infrastructure develops." He noted that the first payments in digital rubles – specifically for taxes and fines – had already been credited to the budget. According to Siluanov, the Finance Ministry will expand the scope of the digital ruble's use in the budgetary process year by year: "From the perspective of the budgetary process, we will increase and expand the scope of its use with each passing year." Relocation of state-owned companies to regions Putin asked for a report on the progress of relocating the headquarters of major state-owned companies to the regions: "I know this process is underway. What is its current status?" Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that eight major Russian holdings have plans to relocate part of their workforce to the regions: "Their structures comprise 250 companies based in Moscow and 270,000 employees. These include Russian Railways, Aeroflot, Russian Post, Transneft, Rosseti, Rosneft, Inter RAO, and Zarubezhneft. Each company has a plan for how it will proceed." Expectations from government Putin stressed that Russian authorities must do "everything to live up to the trust" placed in them by the public during the recent elections. "A great deal depends on the government – monetary policy, social policy. There are many tasks ahead, and the vote cast by Russian citizens in the State Duma elections shows that this is linked to their hopes that all the goals facing us regarding the crucial areas of Russia's development and strengthening will be achieved," he said. TagsVladimir PutinRussia's domestic policyNew projects to export gas to China being actively advanced — Russian MFARussian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said that Russia and China have long developed robust energy cooperation that is becoming increasingly stronger each yearRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Hungary’s refusal to join Carpathian EightHungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar noted that while Hungary had been invited, it did not participate in the initiative, citing "valid reasons" for the decisionRead moreFinnish politician says NATO should return to its 1990s borders to reach peace in Ukraine"The west will re-arm Ukraine if any peace deal were made," Armando Mema saidRead moreRussia promises to use all available means for peaceful resolution of Ukrainian conflictNo one will force Russia to abandon the defined goals and objectives, Maria Zakharova emphasizedRead moreXi Jinping’s visit to US: what to expect from talks with TrumpThe agenda includes fentanyl precursors, mutual moratoriums, rare earth supplies, US tariffs, China’s access to advanced artificial intelligence chips and other high-tech products, and US arms supplies to TaiwanRead moreRussia views any military cargo for Kiev as legitimate target — diplomatMaria Zakharova added that Vladimir Zelensky is "touring the world in search of support"Read moreUkrainian authorities treat people like concentration camp prisoners — Russian envoyRussian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik also stressed that the Ukrainian elites are not concerned about the problems of peopleRead moreRussian air defenses show unmatched efficiency repelling Sept 20 attack on Moscow — expertIgor Potapov emphasized that this level of effectiveness was achieved through the coordinated performance of the Russian air defense forces, the interaction between the regional and Defense Ministry’s capabilitiesRead moreUS to get free access to Greenland’s airspace and territorial watersUnited States aircraft may fly over and land in any territory in GreenlandRead moreUS must accept new status of Strait of Hormuz for shipping to pass through — Iranian envoyIt will be determined "precisely by the two countries that possess this strait - Iran and Oman," Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali saidRead moreOil refineries, ports emerge as main customers for interceptor UAVs — expertAccording to Mikhail Filippov, the Ukrainian armed forces have also been targeting facilities that are not included in the list of critical infrastructure, forcing owners to bear additional costs to protect their facilitiesRead moreUkraine cannot win drone war — Russian expertAlexey Chadayev said that Ukraine is wasting a lot of moneyRead moreGuterres’s actions as Secretary-General ruined trust in UN — Russian MFAKirill Logvinov, Director of the MFA Department of International Organizations, said the Portuguese official’s tenure will be remembered for frequent instances of departure from adherence to the fundamental norms and principles of the UN CharterRead moreRussia, Iran discuss cooperation in AfricaThe sides exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, the Russian Foreign Ministry saidRead moreUkrainian forces try their best to prevent Russian kids from receiving education — envoyRussian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that distance learning has been introduced in many frontline areas to protect children from dangerRead moreEU decides not to renew sanctions against three individuals, one entityThree deceased persons have also been removed from the listRead moreRussia’s Lancet systems, strike UAVs destroy Ukraine’s foreign artillery systemsReconnaissance teams detected a camouflaged M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer and two Bogdan self-propelled howitzersRead moreLavrov holds talks with Rubio in New YorkThe talks began with no opening remarks for the press and continued in a closed formatRead moreLiberation of