In the USSR, Soviet TV often showed the ballet following the death of Soviet leaders, and it was back on Soviet TV screens in 1991 during the failed coup by communist hardliners. Lake (Ozero in Russian) is also the name of a dacha co-operative widely associated with President Putin's inner circle.

The toy is described in a listing as suitable for children from the age of six and "an ideal gift for young patriots."

Russian forces are close to taking the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk after a pincer movement almost totally encircled it while small groups of highly mobile Russian units penetrated the city, according to Russian military bloggers.

Trump's Ukraine policy shifts from strong support to softer stance in recent weeks, reversing tough UN summit rhetoric as Russia war continues.

Here is how things stand on Friday, October 31, 2025: Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces took control of the villages of Krasnohirske in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region and Sadove in the Kharkiv region, Russian state news agencies reported.

The so-called Islamic State group and Russia use similar tactics: propaganda, disinformation, and targeted recruitment of vulnerable groups. Hybrid warfare today, terrorism back then – methods designed to destabilise societies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is now believed to be more dug in than ever, according to a recent intelligence assessment.

Ukraine has ramped up its strikes on Russian military and energy targets far beyond the front lines in recent months.