UK to Expel Russian Defense Attache and Impose Measures Against Moscow

Published: 08 May 2024 at 14:43

Politics

The United Kingdom plans to expel the Russian defense attache, whom they accuse of being an undeclared military intelligence officer, and take several measures targeting Moscow's intelligence gathering operations, including removing diplomatic status from Russian-owned properties and imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas. UK Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that these actions are in response to the reckless activities of the Russian government across Europe. Russia has indicated it will respond appropriately to the expulsion.

DEEP DIVE

Russian authorities target Kremlin critics in crackdown on dissent

Russian authorities have added more Kremlin critics, including women's rights activist Darya Serenko and journalist Mikhail Zygar, to their wanted list as part of a crackdown on dissent following Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Serenko and Zygar have left Russia, facing criminal charges without specified details. The Kremlin's intensified crackdown includes criminal charges against hundreds for protests against the war in Ukraine. Serenko co-founded the Feminist Anti-War Resistance group and both she and Zygar were labeled as foreign agents. The controversial law targeting dissenters imposes up to 15 years in prison for spreading false information about the army.

EU Court Removes Sanctions on Russian Billionaires Fridman and Aven

The European Union Court of Justice has removed war-related sanctions against Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven, ruling that the European Council lacked sufficient evidence to justify their inclusion in the sanctions list. Both Fridman and Aven, who made their fortunes in Russia and resided in the UK, have disputed allegations of being close to Russian authorities. The decision was criticized by the Russian opposition for the billionaires' perceived lack of vocal opposition to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. China has expressed its refusal to accept criticism or pressure over its ties with Russia amidst warnings from Washington.

Russia defends veto of UN resolution on nuclear arms race in space

Russia defended its veto of a UN resolution calling for the prevention of a nuclear arms race in outer space, challenging the US, Japan, and Western allies to support Moscow's rival resolution for a ban on all weapons in space. The verbal clash at the UN involved accusations of hypocrisy and double standards between Russia and Western nations, with the US citing Russia's possession of anti-satellite weapons and threats to target satellites with nuclear devices. Russia's actions, including threats against British military facilities and drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, were seen as responses to Western comments on involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Moscow Court Rejects American Journalist's Appeal Against Pre-Trial Detention in Espionage Case

American journalist Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has been in pre-trial detention in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison for over a year on espionage charges, which he, his newspaper, and the US government deny. Despite the rejection of his latest appeal, no trial date has been set, and his detention has been extended to June 30. Moscow has not disclosed specific details of the case, hinting at a possible prisoner exchange deal involving Gershkovich. Russian President Putin suggested a swap for a man accused of killing a Chechen rebel in Berlin.

Russia Launches Over 70 Missiles and Drones on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Russia launched more than 70 missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and six other cities in Ukraine, aiming to weaken industry and resistance. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, which caused injuries and power cuts in nine regions. Moscow's actions are seen as attempts to hinder weapon production and lower public morale amidst the ongoing invasion. The assault coincided with Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II Day, preceding Victory in Europe Day, which Russia and Ukraine celebrate on May 9 and May 8 respectively.

Putin Displays Captured Western Military Vehicles in Moscow Exhibition Amid Ukraine Conflict

Putin showcases captured British armoured cars and American tanks in an exhibition in Moscow's Victory Park to glorify the invasion of Ukraine. The display includes 30 tanks and war equipment seized from Ukrainian forces, highlighting the country's success against Ukrainian militants and their Western supporters. The exhibition features vehicles from countries like Turkey, Sweden, Czech Republic, South Africa, Finland, Australia, and Austria, alongside Ukrainian combat documents. Amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia uses the exhibit to flaunt its military might ahead of the Victory Day parade on May 9th.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken to Push China to Cut Ties with Russia

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China to urge leaders to sever ties with Russia amidst concerns of Chinese support for Moscow's defense industry. The discussions will address disputes over China's involvement in the war in Ukraine, claims over the South China Sea, and U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese technology. The U.S. accuses China of enabling Russia's defense sector, leading to increased civilian casualties in Ukraine. Blinken aims to coordinate messages with Europe for a more effective stance against Russia, highlighting China as the primary contributor to Moscow's defense industry support.