Dobropolye to disrupt Ukrainian forces’ logistics in Kramatorsk — DPR head"The main supply route to the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk metropolitan area from the Dnepropetrovsk Region runs through Dobropolye," Denis Pushilin saidRead moreUS stays ready to use military force to protect its key national interests — TrumpThe US president said that Washington will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western HemisphereRead moreNo clear front-runner for post of new UN secretary general yet — Russian MFARussian Foreign Ministry official Kirill Logvinov noted that the problem lies not so much with the candidates themselves as with the scale and nature of the tasks that the new secretary general will have to address urgentlyRead morePezeshkian to follow Iran's interests on Trump meeting at UNGA — envoyKazem Jalali added that US President Donald Trump lies every day about the actions of Iranian officialsRead moreRussia distances itself from two items on UN General Assembly agendaThey concern the 'temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine' and the 'international residual mechanism for criminal tribunals'"Read moreIntroduction of temporary administration preemptive signal to EU — RSPP chiefAlexander Shokhin expects the attempts to use Russian assets to continueRead moreUS studying tougher Russia sanctions law — TrumpDonald Trump stressed that "it's a very severe bill"Read moreRussian forces take multi-level approach to striking targets in Ukraine — expertAlexander Stepanov noted that a key aspect of the Russian strikes against Ukraine’s industrial sector is the systematic nature of the elimination of the Kiev regime’s military-industrial potentialRead moreRussian foreign minister to begin working program at UN General Assembly high-level weekRussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the UN remains "an indispensable and most representative universal platform for multilateral diplomacy"Read morePutin speaks by phone with Saudi Arabia's Crown PrinceThe Russian leader congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on the upcoming national holiday - the day marking the founding of Saudi ArabiaRead moreUkrainian army lacks forces to cover front line in Donbass — former Ukrainian soldierBorzy specified that, despite attempts to maintain the defensive line using drones, the Ukrainian armed forces continue to lose groundRead moreUS, Denmark, Greenland support NATO activities expansion in ArcticAccording to the agreement, the US request "to establish unmanned military installations in Greenland" will be considered under an accelerated procedureRead moreTrump undermined trust in US during negotiations on Greenland deal — senatorAccording to Jeanne Shaheen, Donald Trump’s threats and bullying rhetoric on Greenland issue have come at a costRead moreKremlin comments on US denying visa to senior Russian diplomat, Zelensky’s statementsDmitry Peskov said the US refusal to grant a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov to participate in the UN General Assembly will be discussed during contacts between Moscow and WashingtonRead moreFour dead and five injured: fire in southern Urals mall47 people and 16 units of equipment were involved in the firefighting effortRead moreRussian foreign minister arrives in New York to attend 81st session of UN General AssemblyThe central event of the visit will be Sergey Lavrov’s address to the general political debate, scheduled for September 26Read moreRussia says to seek investigation into US violations of UN obligations"Unfortunately, the current secretary-general of the world organization consistently evades implementing these resolutions and the relevant provisions of the 1947 Agreement on the Central Functions of the UN," Kirill Logvinov saidRead moreConsultations among 5 UNSC permanent members on new secretary general soon — Russian MFAAntonio Guterres' term expires December 31, 2026Read moreIran to reopen Strait of Hormuz within week if US agrees to its terms — KyodoTehran’s demands include lifting the US blockade of Iran’s ports, ending the war on all fronts, and unblocking Iran’s frozen assetsRead moreIN BRIEF: Russian army completes encirclement of Ukraine’s strongpoint in DobropolyeThe elimination of the trapped enemy formations is underway, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreUS could push Ukraine toward peace, but it lacks will to do so — former CIA officerLarry Johnson believes that Washington has leverage over Kiev, yet so far it has been unwilling to use that leverageRead moreDelegates from 11 countries unfriendly to Russia to attend United Cultures ForumThe St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum will take place from September 24 to 26Read moreAttempts to cancel Russian culture after 2022 have failed, deputy PM saysTatyana Golikova also mentioned unsuccessful attempts to isolate the countryRead moreIran satisfied with pace of military cooperation with Russia, says ambassador to MoscowAccording to Kazem Jalali, the cooperation is expanding more rapidly than in the pastRead moreUkraine's Interpipe Steel halts production after Russian strikeThe company stated that its main production equipment and infrastructure had been damagedRead moreUS, Denmark, Greenland sign agreement on island's securityThe agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New YorkRead moreUN chief has long called for end to Ukraine conflict — spokesmanEarlier, Donald Trump stressed that it was important for Ukraine to try to achieve a settlement of the