The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Russian Air Attacks Batter Ukraine’s Energy Grid, Kill Young Boy

Overnight missile and drone strikes disrupted power supplies in nine regions across Ukraine and plunged entire districts of Kyiv into darkness.

Far East Court Upholds Detention of French Cyclist

Sofiane Sehili was arrested last month while attempting to set a world record for cycling across Eurasia.

Putin Arrives in Tajikistan as Russia Seeks to Reassert Influence in Central Asia

The president will meet with the leaders of Central Asia for talks expected to focus on regional security and economic cooperation.

Ukrainian Drone Attack in Occupied Kherson Kills 4, Kremlin-Backed Governor Says

Meanwhile, authorities in areas of Kherson still under Ukrainian control accused the Russian military of killing a man.

Trump Suggests Willing to Extend Arms Control Deal With Russia

New START restricts both countries' deployed offensive nuclear weapons, requiring that their numbers remain below the agreed-upon limits.

Russian Strikes Kill 5 in Ukraine, Cause Power Outages

Thousands of people were left without power in Ukraine's south and west after a deadly attack on the country's energy infrastructure.

Finnish Defense Minister Says ’No Drones Can Rattle’ Country

Drone sightings in Finland’s neighbors, Norway and Denmark, since September 22 have raised concerns about Europe’s security and preparedness.

Russia Extends Jailing of French Cyclist

Sofiane Sehili, 44, was arrested in early September on suspicion of crossing the Russian border illegally.

Ukraine and Russia Point Fingers After Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Offline for Days

Though blackouts are common due to the plant's proximity to the front line, this is the longest outage so far. Experts warn it increases the risk of an...

International Paralympic Committee Lifts Partial Suspensions of Russia, Belarus

Ukraine's Sports Minister condemned the decision. The final say on where Russians can compete lies with sports federations, many of which uphold a ban...

Alcohol Poisoning Death Toll Rises to 25

Incidents of mass deaths from cheap moonshine are not uncommon in Russia, which has been blighted by high levels of alcoholism for years.

Moscow Dismisses NATO Airspace Violations as ‘Hysteria’

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that NATO members should shoot down Russian jets if they crossed into their territory.

Estonia and Allies Denounce 'Reckless' Russian Air Incursion

It marks the fourth known Russian incursion into Estonian airspace this year and comes a week after Russian drones crossed over into Poland.

Russian Athletes Allowed to Compete at 2026 Winter Olympics Under Neutral Flag

Athletes will also be required to undergo checks to prove they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine or have any links with the army.

Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Shakes Kamchatka Peninsula

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of possible hazardous waves along coastlines but later said the threat had passed.

British Police Arrest 3 People Accused of Spying for Russia

Counter Terrorism Command head Dominic Murphy said the U.K. was witnessing an increase in "proxies" being recruited by foreign intelligence agencies.

French Cyclist Arrested in Far East Russia Placed in Pre-Trial Detention Until Oct. 4

Sofiane Sehili was arrested after crossing the Russian border with China illegally while attempting to break the record for the fastest endurance cycle...

Fugitive Wirecard Executive Living in Moscow Under False Identity, Investigation Reveals

Jan Marsalek has been wanted by German authorities on fraud charges and is listed on Interpol’s wanted database.

Italian Court Orders Extradition of Ukrainian Suspected in Nord Stream Explosion

The man’s lawyer said that he would appeal the Bologna court’s decision to Italy’s highest court.

FSB Arrests Woman Accused of Bombing Trans-Siberian Railway

The woman, said to be in her fifties, was allegedly working on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence, according to Russian law enforcement.

2 Trains Derail in Northwestern Leningrad Region, 1 Killed

Two trains in separate parts of Russia's Leningrad region derailed early Sunday, leaving a train driver dead and disrupting railway traffic.

Ukraine Hits One of Russia’s Largest Oil Refining Complexes

The complex lies around 1,400 kilometers from the front line in Ukraine in Russia's republic of Bashkortostan.

Russia Claims Another Village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region

The Russian defense ministry said its troops had seized the village of Novomykolaivka near the border with the Donetsk region.

Magnitude 7.4 Quake Strikes Off Russian Far East

In July, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off the Kamchatka peninsula, triggering tsunamis across the Pacific.

Moldovan President Accuses Russia of Waging Hybrid War Against Country Ahead of Elections

A vocal critic of the Kremlin since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, President Maia Sandu has steered Moldova toward closer ties with the West.

