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German far right in disarray after AfD Nazi remark

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Maximilian Krah, a prominent far-right German politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), announced he would scale back his campaign efforts for the upcoming EU elections while remaining the party’s lead candidate. This decision followed a controversial interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, where Krah remarked that not all SS members were automatically “criminals” and emphasized assessing individual culpability. He referenced Günter Grass, the German novelist who served in the Waffen SS, to support his point.

The SS, or Schutzstaffel, was a Nazi paramilitary group notorious for its central role in the Holocaust and other war crimes. Krah’s comments provoked a strong reaction, leading France’s far-right National Rally (RN) to sever ties with the AfD in the European Parliament. RN leader Marine Le Pen called for a “cordon sanitaire” to distance her party from the AfD, stating the urgency of this separation due to the extremity of Krah’s views.

The relationship between RN and AfD had already been strained following a secret meeting involving AfD members discussing the mass deportations of non-ethnic Germans. Marine Le Pen had previously condemned such ideas.

Facing mounting pressures ahead of the EU elections in June, Krah declared on social media that he would step back from public campaign appearances and resign from the federal executive board to preserve party unity. This decision comes amid various scandals, including the arrest of one of his staffers for alleged espionage for China and an ongoing investigation into Krah over purported payments from Russia and China, which he denies. Despite these controversies, the AfD remains a significant political force, polling second or third nationally and leading in some states set for local elections later this year.

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G7 leaders to discuss €30bn loan for Ukraine using Russian assets

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The G7 finance ministers are set to discuss whether Ukraine can receive an additional €30 billion loan from seized Russian assets totaling €270 billion. This proposal has sparked division within the G7, particularly between the US and Germany. While some advocate for full asset seizure, others, including Christine Lagarde, ECB president, raise legal and economic concerns.

The US and UK propose mobilizing the frozen assets to provide a substantial loan to Ukraine, with interest paid from the profits of the seized Russian assets. They argue this approach avoids the need for asset confiscation, which could disrupt the international legal order and financial stability.

Belgium, holding the largest share of Russia’s frozen assets within the G7, has already generated significant investment income from these assets. It has agreed to allocate a portion of this profit to a joint G7 fund for Ukraine.

Critics argue that using the assets as collateral for a loan effectively amounts to confiscation. However, some legal scholars suggest that under the doctrine of state countermeasures, seizure may be justified.

Overall, there is contention over whether to provide Ukraine with a substantial loan using the seized assets, with concerns about legal implications and potential repercussions for financial stability and international relations.

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Georgia to vote on controversial law that sparked mass protests

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Georgia’s parliament is on the verge of passing a highly controversial “foreign agent” law, despite facing significant opposition from both within and outside the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics of the proposed legislation, often referred to as the “Russia law,” argue that it poses a severe threat to civil liberties within the country.

The bill has sparked weeks of mass protests, with thousands of people gathering near the parliament building to voice their opposition. Protesters fear that if the law is enacted, it could be exploited by the government to suppress dissenting voices and undermine Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has remained steadfast in his support for the bill, vowing that it will pass despite the ongoing protests. He has issued warnings about the consequences of not implementing the law, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine without providing specific details.

President Salome Zurabishvili, although an opponent of Kobakhidze, has expressed her intention to veto the law. However, Georgian Dream holds sufficient parliamentary support to override her veto, indicating that the bill is likely to be approved.

The proposed legislation would require NGOs and independent media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as organizations with foreign interests. They would be subject to government monitoring and could face significant fines if they fail to comply with the regulations outlined in the law. Critics argue that this would create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civil society in Georgia.

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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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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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Kyiv can use British weapons inside Russia – Cameron

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UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, during his visit to Kyiv, reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine with £3 billion annually for defense purposes. He emphasized Ukraine’s sovereign right to defend itself and acknowledged the necessity of striking back at Russia in response to aggression. However, this stance was met with criticism from Russia, which condemned it as a dangerous escalation that could jeopardize European security. Despite this, Lord Cameron maintained the UK’s position in supporting Ukraine’s defensive actions.

The United States reportedly advised Ukraine against targeting Russian oil refineries out of concern that such actions could provoke further escalation in the conflict. This caution reflects broader international efforts to mitigate tensions and prevent the situation from deteriorating into a full-scale war. The delicate balance of power in the region underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue and strategic restraint in managing the crisis.

Meanwhile, Russian advancements in eastern Ukraine have heightened fears of an impending summer offensive. Ukrainian intelligence officials warn of potential Russian offensives in the northeastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy. The Ukrainian military remains vigilant, anticipating further incursions and preparing to defend key strategic positions. Despite these challenges, Ukraine maintains its determination to resist Russian aggression and safeguard its territorial integrity.

In response to Lord Cameron’s statements, Russian officials criticized what they perceive as Western involvement in a “hybrid war” against Moscow. This rhetoric underscores the deep-seated geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, which continue to shape the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine. As diplomatic exchanges intensify and military maneuvers unfold, the situation remains fluid, with the risk of escalation ever-present.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal has sought assistance from Lord Cameron to help restore the country’s energy infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by repeated Russian missile strikes. This plea underscores the urgent humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people and the importance of international support in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and ensuring its long-term stability.

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Russia using chemical choking agents in Ukraine, US says

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The United States has accused Russia of violating international laws by allegedly deploying chemical weapons as a method of warfare in Ukraine. Specifically, they claim that Russia used the chemical agent chloropicrin to gain battlefield advantages over Ukrainian forces. These accusations, according to US officials, are not isolated incidents and would breach the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Russia is a signatory.

However, the Kremlin has rejected these accusations as baseless, asserting that Russia adheres to its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons defines a chemical weapon as a substance used to cause intentional harm through its toxic properties, and chloropicrin falls under this category. The use of chloropicrin in warfare is explicitly prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Additionally, there are claims that Russia has also used riot control agents, such as tear gas, during the conflict in Ukraine. President Joe Biden has previously warned Russia against the use of chemical weapons, stating that there would be severe consequences if such actions were taken.

Despite warnings, there have been reports of chemical attacks, with Ukrainian troops reportedly facing increasing instances of exposure to toxic gases. The US has sanctioned individuals and entities linked to Russia’s biological and chemical weapons program in response to these allegations.

There have also been concerns about Russia’s compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, with accusations of incomplete declarations of its stockpile. Previous incidents, such as the Salisbury attack and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, have raised doubts about Russia’s adherence to international agreements.

Amidst these allegations, Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine, with ongoing fighting around strategic locations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken action against allegations of corruption within the Ukrainian Security Service, while Human Rights Watch has called for a war crimes investigation into alleged executions of surrendering Ukrainian troops by Russian forces.

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