How Russia’s Military Operation Has Impacted Ordinary Citizens, According to a New Survey
The findings reveal a nation facing economic strain, emotional toll, and shifting views—while many feel unaffected.
And a whole world in BRIEFLY.
Trump’s Ukraine Envoy Steve Witkoff Has Business Ties to Sanctioned Billionaire Len Blavatnik
Blavatnik holds both U.S. and U.K. citizenship and has generously funded election campaigns for both Democrats and Republicans.
Russian Railways Faces Mounting Debt Amid Suspicions of Engineered Financial Crisis
Amid a new multi-billion-ruble bond issue, analysts suspect Russian Railways’ deepening financial troubles may be part of a calculated strategy to trigger a covert ownership change.
Orban Asks Trump for Exemption From Russian Oil Sanctions and Prepares New Energy and Defense Deals
According to Bloomberg, citing Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyas, the talks, scheduled to take place at the White House on November 7, will include the signing of several agreements in the fields of energy, defense, economy, and finance.
Growing Backlash in Germany and Poland Over Influx of Young Ukrainian Men After Kyiv Eased Exit Rules
Following Ukraine’s decision in late August to relax exit restrictions for men aged 18 to 22, both Poland and Germany have seen a noticeable influx of young Ukrainians.
Orbán Plans Anti-Ukraine Alliance With Czechia and Slovakia: A New Axis of Skeptics in the EU
The plans were revealed by the political director of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — Balázs Orbán (a namesake of the prime minister).
Russia’s Marketplaces Reshape SME Financing and Challenge Traditional Banking
Russia’s evolving digital economy is reshaping SME financing as marketplaces outpace traditional banks with AI-driven lending models and internal financial ecosystems, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger competition and fairer access to credit.
Russia Breaks Through Ukrainian Defenses in Key Stronghold: The Battle for Pokrovsk and Political Signals of a Possible Ceasefire
The main event of recent days has been the advance of Russian forces in the area of Pokrovsk (Donetsk region) — one of the key strongholds of Ukraine’s defense.
Russia Enters a “Phase of Deep Disappointment”: Anxiety Rises as Love Loses Meaning
A new FOM poll shows Russians have lost faith in a brighter future, with “anxiety” named the word of the year and “love” falling to last place — a reflection of deep disappointment and fading optimism across the country.
Black Recruiters: How the Trade in Soldiers Turns People Into Commodities for the Front
An investigation by journalist Anastasia Kashevarova reveals a vast shadow network of “black recruiters” in Russia — corrupt intermediaries who forge documents, exploit vulnerable people, and trade soldiers between regions and units for profit.
A Diplomatic Solution to the Ukraine Conflict Appears Closer, Says Russian Envoy
According to Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington are “quite close” to reaching an agreement that could bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s Central Bank Tries to Support Its Weakening Economy With a Rate Cut
The move comes amid rising inflation, tightening Western sanctions, and shrinking revenues from the energy sector — still one of the country’s main economic pillars.
The Kremlin Did Not Expect Trump’s Rapid Sanctions Against Rosneft and Lukoil
According to several interlocutors, the Kremlin is somewhat shocked by the White House’s actions.
