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Vladimir Putin removes Sergei Shoigu from Russian defence ministry

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The Kremlin has announced the removal of long-time ally Sergei Shoigu from his position as defense minister, replacing him with Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, who lacks significant military experience. Shoigu will be appointed secretary of Russia’s Security Council. This move, a rare reshuffle in Russian politics, is seen as reflecting President Putin’s decision-making authority, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Belousov’s appointment surprises many due to his background as an economist. However, analysts suggest this decision aligns with Putin’s aim to integrate the Russian economy more closely with military efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for innovation in the defense ministry, comparing Russia’s situation to the mid-1980s Soviet Union when a large portion of GDP was allocated to military spending.

The decision to appoint a civilian to such a significant military role underscores the changing priorities within the Kremlin and the necessity to improve efficiency in the armed forces amid ongoing conflicts. Recent events, including the arrest of one of Shoigu’s deputies on corruption charges and prolonged military engagement in Ukraine, likely contributed to speculation about Shoigu’s weakening position.

While Shoigu will retain influence as secretary of the Security Council, his reassignment may be interpreted as a demotion. The future of Nikolai Patrushev, the council’s current head, remains uncertain. Shoigu, who has a civil engineering background, gained prominence in the 1990s as head of the emergencies and disaster relief ministry.

Belousov, described as a staunch defender of the state who believes Russia faces numerous external threats, shares a close relationship with Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church. He has practiced martial arts, including karate and sambo, and previously served as an aide to Putin. His support for the annexation of Crimea in 2014 aligns with Putin’s policies.

Putin’s recent reelection for a fifth term with an overwhelming majority solidifies his leadership position in Russia, which he has held since 2000.

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Spain Socialists win Catalan vote as separatists lose ground

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The recent regional election in Catalonia marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Socialists, led by Salvador Illa, emerging victorious with 42 seats. This success contrasted with a drop in support for independence to 42%, down from 49% in 2017, signaling a setback for pro-independence parties.

Despite the Socialist victory, forming a government may prove challenging, as coalition negotiations are necessary. The fragmented nature of the Catalan parliament, divided by unionist-separatist allegiances and left-right divisions, is likely to prolong post-election discussions.

The amnesty law, a contentious issue benefiting nationalists and championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, played a pivotal role in securing support. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from opponents on the right, for its perceived leniency towards separatist activities.

Calls for unity among pro-independence parties have emerged, but the complexity of the political landscape suggests that negotiations will be intricate. Despite former regional president Carles Puigdemont’s suggestion for a coalition between pro-independence parties, the path to forming a government remains uncertain.

Additionally, the election saw gains for the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox, while the centrist Ciudadanos lost all representation in the parliament. A new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, also secured two seats, further diversifying the political spectrum in Catalonia.

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Protesters attempt to storm Germany’s Tesla factory

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In Germany, tensions escalated as hundreds of climate protesters clashed with law enforcement while attempting to breach the Tesla factory near Berlin. The demonstrators were rallying against the proposed expansion of Tesla’s only European plant, situated in Grünheide, Brandenburg. Their concerns revolved around potential environmental damage resulting from the factory’s enlargement.

Despite the activists’ efforts, police successfully thwarted their attempts to enter the facility. However, the confrontation led to injuries, including three police officers, and resulted in several arrests. Videos circulating on social media depicted the chaotic scene, with protesters donning blue caps and flags, attempting to overrun the police cordon.

The protest tactics employed by the demonstrators included blocking nearby motorways, disrupting railway services, and staging sit-ins on country roads surrounding the factory. While some managed to breach the police lines, Tesla CEO Elon Musk reassured the public that the facility remained secure. Musk also criticized the leniency shown by law enforcement toward the left-wing protesters.

The group orchestrating the protest, Disrupt Tesla, aimed to draw attention to what they termed “environmental destruction” in Grünheide. Their activism included occupying parts of the forest slated for clearance for the factory expansion, with protesters building tree houses and erecting signs in opposition. Despite the disruptions, Tesla announced that the site would be closed for the day due to the demonstration, with employees allowed to work remotely.

