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
Did Ukrainian drone hit Russian recon ship in Black Sea? What we know
Russian media reported Friday that the intelligence ship, Ivan Khurs, returned to Sevastopol undamaged.
Russia's Medvedev threatens Ukraine with pre-emptive nuclear strike
"This conflict will last for a very long time. For decades, probably," said Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council.
Drone strikes across Russian border as Ukraine turns up heat on Putin—Video
There has been a notable rise in reports about attacks inside Russian territory in recent weeks, including a drone attack on the Kremlin on May 3.
Patriot missile success in Ukraine has shocked even the Pentagon–Kyiv
Ukraine said its military used the Patriot missile defense system to down a Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile over Kyiv this month.
Russian state TV tension as guest describes Ukraine's "powerful army"
Ukraine's army "is battered, but even in this condition it is stronger than any country of the European Union," a state TV guest said.
Wagner Group retreating from Bakhmut, Prigozhin says
The Wagner chief claimed on Saturday that the small industrial city in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region had fallen to his forces.
Crimea bridge smoke just "exercise," Russian official says as videos emerge
A former Ukrainian presidential adviser has said that Kyiv's anticipated upcoming counteroffensive will likely target the Kerch Strait Bridge.
Wagner Group chief admits Ukraine war has completely backfired
Ukraine now has "one of the strongest armies," Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said.
Lukashenko responds to rumors of ill health: "I'm not going to die"
Rumors have swirled about the Belarusian president's health since his appearance at Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
Pillaging inside Russia as defectors claim to have taken "trophy equipment"
The Freedom of Russia Legion captured BTR-82A armored personnel carriers—Russia's main armored vehicle—in Belgorod, Newsweek has been told.
Videos show "free Russia" flag floating over Moscow
The Freedom of Russia Legion shared images and videos of the flag after its fighters crossed into Russia's Belgorod region.
Wagner boss blames Russian government for not defending Belgorod
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Vladimir Putin was aware of an attempt by a "Ukrainian sabotage group" to attack the Belgorod region.
Putin defectors say they've seized Belgorod towns, vow to "liberate Russia"
The Freedom of Russia Legion aims "to liberate Russia from Putinism," Ilya Ponomarev, an exiled Russian politician, told Newsweek.
Russia pushed back in Bakhmut as Ukraine retakes a number of buildings—Kyiv
Kyiv has denied a claim by Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who said his fighters had captured Bakhmut.
Pro-Putin church leader's car reportedly crashes in Moscow
The Russian Orthodox Church has denied reports that Patriarch Kirill's Aurus car was involved in a traffic accident on Monday morning.
Russian TV host calls for citizens to help produce ammunition after work
Margarita Simonyan's remarks clash with comments made by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who has said Moscow has received "enough ammunition" this year.
How Ukraine might secure a deal for F-16s in weeks
Some of Ukraine's Western allies have signaled they are prepared to give the American-made fighter planes to Kyiv.
Zelensky's G7 attendance thrown into doubt at final hour
Mixed messaging has emerged on whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending the G7 summit in Japan online, or in person.
Video shows Russian T-72B3 tank destroyed in "Zhytomyr paratroopers" strike
The aerial footage shows the moment the tank is struck by Ukraine's forces, causing it to catch fire.
Ukraine has "every right" to take back Crimea – U.K. defense secretary
Crimea is "Ukrainian soil," British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said. "It is their sovereign territory. It has been invaded."
Russian elites are looking to escape "sinking ship," former ambassador says
"The fissures in Russian elite society have become apparent," John Herbst, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, told Newsweek.
Russian police tear off door in raid targeting Putin war critics
Searches targeted those suspected of having ties with Ilya Ponomarev, an exiled Russian official who voted against Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Putin's Kremlin strongmen warn Prigozhin over political ambitions—ISW
The Kremlin has sensed Yevgeny Prigozhin is becoming more dangerous politically, military observers have assessed.
Putin has "failed miserably" to try to salvage Ukraine war—Ex-Ambassador
The former ambassador said on Tuesday that Putin's "failure" in Ukraine is placing a "significant and growing strain" on his regime.
Former U.S. ambassador may have been poisoned months before Ukraine war
In April 2021, John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador, experienced symptoms consistent with poisoning, including elevated levels of toxins in his blood.
How Russia lost "200,000 soldiers" in Ukraine
The staggering losses have damaged the "organizational integrity" of the Russian Armed Forces, Pavel Luzin, a Russian political analyst, told Newsweek.
Putin to offer foreigners who fight for Russia fast track citizenship
The move comes as Russia's casualty total is set to exceed 200,000, according to figures provided by Ukraine's military.
Drone attacks target Russian territory after Ukraine hit overnight
Drone incidents inside Russian territory have been growing in intensity in recent weeks ahead of an anticipated counteroffensive by Ukraine.
Russia creating unstoppable submarine nuclear missiles—Report
The commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy previously said that new missiles would have to be capable of overcoming missile defense systems "of any enemy."
Ukraine's Bakhmut counterattack is building momentum
Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar praised the "steadfastness and courage" of Ukrainian soldiers who were preventing Russian forces from surrounding Bakhmut.
