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Austrian Ex-Minister Who Danced With Putin Quits Rosneft

Karin Kneissl made headlines when she danced with Putin at her 2018 wedding.

Moscow May Swap Ukraine Prisoners for Putin Ally: Negotiator

Moscow will consider exchanging prisoners from Ukraine's Azov battalion for Viktor Medvedchuk, a wealthy Ukrainian businessman close to President Vladimir...

AFTERMATH OF WAR

'Nothing Left': Mariupol Picks up Pieces After Ferocious Fighting

After weeks of siege and strikes much of the city on the coast of the Sea of Azov has been reduced to a wasteland.

Russia Halts Gas Supplies to Finland

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership.

almost occupied

Russia Says 'Nearing' Full Control of Ukraine's Luhansk

Russia recognized the independence of the separatist republics shortly before launching the military action.

'something to build on'

UN Urges Russia, Ukraine to Resume Peace Talks

UN urged Russia and Ukraine to "build on" coordination that enabled the evacuation operations from Mariupol in order to resume stalled peace talks.

tightening control

Signs Multiply Russia Seeks Control of South Ukraine

The Kremlin said it was important to ensure basic living conditions in Ukraine as signs multiplied that Moscow is moving to permanent occupation.

Russia Prepared for Food Crisis Since Last Year — Kremlin Aide

Russia and Ukraine alone produce 30 percent of the global wheat supply.

1,730 Ukrainian Soldiers Surrendered at Azovstal Since Monday – Russia

Ukraine has indicated that it will seek a prisoner swap for the surrendered Azovstal fighters, but Moscow has yet to give a definitive answer.

Russian Soldier Pleads Guilty at Kyiv War Crimes Trial

Vadim Shishimarin is accused of killing a 62-year-old civilian in northeast Ukraine in the first days of the Kremlin's offensive.

delayed response

Russia Expels Dozens of European Diplomats

The move comes after Paris expelled 41 Russian diplomatic employees in April on suspicion of being spies.

death to 'terrorists'

Belarus Introduces Death Penalty for 'Attempted' Terrorism

Belarus is the only country in Europe that continues to carry out executions despite calls for a moratorium.

Russian Gymnast Banned for 1 Year for Pro-War ‘Z’ Symbol

Ivan Kuliak's singlet had the letter 'Z' prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine's Kovtun Illia on the podium.

Russia Expels 2 Finnish Embassy Staff

The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Finland of taking a "confrontational course" towards Russia.

bristling neighbors

Sweden, Finland NATO Bids Are ‘Grave Mistake’ – Russia

"They should have no illusions that we will just put up with this."

nordic alliance

Finland's End of Military Neutrality a 'Mistake,' Putin Tells Finnish President

Helsinki is expected to announce its NATO membership bid on Sunday.

ossetia referendum

Georgia’s Breakaway Region to Hold Referendum on Joining Russia in July: Leader

The leader of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia on Friday set July 17 as a date for a referendum on joining Russia.

plea for diplomacy

Pentagon Chief Urges ‘Immediate’ Ukraine Ceasefire in Call With Russian Counterpart

U.S. Defense Secretary urged his Russian counterpart to implement a ceasefire in Ukraine, in their first conversation since the war began.

Russia Says to Cut Electricity to Finland From Saturday

The move comes as tensions rise over Helsinki's NATO bid following the war in Ukraine.

non-violent offense

Russia Extends Drug Detention of U.S. Basketball Star Griner

Brittney Griner was detained at Moscow airport in February on drug charges which could carry a 10-year prison sentence.

European News Agencies Alliance Suspends Russia’s TASS

The EANA accused TASS of not respecting its standards by following Russia's order to avoid using "assault, invasion, or declaration of war."

ambition accusations

Moscow Says EU Becoming ‘Aggressive, Militant'

"They are rushing to follow in the tracks already laid by NATO," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed.

Oil Depot, Military Office Targeted in Moldova's Separatist Region

Kyiv has accused Russia of wanting to destabilize the region to create a pretext for military intervention.

economic confidence

Putin Says Sanctions Hurting West More Than Russia

Putin also welcomed the "gradual" slowdown as well as the recovery of the ruble.

leaving a trail

Russia Pushes Law to Force Taxi Apps to Share Data With Spy Agency

Ride-hailing apps would be required to give the FSB domestic intelligence agency real-time access to their data.

