Serbia's Vucic concedes election defeat as Student List wins parliamentary vote
First published Mon, Oct 26
Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in Serbia's parliamentary elections, acknowledging that the Student List protest movement had won. The result ends his 12-year rule, according to an account of the protests that brought students to the center of Serbian politics.123
Residents of Belgrade celebrated the victory of the "students" and the defeat of Aleksandar Vucic. The European Union congratulated the Student List on its election win and welcomed the political change in Serbia.456
The Kremlin said it hopes for constructive relations with Serbia's new authorities. Russian commentators framed the outcome as the close of an "era of hypocrisy" in Serbia, a phrase carried by Russian outlets summarizing the vote.789
Russian coverage described the Serbian vote as the most important election for the country in recent years, while the balloting was held in an atmosphere that Vedomosti examined in its reporting. The Serbian result drew attention in Moscow because of the two countries' ties.1011
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Moscow says 862 Ukrainian drones flew toward the capital region overnight
First published Fri, Oct 30
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 862 Ukrainian drones flew toward the Moscow region from the evening of 29 October, and that most of them were shot down at "far lines." The figure was carried by Interfax, Vedomosti and Meduza. Telegram channels reported a fire at an oil refinery in Samara Oblast during the same period.123
Attributed claim: Accounts of the overnight total differ. Interfax reported that more than 860 drones flew toward the Moscow region in the night to Friday, while the pro-government outlet novosti Kaliningrad put the number at almost 900 and described the attack as an attempt to stage a Halloween. URA.RU reported that Ukrainian forces sent more than a thousand drones on the day of an important summit.245
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Putin tells Africa summit ruble share of trade is rising as grain exports grow 8 percent
First published Thu, Oct 29
Vladimir Putin addressed the third Russia-Africa summit, where he and Kremlin aide Maxim Oreshkin told African leaders about Russia's economic achievements. Putin singled out the share of the ruble in transactions between Russia and African countries.123
Putin said Russian companies are interested in moving production to Africa as Western sanctions weigh on their operations. He also gave particular attention at the summit to what Interfax described as Africa's growing role in world affairs.45
Russia increased grain exports to Africa by 8 percent over the first nine months of the period covered by the reports. The Eurasian Economic Union has fully removed customs duties on goods imported for 32 African countries.67
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signed bilateral documents with African regional integration blocs on the sidelines of the summit. The Kremlin hosted a formal reception for participants in the third Russia-Africa summit.8910
The summit's closing message was framed by some outlets as the end of a unipolar world, with prospect.com.ru presenting Putin's main statements under that heading. Business Journal described Russia as interested in Africa's development in its account of the bilateral summit.1112
4
Russia adds Apple and Microsoft to information-organiser register, opening data demands
First published Wed, Oct 28
Roskomnadzor added Apple and Microsoft to the register of organisers of information dissemination, the listing that obliges companies to store user data and hand it to the authorities. The entry was made on 2 October, the Telegram channel Tech Talk noted. Interfax reported that Microsoft, Apple and Google with its Meet service were included in the register.1234
Under the register's requirements, the companies must retain correspondence and disclose user data on request. Novaya Gazeta described the listing as obliging them to provide user data to the security services, and SecurityLab said data-storage requirements now apply to both firms.567
The Moscow Times' Russian service reported that the authorities have prepared a legal basis for blocking Apple and Microsoft in Russia. RT's Digital Report carried the same prospect, saying the two companies could be blocked in the country.89
5
Israel's Netanyahu bloc and Eisenkot's opposition tie at 51 seats each, exit polls show
First published Wed, Oct 28
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Voting in Israel's Knesset elections ended and local television channels published exit poll results. The opposition bloc of former General Staff chief Gadi Eisenkot held a small lead over the bloc of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.1
Gadi Eisenkot declared victory in the election, while Netanyahu's bloc was described as trailing the opposition. No party emerged with a majority, and reports said the Netanyahu and opposition blocs could each take 51 seats in the Knesset.2345
Attributed claim: Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot asserted a right to govern after exit polls pointed to a deadlock. One account said Netanyahu failed to overtake his rivals on record turnout.67
Attributed claim: A Greek wire outlet reported that Netanyahu ordered the army and Mossad to overthrow the government in Iran, presenting war as an election argument. The claim goes beyond other cited accounts, which reported only that the Israeli General Staff chief opposed a planned Iran-linked operation.8
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Microsoft offers 60,000 staff voluntary exit as it shifts spending to AIThe company is seeking the departures to save money while it funds investment in artificial intelligence. Russian business and tech outlets described the offer as a voluntary-exit programme rather than a layoff.
