The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

U.K. Sanctions 135 Oil Tankers in Russia's Shadow Fleet

"New sanctions will further dismantle Putin's shadow fleet and drain Russia's war chest of its critical oil revenues," Foreign Minister David Lammy said...

Putin Meets Khamenei's Top Adviser Larijani for Nuclear Talks

The surprise meeting comes amid reports that Iran is preparing to hold fresh nuclear talks with European countries.

Tsunami Alert Lifted After Powerful Quakes Off Russian Coast

Kamchatka's governor warned of possible aftershocks, which are usual during seismic events and can trigger further earthquakes.

Russia's FM Lavrov Arrives in North Korea

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in North Korea on Friday for a working visit, Russian state media reported, the latest in a series of high-profile...

Russia Becomes First Country to Recognize Taliban Government

Moscow has taken recent steps to normalize relations with the Taliban authorities, removing them from a list of "terrorist organizations" and accepting...

Macron Urges Ukraine Ceasefire in First Call With Putin Since 2022

The call marks their first known conversation since September 2022, several months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Taliban Diplomat to Take Role as Moscow Ambassador

Gul Hassan is the Islamist group's first top envoy to Moscow since it seized power in 2021.

Russian Strike on Ukraine's Odesa Kills 2, Wounds 14

Two people were killed when one of the drones struck a 21-story residential building, Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Saying 'All of Ukraine Is Ours,' Putin Does Not Rule Out Taking City of Sumy

"I consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people. In that sense, all of Ukraine is ours," Putin said.

Erdoğan Tells Putin Israel Threatens Regional Security

The Kremlin said Putin and Erdoğan used the conversation to call for an "immediate" end to fighting between Israel and Iran.

Putin, Trump Discuss Middle East, Ukraine in Call – Kremlin

"The dangerous escalation in the Middle East was of course at the center of the exchange," the Kremlin said.

Serbian Leader in Ukraine for First Time Since Russian Invasion

Vučić took part in a summit in Odesa that gathered leaders from several countries across southeastern Europe.

Kyrgyzstan Dismantles Central Asia's Tallest Lenin Statue

Officials in the city of Osh warned against "politicizing" the decision to "relocate" it.

Russia Says Killed Man Attempting Drone Attack on Military Site

The incident came after Ukraine carried out an audacious coordinated drone attack on Russian airbases.

Russian Air Barrage Kills 4 in Kyiv

Another 20 people were injured in the Ukrainian capital, officials said, while other regions across the country also came under attack.

Putin Discussed Ukraine War With Pope Leo – Kremlin

Putin claimed "the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out of acts of sabotage against civil infrastructure on Russian...

Navalnaya Launches TV Channel to Fight Russian 'Censorship'

The channel, called Future of Russia, will be broadcast via a free-to-air satellite platform run by Reporters Without Borders.

Trump Says Putin 'Playing With Fire' in New Jab at Russian Leader

"If it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD," Trump said.

'Hand of Kremlin?': Russian FM Spokeswoman Mocks Macron Video

The footage has been replayed multiple times on Russian state TV and has been circulating online on accounts hostile to the French president.

World Must Pressure Putin to Begin Peace Talks – Finnish PM

Petteri Orpo said the international community needed to throw "sanctions, military aid to Ukraine, more military aid, political support, all [that] we...

Russian Jailed Over Flight of Suspect Wanted in U.S. – Reports

Dmitry Chirakadze was sentenced for his role in the escape of a Russian governor's son who is wanted for the alleged illegal export of military technology...

Warsaw Protests Damage to Polish Military Cemetery in Russia

Poland called the removal of military symbols from a Polish cemetery in Russia a "provocation" and an attempt to interfere in its presidential election...

Rubio Says Trump Has Offered No 'Concession' to Putin

The U.S. secretary of state rejected criticism over the administration's Ukraine policy at a Senate hearing.

Turkey to Hold Talks With Russian and Ukrainian Teams on Friday – FM Source

Russia and Ukraine had been expected to meet Thursday in Istanbul for their first direct peace talks in more than three years.

Putin Sacks Chief of Military's Land Forces

Oleg Salyukov will become a deputy to ex-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was removed last year and made Secretary of the Security Council.

Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Next Week

"We are determined to have serious negotiations ... to eliminate the root causes of the conflict," Putin said in a middle-of-the-night statement.

Russia on Trial: What Will the New Tribunal for Ukraine Do?

