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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Germany Starts Nord Stream 'War Crime' Trial With Prosecutors Blaming Ukrainian 'State Authorities'

13 October 2026 at 08:09
After four years of speculation, leaks, and briefings by anonymous sources, the world is finally hearing evidence given publicly under oath in a German courtroom about how the Nord Stream gas pipelines were blown up -- in a case that could prove politically explosive.

Zelenskyy Accuses Russia Of Breaking Trump's Cease-Fire On Energy Strikes

13 October 2026 at 01:09
US President Donald Trump, in the face of sharp criticism from officials in Ukraine, Europe, and even his Republican party, defended his decision to allow Russian diesel exports and insisted an energy cease-fire between Kyiv and Moscow is in place despite a lack of confirmation from either side.

Zelenskyy Says Yandex Strikes Crippled Pro-Kremlin Bots But Tech Experts Question Evidence

12 October 2026 at 13:01
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian tech giant Yandex’s data centers have resulted in fewer Internet bots promoting pro-Kremlin hate, a claim that has been disputed by many technology researchers.

Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Will Stop Refinery Attacks If Russia Halts Energy Strikes

11 October 2026 at 23:01
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of striking an energy plant after US leader Donald Trump's surprise announcement of an “energy cease-fire,” while Moscow remained silent on any suggestion of a truce.

As Russian Arms Exports Slide, Central Asia Shops Elsewhere

11 October 2026 at 08:21
Central Asian nations are increasingly turning to India, China, Turkey, and Europe for military equipment to reduce their dependence on Russia. Analysts note that this diversification offers greater political flexibility but could create long-term logistical and operational challenges.

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