November
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Russian media began the day reporting on Ukrainian drone attacks, with two additional UAVs shot down near Moscow in the early hours. This narrative continued with claims of nearly 100 Ukrainian drones destroyed overnight over various Russian regions, followed by reports of an attempted landing by Ukrainian special forces near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), which Russian military forces reportedly thwarted.
Later in the day, the focus shifted to the surrender of Ukrainian military personnel encircled in Krasnoarmeysk. However, the most prominent development was the launch of the nuclear submarine "Khabarovsk" in Severodvinsk, a story that dominated headlines in the late afternoon and evening, overshadowing continued reports of drone interceptions and condemnation of US military actions in the Caribbean.
Later in the day, the focus shifted to the surrender of Ukrainian military personnel encircled in Krasnoarmeysk. However, the most prominent development was the launch of the nuclear submarine "Khabarovsk" in Severodvinsk, a story that dominated headlines in the late afternoon and evening, overshadowing continued reports of drone interceptions and condemnation of US military actions in the Caribbean.
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Russian media began the day with significant focus on Ukrainian drone attacks, reporting a fire at port infrastructure in Tuapse, damaging a tanker and an oil terminal. This was followed by reports of over 160 drones shot down overnight across multiple Russian regions, with additional damage and injuries noted in the Rostov region.
Mid-day reports continued to highlight drone activity, with debris found in Gelendzhik, Tuapse, and Anapa, and damage to two foreign civilian vessels in Tuapse port. Russian military operations against Ukrainian forces near Kupyansk-Uzlovy and Krasnoarmeysk were also featured, alongside Turkey reportedly reducing oil purchases from Russia in favor of Iraq and Kazakhstan.
Evening coverage included reports of increased OPEC+ oil production quotas and continued Russian military advances in Konstantinovka and Krasnoarmeysk, with air defenses downing an additional 22 drones.
Mid-day reports continued to highlight drone activity, with debris found in Gelendzhik, Tuapse, and Anapa, and damage to two foreign civilian vessels in Tuapse port. Russian military operations against Ukrainian forces near Kupyansk-Uzlovy and Krasnoarmeysk were also featured, alongside Turkey reportedly reducing oil purchases from Russia in favor of Iraq and Kazakhstan.
Evening coverage included reports of increased OPEC+ oil production quotas and continued Russian military advances in Konstantinovka and Krasnoarmeysk, with air defenses downing an additional 22 drones.
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Russian media prominently featured Donald Trump's statements throughout the day, initially focusing on his views regarding Tomahawk missile transfers to Ukraine and his assessment of Putin and Xi as strong leaders. His rationale for US nuclear tests was also highlighted by RBC.ru.
Later in the day, the narrative shifted slightly, with continued reporting on Trump's position on resolving the Ukrainian conflict and his decision not to supply Tomahawk missiles. The Moscow Times (English) also reported on Chinese refiners cutting Russian oil imports, while other outlets covered Britain's provision of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
The day concluded with renewed emphasis on Trump's earlier remarks on nuclear paranoia and his praise for Putin, alongside reports of further UK missile supplies to Ukraine.
Later in the day, the narrative shifted slightly, with continued reporting on Trump's position on resolving the Ukrainian conflict and his decision not to supply Tomahawk missiles. The Moscow Times (English) also reported on Chinese refiners cutting Russian oil imports, while other outlets covered Britain's provision of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
The day concluded with renewed emphasis on Trump's earlier remarks on nuclear paranoia and his praise for Putin, alongside reports of further UK missile supplies to Ukraine.
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Russian media began the day with extensive coverage of Prime Minister Mishustin's meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, discussing investments and joint projects, alongside reports of an explosion at a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak. The narrative evolved to include drone attacks on the Sterlitamak industrial complex and other oil facilities, with Ukraine claiming responsibility for attacks in Bashkortostan and Nizhny Novgorod.
Later, the focus shifted to President Putin's activities for National Unity Day, which included congratulations to citizens, awards for developers of advanced missile systems like "Burevestnik" and "Poseidon," and the announcement of the serial production of "Oreshnik." State media emphasized the historical significance of these developments for Russia's sovereignty and strategic parity in the 21st century.
Later, the focus shifted to President Putin's activities for National Unity Day, which included congratulations to citizens, awards for developers of advanced missile systems like "Burevestnik" and "Poseidon," and the announcement of the serial production of "Oreshnik." State media emphasized the historical significance of these developments for Russia's sovereignty and strategic parity in the 21st century.
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Russian media began the day reporting on Ukrainian drone attacks on energy infrastructure near Vladimir and in the Yaroslavl region, alongside the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in Kupiansk, Krasnoarmeisk, and Pokrovsk. Early afternoon saw a significant shift, as multiple sources reported on the US test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. This was immediately followed by Defense Minister Belousov's proposal to begin preparations for nuclear tests, leading to President Putin's directive to assess the feasibility of such tests as a response to US actions. The narrative throughout the late afternoon and evening largely focused on Putin's order and Peskov's clarifications regarding these potential nuclear preparations.
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Russian media continued its focus on potential nuclear tests, with Trump reiterating his announcement and the EU preparing to tighten entry rules for Russians in the early morning. Concurrently, a drone attack in Volgograd resulted in one fatality. Later in the morning, state intelligence (SVR) warned of Western plans to blame Russia for a potential incident at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Throughout the afternoon, attention shifted to Prime Minister Mishustin's announcement of a phased reduction in the VAT payment threshold for small and medium businesses. In the late afternoon, President Putin's approval of a full ban on vapes in Russia became a prominent story, alongside continued reports of the military situation around Kupyansk, including alleged Ukrainian surrenders.
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Russian media initially focused on US President Trump's statements about progress in the Ukrainian conflict and a potential Putin-Trump summit in Budapest. Reports also covered military operations in Kupyansk, including alleged Ukrainian surrenders, and "ghost ships" of NATO in the Baltic Sea.
Later in the day, a helicopter crash in Dagestan, resulting in multiple fatalities, became a significant story. The European Commission's decision to tighten visa regulations for Russian citizens, specifically limiting multi-entry Schengen visas, also received prominent coverage.
However, the day concluded with a dominant focus on Trump's alleged permission for Hungary to purchase Russian oil, exempting it from sanctions, and the ongoing possibility of a Putin-Trump summit.
Later in the day, a helicopter crash in Dagestan, resulting in multiple fatalities, became a significant story. The European Commission's decision to tighten visa regulations for Russian citizens, specifically limiting multi-entry Schengen visas, also received prominent coverage.
However, the day concluded with a dominant focus on Trump's alleged permission for Hungary to purchase Russian oil, exempting it from sanctions, and the ongoing possibility of a Putin-Trump summit.
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Russian media in the morning reported Ukrainian drone attacks, with 79 UAVs reportedly destroyed over various regions, alongside Russia's use of "Kinzhal" missiles. Attention then shifted to attempted Ukrainian attacks on a thermal power plant in Kursk. By the early afternoon, the appointment of Colonel-General Sanchik as Deputy Minister of Defense was highlighted. The most significant development by late afternoon was the widespread report that Russia had disabled all state-owned thermal power plants in Ukraine, leading to a blackout in Kyiv. Concurrently, NATO's potential deployment of 800,000 troops in case of war with Russia was also prominently featured.
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Russian media began the day continuing to highlight power outages in Kyiv, following earlier reports of Russia disabling Ukraine's state-owned thermal power plants. Reports also noted the EU's failure to seize Russia's frozen funds.
Later, the focus shifted to the conflict with Ukraine, reporting on energy infrastructure damage in Belgorod and the liberation of Rybnoye in Zaporizhzhia. Diplomatic tensions were also highlighted, with Lavrov claiming the US struggles to dissuade Zelensky from peace talks and stating asset confiscation won't save Kyiv. Importantly, Peskov denied nuclear tests by Russia and China, countering previous days' discussions surrounding potential nuclear tests.
The day concluded with further reports on the conflict, with Pushilin reporting the clearing of Ukrainian forces from the central district of Krasnoarmeysk. The Kremlin reiterated Russia would not violate its obligations regarding nuclear testing.
Later, the focus shifted to the conflict with Ukraine, reporting on energy infrastructure damage in Belgorod and the liberation of Rybnoye in Zaporizhzhia. Diplomatic tensions were also highlighted, with Lavrov claiming the US struggles to dissuade Zelensky from peace talks and stating asset confiscation won't save Kyiv. Importantly, Peskov denied nuclear tests by Russia and China, countering previous days' discussions surrounding potential nuclear tests.
The day concluded with further reports on the conflict, with Pushilin reporting the clearing of Ukrainian forces from the central district of Krasnoarmeysk. The Kremlin reiterated Russia would not violate its obligations regarding nuclear testing.
