Sabotage accusations towards the Nord Stream pipeline at 03:50
In a move aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, Germany and France are pushing for the European Union (EU) to impose sanctions on Russian oil giant Lukoil and its trading subsidiary Litasco. The proposed sanctions are part of a broader strategy to penalise banks and companies that help Moscow circumvent existing sanctions.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to claim lives, with at least two civilians reportedly killed and 16 injured in drone and missile strikes on the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces have claimed success in liberating the village of Zarichne in the same region.
In a separate development, a 49-year-old Ukrainian man, Serhii K., is facing extradition to Germany in connection with the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. According to the German Federal Prosecutor's Office, Serhii K. is allegedly one of the coordinators of the attack, and he and his accomplices reportedly rented a sailing yacht to approach the pipelines and placed explosives that caused damage to the underwater pipes in September 2022.
The proposed EU sanctions against Lukoil also include targeting its trading subsidiary Litasco and refineries in third countries involved in Russian oil exports to the EU. Furthermore, the sanctions are expected to extend to cryptocurrency transactions in Central Asia.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia is increasingly isolating itself from the West. In a concerning development, Russia is planning to withdraw from the European Convention against Torture. This withdrawal from Western institutions and networks could pose a danger for the human rights situation in Russia.
In response to the escalating tensions, Ukraine has prioritised strengthening its air defense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set this as the top priority for the Ukraine Contact Group talks. In a positive development, arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is set to supply Ukraine with its new air defense system Skyranger, worth hundreds of millions of euros.
The conflict has also led to diplomatic tensions between other countries. For instance, the Czech Republic has expelled a Belarusian diplomat accused of espionage.
Russia, however, denies any plans for a possible war with NATO, but Ukraine claims that Russia is currently preparing its rockets for such a conflict.
These developments underscore the complex and volatile geopolitical landscape in Europe, with the potential for further escalation and sanctions in the coming months.
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