Jaishankar Meets Putin in Moscow, Delivers Modi Message

MOSCOW, Russia — External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday during his two-day official visit to Russia, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes and a personal communication. Jaishankar also briefed Putin on the outcome of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting and highlighted growth in bilateral economic cooperation.

Kim Jong Un, Putin Reaffirm North Korea-Russia Ties

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their countries’ growing relationship as Pyongyang marked the 81st anniversary of the end of Japanese colonial rule. Kim said he hoped to further strengthen ties with Moscow after receiving a congratulatory message from Putin, according to North Korea’s KCNA state news agency.

Russia Economy Shows Growing Signs of Strain

MOSCOW, Russia — Russia’s economy has continued to grow despite more than four years of full-scale war with Ukraine, but economists and analysts say the headline figures are increasingly masking deeper financial pressures. Official data showed the economy expanded in the second quarter of 2026, while rising deficits, inflationary pressure, weaker energy revenues and the growing dependence on military spending point to mounting strains.

US Intelligence Warns Putin Could Test NATO Unity

WASHINGTON, United States — Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attempt to test NATO’s resolve by launching a limited attack against a member country within the next few years, according to three people familiar with the assessments.