Contents tagged with Russia
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Moldovan police uncover $24 million voter bribery scheme allegedly linked to Russia
Viorel Černeuțanu, head of the General Inspectorate of the Moldovan Police, stated that over $24 million were allegedly transferred from Russia to Moldova via the "Promsvyazbank" app in October to bribe voters during elections and a referendum. Law enforcement points fingers at fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor for involvement in this scheme.
Reports indicate that in September, the transfer amount was already significant, reaching $15 million. The app was used to facilitate the …
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Kazakhstan opposes Russian use of its territory to circumvent Western sanctions
In a firm stance outlined by Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko, Kazakhstan has made it clear that it opposes any moves by Russia to utilize its territory to circumvent Western sanctions. As reported by The Moscow Times, Vasilenko emphasized that while Kazakhstan has not imposed sanctions against Russia and has refrained from joining the West's measures, it is equally against Russia using Kazakhstan as a backdoor to dodge these restrictions.
Astana's position, it seems, is well understood by …
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Finnish Border Guard permanently closes temporary border crossings with Russia amid migrant influx concerns
In a statement, the Finnish Border Guard announced the complete closure of the temporary border crossings "Parikkala" and "Inari" along the Russia-Finland border.
The Parikkala crossing ceased operations in 2022 due to Russian timber export restrictions, while the Inari crossing was closed in 2021. The necessary measures for closure will be implemented, including the removal of border crossing signs. Since mid-November 2023, Finland has been shutting down other checkpoints along the border …
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Russia protests new NATO naval command center in Rostock, Germany, citing 1990 agreement breach
Russia claims that the inauguration of a new naval command center in the city of Rostock represents an expansion of NATO infrastructure in the former East Germany, potentially breaching an agreement made during the German reunification in 1990.
On Monday, October 21, a new tactical naval headquarters opened in Rostock. This center is tasked with carrying out several NATO operations, prompting an official protest from Russia. On October 22, Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Germany's …
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Russia on the brink: aging utility infrastructure threatens nationwide crisis
A catastrophe could strike at any moment: Russia's utility networks require immediate replacement of nearly 50% of their infrastructure, officials warn. Irек Faizullin, Russia's Minister of Construction and Housing, announced during a parliamentary session that 40% of the country's utility systems are due for replacement, which could lead to a crisis.
He highlighted that one million kilometers of networks, 74,000 boiler houses, and 73,000 water and sewage systems need renewal due to …
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Russian nationals feared dead as plane shot down in Sudan's Darfur region
The Russian Embassy in Sudan has announced that a planes was downed in the Darfur Region, which reportedly had Russians on board. According to statements circulated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) via their social media platforms, a cargo aircraft was shot down in western Sudan. The insurgent group claims that Russian nationals were among the crew members.
The embassy is actively liaising with Sudanese authorities as it strives to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident. Complicating …
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NATO: Russia faces unprecedented daily casualties in Ukraine war
In September, Russia's military endured average daily losses of 1,271 personnel, killed and wounded, on the battlefield in Ukraine, marking the highest figure since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Back in May, NATO cited a figure of 1,000 casualties per day. The official forecast signals that these significant losses on the Russian side could persist into the end of 2024. The increase in Russian casualties is tied to intensified fighting not only in the Kharkiv region but also in the …
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Russia seeks global assistance amid aircraft shortages and sanctions
Due to a considerable shortage of operational aircraft, Russia is turning to "friendly" countries for assistance. On October 16, Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit revealed that Moscow is actively negotiating with Kazakhstan to aid in organizing domestic flights. Currently, only Russian airlines are permitted to conduct flights between Russian cities, according to The Moscow Times. Starovoit openly admits that Russia lacks enough functional planes to ensure uninterrupted passenger …
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Authorities in Moldova brace for potential mass protests amid alleged Russian-backed destabilization efforts
Moldovan authorities are on high alert as they prepare for possible mass protests within the country, according to a briefing by Viorel Cernăuțeanu, head of the General Police Inspectorate.
Cernăuțeanu revealed that a group of 20 individuals had received specialized training in Russia, traveling there regularly since July. In total, over 300 people have undergone training. Four members of this group were detained at the border and are under arrest for 30 days. The training reportedly involved …
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Russian soldiers abandon positions, citing drunken commander's chaotic orders as the last straw
In a dramatic twist on the battlefield, Russian soldiers have reportedly deserted their positions, citing the chaotic orders from their intoxicated commander. The troops, however, assert that they're neither cowards nor deserters; they simply refuse to fight under such leadership. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Russian servicemen allegedly abandoned their posts after a drunken order was issued by their commander to occupy a new position, an endeavor that entailed a treacherous …