The Moscow Times in the spotlight as Russia names Yana Lantratova as new human rights ombudsman, signaling a tighten in civil liberties. Lantratova: Duma lawmaker, vocal conservative.
Russia has published a list of European companies allegedly producing drones for Ukraine and warned these could become targets for Russian strikes. The warning follows recent European agreements to increase drone supplies to Ukraine. Ukrainian strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, while Ukraine accuses Russia of aiding Iran's attacks on US forces in the Middle East.
Moscow has been experiencing mobile internet outages and SMS restrictions amid security measures ahead of the Victory Day parade. The Kremlin argues outages are necessary to counter Ukrainian drone threats, while telecoms providers warn users to rely on Wi‑Fi and 4G. The parade itself has been scaled back for security reasons.
Amid Cannes backlash, Xenia Fedorova’s public role in Bolloré’s media empire has intensified scrutiny of Kremlin-linked messaging in France. Sources describe a widening industry response to Bolloré’s influence across Canal+, CNews, Europe 1 and StudioCanal, with lawmakers and press groups calling for greater transparency.
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.
A wave of attacks across Ukraine and Russia continues as Kyiv demands direct ceasefire talks while both sides report strikes on civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy urges open dialogue as both sides confront ongoing drone and missile activity.
Russia has added Browder and four other British citizens to its entry ban list in retaliation for Western sanctions. The move also targets journalists Catherine Belton and Richard Holmes, with Russia portraying the action as a response to London’s stance on Kyiv and crypto networks used to bypass sanctions.
The European Union has proposed a broad new sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, including a visa ban for ex-combatants, a price cap on oil, and restrictions on banks, crypto platforms and third-country traders. The measures, announced by Ursula von der Leyen, aim to choke Moscow’s war economy while extending pressure on energy revenues and military supply chains.
Two car bombs have wounded and killed people in Moscow and its outskirts as investigations identify a teenage suspect network. Authorities report controlled detonations and ongoing inquiries into the perpetrators and motives. The events follow a pattern of high-profile attacks targeting Russian officials after the invasion of Ukraine.
A Russian artist known for criticizing Vladimir Putin has been shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland, near the Belarus border. Five shots were fired, including a head wound. Two Belarusian suspects have been detained; autopsy is pending. The victim used the alias Semyon Skrepetsky and had recently protested in Berlin on Russia Day.
A bus carrying a children's soccer team from Belarus to southern Russia has been struck in the Bryansk region near Ukraine. One woman has died and several others, including children, are injured. Russia has opened a terrorism probe, with Belarus and Ukraine denying involvement.
Polish authorities say Semyon Skrepetsky, born Robert Kuzovkov, has been killed in Biala Podlaska. Investigators say three shots were fired with a handgun, with two more fired at close range as he fell. Belarusian suspects have been detained, and an inquiry is ongoing. Skrepetsky, known for provocative caricatures attacking Russian leaders, moved to Poland in 2021 citing political persecution in Russia.