Ukraine needs up to 75 ATACMS missiles to strike nearest Russian airfields, experts say
Ukraine will need between 35 to 75 ATACMS missiles to hit the three nearest Russian airfields, explained experts from Defense Express. Their estimates utilized satellite photos of the airfields and data on the destructive range of various Western missiles.
Western partners are hesitant to authorize Ukraine to launch strikes on Russian airfields, citing a limited number of ATACMS missiles. Surrounding Ukraine’s borders are roughly two dozen Russian runways, each requiring anywhere from five to 2 …
Moscow court sentences ex-FSB officers for bribery involving Catholic Church officials
In a landmark ruling, the 235th Moscow Garrison Military Court has sentenced two ex-employees of FSB's Second Service, the unit responsible for Constitutional Order Protection, to nine years in a high-security penal colony for taking bribes from Roman Catholic Church representatives. According to Kommersant, Evgeny Lobanov and Denis Karmanov were found guilty of receiving bribes on a large scale (Article 290, Part 6).
Karmanov was also convicted under charges related to illegal arms and …
Chinese banks halt payments from Russian importers amid sanctions concerns
Several Chinese banks have started refunding payments for goods already delivered to Russian importers by their Chinese business partners, reports Vedomosti, citing four businessmen who have encountered this issue recently.
Russian business representatives have yet to determine the reasons behind the payment rejections in Chinese banks. One source suggested that the issue might be related to compliance checks. However, these incidents are becoming increasingly common.
The payment problem …
Kremlin prepares Russians for prolonged clashes in Kursk region, pushes 'New Normal' narrative
In a significant development, the Kremlin is reportedly anticipating that the ongoing clashes in the Kursk region could last several months, according to optimistic assessments. The Russian authorities are gearing up the public for a "new normal" under Ukrainian military control of Russian territory. This information comes from unnamed sources close to the Kremlin and the government, as reported by Meduza.
One source close to the Kremlin revealed that there was initial confusion regarding the …
Covert negotiations in Qatar: Kursk incursion derails Ukrainian and Russian ceasefire talks
Prior to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' advance into Russia's Kursk region, attempts were made to hold mediated talks in Qatar between Kyiv and Moscow to agree on refraining from inflicting mutual damage to each other's energy sectors, said Anatoliy Burmych from the "Reconstruction of Ukraine" parliamentary faction during a broadcast on "Novini.LIVE."
"I have information that there was an attempt even before the Kursk operation to hold negotiations in Qatar through intermediaries, to discuss how …