Isolated but defiant Putin cheered on by 200,000 ecstatic pro-war Russians while four US soldiers die and UK convoy leaves for Ukraine March 19, 2022 Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was cheered on by 200,000 ecstatic Russians last night, an event that was broadcast live on state television across the world’s largest country. Russian Olympians wearing the nationalist “Z” symbol were celebrated on stage at a pro-war rally organised by Putin at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Social media showed gymnasts [...]
Ukraine invasion crumbling fast as Russia is forced to defend supply lines and loses air control despite heavy Lviv bombing March 18, 2022 Russia is being forced to divert “large numbers” of troops to defend its supply lines rather than continuing its attacks in Ukraine, British defence intelligence analysts believe. The latest intelligence assessment published by the Ministry of Defence said: “Logistical problems continue to beset Russia’s faltering invasion of Ukraine.” “Reluctance to manoeuvre cross-country, lack of control [...]
GlaxoSmithKline will not begin any new clinical trials in Russia March 18, 2022 Britain’s second-biggest drug maker, GlaxoSmithKline, won’t begin any new clinical trials in Russia because of the war against Ukraine. It made the announcement following similar moves by major US pharmaceutical giants Pfizer, Merck and Eli Lilly. The UK’s biggest company in the industry, AstraZeneca, is still conducting trials – but is considering ending them, according [...]
M&S franchises remaining open in Russia is ‘buttressing Putin’s brutality’, Tory MP says March 18, 2022 Marks and Spencer has been urged to close its stores in Russia by a Conservative MP. Marks and Spencer has been urged to close its stores in Russia by a Conservative MP. The representative for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns, made her comments while hosting four Ukrainian politicians on Thursday. This comes as major international [...]
Moscow’s ‘Uncle Vanya’s’ fast-food chain unveils new logo following McDonalds exit from Russia March 18, 2022 A Russian fast-food chain is readying itself to become Russia’s own version of McDonalds after unveiling a new logo that bears a number similarities to the hamburger restaurant’s Golden Arches crest. The Moscow headquartered firm filed an application to patent its red and gold symbol, after a Russian politician said the country should start its [...]
Furious Putin lashes out at ‘scum and traitors’ as Ukraine invasion stalls and yet another Russian general is killed March 17, 2022 Russia’s president Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian state television late last night to excoriate Russians who do not back him, even as both sides expressed optimism over efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting. Russians “will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and will simply spit them out like [...]
Explainer: What is the Economic Crime Act and how will it help the government tackle oligarchs? March 17, 2022 The government’s Economic Crime Bill, which gives the UK new powers to tackle oligarchs, has gained Royal Assent after being fast tracked through parliament. In a statement, the government said the new laws will make it easier for the government to “tackle corrupt elites” and crack down on “Putin’s cronies.” Notably, the law will require [...]
Lord Coe enters race to buy Chelsea from Abramovich and eyes seat on the board March 17, 2022 World Athletics chief and long-time Chelsea fan Lord Coe has joined Sir Martin Broughton’s bid to buy the club. London 2012 boss Coe, 65, would take a seat on the club’s board if the consortium is successful, according to reports. Best bids are due in tomorrow with US bank the Raine Group, which is selling [...]
Kremlin in sudden U-turn as ceasefire seems likely: Russia ‘changing tone’ as isolated Putin drops demands for Ukraine to surrender March 16, 2022 Despite fierce fighting in the last 24 hours, with Russia’s military forces blasting Ukraine’s capital region and other major cities. Russia has softened its stance in the talks over a possible settlement and is rapidly ‘changing tone’, according to people close to the Ukraine-Russia peace talks. In fact, a ceasefire seems increasingly likely. Ihor Zhovkva, [...]
Women’s tennis chief ‘strongly’ opposed to bans for Russian and Belarusian players over Ukraine March 16, 2022 Steve Simon, the head of elite women’s tennis tour the WTA, says he “feels very strongly” that players from Russia and Belarus should not be prevented from playing because of the invasion of Ukraine. It comes after UK government ministers said assurances should be sought from Russian players that they do not support Vladimir Putin [...]