Russia

"Putin should be seen as a character from the novels of Dostoyevsky, with all the contradictions and doubts about his own people," said Kissinger in an interview for Economist.
In his opinion, Russia as a whole is "bound to Europe".
"A large part of Europe's rich history is linked to Russia," he said.

Loud explosions were heard in Kiev early Thursday morning, and the city's Military Administration said falling debris caused a fire in a non-residential building.

The scope of the Russian attack against the capital was unclear, and there was no immediate information on casualties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova with the Order of Alexander Nevsky, TASS reported.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is "a fundamental challenge" for European security and a system based on international law and territorial sovereignty, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has said.

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday vowed Russia's military would be victorious in Ukraine and blamed Western countries for the conflict, comparing the fighting to World War II during a military parade on Red Square.

The "Immortal Regiment" procession walked its route from the "Alexander Nevsky" temple-monument to the monument of the Soviet Army, despite the ban of the mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova. Its participants stated that they will not give up, although they expect provocations, but they will not block traffic and move along main boulevards.

Deputy defense ministers of Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye are expected to meet in Istanbul on May 5 for talks on extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 3.

Recalling his recent meetings with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, Akar said both sides were warm on extending the deal.

Day 433 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

The decision was made in light of attempts by the United States and its allies to renew their military presence in Central Asia, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said today.

Although the assassination attempt failed, the Russian authorities are keeping the attempt a secret.