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by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Drone Attack Damages Moscow Oil Refinery

Drone Attack Damages Moscow Oil Refinery

On the morning of June 16, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted Moscow, with one drone striking the oil refinery in the Kapotnya district, causing a fire. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that around 60 drones were intercepted on their approach to the capital and that there were no casualties at the refinery.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for UK Pledges Nuclear Fuel Aid to Ukraine and Sanctions Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

UK Pledges Nuclear Fuel Aid to Ukraine and Sanctions Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

The United Kingdom announced it will provide £210 million (about $280 million) for British nuclear fuel supplies to Ukraine's state-owned Energoatom. Alongside the aid, the UK is set to impose new sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" of vessels carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG).

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Armenia to Host Joint Military Drills with US, France, and Greece

Armenia to Host Joint Military Drills with US, France, and Greece

Armenia is set to host the 'Eagle Partner 2026' military exercises from June 17-25, which for the first time will include troops from the United States, France, and Greece. The drills are aimed at enhancing interoperability for international peacekeeping missions amid Armenia's fraying ties with Russia.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Son of Norwegian Crown Princess Sentenced to Four Years for Rape

Son of Norwegian Crown Princess Sentenced to Four Years for Rape

Marius Borg Høyby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison by an Oslo court. He was found guilty of two counts of rape and domestic violence.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for UK Expands Sanctions List Against Russia

UK Expands Sanctions List Against Russia

The United Kingdom has expanded its sanctions against Russia, adding 43 new entities and individuals to its list. Among those targeted are GRU officers, Yandex Bank, and companies allegedly linked to a crypto payment system.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for US and Iran Reach Preliminary Peace Agreement

US and Iran Reach Preliminary Peace Agreement

The United States and Iran have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding, with a formal signing ceremony planned for June 19 in Geneva. The deal, mediated by Pakistan, is said to include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of some sanctions, and commitments to peace in the Middle East.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Fatal B-52 Bomber Crash Kills Eight at Edwards Air Force Base

Fatal B-52 Bomber Crash Kills Eight at Edwards Air Force Base

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California shortly after takeoff, killing all eight crew members on board. The aircraft was on a planned test flight when the incident occurred. Flights at the base were temporarily halted due to runway damage.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Putin Schedules Russian State Duma Elections for September 20

Putin Schedules Russian State Duma Elections for September 20

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree officially setting the date for the next State Duma elections for September 20, 2026. Residents in the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donbas and Novorossiya will participate in the parliamentary elections for the first time.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Zelensky Discusses Potential Putin Meeting with Trump at G7 Summit

Zelensky Discusses Potential Putin Meeting with Trump at G7 Summit

At the G7 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump and discussed the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky said Ukraine had proposed the meeting through various channels, but the Kremlin denied receiving a formal invitation.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Russia Proposes Fines for Online Marketplaces That Pressure Sellers

Russia Proposes Fines for Online Marketplaces That Pressure Sellers

Russia's Economic Development Ministry has proposed new legislation that would impose fines of up to 400,000 rubles on online marketplaces. The fines would target platforms that pressure sellers on pricing or restrict their access for refusing to participate in discount promotions.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for FSB Proposes Lowering Physical Fitness Standards for Recruits

FSB Proposes Lowering Physical Fitness Standards for Recruits

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has drafted a proposal to significantly lower the minimum passing scores for physical fitness tests required for military service candidates and applicants to its educational institutions. The draft order does not provide a reason for the proposed changes.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Former FSB Chief Patrushev Blames Rescue Services for 2002 Hostage Deaths

Former FSB Chief Patrushev Blames Rescue Services for 2002 Hostage Deaths

Nikolai Patrushev, former director of Russia's FSB, stated that rescue workers, not security services, were responsible for the deaths of hostages during the 2002 Dubrovka theater siege. Patrushev claimed the rescue services, then led by Sergei Shoigu, failed to properly administer antidotes, leading to casualties.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Tatneft Implements Fuel Sale Restrictions Amid Russian Shortages

Tatneft Implements Fuel Sale Restrictions Amid Russian Shortages

Russian oil company Tatneft has imposed temporary limits on gasoline and diesel sales at all its gas stations across the country, accepting only cash transactions. The move comes amid a wider fuel crisis in Russia, which has seen dozens of regions experience shortages and impose restrictions.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Russian Drone Attack Hits Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery

Russian Drone Attack Hits Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery

On June 15, 2026, a Russian drone attack on Kyiv caused a fire and significant damage to the Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Ukraine accused Russia of a deliberate attack, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed the damage was caused by a malfunctioning Ukrainian air defense missile.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Investigation Links Russian Oligarchs to Moldovan Politician Ilan Shor

Investigation Links Russian Oligarchs to Moldovan Politician Ilan Shor

Reports allege that structures connected to Russian oligarchs Roman Abramovich and Arkady Rotenberg are financing Ilan Shor, a convicted Moldovan oligarch. The funds are reportedly used to help the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions and interfere in elections in post-Soviet countries.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Russian Mathematician Mikhail Verbitsky Freed in Armenia

Russian Mathematician Mikhail Verbitsky Freed in Armenia

Mathematician Mikhail Verbitsky, who was detained in Yerevan on June 12 at Russia's request, has been released from custody. An Armenian court freed him after Russian authorities failed to submit the necessary extradition documents in time. Verbitsky, accused in Russia of justifying terrorism, has since left for Israel.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Patriotic Questions Added to Russia's Unified State Exam in English

Patriotic Questions Added to Russia's Unified State Exam in English

Students and tutors in Russia were surprised by the unexpected inclusion of questions about Russian national holidays, such as Victory Day and National Unity Day, on the Unified State Exam for English. The new topics required students to explain the history and significance of the holidays, with some questions using advanced vocabulary.

by Russia

June 17 2026
Cover image for Russian Artist Semyon Skrepetsky Shot and Killed in Poland

Russian Artist Semyon Skrepetsky Shot and Killed in Poland

Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian artist and activist known for his political caricatures of Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed in Biała Podlaska, Poland, on June 15. Skrepetsky had left Russia in 2021 fearing persecution and had recently participated in an anti-Putin protest in Berlin. Polish authorities have detained suspects in connection with the murder.

by Russia

June 16 2026
Cover image for EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Individuals and Organizations

EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Individuals and Organizations

The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Russia, targeting 34 individuals and 47 organizations. The new measures target Russia's military-industrial complex, its "shadow fleet," and individuals accused of spreading disinformation, including US blogger Alexandra Jost.

by Russia

June 16 2026
Cover image for UK Detains Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in English Channel

UK Detains Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in English Channel

British forces, including Royal Marines, have for the first time intercepted and detained a tanker identified as part of Russia's "shadow fleet." The vessel, named SMYRTOS, was stopped in the English Channel on the orders of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is being investigated for sanction violations.