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new wave of migrants

Finland Sees Record Surge in Russians Crossing Border

Finland said on Monday that more Russians entered the country over the weekend than in any other this year so far after Moscow's military call-up announcement...

Private warning

U.S. Warns Russia of 'Catastrophic ' Consequences of Nuclear Strike

The United States has warned Russia privately of "catastrophic" consequences if it uses nuclear weapons as part of the Ukraine invasion, top U.S. officials...

Brutal crackdown

Over 700 Detained in Russian Anti-Mobilization Protests — NGO

Russian authorities on Saturday detained more than 700 people at protests against the partial mobilization ordered by President Vladimir Putin this...

Russia Proxies Hold Breakaway Polls in Ukraine

Kremlin-held regions of eastern and southern Ukraine entered the second day of voting to become part of Russia on Saturday, in referendums dismissed...

'some memories'

Russian Embassy Highlights Italian Ties Ahead Of Vote

A sign of diplomatic ties or brazen trolling: three days before Italy's elections, the Russian embassy tweeted photos Thursday of almost all the main party...

Russia Says Economy to Shrink Less Than Forecast

Russia's sanctions-hit economy will shrink by less than previously forecast this year and return to growth in 2024 on the back of domestic demand and investment...

American, Russians to Blast Off for ISS as War Rages in Ukraine

A U.S. astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts are set to blast off to the International Space Station Wednesday on a Russian-operated flight despite...

Kyiv Accuses Russia of Strike on Southern Nuclear Plant

Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom on Monday accused Moscow's troops of an attack on the country's second-largest nuclear plant in the south. The...

Southern shootout

Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame for Shootings in Kherson

Russian official media broadcast a video evening showing an exchange of fire around two armored vehicles near Kherson train station.

Putin Says 'No Hurry' to Finish Ukraine Military Campaign

"The plan is not subject to adjustment," Putin said.

WAR CONDEMNATION

India's Modi Tells Putin Now Is 'Not a Time For War'

India has shied away from explicitly condemning Russia for the invasion.

UN Watchdog Urges Security Zone at Ukraine Nuclear Plant

At the United Nations, Russia said it regretted that the report did not blame Ukraine for the attacks.

eastern partnership

Bolstering Asia Ties, Putin Watches Military Drills With China

The drills, involving Syria, India and key ally China, started on Sept. 1 and are due to end Wednesday.

commodity prices

Russia Pockets $158Bln in Energy Exports After War – Report

Surging fossil fuel prices mean that Russia's current energy revenue is far above previous years.

Two Russian Embassy Staff Killed in Kabul Bombing: Foreign Ministry

A spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry said the Russian embassy was deliberately targeted.

russian leaders

Gorbachev's Love-Hate Relationship With Putin

Much like Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, Vladimir Putin has come to embody Russia in the eyes of the West.

Top Pro-Russian Official Shot Dead in Ukraine's Kherson

Ex-Ukrainian lawmaker Alexei Kovalev previously survived an assassination attempt in June.

Latvia Removes Controversial Soviet Monument

Thousands of ethnic Russians rallied at the monument on May 9 every year to commemorate victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Russia, Ukraine Spar at UN Over Nuclear Plant Dangers

Russia called the meeting at the UN Security Council amid fears that a damaged reactor could leak radiation across the region.

illegal adoptions

Kyiv Accuses Moscow of Illegal Adoptions of Ukrainian Children

More than 300 Ukrainian children are "held in specialized institutions" in the Krasnodar region, according to the statement.

Sandwiched minivan

16 Dead in Russia Crash Between Minibus, Lorries

A truck veered off the road when it collided with a minibus traveling in the opposite direction. The minibus was also hit from behind.

Dugin’s daughter

Car Bomb Kills Daughter of Kremlin Hardline Ideologue

Daria Dugina, born in 1992, was killed when a bomb placed in her Toyota Land Cruiser went off outside Moscow.

Spying suspicion

Russians, Ukrainian Arrested Trying to Enter Albanian Army Plant

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the three individuals were "suspected of espionage."

Russian Spacewalk Cut Short Due to Issue With Suit

Mission control told Oleg Artemyev to return to the airlock immediately.

