Russia’s ruling party, dominant in parliament and the driver of policy.
Ukraine and Russia have conducted a prisoner exchange, releasing 193 POWs. Ukraine reports some captives face injuries and criminal charges, while Russia states the soldiers will undergo evaluations in Belarus. The exchanges follow previous deals brokered by the UAE and US, with diplomatic efforts remaining stalled.
Russians are adapting to Kremlin internet controls, using VPNs and multiple devices while officials push state-backed apps like MAX to enforce digital sovereignty. The crackdown disrupts services and has sparked discontent ahead of elections, with warnings from critics that MAX could track users.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
Putin has acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes have caused fuel shortages and queues at petrol stations, while insisting the shortage is not yet critical. He vows to boost air defences and ensure fuel supplies as Ukraine expands long‑range attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure. The remarks follow a spike in refinery and fuel facility strikes and growing public discontent.
Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and military targets, including oil refineries. The effort is reshaping warfare, drawing NATO spending initiatives, and raising Moscow’s risk of escalation as Kyiv seeks to constrain Russia’s revenues and force an end to the war.