Tag: russia

Humanitarian cooperation is an important development factor for the international relations, while implementation of the international cultural, educational and scientific projects without a doubt facilitates strengthening of international relations. However, witnessing an unstable situation in the east of Europe, we can draw absolutely unexpected conclusion: Russia actively exploits cultural, educational and scientific projects as one of the hybrid war instruments.

Situation in the eastern regions of Ukraine is a striking example. Official Kiev repeatedly claimed use of hybrid forms of aggression by the Russian Federation and it becomes clear upon a closer examination that these charges have solid grounds.

During the Post-Soviet period, especially at president Yanukovych times, Russia established a network of various non-profit organizations in the territory of Ukraine, which pursued the purpose of promoting the so-called “Russian world”. Such quite apolitical slogans of public organizations, funds and grants become the curtain for the purposeful work on promoting of neo-imperialist, militaristic views which de facto represent state ideology of the Russian Federation.

The sophisticated propaganda aimed at creation of chaos, mutual distrust and eventually oriented at undermining the state sovereignty of the foreign states, distinguishes the Russian so-called public organizations from the known European and American non-profit humanitarian or charitable organizations, which do not receive governmental financing as a rule. Russian humanitarian organizations obtain financing directly from the budget of the Russian Federation, and special media portals cover their activity.

Particularly, activity of such non-governmental organizations as the Russian Russkiy Mir Foundation, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, St.Andrew the First-Called Foundation, the ‘Russian Abroad’ Foundation-Library, the Russian Cultural Fund, the International Council of the Russian Compatriots, the Russian Theatre Union, the International Union of the Museums, the International Sister Сity Association, the Moscow Union of Friendship Societies, the St. Petersburg Association for International Cooperation and others goes hand in hand with operation of the Rossotrudnichestvo – Russian Federal Agency. The Russian Association for the International Cooperation (RAIC) is one of the principal partners of this agency, bringing together more than 100 public organizations, including societies for friendship with foreign states. By means of the so-called ‘public diplomacy’, under the veil of implementation of international cultural, educational and scientific projects, Russia (through the organizations we have named) performs information influence and special operations in order to implement quite concrete interests. Ukraine is the most striking and evident example of such hidden expansion from which hardly any state of the world is protected.

Activity of such pro-Russian public organizations as International Pedagogical Club and All-Ukrainian Public Organization ‘Russkaya School’ in the territory of Ukraine may serve as an example.

The latter is especially noteworthy since it is registered in the directory of the Russian Russkiy Mir Foundation, which is directly financed by the Russian Foreign Ministry. They are governed by Mr. Alexander Kondryakov – the native of Poti (Georgia), former deputy of Ukrainian parliament, who lived previously in Sevastopol (Crimea). Mr. Kondryakov makes no secret of his pro-Russian orientation, he is engaged in promoting Russian in Ukraine, distributes the ‘Russkaya Shkola’ journal, organizes cultural and educational events. At a first glance, activity of the organizations governed by him does not fall outside the scope of humanitarian sphere and does not conflict with the international and Ukrainian legislation. However, as in times of undeclared Russian aggression these organizations advance the projects implemented for the benefit of the aggressor state, then their activity does not seem to be so harmless.

For example, early this year the above-mentioned Russkaya Shkola journal run by Mr. Kondryakov appeared in the center of the juicy scandal associated with distribution of the journal at the Ukrainian schools, allegedly by subscription (though it was not true). Publications of this issue propagate the ideas of “the Russian world” with expressly anti-Ukrainian subtext. This fact caused quite explainable indignation from school administrations, teachers and parents. The Russian propagandists immediately took advantage of the situation, overblew serious scandal and accused the Ukrainian authorities of infringement of the Russian-speaking population’s rights and of arousing hatred to Russians. All this testifies to conducting subversive activities by Russia involving the so-called public organizations led by Mr. Kondryakov.

In addition, the fact that in 2015 Mr. Kondryakov was awarded with a departmental distinction of the compatriot granted by the Russian Foreign Ministry is quite significant. You may ask what he has done. It is highly improbable that in 2015, at the height of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine Mr. Kondryakov, being a resident of the annexed Crimea at that time, received an award from the Government of the Russian Federation for nothing but support of educational programs and development of the Russian culture in Ukraine.

By the way, on the Russkiy Mir Foundation’s website we may find Kondryakov’s interview in which he supports Crimea annexation in every possible way, telling about “terrible oppressions” of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine. However, despite of such grave charges, liberal commitments of the Ukrainian leaders allow working of such organizations as led by Mr. Kondryakov in Ukraine. But at the same time, the only library of the Ukrainian literature in Moscow was closed in 2015, and its director Natalya Sharina has been under investigation and house arrest for several years on absolutely far-fetched charge of incitement of national hatred and hostility.

It seems obvious that through such establishments as ‘Russkaya Shkola’, the Russian Federation is engaged not only in promotion of “the Russian world”, but also manages attitudes of the Russian-speaking citizens in other states. The Russian security services, using the humanitarian field (cultural, scientific and educative projects), are engaged in active and rather successful blasting work abroad under cover of public organizations.

