Just as in the ‘glorious’ days of Covid, a document on exit visas has suddenly appeared in Russia in recent days – likely inspired by the FSB – imposing new rules on travel to ‘hostile countries’. Travellers will only be permitted to go in tourist groups of at least 10 people, accompanied by an approved itinerary
The Russian parliament is studying responses to Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. At stake are measures against the ownership of foreign firms and foreign media. Surrogacy is also in the spotlight. The Russian deputies' "war" against the country's enemies has more symbolic than practical value: Putin decides everything.
Today's headlines:Health chief fired as Covid cases rise in Beijing; a series of explosions hit Afghanistan, at least 16 killed; Aung San Suu Kyi's family lodge a complaint to the UN against junta imposed detention; in Kazakhstan the quarantine-related "baby-boom" continues.
Rumors mount of a change in leadership in the Kremlin. Health problems for the Russian president, criticized for the course of the war in Ukraine by "hawks" and "doves." Fears over the effects of Western sanctions. Patrušev, however, would be in continuity with the Putin line.
In Chechnya, the population mourns those killed in the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, leader Kadyrov authorises a lavish wedding for martial arts champion Chimaev. In the ongoing war, local youth are used as "cannon fodder".
Today's headlines: A famous Vietnamese hacker turns government agent; Seoul and Tokyo send fighter jets in response to an intrusion by Chinese and Russian jets during the Quad summit; Indian Catholic lay forum launches a call for an end to discrimination against minorities; 'one-way' airline tickets to Russia have reached 70% of sales.
Today's headlines: corpses of 14 Rohingya migrants found on a Myanmar beach; four million people in northeastern Bangladesh affected by floods with dozens of casualties; Riyadh and Tehran arm their executioners with a spike in executions; Kuala Lumpur halts poultry exports; more than 2,000 people arrested in Russia for "discrediting" armed forces; Uzbekistan strikes deal with China to by-pass Moscow.
After the invasion of Ukraine, all "non-aligned" professors kicked out of college. Many of them spontaneously resigned and left the country. In Soviet times, university life in Russia was much freer and more open than it is now.
Today's headlines: at least seven die in a fire on a ferry in the Philippines; week of prayer for China and its people; first case of monkeypox confirmed in Israel; in Afghanistan, female journalists and TV anchors forced to cover their faces at the behest of the Taliban; Russian gas sales to Europe will exceed 100 billion in 2022; still no agreement between Yerevan and Baku on borders.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russia’s enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.
Kiev parliament debates toponymy law to delete references to Russia. Process started with "de-communistization." For Putin, the Ukrainian nation and its people never existed. The ambiguity of an undefined legacy remains.
S-300 missiles were fired for the first time in response to an Israeli attack that killed five causing damage. So far this year, Israel has carried out 12 operations in Syria, on top of scores more in previous years. Analysts link Russia’s response to Israeli criticism of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
The case of Marina Ovsjannikova is not isolated. Many have moved to Georgia or Central Asia. At most 10 percent of journalists and TV operators support the war in Ukraine. Those thinking of leaving dream of a visa from Poland and the US.
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