December 31, 2025 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: EU leaders discussed reports of a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai. Moscow claims Ukraine attempted the strike.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Meduza frame it as Moscow’s unsubstantiated claim used to influence peace talks, with skeptical tone. Center outlets like BBC emphasize Russian propaganda’s reaction and question the attack’s focus on Putin, maintaining analytical distance. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting a perspective likely to highlight Ukrainian aggression or Russian security concerns.

Story gist: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on special training gatherings for citizens in the mobilization reserve of the Russian Armed Forces. The gatherings are set for 2026.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza headlines focus on Putin signing decree for reservist special gatherings, omitting year for potential immediacy emphasis. Center outlet Radio Svoboda adds 2026 detail, providing timeline context. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting pro-government framing on military readiness or routine drills.

Story gist: The market rose on the last December trading sessions but declined 4% over the year, according to Finam.Ru.

Bias summary: Center outlets like Finam.Ru frame the story factually, noting both the late December uptick and 4% annual decline without emphasis. Left-leaning coverage is absent, missing potential focus on systemic economic weaknesses or inequality impacts. Right-leaning coverage is also absent, omitting possible emphasis on market resilience or policy critiques.

Story gist: Russian government approved a list of industries eligible for a single reduced insurance contributions rate. Announcement published on minfin.gov.ru.

Bias summary: No left- or right-leaning outlets covered the story, leaving worker protection or business burden angles unaddressed. Center outlet minfin.gov.ru reports factually and neutrally from official source, emphasizing policy approval without tone, praise, criticism, or economic impact details.

Story gist: From January 1, 2026, Russia will implement changes including increases in the VAT rate, pensions, and utility tariffs, plus a new family tax payment. Additional laws protecting citizens’ rights and national interests will take effect.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, missing potential critical focus on tax and tariff hikes’ burdens. Center sources like GARANT neutrally list all changes, balancing increases with new benefits. Right-leaning duma.gov.ru positively frames via State Duma chairman, emphasizing laws’ protective role for citizens and country, omitting cost increases.