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Putin to stand for fifth term as Russian president

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially announced his candidacy for a fifth term in office during an awards ceremony honoring participants in the 2022 war against Ukraine. The presidential election is slated for March 15-17, 2024, following a constitutional amendment in 2020 that extended the presidential term from four to six years. Given the limited opposition and the tight control Putin exercises over Russian media, his victory is widely perceived as inevitable.

The re-election of the 71-year-old Putin would mark a continuation of his extensive political career, having previously served as president from 2000-2008 and returning to the role in 2012 after a stint as prime minister. This extended period in power surpasses that of any ruler in Russia since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. The constitutional amendment in 2020 effectively canceled out Putin’s previous terms, allowing him a clean slate to run again in 2024. A successful victory would keep him in the presidency until 2030, and if he decides to stand for re-election, potentially until 2036.

Despite facing significant challenges stemming from the invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing standoff with the West, Putin is unlikely to encounter substantial opposition. Genuine opponents have been marginalized, with many either deceased, imprisoned, or in exile. The announcement of the election dates by the Federation Council was swiftly followed by Putin’s declaration, emphasizing the apparent widespread support for his continued leadership.

Putin’s firm grip on power has only strengthened throughout his tenure, and his decision to run again underscores the lack of any significant contenders on the political landscape. The Kremlin’s official spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, noted an “astonishing” number of people expressing a desire for Putin to continue as the leader of Russia. The announcement was made during an informal gathering after a ceremony in the Kremlin where Ukraine war veterans were awarded the Hero of Russia medal, highlighting Putin’s role in the conflict and the political backdrop against which his candidacy is unfolding.

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Laura Kuenssberg: Ukraine in ‘mortal danger’ without aid, Olena Zelenska warns

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Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, has issued a grave warning about the perilous situation facing Ukrainians if Western nations do not continue their financial support. This concern arises following the blocking of a vital $60 billion aid bill for Ukraine by Republican senators in the US. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelenska emphasized the potential life-threatening consequences if the world grows weary of the ongoing crisis, stating that Ukraine could be left to perish without sustained assistance.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the White House, which cautioned that US funds for Ukraine could soon run out. However, a deal for additional assistance has been delayed as Republicans seek compromises on unrelated domestic issues before granting approval. President Biden underscored the significance of aiding Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so would be a detrimental “gift” for President Putin, and history would harshly judge those turning their back on the cause of freedom.

Zelenska’s exclusive interview with the BBC provided insight into her deep concern over the delays in financial support, describing the situation as a “mortal danger” for her country. She expressed distress at witnessing signs of diminishing global willingness to help, emphasizing that the continued aid is a matter of life for Ukraine. The first lady’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for ongoing assistance to ensure Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression.

The United Kingdom has also played a role in urging US politicians to reach a timely agreement for Ukraine. During a visit to Washington, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized the US’s pivotal role as the “lynchpin” in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He urged the US not to inadvertently gift President Putin by blocking the financial support required for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces. The shifting attitudes within the international community raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its fight without robust and continuous support. Zelenska’s warnings are strategically crafted to underscore the critical importance of ongoing assistance for Ukraine’s survival on Europe’s eastern flank.

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Russia luring migrants from Finnish border for war in Ukraine

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Russia has been recruiting foreign migrants detained at its border with Finland for military service in Ukraine, as evidenced by several cases reported by the BBC. This practice involves coercing individuals in pre-deportation detention centers to sign contracts for army service. While this tactic is not new, the numbers increased significantly as foreign migrants arrived at Russia’s border with Finland. Finland temporarily closed its Russian border crossings, accusing Moscow of using migrants as part of a destabilization campaign after Finland joined NATO.

In the past three weeks, 236 people in Karelia, one of the three Russian regions bordering Finland, were arrested for staying in Russia without valid visas. The pattern was similar in the other two border regions of Leningrad and Murmansk. Migrants, including a Somali man identified as Awad, detained for immigration violations, were approached by military representatives and offered a job in the Russian army, promising good pay, medical care, and permission to stay in Russia upon completing a one-year army contract.

