Putin Headed to Beijing With Entourage of Ministers and CEOs
The president intends to make a renewed push to convince Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finalize the stalled Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project.
Even in Exile, Russia’s Political Opposition Struggles to Rise Above Its Divisions
Despite the exiled opposition’s reputation for infighting and ineffectiveness, some activists inside Russia say it still plays an important role.
Sorry, Europe, Russia Isn’t Satanic Enough for Eurovision
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that “the criteria that now define Eurovision contestants... are honestly nothing short of outright Satanism.”
Government Auction Fails to Sell Majority Stake in Gold Miner After No Bids Submitted
Russia seized billionaire regional lawmaker Konstantin Strukov’s stake in Yuzhuralzoloto Group of Companies and affiliated firms last July on allegations that he had illegally taken control of the company by using his position in government.
Russia and Belarus Launch Joint Nuclear Drills
The Belarusian army said the exercises are “not directed against third countries and do not threaten regional security.”
Ukrainian Drone Attack Kills 2 in Belgorod Region
Officials said the attack took place in the village of Borisovka, located north of the border with eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
World Gymnastics Lifts Ban on Russian and Belarusian Flags and Anthems
Russia’s Gymnastics Federation welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step toward strengthening the unity of the global gymnastics community and protecting athletes’ interests.”
U.S. Allows Russian Oil Waiver to Expire Again
Sanctions experts said they expect the U.S. to either issue a short-term extension or grant specific exemptions to major Asian refineries.
Mass Ukraine Drone Barrage Kills 3 in Moscow Region
Russian air defenses shot down 556 drones in more than a dozen regions in one of the largest Ukrainian barrages of the ongoing conflict so far.
Ukraine Drone Attack Kills 1 in Belgorod Region
Kyiv Says Russia Returned 528 Bodies to Ukraine
Russian Court Orders Euroclear to Pay Around $250Bln Over Frozen Assets
It was not clear how Russia intended to recover the funds, and Euroclear said it did not recognize the Russian court’s jurisdiction.
Dozens of Countries Pledge Support for Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russian Leaders for Ukraine Invasion
The special tribunal is tasked with prosecuting Russia’s leadership for the “crime of aggression” against Ukraine.
Putin Hails ‘Positive’ Economic Growth in March Despite Sharp Downgrade in Annual Forecast
The president’s remarks come just days after the government released a significant downward revision to its 2026 economic outlook.
Poland Arrests Alleged Russian Criminal Authority Near Warsaw
Polish authorities described the man as a “thief-in-law,” a prestigious and powerful status within the elite hierarchy of the Russian-speaking criminal world.
Putin Expected to Visit China Next Week, Reports Say
The Kremlin confirmed that preparations are underway for Putin’s trip to China, telling reporters that a date would be announced “very, very soon.”
Russian Dissident Nina Litvinova Dies by Suicide at 80
In a suicide note that her cousin shared on Facebook, Litvinova wrote that life had become “unbearable” since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine Begin First Phase of Large POW Exchange
Volodymyr Zelensky said both sides released 205 prisoners each on Friday, with more swaps expected in the near future.
Ukrainian Drones Kill 4 and Set Ryazan Oil Refinery Ablaze
Black smoke engulfed the sky above the city of Ryazan after the air attack on Friday morning, with residents reporting dark, oily rain droplets.
Governor Reshuffle in Border Regions Shows How Kremlin Is Militarizing Russia’s Elites, Experts Say
Putin has named a highly decorated army general and a former official in occupied Ukraine to lead the Belgorod and Bryansk regions.
Kremlin Rejects EU Mediation in Ukraine Peace Talks
Top spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Brussels of being a “direct participant” in the war due to its continued support of Ukraine.
Sanctioned State Duma Lawmaker Appointed as Russia’s Next Human Rights Chief
Yana Lantratova is accused of playing a key role in the alleged systematic transfer of children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.
Italian Visa Centers Ban Third-Party Submissions, Russian Tour Lobby Says
The change was reportedly enacted after the arrest of Italy’s former ambassador in Uzbekistan over an alleged scheme involving illicit Schengen visa approvals.
Russia Is Building ‘Pragmatic’ Partnership With Taliban Government, Shoigu Says
Russia was the first country to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan last July after removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and accepting its ambassador to Moscow.
Hungary Summons Russian Ambassador After Drone Attacks on Western Ukraine
Authorities in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region described the attacks as the most intense Russian aerial assault since the 2022 invasion.
Putin Replaces Governors of War-Ravaged Belgorod and Bryansk Regions
The president appointed a military general and a former senior official in occupied Ukraine to lead the two border regions.
