Ben Tavener

Today’s Russian papers focusing again on economic problems: ▪️ “To pay utility bills some Russians are falling into debt" ▪️ “Rise in bread prices outstripping inflation” ▪️“Cement factories on the brink” ▪️ Call to "freeze basic food prices to battle inflation" #ReadingRussia

In today’s Russian papers: a new nuclear submarine, “car manufacturing down 30%...car market in one of its worst crises”, plus a warning that “political rehabilitation” of dictator Joseph Stalin leads to “rehabilitation of Stalin’s methods and practices.” #ReadingRussia

Kremlin says it’s “hard to see” how a Putin-Zelensky meeting could take place before the end of August, within Donald Trump’s 50-day deadline for peace deal, as Ukraine proposed at yesterday’s brief talks in Istanbul – RIA

From today’s Russian newspapers: ▪️“Economy on the verge of recession” ▪️“Beetroot prices up 58% this year” ▪️“Petrol prices to rise” Plus, how the Russian government paper is covering the street protests in Ukraine. #ReadingRussia

An AN-24 Angara Airlines passenger plane with 49 people on board, including 6 crew members and 5 children, has crashed in Russia’s far-eastern Amur region. The wreckage was located around 15km from Tynda airport. There appear to be no survivors. MORE: bbc.com/news/articles/…

Russia, Ukraine discuss more POW swaps; no deal on ceasefire or leaders' meeting reuters.com/world/europe/r…

Two women have died after a Ukrainian drone strike on the Russian city of Sochi, the governor of Krasnodar region is reporting. He says a local oil facility was also targeted. Eleven others injured.

Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul ahead of third round of direct talks with Ukraine — Flightradar24 data, Russian news agencies

BREAKING: Russian delegation heading to Istanbul for Ukraine talks – TASS and Interfax

Still no Kremlin confirmation on dates for 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Reports suggested they would happen this week. Dmitry Peskov also cautioned against expecting “miraculous breakthroughs”, and made clear a Putin-Zelensky meeting was not on the cards yet.

The Russian government paper today features Tucker Carlson (and his comments praising Vladimir Putin). While Moskovsky Komsomolets warns: “[Russia’s] relations with Azerbaijan are heading to the point of no return.” #ReadingRussia

Kremlin says Russia is in favour of a third round of direct talks with Ukraine taking place – as reports swirl they could happen this week – but says Moscow and Kyiv’s positions are currently “diametrically opposed” and that there’s “much work” to be done.

Today’s Russian papers on the economy: “More & more enterprises plan to cut output.” “Russia is shut off from technological advances. It’s naïve to think everything we need we can make ourselves or get from China.” #ReadingRussia

BREAKING: Next round of Russia-Ukraine talks expected to take place at end of this week, source tells Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency. Independent Türkçe - also citing sources - reports talks could happen Weds/Thurs this week.

Kremlin says it agrees with President Zelensky that talks between Moscow and Kyiv should be stepped up. Sees his comments as a positive sign.

In today’s Russian papers: “Foreign VPNs won’t be banned in Russia, but risks will grow for users.” Plus, legislation in Russia that would impose “fines for searching [online] for knowingly extremist materials.” #ReadingRussia

Russia and Ukraine exchange more war dead. Russia handed Ukraine bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers, Ukraine hands Russia bodies of 19 Russian troops, says Russia delegation lead at Istanbul talks, Vladimir Medinsky. Sides continuing to fulfil agreements made at those talks.

Flash floods, geo-political storm clouds and continuing war. Our latest report from Moscow for @BBCNews Producer @BBCBenTavener