conflict with Russia before winterRead moreNABU winning 'smear campaign' in Ukraine — former SBU employeeVasily Prozorov considers what is happening in the country to be a "very bad sign" for ZelenskyRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian metallurgical, chemical industry sites — top brassRussian forces used sea-launched hypersonic Tsirkon missiles during a massive nighttime strike against targets in UkraineRead moreUS chooses not to join anti-Russian statement on Ukraine at UNThe statement was read out by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey SibigaRead moreTrump thinks he, Putin may meet soon, but unlikely at US G20 summitThe G20 summit will take place on December 14-15 in Doral near MiamiRead moreRussia’s grain, oilseed harvests in 2026 exceed last year’s levelsThe harvesting of the new crop is gradually entering its final stage, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev notedRead moreJapanese PM calls for reform of UN Security CouncilSanae Takaichi said that the Security Council reflects the international situation of 1945 in its current form, rather than today’s realitiesRead moreEx-Ukrainian soldiers fighting alongside Russians capture group of Ukrainian servicemenThe Maxim Krivonos Battalion was formed three years ago from former Ukrainian servicemenRead moreUS to supply allies with weapons 'at faster rate' in near future — President TrumpDonald Trump announced that massive munition plants will be openingRead moreRussia’s Yak-130M aircraft effectively hunts enemy strike UAVs — RostecThe state corporation emphasized that the Yak-130M has turned from a "flying classroom" into a full-fledged combat aircraft as a result of modernizationRead moreUkraine loses nearly 1,400 troops in special op zone over past 24 hours — Defense MinistryRussian Battlegroup North units took control over the Krasny Yar and Potikhonovo settlements in the Kharkov Region in the course of the special military operation over the past dayRead moreLavrov, Rubio may discuss cooperation between two countries at UN — Russian MFAAfter Donald Trump returned to the White House, "Washington’s policy at the United Nations has become more pragmatic," the Russian Foreign Ministry saidRead moreJapanese PM calls for removing term 'enemy states' from UN CharterIn her speech, Sanae Takaichi recalled that a 2005 UN World Summit resolution expressed a determination to remove references to "enemy states" from the UN CharterRead moreRussian forces strike Ukraine’s logistics centers, energy facilities, defense enterprisesThe Russian Armed Forces also hit a dry cargo ship carrying military supplies en route to the port of OdessaRead moreTrump stresses need to settle Ukraine conflict with Russia before winterVladimir Zelensky earlier acknowledged that the coming winter in Ukraine would be "very difficult"Read moreRussia, Belarus to convene UN meeting on work on Eurasian Charter on September 25 — MFAThe idea of drafting the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century was first put forward at the First International Conference on Eurasian Security, held in Minsk in October 2023Read moreUS President Trump threatens Iran with ‘quick annihilation’ if no deal reachedThe US leader noted that the deal would Iran to create "a far greater country than it ever was before"Read moreIran is not holding any negotiations with US — ambassador to RussiaKazem Jalali emphasized that the US leader was trying to balance energy prices with his statementsRead moreSpain to reject Russian LNG despite its companies’ contracts — foreign ministerSpanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares noted that Madrid would comply with the relevant restrictions previously adopted by the European UnionRead moreUS seeks partial Ukraine ceasefire by winter, Finnish president saysAccording to the Alexander Stubb, the US president is seeking to take an even more active role in peace talksRead morePress review: Trump, Zelensky signal Russia deal interest as Moscow eyes fresh US dialogueTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 23rdRead moreKremlin slams West’s talk of energy ceasefire 'mere rhetoric' for Kiev’s militarizationDmitry Peskov said that European countries are trying to find more money to purchase weaponsRead moreWitkoff calls consultations with Iran through mediators successfulUS Special Envoy noted that the mediators will continue their workRead moreRussia shoots down 17 drones over regions and Black Sea over past dayOn-duty air defense forces intercepted Ukrainian UAVs over three Russian regionsRead moreKosovo Albanian militants to face punishment for their actions — Russian MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the Kosovo Liberation Army as a "classic armed gang"Read more‘Sanctions from hell’ law not expected to hurt Russian exportsAccording to Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs President Alexander Shokhin, political support for business projects takes on particular importance under such conditionsRead moreFormer CIA analyst says EU has no means to back threats against RussiaLarry Johnson added that European economy, as well as cultures are brokenRead moreUkrainian troops almost completely driven out of Klinovoye by Russian forces — expertAndrey Marochko added that Russian forces are also developing their offensive toward Druzhkovka from the side of KurtovkaRead moreRussia concerned about military-biological activities of several countries — LavrovAccording to the Russian foreign minister, half a century after the BTWC took