Russia’s fourth city, a transit hub and historic industrial center
Russia has opened a three-day parliamentary election (Sept 18–20) that is expected to return a United Russia-dominated Duma. Authorities have barred prominent anti-war candidates and disqualified Yablokos federal list; voting will also take place in Russian-held areas of Ukraine. Officials are watching turnout and margins for signs of war-related public discontent.
Ukraine has launched its largest drone assault on Moscow in years, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery, igniting large fires, forcing temporary closure of all Moscow airports and wounding civilians. Kyiv says it is targeting oil infrastructure that funds Russia’s war; Moscow has pledged massive retaliation and reported hundreds of drones intercepted across the country.
Armenia has received EU support to diversify its trade away from Russia as Moscow’s sanctions bite. The EU will grant tariff-free access to about 80% of Armenian exports and supply an additional 18 million euros to bolster trade, while Armenia seeks to expand ties with Brussels amid broader regional tensions.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
Ukraine has escalated drone strikes targeting Russian logistics, hitting Wildberries warehouses in Krasnodar, Nevinnomyssk, and Yekaterinburg. The attacks disrupt operations, kill workers, and threaten Russia’s commercial supply chains as Kyiv seeks to pressure Moscow amid ongoing fighting.
Since mid-July Ukrainian forces have struck more than a dozen Wildberries warehouses and other industrial sites deep inside Russia. Overnight strikes have hit a Wildberries warehouse in Samara and facilities across the Volga and southern regions, killing dozens on both sides, while Moscow says it downed hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
The conflict in Ukraine has intensified with multiple regional strikes causing civilian casualties. Russia and Ukraine continue long-range attacks, with Ukraine conducting drone operations inside Russia and Russia striking Ukrainian infrastructure and ports. The situation has prompted international concern as casualties mount and both sides press strategic targets.
Vladimir Tkachuk, founder and CEO of Uraldronzavod, has been hospitalised in grave condition following an explosion in Bolshoy Istok, near Yekaterinburg. The Upyr drone is cited as central to recent sanctions and war efforts. Authorities have opened a murder investigation as details remain unclear.
Distant drone strikes hit multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, including Yekaterinburg in the Urals. Evacuations are under way with officials reporting some drone interceptions. Ukraine continues long-range strikes to disrupt Russian logistics and economy, while Russia asserts air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones.
The latest reports show North Korea has offered 30,000 more soldiers to Russia, while US officials warn of a potential Russian incursion against a NATO member. European leaders are recalibrating defense plans as Washington pushes for a Europe-ready strategy should US support wane. Analysts emphasize a unity among core allies but warn the alliance could weaken if US backing fades.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Wildberries logistics hubs inside Russia, destroying warehouses and disrupting the online retailer’s distribution network. Reuters and other outlets report fires and significant material losses as Kyiv presses the campaign to pressure Moscow’s war economy, with the latest attacks following a string of recent incidents.
A Russian military officer has been killed and his wife injured when their car exploded in the Pushkinsky suburb of St. Petersburg. Investigators have opened a criminal probe; Kyiv has denied involvement in the attack, while Moscow has blamed Ukraine for previous assassinations. The incident follows a series of high-profile blasts targeting Russian military figures.
As Russia's campaign against Ukraine escalates, Ukrainian authorities report multi-city strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Kyiv and other regions face ongoing air raids, with civilian casualties and disruptions to daily life. Ukraine says jet-powered drones are now part of Russia's upgraded arsenal, forcing a rapid evolution of interceptors and defenses.
Russia has announced retaliatory moves after Germany closed the Berlin Goethe-Institut and a Berlin-based cultural center, in response to allegations tied to a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Moscow has ordered the closure of German diplomatic and cultural outposts and says Berlin’s actions escalate bilateral tensions. EU diplomats are weighing further consequences.
The Federal Security Service has detained a 21-year-old Moldovan national linked to an assassination attempt on a Russian Defense Ministry officer in Engels, Saratov region. Authorities say the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence and offered $70,000. The case follows a string of attacks tied to the Ukraine conflict. The victim is hospitalized; officials have not named him.