In a Western Ukrainian prison camp, captured soldiers including Ukrainian citizens who fought for Russia reflect on their motivations, blurred national identities, and their low priority in prisoner exchanges.
Russians withdrew approximately €24.4 billion from banks in the first seven months of 2026, driven by fears of state asset seizures and economic instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and infrastructure attacks.
At least 20 killed, dozens injured in Russia-Ukraine air attacks; Ukraine's largest single-day attack on Russia targets military, energy, and logistics hubs, while Russia escalates with civilian casualties and grain store targeting.
Ukraine launched a massive drone attack causing fires near Moscow and hitting a Rostov fuel facility, while former minister Mykhailo Fedorov estimates domestic ballistic missiles in months. Concurrently, Russian strikes killed civilians in Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia.
Milorad Dodik considers banning FAZ's Michael Martens from Republika Srpska for asking how Europe could 'help kill more Russians', sparking outrage and an online petition for his dismissal.
A VCIOM study reveals 45% of Russian smartphone users anticipate switching to Android due to Apple's restrictions, affecting 69% of Apple users personally, with 51% unlikely to buy an iPhone in the future.
Former Hamburg MP Martin Dolzer criticized FAZ correspondent Michael Martens for asking Vladimir Zelensky how Europe can help Kiev 'kill more Russians.' The question sparked widespread backlash, including condemnation from Moscow.
A German journalist asked Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Belgrade how Europeans can help Kiev 'kill more Russians,' prompting disbelief from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and a viral social media backlash.
Oleksiy Yukov, a prominent Ukrainian known for recovering war dead, was honored in Kyiv after dying from a landmine in the Donetsk region. Thousands attended his funeral services.
Russian attacks on Kyiv and its region killed four, including a child, while Ukraine targeted a Russian oil refinery, exacerbating fuel shortages in Russia.
Ukraine struggles with a critical shortage of US-made Patriot air defense missiles, leaving it vulnerable to increased Russian ballistic missile attacks, with President Zelenskyy urging allies to share their stockpiles.
Russian nationals Diana and Roman Nazimov were found murdered in a shallow grave in Chonburi, Thailand. Suspects Thana Kerdthong and Thongchai Srinil were arrested, confessing to their killings and the separate murders of a Thai family.
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.
