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.
And a whole world in BRIEFLY.
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Trump’s Ukraine Envoy Steve Witkoff Has Business Ties to Sanctioned Billionaire Len Blavatnik
Blavatnik holds both U.S. and U.K. citizenship and has generously funded election campaigns for both Democrats and Republicans.
Fanny Ardant in Moscow: The Actress’s Cultural Visit Delights Kremlin Circles
Her trip, organized at the invitation of the celebrated Russian actor and director Vladimir Mashkov, became a notable event for Russia’s cultural and political elite.
Putin Rejects “Stagnation” Diagnosis and Backs the Central Bank’s Tight Rate Policy
The debate over the price of money and the risks of cooling the economy is coming to the fore ahead of the next central bank meeting on September 12.
Medinsky Poised to Become Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration — Sources
Sources say Vladimir Medinsky may replace Dmitry Kozak as deputy head of Russia’s Presidential Administration, focusing on Ukraine, education and culture.
Putin’s Energy Breakthrough in China Undermines President Donald Trump’s Export Ambitions
Beijing has moved Russia’s Power of Siberia-2 pipeline closer to reality and signaled its willingness to receive LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 project.
Kim Jong Un Pledges to “Do Everything Possible to Help Russia” at Meeting with Putin in Beijing
Pyongyang signals readiness to support Moscow “to the very end” — against the backdrop of a parade in Beijing seen as a show of unity among China, Russia, and North Korea. President Donald Trump responded with a sharp post on Truth Social.
Power of Siberia-2: Beijing Strengthens Its Bargaining Position as Moscow Yields
Russia and China have moved closer to an agreement on the long-standing Power of Siberia-2 gas-pipeline project, which is meant to significantly increase Russian gas supplies to the PRC.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin: the mechanics of a “strategic friendship”
Today’s proximity between Beijing and Moscow is not a coincidence but a deliberate political choice, underpinned by economic complementarity and a shared anti-Western lens.
Xi, Putin and Modi Show Unity — A Signal to Washington
The leaders of China, Russia and India appeared before the press holding hands and pledging deeper cooperation—a gesture aimed not only at participants of the gathering but also at Washington.
Mandates Over Money: Russia’s High-Stakes Bet to Fix Staffing Shortages
In the face of a chronic labor shortage, officials are opting for ever tougher yet largely ineffective measures.
62% “Living on Credit and a Paycheck”: The New Pillar of Russia’s Stability — According to the Russian Academy of Sciences
New RAS research finds a “limited-consumption” majority underpinning Russia’s stability: state-paid wages and easy credit secure loyalty, while appetite for reform and growth wanes.
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.