Ukraine and its backers have given the green light to setting up a special tribunal to try Russia's top leadership for the "crime of aggression."

Putin Wishes Pope Leo Success, Hopes for 'Constructive' Ties

"I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop," Putin said.

China's Xi Lands in Moscow to Beef Up 'No-Limits' Putin Partnership

The Kremlin said Putin and Xi would discuss Ukraine and Russia-U.S. relations at a one-on-one meeting.

Trump Eyes Erdogan's Help to End Ukraine War

"I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended — NOW!" Trump posted.

Man Suspected of Spying for Russia Held in Greece

A police source told AFP that the suspect was photographing military supply convoys to Ukraine.

Russia Slams France's Accusations It Hacked Macron's Campaign

Paris has accused Moscow of being behind cyberattacks against France during the last decade.

Kursk Governor Says 288 Civilians Were Killed During Ukraine's Incursion

The Kursk region governor said that the authorities were far from recovering all the bodies of killed civilians from the border areas.

Rubio Warns U.S. Will End Mediation Unless It Sees ‘Concrete Proposals’ From Russia and Ukraine

"If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process," the State Department spokeswoman said.

Ukraine Orders Evacuation From 7 Villages in the East

The Dnipropetrovsk region used to be remote from the front lines but is now under threat as Russian forces close in.

Russian Court Jails Man for Poison Attempt on Army Pilots

The man attempted to kill the pilots with poisoned alcohol and cakes at a graduation party on Ukrainian orders, investigators claimed.

Zelensky Calls for Fair Peace With No 'Rewards' for Putin

"We all want this war to end in a fair way — with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Zelensky said via videoconference at a summit organized...

Rubio Tells Russian Counterpart Time to End ‘Senseless War’

The call took place before Putin offered a three-day truce to coincide with Moscow's commemorations for the end of World War II.

Zelensky Calls Putin Truce Proposal 'Attempt at Manipulation'

Ukraine said that it wanted an immediate truce with Russia for "at least 30 days."

Trump Softens on Zelensky, Says Mineral Deal Coming 'Soon'

Trump has repeatedly made the false claim that Ukraine started the war and this week accused Zelensky of responsibility for "millions" of deaths.

Russia Warns Germany Against Supplying Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

Russia said it would treat Ukrainian strikes on transport infrastructure using the German long-range missiles as "direct participation" in the conflict...

Zelensky Says He Believes China Supplying Arms to Russia

The assertion comes amid an escalating row between Kyiv and Beijing over China's support for Moscow.

Serbia Says Russian Intel Report Found No ‘Sound Cannon’ Used on Protesters

The officers with Russia's FSB concluded no sonic devices were used to violently disperse a March 15 mass demonstration in Belgrade, Serbian President...

Putin Praises Musk, Compares Him to Soviet Space Hero

"These are the kind of people who don't often appear in the human population," Putin said of the SpaceX founder.

Zelensky Slams ‘Weak’ U.S. Reply to Russian Strike on His Hometown

A Russian missile struck a residential area near a playground in Kryvyi Rih, killing 18 people including nine children.

Russian Gymnasts Granted 'Neutral Status' Refuse to Compete

The world ruling body for gymnastics, FIG, had permitted 12 Russian gymnasts to enter international competitions as "neutral" athletes.

Ovechkin Ties Gretzky's All-Time Record of 894 NHL Goals

The 39-year-old Russian tied Gretzky's monumental mark with a power-play goal, dropping to one knee and lifting his arms in celebration as the crowd at...

Russian Drone Attack Kills 5 in Kharkiv

The attack targeted residential and office buildings in Kharkiv, causing several blazes, Ukraine's state emergency service said.

Russian Envoy Seeks Cooperation With U.S. at Landmark Washington Talks

Kirill Dmitriev said he discussed cooperation with the U.S. in the Arctic and on rare earth metals but acknowledged that "disagreements" remain.

Radio Free Europe Says U.S. Shut Its Russian Broadcast

The decision affects the 24-hour Russian-language Current Time channel's broadcasts to Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, eastern Europe and other regions...

Russian Strike on Zelensky’s Hometown Kills 4

The head of Kryvyi Rih's military administration said Russia attacked civilian infrastructure with a ballistic missile, sparking a large fire.

