Daily Archives: August 15, 2023

Russian Forces Repel Ukrainian Incursion Into Border Region – Governor

Russian military and security forces prevented a Ukrainian sabotage group from infiltrating western Russia’s Bryansk region, the regional governor said Tuesday. Russia’s armed forces, together with Federal Security Service (FSB) border agents and National Guard special units, thwarted “an attempt by a Ukrainian diversionary reconnaissance group to infiltrate” the Bryansk region, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said. After initially…

Russia Fines Pro-War Ex-Military Intelligence Officer for ‘Descrediting’ Army

A former Russian military intelligence officer known for publically endorsing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has been fined for “discrediting” the country’s armed forces, the independent news website Mediazona reported Tuesday. The case against ex-GRU colonel Vladimir Kvachkov, 74, stands out as a rare example of Russia’s justice system targeting pro-war figures instead of dissenters who…

Russian Defense Minister Threatens Use of Cluster Munitions in Ukraine

Russia reserves the right to use cluster munitions in Ukraine in response to U.S. supplies of the banned weapons to Kyiv, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday.  Though Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using cluster bombs in the 17-month conflict, Shoigu claimed Moscow has refrained from doing so out of “humanitarian”…

Flood-Hit Region in Russia’s Far East Declares Emergency to Expand Disaster Relief

Authorities in the flood-stricken Primorye region of Russia’s Far East on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to expand relief efforts following an outcry by local residents in affected areas. Governor Oleg Kozhemyako promised higher payouts to families whose homes were damaged by tropical storm Khanun, which pummeled the Primorye region last week, triggering evacuations…

Russia Raises Interest Rates to 12% After Ruble Plummets

Russia’s Central Bank hiked interest rates from 8.5% to 12% on Tuesday in an emergency meeting after the ruble slid past 100 against the U.S. dollar the day before. “The decision is aimed at limiting price stability risks,” the Bank said in a statement. The ruble gained strongly ahead of the decision, rising by more…

35 Killed in Gas Station Fire in Russia’s Dagestan

Updated with new death toll.  At least 35 people were killed and dozens injured in an explosion and fire at a petrol station in Russia’s Caucasus republic of Dagestan, the Emergency Situations Ministry said Tuesday. A total of 102 people were injured and killed as a result of the incident, the ministry said on the Telegram…