The Central Bank cut its key interest rate to 20% for the first time in three years, dominating economic coverage as Governor Nabiullina cited the slowing economy while warning rates could rise again under certain conditions.
Overnight, Russian air defenses reportedly destroyed 174 Ukrainian drones and three Neptune missiles, followed by retaliatory strikes that killed four people in Kyiv according to Ukrainian sources. Russian outlets framed this as retaliation for "terrorist attacks" on strategic airbases.
A planned prisoner exchange in "6000 on 6000" format collapsed after Ukraine allegedly refused without explanation, while railway sabotage in Belgorod region derailed a locomotive. Wagner PMC announced its withdrawal from Mali, stating "we are returning home."
Throughout the day, Russian media extensively covered reports that Trump's team pressures the US Senate to soften sanctions against Russia, with multiple outlets citing Wall Street Journal sources about secret White House lobbying efforts.