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Seven dead after bus falls into river in St Petersburg

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A tragic incident unfolded in St. Petersburg, where a bus careened off the Potseluev Bridge into the Moika River, resulting in the loss of seven lives. The accident, which occurred in the city center on Friday afternoon, was captured on footage showing the bus swerving into oncoming traffic, colliding with two cars, and then plunging into the waterway, sinking within moments.

Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, detaining the bus driver and launching a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports indicated several critical injuries and two individuals in serious condition among the estimated 20 passengers onboard. Tragically, despite rescue efforts, three individuals lost their lives shortly after being retrieved from the submerged bus.

The heroic actions of bystanders, including Idris Gadzhiev, Shahban Jabrailov, and Muhammad Hasanov, who courageously leaped into the river to assist in rescue efforts, underscored the community’s solidarity in the face of tragedy. Meanwhile, emergency services deployed heavy machinery to lift the sunken bus from the river, bringing an end to the rescue operation.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety measures, occurring as the bus turned onto the bridge from Bolshaya Morskaya Street, a bustling area approximately 1.5 kilometers from the renowned Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg’s historic center.

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Zelensky fires head of bodyguard after failed plot

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Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has removed the head of his personal security unit following the detention of two high-ranking officials in connection with an alleged assassination plot. Serhiy Rud, who has overseen the president’s security since 2019, was dismissed without explanation, according to a presidential decree.

The state guard administration (UDO), responsible for safeguarding not just the president but also other key figures and their families in Ukraine, saw two colonels detained over suspicions of ties to a Russian FSB-run agent network. Despite Zelensky’s previous claims of Russian assassination plots against him, this recent revelation implicates members of his own circle, including military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and SBU head Vasyl Malyuk.

Reports indicate that the plot aimed to target Zelensky through kidnapping and assassination, while Budanov was to be attacked with various weapons including rockets, drones, and anti-tank grenades.

Though Serhiy Rud’s dismissal was announced, there’s no indication of his involvement in the alleged plot. However, one of the detained colonels, Andriy Huk, was reportedly a close acquaintance from their time studying together.

Maj Gen Rud, who has a long military career focused on state security, has seen numerous attempts on Zelensky’s life, notably during the early stages of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Zelensky’s frequent replacements of key security figures have been noted, with the recent removal of special forces commander Col Serhiy Lupanchuk being another example. Additionally, Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who previously led Ukraine’s defense during the invasion, was replaced and subsequently appointed as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, receiving the title “Hero of Ukraine.”

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Putin hails army ‘heroes’ and warns off West in WW2 parade

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The annual Red Square military parade had a different feel this time, not just because of the spring snowstorm. While 9,000 people marched across the square, the numbers were lower compared to previous years before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There was less military hardware on display, with only one T-34 tank present.

References to Russia’s war in Ukraine were abundant, with soldiers who had been fighting there participating in the parade. President Putin emphasized this in his address, highlighting the ongoing “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine and praising the frontline soldiers as heroes.

Recent tensions with Western nations, including accusations from Russia and warnings from President Putin, added to the atmosphere. Putin issued a warning to the West, accompanied by nuclear sabre-rattling, stating Russia’s readiness to defend itself.

Victory Day in Russia has become a significant holiday, commemorating the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany and the immense human cost of that victory. However, it’s also used to justify present actions, framing the war in Ukraine as a continuation of World War Two against enemies like Ukraine and the West.

The normalization of war in Russia is evident, as reflected in the unveiling of a war memorial outside Moscow, dedicated to soldiers who died in various conflicts, including Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Ukraine. An official’s speech at the unveiling conveyed the message that wars are part of human nature, marking a shift from the previous sentiment of “No more war” that was prevalent in post-World War Two Russia.