Microsoft offers 60,000 staff voluntary exit as it shifts spending to AI
First published Thu, Oct 29
The company is seeking the departures to save money while it funds investment in artificial intelligence. Russian business and tech outlets described the offer as a voluntary-exit programme rather than a layoff.1234
The offer was reported on Monday by Meduza, Euronews, Habr and CNews.ru, among others, and recirculated by БИЗНЕС Online and RT on Thursday.562378
Separately, Roskomnadzor added Apple and Microsoft to Russia's register of organisers of information dissemination, obliging the companies to store user data and share it with the authorities.9
Russian and Ukrainian delegations hold first in-person meeting at Gomel airport over Aleshki operationRussian and Ukrainian delegations met at the airport in Gomel, Belarus, in connection with a humanitarian operation in Aleshki (Oleshky) in the Kherson region. Belarusian state wire BelTA described it as the first face-to-face meeting of the two delegations. The delegations later flew out of Gomel, according to CTV.by, which linked the trip to Belarus's participation in the humanitarian mission.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations hold first in-person meeting at Gomel airport over Aleshki operation
First published Thu, Oct 29 · Updated Fri, Oct 30
Russian and Ukrainian delegations met at the airport in Gomel, Belarus, in connection with a humanitarian operation in Aleshki (Oleshky) in the Kherson region. Belarusian state wire BelTA described it as the first face-to-face meeting of the two delegations. The delegations later flew out of Gomel, according to CTV.by, which linked the trip to Belarus's participation in the humanitarian mission.123456
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova said humanitarian aid had been sent to Aleshki, the city in the Kherson region that Ukraine calls Oleshky. Lantratova flew to Aleshki together with foreign journalists, and journalists from Newsmax are to observe the operation there.78
Patriarch Kirill described the situation in Aleshki as grave. The assessment came as the humanitarian operation and the delegations' meeting in Gomel were reported.9
UPDATES
· New development
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund announced the start of a humanitarian operation in Aleshki, Interfax reported on Friday.101112
A humanitarian convoy set off for Aleshki, Radio Svoboda reported.121113
Kremlin rules out European role in three-way Ukraine talks, Ushakov says date due soonKremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the exact date of talks with Ukraine will be announced soon, and the Kremlin excluded Europeans from three-way negotiations on Ukraine. Ushakov also addressed whether Europe would be invited to the negotiating table.
Kremlin rules out European role in three-way Ukraine talks, Ushakov says date due soon
First published Wed, Oct 28
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the exact date of talks with Ukraine will be announced soon, and the Kremlin excluded Europeans from three-way negotiations on Ukraine. Ushakov also addressed whether Europe would be invited to the negotiating table.123
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Russia has a serious intent to negotiate, a statement carried in Russian coverage of the talks.43
On Thursday the Kremlin gave the format of the Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, and spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out European participation in further security negotiations. Peskov excluded an automatic role for Finnish President Alexander Stubb as Europe's negotiator.567
Attributed claim: Accounts differ on Europe's place in the talks. Opposition outlet Rosbalt and wire outlet saomos.news reported that Peskov did not rule out European participation in the Ukraine talks, but not in Abu Dhabi, while the earlier Kremlin line excluded Europeans from the three-way format entirely.891
The talks follow Vladimir Putin's phone calls with Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in which the two leaders urged him to resume peace negotiations. The conversation came ahead of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi.12
Putin holds phone talks with Finland's Stubb and Norway's Støre on ending Ukraine warPresident Vladimir Putin held telephone talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about ending the war with Ukraine, the Finnish president's office said. For Stubb it was his first conversation with the Russian president since the war began. The calls were the first talks between European leaders and Putin on Ukraine in a year.
