Russian citizens attending Navalny vigils reportedly given draft summonses

At least six Russians arrested while attending makeshift memorials to the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in Russia on Feb. 16, were given military draft notices upon their release from custody, local Russian media reported on Feb. 21.

Russian authorities have reportedly arrested hundreds of people for laying flowers at memorials to Navalny or otherwise publicly mourning his death.

Leaders around the world condemned Russia for #Navalny's death and blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for what has been consistently characterized as a murder.

https://kyivindependent.com/media-russians-attending-navalny-vigils-given-draft-summons/

#Russian #Murder #RussianAggression #assassinations #StandWithUkraine

Media: Russian citizens attending Navalny vigils reportedly given draft summonses

Russian Telegram channels said that six people who were detained in St. Petersburg while attending makeshift memorial ceremonies were told that they "must report to the enlistment office within a few days to verify their information and register...

Don't think that Russian hybrid ops in Estonia end with the suspects currently detained

The Internal Security Service (ISS), known in #Estonian as the #Kapo, announced Tuesday that, based on information amassed in the course of criminal proceedings, Russia's security services have been coordinating a hybrid operation against Estonia's security.

This operation includes the activities carried out by those suspects currently detained.

While smashing the windows of a family car is hardly a sophisticated action, recruiting willing volunteers inside Estonia has not proven difficult for the #FSB and/or other Russian security organs.

Speaking to ETV current affairs show "Ringvaade," Läänemets said that the intention on the part of Russia's security services is to sow fear and discord, both in Estonia and elsewhere.

"This is the goal of the #Russian secret services and also that of Russia as a whole: To destabilize Estonian society and sow fear.

"Russia has dedicated units to carry out such operations. Estonia is not the only place where this has happened. It happens in the other Baltic states, and elsewhere ", the minister went on.

https://news.err.ee/1609259640/laanemets-don-t-think-that-russian-hybrid-ops-in-estonia-end-with-the-suspects-currently-detained

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #war #Hybrid #HybridWarfare #civilians #EU

Läänemets: Don't think that Russian hybrid ops in Estonia end with the suspects currently detained

While Russia's security organs have failed to cause too much alarm in Estonia by engaging in acts of vandalism on vehicles and also memorials, this should not be taken to mean that similar activities will not occur again in future, Minister of the...

Denmark to donate all its artillery to Ukraine

#Denmark has decided to deliver all the #artillery rounds from its stockpiles to Ukraine, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told the Ukrainian Lunch at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17.

“If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking us for ammunition now, artillery now. From the Danish side, we decided to donate our entire artillery,” Frederiksen said.

“There is still ammunition in European stocks. This is not a question of only production because we have the weapons, we have ammunition, we have air defense that we don’t have to use ourselves at the moment that we should deliver to Ukraine.”

“Russia does not want peace with us. They are destabilizing the Western world from many different angles -- in the Arctic region, the Balkans, and Africa - with #disinformation, #cyberattacks, hybrid war, and obviously in Ukraine,” she said.

https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-to-donate-all-its-artillery-to-ukraine-says-pm/

#Imperialism #RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine

PM says Denmark to donate all its artillery to Ukraine

“If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking us for ammunition now, artillery now. From the Danish side, we decided to donate our entire artillery,” Frederiksen said.

#Romania scrambles F-16s amid Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast

Turkish F-16 fighter jets stationed in Romania were scrambled after Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast in the early morning of Feb. 10, Romania's Defense Ministry said.

Romania's Defense Ministry said that jets stationed at an airbase near Fetesti, some 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, were summoned in response to perform reconnaissance.

No unauthorized intrusions into Romanian airspace were detected, and no debris from downed Russians was found on Romanian territory, the ministry said.

Bucharest has strongly condemned Russian attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in October 2023 that an anti-drone system had been installed by the Ukrainian border after repeated instances of debris falling on Romanian territory.

#Bucharest has previously deployed additional security measures in the border areas, including setting up bomb shelters and issuing air raid warnings.

https://kyivindependent.com/romania-scrambles-f-16s-amid-russian-drone-strikes-on-odesa-oblast/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #WarCrimes #StandWithUkraine

Romania scrambles F-16s amid Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast

Romania's Defense Ministry said that jets stationed at an airbase near Fetesti, some 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, were summoned in response to perform reconnaissance.

Russian military increasingly using Starlink terminals on battlefield

The Russian military has begun to use #Starlink terminals more actively on the front line, Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news site, reported

A representative for #SpaceX, the manufacturer of Starlink terminals, denied that the company has ever sold or supplied the equipment to the Russian military.

According to Militarnyi, the Starlink terminals are likely being procured through intermediaries in third countries via parallel imports, making it near impossible to trace.

