PANORA

Home About Us Contact Us Blog News

Two Alleged Spies Arrested in Germany for Suspected Plan to Sabotage Military Aid for Ukraine

Published: 18 April 2024 at 09:17

Politics

Two dual German-Russian nationals, Dieter S and Alexander J, have been arrested in Bavaria on suspicion of spying for Russia. Dieter S is accused of plotting explosions and maintaining contact with Russian intelligence, while Alexander J is implicated in helping identify potential targets for attack. Germany, the second largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the US, has earmarked around 28 billion euros since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The arrests are seen as a significant investigative success in countering Russian sabotage and spy networks.

DEEP DIVE


Austria's Espionage Scandal: Former Security Official Suspected of Spying for Russia


Austrian former domestic security official Egisto Ott, detained for spying for Russia, allegedly passed information to fugitive Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek. Ott denies the accusations and is in custody, suspected of passing sensitive details to Russia. Austrian Chancellor Nehammer called it a threat to national security. The scandal has reignited concerns about Russian espionage in Austria, implicating the far-right Freedom Party and its leader Herbert Kickl. Several parties have called for a parliamentary inquiry. The Freedom Party opposes EU sanctions on Russia and has historical ties to Putin's United Russia party.

Russia Destroys Ukrainian Power Stations and Defences as Expert Warns of Troop Exhaustion


Ukraine's dwindling supply of air defence missiles enabled Russia to devastate its energy infrastructure with increasing effectiveness, while US congressional Republicans consider approving $60bn in aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urgently requests long-range Patriot air defence batteries from European NATO allies and criticizes NATO for not providing necessary support. A Russian bombardment destroyed the Trypilska thermal power station in Kyiv. Germany agrees to transfer one battery and explore transferring a short-range IRIS-T missile battery to Ukraine.

German Authorities Conduct Large-Scale Raid on Human Smuggling Gang


German authorities recently conducted a raid on an international human smuggling gang, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects, including two lawyers, for illegally obtaining residency permits for around 350 Chinese nationals through bribery and manipulation of immigration rules. Raids were carried out in multiple states across Germany, with assets seized and evidence collected. The investigation focused on North Rhine-Westphalia where the suspects were detained.

Ukraine PM warns of Third World War if Russia wins


This video can not be played Denys Shmyhal spoke to the BBC about Russian aggression and propaganda ahead of a vote by Congress on foreign aid. He expressed "careful optimism" that US lawmakers would pass the hotly contested measure, which has $61bn (49bn) earmarked for Kyiv. Ukraine PM warns of Third World War if Russia wins. Video, 00:01:53 Ukraine PM warns of Third World War if Russia wins Up Next. Now or never: Congressmen say US must send Ukraine aid.

Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Chernigiv kills 18, prompts calls for air defense boost


A lethal Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Chernigiv resulted in 18 deaths and 77 injuries, including four children, prompting calls for allies to enhance Kyiv's air defense systems. President Zelensky sought more help from Western allies, as the US House of Representatives announced a vote on a $61 billion military aid package for Kyiv, supported by President Biden. Rescue efforts continue as buildings, vehicles, and facilities were damaged in the attack, with a policewoman among those killed. The strike has raised concerns about the West's commitment to support Ukraine in the conflict.

Germany–Russia relations (Wikipedia)


