Moscow Times

Ukraine launched drone strikes on Moscow on the first day of Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin is widely expected to secure another term. The attack targeted the Russian capital as polls opened, a symbolic timing choice aimed at undercutting Putin's display of control. Commenters are highlighting the strike as a sign Ukraine can still hit deep inside Russia despite battlefield pressure, and as an attempt to embarrass the Kremlin during the vote.

Ukraine carried out a record-scale attack on Moscow, leaving parts of the Russian capital ablaze on the day Russians went to the polls. The strike, described as the largest of its kind, is drawing wide attention as a bold escalation in the war and a pointed message timed to Russia's election day.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian security architecture, appealing at the United Nations for a regional order that would reduce the role of existing Western-led alliances. The proposal signals Moscow's continued push to reshape security arrangements across the continent, and it is drawing attention given the ongoing war in Ukraine and wider tensions between Russia and NATO members.

EU member states are discussing a plan for collective, Nato-style responses to Russian hybrid attacks, such as sabotage, cyber operations and disinformation targeting European infrastructure. Under the idea, an attack on one country could trigger coordinated countermeasures from the whole bloc. The Financial Times reported the discussions, which reflect growing alarm across Europe about Moscow's grey-zone activities.

Russia's and Germany's top diplomats met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what both sides describe as their first direct talks since 2022. The meeting marks a rare high-level contact between Moscow and Berlin since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine severed most formal dialogue between the two governments.

Russian budget documents show military spending is set to rise by 27% in 2027, according to The Moscow Times. The increase points to a continued prioritization of defense outlays in the Kremlin's long-term fiscal planning, despite economic pressures. Observers are weighing what the higher allocations mean for Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the sustainability of its budget, and signals about Moscow's longer-term intentions.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have become unusual since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making the talks notable. The meeting suggests both sides see some value in keeping diplomatic channels open, even as political relations remain deeply strained.

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and influence operations. The debate comes as EU member states weigh how to coordinate responses to threats that fall below the threshold of conventional armed conflict, and whether Brussels has the tools and authority to lead such an effort.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have held their first face-to-face meeting since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Evidence is limited to a single headline from The Moscow Times, so details of what was discussed, who attended, and any outcomes are not clear from the available posts. Readers appear to be sharing the story because it marks a notable diplomatic contact between Moscow and a leading NATO and EU member after a long freeze in high-level talks.

Russia has carried out a successful test of its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, a heavy strategic weapon capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. Defence analysts are examining what the test signals about Moscow's nuclear posture, the modernisation of its strategic forces, and the consequences for arms control and international security at a time of heightened East-West tensions.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday that his decision to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns and the need to address a growing food-export crisis. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when European governments remain divided over engagement with Russia.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Wadephul told Moscow that Russia must end its war of aggression against Ukraine and cease hostile actions against Germany and its allies, saying Germany stands firmly behind Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the first meeting of the two countries' top diplomats since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul explained on German television, during the UN General Assembly, how the encounter with Lavrov came about. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when the war in Ukraine continues.

Russia is confronting a growing budget gap, and analysts at The Moscow Times argue that borrowing will not offer an easy way out. Years of high military spending and falling energy revenues have strained state finances, while Western sanctions limit Moscow's access to foreign capital markets, leaving the government with difficult spending and borrowing choices.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have met for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow, which have been at odds since February 2022. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited in the reports so far.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for about 20 minutes at the United Nations, urging Moscow to halt hybrid attacks and further escalation against Germany, Europe and NATO. The German delegation said Wadephul cited an attempted attack in Leipzig as an example of Russian hostile activity. The meeting marks a rare direct exchange between the two governments at a time of heightened tensions over sabotage, disinformation and the war in Ukraine.

Belarusian military units are taking part in military exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation held in Russia's Ural region. The drills bring together forces from CSTO member states, a Russia-led alliance that includes Belarus, and come at a time of heightened attention to joint military activity between Minsk and Moscow.

The Russian government has suspended audits for companies that have been targeted in Ukrainian attacks. The Moscow Times reports the move, which appears intended to relieve businesses affected by drone and missile strikes from regulatory inspections during recovery. The decision highlights how Moscow is adjusting oversight rules for firms operating in regions touched by the war.

The Moscow Marathon 2026 has taken place, with results now being published and searched by Russian runners and fans. Athletics outlet Marafonets has released the finishing results for the event, which is one of Russia's largest mass-participation races. Interest is concentrated on finishing times, standings and participant experiences from the race, as runners check their own performances and the race looks ahead to future editions.