At Least 24 Killed in Russian Airstrike on Village in Donetsk Region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack struck civilians at the moment state pension payments were being handed out.

French National Arrested in Russia’s Far East, Diplomatic Sources Say

French media earlier identified the man as Sofiane Sehili, an ultra-endurance cyclist who had sought to set a record crossing Europe.

EU Envoy Heads to Washington for Talks on Russia Sanctions

The talks come a day after Trump threatened new sanctions on Moscow following what Ukraine described as Russia's largest-ever air attack.

Russia Expels Estonian Diplomat in Tit-for-Tat Move

Estonia declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata in August over alleged activities undermining the Baltic country’s constitutional order and violating...

Wounded Soldiers Driving Prosthetics Innovation, Senior Russian Defense Official Says

Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova, reportedly a relative of Putin, said injured men returning from the battlefield had become a "driver" in prosthetics...

Russian Strike Kills 2 Deminers From Danish Refugee Council in Ukraine

The strike hit near the outskirts of the regional capital of Chernihiv, 125 kilometers (80 miles) north of Kyiv. Experts say Ukraine is the most heavily...

Sweden Accuses Russia of Widespread GPS Jamming Over Baltic Sea

Incidents of interference in Swedish airspace have jumped from 55 in 2023 to 733 so far this year, according to the Swedish Transport Agency.

Thousands Left Without Power in Northern Ukraine After Russian Air Attack

In the Chernihiv region, authorities said drone strikes on energy facilities left 30,000 people without electricity.

Suspected Assassin of Ukrainian Politician Denies Working for Russia

“This is my personal revenge against the Ukrainian authorities,” said the man, Mykhailo Stselnikov, in a video released by Ukrainian news outlets...

Putin and Xi Tout Deepening Ties Ahead of Beijing Military Parade

The Chinese president also said that Beijing is ready to work with Moscow to push for a “more just and reasonable” global order.

Around 2K North Korean Soldiers Killed Fighting for Russia, Seoul Claims

South Korea's spy agency believes Pyongyang plans to deploy another 6,000 soldiers and engineers, with about 1,000 combat engineers already in Russia.

Yanukovych Criticizes EU and Ukraine’s NATO Ambitions in Rare Video Appearance

Independent media noted it was Yanukovych’s first public appearance since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

EU Chief's Plane Hit by Suspected Russian GPS Jamming in Bulgaria

Bulgarian authorities believed Russia was responsible for the jamming, which happened on Sunday, but it was not clear whether the aircraft was deliberately...

Australian Police Arrest Man Who Crashed Car Into Russian Consulate

Officers tried to speak to the driver, who then allegedly "drove his vehicle into the gates of the property," police said in a statement.

Putin to Meet Slovakian Prime Minister Fico in China

Fico is one of the few EU leaders to have maintained regular contact with Putin since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022...

Russian Attacks in Southeastern Ukraine Kill at Least 1

Sixteen others, including two children, were wounded in the region of Zaporizhzhia during the overnight strikes, authorities said.

Russian MFA Condemns Macron for Calling Putin an ‘Ogre’

The French president said last week that Putin “needs to keep eating… That means he is a predator, an ogre at our gates.”

Estonia Jails Russian-Estonian Dual National 3 Years for Espionage

Prosecutors claimed Erna Moisejeva had been working with Russia's FSB, providing it with information about Estonian military technology.

Mission to Rescue Russian Climber in Kyrgyzstan Called Off

Natalia Nagovitsyna broke her leg while climbing the 7,439-meter Victory Peak and has been stranded in the mountains for 11 days.

Russia Says Captured 2 Villages in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region

Russian forces are slowly advancing in the embattled eastern region, grinding closer to Kyiv's key defensive line in costly meter-for-meter battles.

Kim Jong Un Awards Soldiers Who Fought With Russia Against Ukraine

State media reported that Kim personally awarded the title of “DPRK Hero” to commanding officers who “performed distinguished feats.”

Ukrainian Arrested in Italy Over Nord Stream Sabotage

The man, identified as Serhii K., is accused of being part of a group that blew up the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in September 2022.

Russia Launches Biggest Air Attack on Ukraine in Weeks, Killing At Least 1

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the barrage underscored Moscow’s lack of interest in peace despite stepped-up U.S. diplomacy.

