Contents tagged with Russia
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UAE banks halt transactions for Russian companies amid U.S. pressure
Russian businesses face increased payment scrutiny as UAE banks are now blocking and delaying transactions linked to Russian companies amidst a fresh wave of U.S. sanctions. These new restrictions add to the immense challenges the Russian economy faces due to Western-imposed sanctions, tightening the financial noose as overseas anti-sanction "hubs" fall apart under the threat of secondary sanctions.
The UAE had emerged as a crucial financial "hub" for Russian entities, facilitating their trade …
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Russia considers declaring Santa Claus ‘a foreign agent’ to protect traditional values
In a move that could see Santa Claus banned in Russia, the beloved Christmas figure is being criticized for allegedly undermining "traditional Russian values." Vitaly Borodin, head of the Federal Project on Security and Anti-Corruption, has filed a request with the Russian Prosecutor General's Office to classify the Santa Claus brand as a foreign agent, according to a report by Shot.
Borodin argues that the image of Santa Claus is being used by several foreign companies, including Father …
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Russian engineer detained in the Netherlands for industrial espionage
A 43-year-old Russian native and employee of the microchip manufacturing company NXP, Herman A., has been apprehended in the Netherlands on charges of industrial espionage, reported local media outlets The Insider has uncovered that the individual in question is Russian engineer Herman Aksenov. At various times, Aksenov worked for Dutch companies ASML and Mapper. Investigators allege that for several years, he stole critical company documents, such as microchip operation manuals, and supplied …
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Germany raises alarm as Russian tank production surpasses combined European output
In a stark assessment of European defense capabilities, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Bundestag on Thursday, December 5, that Russia's production of tanks significantly surpasses that of Europe. Pistorius warned of the escalating military threat posed by Moscow, saying, "Russia has transitioned its economy entirely for military purposes, supplying its armed forces with 1,000 to 1,500 tanks annually. This is roughly twice the combined production of the five largest European …
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Escalating conflict: Russian forces under pressure amid Syrian rebel advances
The situation in Syria is taking a turn for the worse for Russian forces. Syrian opposition groups contesting the Russian-backed Assad regime are advancing in the southern part of the country. Early urban clashes have begun in the cities of Hama, Homs, and Suwayda, according to reports from Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR).
"Syria in Peril - Russians are Fleeing Damascus," read the intelligence update. It noted that military contingents from the "aggressor state" retreated from …
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Strategic shift: China's new trade restrictions on Russia signal U.S. influence
China continues to ship goods to Russia under previously paid contracts but refuses new deliveries. Under the new regulations, Chinese companies will be subject to a 25% tax on dual-use goods exported to Russia. This list includes essential IT equipment like servers and components and has already created tension in Russia.
Furthermore, the sale of argon gas for welding is restricted, with contracts continuing but no new agreements being made. Critical sectors like technology, defense, …
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Finnish aluminum exports to Russia surge in 2024
According to Finnish customs data, during the first nine months of 2024, Finland exported aluminum worth $22.3 million to Russia, compared to just $11.3 million over the same period in 2023, broadcaster YLE reports.
This marks a twofold increase in aluminum exports to Russia. It's noted that the aluminum is either shipped via sea routes or transported through the Baltic countries. Presently, aluminum sales constitute the main category of Finnish exports to Russia. Finland houses three major …
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Ukraine accuses Russia of systematic torture of POWs
According to Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Russia operates a comprehensive system of torture against Ukrainian prisoners. He claims that in most cases, this torture is not conducted to extract information. Yusov made this statement at the forum titled "Genocidal Practices of the Russian Federation in Ukraine: From the Holodomor to the Russo-Ukrainian War".
"In most cases, force was not applied to obtain information. …
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Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov dies in suspected accidental fall
Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov was found dead beneath the windows of his residence, with law enforcement and close acquaintances suggesting an "accidental death." According to The Moscow Times, the principal dancer of the Mariinsky Theatre fell to his death in St. Petersburg between the night of November 15 and 16.
The report states that a close friend discovered his body and alerted the police. She recounted that Shklyarov had asked her to come over that night, but he was …
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Ukraine criticizes German diplomacy amidst Russia's devastating missile attack
In a stark response to a missile attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sybiha emphasized that peace in Ukraine comes through strength, not appeasement.
“Russia launched one of the largest air attacks: drones and missiles against peaceful cities, sleeping civilians, critical infrastructure. This is war criminal Putin’s true response to all those who called and visited him …