Moscow Times

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a new expansion of Russia's military, according to reporting picked up by international outlets including The Brussels Times. The decree adds to a series of build-ups announced since the invasion of Ukraine, as Moscow seeks to enlarge troop numbers and strengthen its armed forces. The move is being watched closely by NATO members and European governments concerned about long-term Russian military capacity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding the size of the Russian armed forces for the fourth time in 2025, according to Euronews. The move comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues to generate heavy troop losses, forcing the Kremlin to repeatedly raise recruitment targets. It underscores the mounting strain the conflict is placing on Russia's manpower and military planning.

Ukraine launched drone attacks on Moscow during Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin was seeking another term. The strikes marked an escalation in long-range attacks on Russian territory, timed deliberately to coincide with the three-day vote. Commentators highlighted the symbolism of hitting the capital as Russians went to the polls, with many seeing it as Kyiv's message that the war continues regardless of the election.

Ukraine carried out a record-scale attack on Moscow, leaving parts of the Russian capital ablaze on the day Russians went to the polls. The strike, described as the largest of its kind, is drawing wide attention as a bold escalation in the war and a pointed message timed to Russia's election day.

Russian budget documents show military spending is set to rise 27% in 2027, according to reporting by The Moscow Times. The increase points to a continued shift of state finances toward defense and would extend years of heavy military outlays already driven by the war in Ukraine, raising questions about funding for civilian priorities and the sustainability of the budget.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian security architecture, appealing at the United Nations for a regional order that would reduce the role of existing Western-led alliances. The proposal signals Moscow's continued push to reshape security arrangements across the continent, and it is drawing attention given the ongoing war in Ukraine and wider tensions between Russia and NATO members.

EU member states are discussing a plan for collective, Nato-style responses to Russian hybrid attacks, such as sabotage, cyber operations and disinformation targeting European infrastructure. Under the idea, an attack on one country could trigger coordinated countermeasures from the whole bloc. The Financial Times reported the discussions, which reflect growing alarm across Europe about Moscow's grey-zone activities.

Russia's and Germany's top diplomats met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what both sides describe as their first direct talks since 2022. The meeting marks a rare high-level contact between Moscow and Berlin since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine severed most formal dialogue between the two governments.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have become unusual since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making the talks notable. The meeting suggests both sides see some value in keeping diplomatic channels open, even as political relations remain deeply strained.

The Times reports that Vladimir Putin is preparing a military base intended for so-called doomsday nuclear strikes. The claims are based on what the newspaper describes as newly revealed information about Russian preparations. Details of the base's location and capabilities have not been independently confirmed, and Moscow has not responded to the report.

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and influence operations. The debate comes as EU member states weigh how to coordinate responses to threats that fall below the threshold of conventional armed conflict, and whether Brussels has the tools and authority to lead such an effort.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have held their first face-to-face meeting since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Evidence is limited to a single headline from The Moscow Times, so details of what was discussed, who attended, and any outcomes are not clear from the available posts. Readers appear to be sharing the story because it marks a notable diplomatic contact between Moscow and a leading NATO and EU member after a long freeze in high-level talks.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday that his decision to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns and the need to address a growing food-export crisis. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when European governments remain divided over engagement with Russia.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Wadephul told Moscow that Russia must end its war of aggression against Ukraine and cease hostile actions against Germany and its allies, saying Germany stands firmly behind Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the first meeting of the two countries' top diplomats since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul explained on German television, during the UN General Assembly, how the encounter with Lavrov came about. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when the war in Ukraine continues.

Russia's Central Election Commission has not published final State Duma election results for four occupied Ukrainian territories or 21 federal subjects, according to the Moscow Times. Significant data gaps are also reported in the Kursk region and Yakutia, raising questions about the completeness and transparency of the official vote count.

Russia is confronting a growing budget gap, and analysts at The Moscow Times argue that borrowing will not offer an easy way out. Years of high military spending and falling energy revenues have strained state finances, while Western sanctions limit Moscow's access to foreign capital markets, leaving the government with difficult spending and borrowing choices.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have met for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow, which have been at odds since February 2022. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited in the reports so far.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for about 20 minutes at the United Nations, urging Moscow to halt hybrid attacks and further escalation against Germany, Europe and NATO. The German delegation said Wadephul cited an attempted attack in Leipzig as an example of Russian hostile activity. The meeting marks a rare direct exchange between the two governments at a time of heightened tensions over sabotage, disinformation and the war in Ukraine.

Belarusian military units are taking part in military exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation held in Russia's Ural region. The drills bring together forces from CSTO member states, a Russia-led alliance that includes Belarus, and come at a time of heightened attention to joint military activity between Minsk and Moscow.

The Russian government has suspended audits for companies that have been targeted in Ukrainian attacks. The Moscow Times reports the move, which appears intended to relieve businesses affected by drone and missile strikes from regulatory inspections during recovery. The decision highlights how Moscow is adjusting oversight rules for firms operating in regions touched by the war.

The Moscow Marathon 2026 has taken place, with results now being published and searched by Russian runners and fans. Athletics outlet Marafonets has released the finishing results for the event, which is one of Russia's largest mass-participation races. Interest is concentrated on finishing times, standings and participant experiences from the race, as runners check their own performances and the race looks ahead to future editions.

Meteorologists say the first snow is expected in the Moscow region, naming the dates when snow cover is likely to form. Local outlets are reporting on the timing, and residents are discussing whether the region is in for a proper winter start or just a brief dusting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 15,000 troops to the country's armed forces, expanding the army's official size. Analysts are questioning the timing and motives of the move, with attention focused on how it relates to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, manpower shortages, and Moscow's broader military posture. The order has prompted discussion about whether it signals escalation or an attempt to replenish depleted ranks.

A New York Times report examines how Ukraine's use of unmanned naval drones is transforming naval warfare in the Black Sea. Despite lacking a traditional fleet, Ukraine has used the drones to damage or sink Russian warships, forcing Moscow's vessels to relocate and challenging assumptions about maritime power. The piece highlights how inexpensive, remotely operated craft are emerging as a serious threat to conventional navies.

Latvia's president said the country would be willing to host nuclear weapons if NATO chose to deploy them on its territory. The statement signals willingness among frontline alliance members to accept such deployments, a sensitive issue given Latvia's proximity to Russia. It is likely to fuel debate in Moscow and within NATO over escalation risks and alliance posture on its eastern flank.

Veterans of Russia's war in Ukraine are increasingly viewed as a potential political threat to the Kremlin, given their combat experience, weapons access and grievances over poor treatment at home. The Moscow Times reports that Vladimir Putin is responding by bringing former soldiers onside, offering them rewards, status and official roles to keep them loyal rather than letting them become a rallying force for opposition.

At least six crew members have been confirmed dead after a Russian military aircraft crashed in the Amur region in Russia's Far East, according to The Moscow Times. Details about the cause of the crash and the type of aircraft involved have not yet been made public.

Co-chairs of the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus in the US Congress have called on Donald Trump's administration not to ease sanctions against Russia and to move quickly to apply further restrictive measures. They argued that now is not the time to negotiate relief for Moscow, signalling growing congressional pressure on the White House over its Russia policy amid ongoing discussions about the war in Ukraine.