PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION RUSSIA
Serbian Elections: How a student protest born after a railway station canopy collapse ended right-wing Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year grip on power
Serbia’s student-led movement has emerged victorious in the October 25, 2026, parliamentary election, dealing a major blow to Aleksandar Vučić’s 14-year political dominance. The movement began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. Demands for accountability grew into nationwide anti-corruption protests before the students entered electoral politics. Vučić conceded defeat based on preliminary estimates, although official results were still awaited.
From France to Albania, social unrest is setting Europe's streets ablaze
Across Europe, a wave of protests is sweeping through as citizens express their frustration over escalating living expenses and inadequate public services, particularly in education. France sees students rallying for enhanced educational facilities, while cities in Spain erupt in housing protests. Italy witnesses heated demonstrations over wage increases and healthcare issues. In Albania, the youth are clashing with authorities in anti-corruption protests.
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that extremism is entering the country’s parliamentary system as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains ground. Suspicions that mainstream lawmakers defied party orders to help the AfD secure a regional assembly speakership have raised fresh questions about the long-standing political “firewall” against the party and its prospects in the 2029 national election.
Kremlin says Putin in phone call with Trump downplays immediate Ukraine talks resumption
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed to US President Donald Trump that Ukraine's attacks disrupted peace negotiations. These attacks were synchronized with Russia's parliamentary elections, causing tensions to escalate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the stalemate in the ongoing conflict and the need for a solution. During their call, they also discussed economic initiatives, including fuel supplies from Russia.
India, Canada agree to boost security ties, extradition cooperation
India and Canada have committed to enhance collaboration in combating transnational organised crime and terrorism. The discussions took place between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canadian advisor David Morrison in New Delhi. Both sides recognised the importance of ongoing bilateral security dialogues to maintain stability.
Russia could widen Ukraine war, test NATO with covert attacks, Europe warns
More than four years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a stagnant frontline and intensifying covert activity across Europe are fuelling concern that Moscow could widen the conflict beyond Ukraine. Western officials and European leaders are warning of sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incidents and possible tests of NATO’s resolve.
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Moscow repels 'largest enemy drone attack' involving over 1,600 UAVs amid Russian parliamentary elections
Russia reported repelling a large drone attack targeting Moscow during ongoing parliamentary elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed significant strikes impacted Russian oil and logistics facilities. He detailed various drone systems used in the operation against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia continued its strikes across Ukraine, hitting civilian infrastructure and a monastery. Ukraine urged stronger international measures and sanctions against Russia for its actions.

Main Kremlin party keeps control of Russia's parliament after a carefully orchestrated vote
Russia’s ruling United Russia party is set to retain a commanding majority in parliament, with preliminary results giving it about 355 of 450 State Duma seats. The vote, the first parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was held amid tight restrictions on opposition and also included Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, which Kyiv rejected as illegal.

Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow
Ukrainian forces launched a massive overnight barrage of over 1,000 drones, including hundreds aimed at Moscow in what officials called the largest attack on the Russian capital yet, killing two people, injuring 20, and damaging an oil refinery and residential building.

Russia holds parliamentary vote in annexed Ukraine regions, Kyiv calls it illegal
Russia is conducting parliamentary elections in Ukrainian regions it illegally annexed. Kyiv strongly condemned the vote as illegal and a violation of international law. Human rights activists report residents are being coerced into participating by Russian authorities. These elections aim to legitimize Moscow's territorial gains and showcase support. The European Union has stated it will never recognize these sham elections or their results.

Russia begins three-day parliamentary vote as Putin frames election as war test
Russia's parliamentary election commenced today, spanning three days. President Putin views this vote as a measure of support for the Ukraine war. The ruling United Russia party is expected to maintain its dominance. Many anti-war candidates were excluded from the ballot. Authorities will gauge societal war weariness and economic strain.

Russians begin voting in controlled election as war drags
Russia began voting Friday in a three-day parliamentary election, the first since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The 450-seat State Duma vote is being closely watched by the Kremlin for signs of public support and war fatigue, amid tight political controls and limited anti-war opposition.

A Kremlin mystery? Putin-linked Russian businessman paid for Trump Jr's post-wedding bash
A Russian businessman with ties to President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin paid for celebrations following Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Bettina Trump in the Bahamas, the couple confirmed. Umar Kremlev, head of the International Boxing Association, hosted two nights of festivities after the wedding, according to the newlyweds.

