Russian Federation

Russia and Saudi Arabia Push to Reopen Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb

Vladimir Putin and Mohammed bin Salman have called for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Disruptions at both waterways have restricted Saudi oil exports, raised shipping costs and intensified fears of a wider global energy crisis.

Ramzan Kadyrov Wins Fifth Term in Chechnya With 99.85% Vote

Ramzan Kadyrov has secured a fifth term as Chechnya’s leader with 99.85% of the vote, according to official results. The near-unanimous outcome reinforces his grip on the Russian republic.

Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Target Moscow in Record-Scale Assault

Ukraine has launched what Moscow calls the largest drone attack yet on the Russian capital, with around 450 drones reportedly aimed at Moscow. At least two people were killed, residential buildings were damaged and the Moscow oil refinery was hit in the overnight assault.

Putin Accuses Ukraine of Election Interference and Blocking Peace Talks

Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of interfering in Russia’s parliamentary election and deliberately obstructing peace talks. Kyiv rejects the vote, particularly in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, as illegal, while US-backed negotiations remain stalled over territory and security guarantees.