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Massive expulsion of more than 150 Russian diplomats-intelligence agents by the European and Western states following poisoning of ex-colonel of the Main Intelligence Directorate Sergey Skripal and his daughter in the British Salisbury is primarily aimed at liquidation of Kremlin’s espionage network established worldwide during Putin’s government.
In solidarity with Great Britain, the government of Spain also expelled two Russian diplomats directly associated with the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Madrid (“Rossotrudnichestvo”) and other structures of ‘the Russian compatriots’ which are, as we know, a very good shield for intelligence activities.
Recent massive exile of the Russian spies from nearly 30 EU countries, the USA, Canada and some other, certainly, will strike Kremlin intelligence network and their secret foreign operations which gained the scale similar to the Cold War times. The present Putin’s army of spies, similar to a many-headed hydra consists of three main intelligence agencies: Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS), Main Intelligence Directorate (MID) and Federal Security Service (FSS). It’s worth to mention that more than 150 expelled diplomats who were considered to be career officers of Kremlin secret services represent only a part of the huge Russian foreign intelligence machinery. Its another “covert” part involves spies among honourable consulates of Russia, influence agents among local politicians and parliamentarians, journalists – intelligence agents from Russia Today and TASS, as well as diversionists from Rossotrudnichestvo and other Russian government structures applying the policy of “soft force” and financing the so-called “Russian compatriots” (foreign agents), both in the former USSR and in European and American states.
Moscow states about “the Russian compatriots” as the proof of existence of the so-called “Russian world” – that is an area of their influence stretching far beyond the real borders of the Russian Federation. Kremlin seeks to strengthen the influence on domestic and foreign policy of other states, receive important political, economic and military information through interaction and manipulation with such people, and in case of the conflict with the governments of these states – to use “the Russian compatriots” as a “wick” for stirring internal crises and military conflicts.
The Federal Agency for the CIS, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) is the main state agency dealing with “the Russian-language communities” worldwide. It’s a well-known fact that this government agency reporting to the Russian Foreign Ministry and having an extensive network of more than 90 representations (the so-called “Russian centers for science and culture”) in 81 countries has a little to do with cultural and scientific ties of Russia abroad representing a powerful tool of Kremlin propaganda and information influence of strategic level. Rossotrudnichestvo is an active party in foreign policy of Moscow, coordinating activity of the pro-Russian actors abroad and disseminating the Kremlin ideology. Along with this the main objective and the most important side of true activity of this structures staffed at least with those affiliated to the intelligence services of Russia as well as with their permanent officers personally, as a rule are left without saying. It is not a secret that such organizations were widely used for ensuring the legal foreign activity of formerly dreadful KGB, and then of its successors from SVR, GRU and FSB.
Our investigation will throw a light on the activity and structure of the Russian secret espionage network in Spain which, despite recent expulsion of two regular intelligence officers with the diplomatic status from the state successfully continues its function. The matter is that a vast network of pseudo-non-governmental organizations of “the Russian compatriots” (stating themselves to be “charitable”, “scientific” and “cultural” associations, the organizations of “the Spanish-Soviet friendship”, funds of “friends of Russia” etc.) operates in Spain (as well as in other EU states) which is full with Kremlin agents. Their supervisors are official Russian diplomats such as those staff intelligence agents who were recently knocked out from the state. By the way, according to the National Cryptological Center of Spain, in 2017 Russia intervened in Catalan crisis through their activists in media space.
Investigation of the activity of numerous “Russian compatriot” organizations controlled by Madrid office of Rossotrudnichestvo (“the Russian Centre for Science and Culture”) and their point men from the Russian intelligence services within the territory of Spain led us to such ephemeral institution as Blagoe Delo Spanish Benevolent Association. This “benevolent” organization was registered in Madrid in 2014 with the view of collecting “various humanitarian aid for Donbas residents “, and also carrying out of “information and explanatory work” (i.e.pro-Kremlin propaganda) among the Russian-speaking population of Spain.

Blagoe Delo Association was established with financial and ideological support of the Russian extreme left nationalist party the Great Fatherland which belongs to a pool of the pro-Kremlin political forces and works in close cooperation with the Russian secret services. By the way, this party has the office in Spain which is also engaged in propaganda of neo-imperialist ideas of “the Russian world” and “Great Russia”.

One of the founders of Blagoe Delo Association and its point man from the Great Fatherland party is Russian citizen Vitaliy BORKUTA residing in Spain and, most likely, is a career staff employee of the secret services of Russia. Mister BORKUTA is well-known for his far-reaching anti-Spain views. In 2014 Russian TV channel Poznavatelnoe.tv prepared series of propaganda videos (“The life of Spain”, “The Kingdom of Corruption”, “Destruction of Spain”, etc.) by his feature stories about Spain (expressing his prejudiced opinion). The Kingdom is presented in them extremely disparagingly while the Spaniards are shown as “the endangered nation of alcoholics and addicts”. President of Blagoe Delo Association is Roman DEMYAN, member of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriot Associations in Spain and along with this, an officer of the Russian intelligence services. DEMYAN regularly visits Moscow for reports making and Donbass conflict zone – for receiving experience of separatist activity. Well, what may be his purposes in Spain in such a case?

Under a specious excuse of “gifts to charity”, and using methods of frank blackmailing and intimidation of Spaniards of the Russian origin, Blagoe Delo Association is engaged de facto in extortion of money as well as money laundering on a large scale. Considerable amount of money are used for financing of the Russian mercenaries in Syria, engaged in war in Syria, Ukraine, Caucasus and other military conflicts and also for financing of the Great Fatherland political party and for personal enrichment of its leaders. Last year a major row arose inside the Great Fatherland party when its leader – Nikolay STARIKOV was accused by colleagues of embezzlement of the considerable funds raised, including, by Blagoe Delo Spanish Benevolent Association for “the charitable purposes for widows of large families of Donbas rebels”. It is particularly remarkable that one of those involved in this scandal was the head and the treasurer of Blagoe Delo Association Roman DEMYAN who was also accused of financial frauds and appropriation of lump sums raised for “humanitarian aid” for families of the Russian mercenaries. It may happen that Mr DEMYAN also partly delivers financial grants received from Rossotrudnichestvo to the Great Fatherland party.

