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
Explosions rock Putin shadow fleet tanker off Italy coast
The Maltese-flagged oil tanker "Seajewel" was reported to be transporting Russian oil to Europe, in spite of sanctions.
Russian Mediterranean Sea flotilla shadowed by NATO ally's ships
NATO member states have expressed growing concerns over Russia's heightened activity in European waters.
Ukraine's NATO ally "ready" to deploy troops
The U.K. signaled willingness to put boots on the ground in Ukraine as part of a future peace agreement with Russia.
Russia sparks fears of false flag attack in Baltic Sea
Moscow also alleged that European intelligence services and Ukraine intend to "assassinate Russian opposition figures abroad" and blame Russia.
Russian TV celebrates Trump: he's "cutting apart the Western world"
"We'll see if he breaks his teeth or not. It's an amazing thing," Yevgeny Popov, Russian state TV host and propagandist, said.
Russian businessman with close ties to Putin mediating Trump talks: report
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has professional links to the Russian president.
Angry activists, beer and DeepSeek: How Denmark bid for California was born
A satirical petition to "buy California" has over 238,000 signatures. Organizer Xavier Dutoit told Newsweek he thought up the campaign over a beer.
Kremlin responds as Trump-linked private jet lands in Moscow: reports
RIA Novosti said a jet allegedly linked to Donald Trump's U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, landed in Moscow on Tuesday.
Russia starts sending wounded troops to North Korea
Russian military personnel are being treated in North Korea's "best hospitals and sanatoriums," an official said.
Ukraine drones strike Russian oil hubs, strategic airbase, helicopter plant
Kyiv targeted oil hubs which provide Russia's military with fuel in the ongoing war, as well as a number of strategically important military sites.
Putin "ground down" Russia's Soviet-era stockpiles: report
Russia's army could soon lack the tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery needed to sustain its current combat intensity in Ukraine.
America's NATO ally urged to "buy California"
"Let's buy California from Donald Trump!...California could be ours, and we need your help to make it happen," the petition reads.
Russia appears to deploy troops on horseback in Ukraine
"These horses are so slow!" one Russian soldier said in a video that is circulating on social media.
Explosions hit Russia shadow fleet tanker docked near Putin's home city
The oil tanker was reported to be carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil.
Donald Trump's popularity poses unexpected dilemma for Putin
The Kremlin is reported to be exploring ways to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's popularity in Russia.
Mystery as Russian Colonels fall out of windows
Two Russian colonels have plunged out of windows in the space of two days, while a musician fell to his death as his apartment was being searched.
Russian soldier rams truck into Putin's prized Su-25 fighter jet: Report
"The damage caused to the Ministry of Defense amounted to about 386.8 million rubles [nearly $4 million]," Russian Telegram channels said.
Russia ready to play "hard bargain" with Trump over Ukraine
"It is up to [Donald] Trump and his team to make a decision," said Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Russia's biggest oil firm accused of putting call girls on retainer
The Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) found dozens of young women employed by Rosneft are providing escort services to senior executives.
Ukraine shows capture of North Korean soldier as Kim pulls troops
In the footage, the North Korean soldier can be heard screaming as he is captured by Ukrainian forces.
Donald Trump's hunt for Ukraine minerals faces a Russia problem
Trump said his administration wants to make a deal with Ukraine to access its key natural resources in exchange for continued U.S. support.
Russian soldier froze to death after rogue boss tied him to tree—report
The grenade launcher was forced to stand for nine hours in a pine forest in Kherson, Ukraine, according to a report.
Russia claims NATO is plotting to oust Zelensky
NATO plans to accuse the Ukrainian leader of misappropriating more than $1.5 billion from funds allocated for ammunition, Russia said.
"Master" Donald Trump will "restore order" in Europe, Putin says
"Soon, they will all stand at the feet of the master and will gently wag their tails," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Putin ally killed after explosion at "elite" Moscow building: Reports
Armen Sarkisyan, founder of a battalion fighting Ukrainian forces, was targeted in what is being described as an assassination.
Videos show Russian fuel facilities on fire after drone strikes
Early Monday, Ukraine's drone barrage targeted a gas processing plant and an oil refinery owned by Lukoil in southwestern Russia.
DC plane crash: Kremlin responds as Russian skaters' deaths confirmed
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered his condolences to the families and friends of Russians killed in the plane crash on Wednesday.
Figure skater clears up report he was kept off doomed DC flight
Figure skater Jon Maravilla says he was not slated to fly on the American Airlines plane that collided with a military helicopter.
Who are Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova? Figure skaters in plane crash
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the Russian figure skaters were on board the crashed American Airlines plane.
DC plane crash victims: What we know
At least three Russian figure skaters were among those killed after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter.