In June 2023, the Pentagon confirmed that SpaceX had won a contract from the Defense Department to provide Ukraine with Starlink satellite services.

https://kyivindependent.com/media-russian-military-actively-using-starlink-terminals-on-battlefield/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #WarCrimes #StandWithUkraine

Media: Russian military increasingly using Starlink terminals on battlefield

According to Militarnyi, the Starlink terminals are likely being procured through intermediaries in third countries via parallel imports, making it near impossible to trace.

Stoltenberg: West must be prepared for 'decades-long confrontation' with Russia

The West does not seek #war with Russia, but should still "prepare ourselves for a confrontation that could last decades," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said

Lieutenant Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of the #NATO Military Committee, said in January that civilians in NATO countries should be ready for the prospect of an all-out war with Russia within the next 20 years.

The possibility of direct conflict with Russia is likely dependent on the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Western officials have said.

"If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries," Stoltenberg warned.

NATO must improve its military capabilities, Stoltenberg said, adding that "deterrence only works if it is credible."

https://kyivindependent.com/stoltenberg-west-must-be-prepared-for-decades-long-confrontation-with-russia/

#Imperialism #RussianAggression #WarCrimes #StandWithUkraine

Stoltenberg: West must be prepared for 'decades-long confrontation' with Russia

"If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned.

Top German general: 'We must be ready for war (with Russia) in 5 years'

While the prospect of the war escalating to an all-out clash between the alliance and #Russia has so far been averted, there are concerns that the West has not truly accepted that it may still be a possibility.

Several #NATO commanders and other alliance leaders have warned in increasingly stark terms in recent months about the dangers of such a #war and what impact it could have across #Europe.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in January that a war with Russia could occur within the next five to eight years, and a top German NATO general warned that Russian #missiles could likely target Germany in the event of such a conflict.

https://kyivindependent.com/top-german-general-we-must-be-ready-for-war-with-russia-in-5-years/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #RussianImperialism #StandWithUkraine

Top German general: 'We must be ready for war (with Russia) in 5 years'

Carsten Breuer, the inspector general of the German Armed Forces, said that Russia has both the military potential and intention to extend its aggression beyond Ukraine.

Norway plans to deliver additional #NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine

The Norwegian NASAMS system saves Ukrainian lives and prevents the destruction of buildings and infrastructure," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjoern Arild Gram.

"The Russian missile and drone attacks are extensive and brutal, so air defense is absolutely decisive for Ukraine. At the same time, I am concerned that we reacquire air defenses for our own defense as quickly as possible,"

https://kyivindependent.com/norway-plans-to-deliver-additional-air-defense-to-ukraine/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #RussianAggression #Imperialism #StandWithUkraine #Norway

Norway plans to deliver additional NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine

Norway announced on Feb. 9 that it had asked the parliament to deliver an additional 10 Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defense launchers and four fire control centers to Ukraine.

Russia builds militaristic youth camps in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Russia continues to set up military camps for Ukrainian teenagers in the Russian-occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast

#RussianAggression has deeply harmed #UkrainianChildren and youth, facing abductions, physical peril, and efforts to suppress their identity in "re-education camps" and Russian "foster families."

Moscow plans to open a "center for military-sports training and patriotic education of youth called 'Warrior' based on the 'Iskra' children's health camp," the National Resistance Center said in its Feb. 8 report.

Teenagers will allegedly be taught firearms and engineering training.

This is "preparation for service in the Russian army."

https://kyivindependent.com/national-resistance-center-russia-builds-militaristic-youth-camps-in-occupied-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #WarCrimes #StandWithUkraine

National Resistance Center: Russia builds militaristic youth camps in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Moscow reportedly plans to open a "center for military-sports training and patriotic education of youth called 'Warrior' based on the 'Iskra' children's health camp."

No Ukrainian POWs on crashed Russian Il-76 aircraft

"I can definitely tell you that our prisoners were not there," said Danilov during the interview.

A Russian Il-76 transport aircraft crashed in Russia's Belgorod Oblast on Jan. 24, which Russia claimed was transporting 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) for an exchange.

Russia has yet to provide evidence that there were any POWs on the downed aircraft.

After Russia began circulating its claims, Ukraine requested that Russia return the bodies of the killed POWs home.

Russia's government never responded to the appeal. Russia also reportedly blocked the International Committee of Red Cross from investigating the circumstances of the crash.

https://kyivindependent.com/danilov-no-ukrainian-pows-on-crashed-russian-il-76-aircraft/

#InformationWarfare #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Il-76 #downed #POWs #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

Danilov: No Ukrainian POWs on crashed Russian Il-76 aircraft

Despite Russia's claims, there were no Ukrainian prisoners of war on the downed Russian Il-76 transport plane that crashed on Jan. 24, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov told Babel in an interview that was published on...

