Duma Chair Vows Retaliation to NATO's Diplomat Expulsions

LOCAL NEWS

• Duma Chair Slutsky says Russia will retaliate to the expulsion of 8 diplomats from NATO's permanent mission – saying accusations of spying are unfounded and would not find confirmation as the West continues its "diplomatic standoff with Russia".
  • "such measures are reciprocal in the diplomatic practice. I have no doubt that leadership will suggest adequate response measures, not necessarily symmetrical"
• Russian hackers in recent months have allegedly tried to infiltrate government networks in the United States and Europe, CNN reports, citing cybersecurity analysts.
  • A US official told CNN that US federal agencies are monitoring recent activities by "Russian hackers." "This issue has been raised at recent meetings of the National Security Council,"
• Deputy FM Ryabkov says efforts are needed to stabilise Russia-US dialogue on missiles & strategic stability to achieve tangible results – but notes the recent meeting in Geneva was a step towards this.
  • Highlights the New Start treaty as an example of the more positive aspects of relations, but stressed the need for continued efforts from both sides
• Govt is set to approve the implementation of "strategic initiatives," 42 new projects with a gross value of about 4.6 trillion rubles through 2024. This is expected to add an additional 0.3% GDP growth per year from 2023 - this is a fairly high level of investment multiplication, but the scale of the projects itself does not require any changes in the budget system or correction of tax redistribution

Events/Data:

• Deputy Energy Min & Nord Stream 2 CEO to speak at has forum in St Petersburg
• PM Mishustin holds weekly Govt meeting
• 1400BST: Oct 1 Gold & FX Reserves, 617.9bn
• 1400BST: Sep Official Reserve assets exp at 619bn vs 618.2bn