Germany–Russia relations display cyclical patterns, moving back and forth from cooperation and alliance to strain and to total warfare. Historian John Wheeler-Bennett says that since the 1740s:Relations between Russia and Germany...have been a series of alienations, distinguished for their bitterness, and of rapprochements, remarkable for their warmth....A cardinal factor in the relationship has been the existence of an independent Poland...when separated by a buffer state the two great Powers of eastern Europe have been friendly, whereas a contiguity of frontiers has bred hostility.Otto von Bismarck established the League of the Three Emperors in 1873 with Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. But after Bismarck's dismissal in 1890, his successors chose to support Austria against Russia over competing influence in the Balkans. Germany fought against Russia in World War I (1914–1918). Relations were warm in the 1920s, very cold throughout the 1930s, cooperative and friendly in 1939–41, and hostile in 1941–45. In the 1920s both countries co-operated with each other in trade and (secretly) in military affairs. Hostilities escalated in the 1930s as the fascists sponsored by Berlin and the communists sponsored by Moscow fought each other across the world, most famously in the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). In a stunning turnabout in August 1939, both countries came to an agreement, and divided up the previously independent nations of Eastern Europe. That détente collapsed in 1941 when Germany invaded the USSR. The Soviets survived however and formed an alliance with Britain and the U.S., and pushed the Germans back, capturing Berlin in May 1945.During the Cold War 1947–1991, Germany was divided, with East Germany under Communist control and under the close watch of Moscow, which stationed a large military force there and repressed an uprising in 1953.Germany has been consistently among the countries with the most negative views of Russia. In 2014 only 19% of Germans viewed Russia positively while 79% had a negative opinion and 81% disapproved of the Russian Leadership, making Germany one of the 10 countries with the highest disapproval in the world. In 2021 73% disapproved, still one of the highest numbers in the world. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine German distrust of Russia reached a record of 90% and as of 2024 95% disapprove of Russia's President Vladimir Putin.Relations turned highly negative in 2014 in response to Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine and support for insurgents in Ukraine. Germany was a leader between NATO Quint in imposing round after round of increasingly harsh European Union sanctions against the Russian oil and banking industries and top allies of President Vladimir Putin. Russia responded by cutting food imports from the EU.The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a near complete reversal of German-Russian relations with the new German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, "ordering" the immediate transfer of thousands of missiles to the Ukrainian military to aid in its fight against the invading Russian forces. Germany has also participated in severe economic banking sanctions against Russia since the start of the war. However, Germany is very dependent on Russia for natural gas and has been less willing to sanction this sector, aside from halting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the attack on September 26 temporarily shutting the pipes down. The pipeline made up a significant portion of Germany's petroleum imports from Russia. In response to sanctions imposed by Germany and the West, Russia gradually plunged flows of gas, which came to a complete halt in September 2022.

German Chancellor Urges China to Apply Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine Conflict


German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing and expressed concerns about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the threat to global security and the need to avoid any use of nuclear weapons in the conflict. Despite China's reluctance to criticize Russia, Scholz urged for peaceful resolution efforts and fair trade practices during his visit, highlighting tensions in trade relations and China's role as Germany's top trading partner. Both leaders discussed Ukraine and emphasized the importance of international institutions. Scholz's trip aimed to address political, trade, and security issues between the nations.

Russia Germans (Wikipedia)


Russia Germans or Germans from Russia (German: Russlanddeutsche, literally "Russia Germans"; Russian: российские немцы or русские немцы, literally "Russian Germans"), are ethnic Germans or their descendants who were born in Russia or in the Soviet Union. The term Russlanddeutsche – literally "Russia Germans" in German – is often mistranslated as "Russian-Germans."After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many Russia Germans immigrated to Germany, benefiting from the German law that recognizes citizenship to ethnic Germans who arrived in the territory as late ethnic Germans resettlers (German: Spätaussiedler).

Ukraine Prime Minister Seeks US Investment During Visit to Chicago


Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visited Chicago to seek investment and business opportunities for the war-torn country He urged US aid approval for ammunition to end Russia's invasion, highlighting the need for $486 billion for Ukraine's recovery Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and US Special Representative Penny Pritzker joined the discussions, emphasizing the importance of US aid for Ukraine's economy and their personal Ukrainian heritage,

Russian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Apartment Building, Killing 14 in Chernihiv


14 people were killed and 61 others, including two children, were wounded in Chernihiv, Ukraine, when three Russian missiles struck an apartment building. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its third year, with Ukraine facing challenges due to a lack of military support from Western partners. The delay in Washington's approval of a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine has become a critical concern for the country.

