Russian opposition figure, anti-corruption activist and dissident
Russia has named Yana Lantratova as human rights ombudswoman, succeeding Tatiana Moskalkova. Her nomination is backed by the Kremlin-aligned United Russia party. Independent observers describe her as a new, younger figure within the system. The appointment follows scrutiny over alleged involvement in transferring Ukrainian children during occupation.
The Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary season has a central question of home. Rory Mullarkey’s play, staged in James Macdonald’s production, traverses Manchester’s history from 19th‑century poverty to 1996 city life, united by a post‑IRA bomb moment; it suggests future hope amid fragile identities.
Ukraine has confirmed that Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to convey messages to the Kremlin about peace prospects. Zelensky says Abramovich offered to relay Kyiv’s position to Putin and sought a face-to-face meeting. Putin has indicated no point in such talks, suggesting any settlement would require long-term guarantees.
A Russian critic-artist known as Semyon Skrepetsky has been shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland, close to the Belarusian border. Two Belarusian suspects are detained; authorities say the victim expressed anti-Russian views through provocative art. The incident follows his Berlin protest on Russia Day and amid ongoing tensions around Ukraine.
A suspect linked to the killing of a Russian dissident-artist in Poland has been detained. Investigations identify Belarusians detained in connection with the case; authorities say the attack may reflect a broader Russian sabotage effort in Nato territory. EU sanctions and cross-border tensions are rising as officials seek to understand who ordered the murder.
A 36-year-old man with a Georgian passport has been arrested in Poland in connection with the fatal shooting of Russian activist Robert Kuzovkov. Officials say the case may involve foreign intelligence services and could reflect a broader campaign of sabotage in NATO nations amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The UK has sanctioned Russian individuals and institutes over chemical weapon usage and a Russian Bear-F aircraft has been intercepted near HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea amid NATO operations. The incident comes as Britain stresses safety and prods Russia over its conduct at sea and in airspace.
EU and UK sanctions have broadened to seven individuals and two institutes in response to the use of chemical agents, including Novichok and epibatidine, in Salisbury and against Alexei Navalny. Foreign officials condemn Russia’s actions as a violation of international law and vow accountability.
Ukrainian drone strikes and Russia’s wartime economy are pushing Russia toward a prolonged strain. Inflation, higher taxes, and heavy military spending have tightened civilian life, with analysts predicting years of economic hardship ahead.
Since mid-July, Russia and Ukraine have traded deeper strikes: ballistic missiles and drones have hit cities around Kyiv and Sloviansk while Ukraine has struck deep into Russian territory, hitting oil depots, logistics hubs and Wildberries warehouses. A Russian strike on a grain ship leaving Odesa has killed foreign crew and prompted India to summon Russia’s envoy.
Ukrainian drone strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, triggering fuel shortages across the country. Authorities report production hiccups, rationing in some regions, and attempts to stabilise supplies amid heightened price pressures. The government has sanctioned imports and redirected shipments to mitigate the impact.