Russia
Trump threatens more sanctions on Russia and China as deadline looms
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for three hours on August 6 for “constructive talks”, just two days before a deadline set by former President Donald Trump for a ceasefire deal.
US doubles tariffs on India over Russian oil
The US has intensified trade pressure on India by announcing a sharp increase in tariffs on key exports, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil
Moscow Exchange extends trading hours on stock market from September
The Moscow Exchange will extend its trading hours on the stock market from late September 2025.
India won't bow to US pressure over Russian oil imports
The Indian Foreign Ministry released an angry statement this week claiming that they are being “targeted” by the United States and European Union for importing oil from Russia.
Russian academic arrested on treason charges in latest crackdown
A prominent Russian academic and former Kremlin adviser has been arrested on charges of high treason, marking the latest detention of a university figure since Russia's wartime crackdown on academia began
Saudi Arabia to partner with Russia at St Petersburg economic forum marking diplomatic centenary
Saudi Arabia will serve as the guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, scheduled from June 3 to June 6, coinciding with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Saudi Arabia to partner with Russia at St Petersburg economic forum marking diplomatic centenary
Saudi Arabia will serve as the guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, scheduled from June 3 to June 6, coinciding with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Russia’s Rosstat decides to hide increasing bleak income and retail figures from the public
In July Rosstat declared it will withhold data on monthly retail, wholesale trade, income, and salary data from its June release. Analysts say the reason is those numbers paint an increasingly bleak picture.
Kremlin considering “air truce” as US envoy Witkoff arrives in Moscow for talks – Bloomberg
Russia is considering an “air truce” with Ukraine, ending its campaign of long-range drone and missile strikes against cities throughout country, as US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow on August 6.
Russian drone made with India-linked components found on Ukraine’s battlefields
A Russian drone containing Indian-made electronic components has been discovered on Ukraine’s battlefield, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak said in a social media post.
Czech president says Ukraine unlikely to reclaim occupied territories
Czech President Petr Pavel has said Ukraine will not be able to liberate its Russian-occupied territories in the near future, and that it is unfair to pressure Kyiv to give them up, Interfax reported on August 5.
Russia detains 300 Tajiks for migration law violations in Moscow raid
Russian National Guard special forces detained 300 people for suspected migration law violations during a raid at a hostel in central Moscow.
MOSCOW BLOG: Are we drifting into a nuclear war with Russia?
US President Donald Trump moved two nuclear submarines to an “appropriate place” as part of his tough man showdown with Russian President Vladimir Putin that comes to a head this week when the 10-day deadline expires.
Russia counters Trumps nuclear submarines, abandons self-imposed limits on short- and medium-range missiles
Russia has declared it will no longer observe self-imposed restrictions on deploying medium- and short-range missiles, ending a moratorium introduced after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the United States.
US effective tariff rate at 17% after July duties adjustment - Fitch
The United States’ effective tariff rate (ETR) has settled at 17% following the latest reciprocal duty announcements on July 27 and July 31, according to Fitch Ratings.
Indian opposition blames government on Trump threats
Under President Donald Trump’s second term his administration has taken a much more hawkish stance that Indian purchases enable Russia to weather sanctions and indirectly fund its war effort
Suspected Tajik terrorist gunmen go on trial in Moscow over Crocus City Hall bloodbath
Pleas of guilty and partly guilty entered by four accused. Fifteen alleged accomplices will also be tried in mainly closed-door hearing.
Kremlin does not rule out Putin meeting with Trump envoy in Moscow
The Kremlin has not ruled out the possibility of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump's special envoy Stephen Witkoff this week.
Russia rolls out AI to track street vendors St Petersburg
St Petersburg deploys AI to catch illegal street vendors with $600 fines. Mobile systems on patrol cars automatically detect unauthorised trading posts, with neural networks monitoring compliance.