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Russian media today highlighted the government's proposal to legalize the refusal to enforce foreign court decisions in Russia, a story that emerged in the early afternoon. This was accompanied by reports of Nicolas Sarkozy's release from prison, a prominent international news item.
The mid-afternoon saw a significant shift, as multiple outlets reported on the introduction of a 24-hour "cooling-off period" for SIM cards for those entering Russia from abroad. This new policy dominated coverage through the evening, with details on how to restore internet access.
Concurrently, reports continued on alleged corruption in Ukraine involving a figure linked to Zelensky, with new data published by NABU and accusations from Komsomolskaya Pravda that the US might be orchestrating his downfall.
The mid-afternoon saw a significant shift, as multiple outlets reported on the introduction of a 24-hour "cooling-off period" for SIM cards for those entering Russia from abroad. This new policy dominated coverage through the evening, with details on how to restore internet access.
Concurrently, reports continued on alleged corruption in Ukraine involving a figure linked to Zelensky, with new data published by NABU and accusations from Komsomolskaya Pravda that the US might be orchestrating his downfall.
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Russian media primarily focused on an alleged Ukrainian intelligence operation, reportedly thwarted by the FSB, to hijack a MiG-31 fighter jet. Early morning reports detailed the attempt, linking it to a provocation against a NATO base. This narrative intensified through the day, with claims of Ukrainian efforts to recruit pilots and specific offers of incentives.
Concurrently, reports continued on the conflict in Ukraine, with multiple outlets reporting Russian forces fully liberated the eastern part of Kupyansk and Novoauspenovskoye in the Zaporizhzhia region. Later in the day, Foreign Minister Lavrov's statements regarding potential peace talks with the US on Ukraine, including a possible Putin-Trump meeting, gained traction. Separately, Russia banned 30 Japanese citizens in a retaliatory measure. Domestically, there was news of a permanent mobile internet blackout in the Ulyanovsk region.
Concurrently, reports continued on the conflict in Ukraine, with multiple outlets reporting Russian forces fully liberated the eastern part of Kupyansk and Novoauspenovskoye in the Zaporizhzhia region. Later in the day, Foreign Minister Lavrov's statements regarding potential peace talks with the US on Ukraine, including a possible Putin-Trump meeting, gained traction. Separately, Russia banned 30 Japanese citizens in a retaliatory measure. Domestically, there was news of a permanent mobile internet blackout in the Ulyanovsk region.
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Russian media today focused initially on a tragic incident where a child was injured by an explosive device disguised as money, alongside reports of ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks and Russia selling oil at discounted rates due to sanctions. By late morning, the narrative shifted dramatically to claims of a thwarted Ukrainian plot to assassinate Metropolitan Tikhon, allegedly aimed at disrupting Russia-US negotiations. The afternoon was dominated by Russia's diplomatic engagements, specifically a confirmed but reportedly unsuccessful backchannel contact with the UK and a meeting between Putin and Tokayev. The most significant development emerged in the late afternoon and evening, with Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing the suspension of peace talks with Russia, a decision widely reported and commented on by Russian officials as an indication of Ukraine's lack of desire for peace.
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Russian media began the day focused on the US House's support for a bill to end the government shutdown, alongside Lavrov's statements regarding the transfer of soldier's bodies to Ukraine. By mid-morning, the possibility of a Putin-Trump summit in Budapest was highlighted. As the day progressed, the Kremlin issued stern warnings to Kyiv regarding future negotiations, asserting Ukraine would face worse terms if they continued to refuse talks. In the afternoon, the narrative shifted significantly, focusing on growing European skepticism about financial aid to Ukraine, with Hungary and Norway reportedly refusing to guarantee or provide funds due to alleged corruption. This was coupled with reports of Russian oil exports being stranded in tankers due to sanctions. The evening saw continued emphasis on alleged Ukrainian corruption and reports of North Korean sappers clearing munitions in the Kursk region.
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Russian media began the day with reports of multiple explosions in Kyiv and a drone attack damaging an oil depot in Novorossiysk. By early morning, the FSB claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian-orchestrated assassination attempt against a high-ranking official. The focus shifted to Novorossiysk with a state of emergency declared and oil pumping suspended following further drone attacks. Throughout the day, Russian military strikes on Ukrainian industrial and energy facilities were also highlighted, alongside ongoing reports of North Korean sappers clearing NATO munitions in the Kursk region. In the afternoon, new reports emerged of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant, and later, an alleged Ukrainian Patriot missile strike on the Azerbaijani embassy in Kyiv.
