Russia Accuses Major Vodka Distiller of Funding Ukraine Army

Russia has added the Ukrainian owner of a popular vodka brand to its wanted list on suspicion of financing Ukraine’s armed forces. Russia’s Investigative Committee said Monday it had launched a criminal investigation into Yevhen Cherniak, the founder of Ukraine’s Global Spirits holding — which produces Khortytsa vodka — on charges of sponsoring terrorism. Cherniak…

Shoigu Praises Army ‘Loyalty’ During Mutiny

Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu on Monday praised his army’s “loyalty” during an armed uprising last month by the Wagner military group that targeted the country’s senior military leadership. “The plans primarily failed because the personnel of the armed forces showed loyalty to their oath and military duty,” he said in his first public comments since…

Russia to Cut Oil Exports in August

Russia’s top energy official said Monday that Moscow will voluntarily cut oil exports by 500,000 barrels per day, building on previously announced production cuts. “As part of efforts to ensure that the oil market remains balanced, Russia will voluntarily reduce its oil supply in the month of August by 500,000 barrels per day, by cutting its exports…

Russia Claims to Foil Assassination Attempt on Crimean Governor

Russia’s domestic intelligence agency said Monday it had thwarted an assassination attempt on the Moscow-installed head of annexed Crimea. “An assassination attempt organized by Ukraine’s special services targeting the head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, was foiled,” Russian state-run agency TASS reported, citing a statement by the Federal Security Service (FSB). Video released…

ROSATOM Commissioned Phase 3 of Kuzminskaya Wind Farm

Located in Stavropol Krai, the wind power station consists of 64 wind turbines with an installed capacity of 160 MW. As confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, 68% of the wind farm parts and components have been sourced locally. “Kuzminskaya is our eighth wind farm in Southern Russia. The first 100 MW…

Wagner Halts Recruitment After Botched Mutiny

Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has announced it is suspending the recruitment of new fighters in the aftermath of its failed mutiny and as the Russian military’s deadline for volunteer units to sign contracts passed over the weekend. Wagner’s recruitment channel on the Telegram messaging app said late Sunday that a one-month recruitment suspension was linked to…

No Need for New Call-Up to Replace Wagner, Lawmaker Says

There is no need for further mobilization in Russia to replace Wagner fighters who left the battlefield in Ukraine after their short-lived mutiny, Russian state media said on Monday, citing a senior lawmaker. Last month, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, led his forces in a rebellion against Russia’s top military brass.…