French Researcher Jailed in Russia Now Faces Espionage Charges

Filings show that Laurent Vinatier is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 25 as part of an espionage case.

‘AI Slop’ Turns Trump’s Ukraine Peace Drive Into Meme Fodder

The online fabrications — dubbed “AI slop” — show how easily artificial intelligence tools can flood social media with false or satirical content...

Russia, Ukraine Launch Drones Before Zelensky-Trump Summit

Despite a weekend marked by a flurry of diplomacy, Russia and Ukraine have continued carrying out drone strikes on each other.

Putin Hails North Korean Troops as ‘Heroic’ in Letter to Kim

Putin sent the letter to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule.

Russia and Ukraine Swap 84 Prisoners Each Ahead of U.S. Summit

Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram that the United Arab Emirates mediated the swap.

‘We Only Want to Defend Nature’: Protesters Fight Roadway Construction in National Park Near Moscow

Authorities approved the construction of a highway through Losiny Ostrov National Park to ease congestion and link new apartment complexes. But some locals...

Russian Army Says It Captured 2 Villages Near Dobropillia in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have made a swift advance in the area in recent days, piercing through Ukrainian defenses ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit.

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un Vow to Strengthen Ties Ahead of Alaska Summit

The Kremlin said Putin "shared information with Kim Jong Un in the context of the upcoming talks with U.S. President Donald Trump."

Finnish Prosecutors Charge Ship Officers Over Alleged Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage

The damage on Dec. 25 disrupted the EstLink 2 submarine power cable and four telecommunications cables between Finland and Estonia.

Russian Strikes Kill 5 in Ukraine

A new round of Moscow's shelling and drone attacks killed five people in Ukraine Sunday, authorities said.

Zelensky Warns Against ‘Decisions Without Ukraine’ Ahead of U.S.-Russia Summit

“Any decisions against us, any decisions without Ukraine, are also decisions against peace,” Zelensky said.

Russia Begins Work on Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Russian and Kazakh nuclear agencies launched engineering surveys to determine the best site and “prepare project documentation” for the plant.

White House Says Trump Open To Meeting Putin and Zelensky

The statement came after Washington's envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow for talks with Putin earlier in the day.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Goods Over Russian Oil Purchases

The executive order also warns of potential penalties against other countries found to be “directly or indirectly importing oil from the Russian Federation...

Putin Signs Decree Allowing Russia to Raise Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Under the new decree, Russia can increase its greenhouse gas emissions by about 20% by 2035 compared to 2021 levels.

Russian Billionaire’s Superyacht Heads to Auction in United States

The 348-foot Amadea, valued at more than $300 million, features a helipad, pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa, beauty salon and eight staterooms for up to 16 guests...

Ukrainian Drones Spark Fire at Sochi Oil Depot

Overnight, 127 firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze, according to a local official.

China and Russia Start Joint Drills in Sea of Japan

The "Joint Sea-2025" exercises kicked off in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok and would last for three days, China's Defense Ministry said Sunday...

Dormant Volcano in Russia Erupts for First Time in 450 Years

The Krasheninnikov volcano erupted days after one of the strongest earthquakes on record hit the region.

Suspected Russian Drone Found at Military Training Site in Lithuania

Lithuanian military authorities recovered the drone at the Gaižiūnai training grounds, near the town of Rukla, which also hosts a NATO battalion.

Kyiv Observes Day of Mourning After Russian Attack Kills 31 People

Rescue workers on Friday uncovered the body of a two-year-old child as they concluded operations following a missile strike the day before.

Russia and U.S. Agree to Extend International Space Station Operations to 2028

Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov is visiting the U.S. this week and is expected to meet the Crew-11 mission team ahead of their launch aboard SpaceX’s Crew...

Russia and Syria Signal Closer Ties Amid Uncertainty Over Military Bases

“We are interested in having Russia by our side,” Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaiban told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday...

Moldova’s President Accuses Russia of Planning ‘Unprecedented’ Election Interference Campaign

Maia Sandu, a staunch critic of the Kremlin and a key proponent of Moldova’s EU accession, has long accused Moscow of trying to destabilize the country...

Colombian Man Jailed in Czech Republic Linked to Russian Arson Plot in Poland, Officials Say

The man was charged with “committing acts of terrorism” in connection with fires set at two building depots in Poland last year, the country’s Internal...

