A new podcast episode of Infosec Report features Hungarian researcher András Rácz discussing intercepted phone calls between Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó and Lavrov. The discussion explores the implications of these calls.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti claimed during the London Defence Conference that Serbia acts as a 'mediator' for Russia and has established 48 operational bases. He specifically alleged the presence of a Kremlin office within Serbia's Ministry of Defense.
A commentary suggests that if the Kremlin leader were to grandly announce an Easter ceasefire, it would be cynical, as he started the war and could end it at any time.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán campaigns in Debrecen, while reports highlight government control over media. The potential impact of Péter Magyar's political rise on the Western Balkans and local election sentiments are also discussed.
Actor Paul Dano shares insights on his career, including singing with Brian Wilson, his appreciation for 'War and Peace,' and his latest film, 'The Wizard of the Kremlin.'
Kremlin spokesperson Maria Zakharova openly expressed her fury over statements made by singer Alla Pugacheva, with the controversy continuing to stir passions within the 'Putinists' camp.
A former Russian oligarch and political prisoner, once the richest man in Russia, shares his perspective on a belligerent and isolated Russia under Putin, stating his survival chances would be minimal if Putin wished him dead.
A St. Petersburg court has sentenced six activists from the 'Vesna' anti-war youth movement to up to 12 years in prison, marking the latest verdicts in the Kremlin's campaign to silence critics.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), in collaboration with the FBI and Polish counterintelligence, conducted a coordinated cyber operation to neutralize Russian GRU intelligence activities spying on citizens via hacked routers.
The film 'The Magician in the Kremlin' delves into the ascent of Vladimir Putin and the origins of modern propaganda, with director Olivier Assayas discussing the casting of Jude Law as the 'Kremlin Tsar.'
Moldova's Vice-Premier for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, stated that Moldova is sharing its experience in countering Russian interference in elections with EU countries. This aims to strengthen the EU's security against Kremlin influence.
Russian police officers have been ordered not to identify themselves as law enforcement on social media or messaging apps, the Russian business news outlet RBC and the news agency Ura.ru reported,…
Când autoritățile ruse au blocat anul trecut platforma populară de jocuri Roblox pentru ceea ce au numit „justifică terorismul și conținutul LGBTQ”, tinerii au găsit rapid o soluție.
The Kremlin stated that the security of the TurkStream pipeline is a priority following an incident in Serbia, noting that there is currently no credible evidence regarding who might be behind the attempted attack on the European part of this vital energy artery.
The Kremlin stated there is no credible evidence regarding who might be responsible for an attempted attack on a gas pipeline, while the Serbian military has specifically denied Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán's claims that Ukraine was behind explosives found near a pipeline.
Kremlinul a declarat luni că războiul împotriva Iranului se intensifică atât din punct de vedere geografic, cât și al impactului economic, și că întreaga regiune a Orientului Mijlociu este „în…
A Russian network known as 'The Company' reportedly attempted to spread disinformation through online media and social networks in Argentina to discredit President Javier Milei between June and October 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has passed a request for an Easter ceasefire to the United States, which the Kremlin rejected. Zelenskyy described recent talks with U.S. mediators as positive but criticized Russia for responding to his Easter truce offer with airstrikes.
Ministrat e jashtëm të Rusisë dhe Iranit zhvilluan një bisedë telefonike të enjten, ku diskutuan mbi situatën e fundit në Lindjen e Mesme, njoftoi Kremlini.
The Kremlin is reportedly seeking to recruit more personnel from companies, factories, and universities to bolster its new army drone division, established last year by President Putin.
The Kremlin spokesperson stated that Russia is 'ready' to offer its services to help ensure the military situation in Iran evolves towards a peaceful path as quickly as possible.
The Kremlin's continuous imposition of new internet restrictions in Russia is reportedly fostering a quiet mood of protest. This resistance is emerging not only among the general populace but also within the business community and even among some regime loyalists.
EU parliamentarians are demanding the removal of a Russian employee, who previously worked as a translator for Kremlin chief Putin, from the election observer mission in Hungary, sparking controversy.
