Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia prefers to achieve the goals of its special military operation through diplomacy, emphasizing the need to guarantee security along its western borders and respect for its citizens' rights. He also deemed further Western expansion unacceptable, noting the article was canceled by Politico-Europe.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the "special military operation" at the ASEAN summit. Putin provided detailed explanations of Russia's approaches and reasons for the operation.
A Russian reserve colonel claims Kiev is resorting to "terrorist methods" using drones and missiles against civilian targets due to active Russian advances on the front lines. This statement follows a significant drone attack attempt on Moscow.
The Kalashnikov Group has sent a new batch of upgraded AK-12 assault rifles, featuring improved ergonomics and accuracy, to Russian troops under a state defense contract. The AK-12, adopted six years ago, is now the main individual automatic weapon for the Russian Armed Forces and is seeing increased interest from foreign buyers due to its effective use in the special military operation.
Russian troops destroyed a Ukrainian UAV depot near Novogrishino in the Donetsk People's Republic using Geran kamikaze drones, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.
As Russia faces setbacks in Ukraine, analysts fear Vladimir Putin may escalate the conflict rather than capitulate. Potential reactions range from cyberattacks and sabotage to nuclear threats, as Ukraine gains ground and Russian influence campaigns expand.
Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik claims Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, owns Swift Beat, the manufacturer of Hornet drones used by Ukraine. Miroshnik stated these drones, capable of carrying 5kg of explosives and flying 145km, have been supplied in significant numbers and used against civilian targets in Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Russia has over 700,000 troops in the special military operation zone. He highlighted steady advances, the importance of assault teams, and Russia's efforts in developing advanced weaponry like AI drones and a satellite system superior to Starlink. Putin also noted the collective West's confrontation with Russia and vowed increased retaliatory strikes.
The Yaroslavl Region will enhance land use efficiency and increase support for participants of the special military operation. Governor Mikhail Evraev announced new draft laws to grant land plots to veterans and their families, and streamline the process for reclassifying agricultural land.
Katyusha, a Russian tech firm, has unveiled its namesake ground robotic vehicles at the Fleet 2026 International Maritime Defense Show in Kronstadt. These unmanned platforms are already being supplied to Russian troops in Ukraine and are being upgraded with features for mine clearance and cargo delivery.
A Russian cargo drone, named 'Mikhalych', is designed to carefully deliver water to the special military operation zone using special air cushions and a winch system for safe cargo descent. Battery placement has been optimized for increased load capacity.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that the duration of the 'special military operation' depends on achieving its goals, and that Russia is prepared to continue as long as necessary. He also asserted that attempts by Ukraine's allies to escalate the conflict are doomed to fail.
CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov stated Armenia remains a full member despite political statements. CSTO members are learning from Russia's special military operation, focusing on intelligence, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity. Peacekeeping forces are ready, and eight CSTO exercises are planned for 2026.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin is preparing for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), including working on his speech which will address political issues. Peskov also confirmed that Russia's "special military operation" continues to prevent attacks like those on St. Petersburg and that retaliation against Ukrainian attacks is systematic.
Russia has developed over 100 modifications of ground and naval robotic systems for use in the special military operation, with uncrewed boats and ground combat robots becoming integral to combat tasks. The country can produce 15,000 FPV drones daily.
Russian forces have eliminated Ukrainian Colonel Pavlo Lats, a Hero of Ukraine, in the special military operation zone on the Zaporizhzhia front. Lats served as deputy commander for psychological support in a unit involved in fortification construction and demining.
Serbian sniper Dejan Beric, fighting with Russian Armed Forces in Donbass, highlights how Russian soldiers' battlefield feedback rapidly improves weapon quality through direct engineer involvement.
Russia's Impulse robotic systems, used in the special military operation, have demonstrated effectiveness in transporting heavy cargoes, including a 3-ton D-30 howitzer, and surviving combat conditions.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited the Battlegroup East, receiving reports on combat missions and UAV integration. He presented awards for heroism and reviewed new domestic drone models, including those for supply, attack, and air defense.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized the need to achieve the goals of Russia's special military operation, while also noting a new type of war is underway in Eurasia. Other reports cover US-Iran tensions, Slovak economic woes, and EU sanctions opposition.
Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, ongoing since Feb 24, 2022, aims to support the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Russian forces reported striking military industry, energy facilities, drone storage, and troop locations, while air defense intercepted numerous drones and bombs.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that achieving all objectives of the "special military operation" is the primary goal for strengthening Russia's global role and influence. He emphasized that diplomacy must support military effectiveness and noted Western attempts to draw Russia's allies, like Armenia, away.
Russia's UN envoy stated the 'special military operation' aims to end chaos in Ukraine, following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a student dorm in Starobilsk that killed 6 and injured 39 children. Russia opened a terrorism case.
Volunteers are training at the "Bars-16" special Cossack detachment training center to defend their homeland in the special military operation. Their instructors are war-hardened veterans with combat experience in Syria and Africa.