U.K. Unveils New Rules to Monitor Those Working for Russian Government

Russia will be subject to the most stringent restrictions of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

Putin Receives Bosnia’s Wanted Serb Leader Dodik in Kremlin

"Dear Mr. President, I am very happy to see you in Moscow," Putin said in the short clip published by the Kremlin.

Ukraine, Russia Complain to U.S. About Strikes on Energy Sites

Each side has accused the other of breaking a supposed deal to stop firing on energy sites, though a formal agreement has not been put in place.

Rubio Says U.S. to Examine Russia's Conditions for Ending War, Peace to ‘Take Time'

"It won't be simple. It'll take some time, but at least we're on that road and we're talking about these things," Rubio said.

Sanctioned Russian Billionaire Arrested on Fraud Charges – State Media

The arrest of Rusagro founder Vadim Moshkovich marks the highest-profile fraud case against a business leader since the invasion of Ukraine.

Putin Cancels Nationalization of Italy’s Ariston’s Russian Unit

Ariston said in a statement that a decree signed by Putin "restored ownership and full management" of the Russian subsidiary to Ariston's parent company...

Estonian MPs Pass Bill To Limit Voting Rights for Russian Minority

The amendment was proposed in response to security concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine.

Wife of Putin Ally Tears Up at U.K. Sanctions Trial

Ekaterina Ovsiannikova said she thought her relationship with Dmitrii Ovsiannikov would founder as a result of the travel ban imposed for his role in Russian-occupied...

Takeaways from Trump-Putin Call

Besides failing to announce the full ceasefire sought by Trump, the two sides also made no mention of potential territorial concessions.

Trump Cuts To U.S.-Funded Media Put Reporters at Risk – RSF

RSF's head said the decision "betrays" the nine USAGM journalists jailed in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Myanmar, Russia and Vietnam.

Russia Frees Journalist Convicted of 'Justifying Terrorism'

The move to free Nadezhda Kevorkova, a respected journalist specializing in the Middle East, marks a rare lenient ruling in Russia's justice system.

Russia Says Retook 3 Villages From Ukraine in Kursk

Kyiv's forces have been losing ground in the border region recently.

As Trump Woos Russia, Kremlin Shifts Blame to Europe

The reversal in U.S. foreign policy has surprised even the Kremlin.

What We Know About the U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

Ukrainian and international media have published what they report is the full text of the agreement, which lacks any security guarantee for Ukraine.

Russia Will End Ukraine War Only on Its Terms, Lavrov Says

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said peace negotiations must “produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation.”

Russia Says ‘Agreement’ Reached With Ukraine on Evacuating Kursk Residents

Some residents have crossed into Ukraine's neighboring Sumy region and are awaiting evacuation via Belarus, Russia's rights commissioner said.

Azerbaijan Shuts Russia Today Office Amid Media Clampdown

Relations between Baku and Moscow have soured after Azerbaijan claimed that an Azerbaijan Airlines jet was fired upon from Russian territory before it...

Putin Hails Russia’s Huge Number of ‘Terror’ Convictions

Russia regularly sentences people over opposition to the war in Ukraine while convicting captured Ukrainian soldiers on treason and terrorist charges.

Trump Official Tells Ukraine to ‘Tone Down’ Criticism

Trump's top security advisor Mike Walz urged Kyiv to cool its rhetoric and quickly sign a minerals deal pushed by the White House.

Kyrgyzstan Urges Respect for Heritage Amid Row Over Russian ‘Appropriation’

The furor began this month after social media users accused Russian fashion label Yaka of ripping off traditional Kyrgyz patterns.

UN Expert Sounds Alarm on 2,000 ‘Political Prisoners’ in Russia

Their lives remain at grave risk unless they are released immediately, said the UN's special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia.

Trump Envoy Says U.S. Will Not 'Impose' Deal on Ukraine

"The decision by Ukrainians is a Ukrainian decision," U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg said ahead of a meeting between top U.S. officials and Russian negotiators...

Moscow Furious Over Italy’s ‘Third Reich’ Comparison

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman warned that the comments by President Sergio Mattarella "cannot and will never be left without consequences."

Vance Tells Zelensky U.S. Wants ‘Lasting’ Peace

The talks in Munich were seen as a key moment for Kyiv as it tries to keep Washington on its side.

‘No Point Negotiating’ With Putin, Says Navalny’s Widow

"Even if you decided to negotiate with Putin, just remember he will lie," Yulia Navalnaya told the Munich Security Conference two days before the anniversary...