The influx of migrants at Finland’s border led to accusations that Russia encouraged the surge, bypassing visa checks and organizing the distribution of bicycles for migrants. Awad, who had arrived in Russia in mid-July and attempted to enter Poland via Belarus, hired a taxi in November to reach the Finnish border. After being detained, he and others were pressured to sign army contracts to avoid deportation.

The report mentions an Iraqi man facing deportation who claimed he was also pressured to sign an army contract due to the danger he faced in Iraq. According to a representative from the Somali community in Belarus, at least 60 Somali nationals in Russian detention centers were approached by military recruiters, with some reportedly agreeing to sign contracts with the Russian army.

Awad and his group realized they were being sent to fight in Ukraine when they reached a military camp at the border. Despite threats of long prison sentences, the detainees demanded the annulment of their contracts. Some received letters confirming the cancellation, but they remain in the military camp. Awad insists he was deceived and did not fully understand the contract, emphasizing that he is an asylum seeker, not a soldier. The BBC has sought comment from the Russian interior ministry regarding the allegations.

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Two arrested in France over alleged bedbug scam

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In France, two individuals have been arrested for allegedly scamming elderly people by convincing them to pay exorbitant amounts for unnecessary bedbug treatments. The suspects, operating in Strasbourg, would visit the homes of their victims, conduct fictitious inspections, and then exploit the situation by overcharging for purported treatment products. The victims, numbering 48 in total, were predominantly elderly women, many of whom were over 90 years old. This fraudulent activity comes amid a growing concern over the rise of bedbug infestations across France, prompting government officials to consider measures to address the issue.

The modus operandi of the alleged scammers involved contacting potential victims, informing them of a bedbug infestation in their neighborhood. Subsequently, the suspects would visit the targeted individuals’ homes, posing as health officials. They would simulate a treatment process using aerosol sprays, then offer a supposed bug-repelling ointment, which, in reality, was a basic eucalyptus-scented cream. The victims, unaware of the scam, were charged varying amounts ranging from €300 to €2,100. Authorities received a total of nine formal complaints related to suspected fraud, leading to the surveillance and arrest of the suspects as they left the residence of an alleged victim in Strasbourg.

The escalating bedbug issue in France has raised concerns about its potential spread, with fears that Parisian infestations could impact other cities, including London. London mayor Sadiq Khan expressed apprehension about the threat to the capital’s public transport system, emphasizing efforts to prevent a similar problem. In October, he reported engaging with counterparts in Paris and officials at Transport For London to collaborate on strategies aimed at averting the potential spread of bedbug-related challenges.

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Russia school shooting: Teenage girl kills classmate and herself

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A tragic incident unfolded in the city of Bryansk, western Russia, where a teenage girl fatally shot a fellow student before turning the gun on herself at Gymnasium No 5 on Thursday morning. Five individuals, including one seriously injured, were harmed in the shooting. The firearm used was reportedly registered under the girl’s father’s name, according to a parliamentarian.

Authorities were alerted to the situation around 09:15 local time, and one victim was undergoing surgery, as stated by Russia’s deputy health minister, Alexey Kuznetsov. The police suspect that the 14-year-old girl may have been involved in a conflict with classmates.

Local authorities are providing psychological support to students, teachers, and parents affected by the incident. Alexander Khinshtein, a member of the Russian Duma, revealed on Telegram that the girl’s belongings, including a box of bullets, were discovered during a school search. He emphasized the “neglectful attitude” towards the secure storage of the firearm as a contributing factor to the tragedy.

Strict gun laws in Russia require firearms to be stored in a special safe, accessible only by the legal owner, and subject to regular police inspections. Students reportedly barricaded themselves in a classroom upon hearing gunshots.

