Isabel van Brugen
News Reporter
Isabel van Brugen is a Newsweek Reporter based in Kuala Lumpur. Her focus is reporting on the Russia-Ukraine war. Isabel joined Newsweek in 2021 and had previously worked with news outlets including the Daily Express, The Times, Harper's BAZAAR, and Grazia. She has an M.A. in Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London, and a B.A. in Russian language at Queen Mary, University of London. Languages: English, Russian
You can get in touch with Isabel by emailing i.vanbrugen@newsweek.com or by following her on X @isabelvanbrugen
Russia suffers "massive casualties" after HIMARS strike on Donbas base
Ukraine has targeted columns of Russian troops with HIMARS throughout the war.
Russian man arrested in Florida over smuggling US parts for Putin's drones
Drones have been used extensively by both Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing war, now in its third year.
Explosions rock Russian air base hosting Putin's nuclear bombers
The Engels-2 air base is located some 500 miles southeast of Moscow and has been targeted several times.
Ryan Wesley Routh's "hostile and manipulative" Ukraine messages revealed
"Everything he's done has been absolutely detrimental to Ukraine, everything," an International Legion ex-volunteer told Newsweek.
Exclusive: Ryan Wesley Routh "delusional and a liar'—Ukraine volunteer
"There was delusions of grandeur and [he was] very disconnected from reality," an International Legion ex-volunteer told Newsweek.
Russian Black Sea Fleet flees reserve base amid ATACMS threat: Report
Vladimir Putin's prized fleet is reported to have evacuated from a key naval base in the country's port of Novorossiysk.
Russia-tied ship carries explosive power similar to Hiroshima atomic bomb
The "Ruby," a Malta-flagged cargo ship, is hauling 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate from Russia's port of Kandalaksha.
UK PM rebuffs Putin's saber-rattling: 'Russia started this war'
Reports that Ukraine could soon be permitted to use Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory have emerged in recent days.
Ukrainian HIMARS strike destroys Russian pontoon bridge
Ukraine's military has used HIMARS frequently in the war, often targeting Russia's most advanced anti-aircraft missile systems.
JD Vance floats Donald Trump deal to end war in Ukraine
A peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would likely include a "demilitarized zone," Trump's running mate said.
Ship with 20K tons of explosive cargo from Russia spotted near NATO base
The Ruby was seen near the Andøya Air Station in Norway, days after it was ordered to leave a port amid safety concerns.
Kamala Harris "drinking champagne" after Trump debate: Russian state TV
Harris "managed to lure Trump into every trap that she set for him," a guest on Russian state TV said.
Ukraine closes in on green light to strike Russia with long-range missiles
Kyiv has long urged its Western allies, including the U.S., to allow it to strike targets deep within Russian territory.
US scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska
NORAD said two Russian aircraft were "detected and tracked" near Alaska, but did not enter the airspace of the U.S. or Canada.
Turkey's Erdogan says Russia must return Crimea to Ukraine
"Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence is unwavering," the Turkish president said.
Russian school kids torch $15m helicopter with cigarettes
"The helicopter burned almost completely - only the tail remained," Russian Telegram channel Baza said.
Putin caught exaggerating size of Russian fleet in Arctic navy drills
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday the drills would involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels.
Russia responds to US presidential debate: "A show"
The Kremlin previously said that President Putin was not planning to watch the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
US to discuss permitting Ukraine ATACMS strikes on Russia
Kyiv has long urged the U.S. to allow it to strike targets deep within Russian territory using long-range weaponry.
Putin won't be watching Trump-Harris debate: Kremlin
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin smirkingly said Russia was endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Russians bemoan Kyiv's new thermite-firing "dragon drones": "headache"
Footage has emerged online that shows the drones showering Russian positions with a fiery substance.
Massive attack on Russia sees over 140 Ukrainian drones strike nine regions
The strikes grounded flights in Moscow.
"Crumbling" Crimea bridge "living its final days," resistance group claims
"The structural elements of the bridge are degrading," Atesh, a pro-Kyiv military partisan group, said.
Russia has "depleted" Soviet-era energy reserves, Putin ally admits
"The main reason is a lack of funding for the modernization and maintenance of equipment," said Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev.
Russian TV mocks Donald Trump's reaction to Putin comment: "Oh, sweetie!"
Earlier, Vladimir Putin appeared to joke that he's supporting Kamala Harris over Trump in the 2024 election.
Russian pro-war blogger slams Putin: "Traitors are sitting in the Kremlin"
"You are already old, you will die soon. And we are young. We will figure it out," said Russian military blogger Yegor Guzenko.
NATO allies fortify Russian border with "dragon's teeth"
Dragon's teeth, first used during World War II, are used to impede the advances of tanks and mechanized infantry.
Tanker with 20,000 tons of explosive material from Russia leaves NATO port
The 'Ruby' picked up ammonium nitrate from Russia's port of Kandalaksha, and docked at the port of Tromsø in Norway.
Putin issues nuclear power plant strike warning: "one can only imagine"
"One can only imagine what will happen if we strike back; what will happen in Europe," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Russia considers shutting down Kursk nuclear plant: Official
Some Russian military bloggers have speculated that Ukrainian forces are planning to take control of the nuclear power plant.