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Russian media today focused initially on US President Trump's statements about upcoming nuclear tests and his desire to discuss nuclear arsenal reduction with Russia and China. This was followed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian regions and Russian forces taking the village of Yablokovo in Zaporizhzhia. By early afternoon, attention shifted to the US demanding Russia's withdrawal from the Serbian oil company NIS. The most significant development in the late afternoon and evening was Euroclear's announcement that it is prepared to block EU decisions on confiscating Russian assets through legal action. Separately, Putin held telephone conversations with Lukashenko and Netanyahu, discussing bilateral cooperation, international issues, and the situation in Gaza.
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Russian media began the day reporting a Ukrainian drone attack on Volgograd, injuring three. Throughout the day, further drone attacks were reported across various Russian regions, with 57 downed overnight and another 16 shot down in three hours. Concurrently, Russian media focused on US-Russia relations, with the Russian Embassy in the US noting a "window of opportunity" for normalization. However, the anticipated Putin-Trump meeting was reportedly postponed. The conflict in Ukraine remained a central theme, with reports of Russia seizing two new villages and discussions around Ukrainian military casualties and morale. Towards the evening, an attack on the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery was reported, alongside continued focus on declining Ukrainian troop morale.
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Russian media began the day with extensive coverage of Donald Trump's support for a bill imposing sanctions on countries cooperating with Russia. This was a consistent theme across multiple outlets in the morning. Concurrently, reports emerged of ongoing military activities in Ukraine, including a Ukrainian special forces raid near Krasnoarmeysk and drone attacks on Russian regions. By late morning, attention also shifted to the Russian military's claims of seizing new villages in southern Ukraine and repelling further Ukrainian attacks. The day concluded with reports of an alleged assassination attempt on Sergei Shoigu and continued discussion of Trump's foreign policy stances.
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Russian media initially focused on the UN Security Council's adoption of a resolution supporting Trump's Gaza plan in the early morning. Later, attention shifted to Ukraine's attacks on the Donetsk energy grid, causing blackouts. Mid-morning saw President Zelensky's announcement of restarting peace talks and a planned trip to Turkey for preparations. However, the Kremlin quickly denied any Russian participation in these proposed talks, with Peskov stating Moscow had received no official information. The day also featured reports of Poland accusing Ukrainian citizens of railway sabotage, with subsequent Kremlin comments noting the recurrence of Ukrainians in sabotage acts in Europe.
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Russian media throughout the day extensively covered reports from various international sources regarding a proposed US peace plan for Ukraine. Early morning reports from Axios hinted at US-Russia consultations on a new settlement plan. This evolved into more detailed accounts by late morning and early afternoon from Politico and The Moscow Times, suggesting a framework agreement could be reached this week, possibly involving territorial concessions from Ukraine and a reduction of its army. By late afternoon and evening, Reuters and the Financial Times further elaborated on the alleged details of this plan, including the potential recognition of Crimea and Donbas as part of Russia. Despite these consistent reports, the Kremlin, through Peskov and Zakharova, maintained that no such new agreements or information had been received from the US concerning Ukraine.
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Russian media prominently featured reports throughout the day on a proposed US peace plan for Ukraine, allegedly involving territorial concessions and army reduction, building on similar reports from the previous day. Early reports focused on Trump's approval of a 28-point plan, with pro-Kremlin outlets emphasizing demands for territorial cessions and military cuts for Zelensky.
The FSB's claim of preventing an attempt to poison a Russian military officer in the DPR with a British-made substance also gained significant attention. By early afternoon, President Lukashenko's warning to Zelensky about being removed from power by the West was highlighted, alongside reports of the State Duma adopting tax amendments.
In the evening, Russian state media heavily reported the alleged capture of Kupyansk by Russian forces, with direct briefings to President Putin and the General Staff. Concurrently, Putin characterized the Ukrainian leadership as a "criminal grouping." Some outlets also mentioned Zelensky's alleged agreement to Trump's peace plan and ongoing US-Russia engagement.
The FSB's claim of preventing an attempt to poison a Russian military officer in the DPR with a British-made substance also gained significant attention. By early afternoon, President Lukashenko's warning to Zelensky about being removed from power by the West was highlighted, alongside reports of the State Duma adopting tax amendments.
