News Trending

Jamala: Ukrainian Eurovision winner added to Russia’s wanted list

By 544 0

Ukrainian Eurovision song contest winner Jamala, whose real name is Susana Jamaladinova, has been added to Russia’s wanted list, according to state media. The accusations against her include spreading fake information about the Russian armed forces, a charge often used by the Kremlin against those critical of Russia’s actions. Jamala, known for openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was placed on the wanted list last month. The independent Russian human rights website Mediazona reported this, and details of the listing became widely known on Monday.

Russian breaking news Telegram channel Shot claimed that Jamala was added to the list for posting alleged “fakes” about atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Bucha massacre, despite evidence indicating Russian forces’ involvement. Jamala, currently in Australia after fleeing Ukraine with her family following the invasion, responded to the news by posting a photo of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House with a link to an article about it and a facepalm emoji.

Jamala won Eurovision in 2016 with the song “1944,” inspired by the forced deportation of her people, the Crimean Tatars, by Russia during that year. The song, perceived as addressing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, caused controversy for allegedly breaking the competition’s rule against overtly political songs. However, organizers allowed it, and it ultimately won, defeating Russia. Jamala, in her 40s, has been vocal about using her music to give a strong voice to her homeland, Crimea, and to counter the historical narratives propagated by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. She emphasized the importance of revealing the truth through her songs in her latest folk album, Qirim.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to cooyright

News Trending

Russia Pushes for Designation of “Extremist” Status for LGBT Movement

By 509 0

Russia’s Ministry of Justice has officially requested the Supreme Court to classify the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, leaving the scope of this classification ambiguous – whether it targets the entire LGBT community or specific organizations within it. The ministry contends that the movement has engaged in what it deems as extremist activities, including the incitement of “social and religious strife.” If approved, this move could expose LGBT activists to criminal prosecution, following the pattern of the Russian government’s use of the “extremist” label against rights groups and opposition entities in the past.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the motion on November 30, potentially leading to a ban that would significantly impede the operations of LGBT organizations and put activists at serious legal risk. Critics view this as a potential populist maneuver, strategically timed to gain support ahead of an upcoming presidential election, where Vladimir Putin is widely anticipated to run for a fifth term. Under Putin’s leadership, Russia has intensified its crackdown on LGBT activism, framing it as an attack on “traditional Russian values.” This crackdown notably escalated after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Recent legislative measures further demonstrate this trend, with a December law expanding the prohibition of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to all age groups, equating positive depictions of same-sex relationships with activities like distributing pornography or promoting violence. In July, additional legislation banned gender reassignment surgery, exacerbating concerns about transgender rights in the country. Despite official claims that “non-traditional sexual relations” are not banned in Russia, this latest move deepens existing concerns within the already vulnerable LGBT community.

The LGBT community in Russia faces dual pressures from both the state and homophobic/transphobic groups, often resulting in physical attacks against activists. Dilya Gafurova, the head of an LGBT charity who has left Russia, highlighted that the authorities aim not only to erase the community from the public sphere but also to formally ban it as a social group. Despite these challenges, Gafurova affirmed the community’s determination to continue the fight for their rights and visibility.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Russian diamonds set for ban under new EU sanctions

By 551 0

The European Commission has proposed extending sanctions on Russia to include diamonds in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia is a major global producer of rough diamonds, with a significant portion coming from mines beneath the Siberian permafrost. The proposed ban is part of the EU’s 12th round of measures against Moscow and is set to take effect in January. While previous sanctions covered various Russian exports, including coal, gas, gold, vodka, and caviar, diamonds had been spared, largely due to Belgium’s efforts to protect Antwerp, the global diamond capital. However, pressure to stop Russian diamond supplies has mounted, with concerns about the ethics of funding the Kremlin through diamond purchases.

Antwerp, which has been a diamond hub since the 15th century, has historically relied heavily on Russian diamonds, with over 80% of global rough diamonds traded there before the war. The proposed ban has led some diamond dealers to seek alternative suppliers, though the shift may result in increased costs for both businesses and consumers. Critics argue that importing Russian diamonds is unethical, as a significant portion of the profits goes to the Kremlin. The US banned imports of rough diamonds from Russia and imposed sanctions on the main producer, Alrosa, in April, linking the trade to the conflict in Ukraine.