The Kremlin has responded to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's proposal for an Easter ceasefire, rejecting the offer. Russian officials stated that Zelenskyy should instead focus on working towards a lasting peace.
Following Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure and defense industries within Russia, some vocal pro-Kremlin bloggers are admitting that Putin's army is "doomed to defeat" and that Russia is heading towards a "shameful peace." These admissions highlight the visible economic and strategic effects of the Ukrainian attacks.
A ten-year defense deal signed between Bulgaria and Ukraine, focusing on security, intelligence, and energy collaboration, has sparked a furious response from pro-Kremlin parties in Bulgaria ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
A French court has sentenced Chen Zhangjie, the Chinese captain of the Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker Boracay, to one year in prison in absentia and issued an arrest warrant for failing to comply with orders during an inspection in international waters, with the vessel suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions.
Russia is building an extensive railway system across occupied Ukrainian territories, which Ukrainian fighters are persistently sabotaging, as the Kremlin seeks to integrate these regions into a 'New Russia'.
Ukrainian intelligence claims the Kremlin is preparing a plan to divert Russian pension funds into a state-controlled investment program to cover the costs of the ongoing war.
According to FISU reports, the Kremlin is preparing a significant overhaul of its instruments designed for external influence, indicating a strategic shift in its foreign policy tools.
Russia is reportedly aiming to limit its contact with the outside world, a move that reflects Kremlin nervousness and follows a recent internet outage.
Mobile Internet blackouts are spreading across Russia, including Moscow, and Telegram faces increasing disruption, leading to widespread public anger, with Kremlin polling showing 83% of teenagers reacting negatively to the shutdowns.
A delegation of Russian lawmakers has arrived in the United States for meetings with American counterparts, marking the first such visit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and described by the Kremlin as a 'very necessary dialogue' aimed at renewing ties. A federal government delegation is scheduled to visit the U.S. Institute of Peace.
EU officials accuse Russia of providing intelligence and drones to Iran for attacks on US targets, while Russia vehemently denies these allegations, specifically dismissing reports of delivering drones as 'media lies'.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed concerns that US-led Ukraine peace talks may be reaching their conclusion, citing the ongoing war as a potential reason.
The UK government has authorized its armed forces to board Russian tankers in British waters, escalating actions against the 'shadow fleet' that helps Moscow circumvent Western oil sanctions.
Former President Trump has reiterated his rejection of a ceasefire with Iran, asserting that Iran desires a deal but fears its own people and the US. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to climb past $100, driven by lingering risks of a prolonged US-Iran war, impacting global powers as Trump and Xi pursue energy dominance, with Europe particularly vulnerable.
A mysterious group named "Scarlet Swan" has emerged on TikTok and Telegram, urging Russians, including minors, to protest the Kremlin's internet restrictions, raising questions about whether it could be a trap.
A Süddeutsche Zeitung commentary criticizes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, asserting he has turned his back on Europe by allegedly revealing secrets to the Kremlin and attacking Brussels while accepting its funds.
A Hungarian political figure, István Kapitány, is being questioned about potential ties to the Kremlin, with Anita Orbán also mentioned as a possible foreign minister.
A recent Russian oil shipment to Cuba has drawn attention to a suspected Kremlin spy outpost on the island, potentially challenging President Trump’s efforts to economically pressure Cuba, where China also maintains suspected listening posts.
Péter Magyar claims Viktor Orbán scored an own goal by accusing the Tisza Party of knowing about Szijjártó's wiretapping, while Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has confirmed that leaked phone calls revealed his negotiations with the Kremlin in 2020 regarding a meeting for then-Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini.
The Kremlin is accused of devising a 'cynical' scheme to compensate for front-line losses by sending foreigners to the trenches, reportedly using mass migrant control measures instead of open recruitment that previously sparked protests.
New claims regarding extensive cooperation between the Orbán government and Russia have dominated the Hungarian parliamentary election campaign, with specific accusations emerging that Orbán's aides acted as Kremlin informants, relaying details from closed-door Brussels talks.
