Isabel van Brugen
Reporter
Isabel van Brugen is a Newsweek Reporter based in Kuala Lumpur. Her current focus is on the Russia-Ukraine war, and she has covered human rights issues in previous roles. 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 MA in Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London, and a BA in Russian language at QMUL. Languages: English, Russian
You can get in touch with Isabel by emailing i.vanbrugen@newsweek.com
Twitter handle: @isabelvanbrugen
Ukraine flag raised in Crimea as resistance grows to Russian rule
"Crimea is waiting for us, our citizens are waiting for us, and we are actively preparing to return home!" a Ukrainian official said.
Prigozhin makes Bakhmut plea amid fears of Ukrainian counteroffensive—ISW
Yevgeny Prigozhin has had public clashes with the Kremlin, with the businessman even accusing Russia's defense ministry of treason.
Russian factory that makes nuclear missile engines catches fire
There was an explosion prior to the fire, according to local media reports.
Russia has a dead body shortage. Yes, really
Russian doctors are reportedly having to travel overseas to get hands-on dissection experience with cadavers.
Ukraine's staunch Bakhmut resistance is working
Russia's offensive in the city appears to be losing momentum, according to military intelligence.
Putin's arrest could spark World War III, Russia warns
"It would be a declaration of war on the Russian Federation," said Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and prime minister.
Ukraine downs barrage of Shahed-136 drones in overnight assault—Kyiv
An air alert was announced overnight in multiple regions across Ukraine, including Kyiv, where at least four people were killed, officials say.
Putin's former elections chief dies after "massive heart attack"
Vladimir Churov led the Russian Central Election Commission from 2007 to 2016, when he was removed from his post.
Putin issues depleted uranium warning to West—ISW
Russia's president is trying to portray the provision of depleted uranium shells to Ukraine's forces as a "significant escalation" in the war.
U.S. responds to claim drone involved in plan to strike Russian port
"These claims are completely ridiculous and have ZERO basis in fact or truth…We categorically deny them," a State Department spokesperson told Newsweek.
What Is "Black Bridge"? Anti-Putin group claiming FSB building fire
At least four people were reported dead and five were wounded in the fire that broke out at the building belonging to the FSB last week.
Russia renews Bakhmut onslaught with Kh-555 cruise missile barrage—ISW
"The overall Russian spring offensive is likely approaching culmination," the think tank said.
Putin's visit to occupied Ukraine shows all is not well
"It was done to increase support and rally people inside of Russia around this war, and to distract from the ICC warrant," an expert told Newsweek.
Putin heckled while visiting Mariupol: "It's all for show"
A resident appeared to scream at the Russian president as he spoke to a crowd, prompting his security to look for the source.
How Russians reacted to warrant for Putin's arrest
"We will protect him—the people of Russia," a Moscow resident said.
Russia threatens to blow up ICC with hypersonic missile
"Citizens of the judge, look carefully into the sky," former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned.
Russian state TV pundit slams "Chinese interests" ahead of Xi Jinping visit
"China can only have one ally—China itself," said Russian journalist Mikhail Khodaryonok on the Russia 1 channel.
Russian lawmaker who refused to stand for anthem drafted
Alexander Lependin told local news outlets that his legs were tired from a gym session.
Wagner offensive in Bakhmut "nearing culmination": ISW
Ukrainian military sources have noted a "markedly decreased number of attacks" in and around the city, the U.S.-based think tank said.
Ukraine receives fighter jet boost as another 13 MiGs sent by Europe
The announcement comes a day after Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Warsaw will send Ukraine four Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets.
Ukraine issues warning over Russia's "atypical activity" in Black Sea
Russian naval forces may be searching for the wreckage of the downed U.S. drone, Ukrainian reports suggest.
Poland to send four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been asking the West for months for fighter jets to assist in the war.
U.S. releases video of exact moment Russian jet collided with drone
Both sides have blamed each other for the collision, providing conflicting accounts for the collision over the Black Sea.
Russia's new offensive has stalled already—ISW
The ISW said Russia has barely expanded its territory in Ukraine in a month of its new offensive.
Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov responds to health rumors
The head of Russia's Chechen Republic has responded to rumors that he is gravely ill with severe kidney problems.
Navalny film "debunk" author rejects accusation of writing with AI
The film "Navalny" won an Oscar for best feature documentary at the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood on Sunday.
Black Sea will become "totally ours," Russian-appointed governor says
The Black Sea is of strategic and economic importance to Moscow, largely because of the transit routes it provides.
Russia ramps up missile production as Putin prepares for long haul
Ukrainian intelligence has said Russia is running low of missiles.
Russians offered "free buffet" to attend Putin's speech on Crimea
Its not the first time food has been offered to people attending events organised by Vladimir Putin's regime, with money also used in attempts to fill stadiums.
Russia likely rationing shells amid ammunition shortage
A regional politician has suggested Russia's apparent lack of ammunition may be "sabotage."
