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Russian satellites encounter problems due to import substitution
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation was forced to order an additional four Meridian communication satellites due to the fact that the Sphere-B perspective devices, which were planned for replacement, proved to be too heavy for existing carrier rockets.
“The problems with import substitution, especially with regard to electronic component bases, has resulted in an increase to the actual mass of the Sphere-B devices. This means that the Proton-M and the Angara-A5 Russian carrier …
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German Intelligence investigates methods of Russian propaganda
The German intelligence service, BND, is checking whether Russia is using the old KGB methods in order to weaken the position of Angela Merkel. The investigation is being conducted on behalf of the German government.BND and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, on behalf of the German government, are investigating whether Russia has resorted to the methods of the Soviet KGB, aiming to influence political debate and public opinion in Germany. The investigation is about the …
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Opposition and city authorities in St. Petersburg agree on venue for rally in memory of Boris Nemtsov
City authorities in St. Petersburg have agreed that the demonstration in remembrance of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov will be held on Mars Field. “We received a call and were informed that the meeting, with the participation of 5,000 people, has been agreed to. We are in the process of receiving the written confirmation,” Andrei Pivovarov, the Co-Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the People’s Freedom Party (PARNAS), told Deutsche Welle on February 18th.
He added that the …
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Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada calls on foreign governments to continue pressuring Russia
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted an appeal to the parliaments of foreign countries with regard to Russia and the threats of pro-Russian separatists to execute prisoners held in the Donbas region. This was stated in two resolutions, which were approved by 236 out of 239 deputies on the 18th of February.
The Ukrainian parliament has called on foreign countries to “use all available mechanisms at governmental, parliament and non-governmental levels. They should also give a clear signal …
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Russian helicopter violates Estonian airspace
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note of protest to the Russian Ambassador in Tallinn over an incident on Thursday in which a Russian military helicopter allegedly violated Estonian airspace. The episode occurred near the village of Vaskarnava near the Russian-Estonian border.
The helicopter did not attempt to contact Estonian air traffic controllers.
The Russian Defense Ministry denies the allegations. “On February 18th, Army helicopters did not fly in the area,” the …