Russian Army Deserter Detained in Poland After Crossing Border from Belarus

A 41-year-old man from Russia, suspected to be a deserter from the Russian army, was detained in Poland after illegally crossing the border from Belarus. Polish officials are investigating whether he was trying to flee the war in Russia or carrying out secret tasks for Russian services in the European Union. The detainment coincided with concerns over alleged Russian influences in Poland, including the defection of a controversial Polish judge to Belarus, described as high treason by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Ukrainian drone attack forces Russia to relocate aircraft from front lines

Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on Russia's Kushchyovskaya airfield and two oil refineries, prompting Russia to disperse around 40 aircraft to different airfields. The attack aimed to disrupt Moscow's glide-bomb operations. This relocation will strain Moscow's aircrews and increase operational costs. Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia poses a significant challenge. Russia has previously relocated assets in response to Ukrainian attacks, including naval drones targeting the Black Sea Fleet. Glide bombs pose a threat to Ukraine, as Russia increasingly relies on them for ground operations.

Russia Launches Massive Missile Attack on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure

Russia conducted a significant missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, deploying 76 air attack weapons, including missiles and drones. The assault targeted power generation and transmission facilities in several Ukrainian regions, resulting in at least three injuries. Moscow's intensified efforts to disrupt Ukraine's energy system come as Ukrainian forces struggle on key frontlines. The attack, which focused on thermal power plants run by DTEK, marks the fifth targeting of the company's infrastructure in a month and a half.

Powers of the home secretary (Wikipedia)

The home secretary is one of the most senior and influential ministers in the UK Government, and the holder of a Great Office of State. The home secretary's remit includes law enforcement in England and Wales, matters of national security, issues concerning immigration, and oversight of the Security Service (MI5).The home secretary's exercise of these powers is dependent on the ongoing consent and agreement of the prime minister and the rest of the Cabinet, as required by the doctrine of Cabinet collective responsibility. The prime minister can overrule the home secretary's individual decisions. For example, Boris Johnson reportedly overruled home secretary Priti Patel on closing UK borders, and Margaret Thatcher overruled home secretary Leon Brittan on parole for Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The prime minister can dismiss the home secretary.

Russia and Ukraine to Exchange Displaced Children in Qatari-Brokered Deal

Russia and Ukraine, under a Qatari-brokered deal, have agreed to exchange nearly 50 children displaced by Moscow's invasion, with 29 children going to Ukraine and 19 to Russia. Ukraine accuses Russia of illegally taking over 19,000 of its children since the start of the 2022 invasion, while Russia claims to have transferred children for safety reasons away from conflict zones. The fate of these children has been sensitive, with reports of some being subjected to Russian patriotic education upon return.

UK High Court Concludes Hearing on Julian Assange's Extradition Appeal

The United Kingdom (UK) High Court concluded a two-day hearing on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's appeal against extradition to the United States for espionage charges. Assange, wanted for disclosing national defense information, could face extradition and transfer to Australia for any prison sentence. Assange, absent due to illness, faces the possibility of extradition within weeks if the court rules against him. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the UK High Court in London, chanting 'Free Julian!' and 'No extradition!'.

Russia Captures Village in Eastern Ukraine Amid Advances Against Ukrainian Forces

Russia has captured the village of Berdychi in eastern Ukraine as part of its ongoing advances against Ukrainian forces, with Moscow's troops making gains ahead of the expected arrival of US weapons for Ukrainian troops. Ukraine's commander-in-chief confirmed the retreat from Berdychi and nearby villages to protect their forces. Berdychi is the latest in a series of villages claimed by Russia in recent weeks, following the capture of Avdiivka in February. Russian forces are rushing to secure Ukrainian territory before the arrival of US military aid.

China Rejects US Criticism Or Pressure' Over Ties With Russia

China vowed Wednesday it would not accept "criticism or pressure" over its ties with Russia, after Washington warned that it will hold Beijing responsible if Moscow makes gains in Ukraine. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Tuesday that Washington would "not sit by and say everything is fine" after Beijing renewed pledges of cooperation with Moscow during a visit by Russia's top diplomat. In response, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisted that "China and Russia have the right to engage in normal economic and trade cooperation". "This kind of cooperation should not be interfered with or limited, and China also does not accept criticism or pressure," she added on Wednesday. The two countries have in recent years ramped up contacts, and their strategic partnership has only grown closer since Moscow's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.