Russian state‑controlled news agency with a long domestic footprint
A Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk has killed a child and injured several people, with damage reported to dozens of buildings as regional authorities confirm ongoing strikes across southern Russia and Ukraine. Authorities say the broader Krasnodar region has seen multiple casualties and infrastructure damage, while Russia reports counter-drone activity.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has visited Iturup (Etorofu) in the disputed Kuril Islands, watched Pacific Fleet naval drills including live-fire missile launches, and toured a fish-processing plant, hospital and school. Japan has summoned the Russian ambassador and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have called the visit "absolutely unacceptable," reaffirming Tokyo's claim to the islands.
A blast in Sevastopol has killed a Russian Defense Ministry officer, with a Russian national detained on suspicion of carrying out the attack on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence. Authorities say the suspect acted on Kyiv’s instructions while the wider security picture remains murky, as Kyiv denies involvement.
Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, saying they engaged in activities unacceptable under the Vienna Convention. Budapest insists the move does not break diplomatic ties with Russia, while Moscow vows a harsh, painful response as Hungary’s new government shifts away from its predecessor’s pro-Russia stance.
Leaders from BRICS are meeting in New Delhi for a summit that will test ties between India, China and Russia while India balances relations with Western partners. Japan's Okinawa has held a governor race that is reflecting economic concerns. Several Asian policy and business events this week include a Philippine AI infrastructure plan, a Huawei trial in New York and Hong Kong's BIOHK2026 conference.
BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian and others meet India for a pivotal summit. The talks focus on expanding trade in national currencies, energy cooperation, and reforms to global institutions, with tensions over the Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and US-dominated financial systems at the forefront.
Russian presidential decrees have placed the Russian operations of several Western retailers and food companies under temporary administration, transferring control to newly registered or Kremlin‑linked firms. The moves follow earlier 2023 seizures and are taking place as Moscow and Berlin exchange diplomatic and security accusations, putting German firms such as Metro and Globus at risk.
Leaders are invited to a December G20 summit in Miami, with Putin potentially attending. Rubio says the invitation aims to foster dialogue, while Moscow signals consideration. Reactions from Europe warn of risks to peacemaking amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia has begun loading and dispatching diesel tankers under a deal with the United States that temporarily lifts U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel. Shipping trackers and Russian officials say multiple vessels carrying tens of thousands of tonnes are en route to Atlantic markets, including at least one tanker signalled for the U.S. East Coast. The shipments have provoked legal and political pushback.
Multiple cases in October 2026 show Russia’s treason prosecutions expanding, with a former regional official in Murmansk and a businessman linked to Ukrainian fundraising facing lengthy prison terms after cryptocurrency transfers and other alleged support to Kyiv’s armed forces.