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EU’s Latest Energy Sanctions on Russia: Impact or Illusion?
In response to the ongoing War in Donbas, the European Union (EU) implemented its 18th sanctions package in July, introducing further restrictions on Russian oil exports. The new measures include a revised price cap—15% below market value—and the blacklisting of 100 additional tankers. These steps aim to reduce revenues from Russian oil and disrupt the…
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Russia’s Vigilantes: The Rise of the “Russian Community”
The right-wing organization “Russian Community” is facing renewed scrutiny from the media outlet Mediazona, following a series of violent incidents involving its members, and an alleged Russian police cooperation. The Russian Community is an ultranationalist organization active across multiple Russian regions, known for its Orthodox fundamentalism, anti-Western stance, and anti-Caucasian sentiments. It was founded in…
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Russia Seeks Buffer Zone in Ukraine Border Areas
Russian military operations have intensified along Ukraine’s northeastern border, where Moscow is reportedly aiming to establish a 10-kilometer-deep buffer zone in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 28, approximately 50,000 Russian troops have been deployed for this purpose. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that a total of 125,000 Russian personnel…
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Parade and Pressure: Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations
As Russia prepares for its May 9 Victory Day parade amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions rise following Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow, the participation of foreign troops, and the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia, including Moscow, days before the Victory Day parade. The strike heightened security concerns as foreign leaders and troops prepared to attend. The incident underscores rising tensions and the broader geopolitical stakes surrounding Russia’s wartime commemorations and alliances. Key Takes Major Drone Strike: On May 6, 2025, Ukraine…
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Ex-Kursk Governor Detained Over Military Funds Fraud
Alexey Smirnov has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months by the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow. He is accused of large-scale fraud in connection with misappropriation of state funds meant for military fortifications, allegedly committed by an organized group using official positions. Smirnov’s former deputy, Alexey Dedov, faces the same charges. Smirnov is…
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The Gromyko Method: How Putin Channels Soviet Diplomacy
Andrei Gromyko (1909-1989) was a Soviet diplomat and politician who served as the USSR’s Foreign Minister from 1957 to 1985 and as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet from 1985 to 1988. Renowned for his firm négociation style, he earned the nickname “Mr. No” in the West, and the method he gave his…
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The Cost of Escape: Bribery in the Russian Military
On Februay 17, Vazhnye Istorii reported that some Russian military personnel are securing their departure from the front lines through financial transactions. Various sources, including military insiders, relatives of soldiers, and activists, have confirmed the practice to the media outlet. The price of these briberies varies based on the soldier’s status—whether they are mobilized, contracted,…
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Russian Advances Near Pokrovsk: Evacuation of Civilians
On January 20, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the capture of two localities in Donbas: Chevtchenko, six kilometers south of Pokrovsk and Novojegorivka, respectively in the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Ukraine in the region, has been a focal point of recent battles. On January 18, the Ukrainian army…
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Wagner Mercenary Arrested at US-Mexico Border
Timur Praliev, 31, a self-admitted veteran of Russia’s Wagner par@military group, was arrested on January 4 after illegally crossing the US-Mexico border near Roma, Texas, according to US court records. Praliev, carrying Russian and Kazakh passports, cash, and a drone, was detained by Border Patrol agents. He pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and was sentenced…
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Ukrainian Counterattack in Kursk Repelled by Russian Army
On January 5, the Russian Defense Ministry reported repelling a Ukrainian push in the Kursk Oblast. According to the statement, Ukrainian forces launched the assault around 9 am Moscow time near the village of Berdine. Captured in August 2023, the Kursk region represents the only territorial gains by the Ukrainian army on Russian soil. This…