Blagoe Delo Association, being an effective tool of the Russian strategy of “the soft force” in Spain, acts also as an active mouthpiece of Kremlin propaganda. It closely cooperates with the Communist Party of Spain, as well as with Spanish ultra-left and anti-fascist groups. Every year on the eve of 9th May Blagoe Delo Association together with Spanish left-wing radical organizations organizes pro-Russian cultural propaganda campaigns and marches such as “the Immortal Regiment” and “St. George’s Ribbon” under the auspices of the embassy of the Russian federation and Madrid branch of Rossotrudnichestvo. Considering close ties of Blagoe Delo Association with separatist groups in the states of the former Soviet Union, the fact of its “cooperation” with the radical organizations of Catalan separatists which gain full support from Putin’s regime causes special concern. This secret cooperation is organized by Russian citizen Mikhail MEDVEDEV, who illegally reached the territory of Spain, resides in Barcelona and is the head of Russian-Catalan Association for Scientific and Cultural Cooperation as well as a member of the Coordinating Council of the Russian Compatriots in Spain. It may happen that this “cooperation” is directed at the organization of “skill-sharing” of armed struggle for forced separation, and serves as a channel of recruitment and illegal dispatch of Spanish professional soldiers to the areas of armed conflicts which Russia is involved in. Recently law enforcement agencies of Spain have arrested and convicted several dozens of Spanish mercenaries fought for the pro-Russian separatists in Syria and the Caucasus.

Thus, illegal actions of Blagoe Delo Benevolent Association as well as other pseudo-nongovernmental organisations of “the Russian compatriots” undermine social cohesion in the state through consolidation of the pro-Russian forces, defamation of national identity of the Spanish people, and propagation of anti-Western, conservative and orthodox Eurasian values. Being a tool of the Russian “soft force”, they also try to impose an alternative belief system to encumber decision-making, and also act as the destabilizing forces, uniting radical groups and extending aggressive pro-Kremlin propaganda within the Kingdom. Moreover, by financing the Russian mercenaries and by organizing direct Spaniards’ involvement in various armed conflicts, these organizations directly violate the national law of Spain and its state policy of neutrality.

Well, what is country leaders’ response? How long will the leaders of political forces and government institutions tolerate and cover the Russian espionage network? How long will the law enforcement agencies hibernate while Spanish people suffer?

It remains to be seen…

Ángel Sastre, independent journalist, Bilbao

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Human life, their rights and freedoms are the supreme value for all civilized world in the 21st century. Anywhere but in Russia and in the annexed Crimea where people faces a threat of being hurled into prison for their beliefs and a civic stand on far-fetched charges. Statement of charges may vary, though the fact that those dissident in Russia are represented either as saboteurs or as criminals and terrorists remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the Kremlin cynically denies all the facts that prove extreme violations of human rights in Russia.

The Russian authorities do not consider annexation illegal and declare it was historical justness that was restored following the results of the so-called national referendum in the Crimea in 2014 (at the point of a guns of people in military uniform without identification marking). Kremlin also denies the participation in the military conflict in the east of Ukraine. However, the Russian authorities do not even take pains to explain constantly increasing number of citizens of Ukraine and of the Crimean Tatars among political prisoners in the Russian prisons. Today, according to representatives of non-governmental organizations, more than 70 Ukrainian citizens are kept in places of detention in the territory of Russia and in the Crimea. Among them are the following:

– 27 Crimean Tatars who expressed an outrage against annexation of the Crimea. 4 of them were sentenced to 5 – 12 years of imprisonment on a charge of participation in the Islamic organization Hizb Ut-Tahrir forbidden in Russia;

– other 23 Crimean Tatars are waiting for trial being accused of various crimes: of membership in Hizb Ut-Tahrir, of participation in the pro-Ukrainian associations in the Crimea during the pre-annexation period, or are accused of far-fetched charges of ‘blackmailing’ (arrests of the Crimean Tatar activists are going on);

– Vladimir Balukh, the Crimean farmer who ran up the Ukrainian flag over his house after annexation of the Crimea was sentenced to 3,7 years on far-fetched charge of ‘illegal storage of ammunition’;

– Roman Souchtchenko, the Ukrainian journalist, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment in maximum security penal colony for alleged ‘espionage’;

– Stanislav Klykh, professor of history, and Mykola Karpiouk, representative of the Ukrainian nationalist movement UNA-UNSO, were arrested in Russia in 2014 and sentenced to 20 and 22,5 years of imprisonment in colony for alleged ‘participation in military operations’ against Russia in Chechnya in the nineties;

– Pavlo Gryb, blogger, the youngest Ukrainian political prisoner (19 years) who was arrested by the Russian security services in 2017 in Belarus and accused of preparation for terrorist attack in Sochi, sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment;

– Oleg Sentsov, stage director and participant of the Revolution of Dignity, is sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in maximum security penal colony for ‘terrorism’;

– Oleksandre Koltchenko, ecologist, manifested his revolt against Crimea annexation, was arrested together with Sentsov and sentenced as the accomplice to 10 years of imprisonment in colony for ‘terrorism’ (https://www.epochtimes.fr/les-prisonniers-politiques-ukrainiens-detenus-par-la-russie-343007.html).

According Amnesty International’s data, Sentsov and Kolchenko were subjected to tortures and bashing after arrest. Trial against them is very much similar to repressions of Stalin times. According to Soviet dissident’s daughter Zoya Svetova who personally appealed to the President of France Macron to assist in putting an end to political repressions against Sentsov and Kolchenko, she “sees the doctored cases and political prisoners in Russia”. Sad to say, the situation remains unchanged, despite personal addresses to the Russian president of such famous Russian stage directors as Alexandre Sokourov and Andreï Zviaguintsev, as well as representatives of the European cultural society.

