Vladimir Putin
Russia has reportedly deployed the missile frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" in the Baltic Sea following the destroyer "Admiral Levchenko". Putin threatens "mirror measures" in response to sanctions against the "shadow fleet".
Putin personally decided to exclude the Yabloko party from the electoral list for the State Duma. Kiriyenko and the FSB supported this, considering the party a risk to the authorities.
France, Germany and Britain are coordinating efforts to ensure Europe’s participation in future negotiations. They are concerned about possible exclusion from the dialogue by the Trump administration.
The Trump–Putin summit in August 2025 did not lead to a ceasefire or a peace agreement. A year later, the fighting continues, and Ukraine is once again submitting proposals to the United States.
The Kremlin has changed its propaganda tactics and is now questioning the legality of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The CPD emphasizes that the sanctions are a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Russia rejects all proposals for a ceasefire, insisting on the terms of Ukraine's complete capitulation. ISW notes that the Kremlin uses pro-war rhetoric to consolidate society ahead of the State Duma elections.
Polish intelligence services detained a Russian national who, on orders from the Russian Federation, was planning the murder of Ukrainian rapper Albert Vasilyev in Warsaw. The FSB accuses him of controlling the logistics of drones for attacks on Moscow.
The Russian dictator set a task for 2026 at a secret briefing: the breakup of NATO and the EU from within. Moldova plays a key role in this, where Moscow is interfering in the elections.
The U. S. ambassador to Tokyo stated that the United States recognizes Japan’s sovereignty over the Northern Territories following Putin’s visit. Japan summoned Russia’s ambassador over the visit.
Russia has begun developing "sovereign" artificial intelligence that is supposed to comply with "traditional spiritual and moral values. " The criteria for checking the model are planned to be developed by the FSB jointly with Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development.
Japan plans to strengthen sanctions against Russia over Putin’s visit to Iturup, which Tokyo considers its territory. The prime minister called the visit unacceptable, and the Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to protest.
The NYT reports that Putin is restricting his movements due to the threat of drone attacks, using fake motorcades and an armored train. Videos of meetings with the Russian dictator may be shown with a delay of up to two months.
Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia is testing NATO's resolve by violating its airspace. He emphasized that strengthening Ukraine's air defense reinforces the Alliance's eastern flank.
Polish special services detained a Russian national who, on orders from the Russian Federation, was planning the murder of a Ukrainian-born U. S. citizen in Warsaw. Prime Minister Tusk called it the first such case in a NATO country.
Ambassador Chornogor said that Kyiv could meet with Lukashenko if it would save lives. He emphasized that such actions are possible, but not mandatory.
U. S. intelligence warned European allies about a possible Russian hybrid attack on the Baltic states and Poland. The attacks could include infrastructure sabotage or false-flag provocations.
After his approval rating fell, Putin embarked on a PR tour of cities across Russia, visiting six cities in three weeks. The Kremlin is using the trips to demonstrate activity, restricting residents and creating a staged picture.
Japan strongly protests against putin's visit to Iturup, which it considers its territory. The visit took place after the launch of a missile by North Korea.
Putin visited the Kuril Island of Iturup for the first time; the island is the subject of a territorial dispute with Japan. He inspected a fish-processing plant, demonstrating Moscow's position regarding control over the islands.
In Russia’s Orenburg Region, restrictions on fuel sales have been introduced following a UAV attack on the Orsk Oil Refinery. Vehicles will be refueled based on even and odd numbers, and limits on the amount of fuel have also been introduced.
Putin instructed the Defense Ministry to respond in kind to the seizure of Russian vessels by EU countries. He called Europe's actions piracy and stated that attacks could take place anywhere.
Zelenskyy reported that Putin plans to quickly mobilize hundreds of thousands of Russians after the elections. Ukraine is preparing to complicate the implementation of these plans.
Russia pardoned the 32-year-old American on humanitarian grounds after four years in prison. He is headed to a military hospital in Texas for treatment.
Russia is planning illegal State Duma elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine, ensuring turnout of over 65–70% and support for United Russia of at least 70%. This is being done to legitimize the occupation, said Andrii Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation.
On August 10, Putin visited Novosibirsk, where asphalt, lawns, and façades were hastily repaired before his arrival. This is the fifth city the dictator has visited over the past two and a half weeks.
Canada has imposed sanctions on the defense company Streit Group for supplying products to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The company manufactures armored vehicles used by Russia’s National Guard in the war against Ukraine.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland are increasing the security of critical infrastructure amid fears that Russia may organize an attack using Ukrainian drones. Intelligence services warn of a possible provocation aimed at destabilizing NATO.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, said that North Korea is interested in gaining experience from Russia's war against Ukraine in preparation for aggression on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang may also see opportunities arising from the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Russia would not agree to a freeze in hostilities without eliminating the so-called "root causes. " He also criticized the actions of the United States regarding Ukraine, calling them contradictory.
The Guardian journalists attended the launch of Ukrainian FP-1 drones that struck a substation in Alushta. Ukrainian military officials say that long-range strikes are exhausting Russia’s air defenses and economy.