Putin

Russia's 2026 parliamentary election delivered United Russia a supermajority, with 86 war veterans entering the Duma. Days earlier, Putin nationalized the Russian assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin. NHL star Alexander Ovechkin defended his campaign ad appearance, while the IPI demanded justice for journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna.

Putin nationalizes assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin on the eve of Russia's parliamentary election. NHL star Alexander Ovechkin defends his United Russia campaign ad, reinforcing Kremlin messaging. The moves suggest a regime tightening control over economy and loyalty.

US President Donald Trump again asked Ukraine to stop striking Russian diesel refineries, citing global shortages. He described his recent call with Putin as 'great' but blamed stalled talks on personal animosity between Putin and Zelenskyy.

The BRICS summit in New Delhi opens with Putin and Pezeshkian attacking US dollar dominance, but the war in Iran exposes deep rifts between members. Modi and Putin agree to strengthen ties, while Xi Jinping arrives for rare bilateral talks. Heavy security in Delhi provokes local anger.

Putin arrives in New Delhi for BRICS summit as wars in Iran and Ukraine expose deep divisions among members. Local anger over security restrictions highlights the cost of hosting. Bilateral talks with Modi, Xi, and Pezeshkian will test India's diplomatic balancing act.

Trump envoys Kushner and Witkoff hold three-hour talks with Putin in Moscow. The visit coincides with a new book alleging Trump's deference to Putin resembles that of an asset. The subsequent Trump-Putin call on the envoys' Kyiv trip raises concerns for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy's warning that Russian airspace is unsafe due to Ukrainian drones has led airlines to cancel flights. Putin calls it 'state terrorism' and orders energy strikes, while revealing shipping damage costs 1% of GDP. Diplomatic travel disrupted.

Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on 5 September for an undisclosed visit, days after a Guardian review of a new book reignited debate over whether Trump is a Russian asset. The visit raises concerns in Europe about potential shifts in US policy toward Ukraine.

Zelenskyy warns airlines that Russian airspace is unsafe due to Ukrainian drone strikes; some carriers begin cancelling flights. Putin calls the warning 'state terrorism,' orders strikes on Ukraine's energy grid, and reveals Ukrainian attacks have damaged 100 ships, costing 1% of Russia's GDP.

Several airlines have begun cancelling flights to Russia after President Zelenskyy warned that Ukrainian drone operations make Russian airspace unsafe. Putin responded by accusing Zelenskyy of 'state terrorism' and ordered retaliatory strikes on Ukraine's energy grid.

Zelenskyy warns airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine escalates drone strikes. Putin calls it 'state terrorism,' acknowledges drones as Russia's main challenge, and promises retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The drone war now poses direct risks to civilian aviation and signals a new phase of the conflict.

Putin calls Zelenskyy's warning that Ukraine will make Russian airspace dangerous a 'bid for state terrorism' and orders large-scale retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He also says negotiations are frozen but leaves room for proposals.