Has the Iran War Sealed the Fate of Power of Siberia 2?
The pipeline remains stalled months after Gazprom signed a “legally binding” memorandum with China, even despite the global energy crisis.
Britain’s Former Defense Secretary Is Now a Wanted Man in Russia
The warrant, which police have not confirmed, is reportedly connected to comments Ben Wallace made at the Warsaw Security Forum last year.
At Least 3 Killed in Russian Drone Attacks Across Ukraine
The rare daytime attacks largely targeted regions in the western part of the country.
EU Imports of Russian LNG Surge to Highest Level Since Ukraine Invasion
Several EU countries, including Belgium, France and Spain, have continued to purchase Russian LNG transported by sea tankers since 2022.
Russia’s Oil Export Revenue Saw Continued Growth in April, IEA Says
Revenue from crude and petroleum shipments rose to $19.18 billion, a modest increase of $180 million from the $19 billion recorded in March.
Russian Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Ex-Deputy Minister Who Reportedly Fled Country
Denis Butsayev stepped down as deputy minister at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in late April, with some reports suggesting that he may have fled to the United States amid a fraud investigation of people close to him.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Gas Plant in Astrakhan Region
Authorities said drone debris caused a fire at the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant, a major facility in the Caspian Sea region.
Finland to Tighten Curbs on Medical Equipment Exports to Russia
“We have now become aware that medical and pharmaceutical products may end up being used in Russia for military purposes,” the head of sanctions at Finland’s Foreign Ministry said.
Russian Regions Move Schools Online Amid Drone Attack Fears
Officials in at least four regions announced temporary closures or online classes on Monday and Tuesday, citing security concerns linked to the threat of drones.
Russia Slates Sarmat ICBM Deployment for Late 2026
The announcement comes after the military said it carried out a successful test launch of the missile on Tuesday morning.
Foreign Ministry Accuses West of Seeking Anti-Russian ‘Staging Ground’ in Central Asia
A senior diplomat warned that the U.S. and its allies seek to take control of the region’s strategic resources and transportation corridors.
Teen Arrested After Krasnodar Region School Shooting Leaves 2 Children Injured
The 16-year-old ninth-grader is accused of firing multiple non-lethal shots at students at School No. 1 in the town of Gulkevichi.
Yulia Navalnaya Rejects Claims of ‘Fictitious Employees’ as FBK Infighting Goes Public
Ivan Zhdanov, who served as FBK’s CEO from July 2022 until his removal in September, called for an internal audit of the organization after claiming in a recent interview that former chairman Leonid Volkov had hired “fictitious employees.”
TV Rain Editor-in-Chief Jailed 8 Years in Absentia Over War ‘Fakes’
Tikhon Dzyadko, who serves as editor-in-chief at TV Rain, was accused of spreading false information about the Russian armed forces.
North Korea Has Reaped $13Bln From Military Aid to Russia, South Korean Intelligence Says
In exchange for weapons and manpower, Pyongyang is believed to have received hard currency, energy supplies and critical military technologies, helping the regime bypass international sanctions.
U.K. Sanctions Russian ‘Disinformation’ Outfit Over Plot to Sway Armenian Elections
The new measures target 49 employees of the Social Design Agency, a group already under Western sanctions for alleged election interference.
EU Ministers to Discuss Possibility of Direct Talks With Russia
Vladimir Putin has proposed German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator in talks with the European Union.
Ukraine Reports Multiple Casualties on Second Day of Russia Truce
Ukrainian air force data showed a decrease in long-range Russian drone strikes compared to before the truce, but officials reported casualties nonetheless.
A Quieter Victory Day in St. Petersburg Hints at the Strains of Russia’s Long War
Yet despite a scaled-down military parade, thousands marched in the Immortal Regiment.
Putin Says Ukraine War Winding Down, Blasts West for Backing Kyiv
"I firmly believe that our cause is just," he said as Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.
Russian Widows, Mothers of Soldiers Killed in Ukraine Join Victory Day March in Chita
Local media described the march as a first for the annual celebrations marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Poland and Russia Can’t Stop Arguing Over History. Does it Matter?
More than 80 years after they occurred, the events of World War II are still hotly debated in Russia and Poland.
Russia and Ukraine Agree to U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire This Weekend
The deal, which Trump first announced on Truth Social, will pause fighting from May 9 through May 11 and include a prisoner swap.
Director Alexander Sokurov Expresses ‘Sympathy’ for Exiled Artists After Venice Event Canceled
Sokurov had been slated to speak at a pre-opening event at the Venice Biennale titled “Dissent and Peace” this week, but organizers scrapped his appearance, citing “last-minute unavailability.”