In the evening, Russian state media heavily reported the alleged capture of Kupyansk by Russian forces, with direct briefings to President Putin and the General Staff. Concurrently, Putin characterized the Ukrainian leadership as a "criminal grouping." Some outlets also mentioned Zelensky's alleged agreement to Trump's peace plan and ongoing US-Russia engagement.
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Russian media extensively focused on the US peace plan for Ukraine throughout the day. Morning reports detailed alleged conditions, including the recognition of Crimea and Donbas as Russian territory and Ukraine's rejection of NATO membership, with some outlets suggesting Trump gave Zelensky a week to sign. Concurrently, state media highlighted the complete capture of Kupyansk by Russian forces.
By early afternoon, reports indicated a US ultimatum to Ukraine: accept the peace plan or face a cessation of military aid and intelligence sharing. Zelensky acknowledged a "difficult choice" for Ukraine. The day culminated with Putin stating Russia had received the plan and viewed it as a potential basis for a final settlement, expressing readiness for substantive discussions.
By early afternoon, reports indicated a US ultimatum to Ukraine: accept the peace plan or face a cessation of military aid and intelligence sharing. Zelensky acknowledged a "difficult choice" for Ukraine. The day culminated with Putin stating Russia had received the plan and viewed it as a potential basis for a final settlement, expressing readiness for substantive discussions.
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Russian media reports on November 22nd continued their focus on the US peace plan for Ukraine. Early morning narratives emphasized perceived pressure on Zelensky to accept the plan, with some outlets predicting a military coup if he refused, alongside reports of Ukrainian military losses and drone attacks in Russian regions.
By late morning and early afternoon, Putin's assessment of Trump's plan was highlighted, with mentions of his readiness for negotiations while threatening further territorial seizures if Kyiv rejected the proposal. Reports also noted Europe's criticism of the American proposal for using Russian assets and an ultimatum from a US envoy to Ukraine.
Later in the day, the discourse shifted significantly to European leaders expressing reservations about specific points of the US plan, particularly concerning Ukrainian armed forces and borders. An urgent EU summit on Ukraine was scheduled for November 24th, with a meeting between EU, US, and Ukrainian representatives planned for November 23rd to discuss the peace plan, indicating European efforts to modify the proposal.
By late morning and early afternoon, Putin's assessment of Trump's plan was highlighted, with mentions of his readiness for negotiations while threatening further territorial seizures if Kyiv rejected the proposal. Reports also noted Europe's criticism of the American proposal for using Russian assets and an ultimatum from a US envoy to Ukraine.
Later in the day, the discourse shifted significantly to European leaders expressing reservations about specific points of the US plan, particularly concerning Ukrainian armed forces and borders. An urgent EU summit on Ukraine was scheduled for November 24th, with a meeting between EU, US, and Ukrainian representatives planned for November 23rd to discuss the peace plan, indicating European efforts to modify the proposal.
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Russian media throughout the day maintained an intense focus on peace plans for Ukraine. Early reports indicated Europe sent its version of a peace plan to the US, seeking changes to Trump's proposal. By late morning, discussions centered on a drone attack at the Shaturskaya GRES power plant near Moscow, with reports detailing the incident. Concurrently, the EU's alternative peace plan for Ukraine emerged, with media detailing its content. Later, reports indicated the US plans talks with Russia regarding Trump's proposal, with Trump himself criticizing Ukraine for a perceived lack of gratitude. By evening, both EU and US proposals continued to be reported, with sources detailing the full text of the EU plan and progress on US-Ukraine negotiations. Turkey also indicated plans to resume the grain deal.
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Russian media continued to focus on the US peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports indicated Ukraine confirmed an updated US-Ukraine plan aligned with its interests, following previous days' discussions on European resistance to Trump's proposal. Throughout the morning, state media reported on foiled railway sabotage in Altai Krai and Russian military advances in Krasnoarmeysk.
By early afternoon, Russian sources highlighted Putin's discussion of the US plan with Erdoğan, suggesting it could form a basis for settlement. Later, reports emerged detailing the plan's refinement, with points reduced from 28 to 19, and the removal of clauses concerning the unfreezing of Russian assets and normalization of relations between Russia and the US. Concurrently, Russia dismissed the EU's plan as unsuitable.