Russian invasion of Ukraine (Wikipedia)


On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The invasion became the largest attack on a European country since World War II. It is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. By June 2022, Russian troops occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory. From a population of 41 million in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. Extensive environmental damage caused by the war, widely described as an ecocide, contributed to food crises worldwide.Before the invasion, Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders as Russian officials denied any plans to attack. Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist views challenging Ukraine's right to exist, and falsely claimed that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis persecuting the Russian minority. He said his goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched at a northern front from Belarus towards Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas and towards Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.Russian troops retreated from the northern front by April 2022 after encountering logistical challenges and stiff Ukrainian resistance. On the southern and southeastern fronts, Russia captured Kherson in March and Mariupol in May after a destructive siege. Russia launched a renewed offensive in the Donbas and continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front line, including the energy grid through the winter. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the south and east. Soon after, Russia announced the illegal annexation of four partly occupied regions. In November, Ukraine retook parts of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson itself. In June 2023, Ukraine launched another counteroffensive in the southeast.The invasion was met with international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal in March 2022. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states all declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, along with mass arrests of anti-war protesters in Russia, which also enacted a law enabling greater media censorship. Over 1,000 companies closed their operations in Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened investigations into possible crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of children, and genocide. The court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023, alleging responsibility for the unlawful deportation of children.

Thousands Protest in Georgia Against Controversial 'Foreign Influence' Law


20,000 protesters gather in Georgia to oppose a 'foreign influence' law resembling Russia's 'foreign agents' law, passed by ruling party despite opposition boycott. Demonstrators chant anti-Russia slogans, demand withdrawal of the bill, and show unity for European aspirations. Protests spread to other cities with reports of police violence against protesters and journalists.

Russian Armed Forces (Wikipedia)


The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian: Вооружённые Си́лы Росси́йской Федера́ции, Vooružjonnyje Síly Rossíjskoj Federácii), commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. In terms of active-duty personnel, they are the world's fifth-largest military force, with 1.15 million and at least two million reserve personnel. According to the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), "Russia plans to expand its active personnel force to 1.5 million by 2026, which will make it the third largest in the world, after China and India." The country has three primary branches of service: the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Aerospace Forces, as well as two independent arms of service: the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Forces. In addition, the Special Operations Forces Command was established in 2013, with an estimated strength in 2022 of 1,000, possibly with additional supporting staff.In 2023, Russia had the world's third-highest military expenditure, allocating a budget of approximately US$86.4 billion to the military. The Russian Armed Forces maintain the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, and possess the world's second-largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines; they are also one of only three national militaries (alongside those of the United States and China) that operate strategic bombers. With certain exceptions, Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27.In spite of Russia's perceived military strength, as recorded in various assessments, deficiencies have been noted in the country's combat performance on both the tactical and operational scales. According to multiple reports, endemic corruption within the Russian Armed Forces has had a major impact on Russia's ability to effectively project hard power. Amidst the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, severe logistical failures have greatly impacted the operational performance of Russian troops, as different service branches have struggled to coordinate and work together. Continuous shortcomings have led Russia's war effort to suffer extensive setbacks since the initial invasion; the Russian Armed Forces have experienced successive losses of occupied/annexed territory, the large-scale destruction and squandering of their equipment, and a notably high casualty rate. Researchers from the US-funded RAND Corporation have observed that Russia continues to struggle with military professionalization.Directly controlled by the Security Council of Russia, the Russian Armed Forces form part of the country's defence services under Russian law, fulfilling this capacity alongside the Border Guard of the Federal Security Service, the National Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Protective Service, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 December 2023 – present) (Wikipedia)


This timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine covers the period from 1 December 2023 to the present day.