effect in 1975, "the problem of ensuring biological security has not lost its urgency"Read moreUS envoy Whitaker dismisses claims of Russia’s alleged conflict plans against NATOThe US Permanent Representative to NATO urged against overreacting to drone incidents in European countriesRead moreZelensky receives no clear answer from Trump to request to give air defense missilesVladimir Zelensky noted that Ukraine has a shortage of missiles for PatriotsRead morePutin ready to meet with Trump, no details available — KremlinDmitry Peskov said that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump always emphasized their readiness to hold another meetingRead moreNew agreement allows US to expand Greenland base, establish two moreThe document allows a foreign military presence on the island only with the consent of the three partieRead moreRussia’s Defense Ministry reports use of Tsirkon missiles in nighttime strike on UkraineThe ministry compared the massive strike to the Ninth WaveRead moreUpcoming winter in Ukraine could trigger irreversible processes, expert warnsOleg Popenko said that preparations for the heating season had completely failedRead moreEurope faces harsh winter amid gas supply problems — IEAIEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that gas storage levels in the region stood at historically low levels at presentRead moreLavrov to take part in about 20 international meetings at UN, Russian diplomat tells TASSAccording to Kirill Logvinov, the top priorities are undoubtedly the ministerial meetings with Russia’s allies within the Collective Security Treaty OrganizationRead morePress review: US may impose sanctions on ICC as AfD may push for early electionsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 22ndRead moreSmuggled Western arms from Ukraine end up in Africa, Middle East — Russian envoyYulia Zhdanova explained that weapons and military equipment are being transported by sea from Ukraine to countries in the Middle East and Africa via port infrastructure in the Odessa regionRead moreRussia has to achieve goals by force, no hope for dialogue with Kiev — former CIA officerLarry Johnson said the denazification of Ukraine has to take place, which means new electionsRead moreDebunking Bucha false-flag operation, UN’s confusing reports: top diplomat’s statementsSergey Lavrov noted that the West nurtured a generation that believes the wildest anti-Russian clichesRead moreRostec introduces fully domestically produced Igla small-arms systemThe system will replace a number of foreign counterparts Read moreGermany finds substance resembling explosives near military airfield — newspaperAccording to the media outlet, the forensic experts have not yet completed their examination of the substanceRead moreUS AI Force being created after same pattern as Space Force — expertAlexander Stepanov also noted that the new organization will be headed by a person whom Trump himself has called the "AI Czar" – the nation’s digital leaderRead moreSituation at Bushehr NPP construction site currently calm — Rosatom CEOAccording to Alexey Likhachev, there are currently 63 specialists at the facilityRead moreEU ambassadors agree on historic 3-year extension of Russia sanctions — ReutersAccording to the agency's sources, EU permanent representatives agreed to lift sanctions on Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail FridmanRead moreLavrov, Guterres to meet on sidelines of UN General Assembly — MFAThe Russian side will present a report by the International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of the UN General Assembly that exposes the falsification of events in Bucha, Maria Zakharova saidRead moreRussian banks’ August profit remains virtually unchanged from July at $5.22 blnFunds held by individuals at Russian banks declined by 0.2% in August to $812.57 blnRead moreTrump says 'a lot of good thoughts' presented at Iran meetingThe US President said his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff "met with the mediators on Iran deal"Read moreDonbass Dome air defense system destroys nine Ukrainian UAVs over DPR in past dayThe Ukrainian drones were targeting civilian infrastructureRead moreUS to expand military presence in Greenland, build two bases — TrumpDonald Trump stated that no US adversary will be permitted to establish a military presence in GreenlandRead moreIran has not drawn on foreign military experience in war with US — ambassador to RussiaKazem Jalali said that Iran relied entirely on the internal potentialRead moreF-16 fighter jet crashes near Spangdahlem US airbase in western Germany — airbaseAccording to the statement, the cause of the incident is under investigationRead moreUkraine redeploying Colombian mercenary groups to Kharkov — Russian defense sourceAccording to defense agencies, the number of foreign mercenaries in the Ukrainian armed forces is approaching 16,500, including 7,000 ColombiansRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin statements on European Russophobic stance, possible Putin-Trump meetDmitry Peskov emphasized that high-level negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, including those between Russia and the US, would be meaningless without prior preparation at the expert levelRead moreTrump keeps Kiev concessions secret, says deal with Russia comingThe meeting with Zelensky took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General AssemblyRead moreRussian non-resource exports rise by 8% in first seven monthsRussia's non-resource exports exceeded $1.14 blnRead more