Russian drivers

As Ukraine increasingly takes the war to Russia, the effects are visible on the roads: since the end of June, Russia's electric-vehicle market has more than doubled. Fuel shortages and disrupted supply lines linked to Ukrainian strikes on refineries and infrastructure are reportedly pushing Russian drivers toward electric cars despite the conflict.

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.

A Russian serviceman was reportedly killed when an explosive device destroyed his car in Novomoskovsk, in the Tula Region, on October 2. According to reports, the device was placed under the driver's side of the vehicle. The victim's identity has not been independently confirmed, and officials have not commented publicly on the circumstances.

Search interest in 'резина' (tyres) is rising in Russia, with the seasonal changeover to winter tyres driving attention. Auto.ru has published a guide to the top six friction winter tyres for compact cars in the 2026/27 season, aimed at drivers choosing non-studded options. Russian road rules require winter tyres from December to February, prompting annual buying surges as cold weather sets in.

A Russian serviceman has reportedly been killed after an explosive device destroyed his car in Novomoskovsk, in the Tula Region, on October 2. According to reports, the device was placed under the driver's side of the vehicle. The victim's identity has not been independently confirmed. The incident adds to a series of explosions targeting military figures and their vehicles in Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Russian gas stations are introducing new rules for refueling cars starting in October. Drivers in Russia are looking up what changes to expect at the pump, with the details reported by regional media. The article describes the innovations taking effect this autumn, prompting motorists to check how the new refueling procedures will affect their everyday fill-ups.

Regional authorities in Bryansk Oblast, Russia, say twelve people were wounded in Trubchevsk following a Ukrainian attack, reportedly involving drones. Separate reports say a drone struck a civilian car, killing the driver. Russian media widely covered the incident, citing officials; Ukrainian confirmation and independent verification of the details remain lacking.

Russian drivers are buying Chinese electric vehicles in growing numbers after Ukrainian strikes on refineries and fuel infrastructure left petrol scarce across parts of the country. Sales of Chinese-made E.V.s are surging as motorists look for alternatives to long queues and rationing at petrol stations, highlighting both the impact of the strikes and China's growing grip on Russia's car market since Western brands pulled out.

Demand for electric vehicles in Russia has nearly doubled following Ukrainian drone attacks, according to the New York Times. Ukrainian strikes have disrupted fuel supplies and caused gasoline shortages across Russian regions, prompting drivers to switch to electric cars to avoid queues at petrol stations. The shift highlights how the war's economic effects are reshaping everyday consumer choices in Russia.

Reports from the Russian side say repeated strikes on logistics vehicles carrying supplies from Russia to occupied Ukrainian territories have made drivers increasingly refuse such runs, even when offered higher pay. The shortages this causes for Russian forces in the occupied areas are being discussed as a growing problem for the supply chain.

Ukraine is using remote-controlled kamikaze vehicles dubbed 'zombie cars' to blow up Russian defensive positions, in an operation that reportedly ended with around 250 Russian soldiers captured. The unmanned vehicles allow troops to breach fortifications without exposing drivers to fire, highlighting Kyiv's growing reliance on robotic systems on the battlefield.

Moscow is drawing search and social media attention in the UK and Sweden, with the Russian capital appearing on trending lists in both countries. No single event has been confirmed as the driver, and discussion so far centers on general interest in Russia-related news rather than a specific incident.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces say they have used an amphibious ground robot to deliver military logistics for the first time, with the unmanned vehicle covering a distance of more than 40 kilometers. The mission reportedly demonstrated the ability to move supplies across difficult terrain without exposing drivers to Russian fire. Ukrainian outlets are highlighting the deployment as another step in the rapid adoption of unmanned systems for battlefield logistics.