**Russian News Transcript Summary** **Russian Economy Undergoes Transformation:** - The Russian economy is undergoing a large-scale transformation, with the most difficult period behind it, according to Mikhail Mishustin, speaking at the Moscow Financial Forum. - The country has adapted to new challenges and is on track for sustainable growth. - The sanctions imposed on Russia have made it clear to many countries that they need to develop their own technological capabilities to avoid becoming overly dependent on foreign suppliers. - The government is prioritizing the development of domestic production, particularly in areas such as electronics, radio, chemicals, and transport and energy engineering. **Russian Offensive in Ukraine:** - The Ukrainian military is suffering heavy losses in the face of a Russian offensive in the Zaporizhzhia region, with one brigade that was held in reserve by the Ukrainian command taking significant casualties. - Many Ukrainian soldiers are surrendering to Russian forces, citing low morale and a lack of effective leadership. - Captured soldiers report that Western-supplied equipment, such as German armored vehicles and British tanks, has not been able to turn the tide of the conflict in Ukraine's favor. **Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:** - The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to assist the local population, with many people expressing a desire to move to Armenia. - Azerbaijan has called on ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh to become part of the Azerbaijani community, while also stating that it cannot force those who do not wish to live under Azerbaijani rule to do so. - The Armenian opposition has announced a protest in Yerevan, with tensions rising in the region. **Russian IT Infrastructure Under Cyberattack:** - The Russian Leonardo booking system experienced a massive DDoS attack from abroad, causing brief disruptions. - The attack targeted Russian airlines that recently switched to Leonardo to avoid using foreign services and sharing personal information of Russian tourists. - The cyberattack is part of an ongoing cyberwar against Russia, aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure and causing damage to the country's IT infrastructure. **New Regions Integrated into Russian Legal Framework:** - The new regions of Russia have taken another important step towards integration into the country's legal framework, according to President Vladimir Putin. - Putin met with the newly elected heads of these regions and emphasized the need to address issues such as social welfare, infrastructure development, and economic growth. - The integration process is aimed at ensuring the well-being and security of the people in these regions. **Other News:** - The ruble is expected to trade below 94.5 per dollar by the end of the year, with a forecast range of 90-92 rubles per dollar over the next three years. - The Russian ban on gasoline exports will remain in place until the market situation stabilizes, according to Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov. - VTB's net profit for the first eight months of the year exceeded 350 billion rubles, with growth attributed to an expanded loan portfolio and increased assets. - China has authorized the import of Russian pork, reversing a ban that had been in place since 2008. - The Moscow International Games of the Future 2024, a multi-sport tournament combining physical and digital competitions, has announced its program and schedule. - The first-ever international multi-sport competitions will kick off in Kazan on February 23, featuring 21 innovative disciplines and over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries.