December 15, 2025 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: Belgorod, Russia, was subjected to a rocket attack by Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). Reports revealed the attack’s target.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, omitting pro-Ukraine perspectives that might frame it as retaliation. Center outlet Interfax neutrally reports Belgorod under rocket fire without attributing blame or motive. Right-leaning tve24.ru emphasizes deliberate AFU aggression, highlighting the revealed goal to underscore Ukrainian intent.

Story gist: Israeli intelligence warned Australia of terrorist attack risks before an incident in Sydney. Local store owner Ahmed al-Ahmed disarmed the gunman during the attack.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets spotlight Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim father and shop owner who heroically intervened, emphasizing community heroism and countering stereotypes. Center coverage features Tottenham’s statement linking the attack to Hanukkah’s theme of light amid darkness and prayers for global unity. Right-leaning perspectives are absent, omitting focus on security lapses or immigration concerns.

Story gist: Russian media mark the 200th anniversary of the Decembrist uprising on December 1825 in St. Petersburg. Coverage examines myths surrounding the event and changes in public attitudes over two centuries.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Novaya Gazeta frames the anniversary with a provocative title ‘Day of the Quick God,’ suggesting ironic or celebratory emphasis on rebellion. Center Forbes.ru offers neutral analysis of myths and evolving perceptions. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting conservative views that often depict Decembrists as traitors to the tsar.

Story gist: Yury Ushakov, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated no discussions of a ‘Korean variant’ occurred during negotiations on Ukraine. He noted active discussions on territories in context of a Putin-Witkoff meeting.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, lacking perspective potentially skeptical of Russian claims. Center (Vedomosti) neutrally reports Ushakov’s denial of ‘Korean variant’ talks verbatim. Right (FederalPress) emphasizes active territory discussions and Putin-Witkoff meeting, framing Russia assertively on territorial issues with focus on engagement rather than denial.

Story gist: Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted UAV strikes on Russian territory. Russian State Duma members described the strikes as a ‘gesture of despair.’ Volgograd airport resumed normal operations, and Moscow air defenses intercepted a drone attack.

Bias summary: No left-leaning coverage provided; that perspective absent. Center outlets like Interfax emphasize Volgograd airport’s quick return to normal work, focusing on minimal disruption. Right-leaning mos.ru highlights Moscow Mayor Sobyanin praising Ministry of Defense air defenses for successfully thwarting the attack, stressing defensive effectiveness.