A homemade bomb exploded at a restaurant in central Moscow during a private event, killing three people including the woman suspected of carrying the device, and injuring 21 others. Russian authorities are investigating it as a terrorist attack.
Russia has extended its cryptocurrency mining restrictions to Moscow, the Moscow Region, and parts of Kursk Region, citing power supply concerns. The expansion reduces mining capacity in one of the world's major Bitcoin mining centers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is preparing to mobilize an additional 30,000 North Korean troops and expand domestic conscription as battlefield losses outpace recruitment. Intelligence reports suggest Russia is laying groundwork for a major mobilization wave.
Ukraine's navy sank the Russian border guard patrol ship Izumrud in the Sea of Azov, the same vessel involved in the 2018 Kerch Strait incident when Russia captured Ukrainian sailors. Ukraine has struck at least 11 Russian vessels in recent Sea of Azov operations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled fresh energy sanctions on Russia and a £210 million deal to support Ukraine's nuclear plants for two years at the G7 summit in France. The announcement came as the BBC reported that arson attacks targeting Starmer last year have been linked to Russia.
A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber aircraft crashed on Monday in Siberia's Irkutsk region during a training exercise, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. All four crew members successfully ejected from the Soviet-era supersonic bomber.
A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities killed at least 11 people and severely damaged the Dormition Cathedral at the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Eastern Orthodox Christianity's most sacred landmarks. The attacks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with leaders of both countries about ending the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky each spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday as he turned 80. The conversations focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump reportedly telling Putin he was prepared to help resolve the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that escalating Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, fuel depots, and infrastructure are impacting Russia's economy and society, while new polling shows Russian citizens increasingly critical of his economic policies amid ongoing sanctions and military pressures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated the central bank may cut interest rates at next week's meeting, while praising absent central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina. The announcement comes as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine reaches 1,569 days, now exceeding the length of World War I.
Ukraine has launched a series of drone strikes targeting Russian military assets in occupied Crimea and mainland Russia, including a devastating attack on the Armiansk bridge that destroyed 50 military vehicles, strikes on Mariupol port and Sevastopol, and attacks on Russian oil refineries. The offensive demonstrates Ukraine's expanding use of advanced drone technology, including ground-based drones, to target strategic Russian positions.
The European Commission announced plans to ban current and former Russian soldiers from entering EU territory as part of its next sanctions package, which also targets Russian banks, cryptocurrency firms, and oil revenues. The proposal has sparked debate about why the measure is limited to military personnel rather than all Russian citizens.
The Russian government is preparing to introduce fees and trade restrictions on cryptocurrencies issued by companies based in Western jurisdictions, potentially affecting billions in annual trading volume and marking a geopolitical shift in crypto regulation.
Russia launched at least 166 drones at Ukraine killing three people, while Ukraine's sustained strikes on occupied territories have created severe fuel shortages in Crimea with rationing limiting purchases to 20 liters. The escalation comes as President Zelenskyy seeks diplomatic solutions to end the war.
A French Rafale fighter jet operating under NATO command shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace from Russia on Monday. Latvian military officials attributed the incursion to Russian electronic warfare, marking the latest security incident along NATO's eastern border amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Germany, France, and the UK have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for direct ceasefire talks with Russia, with European leaders signaling readiness to take a leading role in negotiations with Vladimir Putin in coordination with the United States.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed victory in parliamentary elections held on June 7, 2026, with his pro-Western governing party securing a mandate to continue the country's geopolitical pivot away from traditional ally Russia and toward Europe and the West.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that he met with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in Kyiv, where he asked the former Chelsea FC owner to convey messages to the Kremlin regarding prospects for direct peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine conducted extensive drone strikes targeting military facilities near St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, including a naval base in Kronstadt. The attack, involving hundreds of drones reaching up to 1,000 kilometers into Russian territory, coincided with the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Armenians voted in parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, with exit polls showing the pro-EU ruling party in the lead as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West despite mounting Russian pressure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's open letter request for direct talks on the four-year conflict, saying he sees no point in such a meeting. Ukrainian officials indicated the letter was aimed at a broader audience including Putin's inner circle and the Russian public.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea on June 8-9 to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, marking his first visit to the country in nearly seven years as China seeks to strengthen ties with its neighbor amid Pyongyang's deepening relations with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare public letter on Thursday, proposing a full ceasefire and negotiations in a neutral country. The Kremlin responded by saying Zelenskyy could meet Putin in Moscow "any time."
Military analysts report Russia is escalating air strikes on Ukrainian cities in response to battlefield setbacks, while Ukraine's long-range drone campaign increasingly targets Russian oil infrastructure and pressures the Kremlin.
Russia and Saudi Arabia, which together control over 20% of global oil production at 9-10 million barrels per day each, are drawing closer as OPEC faces internal turmoil. Their combined production capacity gives them significant leverage over global oil supply.
Ukrainian drones attacked an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, setting it ablaze during the city's annual economic forum promoted by President Putin. In response, Putin announced Russia will bolster its air defenses to counter the escalating Ukrainian drone attacks that have reached deep inside Russian territory.
