Latest news in Russia? September 10th, 2026

Federal Budget & Economy Preliminary figures released by the Russian Ministry of Finance indicate that Russia’s federal budget deficit reached approximately 5.8 trillion rubles (around 2.5% of GDP) for the January–August period. The widening deficit is largely driven by sustained high state and defense spending alongside softer energy revenues. In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the government is not considering emergency tax hikes, maintaining that the deficit remains manageable and fiscal reserves are stable. ISW+ 1Military Operations & Frontline Situation Russian forces continue offensive operations across eastern Ukraine, though military reporting indicates intensified counterattacks by Ukrainian forces in sectors including the Lyman direction. Ukrainian long-range drone and missile strikes have continued to target military infrastructure, air defense installations, and logistical hubs within border regions and along the Black Sea coast, including recent strikes targeting naval and port facilities in Krasnodar Krai. ISW+ 1Domestic Tech & Defense Sourcing Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec announced ongoing efforts to establish a decentralized defense procurement and innovation platform, aimed at accelerating domestic production of drone systems and counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) technology to shield critical domestic industrial infrastructure from ongoing cross-border strikes.