China and Russia have started a three-day joint naval exercise called ‘Joint Sea-2025’ in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. The drills include submarine rescue, air and missile defense, and naval combat operations. The exercise aims to deepen their strategic partnership amid global tensions led by the U.S. While Russia calls the exercise defensive, Japan views the growing military cooperation as a serious security threat. China maintains neutrality but supports Russia economically amid ongoing Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia has claimed the capture of Oleksandro-Kalynove, a village in Ukraine's Donetsk region, following operations by its "South" forces. The Russian defense ministry also reported intercepting 338 Ukrainian drones in overnight attacks. Ukraine has not responded to the claim, and the ongoing conflict makes independent verification difficult. Russia previously claimed to have taken another village, Marn, near the Dnipropetrovsk-Donetsk border. That area is known for its strategic value, and reports suggest Russian forces pushed deep into enemy defenses during the assault.

Russia launched over 6,000 drone strikes on Ukraine in July 2025 alone—marking a record number of attacks in a single month. According to AFP, the strikes killed dozens and injured many more.

Civilian infrastructure including homes, a kindergarten, and an ambulance were damaged. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told The Kyiv Independent that the actual number of attacks could be even higher due to underreporting.

On July 9 alone, Russian forces launched a record 741 drones and decoys in one night—more than the total for the entire month of July 2024. Following this, Donald Trump had pledged more "defensive weapons" to Ukraine, though concerns remain about supply shortfalls.

AFP also reported that Russia fired 198 missiles at Ukraine in July—second only to June in terms of monthly volume this year.

Two enormous solar prominences, each stretching nearly 1 million kilometers, erupted from the Sun’s northeastern limb within an hour on July 31, according to Russian space research institutes. These gas eruptions, driven by magnetic forces, shot into space but are not Earth-directed. Scientists confirmed there’s no danger to satellites, power grids, or communication systems. While such events can be hazardous if Earth-facing, experts assure these particular eruptions pose no risk due to their position on the Sun's edge.

A powerful earthquake off Russia's coast triggered three tsunami waves that struck the Severo-Kurilsk port area. The final wave severely damaged port infrastructure and swept several anchored ships toward the strait. The third wave was described as “extremely powerful,” flooding parts of the city. Residents took refuge on a nearby hill and plan to stay until the threat passes. In a separate incident, a kindergarten building in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was also damaged by the quake.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, causing a tsunami in the North Pacific. Waves reached Japan’s Hokkaido, and tsunami warnings were issued for Hawaii, Alaska, and even New Zealand. In Russia and Japan, evacuations were carried out, and minor damage was reported. Hawaii sounded sirens, and Oregon warned of small waves. While no major injuries or deaths have occurred, authorities urge coastal residents to stay alert for aftershocks and potential second waves.

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.