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Ukrainian Security Service uncovers Russian intelligence group in Donbas
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that it has uncovered a Russian military intelligence group code-named “Sapphire” operating in Luhansk.
Information about the Sapphire group was disclosed by SBU head of military counterintelligence Serhiy Levchenko during a press briefing. The SBU believes that the intelligence group was established by Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
According to Levchenko, the Sapphire group was involved in preparing and carrying out anti- …
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US Ambassador to Russia intends to boycott St. Petersburg Economic Forum due to Michael Calvey's arrest
It is unlikely that US Ambassador to Moscow Jon Huntsman will attend the St. Petersburg Economic Forum while Michael Calvey, the head of the Baring Vostok investment fund, is under arrest in Russia, Andrea Callan, said the representative of the American diplomatic mission, as quoted by RBC.
“Ambassador Huntsman told business circles that it would be hard for him to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum due to the arrest of Michael Calvey, an American investor charged in a …
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The US House of Representatives prohibits recognition of Russia’s annexation of the Crimea
The US House of Representatives adopted a bill prohibiting the United States Government from recognizing Russia’s annexation of the Crimea as legitimate. The bill is known as the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act. 427 members voted in favor, and one voted against, the House’s press service reported on Twitter.
The text of the bill consists of two articles. The first relates to the name of the document. The second stated that It is the policy of the United States not to recognize the de …
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European Parliament: Russia is no longer a strategic partner
At a plenary session on Tuesday 12 March, European Parliament passed a resolution that reassesses Russia’s relationship with the EU.
The resolution was adopted with 402 votes to 163 and 89 abstentions, and was based on a report by Latvian MEP Sandra Kalniete.
The document states that Russia can no longer be considered a strategic partner of the EU. The primary reason for this is Moscow’s violation of international law and democratic principles, specifically the occupation and annexation of …
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Israel and Ukrainian Security Service coordinate joint drug bust
Amos Dov Silver, founder of the Israeli cannabis distribution network Telegrass, was arrested in Kyiv on Tuesday, announced Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Joel Lion.
At the same time, 42 members of the criminal organization were arrested in Israel.
The operation was jointly coordinated by the Israel Police and the Security Service of Ukraine’s directorate for fighting organized crime and corruption.
“The embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine takes this opportunity to sincerely thank our …
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Kremlin: Russia increased its military presence in annexed Crimea
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu stated at a meeting of the State’s Duma Committee on Defense that Russia strengthened its military presence in annexed Crimea to provide security for the peninsula, TASS reports.
“Our military position has been strengthened in the Crimea. We maintain the territorial security of the peninsula and the interests of Russia in the Black Sea,” said Shoygu. He recalled that the Operational Command was also created in the far maritime zone. It controls ships that …
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OSCE expresses regret that Russian observers are banned from monitoring Ukraine's presidential elections
OSCE Secretary General, Thomas Greminger, expressed regret and concern regarding decision to ban Russian citizens from being official observers at the 2019 elections in Ukraine, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
“I share the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) director's regret and concern because it is not very good not to follow the structure of the monitoring methodology,” he said.
Greminger noted that he follows with interest what is happening in Ukraine. However, he …
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Estonia puts forward territorial claims against Russia
The city of Ivangorod in Russia’s Leningrad region and part of the Pskov region belonged to the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, and should be returned to Estonia, said Henn Polluaas, deputy chairperson of Estonia’s Conservative People’s Party, as reported by Sputnik.Estonia.
“Russia took these territories from us by force. Of course, we would not be able to take them back by force. But we have waited 50 years for the restoration of our independence, and we can wait longer and longer. …
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Russian FSB ships escort Ukrainian tugboat through the Sea of Azov
Three ships from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) escorted the Ukrainian tugboat Korets that entered the Sea of Azov for exercises, reported the website of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
“After approaching our tugboat on the port side at about three nautical miles, the [Russian] ship went at full speed and rapidly increased distance, and then accompanied Korets [tugboat]. At the same time, the second ship [positioned itself] on the starboard side, and the third one went a great …
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Artist who created a mock grave of Putin detained in Russia
In Naberezhnye Chelny City in Russia, activist Karim Yamadayev has been detained for creating a mock gravestone of Russian President Vladimir Putin, MBKh media reports, citing human rights activist Ruzil Mingalimov. The mock gravestone was installed not far from the entrance to the local Investigative Committee.
The activist is accused of repeatedly violating the ban on holding a protest. He can be detained for 30 days or fined up to three hundred thousand rubles, the equivalent of $4,500. “ …