Sanctions Impact

Russia Car Sales Sink 78.5% in April

Just 32,706 vehicles were sold in April, according to the Association of European Businesses.

60 Feared Dead After School Bombed in East Ukraine: Governor

"The bombs fell on the school and unfortunately it was completely destroyed. There was a total of 90 people, 27 were saved," said Sergii Gaidai.

U.S. Charge D'affaires Returns to Kyiv for Visit

US charge d'affaires for Ukraine Kristina Kvien and her team returned to Kyiv Sunday, in a step toward re-establishing Washington's diplomatic ties with...

G7 Countries Pledge to Stop Importing Russian Oil

"This will hit hard at the main artery of Putin's economy," the U.S. said Sunday.

'All Women, Children, Elderly' Evacuated From Azovstal: Kyiv

The Azovstal steel mill is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the devastated port city.

Ukraine Says Sank Russian Landing Craft at Snake Island

"The traditional parade of the Russian Black Sea fleet on May 9 this year will be held near Snake Island — at the bottom of the sea."

Two Hundred Homes Ablaze, Deaths in Siberia Fires: Authorities

Officials said some 300 firefighters and 90 vehicles were battling the blazes.

Moscow Allows Sanction-Busting Imports

This mechanism will allow Russia to avoid shortages of goods that it is currently unable to produce itself.

symbolic change

Separatists Take Down Ukrainian Road Signs in Mariupol

Traffic signs spelling out the name of the besieged city of Mariupol in Ukrainian and English have been replaced with Russian ones.

Russia Violates Finnish Airspace as Helsinki Mulls NATO

The incident marks the second Russian violation of Finnish airspace this year.

expect the unexpected

Belarus Launches 'Surprise' Military Maneuvers

The exercise will be closely watched by Kyiv, which has repeatedly accused Belarus of planning to help Russia's military operation.

Increased Tensions

U.S. Says Basketball Star 'Wrongfully Detained' in Russia

Washington had previously stopped short of commenting on the nature of Brittney Griner's detention.

Putin Tells Macron West Must Stop Supplying Weapons to Ukraine

Putin also said Kyiv was not being consistent or ready for "serious work" on ending the conflict.

Russia's Bolshoi Scraps Performances by Critical Directors

Several dancers have in recent weeks quit the Bolshoi including prima ballerina Olga Smirnova.

clarifications needed

Israel Slams Russian Claims on Hitler Over Ukraine War

"I could be wrong, but Hitler also had Jewish blood," Lavrov said in an interview.

Shifting deadline

Russia Not Seeking to End Ukraine War by May 9 – Foreign Minister

Russia’s Victory Day will come against the backdrop of Moscow’s bloody military campaign in Ukraine.

'perfect time to retire'

Russian Bank Founder Sells Group Stake After Ukraine Criticism

Oleg Tinkov, one of Russia's best-known entrepreneurs, strongly criticized Russia's military operation in Ukraine on social media.

'non-gratitude'

Kazakhstan Set to Ban Russian Presenter Over Ukraine Tirade

Tigran Keosayan had criticized Kazakhstan's perceived distancing from Moscow since Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

Russia Coordinating Cyberattacks With Military Strikes in Ukraine – Microsoft

Microsoft tracked almost 40 destructive cyberattacks, aimed at hundreds of systems, a third of which had targeted Ukrainian government organizations.

Russia’s Gazprom Halts Gas Supplies to Poland, Bulgaria

Poland and Bulgaria said they were looking for alternative sources of natural gas.

'we are negotiating'

Putin Tells UN Chief Still Has 'Hope' in Ukraine Talks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Moscow and Kyiv to work together with the UN to set up aid and evacuation corridors in Ukraine.

Tech export ban

U.K. Bans More Exports to Russia, Cuts Ukraine Tariffs

Britain announced it would prevent the export of surveillance and interception equipment.

Doomsday scenario

Russia's Lavrov Warns of 'Real' Danger of World War III

Given the current tensions, Lavrov said the danger of a World War III was "real."

Explosions Hit Security Ministry in Breakaway Transnistria

The separatist Moscow-backed territory in Moldova has been targeted in what appeared to be a grenade-launcher attack.

Retaking initiative

UN Chief to Meet Putin in Russia, Zelensky in Ukraine

Putin has not taken Guterres's phone calls since the UN chief said the invasion violated the UN charter.