Belgium's Prime Minister Announces Investigation into Suspected Russian Interference in Europe-wide Elections


Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has launched an investigation into suspected Russian interference in Europe-wide elections scheduled for June. The country's intelligence service has confirmed the existence of a network attempting to undermine support for Ukraine.

Wednesday briefing: Stalled aid, soldier shortages and dwindling weapons as Ukraine hangs on


In todays newsletter: As the crisis in the Middle East shifts resources away from the Russian invasion, Zelenskiy is calling for more money, weapons and attention Sign up here for our daily newsletter, First Edition Good morning. As soon as Iran launched its aerial attack on Israel, western allies coordinated a rapid, united military and diplomatic response. The US, Britain, France and others intercepted more than 300 Iranian drones and missiles. Closer to Europe , however, a country facing significant aerial bombardment from Russia has not been able to rely on a similar level of assistance from its allies. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, has long feared that the crisis in the Middle East centred on Israels war in Gaza would shift focus and, crucially, resources away from Ukraine.

Iran's Attack on Israel Could Impact Russia's War in Ukraine and Boost China's Influence in the Middle East


Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday could have negative implications for Russia's war in Ukraine as it deepens fault lines between Moscow and Tehran, impacting Russia's reliance on Iran as a key arms supplier. The broader conflict in the Middle East could also bolster China's regional influence at Russia's expense, potentially affecting Russia's role as a power broker in the region.

Russians in Germany (Wikipedia)


There is a significant Russian population in Germany (German: Deutschrussen, Russlanddeutsche or Russischsprachige in Deutschland). The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered mass immigration to the West, with Germany being the top destination, mostly for economic and ethnic reasons. Russians (German Russians) are the 3rd largest migrant group in Germany.

Russo-Ukrainian War (Wikipedia)


The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas war. The first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents, cyberwarfare, and heightened political tensions. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began occupying more of the country.In early 2014, the Euromaidan protests led to the Revolution of Dignity and the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Shortly after, pro-Russian unrest erupted in eastern and southern Ukraine, while unmarked Russian troops occupied Crimea. Russia soon annexed Crimea after a highly disputed referendum. In April 2014, Russian-backed militants seized towns in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and proclaimed the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) as independent states, starting the Donbas war. The separatists received considerable but covert support from Russia, and Ukrainian attempts to fully retake separatist-held areas failed. Although Russia denied involvement, Russian troops took part in the fighting. In February 2015, Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk II agreements to end the conflict, but they were never fully implemented in the years that followed. The Donbas war settled into a violent but static conflict between Ukraine and the Russian and separatist forces, with many brief ceasefires but no lasting peace and few changes in territorial control.Beginning in 2021, Russia built up a large military presence near its border with Ukraine, including within neighbouring Belarus. Russian officials repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed irredentist views and denied Ukraine's right to exist. He criticized the enlargement of NATO and demanded that Ukraine be barred from ever joining the military alliance. Russia recognized the DPR and LPR as independent states. On 24 February 2022, Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, claiming Russia had no plans to occupy the country. The Russian invasion that followed was internationally condemned; many countries imposed sanctions against Russia and increased existing sanctions. In the face of fierce resistance, Russia abandoned an attempt to take Kyiv in early April. From August, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territories in the north-east and south. In late September, Russia declared the annexation of four partially-occupied regions, which was internationally condemned. Russia spent the winter conducting inconclusive offensives in the Donbas. In spring 2023, Russia dug into positions ahead of another Ukrainian counteroffensive, which failed to gain significant ground. The war has resulted in a refugee crisis and tens of thousands of deaths.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits China Amid Economic Tensions and Disagreements Over Russia's Invasion of Ukraine


German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited various locations in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to discuss economic tensions and differences regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Two Iraqis arrested in Germany for enslaving Yazidi girls


Two Iraqis, identified as Twana H.S. and Asia R.A., were arrested in Bavaria for being members of the Islamic State group and keeping two young Yazidi girls as slaves. They are accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and membership in a terrorist organization. The suspects raped and physically abused the girls, coercing them into household work, preventing them from practicing their religion, and enforcing harsh punishments. The girls were handed over to other IS members before the suspects left Syria. This case highlights the ongoing persecution of Yazidis by IS militants.

Political Prisoner in Belarus Reveals Brutal Prison System Through Smuggled Notes


Katsiaryna Novikava, a political prisoner in Belarus, exposed the brutal prison conditions in the country through writings on toilet paper, detailing being beaten by security forces, lack of medical attention, and the inhumane treatment of political prisoners. Belarus, ruled by dictator Alexander Lukashenko, has detained over 35,000 people since the controversial re-election in 2020, with many facing torture, forced exile, and extremist labels. Novikava's revelations shed light on the dire situation for political prisoners, with over 1,385 currently detained and documented cases of deaths and systematic abuse.

Georgia Parliament Advances Controversial Foreign Influence Bill Amid Protests


The ruling Georgian Dream party in Georgia has advanced a bill requiring media and civil society groups to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from overseas. This bill, criticized for mirroring a repressive Russian law, has sparked widespread protests and opposition. EU and US have expressed concerns that the law could negatively impact Georgia's progress towards EU membership and limit freedom of expression. Thousands protested in Tbilisi and other cities, demonstrating against the bill's passage.

Ukrainian President Signs Controversial Law to Boost Conscripts Amid Russian Aggression


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law to boost conscription, providing incentives for draft-eligible men while struggling against Russia's advance capturing a quarter of Ukraine. The law, expected to take effect in a month, aims to replenish depleted forces but lacks provisions for troop rotation after 36 months of combat, causing public outrage due to exhausted soldiers on the front lines.

Green cooperation holds potential for China, Germany


When touring a China-Germany hydrogen technology cooperation project in Chongqing Municipality during his three-day official visit to China, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tried out the assembly of the hydrogen power module and gave a thumbs-up to a staff nearby afterward. He was impressed by the bilateral cooperation in hydrogen technology, which offers a glimpse of the broad collaboration between China and Germany in green energy. Almost in tandem with the conclusion of Scholz's visit to Chinahis longest bilateral visit anywhere since taking office in 2021US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday once again hyped up the protectionist rhetoric regarding "Chinese overcapacity." Rather than viewing China as a threat, recognizing its contributions to the advancement of clean energy technologies opens the door to fruitful partnerships and collective efforts toward a sustainable future. The close cooperation between China and Germany can be promising.

Russia has quietly supported Iran with weapons and information amid the Middle East crisis


Russia has been providing Iran with an array of artillery, including anti-aircraft launchers and drones, as part of a strategic alliance between the two nations. This support has escalated Iran's strength and negotiating power, leading to knowledge transfer and intangible gains in their relationship. The growing relationship has seen Iran supplying weapons to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Russia vowing to provide air defense technology and fighter jets to Iran to bolster its military capabilities.

Europe Pressures China for Policy Shift on Ukraine and Trade Imbalance


Europe seeks a change in China's pro-Russia stance regarding the Ukraine war and a reduction in the trade deficit, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Deadly Flooding Hits Ural Mountains Cities in Russia and Kazakhstan


Historic flooding in the Ural Mountains cities of Orenburg and Orsk in Russia has led to at least seven reported deaths, with authorities denying casualties. Additional evacuations have taken place in Russia's Tyumen region and northern Kazakhstan, affecting over 125,000 people. Agricultural companies in Russia have not faced significant disruptions, with the spring sowing area covering nearly 5 million hectares. President Tokayev of Kazakhstan described the floods as the worst national disaster in 80 years and ordered funds for relief efforts. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is taking measures to protect its facilities from floods in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region.

