February 25, 2026 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: Central Bank of Russia set official exchange rates for ruble against US dollar, euro, and Japanese yen on February 25.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, providing no coverage. Center frames story neutrally as routine official daily rates from Central Bank. Right-leaning EADaily uses dramatic ‘verdict’ language in headline, emphasizing bank’s decision as authoritative judgment, potentially heightening perception of significance or tension in currency valuation.

Story gist: Interfax reported spring temperatures across Russia will be around normal. The forecast relates to March conditions in Orenburg Oblast.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets omitted coverage of the Orenburg March weather forecast. Center outlet Interfax framed it neutrally and factually, stating nationwide spring temperatures near normal without emphasis, alarmism, or skepticism. Absent left perspectives (e.g., climate change links) or right views (e.g., weather variability dismissal) leave the routine story unpartisan.

Story gist: As of January, annual inflation in Russia’s Primorye region exceeded the national average. Services recorded the largest price increases.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets frame regional inflation positively by emphasizing slowdown in Kaliningrad for five months despite exceeding national average. Center outlets neutrally report Primorye inflation surpassing national levels with services rising most, focusing on facts without trend emphasis. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential critiques of economic policy or regional management failures.

Story gist: Solemn events dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day occurred in Ivanovo. Vnukovo International Airport issued congratulations, and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin with deputies honored fallen defenders in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, omitting any critical or alternative perspective on the military holiday. Center coverage from Vnukovo Airport used neutral, congratulatory tone focused on public well-wishes. Right-leaning duma.gov.ru emphasized official patriotic acts by Volodin and deputies, highlighting memory-honoring in a key war memorial site with reverent framing.

Story gist: Russian military analyst Konstantin Sivkov stated that the main special military operation is occurring inside Russia, not in Ukraine. The comment aligns with coverage of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Novaya Gazeta frame the fourth SVO year skeptically, questioning stalemate versus breakthrough. Center outlets like DW focus on origins, labeling it Russia’s war against Ukraine with neutral historical tone. Right-leaning outlets like ruinformer.com emphasize patriotic mobilization for victory, highlighting Crimea’s leader appeal. Left stresses doubt, center adversarial origins, right omits setbacks for optimism.