Russia Arrests U.S. Man for ‘Smuggling’ Cannabis-Laced Candy

The man, who was not identified, claimed that the sweets were prescribed by a doctor in the U.S. and that he needed them for traveling.

Chemical Weapons Watchdog Says Found Banned CS Agent in Ukraine-Supplied Samples

The banned riot control agent was found in nine samples handed to the OPCW by Ukraine from the front line in its war against Russia.

Crypto Kingpin Alexander Vinnik Back in Russia After U.S. Handover

“I would like to thank everyone, above all, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,” Vinnik said in a video released by Russian state media.

Kremlin Says Ukraine Will Be In Peace Talks ‘One Way or Another’

The Kremlin's spokesman did not say whether this would involve direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials.

American Among 3 Detainees Freed by Belarus, White House Says

U.S. officials said Wednesday they had secured the release of three "hostages" who had been detained in Belarus, including an American citizen, in a diplomatic...

Ukraine Prepared to Offer Territory Swap With Russia – Zelensky

"We will swap one territory for another," he said, adding that he did not know which territories he would ask for in return.

Russia Frees American After Visit by Trump Envoy

The White House called the deal to free teacher Marc Fogel a positive sign for ending the Ukraine war.

Trump Says Sending U.S. Treasury Chief to Ukraine

He did not specify when the trip would take place, or for how long.

Russia Says Baltic Sea Cable Damaged by ‘External Impact'

"Some time ago in the Baltic Sea a Rostelecom underwater cable was damaged as the result of external impact," Rostelecom's operator said.

Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Back on Russian Front Line

The announcement comes weeks after reports that Moscow had withdrawn North Korean troops due to heavy losses.

Russia Welcomes USAID Cuts, Calls Agency ‘Machine for Interfering’

Russia expelled USAID in 2012 and has long accused the agency and others of setting the ground for pro-democracy uprisings in ex-Soviet states.

‘Rare Earths’ for Aid: Ukraine’s Minerals Threatened by War

U.S. President Trump said he wanted to negotiate an agreement in which Kyiv guarantees supplies of the specific category of rare earth metals.

Navalny Family Mulls Taking France To European Court – Lawyer

Alexei and Oleg Navalny took Yves Rocher to court in France over alleged false accusations but their complaint was dismissed by the courts.

Trump Eyes Ukraine Deal Exchanging Rare Earths for Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had floated such an idea last October as part of his "victory plan" for ending the war with Russia.

Russia Tells Hamas to ‘Keep Promises’ on Hostage Release

Russia has called for the release of dual Russian-Israeli citizen Alexander Trufanov and Maxim Herkin, an Israeli man from the Donbas area of Ukraine with...

Russian Missile Attack Hits Odesa, Wounding 7

Photos showed rescuers wheeling a woman on a stretcher outside the Bristol, a five-star hotel in a 19th-century building.

EU Renews Russia Sanctions After Hungary Stalling

Hungary's Viktor Orban has repeatedly delayed previous decisions on EU sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine before eventually approving them...

Zelensky Warns Putin Wants to 'Manipulate' Trump on Ukraine

Putin had earlier praised Trump as a "smart" leader who might have prevented the conflict from starting.

Ukraine Orders Children To Evacuate From Northeastern Towns

The towns and villages affected are near Kupiansk, a town that Russia has tried to capture for months where fighting is raging around its outskirts.

Russia Rejects U.K. Accusations of Targeting Undersea Cables

"Such threats never come from Russia," Moscow's Embassy in London said.

Kyiv Claims Russian Forces Killed 6 Captured Ukrainian Troops

Kyiv said it was notifying international rights groups of the latest alleged Russian war crime.

Russians Launch Campaign To Find Loved Ones Behind Front Line

Residents of the Kursk region have for months accused authorities of not doing enough to secure their loved ones.

U.K. Minister Warns Putin as Royal Navy Tracks Russian ‘Spy Ship'

Defense Secretary John Healey said the vessel was being "used for gathering intelligence and mapping the U.K.'s critical underwater infrastructure."

Russia Blasts U.S. Reinstatement of Cuba on Terror List

Russia's Foreign Ministry called the move unjustified because Cuba is an active participant in "international cooperation on counterterrorism."

Ukrainian Army Hits Russian Military, Industrial Sites in Overnight Barrage

Explosions rocked chemical plants, oil refineries and warehouses across Russia, a source in Ukraine’s SBU security services said.