Nordic-Baltic delegation visits US Congress in bid to shore up support for Ukraine

A delegation of representatives from Estonia, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania visited the U.S. Congress on Feb. 8 to advocate for a continued American commitment to Ukraine.

Many Republican lawmakers who ostensibly support Ukraine say that the U.S. must first secure its own southern border, but Congress has also failed to agree on immigration reforms, despite willingness from Democrats to offer significant concessions.

"We came here, obviously, to show unity, to show our commitment and hoping that the Americans would hear us," said Icelandic lawmaker Dilja Mist Einarsdottir.

"We are leaving America a little bit sad," she added.

https://kyivindependent.com/nordic-baltic-delegation-visits-us-congress-in-bid-to-shore-up-support-for-ukraine/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #Baltic #StandWithUkraine

Nordic-Baltic delegation visits US Congress in bid to shore up support for Ukraine

"We came here, obviously, to show unity, to show our commitment and hoping that the Americans would hear us," said Icelandic lawmaker Dilja Mist Einarsdottir. "We are leaving America a little bit sad," she added.

First ship with humanitarian wheat shipment in 2024 leaves Ukraine

The Sky Gate bulk carrier is shipping 25,000 metric tons of wheat to #Nigeria.

The vessel is moving through the temporary #BlackSea corridor. The #shipping route was opened in August 2023, weeks after Russia's unilateral termination of the Black Sea grain deal threatened Ukraine's ability to ship out its grain.

https://kyivindependent.com/first-ship-with-humanitarian-wheat-in-2024-leaves-ukraine/

#RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine #grain #exports #StandWithUkraine

First ship with humanitarian wheat shipment in 2024 leaves Ukraine

The Sky Gate bulk carrier is shipping 25,000 metric tons of wheat to Nigeria.

Turkish drone manufacturer #Baykar has begun construction of factory near Kyiv

#Bayraktar told Reuters at the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that the factory is already being built and will need one year to complete construction.

The plant aims to employ around 500 people, he said.

The factory's planned output is around 120 units per year, but it is unclear exactly which drone model will be produced.

When asked if security concerns had caused any hesitation, Bayraktar said the plans were were "fully moving ahead" and that "nothing" would stop them.

https://kyivindependent.com/turkish-drone-manufacturer-baykar-begins-construction-of-factory-near-kyiv/

#drones #Turkey #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has begun construction of factory near Kyiv

The plant aims to employ around 500 people, said Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar.

EU to deliver over 1 million shells by end of year

The EU aims to deliver over 1 million #shells to Ukraine by the end of 2024, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said after meeting the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, in Kyiv on Feb. 7.

Borrell recently conceded that the European bloc will fail on its promise to provide a million #artillery rounds by March. Only around half of the number is projected to be delivered by the original deadline.

"We highly appreciate the EU's military assistance," said Shmyhal, who held a joint press conference with Borrell.

"The European defense industry is building up its capabilities, and I'm sure we'll feel it soon."

https://kyivindependent.com/shmyhal-eu-promises-to-deliver-over-1-million-shells-by-end-of-year/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

EU promises to deliver over 1 million shells by end of year

"We highly appreciate the military assistance of the EU," said Shmyhal, who held a joint press conference with Borrell. "The European defense industry is building up its capabilities, and I'm sure we'll feel it soon."

Russian agents pose as activists, filmmakers to reportedly spy on domestic civil society organizations

Members of Russia's military intelligence (GRU) created false identities to blend in with domestic civil society networks and conduct espionage on their activities, the independent Russian media outlet The Insider reported

The Insider has published a series of investigations into alleged Russian intelligence agents in Europe in recent weeks, including a Latvian member of the European Parliament and an advisor to a German lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The Insider's Feb. 5 report detailed three alleged Russian agents who instead reportedly focused on domestic spying on civil society organizations perceived as being potential opponents of the regime.

The alleged agents, who The Insider said posed as a human rights activist, a documentary filmmaker, and a journalist, are allegedly associated with the GRU Unit 29155, best known for reportedly being responsible for the 2011 #Novichok poisoning of Russian dissident Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the U.K.

https://kyivindependent.com/media-russian-intelligence-poses-as-activists-filmmakers-to-reportedly-spy-on-perceived-domestic-opposition/

#RussianAggression #spies #spying #GRU #civil #RussiaInvadedUkraine #Imperialism #StandWithUkraine

Media: Russian agents pose as activists, filmmakers to reportedly spy on domestic civil society organizations

The alleged agents, who The Insider said posed as a human rights activist, a documentary filmmaker, and a journalist, are allegedly associated with the GRU unit 29155, best known for reportedly being responsible for the 2011 Novichok poisoning of...

Opinion: Tucker Carlson visiting Moscow is like touring Berlin in 1940

#Carlson’s pro-Russia #Republican associates advance Putin’s interests in Congress. The self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist” himself normalizes the Russian dictator who spent a quarter century invading his neighbors, jailing his critics, and exterminating his opponents. Business as usual.

