Russia has announced the expulsion of an Estonian diplomat in Moscow after Estonia declared a Russian envoy persona non grata last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Estonia’s chargé d’affaires Marek Uhtegi was summoned and informed of the decision. The ministry condemned Tallinn’s “hostile” step, stressing that any unfriendly actions would draw reciprocal measures. The move marks the latest escalation in tense relations between the two countries, as both sides continue to trade diplomatic expulsions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that single dominance in world politics will no longer continue, indirectly pointing at the United States. Speaking in Beijing, he stressed equal rights for all nations and balance in international relations. Putin cautioned against punishing powers like India and China, recalling the West’s colonial past. His comments coincide with Donald Trump’s administration imposing double tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, drawing criticism from New Delhi and heightening tensions in U.S.–India relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine can end either through negotiations or military force. While he prefers dialogue, he stressed that all objectives will be met if necessary by force. He reiterated that Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions and end discrimination against Russian speakers. Putin is open to talks if President Zelensky visits Moscow, though Ukraine has rejected Moscow as a venue. The conflict continues amid Russia’s annexation of four regions and ongoing Western sanctions.

Russia has identified three issues in its relationship with China, President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ahead of a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Putin highlighted strong ties with Belarus, noting trade has surpassed $50 billion, and praised the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. He also met Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss bilateral relations, emphasizing Russia’s readiness to advance its partnerships despite challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying Zelensky can come to Moscow anytime. However, he questioned whether the current situation is suitable for talks. Putin emphasized that proper preparation is essential for a productive meeting. Ukraine swiftly rejected the offer as unacceptable. The Russian leader warned that if Ukraine refuses any agreement, Russia will continue pursuing its objectives. He stressed Russia’s fight is for security and people’s rights, not territorial occupation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are united in establishing a just, multipolar world order, prioritizing countries of the “global majority.” Speaking ahead of his China visit for the SCO summit and Victory Day events, he emphasized the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a stabilizing global force. Putin praised Xi Jinping as a resolute leader, and their talks will cover regional security, US relations, the Ukraine war, and upcoming multilateral summits, with additional meetings planned with leaders from Iran, India, and Turkey.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Ukraine cannot receive security guarantees before signing a peace agreement. She emphasized that any measures must consider Russia’s security interests. Zakharova outlined that lasting peace requires Ukraine’s demilitarization, “denazification,” neutrality, nuclear-free status, and acceptance of current territorial realities. She warned Western proposals are one-sided and could escalate NATO involvement. Despite prisoner exchanges and talks, no major agreement has been reached. The U.S. aims to resolve the conflict by late 2025, with a peace proposal already on the table.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners of war each on Sunday in a swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Moscow confirmed that freed Russian soldiers were taken to Belarus for medical and psychological care.

The deal follows three rounds of negotiations held in Istanbul between May and July. Among those released were eight Russian citizens from Kursk, whom Moscow says were “illegally detained” by Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone strike overnight on a nuclear power plant, sparking a fire and damaging an auxiliary transformer. Authorities said the attack forced a 50% reduction in output at the plant’s third reactor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China next week to attend a high-level summit in Tianjin scheduled for August 31 to September 1.

The summit will host leaders from more than 20 countries and representatives of international organizations, according to Russian media.

Speculation had earlier surfaced about a possible trilateral meeting involving Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, though the Kremlin later denied knowledge of such plans.

Putin last met Xi Jinping during the Chinese leader’s visit to Moscow in May.

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined clear conditions to end the Ukraine war during his August 15 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. His demands include Ukraine formally pledging never to join NATO and surrendering remaining territories in Donetsk and Luhansk. In exchange, Russia would freeze battle lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Putin rejected a ceasefire, pushing instead for a permanent settlement. Trump signaled a shift, saying he seeks a lasting peace agreement rather than a temporary truce.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any Russia–Ukraine meeting must be thoroughly prepared and aim for sustainable solutions, rather than being held merely for publicity. He stated that Russia is ready for bilateral and trilateral discussions. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and later discussed a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky called the Washington meeting “an important step toward ending the war” and advancing Ukraine’s security guarantees, though the exact terms remain unclear.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Moscow’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully while respecting the U.S. administration’s stance on ending conflicts swiftly. After returning from a high-level summit in Alaska with President Donald Trump, Putin met with top Russian officials to review the talks’ outcomes. He described the visit as “timely and highly effective” and highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, stating that eliminating these underlying issues should form the foundation for a lasting solution.

Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Kyiv reported 85 drone strikes and one Iskander-M ballistic missile between August 15 evening and August 16 morning, while frontline regions were also hit. Ukraine’s air defense destroyed 61 drones. Despite Western pressure, the summit ended without a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to respond. The invasion, ongoing since February 2022, has already claimed thousands of lives.

A massive explosion at a gunpowder and ammunition factory outside Moscow has killed at least 11 people and injured around 130, Russian authorities reported. Images shared on social media show severe damage and debris at the site. Emergency services are working to clear rubble and rescue the injured. The blast occurred in Ryazan region, where a similar explosion in 2021 claimed 17 lives. Regional authorities have ordered national flags at half-mast to mourn the victims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the potential for a new nuclear arms agreement with the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest Putin aims to position himself as part of a broader peace process to ease Ukraine tensions while deterring new U.S. sanctions. The discussion may also foster trade and economic ties. With Russia holding the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, renewed talks could reshape global security dynamics, especially as the current New START treaty nears expiration in February 2026.