A Ukrainian drone strike killed 8 people on a bus in Russian-controlled Donetsk, while a separate Russian missile and drone barrage killed at least 22 in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in attacks by both sides.
Russia's central bank announced that non-qualified retail investors will only be permitted to trade three cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT—beginning July 1, 2026, amid stagnant domestic crypto investment levels.
Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukrainian cities using more than 70 missiles and 650 attack drones, killing at least 22 people and wounding dozens. The Kremlin accused Kyiv of 'acts of terror' in response to the strikes.
Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine early Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and damaging residential buildings in Kyiv and other cities. Multiple people remain trapped in apartment building rubble in the capital.
Gasoline rationing has been implemented across Crimea after Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities disrupted fuel supplies. The peninsula's largest gas station chain has suspended fuel voucher distribution, with authorities warning the shortage could persist for at least another month.
The Russian government announced a ban on jet fuel exports lasting until November 30, 2026, citing ongoing Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries that have caused domestic production declines and fuel shortages. The ban triggered declines in Indian aviation stocks, with SpiceJet and IndiGo shares falling up to 2.5%.
French naval forces boarded and detained the Tagor, a Russian oil tanker circumventing international sanctions, in the Atlantic Ocean. President Macron announced the operation as part of enforcement efforts against sanction violations.
Russia has recalled its envoy to Armenia and a Moscow-led economic grouping is threatening to suspend the country as tensions escalate over Armenia's bid to join the European Union ahead of a key vote.
A Russian drone crashed into a 10-story apartment block in eastern Romania near the Ukrainian border during an overnight attack on Ukraine, injuring two people and forcing the evacuation of approximately 70 residents. The incident has heightened tensions on NATO's eastern flank.
Russia deployed an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in a massive attack on Kyiv that killed at least four people, then warned of planned systematic strikes on the Ukrainian capital while urging foreign nationals to leave. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov directly advised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evacuate American diplomats and citizens from Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing to strike Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, citing intelligence from Ukraine, the US, and Europe. The US Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert warning of a 'potentially significant air attack' within 24 hours.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attacking a vocational school in Russian-occupied Luhansk, killing at least six people with reports of up to 18 children trapped in rubble. Russia has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting while Ukraine claims it struck a drone command unit.
The UK government quietly relaxed sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports as energy prices surge following the Strait of Hormuz closure. The move has drawn criticism from EU allies and opposition parties, with Brussels complaining about the surprise decision.
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a historic resolution on countries' legal obligations to combat climate change, with Vanuatu leading the effort. The US attempted to derail the measure, while Russia and Iran joined in voting against it.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday, where the two leaders strengthened bilateral ties and jointly criticized US President Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile defense system as a threat to strategic stability. The meeting came just days after Trump's visit to China.
Britain has postponed implementing sanctions that would ban imports of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude oil in third countries, citing supply issues and rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. The ban was originally announced in October.
Russia accused Latvia and other Baltic states of planning to host Ukrainian drone launches and warned of military retaliation, prompting Latvia to dismiss the claims as 'pure fiction.' The tensions coincided with Lithuania shutting down Vilnius airspace due to suspected drone incursions, with EU leaders vowing a response.
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow to date, with Russia reporting over 550 drones intercepted. At least five people were killed, including three in the Moscow region and others in Belgorod, marking an escalation in Ukraine's ability to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Classified intelligence reports indicate Cuba has purchased more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and discussed plans to potentially use them against US soil and Caribbean assets, raising concerns among US officials about hostile technologies in close proximity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China to meet with President Xi Jinping on May 19-20, just days after former President Trump held a summit in Beijing. The timing of the consecutive high-level meetings underscores China's diplomatic positioning between Russia and the United States.
Russia's parliament has passed legislation that would allow President Putin to authorize military operations in foreign countries, raising concerns among NATO allies about potential testing of the alliance's commitment to collective defense.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the test launch of the new Sarmat strategic nuclear missile, describing it as 'the most powerful in the world.' State TV broadcast footage of the test conducted by Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev.
Greek authorities found a Ukrainian attack sea drone carrying explosives in a cave on a tourist island and conducted a controlled blast to render it safe. Greece called the incident 'extremely serious' and lodged a formal protest, expressing concerns that Ukraine's campaign against Russia's shadow fleet tankers is spilling into the Mediterranean.
Latvia's defense minister resigned following a Ukrainian drone strike on an empty fuel depot in Latvia. Ukrainian officials stated Russia is spoofing Ukraine's drones, causing them to strike Baltic nations instead of Russian targets. This marks the fifth eastern NATO country to see defense minister turnover recently.
Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a significantly reduced Victory Day military parade in Moscow's Red Square on May 9, 2026, coinciding with a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The downsized event reflects security concerns and marks a notable departure from previous years' celebrations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that he believes the Ukraine conflict is nearing its conclusion, speaking to reporters hours after presiding over Moscow's most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years. Putin also indicated willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a third country.
European Union officials are preparing for possible negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the Kremlin responded that Putin is ready to talk with Europeans but will not initiate contact first.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9-11, 2026, with both sides exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war. The agreement was announced by US President Donald Trump following American mediation efforts.
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned diplomatic missions in Kyiv to evacuate their staff ahead of May 9 Victory Day commemorations, threatening retaliatory mass strikes if Ukraine attacks Russia during the World War II anniversary events and Red Square military parade.
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8-9 during Victory Day commemorations, while threatening massive missile strikes if violated. Ukraine's Zelensky accused Putin of 'utter cynicism' after Russia hit energy plants following ceasefire claims.
The Pentagon announced plans to draw down 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany, prompting criticism from senior Republican lawmakers who warn it undermines deterrence against Russia, while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed confidence there would be no gap in NATO's conventional deterrence capability in Europe.
The Pentagon announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, with Trump threatening additional cuts in Spain and Italy over disputes about the Iran war and NATO burden-sharing. The move blindsided NATO allies and drew criticism from senior Republicans who warned it sends wrong message to Russia.
Russia and China openly supported North Korea at a UN Security Council meeting on nonproliferation, with UN officials warning that DPRK's continued nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development remains a serious concern. Evidence shows vessels loading North Korean coal and iron ore at ports for export to destinations including China.
The entire international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned just days before the prestigious art exhibition opens, amid controversy over Russia's return to the event for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Mali's military junta faces unprecedented large-scale attacks from Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups, with rebels declaring the government will fall and demanding Russian forces withdraw from the country.
Mali's military ruler Assimi Goita made his first public appearance since coordinated jihadist and separatist attacks over the weekend, as Russia claimed its Africa Corps halted a coup attempt.
Russia's Defense Ministry announced, that the May 9 Victory Day parade will proceed without tanks, missiles, or any military equipment due to "the current operational situation"; the first time since 2008 that military hardware will be absent from Red Square. Analysts say the omission signals battlefield equipment strain and weakens the propaganda value of Putin's most important national showcase.
Iran's Mahan Air operated the first Tehran-Moscow flight, resuming the route after a 60-day suspension caused by the US-Israeli war; the same day Iran's Foreign Minister returned from meeting Putin in Russia to discuss the conflict. Airport authorities announced further route restorations to Bangkok, Istanbul, Beijing and other destinations in the coming days.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang commemorating North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine. Kim reaffirmed support for Russia's 'sacred war' and discussed long-term military cooperation.
The European Union formally approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, targeting additional Russian banks, cryptocurrency operations, and trade restrictions. The package includes measures to cut sanctioned banks from SWIFT and further restrictions on financial services.
Poland's parliament failed for a second time to overturn President Karol Nawrocki's veto of crypto regulation legislation, with Prime Minister linking Zondacrypto exchange to alleged legislative interference and Russian connections.
Russian crypto exchange Grinex halted trading services following a $13-15 million exploit that the exchange attributes to 'Western special services' or 'hostile states.' The exchange has been linked to sanctioned Garantex, with liquidity and users flowing between the platforms.
British Defence Minister John Healey revealed that UK warships and aircraft tracked and forced Russian submarines to abandon attempts to survey undersea cables in the North Sea during a month-long operation, demonstrating the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
President Trump announced immediate 50% tariffs with no exemptions on imports from countries supplying military weapons to Iran, adding a new trade dimension to the Middle East conflict. The legal authority for such tariffs remains unclear.
France unveiled plans to add €36 billion to defense spending through 2030, including expansion of its nuclear arsenal and major increases in missile and drone stockpiles. The country will boost drone stocks by 400 percent in response to Russia threat.
South Korea's intelligence service reports that North Korea is keeping Iran at arm's length and carefully managing public messaging to preserve the possibility of renewed diplomatic dialogue with the United States after the Iran war.
Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Black Sea energy hub Novorossiysk and the NORSI oil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod, causing fuel leaks and fires. Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to disrupt war financing.
The UN Security Council postponed a vote on a Bahrain-drafted resolution that would authorize the use of defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks. China and France opposed the measure, with veto-wielding China making clear its opposition to military authorization.
A Russian An-26 military transport plane crashed into a cliff in occupied Crimea, killing all 29 people on board due to a suspected technical malfunction. The incident adds to a series of Russian military aviation accidents since the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's FSB intelligence agency ordered the expulsion of a British diplomat, accusing the second secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow of espionage. The UK Foreign Office rejected the allegations as part of an 'aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats.'
European intelligence agencies report Russia is in final stages of completing phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran amid ongoing conflict. The Kremlin has denied the Financial Times report as 'lies.'
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US will temporarily allow the sale of Iranian oil shipments already in transit, estimated to add 140 million barrels to the market. The move comes as oil prices hit their highest settlement since July 2022 amid Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Sweden has accused Russia of being behind a surge in GPS jamming incidents over the Baltic Sea, following a September incident where a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was forced to land in Bulgaria using paper maps after its navigation systems were jammed.
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a large scale military invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces advanced from multiple directions, including from the north through Belarus, as well as from the east and south, striking military targets and entering Ukrainian territory.
