Ukrainian intelligence warns that the Kremlin may stage a large-scale provocation with human casualties on January 6-7, possibly involving false flag operations using Western-made UAV fragments to disrupt peace talks and justify further military actions, with a focus on high symbolic targets in Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories.
The death of militia leader Stanislav Orlov, founder of the far-right Española unit, in Moscow is surrounded by mystery and is seen as part of a broader Kremlin crackdown on ultranationalist groups following the Wagner mutiny, with his funeral highlighting the paradox of celebrating radicals publicly while eliminating them when they step out of line.
Paris has welcomed Russian President Putin's expressed readiness for bilateral talks with Macron, amid ongoing international discussions about Ukraine, with the Kremlin denying that trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are scheduled during recent Florida meetings.
Lukoil faces a crisis after the US blocked its deal with Gunvor due to sanctions, risking a €14bn asset loss and raising the possibility of a takeover by Rosneft, as the company’s international expansion is halted and domestic prospects are limited.
Ukraine launched a Storm Shadow missile strike on Russia, while the Kremlin responded with attacks on Kyiv, escalating tensions between the two countries.
A Kremlin-backed cryptocurrency has moved $6 billion despite US sanctions, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulating and controlling digital assets linked to geopolitical entities.
The article discusses how Moscow's centralized power influences Vladivostok, Russia's key Pacific port, highlighting the city's unique local culture while emphasizing its deep political ties to the Kremlin, which impact Russia's broader ambitions in the region.
Russia rejected former President Trump's comments suggesting Ukraine could recapture all territory seized by Russia, with Kremlin spokesperson Peskov emphasizing Russia's economic stability and describing Russia as 'a real bear,' while Russia continues its military operation and dismisses Ukraine's prospects of recapturing territory.
Russia dismisses Donald Trump's claims of 'paper tiger' and 'aimless war' in Ukraine, with Kremlin officials downplaying Trump's criticisms and emphasizing their focus on continuing the conflict despite economic strains and international pressure.
Russia's Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is a 'real bear' and not a 'paper tiger,' responding to U.S. President Trump's comments about Ukraine and Russia's military strength.
The Kremlin dismissed U.S. President Trump's optimistic claims about Ukraine's potential to recapture territory, asserting Russia's stable economy and strategic military progress, and criticized Trump's comments as misinformed and influenced by Ukrainian leadership, while Russia prepares to provide its perspective to U.S. officials.
Dmitry Kozak, a long-time close associate of Vladimir Putin and a key figure in Russia's Ukraine policy, has resigned from his position as deputy chief of staff. His departure, amid ongoing tensions and the war in Ukraine, highlights shifts within the Kremlin and the diminishing influence of figures who might oppose or question Putin's policies. Kozak's career, marked by technocratic roles and involvement in Ukraine's annexation and conflict, ends with his move towards the business sector, symbolizing a significant change in Russian political dynamics.
Lab tests from two foreign labs confirm that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned before his death in an Arctic prison, according to his wife, who has called for transparency and accused the Kremlin of covering up the circumstances of his death.
Russia has acknowledged that peace talks with Ukraine are more on pause than active, confirming Ukraine's warnings that negotiations are faltering despite efforts from the US. Russia blames Western hostility and maximalist demands, while Ukraine and its allies push for sanctions and military support to pressure Russia to end the war. The situation remains tense with ongoing attacks and diplomatic challenges.
President Zelensky signed decrees imposing sanctions on Putin’s relatives, Kremlin allies, and companies linked to Russia’s war effort, aligning with Canadian sanctions and targeting individuals aiding Russian occupation, with measures including asset freezes and travel bans.