Russia, Iran to Sign ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ Treaty – Kremlin

Putin signed a similarly named treaty with North Korea last year, further strengthening his alliance with Pyongyang.

Finland To Keep Russian Border Shut, Extend Contested Law

The government said the border closure and new law have had the desired effect, noting that "instrumentalized migration has ceased for now."

Ukraine Says Conducting Combat Operations in Russia’s Kursk Region

The Ukrainian army statement backtracked on a claim it had launched a fresh offensive in the border area.

Swedish Navy Recovers Anchor of Tanker Suspected of Baltic Sea Cable Damage

The oil tanker, which allegedly belongs to Russia's "shadow fleet," is suspected of damaging four underwater telecoms cables and one power cable.

Russia ‘Shares Grief’ Over Tibet Earthquake, Putin Tells Xi

The devastating earthquake in Tibet killed at least 95 people and collapsed "many buildings," Chinese state media reported.

Ukraine Says Clinging On to Part of Key Town Russia Says Captured

The Ukrainian army reported "active" fighting in the "urban area of Kurakhove" a day after Moscow said it seized the town.

Baltic Sea Telecoms Cables Repaired After Suspected Sabotage

Experts and politicians have said recent actions targeting vital infrastructure are part of a hybrid war between Russia and Western countries.

Tensions Rise Between Moldova and Russia as Transnistria Fears Electricity Collapse

The tiny breakaway republic bordering Ukraine has been unable to provide heating and hot water to residents since Moscow cut off gas supplies to Moldova...

Russia 'Guilty' Over Downed Azerbaijan Plane, Aliyev Says

Azerbaijan's president, who is close to Putin, said Russia's "concealment" of the causes and "delusional versions" being put forward "cause us justifiable...

Blinken Says Russia Plans To Share Advanced Satellite Tech With N. Korea

Blinken said that the U.S. also believed that Russia "may be close" to formally accepting North Korea's status as a nuclear power.

Russia Says Captured Key Eastern Ukrainian Town of Kurakhove

The capture of Kurakhove would be a key advance after months of steady gains in the area.

Russian Gas Cut-Off Sparks More Blackouts in Breakaway Moldovan Region

The tiny breakaway republic bordering Ukraine has been unable to provide heating and hot water to its residents since Wednesday.

Russia Says Ukraine Fired U.S.-Made Missiles at Belgorod Region

"These actions by the Kyiv regime, which is supported by Western curators, will be met with retaliation," the Defense Ministry said.

North Korea’s Kim Hails ‘Dearest Friend’ Putin in New Year Message

Kim sent "warm greetings of best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all the service personnel of the brave Russian army."

Russian Police Arrest Suspect in General’s Killing

Investigators said the man, a citizen of Uzbekistan, claimed he had been “recruited by Ukrainian special forces.”

‘Several Hundred’ North Korean Casualties in Russia’s Kursk – U.S. Official

"These are not battle-hardened troops. They haven't been in combat before," the official said.

U.S. Says Not Involved in Killing of Russian General Behind ‘Atrocities'

"I can tell you that the United States was not aware of it in advance and was not involved," the State Department's spokesman said of Igor Kirillov's killing...

Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza Denies Mother Was Poisoned in Germany

"Mum is indeed in the hospital in Berlin, but the suspicions of poisoning and heart attack have proven incorrect, thank God," Vladimir Kara-Murza wrote...

Russian Military’s Chemical Weapons Chief Killed in Moscow Blast

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov is the most senior military official to be killed in a bomb attack since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Syria’s Islamists Say Under Orders to Stay Away From Russian Forces

The Kremlin previously admitted that the fate of its remaining bases in Syria was unclear.

Moscow Says ‘Part’ of Its Diplomatic Personnel in Syria Evacuated By Plane

"The Russian Embassy in Damascus continues to function," the press release said.

Russian Inflation Ticks Up Amid Ruble Woes

Prices rose 8.9% on an annual basis last month, up from 8.5% in October and more than double the state's 4% target.

Ukraine Hits Russian Border Regions, Sets Oil Depot Ablaze

The strikes come after President Volodymyr Zelensky said air defense should save lives “and not gather dust in storage bases.”

