The Latest Breaking News from Russia

How Amazon put Ukraine’s ‘government in a box’ — and saved its economy from Russia

Since Februrary, Amazon has been playing Santa Claus to the Ukraine, delivering planeloads of goods, including blankets, hygiene kits, diapers, food, and toys, for the war-torn nation and refugees in Poland and other parts of Europe.

Los Angeles Times · Dec 16, 2022

Brittney Griner prisoner swap AP Sports Story of the Year

The return of Brittney Griner to the United States in a dramatic prisoner swap with Russia marked the culmination of a 10-month ordeal that captivated world attention, a saga that landed at the intersection of sports, politics, race and gender identity — and wartime diplomacy

The Independent UK · Dec 16, 2022

Didier Deschamps explains how France hope to stop Lionel Messi in World Cup 2022 final

France coach Didier Deschamps has admitted it will be more difficult to contain Lionel Messi in Sunday's World Cup final than in their last meeting with Argentina in Russia four years ago.

Evening Standard · Dec 16, 2022

Ukraine grid operator warns of longer repair time after latest Russian attack

Ukraine's power grid operator said on Friday it would take longer to repair the national grid and restore power than it did after previous Russian missile attacks.

Reuters · Dec 16, 2022

Russian assets frozen in Hungary hit $925 million in November -report

Russian assets frozen by Hungary's government, which has repeatedly stalled EU sanctions against Moscow, rose to 870 million euros ($925 million) by the end of November from a previously reported 3,000 euros, newspaper Nepszava said.

Reuters · Dec 16, 2022

First Thing: Senate rescinds army Covid vaccine mandate

Democrats agree to Republican demands to scrap vaccination requirement for service members to win support for $858bn defense bill. Plus, Trump’s superhero card collection

The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2022

Russian missile attack damages nine Ukrainian power facilities - minister

Nine Ukrainian power facilities were damaged on Friday during Russia's latest missile attacks on critical infrastructure, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on national television.

Reuters · Dec 16, 2022

Kremlin: Putin gave Modi Russian view on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "fundamental assessments" of the conflict in Ukraine during a call on Friday, while both sides expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral cooperation, the Kremlin said.

Reuters · Dec 16, 2022

Ukraine shot down 37 out of 40 Russian missiles in Kyiv area - official

Ukrainian air defences shot down 37 of 40 incoming Russian missiles in the Kyiv area on Friday, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian capital's military administration said.

Reuters · Dec 16, 2022

Remembering France’s thrilling 2018 triumph against Argentina – what’s changed in four years?

Kylian Mbappe inspired France to victory against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Russia in a game depicted as a changing of the guard – but is that actually accurate?

The Independent UK · Dec 16, 2022