EU Grants Kazakhstan Sanctions Waiver to Export Coal via Russian Ports

The European Commission had already indicated in March that Kazakhstan, the EU's fifth-largest coal supplier, could qualify for such an exemption.

Russian Airstrike on Ukrainian Prison Kills 16, Kyiv Says

Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets called the strike further proof of Russian “war crimes.”

UN Experts Urge Russia to Tackle Forced Labor of Migrant Women

UN special rapporteurs said they had received reports of “dozens of women” being lured to Russia with promises of legitimate jobs, only to have their...

Kremlin Says Putin-Trump Meeting in China ‘Cannot Be Ruled Out’

Putin is scheduled to visit China in early September for commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

Russia Launches First Commercial Flight to North Korea in Decades

North Korean officials welcomed Russian travelers with flowers and took their temperatures using electronic thermometers.

Pope Receives High-Ranking Russian Orthodox Cleric

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has sanctified Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which he has described as a "holy war."

Russia Says It Seized 2 Villages in Central Ukraine

One of the villages is in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which has suffered fewer losses.

Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills 3 in Occupied Kherson, Kremlin-Backed Official Says

Meanwhile, a Russian drone and missile attack on the frontline city of Kramatorsk killed a 10-year-old boy, Ukrainian authorities said.

13 Dead After Bus Carrying Mine Workers Crashes in Russia’s Far East

The accident took place along an industrial road leading to a mining facility that specializes in coal extraction and production.

Ukraine Evacuates 43 Deportees Held on Russian-Georgian Border

At least 56 Ukrainians, mostly prisoners who completed their sentences and were subsequently ordered to leave Russia, were being held in a basement facility...

U.K. Sanctions Russian GRU Agents Over Cyber Attacks and Hybrid Threats

London accused the Russian agency of "running a campaign to destabilize Europe, undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens...

Russian-American Woman Arrested at Moscow Airport for Smuggling Handgun

Customs officials said the woman’s suitcase contained an American Colt Commander .45 caliber pistol with three empty magazines.

North Korea Bars Foreign Tourists From New Resort After Lavrov Visit

The sprawling seaside resort on its east coast can purportedly accommodate approximately 20,000 people.

EU Approves 18th Round of Sanctions Against Russia

As part of the new measures, the bloc agreed to lower the price cap on Russian oil exported to third countries to 15% below the global market value.

Russia Launches Hundreds of Drones at Ukraine, Defying Trump’s Peace Ultimatum

A Russian airstrike on a central square in the frontline town of Dobropillia killed one person and wounded more than 20.

Russian Customs Authorities Seize $153M Worth of Cocaine Hidden in Banana Shipment

The cocaine was packed in briquettes marked with the logo of a French luxury fashion brand and concealed in a “hidden cavity” under the fruit.

Italy’s Culture Minister Slams Concert Invite for Pro-Kremlin Conductor

Maestro Valery Gergiev is scheduled to conduct a concert on July 27 at the Reggia di Caserta, a former royal palace near the southern city of Naples.

China’s Foreign Minister Praises Ties With Russia During Lavrov Visit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described relations between Moscow and Beijing as “stable, mature and strategically valuable.”

Ukraine Says It Killed Russian Agents Behind Intelligence Officer’s Assassination

The suspected assassins, a man and a woman, were located and killed in a shootout with Ukrainian forces, Ukraine’s SBU security service said.

Russia Slams Report It Backed ‘Zero Enrichment’ Iran Nuclear Deal

Axios reported Saturday that Putin had “encouraged” Iran to accept a zero enrichment deal.

Russia Claims New Village in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Russian troops had captured the village of Myrne, calling the village by its Soviet name, “Karl Marx.”

Moscow Blames Sanctions for Russia-UN Food Deal Collapse

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that extending the deal was not "envisaged."

Russia Says Foreign Minister Lavrov Met Kim Jong Un

Russia's Foreign Ministry shared a video of two men shaking hands and greeting with a hug.

Ukraine Says 6 Killed in Massive Russian Drone, Missile Attack

Russia fired more than 620 drones and long-range missiles overnight, Ukraine said Saturday, calling for fresh sanctions on Moscow.

Rubio and Lavrov Held ‘Frank Exchange’ on Sidelines of ASEAN Summit, Moscow Says

The U.S. secretary of state said his Russian counterpart put forward something “new” related to the Ukraine war, but he did not disclose details.

