RUSSIAN SECURITY SERVICES
The Saipan surprise: How delicate talks led to the unlikely end of Julian Assange's 12-year saga
About a year and a half ago, a lawyer for Julian Assange presented federal prosecutors in Virginia with a request to dismiss the case against him. This move was notable given Assange's publication of hundreds of thousands of secret documents and his status as perhaps the highest-profile detainee facing a U.S. extradition request. The Justice Department was involved in a battle in British courts to extradite him to the United States for trial.
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky denies it's a hazard after the US Commerce Dept bans its software
The Moscow-based company - whose CEO Eugene Kaspersky is Russian - said in a statement that the Commerce Department's decision would not affect its ability to sell and promote its cyber security products and training in the U.S. Kaspersky said the government had based its decision on the "geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns" rather than independently verifying if there was a risk.
Pakistan's ISI honey traps get hyperactive on Indian social media
Pakistan's ISI has been luring Indian defence officials through spies posing as attractive women, with cases like Nishant Agrawal's leak of military secrets to Pakistan coming to light. Pankaj Awasthi, an Uttar Pradesh ATS officer, revealed during Agrawal's trial that 'Sejal' from Pakistan recruited Agrawal through social media, leading to the theft of classified information.
Dollar or other currencies? How the US is daring the world to find a dollar alternative
The United States is challenging its own foundations as the world's reserve currency with attacks on the legal system following Donald Trump's conviction. Despite growing consternation, no credible alternative has emerged. The dollar's dominance stems from U.S. democratic principles, but threats loom as sanctions and political turmoil test its credibility.
Hardeep Singh Puri, face of India's oil diplomacy, takes oath
Born in Delhi, the 1974 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Puri claims to be affiliated to ABVP - the students' body aligned to BJP, during his student days at Hindu College of the Delhi University (DU), where he received his bachelor and master's degrees in history.
Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes
Ukraine hit a modern Russian warplane at an air base far from the front lines, using Western-supplied weapons. Satellite photos confirm the strike on a Su-57 fighter plane at the Akhtubinsk base.
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US military completes major exercise in Africa and works to deepen partnerships
The U.S. and top African allies conducted the African Lion military exercise in Morocco, addressing new challenges in volatile regions. The exercise showcased joint military operations and emphasized a holistic approach to instability issues beyond military solutions.
Top Russian military officials are being arrested. Why is it happening?
Following the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister last month, a series of detentions of senior military officials on corruption charges has unfolded. These arrests coincided with President Vladimir Putin's fifth term and a reshuffle of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The detentions have sparked speculation about Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles, or other internal power plays. Corruption has long been entrenched in Russia's system, but the recent crackdown, especially amid the war in Ukraine, suggests a significant shift in handling graft within the defense sector.
India, Eurasian Economic Union to soon start FTA negotiations
India is set to negotiate a free trade agreement with Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), providing it with access to markets in five resource-rich post-Soviet states. The agreement will benefit Indian exporters in sectors like engineering goods, electronics, and agriculture. The agreement will also benefit India's management of the Chabahar Port in Iran, providing a connectivity corridor to Eurasia.
Ukraine's divisive mobilisation law comes into force as a new Russian push strains front-line troops
A new mobilisation law in Ukraine has sparked controversy as it aims to boost troop numbers amidst Russia's offensive. The law provides incentives for soldiers but has raised concerns about its impact on businesses and essential services. Ukrainian forces are under strain, prompting measures to replenish depleted ranks. Volunteers are joining the fight, but draft dodging and fleeing the country are also occurring. The conflict has led to casualties and displacement, with Ukraine seeking international support to defend against Russian advances.
New star wars plan: US rushes to counter Chinese and Russian threats in orbit
US Defense Department is looking to acquire a new generation of ground- and space-based tools that will allow it to defend its satellite network from attack and, if necessary, to disrupt or disable enemy spacecraft in orbit, Pentagon officials have said in a series of interviews, speeches and recent statements.
Putin says Russia wants a buffer zone in Ukraine's Kharkiv but has no plans to capture the city
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a visit to China that Russia's offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region aims to create a buffer zone without capturing the city. The offensive began on May 10 and led to intense fighting, displacing thousands. Ukrainian drone attacks on Crimea damaged infrastructure, including an airbase and power plant. Ukraine signed laws to increase troop numbers, allowing prisoners to join the army and imposing higher fines for draft dodgers. The conflict has resulted in casualties and damage on both sides, with Russia pushing for territorial gains.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing to discuss future strategic ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China to hold talks with China President Xi Jinping. The two leaders discussed about the Ukraine war and the increasing pressure on Beijing from the US and EU for supporting Russia. This is Putin's first foreign visit after being elected for the fifth term. Russia's large delegation, including five deputy prime ministers and other senior officials, is expected to discus trade and economic cooperation.