On May, 14th, 2018 Oleg Sentsov accused of terrorism and condemned to 20 years of a strict regime colony by the Russian authorities for the public protest against annexation of Crimea has begun his hunger-strike with a unique demand to free all political prisoners kept in Russia. His lawyer Dmitry Dinze is convinced, that Oleg will go to the end. “Together we stand untill the end!”, – these are words from Oleg’s letter. Natalia Kaplan (his cousin) in her interview for The Independent said, “his exact words to us were that if he dies during the World Cup he would be happy for having drawn attention to Ukrainian political prisoners.”

A variety of the international organizations support Oleg Sentsov demanding to free him and political prisoners held in Russia. Representatives of EU member-states, OSCE, PACE, French national centre of cinematography, German national academy, the participants of the Cannes and Berlin film festivals, PEN International, and also known writers, cultural figures, Russian scientists have required to liberate Oleg.

Late in May members of the European film academy sent to the Russian president the open letter demanding for Sentsov’s liberation. It was supported by the creative community of many countries of the world, among them such known people as Pedro Almodóvar, Wim Wenders and Ken Loach, Аki Каurismaki, Mike Lee, Bela Tarr and many others. Recently Open Democracy has published an appeal to leaders of all countries asking to refrain from visiting World Cup-2018 in Russia unless all Ukrainian political prisoners will be released by that time. It was signed by Anne Applebaum, Timothy Snyder and many others.

Despite such hard-line response from the world community, Kremlin states that there are no political prisoners in Russia, justice is independent, so all these people are dangerous criminals and will receive “just punishments”. Such statements demonstrate cynicism of the higher degree as history of each political prisoner is well-known to public, and litigations concerning them drew a wide response. Nevertheless, the Russian power and personally Mr. Putin don’t consider it necessary to react both to opinion of own citizens, and to opinion of the international community.

In the situation, when such people as Oleg Sentsov sacrifices his life to rescue tens of other lives and to draw attention of the world community to reversion of Russia in days of Stalin reprisals, the smallest we can do is to boycott World Cup-2018 and any other international events held by Russia, thus showing resolution and unity in struggle for the higher values – for the HUMAN LIFE!

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Use of the so-called “soft force” by the Russian Federation poses serious threat to security of the Baltic States and contradicts their national interests. In particular, Russia frequently uses various methods of influence on Russian-speaking youth, with an eye to their further involvement in exercise of political power and possible support of pro-Kremlin policy in these states. To this end Russian security services engage the cultural centres such as, for example, “The Russian House” (regular designation of the centres promoting Russian culture abroad) and representative offices of the Rossotrudnichestvo which actually is a shield for intelligence activities and special operations abroad. Working under the shield is proven, highly convenient and, subsequently, extensively used form of engagement of Russian FSB and SVR staff abroad. Officers of these security services took fancy to the Rossotrudnichestvo in their activities as long as organisation is represented more than in 80 countries all around the world.

Gathering information about candidates for “exchange programs” is not only a legitimate part of official and lawful activity, but also highly convenient way of searching and recruiting agents. Thus, for example, school graduates, especially those of them, who have good recommendations from representatives of the pro-Russian organizations in the Baltic States, are proposed to get free higher education in Russia through the intermediary of Rossotrudnichestvo. Moscow also refunds excursions to Russia and stay in youth camps where students in addition to recreation may become acquainted with history of Russia, familiarize themselves with their political life, and study the basics of political strategies, public relations and military arts. Without a doubt, in the long run such camps set a goal to bring up generation of youth in the Baltic States which is loyal to Russia and developed system of values and ideology alien to their states.

Overload of Russian FSB and SVR representatives in Rossotrudnichestvo irritates even the officers of the ideological apparatus of the Russian Federation who are dissatisfied with a distortion of Rossotrudnichestvo’s activity for the benefit of security services. In this regard an interview with Tatyana Poloskova, the First Class State Councillor of Russia, professor of the Diplomatic Academy of the MFA of Russia, member of the Expert Advisory Board in Public and Humanitarian Programs at Rossotrudnichestvo, President of the interregional social movement Eurasian National Union, editor-in-chief of the Latin American editorial office of REGNUM informational agency, to Russian media (http://agentnews.ru/politika/rysskii-gambit-razvedki.html) has an indicative value. She is outraged by “congestion, above any reasonable limits, of FSB and SVR staff in foreign offices of Rossotrudnichestvo”. In her interview dedicated to issue of a new book “Triumph of Cattle” which is a sequel of her sensational “Cattle on Parquet” published in 2014, the author describes an internal situation in Rossotrudnichestvo in its true colours, putting it clear that her book affects interests of a good many. In particular, she discusses extremely unfavourable effects of the Russian security agencies’ intervention in Rossotrudnichestvo’s activity. According to Tatyana Polozkova, activity of security agencies and corruption in their ranks impede Rossotrudnichestvo in achieving goals and actually blocks primary activity of its representations abroad.

Here is an excerpt from her interview:

“Rep.: In your opinion, what will be the response to a release of your book expressing such rather radical ideas?

T.P.: I would not call them radical – rather, escalated. It is difficult to ascribe its authorship either to me personally, or to the whole group of authors working on the book. They have developed in public conscience long ago and break free. We simply expose to sound all the things that people are thinking about for a long time, in which they recognise immediately their reflections.

Along with it, our book will definitely touch upon the interests of a good many. In particular, we are going to bring up for discussion extremely unfavourable effects of Russian security services’ intervention in Rossotrudnichestvo’s activity.

Naturally, the mission of security services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rossotrudnichestvo are completely incompatible. Engagement of the security service officers in a number of Rossotrudnichestvo departments above any reasonable limits suppresses their primary activity. Security services secretly collect information and carry out special operations which is incompatible with free consolidation of persons supporting rapprochement with Russia and with their vigorous activity.

Reporter: May you specify these departments?

T.P.: Yes, sure. Moreover, basically that is the main reason why I agreed to give an interview to your edition, though not unhesitatingly. Such a decision was determined by the circumstances that information about preparation of our book appeared in the web and that seem quite strange for me.

Today the managerial influence of Rossotrudnichestvo, as well as MFA on the operation of key, high priority offices of the former is reduced in general to such an extent that it may be considered nominal. Among them there are Russian centres of science and culture in Vienna governed by Yuriy Zaytsev; in Budapest – governed by Valery Platonov; in Berlin – by Pavel Izvolsky; in Athens – by Alexander Homenko; in Madrid, where Mikhail Hodyakin was replaced recently by Eduard Sokolov; in Luxembourg – Vladimir Sokolov; in Warsaw – where Igor Proklov was replaced by Igor Zhukovskiy; in Prague – Andrey Konchakov, yet in deputy rank; in Kiev – Konstantin Vorobyov; in Ankara – where Enver Sheykhov replaced Natig Guliyev; embassy in Vilnius where Rossotrudnichestvo is represented by Matvei Dryukov. All these people had specific reputation which has nothing to do with assisting centres in operation. To cut a long story short, “everyone knows they are from FSB”. Naturally, nobody will try to prove it, though in receiving states this label is pinned on them inseparably.

The only fact that the government official of the Russian Federation of such a scale as Tatyana Polozkova who is distressed about blatant corruption and domination of security agencies in Rossotrudnichestvo system has to draw the attention of the authorities of the Baltic States to the activity of this organization. Perhaps it is a time to take decisive actions and put an end to this malignant growth of the ‘Russian world’ and a hotbed of the net of Russian agents in the Baltic.

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We all know that people’s rights are one of the principles of modern world, its prominent value. That is freedom of speech and freedom of faith.

Before the annexation of Crimea and Russian military aggression against Ukraine we could believe that these principles are shared by all countries, which are the UN members.

But Russia has declined these principles so easily, trying to make Ukraine stay in the sphere of its influence. Nowadays, we can see everyday violations of basic human rights in occupied Crimea and in the particular territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are under control of Russian militaries.

The story of pro-Ukrainian activist Vladimir Baluh is just the great example of it. Russian officials blamed him for his Ukrainian citizenship and for hanging out the Ukrainian flag at his private land.

Russia justifies the aggression against Ukraine as the defense of Russian-speaking population in this country. It blames Ukraine for violation of these rights, but it can never grant Ukrainians in Crimea with the same rights!

Civilized people can hardly understand this logic, but the truth is that Ukrainian citizen V. Baluh is under arrest and stays in Russian jail just because of his political position. Russian Themis is truly blind! Russian official authorities, who misappropriated billions of dollars, can easily be grounded, while Ukrainian for hanging the Ukrainian flag in Crimea has already got 3 years and 7 months of prison.

Even actual Russian law has no ban for hanging out flag of other state at the private territory. But Federal Security Service officials have found the way out, providing a search without witnesses in Baluh’s home which had great result. Gun cartridges were found and that was the reason to arrest Baluh and to sentence him to 3 years and 7 months due to Art. #222 of RF Criminal Code.

It is quite remarkable that Federal Security Service officers, who provided search in Baluh’s home, had no time to come to courtroom to be testified. They probably had enough reasons to skip court hearings, to be free of tough questions prepared by Baluh’s attorney. Nevertheless testimony of officers who provide search and carry out arrest is obligatory according to Russian law. So this situation discredits nature of the judicial process.

Maybe the wide international response caused such soft penalty for Baluh, but it proves that Russian authorities are afraid of Ukrainian flag in the Crimea, as it is the reminder that Crimea is Ukrainian territory. And repressions are the tools that Russia can use against the truth.

In his last plea, Baluh said that no matter of the verdict, he will never be ashamed of his children. His prosecutors can hardly say the same.

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Despite recent scandal with its turbines deployed in violently Russia annexed Crimea, German company Siemens AG plans to develop cooperation with the country, which goes on killing civilians on other countries territories.

The range of Siemens AG business interests in Russia is quite wide: in addition to turbines, the company produces electric freight locomotives Sinara and Granit, electric trains Desiro, supplies Germany-manufactured trains Sapsan to monopolist Russian Railways.

Along with that, despite official declarations of CEO Joe Kaeser on toughening of company’s activity control, it became known that Siemens AG has intentions to take part in modernization of Crimean railroad infrastructure by providing operation of Desiro Premium trains, developed and manufactured jointly with Ural Locomotives JSC, through the territory of Russia occupied peninsula.

In the given context, it is of a great interest to recall that German company signed in 2017 a contract on manufacturing of electric trains Desiro with Russian Federal Passanger Company, which is, as well as Russian Railways, under international sanctions.

In other words, participation of Siemens AG in organization of high-speed service between Russia and Crimea makes German company an accomplice in Kremlin criminal schemes, throwing a shadow on Germany as a state, which international positions become more and more vulnerable.

Should we expect Siemens authorities to really change company’s policy and turn its efforts back to civilized course?

In search of answer we can address to investigation by Suddeutsche Zeitung journalists who found out that to conclude lucrative contracts Siemens AG spends billions of dollars every year to buy “the right” businessmen and politics. And as long as German leadership keeps overlooking Siemens AG backstairs policy, we can assume that a part of this black cash settles down in their pockets.

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Aggressive policies towards neighboring countries, gross violations of international law and breaking up of the international security system have compelled the international community to impose political and economic sanctions against Russia. Military and technical cooperation have become the object of the severest restrictions.