Russian Basketball Player Arrested in France at Request of United States

U.S. authorities accuse Daniil Kasatkin of negotiating payoffs for a group that hacked the computer systems of around 900 companies and two federal government...

Top European Court Rules Russia Committed Rights Abuses in Ukraine, Downing of MH17

The ruling is largely symbolic, as Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia Reopens Embassy in Tehran 2 Weeks After Israel-Iran Ceasefire

While consular services are back to operating as usual, Russia's Foreign Ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant while visiting Iran.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Visit North Korea This Weekend

Senior Russian officials have made increasingly frequent visits to North Korea over the past year following the signing of a mutual defense deal.

Russian Military Launches Largest-Ever Air Attack on Ukraine

The western city of Lutsk bore the brunt of the overnight attack, with city authorities reporting fires but no deaths or injuries from strikes.

Russian Army Says It Seized First Village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region

Ukraine said its forces “repelled” Russian attacks in the region, including “in the vicinity” of Dachne, which Moscow says it now controls.

Ukraine Says 4 Killed, Over 30 Wounded in Russian Strikes

Russian drones also hit the capital Kyiv in strikes that damaged buildings but did not result in any fatalities, the city's mayor wrote on Telegram.

Trump Says He’s ‘Very Unhappy’ With Putin Call, Hints at New Sanctions

“He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good,” the U.S. President told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Kremlin Welcomes Halt in U.S. Arms Shipments to Ukraine

Meanwhile, Ukraine summoned the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, warning that arms delays would embolden Russia.

Kim Jong Un Honors North Korean Soldiers Killed Fighting for Russia

Russia’s Culture Minister was among the attendees at a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of a military pact between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Zelensky Signs Decree for Ukraine’s Withdrawal From Anti-Landmine Treaty

More than 160 countries signed the ban. But Russia is not among them and Ukraine says it cannot be bound by restrictions its enemy is not.

Wave of Russian Strikes Wounds 12 in Ukraine

The Russian army launched 477 drones and 60 missiles of various types, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Putin Says Russia and Ukraine Nowhere Close on Peace Terms

But the president said that, despite the “absolutely contradictory” peace proposals, direct talks could help bring each side’s positions closer.

Russian Strike Kills 5, Wounds 23 in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region

The attack hit the town of Samar, just outside the regional capital of Dnipro, according to Dnipropetrovsk region Governor Serhiy Lysak.

Moscow Summons German Ambassador Over Alleged ‘Persecution’ of Journalists

The move came after allegations from Russia’s top media official in Berlin, Sergei Feoktistov, who said German police had confiscated his family’s...

Ukraine and Russia Conduct New Prisoner Swap

Most of the released Ukrainians had been held for more than three years, many of them captured during the brutal siege of Mariupol in 2022, Kyiv said.

North Korea to Send More Troops to Russia, South Korean Intelligence Says

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes the additional deployment could take place as early as July or August.

Putin to Skip BRICS Summit in Brazil Over ICC Arrest Warrant

The Kremlin said Putin would instead take part in the July 6-7 summit of BRICS heads of state in Rio de Janeiro via video link.

FSB Arrests 2 Moldovans on Suspicion of Spying

Authorities claimed the men entered the country using fake identification and attempted to carry out tasks “directed against the security of the Russian...

Russian Strikes Kill 21 in Ukraine as Zelensky Visits NATO Summit

Missile strikes damaged a passenger train, schools and medical facilities in Dnipro, as Russian forces continue to press toward the region’s border.

Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives in Moscow for Talks With Putin After U.S. Strikes

Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported that Araghchi would meet with the Kremlin leader and other senior Russian officials during the visit.

Russia Condemns ‘Irresponsible’ U.S. Strikes on Iran

"It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security," Russia said.

Ukraine Army Chief Vows to Expand Strikes on Russia

Ukraine's top military commander vowed to increase the "scale and depth" of strikes on Russia.

Belarus Opposition Leader Tsikhanouski Freed From Jail

His wife Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said the United States helped broker the deal and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump personally.

Ukraine Says Received Russian Bodies in War Dead Exchanges

Zelensky says Russia sent 20 of its own soldiers' bodies to Kyiv, falsely labeled as Ukrainian.

