Security Council debates Ukraine war as UN experts cite over 1,000 sexual violence cases
Today, the Security Council once again debates a path to peace , though any resolution still runs up against the veto of Russia, one of its own permanent members, whose objections have repeatedly stalled any consensus. As world leaders take the floor, the gap between diplomatic process and battlefield reality appears to be stark. Today, the Security Council once again debates a path to peace , though any resolution still runs up against the veto of Russia, one of its own permanent members, whose objections have repeatedly stalled any consensus. As world leaders take the floor, the gap between diplomatic... [Continue Reading]
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Russia's ruling party wins record Duma majority as war veterans enter parliament
United Russia says 49 veterans of the war against Ukraine have won seats in Russia's new State Duma, as the ruling party secured a record 355 of the 450 seats in the lower house. The figures were released after the first parliamentary election held since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The result leaves the legislature even more closely aligned with the Kremlin than before.The party's general secretary, Vladimir Yakushev, initially said 86 participants in what Moscow calls its "special military operation" would be elected, before later correcting the number to 49. United Russia's tally gives it a larger... [Continue Reading]
Russia's United Russia wins record Duma majority in first parliamentary vote since Ukraine war began
Russia's ruling United Russia party has won a record 355 seats in the State Duma, according to preliminary results released after the country's three-day parliamentary election. The result gives President Vladimir Putin's party a supermajority in the 450-seat lower house of parliament. It is the first national parliamentary vote held since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Ella Pamfilova, who heads the election commission, announced the preliminary tally on Monday after almost all votes had been counted. The election took place over three days, and parties critical of Putin did not take part. The result surpasses the previous record set in 2016 and... [Continue Reading]
Trump signs Russia sanctions package into law as pressure on energy revenues intensifies
US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions package into law targeting Russian officials, banks and a shadow tanker fleet used to move energy exports. The measure is intended to increase pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and to reduce the revenues that support Russia's military effort. It was signed on Friday, according to the supplied material, after clearing Congress with large bipartisan majorities.The legislation had been in development for more than a year and was described as a legacy effort linked to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who co-led the push with Senator Richard Blumenthal. It... [Continue Reading]
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Russia votes for new State Duma under shadow of Ukraine war
Millions of people in Russia are voting for a new State Duma, the country's lower house of parliament, in an election taking place under the shadow of the war in Ukraine. Critics say the result is effectively predetermined, while officials have urged turnout as a sign of support for the state. The vote is the first parliamentary election since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.The election comes as the war continues to shape domestic politics and public life. According to the supplied material, rising living costs have added pressure on households, while Ukrainian drones are increasingly targeting oil refineries and... [Continue Reading]
Russia transfers Nestle and three French firms' Russian operations to LEV Management
Russian authorities have transferred the Russian operations of Swiss food group Nestle and three French companies to a firm called LEV Management, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. The move affects the Russian businesses of Auchan, the former Leroy Merlin chain now known as Lemana Pro, and logistics group FM Logistic. It is the latest state action against Western firms that remained in Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.The decree was issued late on Thursday, and the transfer covers the residual businesses and assets of the companies named in the order. The supporting material says Moscow... [Continue Reading]

