Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Russia plans to legalize at least 27 Yemeni citizens and then recruit them for the war against Ukraine. Some of them were born in 2006–2007.
Zelenskyy reported the striking of the Yaroslavl oil refinery and six aircraft at a military airfield in Rostov. The operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service.
The number of children under five in Russia has fallen to 6. 5 million, while the number of people aged over 65 has risen to 23.7 million. Intelligence services forecast a shortage of young professionals.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported that Lukashenko checked the combat readiness of the Interior Ministry troops amid fears of unrest. The security forces are preparing to suppress protests.
KamAZ's net loss for the first half of 2026 amounted to $253 million. The group's debt exceeded $3.3 billion, and repayments were deferred until 2031.
Russian special services may be preparing terrorist attacks in the temporarily occupied territories during the voting on September 18–20. The goal is to blame Ukraine and disrupt the peace process.
Russia’s military spending has increased by 30%, while the budget deficit has risen by 40%. By the end of the year, Russia may need up to another $34.6 billion in borrowing.
In particular, social studies and foreign languages have been reduced, while the teaching of history based on Medinsky’s textbooks, military training, and propaganda of "traditional values" have been intensified.
In August, Russia’s grain exports fell 2. 5-fold. In September, wheat shipments could decline by another 52.1–62.5%.
Starting November 30, 2026, Russians will need a paid electronic permit to enter Kazakhstan. In the absence of the document, deportation is possible.
According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, official Minsk is deepening ties with authoritarian regimes against the backdrop of its isolation from the West. In particular, Belarus is preparing a visa-free regime with North Korea and has also received Afghan Taliban members.
Russia is preparing pseudo-elections in the occupied territories on September 20. More than 300 million rubles have been allocated for them in Donetsk region alone.
In July, Russia’s 43 largest exporters sold $2. 2 billion worth of foreign currency - several times less than previously. This weakens the ruble and fuels inflation.
In Russia, marketplace commissions and logistics costs have exceeded 40% of the product price. Sellers’ profitability has fallen to 5–8%.
Yerevan is deepening ties with the EU and the US and preparing an application to join the EU. Russia retains influence through trade, energy, and its military base.
Since the beginning of the year, Russia has lost about 50 tonnes of gold, and its reserves have fallen to 73. 2 million troy ounces. The decline in oil refining, iPhone sales and tourism points to a worsening economy.
Russia is recruiting Indonesians for the war against Ukraine, promising payments and citizenship. Intelligence has obtained documents concerning at least eight people.
Intelligence reports that the Russian Federation is preparing for a new mobilization and strengthening coercive measures. The decision may be made after the elections on September 18–20.
Intelligence reports that Russia plans to recruit 300,000 people each in 2026 and 2027. Some of them may be trained in Belarus.
Oleksii Shevchuk accused Semen Kryvonos of interfering in the work of the SAPO competition commission. He called on law enforcement agencies to investigate these actions.
Since the beginning of the year, Russian banks have closed 1,370 branches, while the population has converted 2. 4 trillion rubles into cash. Businesses are also taking capital abroad.
In 26 regions of Russia, 165 deserted settlements were liquidated in less than eight months of 2026. Villages are disappearing fastest in the Novgorod and Kostroma regions.
The Kremlin is shifting responsibility for protecting facilities onto businesses, which are creating mobile groups costing 50–70 million rubles. The lack of standards is causing obstacles.
The shortage and rising cost of fuel have forced Russian carriers to reduce long-distance trips and change routes. Delivery from China to Moscow has become more expensive, reaching $14,000.
In January - May 2026, the russian federation had 74. 6 million employed people, but the official staff headcount was only 44.1 million. This indicates "shadow" employment at a level of 41%, threatening tax losses.
VEB Chief Economist Andrey Klepach said that Russia is losing the technological and economic competition, including to Ukraine. He predicts a social crisis in the Russian Federation due to rising costs and a declining economy.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia’s federal budget deficit reached 6. 46 trillion rubles, while oil and gas revenues fell by 17%. The authorities are preparing a new tax increase due to the depletion of the National Wealth Fund’s liquid resources.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published a list of 26 vessels used to transport Russian oil, liquefied gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Eighteen of these vessels are not under sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s partner countries.
In July, Russia's federal budget deficit amounted to 724 billion rubles, and over seven months it reached 6. 5 trillion rubles. War spending is rising despite the economic slowdown.
Rosstandart has banned the sale of a number of Chinese truck models, calling its friendship with China into question. The cost of transportation from China to Moscow has risen from $4,300 to $9,000.