Kremlin

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.

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.