December 13, 2025 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: The European Union approved an indefinite freeze on Russian assets.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza frames it as decisive EU approval of indefinite asset freeze on Russia. Center outlet Radio Svoboda reports neutral indefinite freeze without qualifiers. Right-leaning Finances Mail emphasizes Belgium’s condition for consenting to ‘expropriation’ of Russian assets, using stronger language and highlighting hurdles absent in others.

Story gist: AvtoVAZ is recalling 33,450 Lada Granta vehicles in Russia.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage of the story, leaving those perspectives entirely absent. Center outlet Interfax framed the recall neutrally in its headline, stating the facts of who, what, and how many without added tone, emphasis on implications, or omissions. This results in limited cross-spectrum analysis.

Story gist: Russian authorities extended the deferral of tax and contribution payments for coal companies until March.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets omitted coverage of the story. Center outlet Interfax reported factually with a neutral headline matching the title, emphasizing the extension without tone or added context. Absent left perspective may overlook critiques of subsidies for fossil fuels; absent right perspective misses potential support for industry relief amid economic pressures.

Story gist: Head of Russia’s Constitutional Court stated ‘The Constitution has more claims against us’ in quotes on Constitution Day. Kalmykia Republic head congratulated residents on the holiday.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, omitting progressive viewpoints. Center outlet Vedomosti framed coverage around the court head’s quotes emphasizing constitutional obligations on officials, using a neutral, direct tone. Right-leaning RIA Kalmykia highlighted regional leader’s congratulatory message, focusing on positive celebration and omitting the court’s remarks.

Story gist: Drones targeted Moscow on December 12. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported the destruction of another UAV approaching the city.

Bias summary: Left-leaning RTVI frames the event sensationally as ‘drones attack Moscow,’ emphasizing the assault. Center Interfax shifts focus to Trump’s statement on progress in Ukrainian settlement, highlighting diplomatic optimism amid conflict. Right-leaning mos.ru stresses Sobyanin’s report of a drone destroyed, underscoring successful defense and downplaying threat. All cover the incident but vary in tone from alarmist to reassuring.