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At the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia pledged to strengthen energy, financial, and Arctic cooperation with China, including a proposed gas pipeline and AI collaboration. Moscow also discussed trilateral ties with Mongolia, emphasizing regional development amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The meetings highlight Russia's efforts to bypass Western sanctions and deepen alliances.
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Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova announced that Russia has achieved significant breakthroughs in prosthetic technology, driven by battlefield casualties from the Ukraine conflict. The country increased prosthetic limb production by 65% in 2024, with estimates suggesting over 1 million Russian troops have been killed or wounded since 2022. The government keeps casualty figures secret.
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On September 18-19, 2025, US President Donald Trump, during a UK state visit and joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to end the Ukraine war despite their personal relationship. Trump reiterated his belief that lowering oil prices and sanctions on Russian energy buyers could pressure Putin to withdraw. Meanwhile, Putin warned that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine during ongoing fighting would be legitimate targets, rejecting Western plans for a peacekeeping 'reassurance force' pledged by 26 countries. The UK and allies continue to support Ukraine militarily and diplomatically amid stalled peace talks.
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French authorities detained four individuals linked to the SOS Donbass group, suspecting espionage activities aimed at France. The arrests follow investigations into pro-Russian propaganda and attempts to gather economic intelligence amid heightened tensions over Russia's actions in Ukraine. The case highlights ongoing concerns about Russian influence in Europe.
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Russia has been conducting widespread cellphone internet shutdowns across dozens of regions since May 2025, citing security reasons related to Ukrainian drone attacks. These outages restrict access to banking, health monitoring, and communication services, with only government-approved websites available during blackouts. The disruptions have caused significant concern among residents about loss of information and freedom.
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Russian authorities have expanded restrictions on messaging apps, citing their use for terrorism and fraud. Snapchat, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Roblox face bans or limitations amid ongoing internet controls aimed at curbing Ukrainian drone attacks and increasing surveillance. Disruptions impact daily life and privacy.