News on Russian President Vladimir Putin covering foreign policy, domestic politics, international relations, and Russia's global activities.
Candace Owens, a US podcaster with six million YouTube subscribers, is scheduled to speak at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. Sources say Russian President Vladimir Putin is manipulating her to spread propaganda. She will appear on a panel with sanctioned Russian officials.
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved TotalEnergies' sale of its 10% stake in the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project to Nordline LLC, allowing the French company to exit the project.
Senior Russian officials privately warned President Putin that defense spending is driving the budget deficit to unsustainable levels, proposing cuts. Putin rejected cuts to military spending, telling the Finance Ministry to find savings elsewhere. The Defense Ministry resists cuts, fearing economic damage from reduced defense contracts.
This commentary argues that Vladimir Putin's failure in Ukraine threatens his political survival, drawing parallels to Russian leaders who fell after military defeats. It contends that the war's costs—high casualties, economic strain, and elite dissent—make Putin's position precarious, and suggests that a negotiated peace may be in Russia's interests.
President Putin ordered the government and FSB to ensure healthcare platforms, Gosuslugi, and payment networks remain accessible during mobile internet outages. Prime Minister Mishustin and FSB Director Bortnikov must report progress by July 1. The directive refines Russia's 'white list' of exempt services amid widespread internet disruptions.