kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed his participation in the national capital. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for India amidst global geopolitical shifts and growing BRICS collaboration. Details on his schedule are anticipated.

In a recent briefing, kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared it too early to delve into the specifics of a potential resolution to the war, even as president Putin hints at a possible end. Peskov underscored Russia's willingness to engage in discussions, insisting that the ball is in Ukraine's court to determine its next moves to cease the special military operation.

Russian President Putin is set for a significant two-day visit to China, commencing May 19, to deepen strategic ties with President Xi Jinping. This follows closely on the heels of Donald Trump's high-profile trip to Beijing, which focused on Taiwan, trade, and Iran. The leaders will discuss strengthening their partnership and address key global issues, aiming to sign a joint declaration.

Britain on Monday announced new sanctions targeting Russia's "information warfare campaigns" over its full-scale Ukraine invasion, alongside those behind the alleged forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. Around a third of Monday's sanctions package took aim again at those involved in what London called "Russia's systematic campaign to forcibly deport and militarise Ukrainian children".

China has firmly denied a Financial Times article suggesting that President Xi Jinping cautioned Donald Trump about Vladimir Putin potentially regretting his actions in Ukraine. The article, citing unnamed sources, implied this exchange occurred during Trump’s trip to Beijing, offering a dramatic shift from their earlier talks.

A Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building claimed 24 lives, including three teenagers, as emergency crews concluded their search. This attack, part of Russia's largest barrage since the invasion, underscores the ongoing conflict despite recent ceasefire suggestions. Ukraine also launched drone attacks, hitting a Russian oil refinery and causing casualties.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.

Russia has successfully tested its new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by NATO. President Putin hailed it as the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, capable of carrying multiple warheads and evading missile defenses.

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

Ukraine announced a ceasefire starting May 5-6, prioritizing human life over Victory Day commemorations, with President Zelenskyy criticizing Russia's focus on parades. Russia, however, declared its own truce from May 8-9, coinciding with WWII Victory Day, and warned of massive retaliation if Kyiv disrupts their celebrations.