The governor of the Bryansk region, Alexander Bogomaz, described the shooting as a “terrible tragedy.” While school shootings have occurred in Russia in recent years, this incident is noteworthy as it involves a female shooter. In 2021, a 19-year-old carried out a shooting in Kazan, resulting in the deaths of seven children and two adults, and the following year, 18 people were killed in a school shooting in Udmurtia.

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Putin makes rare foreign trip to Gulf states

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has undertaken a rare foreign trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The discussions are expected to cover topics such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as oil production. Notably, the UAE is hosting the COP28 UN climate summit. Despite facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged war crimes, including the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Putin’s visit is seen as part of Russia’s efforts to assert influence and counter isolation attempts by the West. In the UAE, trade and oil are key agenda items, as it is described as Russia’s primary economic partner in the Arab world. Putin also traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional events. The leaders reportedly addressed ways to promote de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and discussed conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.

Furthermore, Putin is set to meet Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi to discuss the war in Gaza. This trip follows Putin’s limited international travel since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with visits restricted to Russian-occupied Ukraine, Iran, and China.

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UAE extradites British trader Sanjay Shah to Denmark

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British trader Sanjay Shah has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Denmark to face tax fraud charges totaling £1.46 billion. The charges stem from alleged fraudulent share trading schemes conducted by Solo Capital, the hedge fund Shah founded. Despite living in Dubai, Shah denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the trades in question were legal. Denmark, heavily impacted by “cum-ex” schemes, alleges that Solo Capital engaged in fraudulent activities between 2012 and 2015. The Danish authorities are seeking to recover the substantial sum, which accounts for nearly 0.5% of the country’s GDP.

In the legal proceedings, Shah, who lost his job as a trader during the 2008 financial crisis, is considered the primary suspect. Prosecutors in Denmark are pushing for him to be held in custody until his trial, scheduled for January of next year. Since 2020, Danish authorities have aggressively pursued Shah, leading to the freezing of much of his fortune, including a £15 million central London property. Despite an extravagant lifestyle in Dubai, where he resided on the exclusive Palm Jumeirah island and hosted charity events with renowned musicians like Elton John and Drake, Shah has faced mounting legal challenges.

Sanjay Shah’s legal battles are part of a broader crackdown on “cum-ex” fraud in Denmark. In a separate case in November, Guenther Klar, a British national who worked for Solo Capital between 2010 and 2012, went on trial in Denmark—the country’s first court case over cum-ex fraud. Klar, extradited from Belgium, faces accusations of defrauding the government of £37 million. He maintains his innocence, marking another chapter in Denmark’s efforts to address financial misconduct within the realm of cum-ex schemes. Despite facing challenges in the UK Supreme Court, Shah’s extradition and the ongoing legal proceedings underscore Denmark’s commitment to pursuing those involved in financial fraud, irrespective of their location.

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Olive oil price skyrockets as Spanish drought bites

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Francisco José García de Zúñiga, a farmer in Jaén, Spain, is facing a challenging harvest season due to consecutive years of drought in 2022 and 2023. Jaén is a crucial region for olive oil production, with Spain being the world’s largest producer, contributing to 70% of European Union consumption and 45% globally.

The persistent lack of rain in olive-producing areas like Jaén has led to a significant impact on both the quantity and price of olive oil. Mr García de Zúñiga emphasizes that Spain’s challenges affect global production, adhering to the basic law of supply and demand. As Spain produces less oil, global supply decreases, and if demand remains constant, prices rise.

In Spain, olive oil prices have surged by over 70% this year, following a substantial increase in 2022. Factors contributing to this surge include rising costs of fuel, electricity, and fertilizers over the past two years, but the primary factor is the extended period of drought. The Nuestra Señora del Pilar cooperative, one of the world’s largest olive oil factories, experienced a severely low olive harvest in the 2022-23 season.