The Kremlin announced it is monitoring conflicting statements regarding the situation in Iran, with the Russian presidency expressing hope for a quick resolution to the conflict.
Russian intelligence reports indicate that the Kremlin has abandoned a large-scale initiative to bring 'SMO veterans' en masse into the State Duma through elections, suggesting authorities do not intend to share real power with them.
European officials are responding to reports alleging that Hungary's Foreign Minister has been briefing the Kremlin on confidential EU meetings for several years, sparking concerns about intelligence leaks.
Russia has intensified internet censorship, reportedly adopting methods used by Iran, due to concerns in Moscow that the security of its own leaders could be compromised following US and Israeli actions against Iranian officials.
A Kremlin spokesman indicated that the Russian government is exploring options to assist Cuba with its difficult oil situation, potentially involving a Russian tanker challenging a U.S. blockade.
Moscow proposed a quid pro quo to the United States whereby the Kremlin would stop sharing information with Iran, such as the precise coordinates of American military assets in the Middle East…
Ilya Remeslo, a pro-Kremlin blogger who recently criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Saint Petersburg. This follows his public statements accusing Putin of being an 'illegitimate president' and 'war criminal'.
A former Polish intelligence official has warned about Russia exploiting security vulnerabilities and the alleged pro-Kremlin activities of certain Polish Members of Parliament, including Grzegorz Braun.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China will under no circumstances tolerate Taiwan's independence, accusing the island of undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait, during a meeting with Taiwan's opposition leader.
Οι ΗΠΑ παραμένουν απολύτως προσηλωμένες στο ΝΑΤΟ, τόνισε ο Βρετανός υπουργός Άμυνας, Τζον Χίλι, στον απόηχο σεναρίων για ενδεχόμενη μείωση της αμερικανικής στρατιωτικής παρουσίας στην Ευρώπη.
Russia's large-scale mobile Internet disruptions in Moscow are drawing criticism from state-sanctioned 'opposition' parties, a move seen as part of Kremlin-approved campaign messaging.
Sources close to the Kremlin, however, appear more cautious, saying that progress in the talks is limited.
The post Bloomberg: top adviser to Zelensky believes that the end of the war with Russia is…
The Kremlin announced that Russia will begin military-patriotic education for children as young as three years old, with mandatory lessons starting September 1st as part of a new program called "Kind Games."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claims that ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine are being disproportionately conscripted into the military, suggesting collusion with the Kremlin.
The Kremlin announced that Russia has the right to defend itself against what it termed 'piracy' in international waters. This statement follows a report by a British newspaper regarding a frigate.
Viktor Olevici, a prominent Kremlin propagandist, announced his departure from Russia and is seeking assistance from the U.S., claiming he received threats from the FSB.
New details and leaked audio recordings indicate that Hungary has been coordinating with the Kremlin to impede Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Japanese ambassador to protest a Japanese startup's investment in Ukrainian drone interception technology, stating that relations between the two countries have been reduced to zero.
The Kremlin has initiated a propaganda campaign in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region to mark the 12th anniversary of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), aiming to obscure Russia's involvement in the 2014 events.
Following a conflict-ridden meeting in the Kremlin, Russia is demonstrating its ability to exert pressure on Armenia, though the long-term effectiveness of these threats remains uncertain.
The Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on Western universities, labeling some as "undesirable" and impacting thousands of Russian students studying abroad.
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that there were a huge number of requests for Russian energy supplies from a range of different places amid a grave global energy crisis. Russia is the world’s second largest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia and holds the world’s largest natural gas reserves. President Vladimir Putin has suggested switching supplies […]
A group of EU parliamentarians has requested the exclusion of a former Kremlin interpreter from an OSCE mission tasked with independently monitoring elections in Hungary. The request highlights concerns over the interpreter's past affiliations.
A clairvoyant claims to have invoked the spirit of ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who reportedly made new predictions about a nuclear war, the collapse of the United States, and advised starting potato cultivation.
Kremlinul a afirmat luni că războiul cu Iranul se intensifică atât din punct de vedere geografic, cât și al impactului economic, și că întreaga regiune a Orientului Mijlociu este acum „în flăcări”…
Discuțiile de pace dintre Rusia și Ucraina sunt momentan suspendate, întrucât prioritățile Statelor Unite s-au îndreptat spre alte direcții, a declarat purtătorul de cuvânt al Kremlinului, Dmitri…
Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., raised counterintelligence concerns over a sanctioned Russian Duma delegation's recent visit to Washington, D.C.
Jens Stoltenberg, the former head of NATO, is facing accusations of betraying the Baltic states and Poland for allegedly considering withdrawing forces from Eastern Europe or offering them to the Kremlin.
The Kremlin's initiative to develop and promote the state-backed messaging application MAX has reportedly caused unease and frustration among some segments of the Russian population, who view its mandatory use with suspicion.
During a meeting in the Kremlin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reportedly spoke openly to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the importance of free elections and unrestricted access to social media.
Despite sanctions, a Russian tycoon continues to profit from industries in Europe, highlighting how some Russian businessmen maintain wealth by aligning with the Kremlin's war efforts.
Facing troop losses in the Ukraine war, Russia is reportedly seeking new soldiers from universities and businesses to avoid a general mobilization, which threatens the Kremlin's plans.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated he had no knowledge of campaigns to recruit students and employees of Ryazan region businesses to fight in the war against Ukraine.
A Russian An-26 military transport aircraft reportedly crashed over occupied Crimea, resulting in the deaths of all 29 people on board, with Russia's defense ministry attributing the incident to a likely technical malfunction, as confirmed by Russian sources.
Ukraine continues to offer concessions and expresses a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia for Easter. The Kremlin has responded coldly and skeptically to Zelensky's request for an 'energy truce' for Easter, stating they had not seen a detailed proposal and prefer a comprehensive peace agreement, consistently demonstrating Russia's disinterest in such truces or good-faith negotiations.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from four EU countries have arrived in Kyiv to commemorate the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, joining other EU foreign policy officials to express unwavering support for Ukraine and reiterate commitment to holding Russia accountable for its crimes.
Loviturile ucrainene asupra infrastructurii petroliere și a industriei de apărare din interiorul Rusiei încep să producă efecte vizibile, inclusiv economice, iar unii dintre cei mai vocali…
A high-ranking Hungarian official admitted to collaborating with Moscow during EU discussions on sanctions against Russia, while recordings reveal Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov pressured Hungary to resist EU sanctions policy, with Hungary's foreign minister defending Kremlin interests.
An investigative report detailed how Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó allegedly acted in Europe's interest for the Kremlin, with Szijjártó now commenting on leaked audio recordings of his conversations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and criticizing the EU's sanctions policy.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that Russia continues to be a reliable energy supplier, a claim met with skepticism given the 2022 European energy crisis triggered by Putin.
A pro-Kremlin blogger, Maxim Kalashnikov, has issued a stark warning that Russia is on the brink of a new February 1917, predicting a repetition of dramatic historical events.
Ukraine has intensified its attacks on the Russian oil industry, leading to a reduction in refinery capacity and prompting Russia to announce a ban on gasoline exports in response to the strikes on its oil infrastructure.
Kremlin authorities have reportedly jammed cellular communications and blocked Telegram in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, where a factory producing Shahed-type combat drones is located.
Russia has announced a ban on gasoline exports starting April 1, aiming to prioritize domestic supplies and stabilize fuel prices amidst surging domestic prices and turbulence in global oil markets. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the energy ministry to draft a resolution for this measure, which will last until July 31st.
Russia has designated Oscar-winning director Pavel Talankin as a 'foreign agent,' adding his name to the Ministry of Justice list and imposing bureaucratic requirements.