Germany considers drafting teens as Putin boosts nuclear readiness
Germany is considering reintroducing compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds, a move fueled by heightened geopolitical pressures, particularly from Russia. Defense minister Boris Pistorius, reflecting on past decisions, believes reinstating conscription is necessary given the current threat landscape. The proposed plans include mandatory military service for men and potentially women, or a selective process. These discussions align with increasing militaristic rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about broader conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reappoints Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister
Russian President Vladimir Putin has chosen to reappoint Mikhail Mishustin as the prime minister, awaiting approval from the lower house. Mishustin, who followed Russian law by submitting his Cabinet's resignation, is likely to receive confirmation from the proforma parliament. Mishustin, recognized for his expertise in technology and his focus on governance rather than politics, is confronted with obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's conflict with Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin, seeking continuity, proposes Mishustin remain Russia's prime minister
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the reappointment on Friday of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a technocrat who has helped him through the war in Ukraine and the economic challenges wrought by Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion.
UK says to expel Russian defence attache as 'undeclared military intelligence officer'
Amid rising tensions, the UK government took decisive action against the Kremlin by expelling a Russian defense attache and imposing restrictions, signaling a firm stance against alleged Russian aggression and interference.
British man charged with acting on behalf of Russia in plot to torch Ukrainian-linked business
Dylan Earl, 20, is connected to Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which the U.K. government has declared a banned terrorist organization, prosecutors said. Earl is accused of fraudulent activity, research and reconnaissance of targets, and attempting to recruit others to assist a foreign intelligence service carrying out activities in the U.K.
Arrest of Russian defence minister's deputy may be strike by rival 'clan'
Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, has tried to send a "business as usual" message since his deputy was arrested on a bribery charge. But the widening scandal looks bad for him too, and is seen as a push by a rival clan to dilute his power.
German-American billionaire, who was declared dead in ‘21, is now assumed to be alive and living in Moscow with Russian mistress!
Haub was gearing up for a ski mountaineering contest at Switzerland's Matterhorn mountain when he disappeared in April 2018. He was last seen riding a ski lift alone one morning, but never made it back to his hotel. Despite a thorough search effort involving alpine rescue teams and five helicopters, his body remained undiscovered throughout the six-day search.
Ukraine claims it destroyed Russian warplanes in one of its biggest drone attacks of the war
Ukrainian officials claimed to have used drones to destroy six military aircraft and damage eight others at a Russian airfield in the Rostov region. However, Russian defense officials stated they intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones, with only a power substation damaged. The attack, one of Kyiv's largest air assaults in the war, targeted a military airfield near Morozovsk. The incident underscores the escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including power plants, as both sides struggle to make significant advances on the ground.
How the deadliest attack on Russian soil in years unfolded over the weekend
A band's concert at Crocus City Hall in Moscow turned into a nightmare when armed men stormed in, firing indiscriminately and setting the hall ablaze. This tragic event, the deadliest attack in Russia in years, left 137 dead and over 180 injured. Despite initial speculation linking Ukraine to the attack, an affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility. Four suspects, Tajik nationals, were arrested and charged with terrorism, facing life imprisonment. The attack prompted a national day of mourning in Russia.
Russia mourns victims of deadly concert hall attack
President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning after pledging to track down and punish all those behind the attack, which left 133 people dead, including three children, and more than 150 were injured.
Navies of India, Iran discuss ways to enhance cooperation
Indian Navy Deputy Chief Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti and Iran's Commodore Jalil Mughadam discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations during the 12th edition of the Milan 2024 Exercise. The exercise began in Visakhapatnam on February 19 and included nearly 20 Indian Navy ships and 50 aircraft. The Indian Navy welcomed naval ships from Russia, Australia, Seychelles, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the US.
"I am smart enough to have multiple options...": EAM Jaishankar reasserts Indian stand to buy Russian oil
Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to purchasing Russian oil despite sanctions, emphasizing the importance of having multiple options in international relations. He highlighted India's ability to balance relationships with both the US and Russia, acknowledging the complexities and differences in each partnership. Jaishankar emphasized India's non-Western identity while underlining its strong relations with Western countries.
US says Navalny's death a 'terrible tragedy' if confirmed
The United States said Friday that the death in prison of Russian opposition leader Alexy Navalny, if confirmed, would be "a terrible tragedy." Navalny, 47, died Friday in an Arctic prison according to Russia's penitentiary service.
Russian hackers who hit Microsoft also targeted other organisations
The Microsoft security team detected a nation-state attack on its corporate systems on January 12, and immediately activated its response process to investigate, disrupt malicious activity, mitigate the attack, and deny the threat actor further access.
Vladimir Putin leading Russian soldiers to Capitol Hill stirs storm. What's the 2024 FSB calendar controversy?
The cover of the calendar depicts Vladimir Putin with bulging muscles, adorned with the symbol used in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Despite ongoing speculation about Putin's health, including rumors of cancer, the calendar presents him as a robust and benevolent figure.
Ukraine hit two Russian vessels in drone attacks
Ukraine has reportedly attacked a Russian missile carrier and a patrol ship using sea-borne drones carrying experimental weapons. The attacks were conducted by the Ukrainian Security Service and naval forces, with the aim of denying Russia control of the Black Sea and regaining control of vital shipping routes. Tensions have been escalating in the Black Sea following Russia's withdrawal from a deal allowing the safe export of grain from Ukrainian ports. Ukraine has also blown up a railway line in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol, damaging a train delivering ammunition and fuel to Russia's army.
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