All articles tagged with #russia
Russia says it has returned the remains of about 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and received 35 Russian soldiers in exchange, part of a long-running body/prisoner exchange under Istanbul-led terms; the development follows Ukraine’s negotiator meeting US envoys in Geneva on reconstruction plans, with trilateral talks anticipated, as Russia conducted drone and missile strikes across six Ukrainian regions.
A RUSI analysis warns that Russia’s improving air- and missile-defense systems could intercept British and French warheads within ten years, potentially undermining Europe’s independent deterrents as Moscow expands its shield and U.S. extended deterrence faces strain.
Hungary’s veto of the EU’s next round of Russia sanctions over oil and energy concerns blocks a united EU approach to pressuring Moscow and delays a €90 billion loan to Kyiv, illustrating how energy security and Hungary’s election considerations shape Europe’s Ukraine policy. The piece argues sanctions have diminishing returns and suggests Europe may need a revised strategy to pressure Russia while managing domestic energy impacts as Ukraine seeks stronger pressure to end the war.
Russia’s Kremlin warned that Cuba’s situation is escalating after Cuban border guards killed four exiles and wounded six aboard a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters amid heightened tensions with Washington; Havana says the vessel was armed and that four Cuban exiles were killed, with U.S. officials weighing a response after an independent investigation, as Cuba grapples with a fuel shortage and international aid arrives from allies like Mexico.
Ukraine has stepped up use of domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles since late 2025, including an overnight strike on Russia’s Votkinsk missile plant, signaling a potential shift toward deep-strike capability against high-value targets. Analysts say Flamingo could complement long-range drones, but its deployment depends on Fire Point’s production capacity and ongoing secrecy around the program, as well as recent attacks on Fire Point that have affected rollout; the initiative remains under scrutiny in Ukraine and among observers.
BBC Verify's satellite imagery shows extensive damage inside Russia's missile plant in Votkinsk after a Ukrainian long-range strike on February 21, with Zelensky saying the FP-5 Flamingo missile was used and MAIAR analysts concluding the damage is likely the result of that strike; the live coverage also tracks US carrier movements near Iran and debunks AI-generated misinformation about a cartel case.
Foreign adversaries, notably China and Russia, are expanding 'sexpionage'—using attractive operatives and seduction, sometimes via honeypots—to steal U.S. secrets from colleges, think tanks, and defense contractors, and even to pressure high‑ranking officials. While cases remain relatively rare and highly classified, officials warn the tactic is increasing and can involve online dating, conference encounters, and other social-media recruitment, targeting sensitive sites like the Pentagon and Offutt Air Force Base. Western agencies note these operations exploit the openness of modern information networks and social platforms, making detection harder but not impossible.
Ukraine says its domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles flew about 1,400 kilometers to strike a Russian military‑industrial plant in Votkinsk, roughly 860 miles from Ukraine, and that all missiles hit their targets despite air defenses; the plant is said to manufacture missiles for Iskander and Bulava. Kyiv says Flamingo production is expanding, aiming for several missiles per day, though a Russian strike previously disrupted a production line; satellite imagery reportedly shows damage to a workshop, while Russia claimed to shoot down drones and did not confirm a missile strike.
The author argues that Russia’s manpower, weapons, and economy give Moscow a durable edge and that Ukraine cannot easily reverse the war, making a compromise more likely; a leaked plan to recognize Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk would require unacceptable concessions, so the piece suggests a negotiated, limited peace that preserves enough territory to rebuild, push reforms, and harden defenses for the future, rather than a long, costly struggle.
Russia escalates regulatory pressure on Telegram as tensions with founder Pavel Durov deepen, signaling a broader clampdown on the messaging platform.
European leaders reaffirm unwavering backing for Ukraine as the war enters its fifth year, with visits to Kyiv from EU chiefs and vows of continued support. At the same time, public opinion across several countries reveals a nuanced picture: France shows waning enthusiasm for arms deliveries (47% support, 39% oppose), and a split on a peacekeeping role though a majority backs negotiations with Putin. In Spain, most respondents doubt a swift Ukrainian recovery yet about 75% want Europe to maintain military aid; Portugal shows significant readiness for NATO-linked troop involvement, while Germany indicates a majority favor more aid but with a notable minority against continued support. Overall, leaders stress solidarity while publics weigh the trade-offs of military assistance, negotiations, and potential concessions.
On the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has defended its independence and statehood and that Putin has not achieved his aims, while allies reaffirm unwavering support on Kyiv’s terms amid widespread destruction, casualties, and displacement.
Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has kept Russia on a war footing, shifted the economy toward weapons production, and tightened media control as Western sanctions bite and Ukrainian strikes target Russian facilities. Ordinary Russians in major cities report little daily change despite rising prices, while state media broadcasts a pro-war narrative and foreign platforms face restrictions. Peace talks have stalled since 2025, with Moscow pressing its demands as it slowly expands control in Ukraine.
Ukraine launched a drone attack on a fertiliser plant in Dorogobuzh, Smolensk region, killing seven and injuring at least ten as about 30 drones struck the site; authorities prepared evacuations and some schools moved to remote learning while Kyiv has not commented.
South Africa said 11 of a group of 17 men lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine are set to return home, with two remaining in Russia (one in a Moscow hospital). Ramaphosa raised their fate in a call with Putin as reports grow of African recruits being lured into Russia’s war effort. Under South African law, citizens are prohibited from joining foreign armies without authorization.