Putin holds phone talks with Finland's Stubb and Norway's Støre on ending Ukraine war
First published Tue, Oct 27
President Vladimir Putin held telephone talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about ending the war with Ukraine, the Finnish president's office said. For Stubb it was his first conversation with the Russian president since the war began. The calls were the first talks between European leaders and Putin on Ukraine in a year.1234
Stubb said the phone talks were prepared jointly with Ukraine and the United States. The conversation came ahead of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi.56
The Finnish and Norwegian leaders urged Putin to resume peace negotiations.7
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reacted with anger to the conversation between Stubb, Støre and Putin.8
Russia's Defense Ministry announces ceasefire on Kherson front as Kremlin reports no violationsRussia's Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire on the Kherson front, and Russian forces introduced a silence regime near Aleshki in the Kherson region. The announcement was carried by Interfax and the outlet БИЗНЕС Online.
Russia's Defense Ministry announces ceasefire on Kherson front as Kremlin reports no violations
First published Tue, Oct 27
Russia's Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire on the Kherson front, and Russian forces introduced a silence regime near Aleshki in the Kherson region. The announcement was carried by Interfax and the outlet БИЗНЕС Online.12
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the ceasefire regime in Aleshki could become a precedent, and he allowed that a halt in fighting on the Aleshki model could extend to other sections of the front. The prospect was reported by Vedomosti and Эксперт.34
State Duma deputy Yana Lantratova confirmed information about a partial ceasefire on the front and described the tasks of a humanitarian mission in Aleshki. She called the forced evacuation of families from Aleshki unacceptable, Interfax and Vedomosti reported.567
The Kremlin said it had received no reports of violations of the silence regime on the Kherson front, Interfax reported. The ceasefire was described as beginning in occupied Oleshky with US mediation, against a backdrop of Russian strikes on Kyiv.89
Melania Trump allowed for the possibility of a trip to Ukraine, BFM.ru reported. The statement circulated alongside the ceasefire announcements in Russian coverage.10
Russia's central bank tells lenders to check the source of large cash depositsThe Bank of Russia has recommended that banks monitor the source of funds when clients deposit large sums of cash. Clients will be required to show where their income comes from during cash operations, and lenders will ask Russians questions about their money.
Russia's central bank tells lenders to check the source of large cash deposits
First published Tue, Oct 27
The Bank of Russia has recommended that banks monitor the source of funds when clients deposit large sums of cash. Clients will be required to show where their income comes from during cash operations, and lenders will ask Russians questions about their money.123
The recommendation took effect from 26 October, with banks set to check clients who pay large cash sums into their accounts more often. The central bank's guidance covers large cash deposits specifically.456
Ukrainian drone and missile attack on Voronezh kills two and injures 17A Ukrainian drone and missile attack on Voronezh killed two people and injured 17, Meduza and Radio Svoboda reported. Residents of a struck apartment building said they ran straight to the basement when the drones hit, TV Губерния reported.
Ukrainian drone and missile attack on Voronezh kills two and injures 17
First published Mon, Oct 26
A Ukrainian drone and missile attack on Voronezh killed two people and injured 17, Meduza and Radio Svoboda reported. Residents of a struck apartment building said they ran straight to the basement when the drones hit, TV Губерния reported.123
The Investigative Committee opened a terrorism case after the drone attack on Voronezh Oblast, Vedomosti reported. The strike also damaged a passenger train running through Ryazan, RZN.info reported.45
Nine trains passing through Ryazan were delayed because of the drone attack, RZN.info reported. A train heading through Ryazan was hit by drones in Voronezh Oblast, РИА «7 новостей» reported, and trains through the city were held up after the overnight attack, Рязанские Новости and Областная Рязанская Газета reported.6789
Lula da Silva wins Brazil's presidential runoff; Putin congratulates him as Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to concedeLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva won the second round of Brazil's presidential election, returning to the office for a fourth term. His opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, refused to recognize the result. Pre-election polling had pointed to a win for Bolsonaro's son.
