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Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, Russia, on June 18, 2026.
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A predetermined vote in an increasingly unpredictable Russia

by Karol Luczka

In Russia, where elections offer little real uncertainty, the Kremlin still stages the ritual of competition — a carefully managed exercise designed not to choose leaders but to reinforce President Vladimir Putin's claim to legitimacy. With the upcoming parliamentary elections set for Sept. 20, the first since the start of the all-out war against Ukraine, the Kremlin's political wing is tasked with a risky endeavour — mustering up high numbers for Putin's United Russia party in a country stuck

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Ukraine's Ambassador to US: Why Ukraine celebrates America's 250th too

There are anniversaries that belong to one nation, and there are anniversaries that remind the world why certain ideas never stop mattering. America's 250th birthday is both. For Ukrainians, this celebration is more than an occasion to congratulate a friend, as we honor a country whose founding principles have inspired generations far beyond its shores, including our own. This day is also a chance to express something deeply personal: our gratitude to the American people. Over the past severa

U.S. and Ukrainian flags in Washington, D.C., U.S., on April 23, 2024.

Ukraine war latest: SBU strikes Russia's Saky air base in occupied Crimea for second time in a week

Key developments on July 3: * Ukraine strikes Russia's Saky air base in occupied Crimea for second time in a week, SBU says * Poland should be cautious in promising further Ukraine aid at NATO summit, PM Tusk says * Next months may be 'critical,' Tusk says amid reports of planned Russian provocation against Poland * 'Terror is their only argument:' Russia's attacks on Ukraine continue, 2 children killed, 10 others injured Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said on July 3 it had struck two Ru

Southern Europe lays siege to newest EU sanctions package

The EU is hoping to pass its 21st sanctions package at a July 13 meeting of foreign ministers, just in time for summer, but a spate of objections by largely southern countries threatens to deprive the European Commission's original proposal of most of its punch. In its original proposal, outlined by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 9, the 21st sanctions package was set to break new ground with measures targeting cryptocurrency, Russian fisheries, and entry bans on anyone who se

About Russia

The Kyiv Independent’s coverage of news on Russia. Spanning eleven time zones across Eastern Europe and Asia, Russia has an estimated population of 146 million people. Russia’s capital city is Moscow, which is home to almost one in 10 Russians. Russia’s official currency is the Russian Ruble.

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