President Putin has tasked his government with submitting proposals for a railway link to the Barents Sea; the development of the Arctic region is a strategic priority with massive investment budgeted in military infrastructure and mineral extraction

Russia reportedly struck with a drone the protective shield built over reactor number 4 of the former Chernobyl power plant, exploded in 1986 causing the worst nuclear disaster in history, now still dangerously radioactive

The first prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine in 2025 took place: 25 Ukrainian civilians and military personnel and 25 Russian soldiers were freed

Andrei Kotov, director of 'Men Travel' agency and arrested for "organizing extremist activity and participating in it" was found dead in custody in Moscow amid a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, says organization OVD-Info, which tracks political arrests

President Putin, when asked if he would change his decision to invade Ukraine in any way, replied that he would have to decide 'before' doing so