How Russia’s Military Operation Has Impacted Ordinary Citizens, According to a New Survey
The findings reveal a nation facing economic strain, emotional toll, and shifting views—while many feel unaffected.
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Russian Railways Faces Mounting Debt Amid Suspicions of Engineered Financial Crisis
Amid a new multi-billion-ruble bond issue, analysts suspect Russian Railways’ deepening financial troubles may be part of a calculated strategy to trigger a covert ownership change.
Russia’s Unmanned Systems Troops: Grand Plans, Slipping Deadlines
The effort to establish a dedicated Unmanned Systems branch within Russia’s Armed Forces is sputtering. The deadline Defense Minister Andrei Belousov set for standing up an independent service by the third quarter of 2025 now appears likely to slip.
Russia Enters a “Phase of Deep Disappointment”: Anxiety Rises as Love Loses Meaning
A new FOM poll shows Russians have lost faith in a brighter future, with “anxiety” named the word of the year and “love” falling to last place — a reflection of deep disappointment and fading optimism across the country.
Black Recruiters: How the Trade in Soldiers Turns People Into Commodities for the Front
An investigation by journalist Anastasia Kashevarova reveals a vast shadow network of “black recruiters” in Russia — corrupt intermediaries who forge documents, exploit vulnerable people, and trade soldiers between regions and units for profit.
The Kremlin Did Not Expect Trump’s Rapid Sanctions Against Rosneft and Lukoil
According to several interlocutors, the Kremlin is somewhat shocked by the White House’s actions.
Russia’s Annual Tu-214 Production Plan Fails Again: Kazan Plant to Deliver Only One Jet Instead of Three
Russia’s ambitious plan to revive serial production of the Tu-214 passenger jet has hit yet another setback.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin to Step Down, Sources Say
Colonel General Alexander Fomin, a member of the Russian delegation that held negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul in both 2022 and 2025, is reportedly set to resign from his post as Deputy Minister of Defense, according to multiple sources.
Levada Center Finds Contradictory Views on the War’s Impact on Russian Society
The Levada Center has conducted a survey on how participation in the war in Ukraine has affected those involved and how their return to civilian life might influence public sentiment in Russia.
Vladimir Putin imposed, by presidential decree, a moratorium on the cancellation of fuel-damper payments until May 2026.
Several of the country’s largest energy companies had appealed directly to him, arguing that selling fuel at gas stations had become either unprofitable or barely breaking even.
Russia Moves to Allow Reservists’ Deployment Abroad in Peacetime — A Legal Shift Toward Permanent Mobilization
Moscow approves Defense Ministry proposal to deploy reservists abroad during peacetime. Analysts say the move reflects Russia’s effort to institutionalize a state of ongoing military readiness and expand recruitment without declaring full mobilization.
Pension Fund Furor in Russia: Finance Ministry Calls Deficit ‘Technical’ as Critics Blame the Central Bank
Media flag SFR cash woes: ₽779.8bn shortfall, inflation-driven indexation, unplanned costs — plus scrutiny of the central bank’s role.
War Fatigue Deepens: Most Russians Now Favor Peace Talks
Support for negotiations is strongest among young people, residents of rural areas, and those in smaller towns.
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