Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China on May 19 for two days, aiming to expand ties with Xi Jinping and sign a joint declaration. The trip comes right after Donald Trump’s high-profile return to Beijing, where major trade and geopolitical disputes, including Ukraine, remained unresolved. Putin will also discuss economic and trade cooperation with Premier Li Qiang. With Western sanctions squeezing Russia’s energy access, China remains Moscow’s crucial buyer of oil and gas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolence messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a severe cyclone and storms devastated parts of Uttar Pradesh. The note expressed deep sympathy for those affected and highlighted solidarity with India during the crisis, as rescue and recovery efforts continue across the region.
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Russia says it has completed a successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, with President Vladimir Putin calling it the world’s most powerful missile system. The weapon is designed to evade or penetrate missile defenses, and Russia expects it to be operational by year end. The test signals continued push to strengthen strategic deterrence.
As the year closes, President Vladimir Putin says Russia will deploy the new Sarmat nuclear missile. After repeated delays, the long-awaited system is being framed as the world’s most formidable missile, capable of striking targets thousands of miles away. The rollout signals a step up in Russia’s nuclear strategy and geopolitical leverage.
Vladimir Putin called the US-Iran conflict in West Asia “very difficult,” while insisting Moscow has seen no evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. He cited Russia’s role in the 2015 nuclear deal and referenced Iran’s Bushehr project, arguing existing cooperation and implementation undercut fears of hidden nuclear aims.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he briefed India, China, and the United States on risks in Kyiv before Moscow agreed to a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine during Victory Day commemorations. He described the pause as driven by humanitarian and historical considerations, and said it includes a prisoner exchange—framing the truce as coordinated groundwork rather than a sudden move.
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On Victory Day, Vladimir Putin told media the Ukraine conflict is “coming to an end,” while blaming the “globalist wing” of Western elites for provoking the war. He pointed to NATO expansion and referenced the failure of a 2022 Istanbul agreement, amid fresh claims after Trump announced a three-day ceasefire Russia and Ukraine reportedly agreed to.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end and indicated he is open to talks. He suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred negotiator, while European Union leaders are reportedly preparing for potential discussions. Moscow has previously urged European governments to initiate contact after cutting ties in 2022.
In a scaled-back Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, Vladimir Putin told Russians his soldiers in Ukraine face an “aggressive force” backed by NATO and said his war aims are “just.” Speaking alongside Russian units and troops from North Korea, he invoked the Soviet victory to bolster support for the campaign despite the reduced ceremony.
Russia is gearing up for Victory Day, but the usual spectacle in Moscow is being overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. A unilateral ceasefire collapsed rapidly, with both sides trading blame as fighting continued. Security concerns and domestic unease are driving a more restrained Red Square event, including the absence of military hardware this year.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg to hold high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Iranian state media. The visit comes after meetings in Islamabad aimed at advancing a regional diplomatic agenda amid an ongoing crisis. Both sides are expected to discuss coordination and next steps at a sensitive moment in regional politics.
A new wave of Russian public criticism is emerging as influencers and creators openly question President Putin’s wartime policies. The pushback is being driven by economic hardship and strict internet controls, with Putin’s approval ratings reportedly sliding. While it is not an immediate threat to the Kremlin, analysts say the unrest signals mounting pressure as shutdowns and strain fuel frustration.
Ahead of the G20 summit in Miami, speculation is mounting over whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend. The Kremlin says a high-ranking Russian official will be present, but stops short of confirming Putin’s participation. With global tensions rising, Russia is signalling that the summit matters and expects consequential discussions—leaving the key question unresolved.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi next year for the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow on July 8–9, 2024 for the 22nd summit. The upcoming dates could shape how both countries reset diplomatic momentum and deepen cooperation.
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Russia’s central bank has already sold about 21.8 tonnes of gold in 2026, or roughly 22,000 kilograms, according to a Kitco report citing regional reporting. The move is linked to a widening budget deficit, reported at $61.2 billion by end-March, as Moscow seeks funds amid mounting fiscal pressure.
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