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Russia

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Russia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Moscow

Head of State

President Vladimir Putin

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

last updated:

6 January, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his visit to the Lomonosov Moscow State University on Friday. Photo: Sputnik via Reuters

Ukraine war

Putin says he is ready for talks with ‘smart’ Trump on Ukraine

The Russian leader also repeated Trump’s claim that the Ukraine war might not have started in 2022 if he had been US president at the time.

6 hours agovideocam

Belarus

Belarus election poised to extend 30-year rule of ‘Europe’s last dictator’

24 Jan 2025 - 10:59PMvideocam

US-China relations

Will China heed Trump’s call to join nuclear arms cuts talks with US and Russia?

24 Jan 2025 - 10:50PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Ukraine receives bodies of 757 troops killed fighting Russia

The repatriation of the remains is the largest in months and underscores the high cost of fighting ahead of the war’s three-year anniversary.

24 Jan 2025 - 9:26PMvideocam

Ukrainian soldiers carrying the coffin of a fallen comrade in Bucha, Ukraine, in 2023. Photo: AP

Nato

Growing risk of nuclear powers armed clash, Russia security official says

Sergei Shoigu spoke out on Friday, saying Nato is increasing activities on its eastern flank, but Nato says it is Russia that is raising tensions.

24 Jan 2025 - 6:55PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Russia says it repelled massive drone attack on 13 areas, including Moscow

Targets of the drone strikes – among the most widespread in recent months – are said to have included an oil refinery and an electronics plant.

24 Jan 2025 - 9:46PM

US-China relations

Trump tells Davos he is hopeful about US-China ties as he warns on tariffs

American leader touts ‘very good’ relationship with Xi Jinping amid ‘massive’ trade deficits with Beijing.

24 Jan 2025 - 6:29PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks by video to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Nato chief Rutte says Europe will pay for US arms for Ukraine

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the EU should be doing more to support Ukraine.

23 Jan 2025 - 8:37PM

Energy

Asia’s energy markets may stay volatile over Trump’s oil ambition and sanctions

Benchmark oil prices have experienced wild swings after the US and the UK imposed sanctions targeting the supply of Russian oil.

23 Jan 2025 - 8:30PM

US-China relations

Pentagon appointments suggest Trump scepticism about Ukraine and Taiwan impact

Several new Defence Department officials have disputed contention that supporting Ukraine’s defence could deter Beijing’s plans for Taiwan.

23 Jan 2025 - 4:37AM

US President Donald Trump signing executive orders at the White House on Monday. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

Technology

Opinion | In the global marathon for tech supremacy, Brics’ size matters

Collaborative, flexible Brics gives leading members China and Russia a significant advantage over the increasingly defensive and restrictive West.

22 Jan 2025 - 4:30PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin chat at the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24. The two countries are leading the way in collaboration from AI to moon exploration. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Trump says he’ll sanction Russia if Putin does not negotiate on Ukraine

The US president also said he had pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene to stop the war.

22 Jan 2025 - 5:55PM

US-China relations

Greenland in cold glare of superpowers as US, China and Russia make moves

Observers doubt the new US president will buy the world’s largest island but his interest underlines its strategic importance.

22 Jan 2025 - 9:52AMvideocam

Ukraine war

Zelensky says security guarantee would need at least 200,000 peacekeepers

At Davos, Ukraine’s president urges Europe to bolster defence against Russia.

22 Jan 2025 - 5:40PMvideocam

A Ukrainian serviceman trains near the front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine. Photo: AP

Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin reaffirm ties as Trump returns to White House

China and Russia vow to elevate relationship as US president issues executive orders on domestic and global issues and delays TikTok ban.

22 Jan 2025 - 5:06AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a videocall with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky calls for more air defence after 1,000 attacks in a week

Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 660 glide bombs, around 550 drones and almost 60 missiles over the past week, president says.

20 Jan 2025 - 2:08PM

War and conflict

Opinion | Are the 2020s doomed to be a repeat of the 1920s?

As ethno-nationalist populism and propaganda threaten human society, we need leaders who can offer an alternative to confrontation and war.

19 Jan 2025 - 9:29PMvideocam

Ukraine war

‘Heinous’ Russian strike kills 6 across Ukraine in ‘retaliation’ attack

The attack comes as both sides seek to gain an advantage in the conflict, with Russia claiming advances in the east and Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian targets.

19 Jan 2025 - 12:53PM

A Ukrainian serviceman collects evidence following a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 18, 2025. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

Russia’s Kyiv strike payback for Ukrainian ATACMS attack, defence ministry says

Russia vowed retaliation for Ukraine’s firing of US-made ATACMS tactical missiles at unspecified ‘facilities’ near the nations’ border.

18 Jan 2025 - 8:10PM

Iran

Opinion | Why time is right to press Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions

Iran’s economic vulnerabilities, the region’s changing dynamics and a new reform-minded administration present an opportunity for a new deal.

18 Jan 2025 - 6:00AMvideocam

Vladimir Putin

Russia, Iran to boost military and trade ties in ‘real breakthrough’ pact

Both countries signed a broad cooperation pact in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

18 Jan 2025 - 1:19AMvideocam

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as they attend a signing ceremony at the Kremlin. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

UK’s Keir Starmer vows to put Ukraine in ‘strongest position’ against Russia

His commitment comes as Trump’s return to the White House drew concerns that a bid to end the war could force Ukraine to cede territory.

16 Jan 2025 - 9:27PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visit The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in at St Michael’s Square. Photo: dpa

US-China relations

US executive order targets China, other alleged cyberattackers before Biden exit

Rules include tougher standards to ensure software is more secure and bolster sanction authority against likes of Beijing.

16 Jan 2025 - 6:30PMvideocam

Germany

Germany plans to let military shoot down unidentified drones

A series of drone sightings over military and industrial sites in Germany has sparked alarm in recent months.

16 Jan 2025 - 12:54PM

Ukraine war

US sanctions Chinese firms supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine

The move puts additional pressure on Moscow days before Biden steps down and Trump takes over.

16 Jan 2025 - 3:20AMvideocam

A Russian soldier fires a gun toward a Ukrainian position in the Kursk region, in an image released in October. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP

Ukraine war

Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv exchange 50 POWs in first return of 2025

Thousands of fighters have been returned in dozens of exchanges since the start of the war in February 2022.

16 Jan 2025 - 12:48AMvideocam

A child attends a Kyiv rally of relatives of Ukrainian Marines who defended the Azovstal and are currently prisoners of war. Photo: Reuters

Australia

Russia faces ‘strongest action possible’ from Australia if POW confirmed dead

Oscar Jenkins, an Australian teacher fighting for Ukraine, was reportedly captured and interrogated by Russian soldiers. His status and whereabouts are unknown.

15 Jan 2025 - 7:13PM

India

India launches submarine, warships to guard against China in Indian Ocean

95 per cent of India’s trade moves in the Indian Ocean, amid a strong Chinese presence.

15 Jan 2025 - 4:38PMvideocam

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