Cristóbal Gallego Martínez, the cooperative’s president, highlights the impact of climate change on traditional agricultural assumptions. Dry periods are lasting longer, and the usual cycle of poor and good harvests is disrupted. He calls for government measures, such as investing in irrigation systems, to address the changing climate patterns.

The rise in olive oil prices is not limited to Spain, as it has been observed across Europe. Some neighboring countries have seen a less sharp increase, leading to Spaniards crossing borders to purchase slightly cheaper oil. The UK and Ireland, for instance, have lower prices due to having bought oil at a lower cost several months ago.

Despite the economic considerations, experts warn against opting for cheaper alternatives, as olive oil is a vital component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. Lower-cost alternatives, such as sunflower oil, might lead to a loss in nutritional value. Fernando López-Segura, from Córdoba’s Reina Sofía hospital, underscores the cardiovascular benefits of consuming [virgin extra] olive oil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its place in the Mediterranean diet. However, current consumption trends are influenced not only by health considerations but also by the unpredictable patterns of rainfall.

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Firefighters rescue injured owl from crows

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In Smolensk, Russia, firefighters went beyond the typical animal rescue scenario when they found an injured Ural owl outside their fire station gates on Monday morning. The owl, with a damaged wing, was under attack by crows. The firefighters promptly intervened, rescuing the distressed bird from the crows and providing warmth and nourishment.

Following the rescue, the Ural owl was transported to a veterinarian for an x-ray and additional care. The next step involves sending the owl to a wild bird rehabilitation and reintroduction center, as stated by Smolensk’s emergency services.

Natalia Arbuzova, a press officer interviewed by Russian state media, recounted the incident. She explained how the firefighters noticed the motionless owl with an injured wing being pecked by crows at 10:00 local time. The firefighters acted swiftly, driving away the crows, placing the owl on a shovel, and bringing it inside the station. To protect the owl from light sensitivity, it was kept in a dark box and provided with nourishment.

The bird is anticipated to recover well, but it will remain at the vet’s until it is ready to be transferred to the rehabilitation center, Arbuzova added.

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Spread of gang violence wrecks Sweden’s peaceful image

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The surge in gang-related violence, including shootings and bombings, once confined to Sweden’s major cities, has now spilled into quieter suburbs and towns, challenging the nation’s reputation for safety. Upplands-Bro, a community north of Stockholm, has witnessed a series of incidents, including the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in August and multiple shootings and bombings since January.

The shift in violence from impoverished urban areas is attributed, in part, to gangs targeting the relatives of their rivals. Law enforcement suspects that some of the recent violence is coordinated by criminal leaders based in other countries, such as Turkey and Serbia. The toll has been significant, with nearly 50 fatalities and over 140 explosions in 2023 alone, surpassing the previous year’s record of over 60 deaths from gun violence.

Gangs have evolved beyond street-level criminal activities, forming connections with higher-level criminals. Innocent bystanders, including a 70-year-old man and a 24-year-old teacher, have fallen victim to the violence. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the severity of the situation in a rare national address, promising stricter penalties for deadly violence.

Children as young as 13 or 14 are being recruited into gangs through promises of money and designer clothes on social media. Concerned individuals are taking action, organizing street patrols in affected areas. Community engagement, like night walks and support for families affected by violence, is seen as a way to enhance safety.

In areas like Jarva, where unemployment rates are high, individuals like Libaane Warsame have taken it upon themselves to patrol the streets after losing a family member to gun violence. Despite a lack of fatal shootings this year, residents remain on edge.

The rise in gang violence has prompted the government to reevaluate immigration policies. The right-wing coalition government, elected in 2022, believes that the increase in violence is linked to past immigration policies. Steps include making it harder for immigrants outside the EU to receive social benefits and introducing compulsory preschool to improve Swedish-language skills in certain areas. Legislation against recruiting children for criminal activities has been enacted, and plans for stop-and-search zones and increased prison sentences for offenses, such as gun crimes and explosions, are in progress.

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