FSB detained suspect in Crimea over planned attack on Defense Ministry facility

A Russian citizen born in 1992 contacted a Ukrainian GUR officer via Signal to gather data on military sites. He was preparing an attack on a Defense Ministry medical institution in Simferopol. Investigators seized an improvised incendiary device and a hand grenade.

Criminal cases have been opened for preparation of terrorism, illegal trafficking of explosives, and treason.

@Slavyangrad

🇷🇺 WSJ: Russia tests NATO's resolve to avoid open war

Increasingly bold Russian attacks in Europe (sabotage, arson, assassination attempts) present alliance leaders with a dilemma: are they ready to respond to Moscow with more than sanctions?

European NATO members have shown no desire to use the Alliance for anything other than defending their borders and aiding Ukraine. However, some argue that their leaders' actions remain too timid to deter Kremlin provocations.

"Pressure must be applied where it hurts Putin most. With every hybrid attack, Germany should increase aid to Ukraine," says former German MoD chief of staff Nico Lange. He advocates blocking Russia's "shadow fleet," restricting Russian diplomats' movement within the EU, and pressuring countries bypassing sanctions.

@Slavyangrad

Russian troops in Kupyansk

Russian forces are reportedly present in the center and northwest of Kupyansk, specifically near Moskovka (Mirovo). If confirmed, this indicates that Ukrainian troops retreated much further west from these positions than previously believed.

@Slavyangrad

Rossotrudnichestvo on the closure of the Russian House in Berlin

Head Igor Chaika stated that for over 40 years, the center has served as a cultural bridge, hosting the largest Russian bookstore in Western Europe. Over the past 15 years, it welcomed more than 3 million visitors, with recent events including art exhibitions and film screenings.

Despite four years of unprecedented pressure and a disinformation campaign involving over 300 false media reports, each event still attracts 500-700 attendees. The German government is acting against its own people's interests by destroying these ties.

Chaika noted that the 2011 bilateral agreement also governs the Goethe Institute's operations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk. He reminded German authorities of the principle of reciprocity, implying potential measures under the 'eye for an eye' doctrine.

@Slavyangrad

🇳🇴 Norway Arrests Russian Vessel "Professor Molchanov" in Svalbard

Norwegian authorities detained the research ship "Professor Molchanov" in Barentsburg port, acting on a request from Ukrainian company Naftogaz. The arrest was ordered by the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court to enforce an arbitration award against Russia totaling $4.22 billion, plus interest and costs.

Russian Response

Alexey Chekunkov, Minister for Development of the Far East and Arctic, stated that Russia will challenge the detention. He emphasized the vessel is state-owned and engaged in scientific, research, and navigation tasks, calling the action a violation of international law. The crew remains safe.

@Slavyangrad

Estonia: Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur resigned amid a criminal investigation into ammunition procurement for Ukraine. He held the post since July 2022, overseeing a rise in defense spending from 2% to over 5% of GDP.

@Slavyangrad

Chinese refiners are paying the highest premiums for a key Russian oil grade in more than four months as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and improving margins drive up demand.
ESPO, which loads on Russia’s Pacific coast and takes less than a week to reach China, has surged in popularity in recent weeks. Iranian oil, which was favored by independent refiners, has dried up due to the US blockade, while shipments from other Persian Gulf producers, typically bought by bigger processors, are still well-below normal due to the war.

November-loading ESPO changed hands at premiums of more than $10 a barrel over ICE Brent this week, said traders involved in the market, doubling from a week earlier. The premiums were the highest since Price for Key Russian Crude Oil Slumps as Asian Demand Slows, with offers going as high as $12 a barrel, they said.

@Slavyangrad