0655GMT//Preperations for Putin-Zelensky talks; Primary schools in Russia to hold 'indoctrination lessons'

PUTIN-ZELENSKY TALKS: Frantic diplomatic preparations are continuing to try to set up a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Switzerland and Hungary have both been put forward as potential venues. (COMMENT: The Kremlin hasn't officially commented on moves to set up talks between Putin and Zelensky, but Yuri Ushakov, Putin's top adviser, has said that the seniority of Russia and Ukraine's negotiating teams needs to be elevated. This does suggest that the Kremlin also now believes it's time for Putin and Zelensky to meet.)

MOSCOW RUSE: The AFP news agency also reported that its sources were saying that Putin had suggested Zelensky head to Moscow for talks. This was apparently refused. (COMMENT: This report has not been confirmed by the Kremlin, but it does come across as a classic Kremlin ploy. Of course, Putin would love to see Zelensky head to his court, bend the knee and sign a surrender document. The Kremlin also knows that there is no way Zelensky would agree to this.)

OIL EXPORTS TO INDIA: Shipments of crude oil from Russia to India have collapsed by 65% in the past month because of EU sanctions and impending US tariffs. Data quoted by the Bloomberg news agency said that the average daily shipment of crude oil to India from Russia in August was 400,000 barrels compared to 1.18 million barrels in July. (COMMENT: India had been Russia's main crude oil importer since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine and, therefore, a vital part of the Russian economy. The West accused India of funding Russia's war in Ukraine and targeted it, effectively.)

OIL EXPORTS TO CHINA: Data also showed that China's imports of Russian crude oil increased by 17% in July, apparently taking advantage of discounts offered by the Kremlin. China now imports around 2 million barrels of crude oil from Russia every day. (COMMENT: China is Russia's most important economic and political ally. China probably can't absorb all the extra oil generated by the drop in Indian imports, but it can soften the blow for the Kremlin.)

PRIMARY SCHOOL INDOCTRINATION: Primary schools in Russia and occupied parts of Ukraine will trial "patriotic lessons" this autumn, Russia's education ministry said on Tuesday. The children will be taught "respect for Russian culture and history, love for the Motherland”, as well as traditional family values. (COMMENT: This is an extension of a programme supported by Putin and rolled out across schools in Russia in 2022. Critics have said that the programme is designed to indoctrinate children.)

TAXES TO RISE FOR OPPONENTS OF WAR: Russia's finance ministry has tabled a law to raise income tax on "foreign agents" to 30%. Russians currently pay an income tax of 13 to 22%. (COMMENT: This is another state tool to punish people classed as "foreign agents", people who have typically opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.)