Russia
Serbia's Vucic makes surprise visit to Ukraine
The visit risks aggravating already tense relations with Moscow, after Russian intelligence scolded Serbia for supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Ocean acidification reaches critical levels, study warns of global marine crisis
Ocean acidification, a key indicator of planetary health, has exceeded safety thresholds on a global scale, according to a major new study published in Global Change Biology.
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Atlantic Shores offshore wind project, opposed by Trump, unravels
One of the most ambitious American offshore wind schemes, Atlantic Shores 1, appears to be unravelling after its developer formally asked New Jersey authorities to cancel key regulatory agreements.
BALKAN BLOG: Russia turns its attention to Moldova ahead of crucial election
Recent comments from Russian officials indicate Moscow will exploit issues such as energy and language as Moldova’s ruling pro-EU PAS seeks re-election in September.
Russia bringing in de facto visa regime for Central Asia nationals, say critics
Rights campaigners, meanwhile, hit out at digital controls on migrants in country that they say will be used to corner people into joining armed forces.
A drone arms race between Russia and Ukraine is in full swing
Drones have increasingly become an offensive, not defensive, weapon.
Ukraine and Russia trade missile and drone attacks as the war enters a new phase
Russian rockets and drones rained down on cities across Ukraine over the weekend of June 7, targeting, amongst other things, a children’s railway park. Dozens were killed and more injured.
Germans overtake Americas and most hated by Russians – Levada
Germans have overtaken Americas to become the most hated by Russians, according to a poll by independent pollster, the Levada Centre.
Kyrgyzstan takes down tallest statue of Lenin
Monument in Osh replaced with a flagpole. Officials move quickly to explain why Moscow should not be offended.
Britain already at war with Russia, warns Russia expert Fiona Hill
Trump's former Russia adviser Fiona Hill tells The Guardian Britain is already at war with Russia and can no longer rely on the United States as a stable ally.
Russia’s Central Bank cuts rate to 20% as inflation and economy cool
The board of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) resolved to cut the key interest policy rate from 21% by 100 basis points to 20% at the policy meeting of June 6, the CBR said in a press release.
Ukraine, Russian ceasefire talks are dead
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have given up on ceasefire talks, calling them pointless as both sides increase the frequency and ferocity of their mutual missile strikes on each other's territory.
International cybersecurity development foundation Cyberus and Al-Adid Business set up “Cyberdom” development hub in Qatar
Founded in Russia, Cyberus, an international cybersecurity development company, and Al-Adid Business signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop cybersecurity capabilities in Qatar.
Slovak parliament passes resolution against anti-Russian sanctions after opposition boycott backfires
The Slovak parliament has passed a resolution urging members of the populist left-right cabinet of Robert Fico not to vote against new sanctions directed against Russia.
The Bazarification of war
In the early hours of June 1, 2025, Ukrainian intelligence operatives executed what military historians may well regard as warfare's equivalent of Pearl Harbor.
MOSCOW BLOG: Operation Spiderweb will harden, not soften, Putin’s resolve to defeat Ukraine
Ukraine’s supporters cheered the audacious Operation Spiderweb attack on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet at the weekend. They argue that it was “Russia’s Pearl Harbour” and “gives Zelenskiy some cards” in talks with Trump.
China helping Russia outpace Ukraine in drone production, Kyiv claims
Russia is rapidly closing the gap with Ukraine in drone warfare thanks in part to covert support from China that is supplying Russia with all the parts and technology it can, but strictly staying within technical limits imposed by sanctions.
COMMENT: Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb strategic strikes will harden, not soften, the Kremlin’s line on Ukraine
Ukraine’s spectacular Operation Spiderweb drone strikes on Russian strategic bombers on June 1 will harden, not soften, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s resolve to continue fighting in Ukraine, says Tatiana Stanovaya.
Russian farmers ask Putin to deal with Kazakh antelope invasion
Half a million saiga have crossed border. Protected animals are devastating crops and polluting water supplies.
Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb destroyed fewer Russian bombers than claimed
Ukraine’s spectacular Operation Spiderweb on June 1 destroyed fewer Russian strategic bombers than Kyiv first claimed, according to satellite evidence released by the US firm Maxar.