November 7, 2025 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: The Russian government approved amendments to the budget project for 2026-2028 years ahead of its second reading. The decision was reported by Interfax and the Ministry of Finance website.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets did not cover the story, leaving that perspective absent and potentially overlooking any critical analysis of fiscal implications. Center outlets like Interfax framed it neutrally as a straightforward government approval, emphasizing procedural details without commentary. Right-leaning sources, via the official minfin.gov.ru, presented it factually as an internal budget package update, highlighting official endorsement and omitting broader economic critiques.

Story gist: Russian President Vladimir Putin supported a complete ban on the sale of vaping devices in Russia. The proposal was discussed in the context of recent legislative efforts.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets omitted coverage, absenting any emphasis on potential health benefits or youth protection angles. Right-leaning outlets also lacked reporting, missing possible critiques of government overreach or economic effects on businesses. Center outlet Vedomosti framed the story neutrally, highlighting Putin’s endorsement through straightforward headline reporting without added analysis or tone.

Story gist: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Samara for the second time in two months. He attended the plenary session of the ‘Russia – a sports power’ forum.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets offer no coverage, omitting the event and providing no perspective on Putin’s regional visits. Center outlets like Vedomosti frame it neutrally as a factual second arrival in Samara within two months, focusing on the timing without emphasis. Right-leaning sources, including the President’s website, highlight the official plenary session of the ‘Russia – a sports power’ forum, portraying it as a key state initiative with promotional tone.

Story gist: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin promised a gradual reduction of the VAT payment threshold for small and medium-sized businesses. The announcement occurred during a recent government meeting.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets did not cover the story, leaving their perspective absent, possibly indicating low interest in pro-business policies. Center outlets like Forbes.ru frame it neutrally with the full official title, emphasizing the promise’s details without commentary. Right-leaning sources such as Финансы Mail adopt a concise, affirmative tone, highlighting the step-by-step implementation to underscore policy reliability and support for business relief.

Story gist: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu proposed to President Vladimir Putin to resume nuclear tests during a Security Council meeting. The Kremlin stated it has not received any reaction from the United States on the matter.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets provide no coverage, omitting any perspective on Russian escalation risks. Center outlets like BBC neutrally report the proposal by the defense minister to Putin, emphasizing the factual suggestion without alarmist tone. Right-leaning outlets also absent, missing potential framing as U.S. weakness or defensive necessity against threats.