Vladimir Putin
The Armed Forces of Ukraine struck the headquarters of the Russian "Rubikon" unit and military facilities in Starobilsk. Russia's claims of an attack on civilian infrastructure were called manipulative.
Jakarta is developing a regulatory framework for importing Russian oil due to shortages caused by the conflict with Iran. The country is also seeking fuel from US suppliers.
Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine in response to a drone strike on Starobilsk. It is reported that there are fatalities and more than 30 wounded as a result of a hit on a dormitory.
Andrii Sybiha stated that the US-mediated negotiation format has been exhausted. Europe is considering the possibility of direct dialogue with Putin to achieve progress.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the invitation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the summit in Ankara. He also noted the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and called for further support.
The AFU have stabilized the front and are launching drone strikes deep into the Russian Federation. Putin wants to end the war by the end of the year, provided there is full control over the Donbas.
The Russian Federation and Belarus have completed nuclear exercises using Iskander-M systems. ISW notes the strengthening of the Kremlin's actual control over Minsk.
Russia is losing 35,000 soldiers every month, while Ukraine is reclaiming territories. Strikes on Moscow and infrastructure are becoming a new reality for the Kremlin.
Representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Vadym Skibitskyi stated that international social networks are being systematically pushed out of the RF to ensure control by special services. Telegram and WhatsApp remain the most popular.
Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated Russia's readiness for dialogue with Europe, provided it changes its position. The EU is preparing its own initiative for negotiations with Putin.
Dmitry Peskov denied data regarding the secret training of 200 Russian military personnel at bases in China. According to the alleged agreement, the soldiers were studying drone operations.
Andrius Kubilius has accused the Russian Federation of conducting hybrid attacks on the Baltic states to undermine support for Ukraine. He called for the strengthening of air defense and drone detection systems.
Melnyk called for stripping the Russian Federation of its status in the UN Security Council due to terror against civilians. The beginning of 2026 has become the deadliest for civilians in history.
Shares of Gazprom and TMK depreciated following Putin's visit to Beijing. The parties failed to sign a contract for the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline.
Drone strikes have knocked out plants with a capacity of over 83 million tons per year. This represents a quarter of Russia's total oil refining and reduces budget revenues.
The leaders of China and the Russian Federation discussed the war in Ukraine and a joint strategy during a meeting in Beijing. The parties also criticized US nuclear policy.
Xi Jinping and Putin condemned US nuclear policy and the Golden Dome system. Despite the rapprochement, the parties were unable to sign a large-scale gas deal.
Beijing views the Russian Federation as a weak raw material appendage for obtaining cheap resources. Joint projects remain without agreed-upon details due to toxicity.
Donald Trump called his trip to Beijing grander than Putin's visit. He believes that the reception ceremony in China surpassed the Russian festivities.
The political scientist called Belarus's entry into the war unlikely due to Lukashenko's fear of protests. The country's army has been depleted by the transfer of equipment to Russia.
During a tea ceremony with Xi Jinping, Putin described the visit to China as "successful and fruitful work. " He expressed gratitude for the organization of the negotiations between both delegations.
Trump denied Xi Jinping's words that Putin would regret the invasion of Ukraine. China called these reports fabricated and groundless.
Zelenskyy reported on Russia's plans to mobilize 100,000 people. Ukraine is preparing to expand long-range sanctions and defense against new war scenarios.
The parties agreed on the route for Power of Siberia 2, but the schedule and prices remain open. An agreement on a new railway was signed and the visa-free regime was extended.
The US is asking Ukraine and the EU to ease sanctions on Belarusian potash to improve relations with Minsk. Lithuania is currently refusing to restore transit.
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia in the near future. This was stated by Putin's representative Kirill Dmitriev during his stay in China.
Putin declared unprecedented cooperation with China and invited Xi to the RF. The leaders discussed a new world order, with the construction of a gas pipeline on the agenda.
Kirkorov claimed credit for Bulgaria's victory at Eurovision 2026, but the country denied his involvement. Meanwhile, Lavrov called the contest satanism.
Andriy Melnyk at the UN rejected Russia's demands for surrender and called the attacks on Russia a boomerang. He urged the world to respond to Putin's nuclear blackmail.
The Russian dictator arrived in Beijing for his first foreign visit of 2026. The meeting with Xi Jinping takes place immediately after Donald Trump's trip.