Russia election 2026: Putin-backed United Russia seeks to retain parliamentary dominance
Russia’s parliamentary election from September 18-20 is expected to preserve President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party’s dominance of the 450-seat State Duma. The vote comes amid restrictions on opposition parties, criticism from election observers and voting in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. United Russia’s majority will determine its ability to pass constitutional changes.

BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.

Russians are packing up again. Fear of a ‘digital jail’ is one reason
Russians are leaving their homeland amid political unrest and growing fears. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have fueled concerns about further troop mobilization. Many cite restrictions on internet access and a declining economy as reasons. Shrinking freedoms and fears of military service also drive emigration. This exodus reflects a desire for safety and liberty abroad.

Russian central bank holds key rate steady ahead of election
In a recent decision, Russia's central bank opted to hold the benchmark interest rate at fourteen percent. Economic challenges have intensified due to heightened price pressures. Furthermore, Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have resulted in fuel scarcity and price hikes. Positive news came from a reduction in the budget deficit, supported by dividend influxes and soaring oil prices.

Germany 'wants war again', Russia FM says, dismissing drone accusations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Germany desires conflict again. He dismissed German accusations regarding a drone attack on Leipzig airport. Moscow and Berlin closed cultural centers this week, escalating tensions. Lavrov accused Germany of Nazism and warned of appropriate conclusions.

Putin envoy warns of Russian economy going 'berserk' on war footing
In a bleak warning, President Putin's envoy cautions that the Russian economy could spiral out of control. Concentrating solely on military expenditures might jeopardize vital civilian industries and hinder overall economic progress. This strategy reflects the unsustainable Soviet wartime approach. Additionally, other officials have voiced apprehensions about the economic impact of the prolonged conflict, with signs of public war fatigue and a growing desire for peace negotiations among citizens.

India-US ties are looking up, but the Russia and Iran sanctions bill, FCRA & BRICS will test reset
US-India ties have improved at the working level, particularly in defence, with a new 10-year framework and Javelin missile sales, while Indian exports to the US rose 5.5% to nearly $60 billion in the first nine months of FY26. However, uncertainty remains over Washington’s broader India policy.

‘Ukraine wants peace, not surrender’: Zelenskiy draws red line with Russia
Ukraine's President Zelenskiy marked Independence Day with a defiant speech, emphasizing peace without surrender. Foreign leaders visited Kyiv, pledging continued support and military technology for Ukraine's defense. Britain will provide classified technology for long-range cruise missile production within Ukraine. Allied nations will hold military talks to discuss Ukraine's air defense needs. Ukraine seeks all necessary aid to stop the ongoing conflict and bring soldiers home.

Putin rejected shipping truce offer: Zelenskyy
Ukraine proposed a Black Sea grain corridor truce, but Russia rejected it. Moscow demanded guarantees against strikes on its energy infrastructure. President Zelenskyy ruled out holding wartime elections due to constitutional and practical challenges. Attacks on commercial ships and ports raise fears about global grain supplies. Ukraine's grain exports have significantly decreased since early August.

US warns Iran it will step up economic pressure; two more ships attacked in Hormuz
Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz slowed significantly after two vessels were attacked. The United States stated it can maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely. Iran has resumed attacks on ships it accuses of unauthorized transit. The US plans further economic measures against Iran in the coming week. Global economists warn of a sharp drop in global growth if the war continues.

Bangladesh Polls: Sheikh Hasina wins 5th term as Prime Minister
The landslide victory that the Awami League helped itself win in yesterday's polls means Sheikh Hasina will further tighten her grip on power as she is poised to go in history as the longest serving prime minister in Bangladesh,according to the Daily Star.

Russia's ruling party says it won two-thirds majority in election
United Russia's general council secretary Andrei Turchak told reporters the party would win 120 seats from the party list and 195 single-mandate seats after the three-day election that ended on Sunday, giving it 315 in the 450-member chamber.

Google, Apple remove Navalny app from stores as Russian elections begin
Russia demanded this month that Apple and Google remove the app from their stores, saying a refusal to do so would be treated as meddling in its parliamentary election.

Vladimir Putin’s party to hold Congress amid opposition clampdown
The gathering, which will determine the ruling party’s candidates and electoral programme for the lower house of parliament vote, comes after authorities took drastic measures to stop Russia’s main opposition politician Alexei Navalny affecting their outcome.
Vladimir Putin seeks third term in Russian presidential polls
Russians voted today in presidential polls set to return strongman Vladimir Putin to the Kremlin for an unprecedented third term.
Russia's poll body declares Putin's party as victor
The runners-up the Communist Party (KPRF) won 92 seats followed by A Just Russia with 64 and Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) with 56 seats respectively.
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