US has taken the strong stand on the issue, and still keep adhering to the commitment of tightening the sanctions regime, especially in the issues of countering strengthening of the military capabilities of the Russian armed forces. However, despite of this, some US companies keep cooperating with the state which is widely thought as a political outlaw. Moreover, they help the Russian armed forces to develop the weapons used in military conflicts in the Ukrainian Donbass and against the civilian population in Syria. As current situation shows there is no guarantee that Russia will not use such weapons against other states.

Here are just a few examples of US-Russian military and technical cooperation. Since 2014, the US FLIR supplies thermal imagers to the Naval Forces of the Russian Federation. Russia equips anti-terror vessels under 03160 Raptor project (P-415 and P-425 ships are in Sevastopol in the annexed Crimea), special fast attack crafts BK-10, BK-16 and BK-18, as well as small missile cruisers (Storm and Okhotsk SMC) under 22800 project manufactured by Sevastopol “More” plant with US-produced thermal imagers.

In addition, study of the two Russian Orlan-10 UAVs (side numbers 10212 and 11057) shot down in the east of Ukraine in 2014 and 2017 showed that almost all electronics, motors and optics were of US Filtronetics, Texas Instruments, Linear, Pulse Electronics production. Also, the analysis of UAV production statistics in Russia indicates that their production is constantly increasing. Thus, in February 2014, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation owned about 500 UAVs, about 650 UAVs were delivered to the armed forces of Russia by April 2015, and about 1000 units in November 2016. Significant growth of Orlan UAVs production in Russia from early 2014 (4 times) shows that the necessary foreign-manufactured spare parts have been acquired just during the military invasion in Ukraine, i.e. during the sanctions regime.

This means that contrary to the official Washington’s statements, US companies keep military and technical cooperation with Russia, disregarding the official stance of their country.

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On April 19-21, 2018, Crimea will host the Forth Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF-2018). The forthcoming event was preceded by extensive agitational promotional campaign both in Russian and foreign political and business circles. This event is actively boosted by the Russian and Crimean authorities. Russian media diligently report increased interest to the discussion of topical political and economic problems of the international importance within this platform, growing audience of a forum from year to year which is evidenced by the positive statistics: the first forum was visited by 600 delegates, the second hosted 1100, and the third was allegedly visited by more than 2200 people, including 250 foreign participants from 46 countries of the world.

Today Russian and Crimea media triumphantly announce more than 3000 participants including more than 500 foreign guests from 60 countries to visit forum this year. Among them politicians, representatives of business and expert community from all around the world are expected. Fancy that! The Yalta Forum is represented as ‘one of the largest business events in the economic life among the four similar events, organized in Russia’.

Well, what are the results of previous forums? As a matter of a fact, there is nothing. Majority of previously approved projects have not even started, many investors folded their activity in Crimea on the whole. Hardly any representative of big business visited last year Yalta Forum. However, following the forum outcomes, it was declared that the authorities succeeded to sign series of the documents ‘with very significant and influential investors’, for example:

– agreement between the “Council of Ministers of the Republic of Crimea” and the “Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Abkhazia” on trade and economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian cooperation;

– agreement between the “Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Crimea” and the “Ministry of Economic Development of Abkhazia”;

– agreement between the cities of Gagra and Yalta;

– agreement between the KSK Group and administration of Yalta city for the implementation of “the investment project”(!) on construction of an apartment complex;

– agreement between the KSK Group and administration of Alushta city for the implementation of the “Construction of Apartment Complex ‘Sea Quarter’ in Alushta” project;

– agreement with the Russian investors on development of the Simferopol airport.

For sure, entering into “investment agreements” with Abkhazia breakaway region confirms “high” interest of foreign business to invest in Crimea. And signing of the “agreements” on construction of high-rise building looks like an attempt of the Forum promoters to cover the investment nudity with ‘a fig leaf’ in the form of “grand” construction plans of “Sea Quarter” apartment complex. Indeed, the mountain has brought forth a mouse!

Well, following the outcomes of previous “economic” forums held in Yalta it may be concluded that this event is rather political than economic. Its organizers pursue the only goal – to prove that Europe has recognized the Russian status of Crimea. By holding such events on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Russia expects that involvement of foreigners and massive information campaign will show to European community, international organizations and primarily United Nations General Assembly the need of lifting sanctions and resolutions condemning Russia’s actions on Crimea. According to Moscow’s intention, it should promote legalization of illegal actions of Russian Federation on the peninsula and blenching their image. Generally, the message is as follows – legality of Crimea annexation by Russian Federation.

In this regard pro-Russian media actively promote ‘fearlessness’ of some deputies of the European parliament and representatives of marginal parties receiving financial sops from Moscow, parliaments of some European states (Germany and Austria in particular) which are going to participate in “forum” despite of the sanctions with regard to Crimea. However, this is the case of greed and foolishness rather than fearlessness. Only well motivated persons can hazard their reputation attending such event and breaking the laws of other state. It is common known that entrance and departure of foreign citizens as a part of official delegations or in their private capacity on the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea are gross violations of international law. Such actions contravene the United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. 68/262 confirming territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as the Law of Ukraine “On ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens and a legal regime within the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine”, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 68/262 of June 4, 2015 No. 367 “On the approval of the procedure for entering and exit from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine”.

Ukraine has repeatedly declared that they treat such violations as unfriendly gesture from politicians, officials and citizens of the foreign states which thus not only support violation of territorial integrity of Ukraine by Russian Federation but also encourage Moscow to the further aggressive and hostile actions contradicting international law and destroying the international security system. Ukraine declares intention to deliver international assignments to the states, which nationals participated in the illegal forum.

