Russia bans Human Rights Watch in widening crackdown on critics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia is prepared to take control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by force if necessary, or else Ukraine's troops must withdraw. This statement coincides with ongoing negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials aimed at resolving the conflict.

Russian authorities have blocked access to Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime, citing the apps' alleged use in organizing terrorist activities and committing crimes within the country. This action is part of a broader effort to tighten control over online communications as stated by the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor.

European leaders have cautioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure a firm commitment from Washington before making concessions to Russia in ongoing peace negotiations. This warning comes amid a high-speed push for a peace plan by the U.S., which has raised concerns about the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and security.

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting China for discussions with President Xi Jinping, focusing on trade imbalances and China's support for Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The talks are part of Macron's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and address significant economic challenges, including a projected €400 billion trade deficit for the European Union with China this year.

US envoys are set to meet with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks in Florida, aiming to advance discussions on a peace framework to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting follows President Donald Trump's recent decision to ease economic pressure on Russia by lifting some sanctions on Lukoil, a major Russian oil company.

A public inquiry has determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin is 'morally responsible' for the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died after being poisoned by a nerve agent in the UK. Sturgess was inadvertently involved in an assassination attempt targeting former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in March 2018. The inquiry highlights the implications of state-sponsored actions on innocent lives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss energy and defense cooperation. This visit comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on India regarding its ties with Russia and follows the imposition of tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil by the U.S.

Ukraine's anticorruption bureau is increasingly theatrical in its approach, revealing details of ongoing investigations amid the backdrop of Russia's prolonged invasion. The bureau's latest focus includes a significant corruption probe involving high-ranking officials, which has drawn public attention akin to a dramatic series.