The ban faces challenges due to the lack of transparency in the diamond trade. Unlike other products with clear certifications of origin, diamonds often lack traceability, changing hands numerous times between the mine and market. This opacity has made the diamond trade attractive to criminal activities. A significant complication is that 90% of global diamond supplies are sent abroad for cutting and polishing, mainly in India, where they are labeled as of Indian origin. Closing this loophole is crucial for the ban’s effectiveness. However, success depends on India’s cooperation, and so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not reduced economic ties with Russia.

While some argue that the ban may still allow some Russian diamonds to enter the European market, proponents believe it will discourage the purchase of jewelry financing the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine. The diamond industry, particularly in India, remains a significant employer, creating challenges for implementing a ban without causing job losses. Despite these complexities, there is a sense of urgency to address the issue, as Russian diamonds are increasingly associated with war and human rights violations. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed the belief that EU sanctions will have a meaningful impact on reducing support for the conflict.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Finland Alleges Russia’s Involvement in Facilitating Unauthorized Migrant Crossings

By 509 0

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has accused Russia of aiding migrants in entering Finland illegally, alleging that some have received assistance from Russian border guards. The number of unauthorized crossings has increased this week, with around 89 incidents recorded in two days, compared to 91 in the preceding four months. Finnish officials reveal that migrants, including individuals from Iraq, Yemen, and Syria, are arriving legally in Russia but lack authorization to enter Finland, an EU member state.

Colonel Matti Pitkaniitty of the Finnish border guard noted a change in Russian policy, asserting that Russian guards traditionally prevented people without proper documents from reaching the Finnish border. The migrants are exploiting an agreement allowing cycling across the border, prompting Finland to recently ban bicycle crossings. Most activity is concentrated around the Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa border crossings in south-eastern Finland. Prime Minister Orpo claimed that Russian authorities are facilitating these illegal crossings, emphasizing the assistance provided by border guards.

In 2021, a significant number of migrants from the Middle East and Africa entered EU member states Poland and Lithuania by flying to Belarus, a close Russian ally. The EU accused Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of using migration as a tool of “hybrid warfare” to destabilize the bloc. Colonel Pitkaniitty, while acknowledging the manageable current numbers, stated that Finnish authorities are prepared to react if crossings increase.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen announced plans to enhance border security, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the situation. Colonel Pitkaniitty noted that the route into the EU via Russia is considered safer than other options, such as crossing the Mediterranean by sea. He expressed concern that word of this route’s safety might attract more migrants, potentially leading to a rapid increase in numbers, emphasizing the unpredictability of when the opportunity might end.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Macron calls on Israel to stop killing Gaza’s women and babies

By 539 0

In this news article, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his stance on the conflict in Gaza. He condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza, stating that there is “no justification” for it, and called for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to protect civilians. Macron also condemned the actions of Hamas, recognizing it as a terrorist organization, while urging other leaders, including those in the US and the UK, to join his calls for a ceasefire.

On the topic of Ukraine, Macron characterized Russia’s invasion as imperialism and colonialism, emphasizing the duty of his country and others to support Ukraine in its defense. He warned of the potential threat posed by a victorious Russia to other former Soviet states and the entire continent.

Macron also discussed online extremism, singling out Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google for not fulfilling their promises to moderate hate speech on their platforms. He expressed concern about insufficient moderators for French language content on many online platforms.

Regarding climate change, Macron mentioned its role in contributing to terrorism, citing the example of Lake Chad in West Africa, where the effects of global warming led to political instability.

In summary, Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemned the actions of both Israel and Hamas, expressed support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, criticized online platforms for inadequate moderation, and highlighted the link between climate change and terrorism in certain regions.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Ukraine war: Grenade birthday gift kills army chief Zaluzhny’s aide

By 464 0

A tragic incident recently occurred in Ukraine, resulting in the death of Major Hennadiy Chastyakov, a close aide to the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny. The incident took place during Chastyakov’s birthday celebration, where a grenade from a colleague exploded, causing his death and seriously injuring his 13-year-old son. Initial reports suggested that Chastyakov had triggered the grenade while trying to take it away from his son, but subsequent investigations revealed that it was an accident.