As for the intention of some businessmen to arrange business in occupied Crimea attending the forum in Yalta it is possible to speak about the highest manifestation of foolishness from their side. The European Union and the USA forbade implementation of new joint projects, investment, granting loans, acquisition of infrastructure facilities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in telecommunication, energy, transport and tourism areas. Regulation authorities of the EU Member States perform continuous monitoring of execution of restrictive instructions by European entities. Those who violate sanction regime may be subjects to criminal sanctions in the form of real term of imprisonment and imposition of a heavy financial penalty.

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The situation around Sergey and Yulia Skripal’s poisoning with the use of ‘Novichok’ nerve gas gather new steam. No sooner had the Great Britain accused Russia of poisoning and deported their diplomats from the state than the messages ensued that the agent’s origin still remains unknown. Meanwhile Russia brought the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to account.

It is worth to figure out how this chemical agent could appear in today’s Russia. As we know, on September 27, 2017 Director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ahmet Üzümcü declared all the stockpiles of chemical weapons available in the Russian Federation were eliminated. Nevertheless currently there are evidences that ‘Novichok’ was produced in Russia in the city of Shikhany, Saratov region.

However, it can turn out that toxic agents in Russia may be found not only in Saratov. At least, a number of very interesting facts testify that this issue is quite tricky. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that a large shipment of a nerve-gas precursor from Russia to Syria in 1992, while in 1993 the FSB reported that a group of persons including Lt-Gen Anatoliy Kuntsevich shipped 800 kg of substance which could be used for production of toxic agents. That was A. Kuntsevich who was one of the originators of ‘Novichok’ warfare agent which was tested in Shikhany lately.

In 2016 information got leaked to the media that Nadalina cargoship delivered confidential freight from Syria to the port of Feodosiya. That was evidenced by the fact that cargo was discharged under strict secrecy by military men: the unloading point was cleared from strangers and secured by the reinforced police squads and plainclothes, small khaki boxes (8-10 containers only) were unloaded at a slow pace, with particular care. These strengthened precautionary measures, as well as a small quantity of cargo delivered to the peninsula in the vessel which was freshly repaired attract special consideration. The choice of discharge port was also not for nothing as ‘Feodosia-13’, designed for storage of extremely dangerous cargo and located not far from Feodosia. Analysis of this information leads to the assumption that Russia could take out components of chemical weapon from Syria to the Crimea.

Following annexation, the peninsula turned into a gray area where observance of the international agreements, including the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction of 13 January 1993, is not monitored in any way, therefore, lack of the international control made the fertile field for abuses. That is particularly Russia case as Russia and the present Crimean authorities made it clear time after time that rules of international law are not an imperative for them.

Current scandal related to the use of ‘Novichok’ warfare agent in the Great Britain induces looking at information stated above with a fresh pair of eyes. May this cargo delivered from Syria to Feodosiya in October, 2016 be the part of the chemical weapon arsenal owned by the Syrian dictator al-Assad, and being subject to destruction after the international scandal flared up following its use by the Syrian government troops against insurgents and acute US and NATO response to this? Let us remember that Putin managed to persuade the US President Obama not to apply drastic measures to al-Assad provided that the last would destroy the components of chemical weapon at his disposal, and Putin would act as the intermediary and the controller in this agreement.

However, probably Russia instead of monitoring destruction process under the achieved agreements has taken out a part of ammunition or components of chemical weapon on the territory of the annexed Crimea which became for Russia the convenient place for illegal placement and storage of weapons of mass destruction. It is well known that since 2014 (after annexation by Russia) the peninsula came out of the scrupulous monitoring and control of relevant international organizations. Therefore, the secret Nadalina’s voyage in October, 2016 could be not the only one.

In this regard that is an evident need to establish a special working group to conduct relevant investigation and check facilities of critical importance in the territory of the Crimea where the prohibited weapon and dangerous substances can be stored. Such commission within OPCW could also establish the facts of delivery of dangerous freights from Syria to the Crimea, and possible storage of combat chemical agents within the territory of the peninsula as far as they may unexpectedly come up in different corners of the world.

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The flagrant violation of the international law by Russia and its aggressive policy towards neighboring countries have led to the sharp reaction of international community and sanctions imposition. In particular, it has greatly affected the military-technical cooperation. However, some countries from Eastern Europe, even being the NATO members, continue to suffer the syndrome of ‘big brother’ to the detriment of own defense capability, keeping ties with Russian military-industrial complex.

Particularly Bulgaria, which became NATO member in 2004, and then that of EU in 2007, continues its military partnership with Russia. The situation with update and maintenance of MiG-29, which are which are in service with the Bulgarian Air Force, proves it. This issue is still in the competence of Russian aircraft corporation MIG. This situation exists even though Bulgarian pilots refuse to fly at MiG-29 because of its extreme breakdown rate even after the capital repair in Russia. But Bulgarian authority keeps using Russian industry to repair its military aviation. And the tender on replacement and further maintenance of engines for MiG-29 has proved it. Earlier it was envisaged that such contract would be signed with Poland and a corresponding preliminary agreement was reached with Warsaw. In addition, such contract could allow Bulgaria to save a great sum of budget money. But after victory of pro-russian Rumen Radev at presidential election, the new MoD’s authority refused to sign a contract with Poland and decided to continue its cooperation with MIG corporation. Moreover, the pro-Russian Bulgarian leadership deliberately delays the terms of contract fulfillment for purchase of new Swedish fighters Saab JAS 39 Gripen, having its own vision of modernization of Bulgarian Air forces. And this situation is taking place notwithstanding Bulgarian NATO membership.

