Week-ending 26 June 2026
Russia’s War against Ukraine
This week, arson attacks on properties connected to Keir Starmer in May 2025 were linked to Russia. (The Guardian, 21/6/26)
Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea have suspended fuel sales to private individuals and businesses amid a severe fuel shortage. (RFE/RL, 21/6/26)
Russia’s gasoline production dropped about 25% in the week of June 15–21 compared to average daily output for June 2025, Reuters reported on June 23. (Meduza, 23/6/26)
Russia is facing its worst nationwide fuel shortages in years, with at least 17 regions imposing mandatory restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales. (RFE/RL, 24/6/26)
Russia is negotiating with Kazakhstan to buy about 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline to ease a domestic shortage. (The Moscow Times, 24/6/26)
A textbook titled History of the Donbas and Novorossiya is to be introduced in all schools in the Ukrainian regions annexed and occupied by Russia. (Meduza, 24/6/26)
Fewer and fewer Russians are willing to sign military contracts, and the authorities are beginning to weigh a new wave of mobilization. (Meduza, 24/6/26)
Deputy leader of Russia’s Yabloko party Maksim Kruglov was convicted of spreading lies about the Russian army and jailed for seven years. (The Guardian, 25/6/26)
On 25 June mobile carriers began warning Moscow residents of potential internet disruptions in the city. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
Russian courts processed state security cases faster in 2026 and handed down sentences at a higher rate, according to Department One human rights organisation. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
The Russian cognitive warfare narrative appears to have so far failed. (ISW, 25/6/27)
Other news
A new Moscow museum about fascist crimes against civilians in World War II opened in the building formerly housing the Gulag History Museum. (Meduza, 22/6/26)
Russia’s construction industry is running into trouble as the government scales back subsidies and reins in spending amid its own budget strains. (The Moscow Times, 23/6/26)
The former CEO of Russia’s state-owned airline Aeroflot has been arrested and faces corruption charges, Russian media reported on Tuesday. (The Moscow Times, 23/6/26)
A domestic violence law could discourage men from getting married, chair of the State Duma committee on family protection, paternity, maternity, and childhood, said. (Meduza, 23/6/26)
Living together outside of marriage threatens Russia’s national security, Deputy Justice Minister Vadim Balanin said. (Meduza, 24/6/26)
Lithuania has deported Beslan Estemirov, a Chechen man, to Russia. (Meduza, 24/6/26)
Russians designated as “foreign agents” face new restrictions on their rights, barring them from transferring real estate and intellectual property without payment. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
Several apps from the VK holding company, including Dzen, VK Video, VK Messenger, VK Music, and VK Dating, were removed from the App Store. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
Russian authorities used tools from the Israeli company Cellebrite to break into the phone of a political prisoner after the contracts with Russia were cancelled. (The Guardian, 25/6/26)
A military court remanded Wisam Ali Bardwil, ex-head mufti of Karelia and chair of the Union of Islamic Organizations of Russia, in custody. (The Moscow Times, 25/6/26)
Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) has unveiled a design for a prefabricated correctional center for convicts sentenced to forced labor. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
Meduza journalist Vladislav Gorin has been charged with carrying out the activities of an “undesirable” organization. (Meduza, 25/6/26)