The Ukrainian Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, urged the public to await the official investigation, calling the incident a “tragic accident” resulting from the mishandling of ammunition. However, it was later discovered that there were five more grenades in Chastyakov’s flat, allegedly presented as gifts from a fellow army officer. Two similar grenades were found in the possession of the said colonel.

Photographs from the scene depicted several grenades alongside gift bags, suggesting that Chastyakov had brought them home in a bag with a bottle of whiskey. Reports indicated that the colleague had given him the bottle, jokingly mentioning the gift of combat grenades alongside the whiskey.

Valery Zaluzhny expressed deep sorrow over Chastyakov’s loss, describing him as a dependable support since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. This tragedy adds to the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, following a recent missile strike that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers during an awards ceremony in Zaporizhzhia. The decision to hold the ceremony in a volatile area drew considerable criticism.

Pro-presidential MP Maryana Bezulha criticized the negligence that led to Chastyakov’s death, emphasizing that grenades are meant for military use, not as presents. Some Ukrainian commentators questioned the official cause of the explosion, raising speculations about a potential targeted attack on Gen Zaluzhny during Chastyakov’s birthday celebration.

Regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, the commander in chief expressed concerns about the current technological stalemate, drawing parallels to World War I. While he acknowledged the fatigue among the people, President Volodymr Zelensky and the Kremlin denied any notion of a deadlock in the war. Zelensky emphasized the need for unity and announced the postponement of the upcoming presidential elections due to the ongoing war and martial law.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Ukraine war: Military chiefs in Kyiv under pressure over deadly Russian strike

By 543 0

Ukraine’s military leadership is facing severe backlash after a recent Russian missile strike reportedly resulted in significant Ukrainian casualties. According to Ukrainian media and Russian military bloggers, over 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during an award ceremony near the southern frontlines on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the incident was avoidable and announced the initiation of criminal proceedings.

Several Ukrainian soldiers and military experts have criticized the decision to hold the ceremony in an area vulnerable to strikes, highlighting that Russian drones routinely monitor Ukrainian troop activities to facilitate air and artillery attacks. Disturbing drone footage shared on a Russian Telegram channel purportedly captured the moment of the deadly strike, displaying bodies of Ukrainian soldiers on the ground.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the deaths and ordered a full investigation into the tragedy. The use of an Iskander-M, a Russian short-range ballistic missile, was reported by Ukraine’s Strategic Command (StratCom), resulting in civilian casualties as well. While the specific location of the attack has not been publicly disclosed by Kyiv, Ukrainian media suggests it was a village near the frontline, potentially Dymytrovo, known as Zarichne after Ukraine’s renaming in 2016.

The incident occurred during a ceremony marking Artillery Day, dedicated to honoring military personnel serving in artillery and missile units. Various social media posts, including those by Ukrainian soldier Ruslan Kahanets and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, criticized the decision to organize the event, calling for accountability and systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The sentiment among some Russian military bloggers implies that such incidents are occurring more frequently, urging Ukrainian military leaders to reassess their strategies. This recent strike has sparked anger among Ukrainian citizens, who demand punishment for those responsible for organizing the ill-fated ceremony. As investigations continue, the focus remains on establishing the truth and implementing measures to prevent such occurrences from happening again.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Anti-Israel mob storms Dagestan airport in Russia

By 484 0

Israel has called upon Russia to protect “all of its citizens and all Jews” following a large mob’s assault on a Dagestan airport, with some members shouting anti-Semitic slogans. Video footage circulated on social media depicted a frenzied crowd dashing through the airport in Makhachkala, reportedly targeting individuals arriving from Tel Aviv.

Certain members of the crowd breached the runway and encircled aircraft parked there. Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation agency, confirmed that security forces ultimately regained control of the situation. Consequently, the airport was shut down and is expected to remain closed until Tuesday, as confirmed by Rosaviatsia.