Navalny Urges Systematic Sanctions Against Russian Oligarchs

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has called for systematic punitive measures against Russian oligarchs supporting Russia's President Vladimir Putin...

unwanted display

Estonia Removes Soviet-Era Memorial

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said the move was a response to "increasing tensions and confusion around memorials in Narva."

Five Europeans Go on Trial in Separatist-Controlled Ukraine

Three Britons, one Swede and a Croat could face the death penalty in Donetsk.

additional punishment

Navalny Says Placed in Solitary Confinement

"No visits, no letters, no parcels. This is the only place in the prison where even smoking is prohibited," said jailed Kremlin critic.

3 Dead, Dozens Injured at Armenian Market Explosion

At least 25 people are believed to be trapped in the ruins of a nearby building.

Unraveling ties

Russia Suspends Arms Inspections Under Treaty With U.S.

Russia’s foreign ministry said facilities that are subject to inspections under the New START treaty will be "temporarily" exempt from inspections.

More Ukraine Grain Sets Sail as New Strike Hits Nuclear Site

Kyiv's infrastructure ministry said a second convoy of Ukrainian supplies had just left from Chornomorsk and Odesa.

'playing with fire'

Zelensky Condemns Russian 'Terror' After Damage to Nuclear Plant

The strikes underline "the very real risk of a nuclear disaster," according to the director general of the IAEA.

Competitive cooperation

Putin Tells Erdogan Hopes for Deal to Boost Economic Cooperation

"I hope that today we will be able to sign a relevant memorandum on the development of our trade and economic ties," Putin said.

Communication channel

Russia 'Ready' to Discuss Prisoner Swap After Griner Jailed

A Putin-Biden communication channel on prisoner exchanges is still functional, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

flaring tensions

Russia Calls for ‘Restraint’ in Restive Karabakh

Armenia's prime minister had earlier voiced rare criticism of ally Moscow, questioning the work of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Norway Consul Shown the Door After 'I Hate Russians' Outburst

The Norwegian diplomat was recorded insulting Russians at a hotel reception in the Arctic city of Murmansk.

Gazprom Says Sanctions Make Gas Turbine Delivery ‘Impossible’

European countries suspect Moscow is looking for an excuse to delay the turbine's return to Russia.

breaking ceasefire

Russia Accuses Azerbaijan of Breaking Karabakh Ceasefire

Six weeks of fighting over the region in the autumn of 2020 claimed more than 6,500 lives and ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement.

extra restrictions

U.S. Sanctions Putin 'Girlfriend,' More Oligarchs for 'Complicity' in Ukraine War

Nearly 900 Russian officials were placed on a U.S. visa ban list.

reconstruction drive

Russia Outlines Plans to Rebuild Ukraine's Devastated Mariupol – Official

The move comes as part of Moscow's wider efforts to gain support in Ukrainian regions that have come under Russian control.

spoiled holiday

South Ukraine City Pounded as Russia Says Drone Attacks Crimea Navy HQ

Ukraine's navy accused Russia of staging the attacks as a pretext to cancel the festivities.

Russia Says U.S., NATO 'Main Threats' to National Security

Putin’s naval doctrine said Moscow will seek to strengthen its leading position in exploring the Arctic and its mineral resources.

‘We will help’

Zelensky Urges Evacuation of Ukraine's Frontline Donetsk

Ukrainian estimates put the number of civilians still living in the unoccupied area of Donetsk at between 200,000 and 220,000.

U.S. Basketball Star Griner Says Didn't Intend to Smuggle Drugs Into Russia

"I did not think of or plan to bring banned substances into Russia," said Griner, who faces up to 10 years in prison.

broadcast backlash

Russia Vows to Hinder Work of Western Media After RT France Ban

"We will also not let them work in our country."

Kremlin Says Odesa Strikes Should Not Hamper Grain Exports

The strikes came less than a day after Moscow and Kyiv signed a deal to release grain exports from Ukraine's ports.

Russian Air Strike on Syria Kills 7 – Monitor

Four children were among those killed, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Talk Oil

The call comes less than a week after Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler met visiting U.S. President Joe Biden.

Putin Accuses Canada of Delaying Gas Turbine for Own Gain

Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom has reduced flows to Germany via Nord Stream 1 by some 60 percent in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a Siemens...

outside assistance

Russia Asks UN Chief to Intervene in Ukraine Grain Talks

A day earlier, Putin said on a visit to Iran that the West must remove restrictions on exports of Russian grain.