First admission

Russia Admits 1 Dead, 27 Missing After Moskva Cruiser Sinking

This marks Moscow's first admission of the losses following the tragedy.

Pope Says Meeting With Russian Orthodox Patriarch Scrapped

Pope Francis has condemned Russia's military operation in Ukraine while Patriarch Kirill has been a staunch supporter of the campaign.

leave of absence

Veteran Rights Defender Ponomarev Leaves Russia

Lev Ponomarev cited worries about his personal safety, including "shadowy information about what they intended to do to me."

offer to surrender

Russia Says ‘Ready’ for Truce at Mariupol Plant

The Defense Ministry said the ceasefire would start with the "raising of white flags" by Ukraine's forces at the Azovstal plant.

Japan Says Disputed Islands ‘Illegally Occupied’ by Russia

The Kuril Islands, held by Moscow and claimed by Tokyo, have prevented the two nations from formally signing a post-World War II treaty.

U.K. Sanctions Russian Army Chiefs With 'Ukrainian Blood on Hands'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted that the sanctions were on "those with Ukrainian blood on their hands."

'not going to fly'

Ukraine Says Russia Planning Sham Independence Vote in Occupied Regions

The vote is described as being similar to the 2014 Crimea poll in which an overwhelming number of residents voted to join Russia.

Russia Hits Kamala Harris, Zuckerberg With Travel Bans

The foreign ministry said the list was comprised of people responsible for the two countries' "Russophobic" policies.

'Structural transformation'

Central Bank Survey Says Russia's Economic Outlook Worsens

"Difficulties are appearing across all sectors, in both big and small companies," Elvira Nabiullina said.

unwanted content

Russia Fines Google for Ukraine Videos

Google's YouTube has been in Russia's crosshairs throughout its nearly two-month campaign in Ukraine.

'hostages to politics'

Wimbledon Bans Russian and Belarusian Players, but ATP Slams ‘Unfair’ Move

The Kremlin said earlier that banning Russian players from Wimbledon over the military campaign in Ukraine would be "unacceptable."

Navalny's choice

Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny Calls on France to Vote for Macron

Navalny accused Marine Le Pen's party of links to President Vladimir Putin.

Prisoners of War

Family of Captured U.K. Fighter Says Moscow Breaking Geneva Rules

Russian state TV aired a video of two captured British fighters asking to be swapped for Ukrainian businessman Viktor Medvedchuk.

Russia Urges Ukrainian Forces to ‘Immediately’ Lay Down Arms

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed that his forces were "gradually implementing our plan to liberate" eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Says 'Powerful' Russian Strikes Kill 7 in Lviv

Lviv, near the border with Poland, has so far been spared being embroiled in the worst of the fighting.

business exodus

200,000 Risk Losing Jobs in Moscow Over Sanctions – Mayor

Authorities last week approved a $41-million program to support employment in the Russian capital.

Kyiv Pauses Civilian Evacuations From East Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities have urged people in the eastern Donbas area to move west to escape a large-scale Russian offensive to capture its composite regions...

Russia Bans Entry to British PM Johnson

Moscow accused London of "unprecedented hostile actions.”

‘Unpredictable consequences’

Russia Warns U.S. of 'Consequences' of Ukraine Military Aid: Reports

The warning came the same week that U.S. President Joe Biden pledged a new $800 million military aid package for Ukraine.

seeking payback

Kyiv Says Moscow Will Seek ‘Revenge’ for Sunk Cruiser

"The Moskva cruiser strike hit not only the ship itself: it hit the enemy's imperial ambitions," a spokeswoman for Ukraine's southern military forces said...

security architecture

Russia Warns of ‘Consequences’ if Finland, Sweden Join NATO

Finland says it will decide whether to apply to join NATO within weeks, and Sweden is also discussing joining the alliance.

Germany Seizes World's Largest Yacht Owned by Russian Oligarch

The impoundment of Alisher Usmanov's "Dilbar" is the latest in a string of seizures of Russian superyachts.

'escalate to de-escalate'

CIA Warns Desperate Putin Poses Nuclear Threat

The Kremlin said it placed Russian nuclear forces on high alert shortly after the assault began on Feb. 24.

financing issues

Moody's Says Russia May Be Considered in Default

Moscow paid in rubles to service its debt after it was blocked from using foreign currency due to sanctions.