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EU moves to give profits from Russian assets to Ukraine

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EU member states’ ambassadors have tentatively agreed to redirect windfall profits from frozen Russian assets towards financing arms supplies for Ukraine, pending approval by EU finance ministers next week. This decision follows the freezing of hundreds of billions of euros in Russian assets after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If approved, the accrued interest, estimated at up to €3 billion per year, will be allocated for purchasing weapons for Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the significance of this action, stating it would contribute to enhancing the safety of Ukraine and Europe. Valdis Dombrovskis, European Trade Commissioner, echoed this sentiment, urging swift delivery of the funds to Ukraine, with an initial tranche of €1 billion intended for military support ideally reaching the country by summer.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated that approximately 90% of the revenues from frozen Russian assets be allocated to arms purchases for Ukraine. The value of these assets in the EU stands at nearly €211 billion, with the majority of profits held by Euroclear, a Belgium-based clearing house.

The decision to utilize these funds had been delayed due to objections from EU members regarding a 25% tax imposed under Belgian law, which has since been waived. Despite concerns raised by Europe’s central bankers about potential legal ramifications and impacts on global financial stability, the decision reflects a determination to hold Russia accountable for its actions. The Kremlin has criticized this move as undermining European and international legal frameworks.

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Luis Rubiales to stand trial over World Cup kiss

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Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish football federation, is facing trial for sexual assault and coercion stemming from an incident involving Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso. The incident occurred during a World Cup match against England last year when Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent, sparking widespread controversy.

Rubiales, who resigned from his position following the incident, maintains his innocence, claiming the kiss was consensual. However, Hermoso and her teammates have stated otherwise, describing the kiss as unwanted and demeaning.

In addition to Rubiales, three other individuals associated with the women’s national team are also facing charges of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual. If convicted, each could face up to 18 months in jail.

The trial is set to take place at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, although the date has not yet been confirmed. Rubiales has been ordered to pay a bail of €65,000 for his sexual assault charge, with an additional bail for the coercion charge to be posted jointly with the other defendants.

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German politician attacked in library as violence spreads

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In the latest string of assaults targeting German politicians, Franziska Giffey, a prominent figure in the centre-left SPD and former mayor of Berlin, was attacked in a local library. She was struck on the head and neck with a bag containing hard objects. This incident follows several other assaults on politicians and campaign workers, particularly in eastern Germany.

Matthias Ecke, a lead candidate for the upcoming European elections, was seriously injured in Dresden while putting up posters, allegedly attacked by four individuals, at least one of whom has ties to the far right. Additionally, a campaign worker for the Greens was assaulted, and a female Greens politician was pushed and spat on while putting up posters, with the perpetrators reportedly making Nazi salutes.

Giffey expressed shock at the attack, emphasizing the unacceptable trend of violence against those involved in politics. Police have identified a suspect but have not disclosed further details. There’s growing concern among politicians and officials, with calls for better legal protection against such attacks.

Interior ministers from federal and state levels convened to discuss responses to these assaults, acknowledging a worrying escalation in physical violence against politicians. The far-right AfD party, aiming for significant gains in upcoming elections, is embroiled in espionage allegations, adding to the political tensions in Germany.

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Polish security finds cabinet meeting room bugged

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Special services in Poland uncovered and removed listening devices in a room where cabinet ministers were scheduled to convene. The regular cabinet meeting, typically held in Warsaw, was relocated to Katowice due to the attendance of several ministers, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at an economic conference there.

The increased spying activity in Poland is attributed to its role as a hub for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The State Protection Service, in collaboration with the Internal Security Agency, detected and dismantled the eavesdropping devices during a routine security sweep of the room. The Internal Security Agency is currently investigating the matter further.

Despite the discovery, the cabinet meeting proceeded as planned in the building. A spokesperson for the Silesia regional authorities suggested that the device may have been part of the room’s old communication system.

In a separate development, a Polish judge sought asylum in Belarus, citing concerns over Poland’s policies towards Belarus and Russia. The judge’s actions have raised suspicions of espionage, particularly as he was due to preside over cases involving security clearance for NATO-related information.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski condemned the judge’s actions, referring to him as a traitor. Prime Minister Tusk has called for a meeting of the Secret Services College to discuss potential Russian and Belarusian influence in Polish politics. He emphasized concerns about the judge’s long-standing relationship with Belarusian authorities and its implications for national security.

This incident comes after the previous year’s arrest of several members of an alleged Russian spy network in Poland, accused of planning sabotage near the Ukrainian border.

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