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Ukraine criticises Pope’s ‘white flag’ comment

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Ukraine has firmly rejected Pope Francis’ suggestion for Kyiv to negotiate an end to its conflict with Russia and to “raise the white flag.” The country’s foreign minister emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to its blue and yellow flag, stating they would never raise any other flag. President Zelensky dismissed the Pope’s remarks as “virtual mediation,” while a Vatican spokesman clarified that the Pope was advocating for negotiation rather than capitulation.

The Pope’s comments, made in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI and set to air on March 20, sparked widespread criticism. President Zelensky praised Ukrainian chaplains on the frontline but did not directly address the Pope’s statement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s allegiance to its flag, while the country’s ambassador to the Vatican compared the Pope’s words to advocating talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the Pope used the metaphor of the white flag proposed by the interviewer to indicate a truce achieved through negotiation, emphasizing that negotiations are not a surrender. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has continued for over two years, with Ukraine facing defensive challenges. In the United States, a bill to provide $60 billion to Ukraine was blocked in Congress, and European countries are struggling to reach a consensus on supporting Kyiv.

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Alexei Navalny: Widow urges Russians to protest on election day

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Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has urged for a protest against President Vladimir Putin on election day, scheduled for March 17th. She encourages people to gather at polling stations at noon, forming long queues, as a way to demonstrate their presence and strength. This initiative, dubbed “Midday against Putin,” aims to show solidarity and opposition to Putin’s regime.

Navalnaya emphasizes that this action is simple and safe, yet effective in making a statement. Participants are encouraged to vote for any candidate other than Putin, spoil their ballot, or write “Navalny” prominently. The idea of this midday gathering was originally proposed by Navalny himself before his death.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was disqualified from running in the 2018 presidential election and later faced imprisonment on politically motivated charges, leading to his death in custody, which many believe was orchestrated by Putin.

Since Navalny’s passing, Navalnaya has stepped into the political arena, addressing international bodies and leaders, including the European Parliament and US President Joe Biden. She expresses gratitude for the support shown at her husband’s funeral and emphasizes that the vision for a better Russia, championed by Navalny, lives on through the people.

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Germany under pressure to explain intercepted phone call

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Germany is currently facing scrutiny after a leaked conversation among air force officials discussing the possibility of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine was made public by Russian sources. The recording, aired by Russia’s state-run RT channel, captured high-ranking German military officers discussing the potential use of Taurus cruise missiles to target the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to Crimea.

The breach has raised significant concerns among Germany’s allies regarding its security measures. The discussion also touched on alleged British operations in Ukraine, further complicating matters.

While Germany’s defense ministry acknowledged the interception of the conversation, it could not confirm if the recording had been altered. The meeting was reportedly conducted on the Webex conference platform instead of a secure military platform, adding to Berlin’s embarrassment.

Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service is investigating the security breach, though it remains uncertain if the findings will be disclosed publicly. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s allies have rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry.

The incident has underscored divisions over Scholz’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about their potential use against Russian territory. France and Britain have provided Kyiv with missiles of shorter range.

The leak has exposed a rift between senior German military officials advocating for Taurus deployment and Chancellor Scholz, whose focus appears to be on political survival rather than continental interests, according to critics.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the hack as a Russian attempt to sow discord, characterizing it as a “hybrid disinformation attack” aimed at undermining unity. He cautioned against falling for Russian manipulation.

In response, the Kremlin has seized upon the leak to portray Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that the leaked conversation indicated the Bundeswehr’s deliberation over plans to strike Russian territory, further fueling tensions between Russia and the West.

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Mourners shout in defiance at funeral for Alexei Navalny

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Hundreds of individuals in Russia gathered for the funeral of Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Putin critic who died in prison last month. Despite a substantial police presence and erected barricades, mourners broke into applause as Navalny’s body was brought into a church near Moscow. Attendees knowingly risked arrest for expressing support, while Navalny’s wife squarely pointed the finger at President Putin for his demise, contrary to Moscow’s claim of natural causes.

Navalny’s memorial service commenced at 14:00 Moscow time at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows, with notable foreign diplomats present in solidarity. Following the service, Navalny was laid to rest at Borisovskoye Cemetery. Despite efforts to broadcast the event live, disruptions to mobile signals hindered streaming, leaving many unable to witness the proceedings.

Despite warnings from the Kremlin, mourners seized the opportunity to voice their admiration for Navalny’s bravery and questioned the authorities’ apparent fear. Navalny’s team encountered challenges in organizing the funeral, including difficulties in procuring a hearse. Supporters abroad were urged to participate in memorial services, reminiscent of past public displays of grief for opposition figures.

Concerns about surveillance and the potential for post-funeral detentions were widespread, with social media platforms sharing advice urging attendees to exercise caution. The gathering was marked by a sense of defiance against government crackdowns on dissent.

Navalny’s immediate family, excluding his children residing abroad, attended the ceremony. However, his widow, Yulia, faced potential arrest upon her return to Russia, further underscoring the risks associated with opposition activism in the country.

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Alexei Navalny’s funeral to be held on Friday in Moscow

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Alexei Navalny’s burial is confirmed to take place at Borisovskoye Cemetery in Moscow on Friday, following a farewell ceremony at a local church. Yulia Navalnaya, his widow, expressed uncertainty about the funeral’s peacefulness and the potential for police interference.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, died unexpectedly in a Siberian prison earlier this month, sparking accusations against the Russian president from his widow and many world leaders. Details surrounding Navalny’s death remain scant, with Russian authorities initially resisting releasing his body to his family.

Funeral arrangements faced obstacles, with some funeral homes refusing service due to the deceased’s identity. Yulia Navalnaya addressed the European Parliament, criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and advocating for a more effective strategy against Putin.

The funeral date was adjusted due to logistical challenges, with Navalny’s team urging attendees to arrive early. Security concerns loom over the event, given recent arrests of those paying tribute to Navalny across Russia. Allegations surfaced of a potential prisoner swap involving Navalny, but the Kremlin denies any knowledge of such arrangements.

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Hungary’s parliament clears path for Sweden’s Nato membership

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Sweden has cleared the final obstacle to its NATO membership after Hungary’s parliament voted to ratify its bid, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Initially met with delays and accusations of hostility from Hungary, Sweden’s application gained traction as Prime Minister Viktor Orban signaled support, emphasizing solidarity between the two nations.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the parliamentary ratification as a historic milestone, marking a significant departure from Sweden’s longstanding policy of neutrality spanning two centuries. This decision reflects Sweden’s commitment to defending its values and interests within the framework of the NATO alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg lauded Hungary’s approval, emphasizing its role in strengthening and ensuring the security of the alliance. With parliamentary hurdles cleared, Sweden now awaits the formal invitation to join the 31-member NATO group, signaling a transformative shift in its defense posture and regional security dynamics.

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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic about to be freed in prisoner swap when he died, says ally

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Maria Pevchikh, an ally of Alexei Navalny, revealed that plans were underway for Navalny’s release in a prisoner exchange deal. The exchange was intended to involve Vadim Krasikov, a Russian serving a life sentence in Germany for murder, along with two detained US citizens in Russia. Negotiations for this swap had been ongoing for two years but gained momentum after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Concrete plans for the exchange were reportedly made in December, with American and German officials involved in the talks.

However, according to Pevchikh, Russian President Vladimir Putin changed his mind at the last minute, leading to Navalny’s sudden death in prison. Pevchikh claimed that Putin’s deep-seated animosity towards Navalny, driven by the perceived threat he posed to Putin’s power, motivated the decision to sabotage the deal. Despite the existence of a firm agreement, Putin allegedly opted to eliminate Navalny rather than allow him to be released.

These revelations come amid continued speculation and international scrutiny surrounding Navalny’s death. While the German government has refrained from commenting on Pevchikh’s claims, the Kremlin has yet to provide an official response. However, Dmitry Peskov, President Putin’s spokesperson, had previously dismissed allegations of government involvement in Navalny’s death as absurd.

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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic’s mother says she has been shown his body

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Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, stated in a video that she was shown her son’s body by Russian authorities, but they are pressuring her to agree to a “secret” burial. She reported signing a death certificate at a morgue. Navalny’s press secretary mentioned a medical report indicating natural causes, while his widow believes he was killed by Russian authorities. Navalnaya expressed frustration at officials refusing to hand over her son’s body and alleged blackmail, stating that they are dictating conditions for the burial. She demanded the return of Navalny’s body and claimed threats from authorities.

Navalnaya met with US President Joe Biden along with Navalny’s widow and daughter in San Francisco. Biden praised Navalny’s courage and anti-corruption efforts, announcing forthcoming sanctions on Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony on February 16, purportedly after falling ill during a walk, though his widow accuses Putin of ordering his killing. The Kremlin denies involvement, dismissing Western reactions as “hysterical.”

Analysts suggest that showing Navalnaya the body aims to negotiate a non-politicized funeral. Navalny was previously poisoned with Novichok in 2020, survived after treatment in Germany, then imprisoned upon returning to Russia in 2021. Russian authorities have aggressively cracked down on attempts to commemorate Navalny’s death, detaining hundreds and removing makeshift memorials.

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Putin gifts luxury Aurus car to North Korea’s Kim

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Russian President Vladimir Putin recently presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a luxurious Russian-made car, as reported by Pyongyang’s state media. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift, specifying that it was an Aurus, a high-end luxury sedan similar to those favored by Putin himself.

This gesture highlights the deepening relationship between the two nations, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite facing international sanctions, suspicions persist regarding military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, with allegations of North Korea providing artillery and missile support to Russia for its war efforts.

The exchange occurred during Kim’s visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome last September, which marked his first trip abroad in four years. During this visit, Putin personally showed Kim his Aurus limousine and gifted him firearms, further solidifying their rapport.

Kim’s sister, Yo Jong, praised the car gift as emblematic of the close personal bond shared between the two leaders. However, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticized the gesture, citing UN sanctions that prohibit the supply of luxury vehicles to North Korea.

While the relationship between Putin and Kim may not display the same level of camaraderie seen between Kim and former US President Donald Trump, both leaders recognize the strategic benefits of fostering closer ties. Plans for Putin to visit Pyongyang in the future have been hinted at by both sides, indicating the ongoing development of their diplomatic relationship.

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Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov who defected to Ukraine ‘shot dead’ in Spain

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The body discovered in Spain, suspected to be that of Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine in the previous year, was found near Alicante. Despite Spanish authorities withholding public confirmation of his identity, Ukrainian intelligence has acknowledged his demise. The victim was located with documents aligning with Kuzminov’s nationality, albeit bearing a different name, indicating potential use of a false identity.

Kuzminov’s defection unfolded in August when he flew a helicopter into Ukrainian territory, a maneuver termed “Operation Synytsia.” He declared opposition to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine as his primary motivation for switching allegiance. Despite offers of protection and incentives to remain in Ukraine, Kuzminov opted to relocate to Spain.

While Russian authorities have refrained from official commentary, Sergei Naryshkin of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service denounced Kuzminov as a traitor and criminal. Following Kuzminov’s defection, a Russian intelligence officer hinted at his potential demise before facing trial.

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