# Russia
Russian officials hand in their watches before meetings with Putin
The Russian Federal Security Service has tightened the rules for people meeting with Vladimir Putin in a one-on-one setting. Visitors must now hand in not only their mobile phones but also their wristwatches before the meeting
A parade was held in Moscow on 9 May without military equipment
On 9 May, the parade on Red Square in Moscow took place in a scaled-down format. This year’s programme did not include a military vehicle parade, nor were cadets, Suvorov Cadets or Nakhimov Cadets involved
“The EU’s black sheep”: Fico makes a new statement in Moscow
During a visit to Moscow, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he planned to ask Vladimir Putin “a few questions” and to convey a message to him from certain European politicians
Peskov commented on the Ukrainian president’s order regarding the parade
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “decree”, which referred to “permission” to hold a parade in Moscow on 9 May
Zelenskyy has signed a decree regarding the parade in Moscow
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has signed Decree No. 374/2026 concerning the holding of a parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026. The decree provides for the temporary exclusion of the Red Square area from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weaponry for the duration of the event
The Kremlin has revoked the accreditation of foreign journalists for the 9 May parade
The Kremlin has withdrawn the accreditation of foreign media for the military parade in Moscow on 9 May. This year’s celebrations marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender will also take place without a display of military equipment.
Russia is urgently deploying forces to counter Ukrainian drones – Syrskyi
The enemy is deploying a further four regiments, 24 battalions and 162 batteries, outside of the approved plans, to counter Ukrainian strike drones.
Russia is secretly rebuilding a military base in Tartus, Syria
The Russian Federation has begun the process of restoring its naval base in Tartus, Syria. The Kremlin’s navy is once again establishing a foothold in this strategically important region following the withdrawal of US forces.
Putin is losing control of Russia
Within Russian political and business circles, the rhetoric surrounding the government’s actions is shifting, indicating a new perception of Vladimir Putin’s role. His decisions are increasingly described as personal rather than collective decisions of the system.
A former Chinese defence minister, who suddenly disappeared after a single visit to Russia, has been sentenced to death for corruption
Two former Chinese defence ministers have been given suspended death sentences on charges of bribery. One of them is Li Shangfu, who suddenly disappeared from public view in 2023 following his first and only visit to Russia.
Chinese companies continue to supply drone components to Iran and Russia despite US sanctions
The supply of dual-use goods from China to Iran and Russia continues, despite US restrictions. These include components that can be used in the manufacture of drones.
Scared of the strikes? The occupiers have cancelled the 9 May parade in Crimea
The Russian occupiers in Crimea have decided not to hold a military parade or other mass events on 9 May. The so-called ‘head of Crimea’, Sergey Aksyonov, explained that this decision by the so-called authorities was dictated by security considerations.
