Thai police arrested four suspects, including Thana Koedthong and Thongchai Srinil, for the kidnapping and murder of two Russian siblings, Diana and Roman Nazimova, near Pattaya, and a local family of three. The suspects posed as police, robbed the victims, and one confessed to both crimes.
Ekaterina Alexandrova, the No 1 seed at the Memphis Classic, retired from her first-round match against Kristina Liutova due to heat-related illness amid temperatures of 97F (36C), raising concerns about the tournament's summer scheduling.
A drone gifted to late US Sen. Lindsey Graham during his birthday visit to a Ukrainian drone factory will now be deployed against Russian forces, as announced by US activist Laura Loomer.
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Wildberries, Russia's largest e-commerce company, destroying warehouses and billions in inventory. Hundreds of small businesses storing goods are devastated, highlighting Ukraine's new strategy to erode Russian normality and disrupt logistics.
The EU unveiled its largest sanctions package in four years against Russia, leading FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend his activity. The measures target 218 individuals and entities, including banks, vessels, and military-industrial complex, while Ukraine faces ongoing attacks.
Russia's parliament passed a law allowing the stripping of property rights, bank accounts, and consular services for Russians abroad facing political prosecution, effectively revoking citizenship for those deemed "traitors" or "extremists" by the state.
Two Russians, Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov, were convicted of terrorism and spying in Angola, receiving 11 and 8 years respectively. They denied charges of stirring anti-government protests and election interference, linked to a Russian political network.
Ukraine attacked four Wildberries warehouses in Russia, escalating its drone campaign against the country's top online retailer. The strikes, targeting a key economic driver, threaten disruption for businesses and millions of Russian consumers.
Russians are increasingly using cash, with 1.56tn roubles added to circulation this year, driven by mobile internet shutdowns disrupting card payments and businesses seeking to avoid higher taxes amidst economic slowdown and war funding pressures.
A poll from June 28-July 5 shows 72.3% of Russians trust President Vladimir Putin. The survey by VTsIOM also indicated 66% approval of his activities, 44.9% approval for the government, and 43.8% for Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Russians are increasingly converting their cars to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to nationwide fuel shortages, escalating petrol prices, and long queues at filling stations. These issues are exacerbated by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, leading to a surge in demand for LPG conversion services.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has lowered its growth forecast for outbound tourist flow to 8% from an initial 15% due to weaker demand. Turkey, Egypt, and Thailand remain the most popular destinations.
Serbia's Minister without Portfolio, Nenad Popovic, stated that Serbia has not and will never impose sanctions against Russia, despite facing significant pressure and threats. He emphasized the historical closeness between the two nations and Serbia's past experience as a victim of sanctions.
Russians are increasingly converting their vehicles to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to widespread fuel shortages, rising petrol prices, and long queues at gas stations, largely attributed to Ukrainian attacks on refineries. Demand for LPG conversion services has surged, with companies reporting significant waiting lists.
A Russian Field research center survey conducted in May-June 2026 shows a decline in Russians with savings to 38% from 57% in September 2025, with 60% now having no savings. Young people, Moscow/St. Petersburg residents, and the affluent are more likely to have savings, which typically last 3.5 to 5.7 months.
Russians are rapidly converting their cars to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to widespread fuel shortages, escalating petrol prices, and long queues at gas stations, largely attributed to Ukrainian attacks on refineries. Demand for LPG conversion services has surged, with companies reporting extensive waiting lists.
The IOC has advised Olympic sports federations to stop vetting Russian athletes for neutral status ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This follows an earlier recommendation to allow Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete with their national identity, though full national representation is still pending.
The International Olympic Committee has lifted its suspension on Russia, allowing Russian athletes to potentially compete at the Los Angeles Olympics. The ban, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, was lifted after the Russian Olympic Committee removed Ukrainian territories from its jurisdiction. However, decisions on Russian flags and anthems, and hosting events in Russia, remain with international federations.
A survey by the Russian Znanie Society reveals that 47% of Russians are concerned about AI-generated content, primarily due to fraud risks (29%). Another 5% fear political manipulation. Conversely, 49% see no significant threat. Men and young adults are least concerned.
Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian oil refineries escalate, causing fuel shortages and rationing. Putin admits a 'certain deficit' in fuel, vows to protect facilities and increase output.
A VTsIOM poll conducted June 15-21 indicates 76.7% of Russians trust President Vladimir Putin, with 70.4% approving his activities. The survey also shows approval for Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the government, alongside trust levels for parliamentary party leaders and support for political parties.
A 2025 survey by the Bank of Russia reveals 48% of Russians feel they cannot do without cash, an increase from 43% last year. Cash usage for daily payments and savings also rose, with people stocking up due to potential card payment issues.
Drone attacks, once unthinkable, are now a daily reality in Russia as Kyiv retaliates for Moscow's bombings. Residents are urged to "hold it together" as attacks can happen "anywhere and to anyone."
The Baku Court of Serious Crimes has sentenced eight Russian citizens to prison terms ranging from three to four years for drug trafficking. They were detained last June during an operation targeting drug transit from Iran and cyber fraud.
