newsmart – Latest News

thestar.com | 2 hrs. 47 min. ago

Russia wraps up first wartime parliamentary election with Kremlin dominance all but assured

A voter casts a ballot in the parliamentary election in Moscow, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)

scmp.com | 5 hrs. 3 min. ago

New North Korea-Russia bridge delivers a powerful message to China

The recent opening of a new road bridge between North Korea and Russia may look like a modest infrastructure project. In reality, the 1km stretch across the Tumen River carries implications far beyond the movement of vehicles between two border towns. For China, it is a reminder that its influence over North Korea is no longer as secure as it once appeared and that Russia may be increasingly capable of challenging Beijing’s interests on its northeastern periphery. The bridge, inaugurated on...

rferl.org | 5 hrs. 33 min. ago

Russia's Starlink Rival Faces Problems In Orbit And Threats On The Ground

Russia is racing to build Rassvet, its answer to Starlink, after losing access to the satellite network on the battlefield in Ukraine. But troubled satellites, tight deadlines, and a lack of ground terminals could leave Moscow waiting years.

nytimes.com | 5 hrs. 40 min. ago

[$] Russia Barred Their Party, but These Antiwar Voices Are Still Standing

The liberal party Yabloko is fielding 98 candidates in this weekend’s elections, a small miracle for antiwar Russians who cannot openly express their views.

kyivpost.com | 6 hrs. 5 min. ago

Russia is Attacking Europe: Let’s Stop Calling it ‘Hybrid’

European officials and security analysts are warning governments against categorizing Russian sabotage as mere “hybrid” incidents, arguing the actions constitute a coordinated kinetic campaign designed to test NATO’s Article 5. Polish FM Radosław Sikorski and Lithuanian FM Kęstutis Budrys noted attacks have acquired a direct kinetic dimension, following incidents in Leipzig, Poland, and the Baltics.

dailymail.com | 9 hrs. 54 min. ago

Andy Burnham 'fiddling while Russia threatens to burn Europe', fumes Kemi Badenoch - as she demands PM acts on defence spending

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded the Prime Minister end his 'dither and delay' and 'fund our defence properly' to counter Moscow's aggression.

kyivindependent.com | 9 hrs. 56 min. ago

Russia claims cyberattacks on voting systems during parliamentary election

It is Russia's first parliamentary election since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

ft.com | 13 hrs. 11 min. ago

[$] Russia’s new air campaign seeks to destroy Ukrainian economy

Drone and missile strikes hit warehouses, steel plants, ports and railways, depriving Kyiv of more than $1.5bn in tax revenue

theguardian.com | 13 hrs. 28 min. ago

‘The rules have changed’: has Russia begun to order assassinations on US soil?

Exiled dissidents and an unsealed indictment suggest Kremlin may have abandoned longstanding taboo on attacks on its rival’s territoryRoman Dobrokhotov had been content enough for his appearance at a conference in Washington DC this week to be publicised, although it was not something he would normally risk in Europe. The dissident Russian journalist was named during a trial in London last year as one of the targets of a Russian spy ring that appeared to have murderous intent.“Maybe burn him alive on the street, spray him with some super-strong acid, VX, like the North Koreans, or the ricin,” a Russian-hired operative had texted of the plans for Dobrokhotov in Britain. Continue reading...

scmp.com | 14 hrs. 10 min. ago

Some Western politicians stoking Nato-Russia clash as Ukraine war strategy falters: Fico

Some Western politicians are seeking conflict between Nato and Russia after ⁠a “failed” strategy to defeat ⁠Moscow in its war with Ukraine, ⁠Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday. Long-time Slovak leader Fico, who has kept up warm relations with Russia and refuses military aid for Ukraine, said this week that Europe was closer than ever to a large-scale war ‌erupting from the Ukraine war. At the same time, some European leaders, such as those in France and Poland, have warned of...

kyivindependent.com | 14 hrs. 15 min. ago

Le Pen condemns Russia over seizure of European companies’ assets

The statement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place the Russian operations of Nestle and Auchan under temporary administration.

thehindu.com | 18 hrs. 39 min. ago

How will the U.S.’s Sanctioning Act affect India?

Explained | Why did the U.S. introduce the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026? What does this new law say about tariffs? What particular condition impacts India’s imports of Russian oil? How could this impact India’s economy? Is there any provision for a waiver of tariffs?

npr.org | 20 hrs. 25 min. ago

Worries swirl that Russia is planning to test NATO with direct attacks

NPR's Elissa Nadworny speaks with Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, about worries that Russia's "hybrid attacks" could lead to a direct military confrontation with NATO.

dw.com | 21 hrs. 58 min. ago

German-Russian relations at freezing point

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine destroyed the once-close relationship between Moscow and Berlin. Yet the far-right AfD is calling for a normalization of relations.

livemint.com | 22 hrs. 42 min. ago

Trump tariffs ‘unfair’: India will buy energy from commercially viable sources, says MoS amid Russia-Iran sanctions law

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh criticised new US tariffs on countries like India, stating they are unfair. He emphasised India's commitment to independent energy decisions and the welfare of its 140 crore citizens under its own foreign policy, unaffected by external pressures.

abc.net.au | 23 hrs. 8 min. ago

'He is afraid': Inside Putin's world of bunkers, body doubles and paranoia

Vladimir Putin has built extraordinary power over almost three decades as Russia's leader. Yet as voters go to the polls this weekend, insiders say his world is shrinking.

kyivindependent.com | 23 hrs. 11 min. ago

US Army awards $10.6 million contract for Ukrainian Raybird drones

Raybird systems have logged more than 350,000 combat hours since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton said.

abcnews.com | 1 days ago

Russian election observer loses consciousness during arrest, opposition party says

Russia’s liberal opposition Yabloko party says that one of its election observers lost consciousness while being arrested by police at a St. Petersburg polling station

dw.com | 1 days ago

Ukraine steps up measures to protect railways

As Russia increases its attacks on Ukraine's rail infrastructure, the Ukrainian government has called for help to replace destroyed locomotives and is making plans to keep passengers safe.

euronews.com | 1 days ago

UN condemns 'shocking pattern' of sexual violence by Russian troops in Ukraine

Russia was added in May to the UN Secretary-General's list of countries credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict — codified into international law decades ago as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

kyivindependent.com | 1 days ago

All EU sanctions linked to Russia's war may expire as France, Slovakia seek to delist oligarchs

All of the EU's 3,000 sanctions against individuals helping Russia's war effort could be extinguished overnight if Brussels, Paris, and Azerbaijan fail to find a compromise by Sept. 21, EU diplomats told the Kyiv Independent.The EU is set to renew the sanctions against Russia-linked

abc.net.au | 1 days ago

Russia reports cyber attacks on voting system during parliamentary election

Russian authorities have reported multiple attacks on voting systems and communication lines across the country, as Russians head to the polls in a three-day parliamentary election.

mirror.co.uk | 1 days ago

Hospitals on alert for Russia attack as emergency meetings called across Europe as Putin escalation fears rise

War plans outlining how hospitals would deal with thousands of wounded soldiers are among the alarming scenarios being drawn up in European capitals as intelligence chiefs warn of a growing threat

dw.com | 1 days ago

Russia votes for new parliament in controlled elections

Russia is holding its first State Duma election since invading Ukraine, with voting also imposed in occupied Ukrainian regions. President Vladimir Putin's party is expected to dominate the tightly controlled contest.

theguardian.com | 1 days ago

Meditating by the Dnipro: I’m an artist in Ukraine, searching for peace and a life between the missiles

Anna Ivanenko | Sometimes, you can remember what ordinary life was like before Russia’s invasion. Then reality comes screaming backSometimes, where I live in Kyiv, I hear people say: “This feels pre-war.” It refers to situations that remind us of what life was like before. You could call it a “sense of normalcy”.For example, it refers to being able to walk around at night, travel abroad or plan your life at least six months in advance. Simple, everyday things have become a lost luxury. Continue reading...

dailymail.com | 1 days ago

British military sites were targeted by drones hundreds of times in last year, new figures show as tensions rise with Russia and Iran

British military sites have been targeted by drones hundreds of times in the last year amid escalating tensions with Russia and Iran, new figures show.

scmp.com | 1 days ago

Why the Global South keeps its doors wide open to Russia

Over the past two weeks, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin staged a major diplomatic blitz. Across three events in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East and New Delhi, India, as well as a state visit by Vietnam’s leader, he met some 18 heads of state. Among them were the leaders of heavyweights of the Global South such as China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey, just to name a few. The Ukraine war certainly featured in these conversations. Russia has recently ramped up...

thehindu.com | 1 days ago

U.S. House advances Russia sanctions Bill that seeks 100% tariffs on India, others; set for final vote

The resolution to advance the Russia sanctions Bill and a slew of other legislations was approved by a 214-211 vote, shocking the House Democratic leadership. The Bill is expected to come up for a final vote in the House on September 16

euronews.com | 1 days ago

Russians leave before election ends, fearing mobilisation to follow

Requests for emergency emigration assistance from Russia have surged eightfold since July, with searches for "how to leave" and "mobilisation" at their highest since early 2023. An electronic summons register now automatically triggers an exit ban, documented cases show.

kyivpost.com | 1 days ago

Moscow Expands Asset Grab Against Western Companies – Why It Could Backfire

Russia has expanded its seizure campaign against Western companies, gaining valuable assets while risking deeper capital flight and years of legal disputes.

kyivpost.com | 1 days ago

Belarus Reactivated Drone Relays, Helping Russia Strike Diplomatic Train Route Near Polish Border

Belarus has reactivated drone signal relays that Kyiv says are helping Russia strike western Ukraine, including near the Polish border.

thehindu.com | 1 days ago

Morning Digest: Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law; Mamata moves SC against freeze on TMC symbol, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

npr.org | 1 days ago

Russians head to the polls to choose lawmakers for their parliament

Russians head to the polls to choose lawmakers for their parliament, the Duma. It's Russia's first nationwide parliamentary race since launching its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

bbc.co.uk | 1 days ago

A four-minute warning isn't enough: Russia's new relentless missile tactics exhaust Kyiv residents

Increasingly frequent and ferocious attacks on the Ukrainian capital have left many on edge.

euronews.com | 1 days ago

As Russia strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv, Russian cooling tower hit by drone

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it has been informed of the strike on the Kursk nuclear power plant and said it was not on fire despite being operational at the time

time.com | 1 days ago

Why the Outcome of Russia's First Parliamentary Elections in Years Is All But Assured

Russians have begun casting votes in the country’s first parliamentary elections in years. Here’s why the results are in little doubt.

kyivpost.com | 1 days ago

‘We Won’t Let Putin Wait Us Out’: Senator Shaheen Outlines Sweeping New US Sanctions Package

Shaheen says Congress is tightening pressure on Russia’s energy revenues and buyers such as China while pushing for more air-defense support for Ukraine.

thehindu.com | 1 days ago

Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law

al-monitor.com | 1 days ago

Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know

Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented.

nytimes.com | 1 days ago

[$] Russia Aims to Inject Chaos Into Elections, U.S. Intelligence Finds

The Kremlin is once again seeking to undermine confidence in American democracy with online influence campaigns, U.S. officials said.