Russia’s Medvedev in Beijing for Talks With Chinese Leaders

"The visit to China by Mr. Medvedev... is an important high-level exchange between China and Russia," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Strike Toll Rises to 8, Rescue Operation Underway

The attack on Zaporizhzhia was the latest in an intensifying series of strikes on southern Ukraine, reinforcing fears of a new Russian offensive in the...

Russian Economy Shows Signs of Slowdown, Top Banker Warns

Sberbank CEO German Gref cautioned the Central Bank against "overshooting" its rates policy, making it "harder to return to the rails of economic growth...

Russia Says Seized EU-Bound Cocaine Haul Worth Millions

The suspects were caught loading 570 kilograms of the illegal substance into a container intended for shipment to the EU, Russia's FSB said.

Russia Takes Villages in Key Areas of East Ukraine Front

One of the villages is located near the embattled supply hub of Pokrovsk and another near the industrial town of Kurakhove.

Moscow Says Russia, Iran, Turkey in ‘Close Contact’ Over Syria Conflict

The Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman said Russia was "actively working with international partners to ensure the rapid stabilization of the situation in...

Russia Says Test-Fired Missiles in Eastern Mediterranean Drills

The tests come as Russia's ally Syria loses ground to Islamist rebels.

Kyiv Says Repelled Russian Push Over East Ukrainian River

The Oskil River has long been a de facto front line across the east of the war-scarred country.

Danish Brewer Carlsberg Sells Russian Business

The move comes a day after President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ending state control of the business.

Russian Attacks on West Ukraine Trigger Power Cuts

Russia has recently stepped up strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, seen as a bid to knock out crucial power supplies through the winter and sap...

Russia’s November Advance in Ukraine Largest Since March 2022 – AFP Analysis

Kremlin forces advanced over 725 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory — equivalent to the size of Singapore.

Russia Says West Wants Ukraine Ceasefire To Rearm Kyiv

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was speaking as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was on a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he held talks with President Volodymyr...

Putin Shelves ‘World Friendship Games’ Meant to Rival Olympics – Decree

The decree said that the World Friendship Games were postponed "until a special decision" by the Russian president.

Russia Says Bombing Anti-Government Forces in Syria

Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies reached Aleppo, pressing a lightning offensive against forces of the Iranian- and Russian-backed government.

Sanctioned Russia Sells Shares in Angolan Diamond Mines

Russia's diamond giant Alrosa was until now a joint owner of Angola's Catcoa mine, the fourth-largest in the world, and Luele mine, in partnership with...

Ukraine Says Russia Returned More Than 500 Soldiers’ Bodies

Russia and Ukraine have been exchanging bodies and prisoners of war since the first months of the conflict — with casualties estimated to be high on...

South Korea Scrambles Jets as Chinese, Russian Warplanes Approach

Five Chinese and six Russian military aircraft entered and exited the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone in the East Sea and South Sea, Seoul's Joint...

‘Angela, Forgive Me’: Putin Denies Intentionally Scaring Merkel With Dog

The former German chancellor accused Putin of inviting the pet to their 2007 meeting as a "demonstration of power" and taking glee in her discomfort in...

Russia Begins Second Trial Against Ukraine War Denouncer

Alexei Gorinov has been brought for a new trial on accusations of "justifying terrorism," a move that will likely see his seven-year sentence extended...

Chemical Weapons Watchdog Says Banned Gas Found in Ukraine Samples

It is the first time the use of a riot control gas has been confirmed in areas where active fighting is taking place in Ukraine, the OPCW said.

Russian Prosecutors Demand 12 Years in Jail for Journalist’s Lawyer

Lawyer Dmitry Talantov was previously on the defense team of prominent journalist Ivan Safronov, who was jailed for 22 years on treason charges.

Russia To Stop Delivering Gas to Austria – Energy Company

Austria has long been heavily dependent on Russian gas, but its environment minister Leonore Gewessler insisted the energy supply was secure.

Russian Sentenced to 24 Years for Army Office Arson Attempts

The 24-year sentence is one of the longest handed down for such an offense.

Russia’s Shoigu To Visit China Next Week

The former defense minister will visit China for "consultations on strategic security issues" with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Putin Finalizes North Korea Defense Deal

The deal comes amid reports that Pyongyang has dispatched thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine.

Russia Suffers Worst Month for Casualties in Ukraine – U.K. Defense Chief

An average of around 1,500 Russian soldiers were killed or injured per day in October, U.K. Chief of the Defense Staff Tony Radakin said.

