(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russia is stepping up attacks on Ukraine, according to Russian newspapers published on 5th October 2026, with no sign of either a ceasefire or peace despite repeated claims from the Kremlin that it is open to talks.
Asked last Thursday whether Russia would agree to a ceasefire as a sign it was serious about peace, the spokesman for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin replied: “Willing to agree on peace. Not a ceasefire.”
The Russian press on 5th October carried headlines that pointed to escalation rather than compromise. Pravda said: “We are ready to continue to strike the enemy.” Moskovsky Komsomolets reported that the Russian military had been given a political blank cheque to carry out the full demilitarisation and de-industrialisation of Ukraine. Argumenty i Fakty reported that Russian Geran drones had captured the skies over Ukraine and that Kyiv was being strong armed into capitulating before the new year.
One paper said Russia was “taking off its white gloves”. Another reported that Russian drone forces continue to disable bridges over the Dnipro River, timed to coincide with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv.
Putin said last week at the Valdai Discussion Club that he was ready for talks. He said those talks should be based on Russia’s national interests. The Kremlin, in other words, still believes any peace should be on Russia’s terms. There is no hint of compromise in Moscow. Russia’s objective, according to its own press, has not changed: defeating Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the cost of living in Russia is rising. Na Visamea reported on 5th October that a wave of utility tariff increases swept through Russia from 1st October, ranging between 8% and 22% depending on the region.
One story that could not be found in the Russian newspapers on 5th October concerns events in Irkutsk. A worker at the anti plague research institute in Sherekhov, near Irkutsk, fell sick recently, was hospitalised and died.
Russia’s chief public health officer, Anna Popova, flew from Moscow to Irkutsk for meetings with local officials. The authorities have not confirmed the cause of death as plague. They are using the phrase “particularly dangerous infection”.
Local state television in Irkutsk reported: “Pneumonia of unknown aetiology. Such a diagnosis was given to an employee of the Irkutsk Anti Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East. At the end of last week, she died in the Shelikhov District Hospital. And it was assumed that her death could be associated with a particularly dangerous infection.”
The report continued: “After receiving this information, specialists organised a set of anti epidemic measures. According to Rospotrebnadzor, extensive studies did not reveal microorganisms in the patient associated with her professional activities. Emergencies involving work with pathogens at the institute were also not established.”
The report added: “All those who have been in contact with the patient are under medical supervision and undergoing laboratory tests. Two people were diagnosed with Covid 19, two more with rhinovirus infection. No pathogens of other infectious diseases were found.”
That is the official information as of the morning of 5th October. The story is being monitored.
Russian newspapers also featured jokes about the economy on 5th October. Moskovsky Komsomolets carried a line: “I don’t understand why people come up to me on the street begging for money. Can’t they see I’m one of them?”
Another joke in the Russian press asked: “How do you spend your salary? 40% on food, 30% on utilities, 30% on clothes, 20% on entertainment and unforeseen expenses.” The punchline: “But that adds up to 120%. That’s the problem.”
As of 5th October 2026, the Russian rouble traded at about 78 to the US dollar at the official rate and about 85 at the parallel market rate, according to Trading Economics.
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