According to local interior ministry sources, around sixty alleged participants in the mob have been apprehended. Videos showcased hundreds of individuals storming the airport terminal, some waving Palestinian flags. Reports also emerged of demonstrators stopping vehicles outside Makhachkala’s airport, demanding to inspect documents in a chaotic quest for Israeli passports.

The health ministry of the republic reported that twenty individuals, including several police officers, sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. Dagestan’s government initiated a criminal case for the disorder.

In response to the incident, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office insisted that Russia take decisive action against the incitement of violence targeting Jews and Israelis. The United States similarly condemned the anti-Semitic protests, with the White House National Security Council spokesperson emphasizing solidarity with the global Jewish community and unequivocally denouncing anti-Semitism.

Governor Sergei Melikov of Dagestan condemned the airport invasion in a Telegram post, condemning the mistreatment of strangers and attacks on women with children. He considered the mob’s actions a betrayal of Dagestani patriots, including those serving in the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry declared that the Israeli ambassador in Moscow was collaborating with Russian authorities. The ministry underscored that Israel views attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews with great concern, expecting Russian law enforcement to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews and take robust measures against the rioters and the unfettered incitement targeting Jews and Israelis.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Russia hikes interest rates to 15% as inflation soars

By 501 0

The Central Bank of Russia has raised its key interest rate to 15% in an effort to tackle inflation and support the struggling rouble, marking the fourth consecutive increase. The unexpected two-percentage-point hike was prompted by the persistently high global inflation rates, partly triggered by Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, which has led to a 6% inflation rate in Russia as of September.

The country has been experiencing escalated government spending directed towards its military efforts, contributing to the recent inflationary pressures. With the latest hike, the Bank of Russia has cumulatively raised the rates by 7.5 percentage points since July, aiming to stabilize inflation at the targeted 4% level. The decision for the emergency rate hike in August was prompted by the rouble’s decline, which fell below 100 against the US dollar, necessitating a tighter monetary policy.

The global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, coupled with the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have notably impacted food and energy prices, driving the overall inflation up. Additionally, the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine has had adverse effects on the country’s economy, causing a significant depreciation of the rouble. The sanctions have led to constraints on Russia’s trade, with several European countries seeking alternative energy suppliers and implementing measures to limit Russia’s oil export earnings.

Despite the successive rate hikes, there are concerns that Russia may encounter challenges in attracting foreign investment due to the ongoing sanctions. The exclusion of Russia from the Swift international payment system has further added to the economic strain. Nonetheless, the European Commission has affirmed that the sanctions are effective in exerting pressure on Russia.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Swedish court clears dual national Skvortsov of spying for Russia

By 589 0

In Stockholm, a Russian-born Swedish man, Sergei Skvortsov, has been cleared by a court of charges relating to alleged unlawful intelligence activities against the US and Sweden. The 60-year-old, who operated import-export businesses, was accused of transmitting Western technology to Russia’s military intelligence service over a nine-year period from 2013 to 2022. Throughout the trial, Skvortsov has maintained his innocence.

His defense lawyer, Ulrika Borg, expressed his relief at the verdict, although prosecutors still have three weeks to appeal. The prosecution, led by Henrik Olin, contended that Skvortsov functioned as a “procurement agent,” facilitating the supply of electronics to Russia’s military and its GRU military intelligence service. Olin sought a five-year prison term for Skvortsov, characterizing him as a serious threat to US and Swedish security.

Skvortsov and his wife were arrested in a dramatic dawn raid conducted by special forces in November 2022. However, his wife was subsequently released without charge. The trial largely took place behind closed doors, and testimony was provided by an FBI official.

Although the judge acknowledged that Skvortsov had engaged in many of the activities outlined by the prosecution, he emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Skvortsov’s actions were intended for espionage purposes. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of Skvortsov’s acquittal.

The case occurred amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in Sweden concerning espionage, with the country applying for membership in NATO in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In a separate incident, a couple in their mid-50s was arrested on suspicion of handling classified information, with the wife having a background in intelligence work for Sweden’s military. Her husband, a former high-ranking military officer, has denied the allegations.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright