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
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.
More than a Eurasian NATO, it is an instrument for Russian control of Central Asia. In 2020 it had a budget of 7 million dollars: Nato's was over 1 trillion. The outcome of the war in Ukraine will tell whether the organisation has a future.
For the Orthodox Patriarch Emeritus, Ukraine will defeat Russia. Attack on Moscow Patriarch Kirill, guilty of supporting Putin's intended invasion. To Pope Francis: we have nothing to fear from NATO. In future there will be only one national Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
Beyond the actual military conquests, and the destruction of population centres, to what extent do the people of the so-called 'independent republics' wish to reunite with Russia?
Worst figure since 1994. However, Putin keeps repeating that the country will resist Western sanctions. Underground deals to circumvent US and allied restrictions. Return to Soviet planning would be the real defeat of the "special military operation."
Washington expects Beijing to invade the island by 2030. War in Ukraine has not deterred Xi Jinping, but it has had an impact on "how and when" the mainland will make its move. The Taiwanese are taking notes of the damage inflicted by Ukraine’s military on the Russian giant. Tensions are rising between Washington and Beijing after US warship transits through the Taiwan Strait.
In Putin's rhetoric, war can be "remade" if necessary. The memory of the graffiti left by Soviet soldiers on the walls of the German Bundestag in 1945. Invasion of Ukraine seen by Russians as defensive reaction to external pressure.
The invasion of Ukraine ordered by the Russian president is running out of steam. The Kremlin has little to celebrate today, the day of the victory over Nazi Germany. Kiev on the counterattack. Moscow's general mobilization is impossible. Time is in favor of the Ukrainians.
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