New accusations

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Helicopter Strike on Border Town

It appeared to be the first time Moscow has officially accused Ukrainian forces of flying helicopters into Russia to carry out an attack.

diplomatic tightrope

China Defends Stance on Russia After U.S. Criticism

Beijing has refused to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian Flagship ‘Remains Afloat’ After Munitions Explosion – Ministry

The Moskva gained notoriety when it called on Ukrainian border troops to surrender, only to be defiantly refused.

‘Ukraine Is a Crime Scene’ – ICC Chief Prosecutor

The ICC's chief prosecutor visited the town of Bucha, the scene of hundreds of civilian killings blamed on Russian forces.

Russia To Seek Alternative To European Energy Market – Putin

Russia has faced unprecedented sanctions since invading Ukraine, including embargoes on its energy exports.

all according to plan

Russia to ‘Calmly’ Continue Ukraine Operation – Putin

Ukraine is bracing for a major Russian offensive in the east.

Smolensk Air Crash Due to Onboard Explosions – Polish Probe

The report posits that Poland's president was targeted because of his anti-Russia politics but stops short of calling it an assassination.

Russia Says Will ‘Go to Court’ if Declared in Default

Credit ratings agency S&P said Russia had gone into "selective default" after it repaid dollar-denominated bonds in rubles.

German Paper Hires Russian Journalist After Anti-War Stunt

Marina Ovsyannikova had disrupted an evening state news broadcast holding a poster reading "No War" in English.

'against hatred'

Pro-Russia Protesters Rally in Germany

Germany is home to 1.2 million people of Russian origin and 325,000 from Ukraine.

friendship tested

Berlusconi 'Saddened' by Friend Putin's Behavior

"I cannot and I do not want to hide that I am deeply disappointed by the behavior of Vladimir Putin."

EU Sanctions Putin's Two Daughters

A total of 217 individuals were added to the EU's blacklist, including Putin's offspring.

Russia's Ruble Stages Rebound Despite Western Sanctions

Analysts say the ruble’s success is in many ways artificial and does not bode well for the health of the Russian economy.

Russian Shoppers Feel Pinch as Inflation Tops 16%

Inflation has been speeding up for months due to the post-pandemic recovery, high prices for raw materials, as well as sanctions and logistical challenges...

'risks ceased to increase'

Russian Central Bank Cuts Key Rate

The ruble has rebounded in recent weeks following crushing Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Bans Exports to 3 Russian Airlines for Sanctions Violations

The Commerce Department announced that Aeroflot as well as Azur Air and Utair were banned from receiving American goods for the next 180 days.

EU Approves Russia Coal Embargo, Proposes More Arms to Ukraine

It is the first time the Europeans have targeted the Russian energy sector, on which they are heavily dependent.

Russian Nobel Laureate and Journalist Dmitry Muratov Assaulted on Train

The Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief was sprayed with paint by an unknown assailant, who shouted, "Muratov, that's for our boys."

UN General Assembly Suspends Russia From Human Rights Council

Of the 193 members of the assembly, 93 voted in favor of suspension as proposed by the United States.

Bucha atrocities

UN Humanitarian Chief Says Bucha Investigations Are 'Next Step'

UN officials visited the Ukrainian village on Thursday, including the site of a mass grave.

Change of Plans

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Changing Demands Since Istanbul Talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Washington was pressuring Ukraine 'to continue hostilities.'

'No separate agreements'

Belarusian President Demands Role in Talks on Ukraine 'War'

Lukashenko complained that last month's talks in Istanbul were the result of "pressure from the west on Ukraine, not to go to Belarus at any cost."

Kremlin Hails 'Very Positive' Progress on Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks

Armenian and Azerbaijani officials are preparing for peace talks over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, following fighting in the area in 2020.

Putin's Daughters, Sanctioned by U.S., Hidden From Public Eye

The U.S. Treasury identified Putin’s daughters as Katerina Tikhonova and Maria Vorontsova.

Rich Nations to Tap 120 Mn Barrels From Emergency Oil Reserves: IEA

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a record release of U.S. oil onto the market.

Putin Says Ukraine Behind 'Crude and Cynical' Provocations in Bucha

The Russian president pointed the finger at Kyiv while speaking to Hungary's Viktor Orban.