Russian state-owned news agency and radio network
Russian forces have launched large overnight missile-and-drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials have reported dozens of deaths and widespread damage to residential buildings, a school and the Lithuanian embassy. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said delays in deliveries of anti‑ballistic interceptors have worsened casualties and urged expedited air‑defence support.
Preliminary results have shown President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia has secured about 57–58% of the party vote and is set to take roughly 355 of 450 State Duma seats after three days of voting. Turnout has been reported near 57–60%. Voting included polling in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow; Western governments have denounced the ballot as uncompetitive and illegal in occupied territories.
The question of whether Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum has resurfaced as Prime Minister and MI5 warn of ongoing influence operations. Burnham has claimed a clear answer exists, sparking backlash and a renewed focus on online disinformation in the UK political process.
MI5 has issued its annual threat update, highlighting a shift from radicalised right-wing violence to broader threats. Iran and Russia are cited as key hostile actors, with AI-based risks to security also flagged. The document underscores the need for greater resilience as threats diversify.
Russia and Ukraine have engaged in renewed talks mediated by the United States, with a new round possible as early as next month. The exchange of fallen soldiers at the Belarus border adds urgency to discussions on a post-conflict security framework.