- Jul 10
Turkey seeks to sell Russian S-400s to Gulf state, opening door for F-35 return and sanctions relief
A potential transfer of Turkey's Russian S-400 air defence systems to a Gulf country could unlock Ankara's path back to the F-35 programme and the lifting of CAATSA penalties, officials and media reports suggest.
- Jul 6
Sikorski warns of Russian false-flag drone attack ahead of NATO summit, urges allies to stay united
Poland's foreign minister told CNN that Russia may stage a false-flag operation using drones to fabricate a pretext for escalation, while reaffirming Warsaw's trust in US security guarantees on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara.
- Jul 2
At least 27 dead and over 90 injured in deadliest Russian attack on Kyiv this year
Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones at Kyiv overnight, killing at least 27 people and wounding over 90 in the most lethal barrage on the Ukrainian capital since the start of 2026.
- Jul 2
Russian shadow fleet tanker owner fined €1 million by French court after Atlantic interception
The owner of the Tagor, a tanker in Moscow’s shadow fleet intercepted by the French navy in May, was ordered to pay a €1 million fine and the vessel is now free to leave French territorial waters, the Brest prosecutor said Thursday.
- Jul 2
Russia begins importing gasoline from India as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple domestic refining, triggering shortages across the country
Moscow has turned to seaborne gasoline imports from India after a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks knocked out nearly 30% of its refining capacity, causing acute fuel shortages, rationing at stations, and mounting public anger.
- Jun 26
Sergei Ivanov, Putin's long-time KGB ally and former defence minister, dies at 73
The former Russian defence minister and one of Vladimir Putin's oldest associates from the KGB passed away on 26 June. His death was first reported by a basketball league and later confirmed by the Kremlin.
- Jun 26
Russian ex-soldier Alexander Lunin threatens mutiny unless Putin grants live meeting, video goes viral
A former Russian soldier posted a video on Instagram demanding a live audience with Vladimir Putin, accusing commanders of torturing their own men and warning that the army would 'turn its weapons against the Kremlin' if he is not heard.
- Jun 25
Kremlin demands explanation after Apple removes Russian social network VK from App Store
Apple has removed a suite of Russian internet apps run by the state-controlled group VK from its App Store, prompting Moscow to demand a formal explanation and threaten to review all cooperation with the tech giant.