'deliberately false'

Diverted Ryanair Flight Investigation Concludes Belarus 'Unlawful'

Belarusian authorities arrested a dissident journalist and his partner who were on the diverted flight, sparking global outrage.

Putin Says Progress in Ukraine Grain Talks Thanks to Erdogan – Kremlin

"I want to thank you for your mediation efforts," Putin told Erdogan during a meeting in Tehran.

Putin in Iran for Syria Summit Overshadowed By Ukraine War

"The timing of this summit is not a coincidence."

Gazprom Tells German Clients Gas Cuts Are 'Force Majeure'

The move adds to fears about further disruptions in gas supplies to Europe.

troops withdraw

Armenia Says Karabakh Troops Withdrawal by September

Armenia has fought two bloody wars with neighbor Azerbaijan over the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Tennis Star Kasatkina Slams Russian Stance to Homosexuality in Coming-Out Video

"Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters," world No. 12 Daria Kasatkina said.

'false information'

Russia Fines Google $360Mln Over Ukraine Content

The regulator said that as this was a repeat conviction for Google the fine was based on its annual revenue in Russia.

'impossible' situation

H&M to Wind Down Operations in Russia – Company

H&M said it would reopen stores in Russia "for a limited period of time to sell remaining inventory" as part of the exit process.

EU Says Lithuania Must Allow Rail Transit of Russian Goods to Kaliningrad

Russia threatened reprisals against the Baltic nation after Vilnius imposed strict restrictions on goods traveling across its territory, mainly by rail...

filtration camps

U.S. Blasts Moscow for 'Forced Deportations' of Ukrainians to Russia

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia of war crimes.

Moscow Sees Rise in Covid Cases, Recommends Mask Wearing

Many of the infections are of the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

'private' visit

Myanmar Junta Chief Visits Moscow

Russian state media reported the military chief was due to meet officials from Moscow's space and nuclear agencies.

Iran to Supply Russians With Drones for Ukraine – White House

Washington said Iran could begin training Russia as early as July.

assassination attempt

Moscow-Backed Authorities Say Foiled Attack in Southern Ukraine

Attacks against pro-Russian representatives have increased in the occupied Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

back in business

Russian Court Overturns Ban on Kazakh Oil Exports

The ban added to tensions between Russia and Kazakhstan that have arisen in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Claiming credit

‘We Win Wimbledon,’ Says Russian Tennis Chief as Rybakina Shrugs Off Russia Questions

Rybakina’s triumph came at a tournament where her Russian compatriots were banned following the invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomatic snub

Blinken Says 'No Signs' at G20 of Russia Engaging on Ukraine

Blinken snubbed a direct meeting with Lavrov and instead accused Russia of triggering a global food crisis.

tasty? full stop?

Russian 'McDonald's' Runs Short of French Fries

The US fast-food giant announced in May that it would exit Russia in the wake of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

Border Incursion

Russia Hands Heavy Sentences to North Korean Fishermen

Twelve fishermen from the closed state were handed sentences from four to 13 years in prison.

reducing activity

TotalEnergies Pulls Out of Russian Oil Project

Russian oil firm Zarubezhneft will take over TotalEnergies' remaining 20 percent stake in the project.

Russia Introduces Jail Terms for Cooperation With Foreigners

Those found guilty of helping foreign individuals or organizations act 'against Russia's interests' will face up to eight years in prison.

Independence Day plea

'Terrified' Griner Asks for Freedom in Letter to Biden

The next hearing in basketball player Brittney Griner’s case is set for Thursday.

'on earth and in space'

Cosmonauts Wade Into Ukraine Conflict, Fly Separatist Flag Onboard ISS

Photographs showed cosmonauts holding the flag of the self-proclaimed separatist Luhansk People's Republic.

Regional Unrest

Uzbekistan Says 18 Dead in Unrest in Autonomous Region

Moscow said the events in Uzbekistan were the country's "internal affair."

War on All Fronts

Putin Orders Ukraine Offensive to Continue After Capture of Luhansk

Russia announced that Moscow's forces were now in full control of Ukraine's Luhansk region last week.