House Republicans Propose $95 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific Region


House Republicans have introduced three bills totaling $95 billion in aid, aiming to assist Ukraine against Russia, support Israel's defense efforts against Iran, and counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The aid includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. The bills specify funding for weapons, military operations, humanitarian assistance, and defense systems. President Biden supports the aid package, with key differences from the Senate bill such as providing economic assistance to Ukraine as a repayable loan. The House is expected to vote on the bills soon.

Ukraine (Wikipedia)


Ukraine ( yoo-KRAYN; Ukrainian: Україна, romanized: Ukraina, pronounced [ʊkrɐˈjinɐ] ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast. It also borders Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest; with a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is the nation's capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odesa. Ukraine's official language is Ukrainian; Russian is also widely spoken, especially in the east and south.During the Middle Ages, Ukraine was the site of early Slavic expansion and the area later became a key centre of East Slavic culture under the state of Kievan Rus', which emerged in the 9th century. The state eventually disintegrated into rival regional powers and was ultimately destroyed by the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. The area was then contested, divided, and ruled by a variety of external powers for the next 600 years, including the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsardom of Russia. The Cossack Hetmanate emerged in central Ukraine in the 17th century marked on maps as "Ukraine, land of the Cossacks", but was partitioned between Russia and Poland, and ultimately absorbed by the Russian Empire. Ukrainian nationalism developed and, following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic was formed. The Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former empire and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union when it was formed in 1922. In the early 1930s, millions of Ukrainians died in the Holodomor, a human-made famine. The German occupation during World War II in Ukraine was devastating: 7 million Ukrainian civilians were killed, including most Ukrainian Jews.Ukraine gained independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, and declared itself neutral. A new constitution was adopted in 1996. A series of mass demonstrations, known as the Euromaidan, led to the establishment of a new government in 2014 after a revolution. Russia then unilaterally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and pro-Russian unrest culminated in a war in the Donbas between Russian-backed separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war with Russia, Ukraine has continued to seek closer ties with the United States, European Union, and NATO. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Ukraine is a unitary state and its system of government is a semi-presidential republic. A developing country, it is the poorest country in Europe by nominal GDP per capita and corruption remains a significant issue. However, due to its extensive fertile land, pre-war Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. It is a founding member of the United Nations, as well as a member of the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, and the OSCE. It is in the process of joining the European Union and has applied to join NATO.

Russia to be Invited to French D-Day Ceremony Without President Putin


Russia, but not President Vladimir Putin, will be invited to the French ceremony in June marking 80 years since the World War II D-Day landings. The decision comes after Putin's actions in Ukraine led to strained ties with the West, including an arrest warrant for war crimes. The French organizers plan to honor the sacrifices of Soviet peoples and Russia's contribution to the 1945 victory, despite not inviting Putin due to Russia's 'war of aggression' in Ukraine.

Washington Gridlock Over Ukraine Weapons Aid Seems to Unravel


After months of political blockages, a vote on sending more than $60 billion in lethal aid to Ukraine is set to happen, breaking a 480-day Republican-held impasse. The delay had allowed Russia to gain an upper hand in the conflict, leaving Ukraine in dire need of weapons, especially air defence interceptors. Republican infighting and reluctance to support Ukrainian aid have been key factors behind the delay, with some members focusing on the southern border. However, a recent shift in Speaker Mike Johnson's stance, possibly influenced by praise from former President Trump, has paved the way for the long-awaited vote.

