Following the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, in a Russian prison, Yulia Navalnaya has announced her intention to continue his political work. Navalnaya, who has supported Navalny throughout his political career and played a crucial role during his recovery from a poisoning attack, is now stepping into the political arena amid a challenging environment for the Russian opposition. She has met with European Union leaders and proposed measures against the Russian political regime, calling for action rather than statements. Her entry into politics has been met with support from Russian opposition figures and hope among Navalny's supporters, despite facing a sophisticated propaganda machine that has targeted her and her family.

Russian authorities announced the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges. Navalny's allies blame President Vladimir Putin for his death. The prison service reported that Navalny lost consciousness and resuscitation efforts failed. Conflicting reports emerged about the cause of death, with some sources citing a blood clot and others noting bruises from seizures. Navalny's body is reportedly in Salekhard, but his team has faced difficulties in retrieving it. Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an investigation, but human rights organizations express distrust in the process. The body will be handed over to the family once the cause of death is established.

Alexei Navalny has been located at the IK-3 prison colony in Russia's Arctic, known for its harsh conditions and isolation. His transfer is seen as an attempt to isolate him ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The prison, historically used for dangerous repeat offenders, has a reputation for brutal treatment and poor living conditions. Human rights defenders and former prisoners describe severe physical and psychological abuse, with some alleging torture by prison guards.

Russian investigators raided the Zakharov publishing house for selling books by Boris Akunin, recently added to the 'extremists and terrorists' list. The raid follows Akunin's public condemnation of the Kremlin's war against Ukraine. Despite pressure, Zakharov continues to sell Akunin's books, citing a legal conflict. Akunin, living in the U.K., anticipates further state pressure on other publishers and theaters associated with his works.

Alexandra Skochilenko, a Russian artist and musician, was sentenced to seven years in prison for swapping price tags with anti-war statements in a St. Petersburg supermarket. Her actions, aimed at protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, led to charges of spreading 'fake news' about the Russian Armed Forces. Despite her imprisonment and deteriorating health, Skochilenko remains steadfast in her beliefs, receiving support from family, friends, and public figures. The case highlights the harsh penalties for dissent in Russia and the ongoing struggle for freedom of speech and human rights.

Russia's Jewish community urges the government to prosecute anti-Israel rioters who stormed an airport in Dagestan, targeting Jewish and Israeli passengers. The Federation of Jewish Communities and the Russian Jewish Congress condemned the incident, highlighting the growing anti-Israel sentiment and the failure of local authorities to prevent the unrest. The Chief Rabbinate of Russia's representative in Dagestan described the situation for Jews as very difficult, with many feeling unsafe. The Jewish community in Russia has been actively raising support for Israel, collecting funds for medical needs and holding prayers.

Despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, many Russians are finding solace in the nightlife of Moscow, with clubs and festivals offering an escape. The capital shows few signs of the conflict, except for military recruitment billboards and closed foreign shops due to sanctions. Experts note that authorities are maintaining calm by supporting soldiers' families. While Moscow and St. Petersburg are less affected by recruitment, drone attacks have raised safety concerns. The nightlife scene has adapted, with fewer events and a focus on local talent due to the departure of international artists and emigration of war opponents. However, events are increasing again as people return. The Levada Center's survey shows a majority believe Russia is headed in the right direction and approve of Putin's performance, but there is an underlying acknowledgment of the war's toll. The Moscow Times, labeled a 'foreign agent', seeks support for its independent journalism.

The article reports on the mourning of Israeli families, including Russian-Israeli citizens, following a deadly attack by Hamas militants. Dmitry Reshetnikov, a young soldier, and David Lystsov, a festival worker, were among the victims. The attack resulted in over 1,400 Israeli and 3,300 Palestinian deaths. The Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv is assisting Russian nationals, while President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences and called for a peaceful resolution. The article highlights the personal losses and the broader geopolitical implications.

