Interfax

Russia's Defence Ministry says its forces destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones on Sunday morning, according to Interfax. The claim follows a period of intense drone activity over Russian regions, with kyiv regularly using unmanned aircraft to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. Russian officials report few details on damage or casualties. Ukraine has not commented on the figures, and independent verification of such claims is rarely possible.

A large-scale exhibition marking National Unity Day is opening at the Manege exhibition hall in Moscow, with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow among the figures associated with the event, according to Interfax. The exhibition coincides with the November 4 holiday, one of Russia's main national commemorations, and is drawing attention as part of official celebrations.

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service has proposed raising Russian Post tariffs by 8.1% in 2027, according to Interfax. The planned indexation affects the state postal operator's pricing and is drawing attention as households and businesses weigh higher costs for mail and delivery services.

Interfax reports that labor veterans in Russia will be issued digital ID cards through the Gosuslugi state services portal, alongside the traditional paper certificates. The move means veterans can confirm their status and access benefits electronically. The announcement is drawing attention as part of the wider digitisation of government services in Russia.

Lithuania will use its military personnel to guard its border with Russia's Kaliningrad region, according to Interfax. The move concerns security along the frontier between the NATO member and the Russian exclave. The decision is drawing attention in Russian-language media amid already heightened tensions between Vilnius and Moscow over border and transit issues.

Russian lawmakers have proposed raising the maximum service age for women in the military from 45 to 50 years. The initiative was submitted to the State Duma and reported by Interfax, URA.RU and Kazan-based outlet Business Online. Separately, Vietnamese commune police in Ca Dam coordinated preliminary medical examinations for conscripts to the army and police for 2027, as military service topics draw attention in both countries.

President Vladimir Putin has said the main goal of the Tsentr-2026 military exercises is to train Russian forces in repelling external aggression. The statement, reported by Interfax, comes as large-scale drills are under way across Russia, with Il-76 transport aircraft among the assets drawing attention. The exercises are being closely watched amid ongoing tensions with the West and the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian stock indices are climbing on the Moscow Exchange, with several financial outlets reporting the week's trading results. Interfax says the IMOEX index opened the morning session with only minor changes, while Fiam notes the Moscow Exchange index is still searching for a bottom. Analysts are also reviewing the week and positioning ahead of the quarter's close.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she disagrees with the US decision to suspend sanctions targeting Russian diesel. Her comments, reported by Interfax, underline growing friction between Washington and European allies over softer enforcement of energy sanctions against Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. The remarks are drawing attention across Russian- and German-language audiences.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has filed a formal protest with Norway over the arrest of Russian property, Interfax reports. The issue feeds into a wider online discussion in Russia about contracts and legal agreements, alongside practical advice from lawyers on how to dissolve a marriage contract drawn up through the State Services portal.

President Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend the first sitting of the State Duma's ninth convocation, scheduled for 9 September, according to Interfax. The opening session will mark the start of the new parliament's work following recent elections. The news is circulating widely in Russia as attention turns to the Duma's leadership choices and legislative agenda.

The Kremlin has responded to reports about a possible visit to Russia by FBI Director Kash Patel, Interfax reports. Separately, the general director of Moscow's Patriot Park has been detained and two of his deputies arrested, according to multiple Russian outlets. The search term 'директор' is also surfacing other stories, including the disappearance of a former journalist in St Petersburg and a banking executive's funeral in Kazan.