Ukraine and Russia Complete Second POW Exchange This Week

Russia's Defense Ministry published a video showing its released soldiers chanting "Russia" while draped in national flags.

Russian Strikes on Odesa Kill 1, Wound at Least 13 Others

Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 86 drones in the barrage, adding that air defense systems downed 70.

Russia’s Economy Minister Warns of Looming Recession

Speaking at SPIEF 2025, Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said "current business sentiment and indicators" point to a downturn.

Russia and Ukraine Complete Another Prisoner Swap

Ukraine’s government agency overseeing the exchanges said the swap involved “seriously ill and wounded” soldiers.

Putin to Visit China for Regional Summit in Late August

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

Argentina Says It Uncovered Russian Disinformation Operation

Authorities said they identified an organization called "The Company," supposedly linked to Russia's government and Project Lakhta.

Putin Shrugs Off NATO Spending Plans, Says Russia’s Advance in Ukraine ‘Will Continue’

The president admitted that increased NATO spending could pose “specific” challenges but vowed Russia “will counter all threats that arise.”

Death Toll From Russian Attack on Kyiv Rises to 28

Zelensky said Russia targeted Ukraine with 440 drones and 32 missiles on Tuesday and urged the international community not to "turn a blind eye."

Australia Sanctions Oil Tankers in Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

Australia has imposed more than 1,400 sanctions on Russia over the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

EU Unveils More Details of Proposed Ban on Russian Gas Imports

Unlike previous sanctions, the ban would rely on trade and energy laws to restrict Russian gas — a move designed to bypass potential opposition from...

U.K. Tightens Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

Britain’s latest asset freezes include Orion Star Group and Rosneft Marine (U.K.), both described as significant players in Russia’s energy sector...

Russia Returns 1.2K Bodies to Ukraine in Final Stage of Repatriation Deal

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Kyiv had received more than 6,000 bodies over the past week.

Russia Pulls Citizens From Iran, Halts Tehran Consular Activity

The Russian Embassy in Tehran said it had suspended consular activities over the current situation in the country.

Ukraine Says Received Another 1.2K Bodies From Russia

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Facebook that 4,812 bodies had been returned this week.

Ukraine and Russia Conduct Fourth POW Swap in a Week

Ukraine also said it had received another 1,200 unidentified bodies from Russia.

Rosatom to Build Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Power Plant

China's National Nuclear Corporation, France's EDF and South Korea's Hydro and Nuclear Power had all bid to build the plant.

Finland Ends Probe Into Baltic Cable Damage, Officially Identifies Tanker Crew Members as Suspects

The case will now be handed over to prosecutors, who will decide whether to press charges against the ship’s captain, chief mate and second mate.

Ukraine Receives 1.2K More Bodies of Killed Soldiers From Russia

Russia said last week that it would unilaterally transfer the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, a move Ukraine has described as an “exchange.”

Russian Army Says It Captured Another Village in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Russia’s Defense Ministry also said its troops had captured two more villages in the eastern Donetsk region, which Moscow claims to have annexed.

Wagner Tortured Civilians at Former UN Bases in Mali, Report Says

An investigation identified six sites where civilians were illegally detained and tortured between 2022 and 2024, though the actual number may be higher...

Russia and Ukraine Announce Third POW Exchange This Week

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a group of its servicemen had been returned from Ukraine and were now in neighboring Belarus.

EU Approves New Tariffs on Russian Fertilizer Imports

European farming groups had opposed the move, warning it could raise fertilizer prices amid continued reliance on Russian supplies.

Russian Strikes on Kharkiv Wound 14, Including 4 Children

The city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said the attacks ignited fires in homes and schools. Debris fell “right next to playgrounds,” he added.

Uzbekistan Urges Russia to Respect Its Citizens Amid Migrant Crackdown

Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry said it had received reports of "unauthorized inspections and cases of disrespectful and rude treatment" of its citizens...

Estonia Jails Ex-Russian State Media Journalist 6 Years for Treason

Svetlana Burceva was accused of co-authoring a “propagandist” book that threatened Estonia’s “independence and sovereignty.”

Russian Overnight Drone Strikes on Kharkiv Kill 3, Injure Dozens

Ukrainian authorities said nearly 20 Russian drones targeted two city districts, leaving three people dead and at least 60 others injured.

Russian Drone Strikes Kill 1, Hit Maternity Hospital in Odesa

A 59-year-old man was killed and at least four others were wounded when Russian drones struck residential buildings in the port city, officials said.

