US President Donald Trump’s 50-day pause ahead of possible secondary sanctions on Russia gifts the Kremlin a window to exploit the incremental gains of recent weeks in Ukraine’s east.

A group of Ukrainian teenagers, particularly several 17-year-old boys who survived Russian interrogations and searches, has been brought back to Ukraine from the occupied territory. Source: Bring Kids Back to Ukraine initiative Details: They are now in territory controlled by Ukraine.

The US and Ukraine are discussing a “mega deal” for Washington to purchase battle-tested drones from eastern Europe in exchange for American heavy weaponry.

Daniel Martindale helped the Kremlin target Ukrainian troops and was then spirited out of eastern Ukraine by Russian special forces.

Since Russia's invasion began, more than 100 religious leaders and activists have faced persecution for opposing the war.

By mid-July, deliberate shutdowns spread to most of the country, according to Na Svyazi — Russian for “staying connected” — an activist group tracking internet availability. On Thursday, the group said 61 of Russia's more than 80 regions suffered cellphone internet shutdowns. In 42 regions, there were reports of broadband network outages.

The Kremlin said on Friday that it did not believe that a tougher stance U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted towards Russia over its war in Ukraine means the end of U.S-Russia talks aimed at reviving their battered ties.