Russia celebrated the arrival of spring with the spectacular Maslenitsa festival, culminating in the torching of a 25-metre wooden structure. This traditional Slavic ritual marks the end of winter and honors ancient customs, drawing crowds to witness the fiery spectacle.
From pancakes to performances, the festival blends culture, community, and spectacle, offering a glimpse into Russia’s rich seasonal traditions. Watch how locals and visitors came together to welcome spring in a blaze of color and fire.

Russia’s Maslenitsa Festival: Russia Welcomes Spring with Fiery Maslenitsa Ritual 

High inflation is putting new pressure on Russia’s economy as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

Despite rising prices and slowing growth, analysts say that inflation alone is unlikely to force Moscow to change its course or end the conflict. The economic strain highlights the challenges facing ordinary Russians amid the ongoing war.

Russia Enters Its Fifth Year Of War Under Rising Prices

Ukrainian forces carried out strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting a key missile factory in the Udmurt Republic. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, demonstrating Kyiv’s ability to hit strategic sites far from the frontlines.


Russian Drones Cut Power To 99,000 In Odesa

Russia has stated that a formal peace deal with Japan remains unlikely decades after World War II, citing ongoing territorial disputes over the Kuril Islands. The announcement underscores persistent tensions between the two nations, complicating diplomatic relations and economic cooperation. Analysts say the stalemate continues to affect regional security in East Asia and limits prospects for resolving historical grievances.


Japan Seeks Peace Deal With Russia; Kremlin Says Deal Unlikely

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Demands Ukraine Cedes Donestsk To End War

Four years after launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s economy has not collapsed — but it has fundamentally transformed.

Western sanctions did not deliver a knockout blow. Instead, Moscow has adapted through military-driven growth, redirected trade flows, financial controls, and increased state intervention. The result: an economy increasingly dependent on defense spending, strategic partnerships, and wartime restructuring.

Here’s a deeper look at how the war has reshaped Russia’s economy — and what long-term costs may still lie ahead.

Russia’s Economic Toll After 4 Years of War in Ukraine 

Ukraine has reported drone strikes in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions amid ongoing conflict with Russian forces. Local officials said the incidents targeted infrastructure and residential areas, raising concerns over civilian safety and continued aerial threats. The strikes come as fighting persists along multiple fronts and drone use remains a key component of modern warfare in the region.


Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Reports Drone Strikes in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia | WION

US President Donald Trump has said he is considering limited military strikes on Iran as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into a nuclear deal, although he did not provide full details on timing or scope. The comments come amid stalled negotiations, a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, and reports that Washington has prepared targeting options that could include military and government sites. Tehran has indicated it may submit a proposal to resolve the standoff, even as tensions remain high between the two countries.


US vs Iran: Trump Considers Limited Military Strikes On Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Standoff | WION

#Gravitas Two European Union members, Hungary and Slovakia, have stopped diesel deliveries to Ukraine stemming from a dispute over an oil pipeline that has now led to the European Commission stepping in. Further compounding a crisis that has already left millions of Ukrainians without reliable power, particularly during the coldest months of the year.


Russia-Ukraine War: Hungary, Slovakia Halt Diesel Supplies to Ukraine | Gravitas

Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States and international community, stating it will respond “decisively” to any military aggression against Iranian territory or forces. Tehran’s communication to the United Nations emphasised it does not desire war but described all U.S. bases, facilities and assets in the region as legitimate targets if attacked. The warning comes amid escalating tensions after U.S. threats of strikes and a significant American military buildup in the Middle East.


Iran vs US: Tehran Tells Washington: Strike Us & We Strike Back Harder | WION

As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, Tehran’s leadership and military figures have issued warnings that it could target US naval assets deployed in the region, including aircraft carriers, amid stalled nuclear talks and a major US military buildup. Iran’s Supreme Leader and lawmakers have alluded to “secret weapons” and anti-ship capabilities that could threaten warships in the Gulf. Analysts note that Iran’s anti-ship missiles and layered defences present asymmetric risks, although sinking a well-defended carrier strike group remains highly challenging. The standoff continues alongside diplomatic efforts and expanded naval exercises.


US vs Iran: Iran's Secret War Plan Revealed | Tehran's Secret Weapon to Sink US Aircraft Carriers

Restaurants and cafes across Russia are shutting down at the fastest rate since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 as consumer spending stalls amid a broader economic slowdown. From Moscow to Vladivostok, eateries have closed in increasing numbers as Russians cut back on discretionary spending, choosing cheaper food options amid high inflation, rising costs, and economic pressures. Analysts say the downturn in dining reflects weakening consumption and mounting strain on the hospitality sector.


Russia: Restaurant Closures Hit Fastest Pace Since 2022 As Russian Consumption Slumps | WION

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it has 10 to 15 days to reach a meaningful agreement over its nuclear programme or face “really bad things”, setting a firm deadline for talks that have stalled amid mounting regional tensions and a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Tehran has said it would respond decisively to any military aggression, while indirect nuclear negotiations continue with limited progress. The deadline and warning come as fears of broader conflict escalate in Washington and beyond.


US vs Iran: Trump Gives Iran 15-Day Ultimatum: ‘Bad Things Will Happen’ If Nuclear Talks Fails |WION

Russia is facing a sharp consumption slump, hitting the restaurant sector hard, with closures occurring at the fastest pace since 2022. Analysts warn that declining consumer spending and economic uncertainty are squeezing eateries across the country, reflecting broader economic pressures. The trend signals challenges for the hospitality industry and possible job losses in the sector.