Latvia Launches Criminal Proceedings Against Lawmaker for Allegedly Supporting Russia

Aleksejs Rosļikovs was ejected from a parliamentary debate last week after shouting in Russian: “We are the majority!” and “Russian is our language...

Russia Launched Record 479 Drones in Overnight Attack on Ukraine

The mayor of Rivne, a city in western Ukraine, called it “the largest attack” on his region since the start of the war.

Russia’s Central Bank Cuts Key Rate From Historic High as Economy Slows

The move marks the bank’s first rate cut since September 2022 and comes amid growing political pressure to ease borrowing costs.

Putin Ready To ‘Help Resolve’ Iran Nuclear Stand-Off, Kremlin Says

On Wednesday, Iran said that Washington’s proposal was against Tehran’s national interest.

Russia Blacklists British Council as ‘Undesirable Organization’

Moscow accused the British Council of trying to promote British interests “under the guise of teaching English” and of supporting the “LGBT movement...

Putin Accuses Ukraine of Wanting Ceasefire to Rearm and Prepare ‘Terrorist Attacks’

Putin accused Ukraine of being behind the bridge attacks in the Bryansk region and wanting a truce to “pump the regime with Western arms.”

Russia Says 'No Damage' to Crimean Bridge After Ukrainian Attack

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the bridge since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Russian Security Chief in Pyongyang for Talks With Kim Jong Un

The two leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine and other issues.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of ‘Deliberately’ Targeting Civilians After Strike on Sumy Kills 3

Local officials said Russian forces fired five multiple-launch rockets at the city in northeastern Ukraine around 9 a.m. local time.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Bombers Ahead of Istanbul Talks

Ukraine's SBU security services said the strikes hit 41 planes that were used to "bomb Ukrainian villages."

Russian Strike Kills 12 Ukrainian Soldiers During Training – Kyiv

Kyiv did not say where the strike took place, but stressed the soldiers were not taking part in a "mass gathering."

Seven Dead, Dozens Hurt as Russian Bridges Near Ukraine Collapse

Russia's Investigative Committee said the incidents had been "classified as acts of terrorism."

Ukraine Expands Evacuations in Sumy Region Amid Offensive Fears

Russia has reportedly amassed 50,000 troops on the other side of the border and has captured several villages.

Russian Air Attacks Kill Two in Ukraine

A nine year old girl was killed and a 16-year-old boy was wounded in a strike on a residential area in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Belarus to Scale Back Joint Military Drills With Russia

Minsk said the troop reduction was meant “to demonstrate to our allies and partners around the world the truly peace-loving position of the Republic...

Lavrov Calls German Army Plans ‘Very Worrying’

Russia’s Foreign Minister suggested that Berlin could “cause trouble,” just as it had during “the last century, when Germany twice became the leading...

Austria Deports Chechen Asylum Seekers Despite Risk of Forced Mobilization in Russia

Amnesty International has repeatedly urged European countries to end deportations of Chechen asylum seekers, warning that such actions “violate international...

Russia Says 307 POWs Exchanged With Ukraine on Second Day of Swap

Moscow and Kyiv carry out a second day of their biggest POW swap as Kyiv endures some of the fiercest overnight attacks of the war.

Kremlin Denies Report of Upcoming Peace Talks With Ukraine at Vatican

It also denied Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s suggestion that “technical talks” might take place at the Vatican as early as next week.

EU Lawmakers Approve Tariffs on Russian Fertilizer Imports

More than a quarter of the EU’s nitrogen-based fertilizer imports currently come from Russia, with additional volumes entering from Belarus.

Lavrov Blames Arms Delays to Armenia on Russia’s Confrontation With West

“Our Armenian friends understand that in such conditions we cannot fulfill all our obligations on time,” the foreign minister said.

Kremlin Walks Back Criticism of Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Plan

“This is a sovereign matter for the United States,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Former Pro-Kremlin Ukrainian Lawmaker Shot Dead Near Madrid

Andrii Portnov served as a lawmaker in the 2000s and later as deputy head of the presidential administration under Viktor Yanukovych.

Zelensky Accuses Putin of ‘Trying to Buy Time’ in Peace Talks

The Ukrainian president said Russia sent “empty heads” to last week’s direct talks in Turkey and claimed Putin was stalling peace negotiations.

