News about Russia
The UK has announced the introduction of a new package of sanctions against Russia, calling it “one of the toughest” in the entire period of London’s sanctions policy. Eighty-five individuals and legal entities that the British authorities link to information campaigns and support for Russian actions abroad have fallen under the restrictions.
The European Union intends to hold a meeting of foreign ministers of member states by the end of May to determine the topics and formats of possible negotiations with Russia. This was announced by the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, on 11 May.
US President Donald Trump has said he would like to see a “significant extension” of the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
The EU has started preparations for possible talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in case conditions for a political settlement of the conflict over Ukraine emerge.
The Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale has once again found itself at the center of an international scandal. During a VIP preview of the exhibition, activists from Pussy Riot and the Ukrainian FEMEN movement held a loud protest against Russia’s participation in the world’s largest contemporary art show.
After the Easter truce, Russia proposed a ceasefire on the day of the Victory Day parade. Moscow has already scaled down the event. For the first time in many years, no Russian armored columns will march through Red Square.
U.S. and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation on April 29 that lasted more than an hour and a half.
Russia will hold a military Victory Parade on Red Square on May 9 to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War.
The decision was announced just weeks before the opening of the 61st International Art Exhibition, which starts on May 9. Five members of the jury said they would not shortlist participants from countries whose leaders are under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Although no specific countries are named in the document, the wording directly affects Russia and Israel.
The EU will impose a “full sectoral ban” on Russian services that deal with crypto-asset transactions as part of the 20th package.
The Russian government has extended quotas on mineral fertilizer exports outside the Eurasian Economic Union. The decision was taken to ensure a sufficient level of fertilizers on the domestic market and uninterrupted operation of agricultural producers and feed manufacturers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Damascus on his first visit since the fall of the Assad regime.
The revived Volga automobile brand continues to expand its lineup and has officially unveiled the new C50 sedan. The model became the second in the brand’s range after the previously announced crossover K50. According to the company, both new products are planned to be launched in the summer of 2026.
In the first quarter of 2026, the number of Russian companies that defaulted on debt securities doubled compared to the same reporting period in 2025. This includes a 30% increase in the number of companies that defaulted on their obligations to bondholders for the first time.
Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe rose 22% year-on-year in March amid the crisis in the Middle East.
Russian natural gas supplies to Serbia will be carried out on the basis of the extended former contract for another three months. The price of fuel will remain at $320 per thousand cubic meters, although gas costs $645 on the market.
Exactly 20 years ago, Russia first imposed an embargo on Moldovan wines. Direct losses of winemakers are estimated at $300 to $500 million.
Famous Moldovan journalist Vladimir Solovyov has been put on the wanted list by the Russian Interior Ministry.
The Isaccea-Vulcanesti transmission line is currently the main source of electricity supply to Moldova from the European grid via Romania. The failure of this line is almost guaranteed to lead Moldova to an energy blackout.
The European Commission (EC) has postponed the presentation of a plan to ban Russian oil imports to the EU. The issue was to be discussed at the European Commission meeting on April 15.