Russia and Ukraine Launch Biggest Drone Attacks of War Yet

Authorities said they downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, the largest attempted attack on the capital since the full-scale invasion.

Putin Promises Africa ‘Total Support’ in Anti-West Pitch to Continent

The conference with African officials is another chance for Russia to promote its vision of a "multipolar world" a month after it hosted the BRICS summit...

Putin Says 'Ready' to Talk With 'Courageous' Trump

"I take this opportunity to congratulate him," Putin said following Trump's election victory.

Russian Attack on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Kills 4, Wounds 40

Russian forces have stepped up their attacks in Zaporizhzhia in recent days and are making rapid advances in the industrial territory of Donetsk.

Russian Engineer Jailed for 16 Years on Ukraine Spying Charges

Danil Mukhametov, an engineer at the Uralvagonzavod tank manufacturer, was accused of "giving Ukrainian special services military and technical information...

Estonia Wants to Ban Russian Residents From Voting

Various Estonian political parties since the Russian invasion of Ukraine have proposed excluding Russians and Belarusians from elections, fearing foreign...

Russian Rights Official Says Dissent Crackdown Part of ‘Sanitary Measures’

Rights groups say hundreds of Russians are currently in prison for their political beliefs, with many warning that the figures are under-counted.

Ukraine Probes Reports Russia Shot at Civilians in Frontline Town

A video posted on Telegram by a Ukrainian army unit purported to show Russian forces opening fire on a civilian vehicle in the embattled frontline town...

Putin Says Ball in Washington’s Court on U.S.-Russia Ties

Putin also refused to confirm or deny reports that North Korea had deployed troops to Russia.

China’s Xi Hails Russia Ties in ‘Chaotic’ World in Putin Talks

The Chinese leader met with President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

Russia Jails Oscar-Nominated Film Producer in Absentia

Alexander Rodnyansky left the country shortly after it sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 and has been an outspoken critic of the Kremlin's offensive...

Ukraine Drones Target Major Russian Explosive Plant

The Sverdlov plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region is one of Russia's largest manufacturers of military explosives.

Serbian President Speaks to Putin for First Time in 2.5 Years – Presidency

Serbia, a European Union candidate, has refused to impose sanctions on Russia, maintaining close and friendly relations — but Vucic has had limited bilateral...

Zelensky’s Nuclear Arms Comments ‘Dangerous Provocation’ – Putin

The Ukrainian leader had said "either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will protect us, or we must have some kind of alliance."

Ukraine Says Russia to Deploy 10K North Korean Troops

Zelensky has previously accused North Korea of sending troops to Russia's army but this was the first time he gave an exact figure.

Russia Could Be Able To Attack NATO by 2030 – German Intelligence

A direct confrontation between Moscow and the U.S.-led military alliance was "becoming an option for Russia," BND foreign intelligence chief Bruno Kahl...

‘Innocent’ British Nerve Agent Victim Caught in Global Murder Plot – Inquiry

Dawn Sturgess's death followed a failed poison attack against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, which the U.K. said was "highly likely" to have...

Russian Court Orders Arrest of CNN Journalist for Kursk Reporting

Moscow has launched several criminal proceedings against Western journalists who had produced reports from the Kursk region after Kyiv's surprise August...

Russia Sentences Siberian to 18 Years for Arson Attack on Army Office

Moscow saw a wave of arson attacks on military enlistment offices after Putin ordered an unpopular mobilization in 2022, as well as mysterious fires on...

Russia and Iran Hail 'Close' World Views

"Relations with Iran are a priority for us, they are developing very successfully," Putin told his Iranian counterpart.

Russia Calls U.S. Actions in Asia ‘Destructive’ at ASEAN Summit

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Washington of being behind a "militarization" of Japan and attempting to turn other countries against Russia and...

Russia Says Struck Ukraine’s Patriot Air Defense System Launchers

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces struck "two Patriot launcher stations made in the U.S." as well as a control station and radar set that are...

Kremlin Says Trump Sent Putin Covid Tests as Part of International Cooperation

U.S. journalist Bob Woodward wrote in his latest book that Trump secretly sent Covid test kits to Putin despite a U.S. shortage during the pandemic.

Kremlin Rejects ‘Fake’ Report North Koreans Fighting in Ukraine

Earlier reports said that six North Korean military officers had been killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk.

