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Russia Still Needs More Soldiers. The Kremlin Is Still Desperate To Avoid Mobilization

16 October 2026 at 17:48
Many Russians feared the Kremlin would order a new mobilization after last month’s elections: to replenish decimated forces fighting in Ukraine. That hasn’t happened. But creative and coercive recruiting tactics – called “quiet” or “creeping” mobilization by some – continue nationwide.

Popular Iranian Band Refuses To Play After Authorities Bar Female Member From Stage

16 October 2026 at 16:52
The popular Iranian music group Pallett is refusing to play concerts in Iran after authorities barred a female band member from performing on stage. Iranian authorities continue its harsh repression of women, enforcing rules that limit their freedom to sing and perform in public.

Interview: Russia's Shadow War On NATO Is 'Bound To Intensify'

16 October 2026 at 12:58
Russia's shadow campaign of drone incursions, sabotage, and assassination attempts in NATO countries has largely backfired by drawing a resolute response but is approaching a "crucial point," Christopher Walker, vice president of the Center for European Policy Analysis, tells RFE/RL.

Zelenskyy Says US Diesel Deal Will Put Money 'Straight Into Putin's Pocket'

16 October 2026 at 10:42
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, has no interest in peace talks and criticized a US deal with Moscow on diesel exports, saying it will hand more money to Moscow to fund its war against his country.

Rubio Heads To Central Asia As US Seeks Bigger Role In Region Dominated By Russia, China

16 October 2026 at 10:32
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Uzbekistan this weekend for talks with five Central Asian countries as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen commercial ties and expand Washington's strategic presence in the region.

Trophylab: Hundreds Of Foreign Companies Access Research On Russian Weapons Captured In Ukraine

15 October 2026 at 15:40
A Ukrainian platform that shares captured Russian and North Korean military hardware for “destructive testing” and other research has granted access to 376 foreign companies and agencies since its launch, RFE/RL has learned.

Zelenskyy Vows Refinery Strikes, Expresses Anger At US Intel Disruption

15 October 2026 at 12:47
Ukrainian forces have struck an oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan region, Russian officials said, hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian energy facilities and voiced anger over a "dangerous" disruption of satellite intelligence from the United States.

Russia And The Taliban Are Drawing Closer. What's In It For Both Sides?

15 October 2026 at 10:27
Russia is deepening diplomatic and military cooperation with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, driven by security concerns in Central Asia. But worsening Taliban-Pakistan tensions and questions over the scope of Moscow's assistance are complicating the rapprochement.

Girls In Hijabs Turned Away From Azerbaijani Schools Amid Protests Over Dress Code

14 October 2026 at 19:22
A new dress-code dispute in Azerbaijan’s public schools has sparked protests by parents and students after reports that girls wearing hijabs, or Islamic headscarf, were turned away from classes. The protests come after a new ban on clothing deemed incompatible with the secular nature of education.

Ukraine Tests AI-Powered Drones As Debate Grows Over Autonomous Weapons

14 October 2026 at 16:00
Ukraine is increasingly using artificial intelligence in drones and other battlefield systems to track, identify, and attack targets. Military officials say humans still remain in control of lethal decisions, but developers warn that fully autonomous weapons are moving closer to reality.

Survivors Rescued From Kyiv Building After Deadly Russian Strike

14 October 2026 at 11:27
Moscow launched a wave of ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv overnight, killing at least three people and injuring more than 20. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country once again received no advance warning from its Western partners about the Russian attack.

The Coming Cruel Winter: Ukrainians Brace For The Worst Amid Russia's Escalating Air Campaign

14 October 2026 at 10:33
Russia shows no sign of letting up on its escalating aerial campaign against Ukraine’s apartment buildings, bridges, power plants, electricity grid, and other targets. As fall gives way to winter, Kyiv residents are racing to prepare.

Russian Strikes Leave At Least 9 Killed As Kyiv Says West Gave No Warning

14 October 2026 at 06:54
Deadly Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine pounded civilian and energy sites across the country, leaving hundreds of thousands without power despite a cease-fire previously announced by US President Donald Trump.

How Ukraine's Strikes On Data Centers Disrupted Taxis, Shopping, And Business In Russia And Beyond

13 October 2026 at 16:18
Ukrainian drone strikes on three data centers operated by Russia’s Yandex will reportedly take months to repair and have caused widespread disruption in everyday life across Russia and other countries the sprawling tech company operates in.

Russia Pounds Ukraine In Overnight Missile And Drone Attacks

13 October 2026 at 12:35
Russia launched overnight missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other regions. At least four people were killed in Kharkiv. The attacks came amid a US-proposed energy cease-fire that Moscow has not confirmed.

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