Russia Threatens to Shut Down Bulgaria Embassy

Bulgaria's prime minister previously said the country would expel 70 Russian diplomatic staff.

Russia Will Work to 'Normalize' Afghanistan – Putin

"We are trying to build relations with the political forces that control the situation," Putin said during a visit to Tajikistan.

security threat

Bulgaria to Expel 70 Russian Diplomatic Staff – PM

"We expect a full 70-seat plane to fly back to Moscow," Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said.

Russia to Block Renewal of OSCE's Ukraine Mission

Russia "has the power to block the mandate [...] and it said it was going to do so," a diplomatic source told AFP.

Russia To Put WNBA Star Griner on Trial in July

Brittney Griner was charged with drug smuggling, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison in Russia.

Over 150 Ukraine Cultural Landmarks Destroyed by Russia’s War – UN

They include museums and monuments, churches, other religious buildings and libraries.

'alternative mechanisms'

Putin Pushes for Stronger Ties with BRICS Nations

The barrage of Western sanctions against Moscow has pushed Putin to seek new markets.

change of address

U.S. Embassy in Moscow Gets New Address, Named After Ukraine Separatists

The embassy is now located at 1 Donetsk People's Republic Square, a name chosen in a public vote.

Soldiers of fortune

Kremlin Spokesman Says Americans Captured in Ukraine Committed 'Crimes'

“They are not [in the] Ukrainian army, so they are not subject to the Geneva Conventions.”

'openly hostile'

Russia Threatens To Retaliate as Lithuania Bans Rail Transit to Kaliningrad

Vilnius has restricted the rail transit of EU-sanctioned goods between mainland Russia and its Baltic exclave.

mercenary claims

Russia Says Nearly 2,000 Foreign Fighters Killed in Ukraine

The Defense Ministry said Poland was the "absolute leader" among European countries for the number of fighters sent to Ukraine.

Two U.S. Volunteers in Ukraine Feared Captured by Russia

U.S. veterans Alexander Drueke and Andy Huynh lost contact with families after combat in Ukraine.

Russia Slashes Gas Deliveries via Nord Stream

Gazprom said it would be reducing daily gas deliveries to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline

Russian Anti-Torture NGO Disbands After Foreign Label

The head of the NGO said the organization was disbanded after it was branded a "foreign agent" by the authorities.

Pro-Russian Separatists Uphold Foreigners' Death Sentences

A pro-Russian separatist leader said Sunday he would not alter the death sentences handed to two Britons and a Moroccan.

Passportization

First Russian Passports Handed Out to Ukrainians in Occupied South — Agencies

"It's a new era that is beginning for us," said the regional pro-Moscow chief.

'i am not guilty'

'Acquit Me,' Russian MH17 Suspect Tells Dutch Judges

The long-running trial over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine is coming to a close.

Russian Central Bank Cuts Key Rate as Inflation Eases

The Bank warned that the Russian economy faces a "challenging" environment that "significantly constrains economic activity."

unanswered questions

Lavrov Faces Impromptu Exchange with Ukrainian Journalist in Turkey

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in Ankara Wednesday to discuss Ukrainian grain exports.

Prisoners of War

UK Fighter Captured by Pro-Russian Separatists in Ukraine

Russia claimed this week that it had killed "hundreds" of foreign fighters in Ukraine.

crackdown on dissent

Russia Court Orders Arrest of Critical Sci-Fi Writer

Dmitry Glukhovsky, the author of Metro 2033, a 2002 post-apocalyptic fiction novel, faces up to 10 years in prison.

outlawed religion

Russia Jails 4 Jehovah's Witnesses for 6 Years

The four adherents organized meetings, collected donations and distributed religious literature, investigators said.

catch me if you can

U.S. Orders Seizure of 2 Abramovich Aircraft

Both planes are believed to be in jurisdictions that will ignore the U.S. seizure order.

Ukraine Says it Controls 'Half' of Severodonetsk

After being pushed back by a Russian offensive on the city, Ukrainian troops have steadily clawed back ground there.

Street fighting

Russians Have Lost Ground in Severodonetsk: Regional Governor

On Saturday, Russia's army had claimed some Ukrainian military units were withdrawing from Severodonetsk.