Second US-Russia Strategic Stability Talks Kick Off, Covid Situation Deteriorates

LOCAL NEWS

• Second round of US-Russia strategic stability talks to take place in Geneva today amid heightened tensions over potential US debt sanctions. Russian delegation will be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov, the US delegation by First Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
  • Lavrov said in the future both sides may come to several agreements in the field of strategic stability, while US ambassador Sullivan said he was counting on progress following the last "positive" talks in Geneva, but noted that an instant breakthrough should not be expected
• Russia reports record virus deaths for a second day with 22,430 new cases & 857 deaths.
  • Vaccinations have been slowing in Russia with the Kremlin finally sounding concerned yesterday – alluding to possible "mobilisation" as medical authorities sound the alarm over hospitalisations. Only 30% of Russia's population is fully vaccinated
• Russian Economic Development Ministry prepared a proposal to increase duties on some consumer goods imported from the EU.
  • Measures target certain types of wines, beer, perfumes, decorative cosmetics as a response to the EU restrictions on supply of Russian metallurgical products. Ministry hasn't yet determined the amount of new duties; rates may be as high as prohibitive
• CBR: Weekly inflation data are "very noisy," can't be relied on to judge lasting trends after latest result shows 0.29% growth in consumer price index from Sept. 21-27.
  • "It will be possible to determine which factors affected September inflation more -- temporary or lasting ones -- only when more complete information on prices is available"

Data:

• 1400BST: 2QF Current Account Balance, prior 19.9bn