France calls for independent investigation into Navalny’s death – POLITICO

France calls for independent investigation into Navalny’s death – POLITICO

PARIS — France wants an “independent and thorough investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the death of Russian opponent figure Alexei Navalny, the country’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement released Tuesday. “France holds Russian authorities fully responsible for Alexei Navalny’s death,” the statement reads. The Russian ambassador in France was summoned on Monday in … Read more

Who is Yulia Navalnaya, Putin’s new enemy?  – POLITICO

Who is Yulia Navalnaya, Putin’s new enemy?  – POLITICO

“My main task is for our family to stay the same, despite everything,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.  Behind the scenes, however, those who knew the couple well said Navalnaya not only shared her husband’s views, but also helped shape them.  Telepathic connection “At every stage of Alexei’s career, Yulia has always been by his side,” … Read more

Russian envoys feel the heat over Navalny’s death – POLITICO

Russian envoys feel the heat over Navalny’s death – POLITICO

“The EU must take action against the political oppression in Russia,” Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström said. “This is particularly important given the fact that on February 16, Alexei Navalny died in Russian captivity.” The U.K. Foreign Office summoned the country’s Russian ambassador on Friday to “express our outrage at Mr. Navalny’s death,” Leo Docherty, … Read more

Hundreds of Czech farmers protest against EU regulations – POLITICO

Hundreds of Czech farmers protest against EU regulations – POLITICO

“Today’s demonstration does not have much in common with the fight for better conditions for farmers,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X. “The demonstration is organized by people who, for example, do not hide their support for the Kremlin and pursue goals other than the interests of farmers.” “We deal with those who really … Read more

Russia takes full control of Avdiivka, as Kyiv decries ‘artificial deficit’ in ammo – POLITICO

Russia takes full control of Avdiivka, as Kyiv decries ‘artificial deficit’ in ammo – POLITICO

U.S. President Joe Biden said “Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russia’s first notable gains in months.” Biden called on lawmakers to approve $60 billion in aid to Ukraine that has been held up in the U.S. Congress. The fall of Avdiivka is Russia’s biggest gain … Read more

Navalny is dead, his team confirms – POLITICO

Navalny is dead, his team confirms – POLITICO

“We demand that Alexey Navalny’s body be handed over to his family immediately,” it said. It was unclear where his body was, as a morgue near the Arctic prison where he died said it had not received the body, according to his team. Prison authorities on Friday reported that Navalny, widely seen as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s … Read more

White House confirms reports of Russia’s ‘troubling’ anti-satellite weapon capability

White House confirms reports of Russia’s ‘troubling’ anti-satellite weapon capability

The White House publicly confirmed on Thursday that Russia has obtained a “troubling” emerging anti-satellite weapon but said it cannot directly cause “physical destruction” on Earth. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said U.S. intelligence officials have information that Russia has obtained the capability, but that such a weapon is not currently operational. … Read more

Russia gearing up for decade-long duel with West, Estonia warns – POLITICO

Russia gearing up for decade-long duel with West, Estonia warns – POLITICO

The report notes a significant rise in military production in Russia, including of artillery and armored vehicles, that is enhancing Moscow’s ability to continue fighting. That surge could outpace Ukraine’s output unless the West escalates artillery production and delivery, Estonian intelligence finds. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia could maintain its current … Read more

Western aid to Ukraine exceeds Marshall Plan, EBRD boss says – POLITICO

Western aid to Ukraine exceeds Marshall Plan, EBRD boss says – POLITICO

EU leaders finally approved €50 billion in funding for Kyiv until 2027 in early February after Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán had blocked the package in a previous December meeting. U.S. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has had trouble passing a military aid package to Ukraine through Congress, where it is opposed by a significant share of … Read more

With Trump looming, NATO defense chiefs gather to talk Ukraine – POLITICO

With Trump looming, NATO defense chiefs gather to talk Ukraine – POLITICO

Russia, of course, remains the biggest problem for most NATO countries. Not only is Ukraine in need of more Western ammunition to sustain an existential fight against invading Russian forces, but Moscow has also significantly escalated its threat to NATO. On Tuesday it designated Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia, a frontline NATO state, a … Read more