Moscow Times

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Russia has long recruited soldiers on a large scale around the world, and observers note a clear upward trend in the number of fighters being drawn from Africa. The claim highlights Moscow's growing reliance on African recruits for its military efforts, a development analysts and commentators are watching closely as the war continues.

Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense, said NATO would give a military response if Russia strikes weapons factories in Europe. The statement from the former Lithuanian prime minister, reported by The Moscow Times' Russian service, is drawing attention amid rising tensions over European arms production supporting Ukraine and fears of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Russian regional media are carrying a mix of stories this week. Forecaster Tishkovets promised Moscow residents a weekend warm-up to plus 14 degrees. Lawmakers submitted a bill giving tax breaks to owners of expropriated housing, with time spent owning seized property to count toward the new flat sale. Other items cover mobile medical clinics in the Moscow region, road repairs in Kalitino, and a failed attempt by a driver to bribe traffic police.

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.

Sergei Nikitushkin, a general from the Russian Armed Forces' main directorate of combat training, has been arrested in Russia, according to The Moscow Times' Russian service. The detention adds to a string of high-profile arrests of senior military officers, and Russian-language audiences are actively following the case as details of the charges remain limited.

Russian authorities plan to double budget spending on blocking websites and fighting VPN services, according to a report by The Moscow Times' Russian service. The move signals an intensification of the state's internet censorship policy, which has already led to widespread restrictions on access to foreign platforms and circumvention tools inside Russia.

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.

Ukraine has carried out another large-scale overnight drone attack on Russia, with hundreds of drones reportedly flying over Russian airspace. Targets are said to include the Moscow region and the Volga River valley, following strikes the previous night. The raids mark a continuation of Ukraine's deep-strike campaign against Russian territory.

Prominent Russian pro-war writers are publicly voicing frustration, saying the state has failed them despite their vocal support for the war effort. The complaints, reported by The Moscow Times, point to growing rifts within Russia's pro-war camp, whose members feel insufficiently rewarded or backed by the authorities. The public airing of grievances has drawn attention as a sign of strain in circles loyal to the Kremlin.

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.

Russia is set to sharply increase spending on its war effort while cutting funding for social programs, according to a New York Times report. The budget shift signals that Moscow is prioritizing the military campaign in Ukraine over domestic welfare, a move likely to strain ordinary Russians as costs of the conflict continue to climb.