Kremlin

Russia's presidential election is being described as a 'special election operation', a pointed play on the Kremlin's own term for its war in Ukraine. The phrase captures a mood of deepening pessimism inside Russia, where voters face a managed contest with no genuine opposition on the ballot and little expectation of change. Commentary highlights war fatigue, economic strain and public resignation as the vote effectively confirms the existing leadership.

Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency has published an article titled 'Russia faces another special military operation. It will be very short.' The piece was written by Alexander Nosovich, a pro-Kremlin commentator. Critics point to the announcement being spread through the agency's propagandists as a sign Moscow is preparing a new military campaign, prompting alarm and heavy discussion online about what the operation could involve.

Reports say six Russian-orchestrated terror plots were foiled in Europe, with claims the alleged operations were carried out as the Kremlin seeks to distract from setbacks on the Ukraine frontline. The allegations add to concerns that Russian sabotage and covert activity against European targets is intensifying as the war grinds on.

Air and missile strikes killed six people in Ukraine and one in Russia, following Moscow's rejection of German calls to de-escalate the war. The casualties underline how talks between Berlin and the Kremlin have failed to slow fighting, with attacks continuing on both sides. Observers say the rejection of diplomacy signals a prolonged conflict with no immediate path to a ceasefire.

Igor 'Strelkov' Girkin, the former Russian militant and Kremlin critic currently imprisoned, has warned that Russia inevitably faces a 'terrible future' after Vladimir Putin. He claimed the country risks disintegrating and falling into the hands of figures like the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, whom he described as 'sullen, cocaine-addicted gangsters with sadistic, perverted tendencies.'

Lithuania is drawing up plans for a possible 'new short special military operation' that Kremlin propagandists have threatened against it. According to Delfi, Lithuania and Poland are coordinating an international evacuation plan for residents of the Baltic states. Lithuanian National Crisis Management Centre director Vilmantas Milkintas is involved in the preparations, reflecting growing concern in the Baltics about Russian aggression spilling over.

Commenters are marking day 1,677 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, denouncing what they call daily terror, killing and destruction ordered by the Kremlin. Posts branding Putin a monster ask who gives the orders to kill and destroy each day and why, reflecting continuing anger across Europe over the ongoing war and its civilian toll.