London arm of Russia’s VTB on brink of collapse as sanctions bite March 30, 2022 The London arm of Russia’s VTB Bank is on the brink of insolvency proceedings after sanctions have curbed its ongoing operations. As reported by Mark Kleinman for Sky News, British banking regulators have called in advisers to help address Russia’s second-largest lender’s presence in the capital. Sources told Sky that the bank could fall into [...]
Russian promise to ‘drastically reduce hostilities’ may be bid to ‘deceive people and deflect attention’ March 30, 2022 Ukraine and the United States have cast major doubt on Russia’s reported promise to “drastically reduce hostilities”, with and secretary of state Antony Blinken warning it could be a bid to “deceive people and deflect attention”. Following “constructive” ceasefire negotiations held in Turkey between officials from the two warring sides, it has been reported that [...]
Decathlon suspends activities in Russia after boycott calls March 29, 2022 Decathlon’s French tycoon owners have suspended activities in Russia after criticism following the invasion of Ukraine. The Mulliez family, who own Decathlon alongside DIY retailer Leroy Merlin and food firm Auchan, has faced boycott calls this week. “In strict compliance with international sanctions, Decathlon notes that the supply conditions are no longer met to continue [...]
‘Cold welcome and no handshakes’: Russian and Ukrainian delegations meet for ceasefire talks in Turkey, attended by Abramovich and Erdogan March 29, 2022 There were “no handshakes” as Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Turkey for ceasefire talks, attended billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovich and president Erdoğan. Delegations for the two countries gathered in Istanbul, with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pictured speaking to the Chelsea owner. A video also appeared online of the Russian businessman, who has alleged [...]
From devoted nun to ruthless killer: Ukraine claims to have captured Bagira, Russia’s most feared and admired sniper March 29, 2022 Ukraine claims to have captured Russia’s most famous female fighter after she was wounded and left behind by her unit, according to various reports in Serbia and Eastern Europe. Danijela Lazović, better known as Bagira or Irina Starikova, a household name in Russia, was reportedly captured by Ukrainian forces after she was unable to flee, [...]
‘Putin, come and meet me’ says Zelensky as Russia’s foreign minister Lavrov agrees the two presidents can meet March 28, 2022 Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said today that his president, Vladimir Putin, and the president of Ukraine could meet. “The meeting is necessary once we have clarity regarding solutions on all key issues,” Lavrov said in an interview with Serbian media. His comments followed interviews by Ukraine’s president Zelensky, who said earlier today: “Ukraine must [...]
Carlsberg follows Heineken with ‘difficult and immediate decision’ to quit Russia March 28, 2022 Carlsberg has followed Heineken in quitting Russia, saying the “difficult and immediate decision” would lead to a “substantial” loss. The Danish brewer becomes the latest major western firm to leave the Kremlin-ruled country in protest of Vladimir Putin’s war. The company said it has “taken the difficult and immediate decision to seek a full disposal [...]
Enough already: Worn out Zelensky says he is ready to offer security guarantees to Putin and declare Ukraine ‘neutral’ March 28, 2022 Ukraine would consider declaring neutrality and offering security guarantees to Russia, including keeping Ukraine nuclear-free, the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. He told independent Russian journalists on Sunday that the issue of neutrality – and agreeing to stay out of Nato – should be put to Ukrainian voters in a referendum after Russian troops [...]
Putin should be very worried about evaporating support at home, says UK’s former ambassador in Moscow March 26, 2022 Russia has become a “despicable tyranny” under the rule of Vladimir Putin, according to the UK’s former ambassador to Moscow. Sir Andrew Wood was commenting on news of the jailing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny for nine years on fraud charges in what has been described as sham trial. Wood also claimed rising numbers [...]
US and EU sign historic deal to supply Europe with gas – in bid to move away from Russian fuel March 25, 2022 The US and EU have announced a historic deal to supply to supply with Europe with 15bn cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of the year. The deal was announced today during US President Joe Biden’s visit to Brussels, on a mission to wean the continent off reliance on Russian fuel. [...]