Lula da Silva wins Brazil's presidential runoff; Putin congratulates him as Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to concede
First published Mon, Oct 26
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won the second round of Brazil's presidential election, returning to the office for a fourth term. His opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, refused to recognize the result. Pre-election polling had pointed to a win for Bolsonaro's son.123
Vladimir Putin congratulated Lula da Silva on his election victory, and the Kremlin welcomed the outcome. Russian state outlets framed the result around Lula's standing as a friend of Putin.456
Attributed claim: Russian coverage diverged on what the result means for markets and for Moscow's position. The pro-government outlet Finansy Mail said Brazilian markets were preparing for a crash after what it called Lula's unexpected victory, while state and wire outlets reported the win and the Kremlin's welcome without describing market fallout.785
One wire item reported that Western commentators described the Brazilian vote as a victory for Putin, a framing that appeared alongside the Kremlin's own welcome of Lula's win.95
Opposition outlet Novaya Gazeta published a card-style piece on five consequences of a possible victory by the right in Brazil, treating the outcome as consequential for Moscow.10
Israeli army chief opposes Netanyahu's plan for Iran-linked operation as Trump weighs deal or destructionThe chief of the Israeli General Staff spoke out against Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to launch an operation tied to Iran, Interfax reported. The same reports say Netanyahu failed to persuade Donald Trump to strike Iran before Israel's elections, a claim carried by CNN. Trump said he faces a choice between a deal and destroying Iran.
Israeli army chief opposes Netanyahu's plan for Iran-linked operation as Trump weighs deal or destruction
First published Mon, Oct 26
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
The chief of the Israeli General Staff spoke out against Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to launch an operation tied to Iran, Interfax reported. The same reports say Netanyahu failed to persuade Donald Trump to strike Iran before Israel's elections, a claim carried by CNN. Trump said he faces a choice between a deal and destroying Iran.1234
The Wall Street Journal reported possible US plans to strike Iran, including bombs delivered to an aircraft carrier, according to RT. Afghan airports could be used for strikes on Iran, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported. Trump denied reports that sanctions against Iran could be eased, and earlier said he was ready to lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian funds in exchange for nuclear steps.563
Attributed claim: A Greek wire outlet reported that Netanyahu ordered the army and Mossad to overthrow the government in Iran, presenting the war as an election argument. That account goes further than the Interfax report, which describes only opposition from the chief of the Israeli General Staff to a planned Iran-linked operation. The Russian state and opposition outlets that carried the Interfax line did not report an order to topple the Iranian government.712
Iran-US negotiations in New York proceeded without a direct meeting between the parties, and the talks are taking place while Washington and Tehran remain in a military conflict. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed negotiations conducted through Qatari mediators, with Iran expecting a US response on Tuesday. Trump rejected a ceasefire proposed by Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz and claimed the United States is close to victory in the conflict.345
Yandex moves all three supercomputers to new sites after drone attacks on data centresYandex has relocated all three of its supercomputers — Lyapunov, Galushkin and Chervonenkis — to new locations, the company's press service said. The move followed Ukrainian drone attacks on the company's data centres.
Yandex moves all three supercomputers to new sites after drone attacks on data centres
First published Mon, Oct 26
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Yandex has relocated all three of its supercomputers — Lyapunov, Galushkin and Chervonenkis — to new locations, the company's press service said. The move followed Ukrainian drone attacks on the company's data centres.123
The company reported that all three supercomputers survived the attacks on its data centres. Yandex disclosed the condition of the machines after the strikes.4567
The attacks on Yandex data centres disrupted services: users reported failures in the taxi service and problems with Disk. The three supercomputers were described as at risk in the aftermath of the strikes.8
Attributed claim: Novaya Gazeta framed the strikes on Yandex's infrastructure around a wider question of what would happen to the company's services and data, asking whether Russia would be left without internet. The state outlets Vedomosti and Finansy Mail reported the preservation of the supercomputers and the relocation without disputing the account.945