Instead of building on the momentum, helping Ukraine win the war, and aligning with the White House, the Senate, and America’s allies, pro-Russia Republicans repeatedly throw the Kremlin lifelines.

https://kyivindependent.com/opinion-tucker-carlsons-moscow-visit/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #pro-Russian #America #propaganda #WWII #StandWithUkraine

Opinion: Tucker Carlson visiting Moscow is like touring Berlin in 1940

Former Fox News anchor and far-right commentator Tucker Carlson recently completed his speaking tour of Canada. Apparently, he wants to “liberate” us from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carlson is now visiting Moscow to convene with the paragon of...

Ukraine is about to get new US long-range bombs. How will it use them?

Striking Russian pressure points deep behind enemy lines has become a near-daily task for Ukraine — and the country’s long-range arsenal continues to grow to serve the purpose.

Ukraine’s latest acquisition, the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb, is due for its combat debut any day now.

The #GLSDB is the brainchild of Boeing and Saab. As its name suggests, it is an attempt to combine the versatility of a ground launcher with the cost-efficiency and precision of a small guided bomb.

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-about-to-get-new-us-long-range-bombs/

#RussianAggression #Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #StandWithUkraine

Ukraine is about to get new US long-range bombs. How will it use them?

Striking Russian pressure points deep behind enemy lines has become a near-daily task for Ukraine — and the country’s long-range arsenal continues to grow to serve the purpose. Ukraine’s latest acquisition, the Ground-Launched Small Diameter...

Is Congress Really Going to Abandon Ukraine Now? - The Atlantic

Tens of millions of other people—Poles, Germans, Romanians, Finns, Estonians, Swedes, Slovaks, Lithuanians, Czechs, Latvians, Norwegians—are also in range of Russian conventional missiles, whether launched from Belarus, Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine, or Russia itself. Anyone in Europe could also be hit by Russian nuclear weapons, of course, as Russian television propagandists so frequently like to remind us.

Dmitri Medvedev, a former Russian president, in recent months has:

• Threatened Poland with the loss of its statehood
• Threatened Sweden and Finland with nuclear and hypersonic missiles
• Said the Baltic states belong to Russia anyway.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/us-congress-support-ukraine-war/677256/

#Warmongering #RussianAggression #Imperialism #WarCrimes #Torture #nuclear #war #StopRussianAggression #StandWithUkraine

Is Congress Really Going to Abandon Ukraine Now?

The U.S. rallied the world to help the Ukrainians. Are Americans really going to leave them to their fate?

Romania: Russia 'will not stop' with war in Ukraine, calls for better preparation amid potential conflict with NATO

"The Russian Federation has become a problem for the world order, for #democracy. In fact, it is a war of Russia with the democratic world. It is not a war with Ukraine," said Vlad, Romania's highest-ranking military officer.

Vlad, who was recently appointed Chief of Defense in November 2023, said he believes that Russia "will not stop" at Ukraine.

"If (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wins in Ukraine, the main target will be the Republic of #Moldova. We will witness tensions in the Western #Balkans. I am more than convinced that President Putin's policy will escalate in the immediate future."

https://kyivindependent.com/romanian-defense-chief-russia-will-not-stop-with-war-in-ukraine-calls-for-better-preparation-amid-potential-conflict-with-nato/

#Imperialism #RussiaInvadedUkraine #RussianAggression #StandWithUkraine #war

Romanian defense chief: Russia 'will not stop' with war in Ukraine, calls for better preparation amid potential conflict with NATO

In an interview with Europa Libera Romania on Feb. 1, Romanian Chief of Defense Gheorghita Vlad urged Romania and Europe to better prepare for a potential war with Russia, warning that Russia will continue its escalation if it is successful in...

Ukrainian Navy Commander signals Kyiv would win faster if there's permission to fire Western weapons deep inside Russia

Kyiv would be able to win the war faster if it had permission to fire Western weapons against targets inside Russia, Sky News reported.

"We must have the capabilities to make sure that Russia will give up forever the thought of even looking in Ukraine's direction, including at sea,"

For example Ukraine's recent attacks on Russia's Black Sea Fleet have led to the "functional defeat" of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea

https://kyivindependent.com/sky-news-ukrainian-navy-commander-signals-faster-victory-if-given-permission-to-target-deep-inside-russia/

#RussiaInvadedUkraine #RussianAggression #WarCrimes #LongRange #weapons #StandWithUkraine

Sky News: Ukrainian Navy сommander signals Kyiv would win faster if there's permission to fire Western weapons deep inside Russia

Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa told Sky News that the state of the war would have been very different if allies had not given restrictions to Kyiv on the use of Western weapons.