The Kremlin has criticized US proposals on economic deals, stating that any agreements must be on Russia's terms, indicating a firm stance in negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for unannounced 'important meetings,' kicking off a surprise tour of Gulf States with a defense pitch and offering Ukraine's drone expertise with renewed urgency as the US increasingly focuses on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has again postponed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, extending the deadline to April 6 and citing progress in ongoing talks. He also noted Iran's allowance of 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a positive sign, indicating seriousness in negotiations, as Operation Epic Fury continues.
Ukraine has reported that Russia launched a record-breaking 948 Shahed and other unmanned aerial vehicles against targets across the country within a 24-hour period.
Tina Khidasheli, a jurist and former Minister of Defence of Georgia, stated that the Georgian government lacks 'morals, values, or principles' and is 'guided by the Kremlin,' suggesting a drift towards authoritarianism despite declared European aspirations.
The Saeima Citizenship Commission in Latvia will urge the government to assess the legal possibilities of revoking the citizenship of former European Parliament member and pro-Kremlin activist Andrejs Mamikins, as well as placing him on a sanctions list.
Rusia nu a primit nicio informaţie din partea Iranului cu privire la un presupus plan american în 15 puncte, a declarat miercuri purtătorul de cuvânt al Kremlinului, Dmitri Peskov, adăugând că…
The British Telegraph has published an article praising Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, defending him against accusations of being a "Kremlin poodle" and highlighting his ability to predict future events.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu addressed citizens regarding an energy crisis exacerbated by Russian attacks on Ukraine, which have impacted Moldova's energy supply. She accused the Kremlin of attempting to undermine the country's security and urged citizens to remain strong.
Growing concerns in Brussels suggest that the German far-right's access to confidential EU documents could compromise the security of the entire bloc, potentially leading to leaks to Moscow.
Russia's cultural sphere is experiencing a boom in traditional folk art, driven by a clear political strategy from President Vladimir Putin since 2014. This initiative aims to serve the Kremlin's political agenda.
Hungary's Foreign Minister is accused of supplying the Kremlin with "live reports" from EU meetings, raising concerns about Moscow's alleged interference in the Hungarian election campaign and Viktor Orbán's ties to Vladimir Putin.
Known Russian blogger and lawyer Iliya Remeslo, a former member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, reportedly turned against Putin last week and subsequently ended up in psychiatric treatment.
US President Donald Trump has postponed his ultimatum to bomb Iran's electricity grid and announced a tactical pause on strikes, claiming to have begun talks with Tehran and that 'regime change' is underway. However, Iran has denied engaging in talks with the US and warned against targeting its vital infrastructure.
Reaguodama į JAV prezidento Donaldo Trumpo ultimatumą Iranui atidaryti Hormūzo sąsiaurį, Rusija pirmadienį paragino siekti „politinio ir diplomatinio“ sprendimo karui Artimuosiuose Rytuose.
A pro-government blogger in Russia who criticized President Vladimir Putin has been admitted to psychiatric care in St. Petersburg after seemingly switching sides.
The Kremlin has stated its hope that the killings of Iranian leaders during US and Israeli operations will not become the norm, warning of serious consequences.
The Washington Post reports that Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) allegedly considered staging an assassination attempt on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to boost his approval ratings ahead of elections, a claim the Kremlin has dismissed as disinformation.
Russia's Vladimir Putin sent congratulations to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian on the Iranian new year, the Kremlin said.
A Russian blogger, typically known for pro-Kremlin views, has been placed in a psychiatric hospital after publishing critical remarks about President Vladimir Putin and Russia's offensive in Ukraine.
A new poll indicates that Hungary's opposition center-right Tisza party holds a lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling Fidesz party, 52% to 39%, ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Ukrajina i Rusija napreduju prema potencijalnom sporazumu o okončanju rata, objavio je Bloomberg News, citirajući šefa kabineta ukrajinskog predsjednika Volodimira Zelenskog.
The Kremlin stated that the visit of Putin's representative, Kirill Dmitriev, to the US was not for the continuation of peace negotiations with Ukraine, but rather for discussions on a peace agreement and economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
Former Albanian MP Myslym Murrizi has strongly reacted to Prime Minister Edi Rama's statements on European integration, bringing up allegations about an Ukrainian caught in Germany who reportedly worked with Rama's brother in a call center.
