In early Sept, Putin told an audience at the Eastern Economic Forum that the main goal of his “special military operation” is “the liberation of the Donbas.” Here's what it looks like in practice, via the Russian state's own photographers. https://buff.ly/3ZJsinD

Russia's Belgorod region has been so battered by Ukrainian shelling that the local governor is asking officials to prevent people from parking their cars outside, uncovered. The promised compensation payments are becoming a real budget drag. https://buff.ly/3OrFUNI

In 2022, Russia became the country with the largest difference between the life expectancies of men and women: on average, men live nearly 11 years less. And the war only promises to exacerbate the disparity.
https://t.co/s1UUAV4oMJ

At least 12 people were reportedly killed and 35 were injured in a shooting at Crocus City Hall, a music venue in the Moscow region. The building is on fire.
https://t.co/77xUOr6LAo

Georgian lawmakers announced that they’ve decided to withdraw the controversial “foreign agents” bill that sparked mass protests after its passage on Tuesday.
https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/03/09/georgian-parliament-withdraws-foreign-agents-bill-amid-mass-protests