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Moscow Times
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- 1
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a new expansion of Russia's military, according to reporting picked up by international outlets including The Brussels Times. The decree adds to a series of build-ups announced since the invasion of Ukraine, as Moscow seeks to enlarge troop numbers and strengthen its armed forces. The move is being watched closely by NATO members and European governments concerned about long-term Russian military capacity.
- 2Putin orders fourth army expansion of the yearโPutin expands army for fourth time this year as war losses mount
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding the size of the Russian armed forces for the fourth time in 2025, according to Euronews. The move comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues to generate heavy troop losses, forcing the Kremlin to repeatedly raise recruitment targets. It underscores the mounting strain the conflict is placing on Russia's manpower and military planning.
- 3
Russian budget documents show military spending is set to rise 27% in 2027, according to reporting by The Moscow Times. The increase points to a continued shift of state finances toward defense and would extend years of heavy military outlays already driven by the war in Ukraine, raising questions about funding for civilian priorities and the sustainability of the budget.
- 4Russia Withholds Final Duma Results for Occupied RegionsโThe Russian Central Election Commission has not yet released final State Duma election results for four occupied Ukraini
Russia's Central Election Commission has not published final State Duma election results for four occupied Ukrainian territories or 21 federal subjects, according to the Moscow Times. Significant data gaps are also reported in the Kursk region and Yakutia, raising questions about the completeness and transparency of the official vote count.
- 5Six Crew Dead After Military Plane Crash in Amur RegionโAt Least 6 Crew Members Confirmed Dead After Military Plane Crashes in Amur Region
At least six crew members have been confirmed dead after a Russian military aircraft crashed in the Amur region in Russia's Far East. The Moscow Times reported the death toll, citing confirmation that those on board were killed. Details about the cause of the crash and the type of aircraft have not been confirmed, and no survivors have been reported so far.
- 6Journalist Describes Being Pulled Into Putin Disinformation OperationโHow I Got Dragged Into a Putin Disinformation Op
Mother Jones has published a first-person account detailing how the writer became entangled in a Russian disinformation operation linked to the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin. The piece recounts how the author's work or name was used, knowingly or not, in a broader effort to spread pro-Moscow narratives. It adds to ongoing coverage of Russian influence campaigns targeting Western media and public debate.
- 7Estonia Calls Defense Company Arson a Deliberate Russian AttackโEstonia Says Arson at Defense Company Was 'Deliberate' Attack by Russia https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/world/europe/
Estonian authorities say a fire at a defense company in the country was a deliberate act of arson carried out by Russia. The announcement, reported by the New York Times, escalates accusations that Moscow is sabotaging European defense infrastructure amid the war in Ukraine. It is likely to intensify security concerns across the Baltic region and NATO.