Ich war fast 30 Jahre alt, als ich Friedas Namen fand: auf den zahlreichen Listen der Bürgerrechtler von Memorial, der Menschenrechtsorganisation, die Russland nun als «extremistisch» eingestuft hat.
Russia's financial deficit for the first three months of the year has already surpassed the entire deficit planned for the year, indicating that high oil prices are not yet alleviating the Kremlin's financial strain.
The Kremlin stated that Russia poses no threat to countries that are not hostile towards it, while expressing concern over European nations' refusal to engage in dialogue.
Ziarul de Gardă's undercover investigation titled 'Kremlin's Digital Army' has been nominated for the 15th edition of the Superscrieri Awards in Romania in two categories: Investigation and TV&Video-Journalism.
The Kremlin has initiated a large-scale propaganda campaign in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine to mark the 12th anniversary of the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People’s Republic' (DPR), while actively concealing Russia's role in its formation.
Russian authorities may cancel Victory Day parades in Moscow and St. Petersburg on May 9 due to concerns over new Ukrainian long-range missiles, according to reports from pro-Kremlin bloggers.
The film adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli's bestseller, 'The Wizard of the Kremlin,' is presented as a brilliant analysis of Putinism, though the review suggests it lacks some complexity.
As Russia prepares for its traditional Victory Day parade, former Lithuanian diplomacy head Linas Linkevičius, currently ambassador to Sweden, stated that the Kremlin has little reason to celebrate and is 'doomed to lose'.
Jude Law portrays Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas' film thriller 'The Magician in the Kremlin', depicting the character's hidden panic with a shark-like smile.
Dutch bank ING's attempt to sell its Russian banking operations has fallen through after the Kremlin reportedly refused to approve the deal, leaving the company unable to divest from Russia.
Trenutno smo pod ukrajinskom gasnom blokadom, ali možemo nadoknaditi gubitak sa juga, ako se ta pupčana vrpca preseče, mađarska ekonomija će stati, poručio je premijer Viktor Orban.
A pro-Kremlin tabloid published an unusual interview with a psychic who claimed to have summoned the spirit of deceased Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who then warned of nuclear fire and American collapse.
Russia reportedly implemented a chaotic internet blocking attempt, described as an effort to isolate its citizens from the rest of the world. The move was highlighted by an incident where independent news struggled to report on a fire near the Kremlin due to restrictions.
As former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif proposes conditions for ending the conflict, including nuclear program limits for sanctions relief, President Trump threatens to escalate attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure, stating the US military has 'not even started.' Meanwhile, experts analyze the US's dilemma in ending the war, while reports detail ongoing Iranian attacks and the broader impact of the conflict.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked the Army's top uniformed officer, Gen. Randy George, to step down and take immediate retirement, amidst ongoing clashes between the Pentagon chief and senior military leadership, with reports also coming from French media and the Independent.
The UK is hosting military talks with dozens of countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, as President Trump demands greater international participation in the Iran conflict. India has joined these UK-led talks, emphasizing the importance of unimpeded transit through the strategic waterway. This comes amidst broader diplomatic discussions, including Macron's criticism of Trump regarding NATO and the Strait of Hormuz, and Italy's proposal for a humanitarian corridor.
Russia's President Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have discussed the situation in the Middle East and cooperation within the OPEC+ framework, according to the Kremlin.
Reports indicate that the Kremlin may have facilitated the relocation of former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl to Russia, where she stated she and her animals were 'received like close relatives'.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted that Ukrainian President Zelensky should have ordered the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas 'yesterday'.
Russia has reportedly tightened measures against VPN services, which citizens use to bypass state censorship, as the Kremlin seeks to strengthen its control over the internet.
President Donald Trump has openly expressed anger at allies for not assisting in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to withdraw support. Following this, the US Defense Secretary has called on allies to 'step up' their involvement in the region, echoing Trump's earlier comments for nations to 'go get your own oil'.
Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of espionage, a charge Britain vehemently rejected as 'complete nonsense'. The UK also accused the Kremlin of orchestrating an intimidation campaign against its embassy staff, following earlier criticism from the British Foreign Office regarding the expulsion.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has brought numerous newspapers and broadcasters in line, but his control over the media could still pose challenges ahead of the upcoming elections.
Intelligence reports indicate the Kremlin is planning to forcibly transfer Russians' pension savings into a new state-controlled long-term savings program.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the United Arab Emirates, securing a new defense cooperation agreement and discussing security. This visit follows a defense deal with Saudi Arabia, as Ukraine seeks broader arms partnerships with Gulf states to counter Iranian drones.
The Kremlin is increasing its control over the internet for Russians, making popular global platforms harder to access and directing users towards a state-backed application where authorities are believed to monitor all communications.
The Kremlin has denied reports that President Vladimir Putin pressured leading Russian businessmen to donate money to stabilize the country's finances for the Ukraine war, clarifying that while contributions are welcomed, they are voluntary. This comes after earlier reports indicated Putin was demanding funds from oligarchs for the ongoing conflict.
Despite high oil prices, a miserable mood prevails in Russia, with various grievances accumulating and public discontent, including from Kremlin-aligned media and show stars, quietly beginning to surface.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is making superficial concessions to Brussels while maintaining his authoritarian agenda intact, according to reports.
The IDF has confirmed eliminating Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, who was responsible for the Strait of Hormuz blockade, while US President Donald Trump has urged Iran's negotiators to engage fully before it's too late.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again stated that the US is conditioning strong security guarantees for Ukraine on Kyiv ceding the entire eastern Donbas region to Russia, a demand Ukraine firmly rejects, asserting it will not give up territory.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that global oil demand is so high that Moscow may struggle to meet all requests, adding that Ukraine is accelerating the economic collapse of the European Union.
Vietnam's Prime Minister held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin to discuss nuclear power and investment. This meeting followed the recent signing of an agreement for Russia to assist in building a nuclear power plant in Vietnam.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that he reported to the Kremlin on meetings of European Union leaders, a revelation that drew sharp criticism from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who called it a 'disgrace'.
EU diplomats and German officials express concern that sensitive EU documents could reach Moscow through Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has close ties with Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is fighting for re-election in an intense and dirty campaign, facing polls showing his party behind after making a campaign mistake, while also leveraging international right-wing support and dealing with new allegations of cooperation with the Kremlin.
Russian media has expressed dismay over the cancellation of performances by pro-Russia artists in Baltic countries, alongside renewed criticism from the Kremlin regarding existing European sanctions.
Iran and Russia are pressuring the US and Israel regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's Araghchi contacting Lavrov and Fidan to hold Washington and Tel Aviv responsible, and the Kremlin warning of "catastrophic" consequences from attacks on the Bushehr nuclear plant.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed productive talks with Iran and postponed military strikes against Iranian power plants, giving Tehran more time, though Iranian agencies have denied any direct or indirect communication and celebrated the delay as a retreat.
War propaganda introduced in Russian schools is causing concern among parents, with some expressing unease that their children are becoming attracted to the patriotic messages promoted in class.
An internal report obtained by The Washington Post suggests that Russian intelligence considered staging a fake assassination attempt on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to boost his popularity and save their key EU ally.
Ilya Remeslo, a pro-Kremlin figure known for persecuting critics of the Russian regime, has unexpectedly turned against Vladimir Putin, leaving Russian propagandists shocked and the opposition confused about the unprecedented development.
A report from Odesa highlights that the Kremlin still dreams of conquering the key Ukrainian port city, but its residents dismiss this ambition as absolutely impossible, continuing their fight against Russian imperialism.
Romania is experiencing a wave of daily cyberattacks targeting public institutions and companies, with pro-Kremlin groups identified among the most active, aiming to block access and undermine public trust. The director of DNSC, Dan Cîmpean, warned about the ongoing threat.