Two Alleged Spies Arrested in Germany for Suspected Plan to Sabotage Military Aid for Ukraine Two Alleged Spies Arrested in Germany for Suspected Plan to Sabotage Military Aid for Ukraine Two Alleged Spies Arrested in Germany for Suspected Plan to Sabotage Military Aid for Ukraine Two Alleged Spies Arrested in Germany for Suspected Plan to Sabotage Military Aid for Ukraine

SOURCES

The Guardian

Germany arrests two for alleged plot to attack military bases on behalf of Russia

Reuters

ABC News

Germany arrests 2 for allegedly spying for Russia, planning sabotage

ABC News

Yahoo! News

German spying: Two suspected spies arrested in Bavaria

Yahoo! News

The Moscow Times

2 Arrested in Germany for Allegedly Spying for Russia - The Moscow Times

AFP

AP News

Germany arrests 2 for allegedly spying for Russia, plotting sabotage to undermine Ukraine aid

By GEIR MOULSON

NBC

Germany arrests men who allegedly spied on U.S. military sites for Russia

NBC

BBC News

German spying: Two suspected spies arrested in Bavaria

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews

Yahoo! News

Germany Arrests Alleged Russian Spies Planning Sabotage

Yahoo! News

The Moscow Times

Germany Arrests 2 Over Military Base Attack Plot for Russia - The Moscow Times

Michelle Fitzpatrick for AFP

The Moscow Times

Germany Arrests 2 Over Military Base Attack Plot for Russia - The Moscow Times

Michelle Fitzpatrick for AFP

Al Jazeera

Germany arrests two dual nationals over alleged Russian sabotage plot

Al Jazeera

PANORA

Austria's Espionage Scandal: Former Security Official Suspected of Spying for Russia

PANORA

PANORA

Russia Destroys Ukrainian Power Stations and Defences as Expert Warns of Troop Exhaustion

PANORA

PANORA

German Authorities Conduct Large-Scale Raid on Human Smuggling Gang

PANORA

PANORA

Ukraine PM warns of Third World War if Russia wins

PANORA

PANORA

Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Chernigiv kills 18, prompts calls for air defense boost

PANORA

Wikipedia

Germany–Russia relations

Wikipedia

PANORA

German Chancellor Urges China to Apply Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine Conflict

PANORA

Wikipedia

Russia Germans

Wikipedia

PANORA

Ukraine Prime Minister Seeks US Investment During Visit to Chicago

PANORA

PANORA

Russian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Apartment Building, Killing 14 in Chernihiv

PANORA

Wikipedia

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Wikipedia

PANORA

Thousands Protest in Georgia Against Controversial 'Foreign Influence' Law

PANORA

Wikipedia

Russian Armed Forces

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 December 2023 – present)

Wikipedia

PANORA

Belgium's Prime Minister Announces Investigation into Suspected Russian Interference in Europe-wide Elections

PANORA

PANORA

Wednesday briefing: Stalled aid, soldier shortages and dwindling weapons as Ukraine hangs on

PANORA

PANORA

Iran's Attack on Israel Could Impact Russia's War in Ukraine and Boost China's Influence in the Middle East

PANORA

Wikipedia

Russians in Germany

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Russo-Ukrainian War

Wikipedia

PANORA

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits China Amid Economic Tensions and Disagreements Over Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

PANORA

PANORA

Two Iraqis arrested in Germany for enslaving Yazidi girls

PANORA

PANORA

Political Prisoner in Belarus Reveals Brutal Prison System Through Smuggled Notes

PANORA

PANORA

Georgia Parliament Advances Controversial Foreign Influence Bill Amid Protests

PANORA

PANORA

Ukrainian President Signs Controversial Law to Boost Conscripts Amid Russian Aggression

PANORA

PANORA

Green cooperation holds potential for China, Germany

PANORA

PANORA

Russia has quietly supported Iran with weapons and information amid the Middle East crisis

PANORA

PANORA

Europe Pressures China for Policy Shift on Ukraine and Trade Imbalance

PANORA

PANORA

Deadly Flooding Hits Ural Mountains Cities in Russia and Kazakhstan

PANORA

PANORA

House Republicans Propose $95 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific Region

PANORA

Wikipedia

Ukraine

Wikipedia

PANORA

Russia to be Invited to French D-Day Ceremony Without President Putin

PANORA

PANORA

Washington Gridlock Over Ukraine Weapons Aid Seems to Unravel

PANORA