Lilia Chanysheva, an ally of Alexei Navalny and former head of Navalny's office in Bashkortostan, remains in prison after being sentenced to 7.5 years for creating an 'extremist organization.' Despite little hope for a successful appeal, she continues to challenge her sentence, maintaining her innocence and belief in future rehabilitation. The European Union and Human Rights Watch have called for her release, and Memorial recognizes her as a political prisoner. Chanysheva remains active, organizing book collections and waste collection initiatives from jail, and receives global support. She criticizes the political climate in Russia as repressive, with opponents of the government imprisoned, prosecuted, or exiled, and describes the atmosphere as a 'one-man show' for Putin. However, she expresses hope for Russia's future, citing the continued work of politicians, activists, journalists, lawyers, volunteers, and philanthropists.

Russian and Armenian volunteers in Yerevan, Armenia, are providing humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan's recent military operation. The Ethos charity, initially focused on Ukrainian refugees, has redirected its efforts to assist Armenian refugees, establishing distribution points in multiple cities. Volunteers are working tirelessly to provide food, clothing, mental health support, and legal assistance. Despite logistical challenges and some resistance from local authorities, the aid efforts continue. The United Nations reports that up to 1,000 ethnic Armenians remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, with many fearing repression if they return.

The Kremlin's efforts to recruit new soldiers for the Russian Armed Forces are failing, with promised salaries and incentives not attracting the expected number of recruits. Despite extensive recruitment campaigns across Russia, including in Moscow, the actual number of new soldiers is significantly lower than official claims. Experts suggest that the Russian military is facing a severe shortage of personnel, exacerbated by ongoing losses in the war in Ukraine. The article highlights the potential need for another round of mobilization if current recruitment efforts continue to fall short.

Russia's ruling United Russia party is downplaying the war in Ukraine in its regional election campaign, focusing instead on socio-economic issues. The Kremlin is treating these elections as a rehearsal for the 2024 presidential elections, with President Vladimir Putin expected to seek a fifth term. Despite the lack of independent observers and real opposition, the government is cautious about the election outcomes. The change in campaign strategy follows internal criticism and the Wagner mercenary group's revolt. Experts believe this approach may appeal to voters who are weary of the ongoing conflict.

The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, has left a significant impact on Russia, silencing a prominent critic of the Russian military's performance in Ukraine and casting uncertainty over his business and military ventures. Prigozhin's cultivated image as a man of action and his harsh criticisms of the Defense Ministry garnered him support among some Russians. His death has sparked memorials and tributes, despite efforts by authorities to label him a traitor. Experts suggest his posthumous image may serve as a symbolic contrast to the Russian government but is unlikely to significantly influence domestic politics.

Global protests titled “Putin Is a Killer” were held on the third anniversary of Alexei Navalny's poisoning, which he attributes to Vladimir Putin. Organized by Navalny's associates, the protests occurred in various Western countries and regions with significant Russian emigre populations. Demonstrations took place in cities like Amsterdam and Tbilisi, with participants condemning Putin's actions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Inside Russia, limited protest activity was reported due to strict controls and legal risks. Navalny, currently imprisoned on

Ukrainian refugees in Russia face challenges in assimilation, with many receiving Russian citizenship through a simplified process. While some refugees intend to stay in Russia, others hope to move to Europe or nearby countries. Humanitarian organizations like the Civic Assistance Committee provide crucial support, but concerns remain about forced relocations and the erasure of Ukrainian identity. The Russian government promotes integration, offering medical services and financial support, but many refugees still rely on human rights organizations for assistance.

Russia's extensive army recruitment campaign, aimed at addressing manpower shortages in Ukraine, has struggled to meet its targets despite widespread advertising and promises of high salaries. Experts and anecdotal evidence suggest the number of new recruits is far below expectations, with only 117,000 men joining the Armed Forces in the first five-and-a-half months of the year. The campaign, which emphasizes patriotism and traditional masculinity, appears to be an effort to avoid another round of mobilization. However, experts believe that without sufficient recruits, another mobilization may be inevitable.