U.K. Unveils New Sanctions on Russia After Unprecedented Drone Attack

The fresh sanctions target “entities supporting Russia’s military machine, energy exports and information war,” the British Foreign Office said.

Legendary Russian Choreographer Yury Grigorovich Dies at 98

The towering figure of Russian ballet led Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater as chief choreographer for three decades.

Kazakhstan Denies Russia Plans Early Exit From Baikonur Spaceport

Local media in Kazakhstan have reported that Russia could exit the lease between 2026 and 2028 as it pulls back from international space cooperation.

EU Approves New Sanctions on Russia Targeting ‘Shadow’ Oil Fleet

Sanctions will also target companies in countries such as Vietnam, Serbia and Turkey that are accused of supplying goods to the Russian military.

EU Pledges $1.1Bln From Frozen Russian Assets to Ukrainian Arms Industry

Western nations froze around $300 billion in Russian central bank assets after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Trump Calls for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine, Threatens Russia With Sanctions

“It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” Trump said.

Russia and China Criticize Trump’s ‘Iron Dome for America’ Plan

Moscow and Beijing said they would begin consultations on preventing the deployment of weapons in space.

Xi Says China Supports Russia Against ‘Hegemonic Bullying’ During Kremlin Visit

The Chinese president praised deepening “political mutual trust” and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

EU Unveils Plan to End All Russian Gas Imports by 2027

EU officials admit that phasing out Russian energy is easier said than done, as some member states are more dependent on imports than others.

Kremlin Says 29 Foreign Leaders to Attend Victory Day Parade in Moscow

Soldiers from 13 foreign countries, including China and Vietnam, will also march on Red Square during the May 9 parade.

Russian Airports Impose Flight Restrictions as Ukraine Launches Major Drone Barrage

Debris from downed drones fell in southern Moscow, damaging buildings just days before the city is set to hold its annual Victory Day parade.

Lithuania to Spend $1.2Bln on Border Defenses With Russia and Belarus

Lithuania’s Defense Ministry said the new spending would “block and slow down the actions of hostile states.”

Film Critic Yekaterina Barabash Appears in France After Escape From Russia

Barabash, who faces up to 10 years in prison for spreading “false information” about the army, said she plans to request political asylum.

Kremlin Urges De-Escalation as India-Pakistan Tensions Rise Over Kashmir Attack

Russia has offered to mediate the crisis, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov having held calls with both sides last week.

Chinese President to Visit Russia on May 7-10 – Kremlin

President Vladimir Putin's office said the two presidents are expected to sign a series of agreements during the visit.

Russian Attacks on Kharkiv Wound 47 – Police

The attacks came hours after Russian strikes on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia wounded more than 20 people.

Belarus Releases U.S. National Jailed Amid Opposition Crackdown

Yuras Zyankovich, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested in April 2021 during a crackdown on opposition activists protesting against Lukashenko's rule...

Moscow May Have Helped North Korea Develop Its New Warship, Seoul Claims

Pyongyang unveiled the 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon over the weekend.

Russian Air Assault on Ukraine’s Odesa Leaves At Least 2 Dead

Ukrainian officials called for a “complete ceasefire” with Russia amid the overnight drone attack in southern Ukraine.

North Korea and Russia Begin Construction of First Road Bridge

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the new road link was needed to boost trade and tourism, adding that it would “symbolize our shared desire to strengthen...

France Accuses Russian Military Intelligence of Repeated Cyberattacks

The attacks allegedly targeted an organization involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Macron's first presidential campaign in 2017.

Putin Thanks North Korea for Helping Retake Kursk as Pyongyang Confirms Troop Deployment

"The Korean friends acted, guided by sentiments of solidarity, justice and real camaraderie," the Kremlin leader said in a statement.

U.S. Says It Could Be ‘Very Critical Week’ for Ukraine Deal

"We're close, but we're not close enough," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC.

Zelensky Says Ukraine Still Fighting in Russia’s Kursk

Russia claimed the "full liberation" of its western region on Saturday.

Suspect in Death of Russian General Charged With Terrorism

The 42-year-old Russian man could face life in prison if found guilty of the charges.

Putin Ready for Ukraine Talks 'Without Preconditions' – Kremlin

Russia is signaling readiness for Ukraine peace talks "without preconditions," though key demands on territory and NATO remain.