Consumer Goods Giant Unilever Finally Exits Russia

Unilever said that it had offloaded the subsidiary to Arnest Group, a Russian manufacturer of perfume, cosmetics and household products, for an undisclosed...

Russia Says Two Kursk Region Villages Recaptured From Ukraine

Russia has rarely claimed any recaptured territory since Ukraine launched its offensive into the Kursk region on Aug. 6.

Kremlin Denies Trump, Putin Spoke 7 Times Since 2021

The book "War" by famed reporter Bob Woodward said Trump retains a personal relationship with Putin even as he campaigns for another term.

Ukraine Claims Strike on Depot Storing North Korean Ammo

The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

U.K. Sanctions Russian Army Commander Over Ukraine Chemical Weapons Claims

Britain and the U.S. have accused Russia of using the toxic agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention...

Putin To Meet Iran President in Turkmenistan on Friday – News Agencies

"This meeting has great significance both for discussing bilateral issues as well as, of course, discussing the sharply escalated situation in the Middle...

Moscow Arrests Man for ‘LGBT Propaganda’ and ‘Satanism'

Russia banned what it called the "international LGBT movement" in November last year.

Ukraine Says Hit Crimea Oil Terminal, Russia Claims Gains

Kyiv has ramped up strikes targeting Russia's energy sector in recent months.

Russia Sentences Crimean to 14 Years on Treason Charges

Separately, Russia also opened a criminal case against a street sweeper in the Urals who supported a man imprisoned for an arson attack on an army draft...

Beached Orcas Rescued Off Russian Coast

The cetaceans — two adults and two young — had been stranded since Wednesday on the shore of the Kamchatka peninsula.

Russia Tries Independent Election Monitor Co-Chair

Grigory Melkonyants is the co-chair of Golos, which monitors electoral campaigns and regularly denounces vote rigging.

Service Station Blast Kills 9 in Russia’s Dagestan

Almost 120 rescuers were working at the scene south of Dagestan's capital Makhachkala.

Putin Proposes Broader Criteria for Using Nuclear Arms

Under the proposed rules, Russia would consider any attack by a non-nuclear country supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack by both.

Russian MPs Back Adoption Ban on Countries Allowing Gender Reassignment

MPs said they wanted to ensure that adopted Russian children would not go through gender reassignment abroad.

Putin Says Expects Turkey’s Erdogan at BRICS Summit

If admitted to BRICS, Turkey would become the first NATO member in the group which sees itself as a counterweight to the Western-led global order.

Zelensky Says Russia ‘Can Only Be Forced Into Peace'

Addressing a special UN Security Council session attended by a representative of Russia, Zelensky described Moscow as insincere in its calls for dialogue...

Russia Jails U.S. Citizen on Kidnapping Charge

The man was found guilty of "kidnapping" charges after trying to flee to Poland with his four-year-old son in July 2023.

Russians Denying Medical Care to Ukraine Prisoners – UN Experts

A commission mandated by the UN rights council said torture had become a "common and acceptable practice," with Russian authorities acting with "a sense...

Russia Says Will Not Attend Ukraine Peace Summit

Moscow rejected the idea ahead of Zelensky's travels to the United States, where he is due to present his peace proposals.

Kyiv Says Struck Ammo Depots in Southern and Western Russia

Russia has recently announced shooting down Ukrainian drones almost daily.

Zelensky Announces 49 Ukrainian POWs Returned to Kyiv

Zelensky said civilians were also among the returnees, including a "girl who was taken hostage when she came to take care of her sick father."

Putin Warns West Risks ‘War’ if It Backs Ukraine Long-Range Strikes

Putin's comments came as Kyiv pressed the West to provide more powerful weapons with fewer restrictions.

Latvia Says Crashed Russian Drone Was Fully Armed Shahed

"The explosive warhead stuck half a meter deep into the ground and was neutralized on the spot, avoiding detonation," Latvia's military said.

Kremlin Denies Interview Request From Freed WSJ Reporter Gershkovich

Gershkovich made a handwritten request to interview Putin while filling out a form requesting a presidential pardon ahead of the prisoner exchange.

Russia Claims Another Village in East Ukraine, Near Pokrovsk

Memryk is the latest stepping stone to the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk to be claimed by Russia's forces.

U.S. Charges 5 Russian Military Officers Over Ukraine Cyberattacks

The officers are accused of conducting cyberattacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine ahead of the Russian invasion.