Russia Faces Dining Crisis as Consumption Declines Rapidly

Restaurants and cafes across Russia are shutting at the fastest pace since the start of the Ukraine war.
Empty storefronts are slowly becoming the new reality.



Russia: Restaurant Closures in Russia Hit Fastest Pace Since 2022 

A recent report has revealed that Western “dual-use” chips, capable of both civilian and military applications, have been delivered to Russia via North Korea and Hong Kong. These sensitive semiconductors, critical for advanced technology and defense systems, highlight ongoing concerns about sanctions evasion, supply chain loopholes, and the global circulation of high-tech components amid geopolitical tensions.


Western Dual-Use Chips Reportedly Reached Russia via North Korea, Hong Kong

Fresh scrutiny has emerged over reports that British-made components may have surfaced in Russian weapons systems, raising questions about supply chains and sanctions enforcement. The developments have triggered debate over whether Western technology continues to reach Russia despite sweeping restrictions. The issue highlights broader concerns around export controls, dual-use goods, and the challenges of preventing sensitive technology from entering conflict zones.


Russia-Ukraine War: Is Britain Fueling Russia's War Machinery? | Gravitas

With increasing military posturing, it seems that U.S. and Iran are alarmingly close to a war. The growing nervousness about disruption to shipments has triggered panic in markets across the world. Meanwhile, Iran and Russia held joint naval drills in the region, further escalating tensions.


US-Iran Tensions: Markets Sink as Nervous World Awaits Deadly US-Iran War | Gravitas

Russia-Ukraine War: Is Britain Fueling Russia's War Machinery? | WION

The United States has launched a large-scale air deployment across West Asia, marking what analysts describe as the most significant concentration of US air power in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over potential escalation. Military observers say the deployment signals a strong show of force as Washington recalibrates its strategic posture.


US vs Iran: US Unleashes Massive Air Armada In West Asia, Biggest Deployment Since Iraq 2003 | WION 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue to stand by Cuba as the Caribbean island faces sweeping US sanctions. The remarks came during a meeting with Cuba’s foreign minister, where both sides discussed potential support measures for Havana. The engagement underscores deepening diplomatic and economic coordination between Moscow and Havana amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions pressure.


Russian President Meets Cuban Foreign Minister, Discuss Support Measures for Havana | WION

Russia’s defence authorities reported intercepting 113 Ukrainian drones in a wave of overnight attacks, with officials saying two people were injured. Regional sources also indicated that a Russian oil refinery was struck during the exchanges. The developments come amid continuing cross-border drone operations and intensifying aerial engagements in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.


Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Downs 113 Ukrainian Drones, Two Injured; Oil Refinery Hit In Russia

Ukraine’s dismissed defence minister has spoken about tensions with President Volodymyr Zelensky, shedding light on internal differences following the reported failure of Kyiv’s attack plan targeting Russia. The remarks add to ongoing debate over military strategy, leadership dynamics, and the broader direction of Ukraine’s war effort. The developments come at a critical stage in the conflict as battlefield and political pressures continue to mount.


Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Ousted Minister Rifts with Zelensky Over Failed Operation' | WION 

Cuba: Putin Says Russia Stands By Cuba Amid Sanctions, Meets Cuban Foreign Minister | WION 

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine’s Ousted Defence Minister On Rift With Zelensky | WION 

Iranian state media reported that Russian naval vessels entered Iran’s southern waters and docked at the First Naval Region base in Bandar Abbas. Iran and Russia are scheduled to hold a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Oman, with drills expected to extend into the northern Indian Ocean. Iranian naval authorities said the exercise is aimed at boosting maritime security and coordination. The developments come amid heightened tensions with the United States, with Iran rejecting US threats and warning against military action.


US vs Iran: Russian Warships Dock In Iran As Tehran Plans Naval Drills | WION

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the next round of peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia is expected to take place before the end of the month. The talks are likely to be held in Switzerland, continuing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
Speaking after discussions on Wednesday, Zelensky indicated that trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and mediators could be convened soon. While previous rounds of dialogue have struggled to deliver a breakthrough, diplomatic channels remain active amid ongoing military tensions.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trilateral Talks With Russia To Be Held Before End Of February

Russia and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, deepening military cooperation and showcasing strategic maritime coordination amid rising tensions with the United States. The drills, aimed at enhancing maritime security and countering threats like maritime terrorism, come alongside broader regional military activities and diplomatic pressures.


Russia Joins Iran in Explosive Naval Showdown at the Sea of Oman 

A large fire was reported near Iran’s capital Tehran, with visuals circulating online showing thick smoke rising from the area. Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information on the cause or extent of the incident. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, though no official link to security or military activity has been confirmed.

Breaking: Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Iran’s Capital Tehran | WION

Multiple media reports citing sources familiar with White House deliberations suggest the risk of a potential US military operation against Iran is increasing if nuclear diplomacy collapses. The reports come amid a significant US military buildup in the region and continued negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While no official announcement has been made, the developments have intensified global attention on the possibility of escalation.


Breaking: Reports Citing White House Sources Say US–Iran War Imminent | WION

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