Highlights: Visa and Mastercard Replacement and 187-Drone Attack
Today's focus is on the gradual phase-out of international payment system cards by Russian banks and the massive operation of air defense systems. Reports also include restrictions at regional airports and a significant surge in Chinese car imports.
Russian banks have begun the planned process of replacing Visa and Mastercard payment system cards with domestic equivalents. Although these cards continue to function within the country through the National Payment Card System (NSPK), banks are striving to fully transition customers to Russian plastic as old cards expire. This will ensure the stability of financial transactions regardless of the operation of international services.
In the security sphere, a large-scale drone attack has been reported. According to the Ministry of Defense, on the night of June 19-20, Russian air defense systems destroyed 187 Ukrainian drones over various regions of the country. Concurrently, the "North" military group reported the destruction of 90 enemy positions in the Kharkiv region since the beginning of June.
Temporary changes have affected aviation operations in the Volga region. Restrictions on arrivals and departures were introduced at Ufa Airport to ensure safety. At Kazan Airport, similar restrictions that were previously in effect have already been lifted, and the aviation hub has returned to its regular schedule.
In the economic sector, a sharp increase in passenger car shipments from the PRC was recorded. In May, exports of Chinese cars to Russia increased nearly fourfold compared to the previous year. This confirms the trend toward the dominance of Chinese brands in the Russian market following the exit of Western manufacturers.
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