-
Dagestan on the edge: rising tensions threaten Moscow’s grip as radicalization and unrest loom
With the Kremlin preoccupied by military operations in Ukraine and preparations for grand parades, tensions in Dagestan—still part of the Russian Federation—are nearing a boiling point that could exceed the Kremlin’s ability to control them.
Dmitry Steshin, a well-known Russian correspondent, paints a grim picture of the current situation in Dagestan: rampant radicalization, unemployment, a record-high birth rate, and the collapse of administrative verticals. In a post on May 6, he …
-
Key Russian commander appointed by Putin killed in Ukraine
Ukrainian forces have killed Russian Colonel Abduzazid Shikhabidov, personally appointed by President Vladimir Putin to lead a key airborne division. Shikhabidov, commander of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, was killed less than two months into his appointment, according to a report by Agentsvo.
His death was announced on May 6 by schools in Dagestan, where mourning activities have commenced. Widely known for his leadership in one of Russia's most renowned airborne divisions, Shikhabidov’ …
-
Russia on the brink: economic and social crisis loom as war nears end
As the war draws to a close, Russia faces the threat of an impending catastrophe. President Vladimir Putin is acutely aware of what lies ahead. The ongoing conflict has been the sole factor keeping the Russian economy afloat. Without it, the nation’s defense industry could collapse, triggering a recession, a surge in crime, and a burst of social unrest within the Kremlin’s walls.
Ceasing hostilities with Ukraine might herald not peace, but the fragmentation of Russia. The economy faces a …
-
Putin rules out use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, affirms sufficient strength for ending the war
In an interview for the film "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," airing Sunday, May 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there was "no necessity" for the Russian Armed Forces to use nuclear weapons in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine. He emphasized, "They wanted to provoke us into making mistakes. But there was no need to use the weapon you mentioned, and hopefully, it will remain unnecessary." Putin asserted that the Russian military has "enough strength and means to bring what was …
-
Drones strike Russian defense electronics plant in Bryansk, sparking massive fire
A swarm of drones reportedly attacked the settlement of Suzemka in Russia's Bryansk region, targeting a facility involved in producing electronic components for the Russian defense sector.
Local telegram channels report a large fire following the drone attack.
"A massive plume of smoke was reportedly seen in Suzemka," stated the telegram channel "Incident and Crash Bryansk."
Around 10 p.m. on May 3, local public forums reported UAV sorties into the Bryansk region, advising residents to take …