By early afternoon, Russian sources highlighted Putin's discussion of the US plan with Erdoğan, suggesting it could form a basis for settlement. Later, reports emerged detailing the plan's refinement, with points reduced from 28 to 19, and the removal of clauses concerning the unfreezing of Russian assets and normalization of relations between Russia and the US. Concurrently, Russia dismissed the EU's plan as unsuitable.
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Russian media began the day with significant coverage of Ukrainian drone attacks across southern Russia, particularly in the Rostov region and Krasnodar Krai, detailing casualties and the scale of the strikes. Concurrently, reports emerged of US-Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi concerning Trump's plan. By early afternoon, media noted Ukraine's agreement to the general terms of the US peace plan, with mentions of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and changes made to Trump's proposal. Late in the day, the focus intensified on Trump's belief that a deal was "very close," with reports of him instructing an envoy, Witkoff, to meet Putin in Moscow to finalize the plan. Separately, Putin approved a new national policy strategy until 2036.
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Russian media maintained its focus on the Ukraine peace plan. Morning reports confirmed Trump's envoy, Witkoff, would visit Moscow next week to meet Putin to finalize a deal, despite earlier Kyiv refusals to withdraw from Donbas. Discussions also revolved around alleged leaks of phone calls involving presidential aide Ushakov and the US plan's details, with Ushakov denying their authenticity and calling them attempts to derail negotiations. Russia stated it would not make concessions. Later, the EU was reported to be preparing legal justification for using Russian assets. Putin's official visit to Kyrgyzstan was also highlighted, and reports emerged of a reported coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau.
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Russian media began the day reporting on the shooting near the White House and President Trump's statements linking the attack to illegal migrants, leading to a freeze on immigration requests from Afghanistan. Concurrently, reports covered Putin's arrival at the CSTO summit in Bishkek. By late morning, the focus shifted to the sentencing of individuals involved in the Crimean Bridge attack to life imprisonment, and the Supreme Court's decision to label the FBK a terrorist organization. In the early afternoon, Russian media heavily emphasized President Putin's statements on Ukraine peace plans, particularly Trump's proposal, and his conditions for ending the conflict, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas. Discussions also covered Russia's 'revolution' in drone technology and the CSTO's readiness to repel aggression. The day concluded with further details on Putin's peace terms and international recognition of Crimea and Donbas.
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Russian media began the day reporting on new Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and Ukrainian President Zelensky facing an investigation into military equipment procurement. Concurrently, President Putin's upcoming state visit to India and his scheduled meeting with Hungarian PM Orban were reported. By late morning, the focus shifted to the "Geneva version" of a peace plan for Ukraine, with Moscow having received its key parameters, while an anti-corruption raid targeted a top Zelensky aide. In the afternoon, reports intensified on the potential US recognition of Crimea and Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories, with mentions of Trump's proposals to Putin. The day concluded with prominent coverage of the resignation of Ukrainian President Zelensky's chief of staff, Yermak, with Russian outlets speculating on its implications for Ukraine's leadership. Separately, two "shadow fleet" tankers reportedly exploded and caught fire in the Black Sea near Turkey, and Putin signed amendments to the tax code, including a VAT increase.
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Russian media continued its focus on the dismissal of Ukrainian presidential aide Yermak, with reports of him going to the front and allegations of corruption within Zelensky's government. Negotiations between Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban were described as successful. The narrative shifted to extensive Ukrainian drone attacks across Russian regions, including a fire at an oil refinery in the Krasnodar region. Subsequently, the FSB reported foiling a Ukrainian-planned terrorist attack on a gas pipeline in the Moscow region, alongside attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's terminal, halting oil shipments, and a second attack on a tanker in the Black Sea. President Trump's announcement of closing Venezuelan airspace also received significant coverage, with some outlets reporting on potential Putin-Trump talks in Budapest.
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Russian media began the day with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks across Russian regions and alleged Ukrainian attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The narrative progressed to discussions of intensifying US pressure on Zelensky and a Hungarian proposal for Ukraine to become a buffer zone. By late morning, the focus shifted to Russia condemning the alleged Ukrainian attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, with Kazakhstan also expressing protest. Reports of Russian strikes on Ukrainian defense enterprises and Ukraine's counter-sanctions against Russian oil companies were also noted. In the afternoon, significant coverage was given to alleged Ukrainian attacks on tankers in the Black Sea carrying Russian citizens, while US official Rubio's statements on productive negotiations for a Ukrainian settlement were also highlighted.