A new Russian law mandates a tracking app for all foreign nationals in the Moscow region, ostensibly to combat crime. The app will collect biometric data, location information, and monitor real-time geolocation. Non-compliance results in deportation, while critics cite constitutional privacy violations and potential negative impacts on labor migration. The program, running until September 2029, may expand nationwide if deemed successful.
To ensure the success of its Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia will implement temporary mobile internet restrictions in several regions. This decision, announced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, cites “dangerous neighbors” as justification. The restrictions coincide with the presence of several world leaders and follow a recent increase in Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia. These internet controls build upon Russia’s existing “sovereign internet” project aimed at greater online surveillance and control.
Mikhail Shatsky, a key figure at the Mars Design Bureau responsible for modernizing Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles used in the war against Ukraine, was found dead from gunshot wounds near his Moscow home. Ukrainian media outlets, citing anonymous sources, attributed the killing to Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency, though this remains unverified. Shatsky’s work also reportedly included AI technology for Russian drones. The incident follows a recent large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
In his first public statement since fleeing to Moscow, Bashar al-Assad denied resigning or seeking refuge, claiming his evacuation was arranged by Russia while overseeing combat operations in Latakia. He asserted his continued commitment to fighting the ongoing conflict and refuted the Russian foreign ministry’s claim that he had resigned. Assad’s statement contradicts initial reports from the Kremlin, which cited humanitarian reasons for granting him asylum. The situation highlights Russia’s continued involvement in Syria and the ongoing instability following the rebel takeover.
Conflicting reports surround Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s location, with some sources claiming he remains in Moscow alongside family and allies, while others suggest he returned to Damascus on November 30th via a Russian Air Force plane. Adding to the uncertainty, rumors of a military coup attempt in Damascus are circulating, with potential clashes between the Republican Guard and Maher al-Assad’s forces. These developments coincide with significant advances by opposition groups in northern Syria, creating a highly volatile situation.
On November 10th, Russia reported that its air defenses successfully shot down 70 Ukrainian drones, including 34 in Moscow Oblast, during the largest drone attack on the Russian capital to date. The attack, which began around 7:00 a.m. Moscow time, involved drones entering Russian airspace from multiple locations, including Bryansk, Oryol, Kaluga, Kursk, and Tula oblasts. While unverified footage of drones and resulting damage surfaced on social media, Russia reported at least one person injured in Moscow Oblast, with airport operations temporarily halted due to the threat. Notably, this attack coincided with Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine overnight, involving 145 drones, highlighting the escalating use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the ongoing conflict.
Moscow and its suburbs experienced a major drone attack overnight, resulting in the temporary closure of Russia’s busiest airport and injuring a woman. Thirty-two drones were shot down over the city’s outskirts, and one drone sparked a fire, causing burns to a woman in a nearby village. While no injuries were reported in Moscow itself, Russian media reported drone debris ignited suburban homes. Meanwhile, a British defense official reported that Russian forces suffered their worst month of casualties in October, with an average of 1,500 dead and wounded per day, a stark reminder of the ongoing human cost of the war in Ukraine.
Moscow under attack: Air defenses shoot down killer drones over Russian capital. As I sit here contemplating the recent events in Moscow, I can’t help but feel a sense of poetic justice unfolding before our eyes. For months, Russia has been wreaking havoc in Ukraine, bombing cities without a second thought, spreading chaos and destruction in its wake. Now, as killer drones hover over the Russian capital, it seems that the consequences of Putin’s imperialistic aggression are finally catching up with him.
The images of air defenses engaged in a battle against these drones are both unsettling and, in a way, satisfying.… Continue reading
As the tension between Moscow and French military trainers in Ukraine escalates, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that Russia is ready to take drastic measures. The mere possibility of striking French troops demonstrates a level of desperation and weakness on the part of the Russian military. The hollow threats and posturing only serve to highlight the fragile state of the Kremlin’s bravado.
It’s ironic to see Russia targeting French military trainers as if it’s somehow an escalation of violence, while turning a blind eye to their own continuous acts of aggression and threats. The idea of bombing hospitals, schools, and other civilian areas to target French operators is not only reckless but also reprehensible.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading the news about Moscow warning of escalation after Ukraine being told it can hit Russia, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief. The audacity of Russia to act offended by the notion of being hit back after years of aggression in Ukraine is simply mind-boggling. They started the war, they have been the aggressors, and yet they have the nerve to act as if they are the victims in this situation.
The idea that Moscow is threatening further escalation is laughable at best. What more could they possibly do? They have already been pounding every corner of Ukraine, targeting residential areas, hospitals, and schools.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker