Russian state circus

Despite Moscow's attempts to stem any dissent against its invasion of Ukraine, some Russians are continuing to protest -- even if it means facing draconian punishment for the most benign acts of opposition. Some have paid a heavy price for their acts of protest. In the early days of the war in February, authorities moved quickly to quash demonstrations, arresting people who marched or even held blank signs, balloons in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, or other oblique references to the conflict. Critical media outlets were shut down as the government sought to control the narrative. Political opponents were singled out by President Vladimir Putin or commentators on state-run TV. Russia cracks down on independent media during Ukraine invasion Russia's brain drain: War with Ukraine prompts tens of thousands to flee abroad Lawmakers rubber-stamped measures that outlawed the spread of "false information" about what the Kremlin called a "special … [Read more...] about Russians defy crackdown to find small ways of protesting Ukraine war

An elite sniper and former model has been killed in a Russian airstrike in Ukraine . Thalita do Valle, 39, died while fighting in the city of Kharkiv on June 30. She had joined the war effort alongside former Brazilian Army soldier Douglas Burigo. Douglas, 40, also died in last week’s airstrike, reportedly after he went into a bunker to try find Thalita. The pair had travelled from Brazil to support Ukrainian forces. Thalita had previous experience in warzones, and had fought against the Islamic State in Iraq. At this time, she received special sniper training as she trained alongside the Peshmergas, the armed military forces of the independent Kurdistan region of Iraq. She reportedly used these skills in Ukraine, where she was responsible for providing cover from advancing Russian froces. Thalita had documented some of her experiences on a YouTube channel and she had been working with a writer ahead of a potential book about her diverse life. She was also … [Read more...] about Model who joined Ukraine army as ‘elite sniper’ is killed in Russian air strike

Kyiv rejects Russia's announcement that it destroyed two US-made HIMARS in eastern Ukraine Germany to replenish weapons' stock for countries supplying Ukraine New requirements for Ukrainian conscripts scrapped after Zelenskyy's criticism Lavrov to meet some G20 foreign ministers despite G7 threats The article was last updated at 17:43 UTC/GMT Scholz says Germany must speed up energy transition due to war Germany must implement the transition to green energy faster because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Speaking at an event hosted by the Renewable Energy Association Scholz said Russia was using oil and gas exports as a political weapon. "Energy policy is not just a question of price. Energy policy is also security policy," according to the German leader. "That's why we now have to turbo charge the expansion of renewable energy," he said. Russia to create youth movement reminiscent of Soviet-era Russian lawmakers approved … [Read more...] about Germany’s Scholz: Ukraine war calls for faster energy transition — live updates

Speaking at a news conference Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia would have to carpet-bomb the Ukrainian capital and kill its residents to take the city. Meanwhile, the Russian troops are attempting to encircle Kyiv further, fighting against heavy resistance in the west and the north of the city. And after twelve days of siege, the strategic southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is without water, gas, electricity or communications, and people were seen fighting for food in recent days. The situation is "almost desperate", warned Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The number of civilians killed during the siege of Mariupol reached 1,582, and some of the casualties had to be buried in mass graves. Local authorities fear that the actual number might be much higher. 03.12.2022 09:24 Saturday's main developments: The worst of the fighting overnight took place in Irpin, Mykolaiv and Sumy, according to the General Staff of the … [Read more...] about Ukraine war: Kyiv would only fall ‘if carpet bombed’ by Russia, Zelenskyy says

Ukraine: Expert highlights the ‘successes’ against Russia Get our free Ukrainians in the UK email for updates, changes and news SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info According to figures released by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the UK has contributed $3.72bn (£3.1bn) in military aid to Ukraine , second only to the US which contributed $25.45bn (£29.56bn). The figures revealed that some of the biggest EU countries fell quite short of their promises, with Italy and France only contributing $0.11 bn and $0.16bn respectively. Related articles Putin channelling Stalin with terrifying starvation plan Biden sends two warships to Spain to bolster NATO defence Sharing the data, French paper … [Read more...] about ‘Without UK Russia would have won long ago’ Macron shamed over ’embarrassing’ Ukraine aid

Vladimir Putin has staged drills with his road-launched Yars nuclear missiles in a forest in western Siberia. Their 7,500-mile range means they are capable of striking the UK or anywhere in Europe. The tests come amid high tension with the West over the war in Ukraine , and against the backdrop of near-daily threats by Putin’s propagandists to deploy atomic weapons. In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said: ‘Over 100 pieces of hardware are taking part in the exercise. ‘Launch vehicles of the Yars road-mobile missile systems of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces’ Novosibirsk Missile Formation have trained redeployment during a scheduled drill. ‘While performing their manoeuvres, missile units and detachments dispersed in a forest to increase concealment.’ They trained in killing mock saboteurs, reconnoitring the launch area, and in passing through ‘contaminated’ areas, said the defence ministry. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered the most … [Read more...] about Putin stages drills with Yars nuclear missiles capable of reaching UK

“These are actually the cement bellies of livestock,” said Martin Pribola, owner of the MP agricultural company situated near Jelšava in eastern Slovakia, when describing the purpose of the wide green cement cylinders above which dark sheets swell and wave. These fermentation tanks are filled with a mixture of manure and silage maize, producing biogas. It is either used to produce electricity and heat or is further processed into biomethane. This gas, whose parameters are almost identical with that of natural gas, is a promising commodity as it can reduce Slovakia’s dependence on Russian natural gas . Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The MP company runs the first bio methane plant in Slovakia. Pribola has resolved to buy technology to produce biomethane with the approaching end of the state support scheme for biogas plants. “We don't … [Read more...] about Cement bellies of livestock in eastern Slovakia produce biomethane

Novak Djokovic has conceded "there is not much I can do" about this year's US Open with the star set to miss a second Grand Slam of 2022. Djokovic, 35, will begin the defence of his Wimbledon title on Monday, when he faces South Korean player Kwon Soon-woo on Centre Court. The top seed cannot meet Rafael Nadal , who remains on course for a calendar Grand Slam, until the final. On the contrary, it now looks like SW19 will represent Djokovic's last chance of winning a Slam title this year. He's already missed the Australian Open , having been deported out of the country the day before the tournament began following an explosive saga over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 . He did take his place in the main draw at the French Open at Roland Garros, despite his build-up being hindered by a lack of match practice. At Roland Garros, he was beaten in an epic quarter-final by eventual winner Nadal . But the vaccination issue is now set to cost him a place … [Read more...] about Novak Djokovic resigned to US Open fate as he prepares for Wimbledon title defence

Boris Johnson has written to Nicola Sturgeon to formally reject a second independence referendum. The SNP had proposed a new vote for October next year. In his letter, dated today, Mr Johnson wrote he ‘cannot agree’ for the referendum to go ahead. He added that he had ‘carefully considered’ the proposal of transferring powers but had concluded both countries should ‘work together as partners.’ Mr Johnson wrote: ‘As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, I cannot agree that now is the time to return to a question, which was clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014. ‘Our shared priorities must be to respond effectively to the global cost-of-living challenge, to support our NHS and public services as they recover from the huge disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to play our leading part in the international response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. ‘These are common challenges across the United Kingdom, which deserve our … [Read more...] about Boris Johnson says he ‘cannot agree’ to second independence referendum