Russia has initiated regular commercial flights connecting Moscow and Pyongyang, with the first flight operated by Nordwind departing from Sheremetyevo Airport to Seoul carrying over 400 passengers. Monthly flights will run based on demand. This follows the resumption of flights between Vladivostok and Pyongyang earlier in 2023 after pandemic suspensions. North Korea is gradually easing restrictions and reopening borders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma resort, meeting Kim Jong Un and promoting tourism. Military and economic cooperation between the two nations has also grown significantly.

Russia’s Navy Day celebrations in Saint Petersburg were disrupted as Ukrainian drone attacks forced the closure of Pulkovo Airport for nearly five hours. Despite President Putin’s presence, the traditional grand naval parade on the Neva River was officially canceled due to security concerns. The Russian Defense Ministry reported shooting down 291 drones during the assault. Flights were delayed or rerouted, and one civilian was injured by falling debris. Putin observed military exercises aboard a patrol boat instead of attending the parade.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including tensions with Israel. He reiterated Russia’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, noting that the country officially recognized Palestine's independence back in 1988.

Peskov urged all parties to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions to achieve lasting peace. Meanwhile, in the UK, 220 MPs—mostly from the ruling Labour Party—have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine. France has also announced its intention to recognize the Palestinian state soon.

Russia is set to introduce a new digital app called ‘Max,’ pre-installed on all new devices from September, aiming to enhance government control over citizens’ online activities. The app offers messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments but stores data within Russia, allowing the FSB to monitor users. Experts warn this could lead to banning popular apps like WhatsApp, forcing citizens to switch to ‘Max’ and marking a significant step in Russia’s expanding digital surveillance.

Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky stated that a direct meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelensky will only occur once a comprehensive peace agreement is ready for signing. The Istanbul talks concluded without a final deal, and Medinsky emphasized that a summit should be solely for signing, not negotiating. Drawing on historical examples, he warned against premature meetings. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed no meeting will happen until terms are finalized, though Putin remains open to talks if progress is made.

A regional passenger plane carrying nearly 50 people, including five children, has gone missing in Russia’s Amur region. The aircraft, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, vanished from radar on Thursday and lost all contact with air traffic control. The missing plane is an An-24 model, with 43 passengers and six crew members on board. Search operations are hampered by rugged terrain and severe weather, although helicopters and drones are being deployed. The Russian military has been asked to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes forced the temporary closure of major airports in Moscow, leading to the cancellation of at least 140 flights and the redirection of over 130 others. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that more than 230 Ukrainian drones were intercepted since Saturday morning, with 27 targeting Moscow alone. Other regions, including Kaluga, also experienced attacks. Although airport operations have resumed, concerns over safety persist. Meanwhile, at least three people were killed in recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.

Three powerful earthquakes struck Russia’s Pacific coast near Kamchatka Peninsula within 32 minutes, with the strongest measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and German monitoring agency GFZ confirmed the tremors, which also included two quakes of magnitude 6.7 and one of 5.0. Following these events, authorities issued a tsunami warning to alert residents of potential coastal dangers in the affected areas.

The European Council has approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia. Key measures include capping the price of oil at $47.60 per barrel, imposing restrictions on the Nord Stream pipeline, blacklisting 105 Russian oil tankers, and expanding banking sector controls. Over 50 individuals, companies, and organizations have been newly sanctioned. More than 20 Russian banks will also be cut off from the SWIFT system. Sanctions are also being extended to Chinese banks that support Russia. These measures are set to take effect shortly.

Russia says it is closely monitoring the U.S. decision to resume arms supplies to Ukraine, following President Trump’s latest announcement. The Kremlin confirmed no new talks are planned with Putin but said one could happen if needed. Trump warned Putin to accept a peace deal within 50 days or face secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trade partners. Despite Trump’s assertive stance, experts believe Russia is maintaining a “stay calm and carry on” strategy, with little progress seen in ending the war diplomatically.

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to prolong the war in Ukraine until Western nations agree to peace talks under Russia's conditions, according to Kremlin insiders cited by Reuters. Putin believes Russia’s economy and military remain resilient against Western sanctions. Since the war began in February, Russia has captured significant Ukrainian territories and is undeterred even after Western nations supplied advanced weapons like Patriot missiles. Putin’s demands include halting NATO expansion, recognizing Ukraine's neutrality, protecting Russian-speaking populations, and acknowledging Russian control over occupied areas. Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected these terms. The White House blames Biden's failure to stop the war, while suggesting Trump’s harsher tariffs and sanctions might pressure Putin. Though phone calls occurred between Putin and Trump, formal peace talks have yet to start.

Starting July 27, Russia and North Korea will begin direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang once a month. The flight duration is expected to be around eight hours. The decision follows a bilateral agreement to reintroduce regular air service. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is currently in Tianjin, China, attending the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Russia carried out a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, deploying 597 drones and 26 missiles. The assault, the fourth major one this month, hit multiple cities including Chernivtsi near the Romanian border, where two people were killed and 20 injured. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 25 missiles and 319 drones. President Zelensky called for stronger sanctions against Russia and enhanced air defense systems. June saw the highest civilian casualties in three years, with 232 deaths and 1,343 injuries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his country’s full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. British intelligence estimates that over 6,000 North Korean troops have died in Ukraine, with thousands more deployed alongside military equipment. The U.S. and South Korea have expressed concern that North Korea may receive advanced technology in return for this support.

Russia has launched its biggest air assault on Ukraine, with over 700 drones and multiple missiles targeting several cities, including Lutsk near the Polish border. President Zelensky condemned the attack as a major setback to ongoing ceasefire talks. The assault coincided with renewed U.S. arms support after a brief suspension. Despite regular talks between Trump and Putin, no progress on peace has been made. The U.S. plans to supply Ukraine with Patriot missile systems to counter Russia’s attacks.