Hungary is also committed to military cooperation with Russia. In 2016, Hungarian Ministry of defense negotiated with Russia to purchase 30 Mi-8/17 helicopters with approximate cost $490 million. The only reason to cancel the deal was the lack of budget money. Later, Budapest came to agreement to repair 4 Mi-17 helicopters for Hungarian Air Forces and in spring 2017 the repaired helicopters were returned to Kecskemet air base. At the same time, Hungarian government believes that signing contract with Russia for helicopters repair does not contradict with sanctions imposed against Russia, though the repair of military equipment is covered by a concept of military cooperation. In this case it is quite remarkable not only the fact of military cooperation with Russia, but also the decision of investment in military helicopters, which would remain the equipment of last century even after their repair. Many military experts believe that the best decision for Hungary would be total replacement of current aircrafts with modern types produced by NATO members. These aircrafts have better characteristics than Mi-17 or Mi-24 adopted by Hungarian Armed Forces. It is obvious that friendship between Orban and Putin obliges Hungarian leader to be loyal to Russian military industry. It is absolutely clear that repair of old military equipment is much more expensive for the state budget. It is also a hard blow for defense capability of a country.

Croatia also has some aspects of cooperation with Russian military industry, though it became the EU member in 2009. In August 2017, Ministry of Defense of Croatia signed a contract with Russia for complete overhaul of 10 helicopters of М1–171Sh for Air Force and air defense.

These examples show that Russia, obtaining contracts for delivery and service of military equipment, tries not only to find the markets for sale of outdated equipment, uncompetitive products, but also weakens the defense capabilities of NATO members, undermines the unity of the European community and creates new challenges for the EU security in general.

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The attempted murder of former officer of Main Intelligence Directorate of Russia in Salisbury, UK, still causes a lot of questions. It is obvious that poisoning attack using military toxic agents, which injured UK citizens, will have long-live consequences for Russia. British officials made accent on the fact it was the first time chemical weapon has been used since World War II and their reaction was tough.

Russia still rejects all the accusations of its involvement in Skripal case. However, undiplomatic reply of Russian Foreign Ministry as well as the refusal to send British government the information about Soviet chemical weapon program “Novichok”, which was used to poison Skripal and his daughter are another evidence of Russian involvement in this case.

Russian intelligence agencies have carried out many operations of assassinations of Putin’s enemies abroad. The investigation of “polonium murder” of former FSB agent A.Litvinenko established that this assault was planned and done after direct Putin’s order. There are some reasonable doubts about the nature of “suicide” of Boris Berezovskiy, who was one of the most influent Putin’s opponents.

It is worth to mention that political assassination in the territory of sovereign countries has become the usual instrument for Russia to get rid of opponents. We have to admit that Russian origin of nerve agent used to kill S. Skripal was absolutely clearly identified according to statements of V. Mirzayanov, one of the authors of “Novichok” and Soviet chemical weapons in general.

The version of Russian media that attempted murder of Skripal was just the provocation against Russia ahead of the Presidential elections or just an attempt to dismiss Russia as host of the 2018 World Cup or the excuse for strengthening sanctions does not stand up to the criticism.

It is highly likely that attempt to kill Skripal had couple of aims. The first one was to show the political opposition in Russia and in other countries that any contradiction with Kremlin will be ended in similar way. The second aim was to show the world community that any strengthening of sanctions against Russia can provoke not only political respond, but also brutal terror attacks against these countries and their citizens.

Putin continues to aggravate international situation, trying to provoke world leaders, and Skripal case attests to this fact. It is high time to use another measures to stop Russian aggression and to prevent another attacks as we could see in Salisbury.

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On Nov. 2017, one of the largest international expositions, Dubai Airshow took place in United Arab Emirates, and more than 60 countries-participants were presented there.

The delegation of Russian federation taking part in the event has immediately reported about its success in selling of air defense systems and the latest developments of aircraft industry.

Russia declares one of such successes the arrangement with several countries, including Azerbaijan to sell them aircraft Be-200 Altair equipped with power generators D-436TP of Ukrainian producer “Ivchenko-Progress”.

At the same time Russians are going to replace Ukrainian models with the ones of their own analogues, f.e PD-9 produced by “Perm motors” or SaM-146 produced by research industrial center “Saturn” in city of Rybinsk.

Based upon the statements of Russian experts who have been highly criticizing the quality of Ukrainian power generators, it is clear that the aim is to soil the reputation of the competitors and to breach their commitments.

If the replacement happens, the foreign partners of Russia will buy nothing but a pig in a poke because they saw by the exhibition the aircrafts equipped with Ukrainian power generators. Such activity is nothing but dirty game in the business world. Unfortunately it’s everyday rule for Russian military-industrial complex.

Azerbaijan president and politicians are familiar with such immorality of Moscow and we have to hope that Mr. Aliev is not going to be a scapegoat in relation with Be-200 Altair.

To warn possible Azerbaijan partners of Russia, who can become the friends in misfortune of honorable Mr. Aliev, we are going to share information how Russia follows (or better to say – skip to follow) its obligations in regard to current contracts with Azerbaijan.

The sense of claims, which Azerbaijan addressed to Russian partners, is that:

Power generators for AH-2 Sabre (МИ-35) helicopters produced by Russia come out of action regularly, the onboard equipment for this helicopter does not function in a proper way. Likewise the automatic launch system of “AT-9 Spiral-2” (Атака-М) and “AT-6 Spiral” is also not absolutely stable.

The technical features of T-90C tank and its components, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, M1990 Farm (2С19 Мста-С) self-propelled howitzer, TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system, SA-15 Gauntlet (TOP-M23) surface-to-air missile system, AT-15 Springer (Khrizantema-C) anti-tank missile do not correlate with the contract information. Also, the clients did not get the technical documentation for these military vehicles.

The rockets of rocket launch system «Smerch» does not explode and the large-caliber cartridges do not follow the ballistic table.

As we can see, the list is quite large and it is going to be continued with Russian aircraft Be-200 Altair equipped with PD-9 or SaM-146 Russian power generators.

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