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Paramount Group Expands into Ukraine's Armoured Vehicle Market

Paramount Group Expands into Ukraine's Armoured Vehicle Market

Paramount Group, Africa's largest private defence company, is expanding its presence in Ukraine's armoured vehicle market. The South African-based company, founded by Ivor Ichikowitz, is leveraging its European subsidiary, Paramount Greece, to enter the market amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The company showcased a locally adapted Mbombe 4 vehicle to Ukrainian defence stakeholders, marking a significant engagement with a conflict-zone customer. This move comes as South Africa navigates complex diplomatic ties with Russia while maintaining a policy of non-alignment.

Russian National Arrested in Dubai for Alleged Shooting of GRU Deputy

Russian National Arrested in Dubai for Alleged Shooting of GRU Deputy

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announced the arrest of Lyubomir Korba, a Russian national, in Dubai. Korba is suspected of shooting Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the first deputy chief of the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency. The incident occurred at an apartment block in northwestern Moscow, where Alekseyev was shot multiple times and subsequently hospitalized. Russian authorities have identified two accomplices, one detained in Moscow and another believed to have fled to Ukraine. The arrest follows recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi involving Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. negotiators. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the attack as a terrorist act intended to disrupt these talks.

Ukraine Seeks Polish Aid Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine Seeks Polish Aid Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine has requested emergency assistance from Poland after a massive Russian attack on its energy infrastructure. The strikes have caused widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity or heating in freezing temperatures. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy facilities, including the Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska power plants. In response, Poland has temporarily suspended operations at two airports near the Ukrainian border to ensure military aviation can operate freely. This development highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining its energy supply amid the conflict.

Ukraine businesses struggle to cope as Russian attacks bring power cuts and uncertainty

Ukraine businesses struggle to cope as Russian attacks bring power cuts and uncertainty

While businesses were prepared for electricity cuts due to Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, no one expected such a brutal winter

Ryazhenka Explained: Why This Fermented Milk Is a Protein-Rich Eastern European Staple

Ryazhenka Explained: Why This Fermented Milk Is a Protein-Rich Eastern European Staple

Ryazhenka, a traditional fermented milk product from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, is not only cherished for its unique taste but also for its nutr...

Ukraine Tourism Before and After the 2014 Crimea Annexation

Ukraine Tourism Before and After the 2014 Crimea Annexation

The 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea marked a significant turning point for Ukraine's tourism industry. Prior to this event, Ukraine attracted mor...

Norwegian Security Services Anticipate Increased Russian Spying in the Arctic Amid Tensions

Norwegian Security Services Anticipate Increased Russian Spying in the Arctic Amid Tensions

Norwegian security services have issued a warning that Russia is expected to intensify its espionage activities in Norway, particularly focusing on the Arctic region. This development is linked to Norway's support for Ukraine and its status as Europe's leading supplier of pipeline gas. The annual threat assessment report by Norway's security services (PST) highlights concerns over potential Russian sabotage targeting Norway's energy infrastructure, either through physical means or cyberattacks. In response, Norway has expelled Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover and restricted Russian vessels' access to its ports. Despite these measures, Russian intelligence agencies are anticipated to adapt and continue their operations, including attempts to recruit Ukrainian refugees in Norway for intelligence purposes.

Suspect in shooting of senior Russian general has been detained, Russia says

Suspect in shooting of senior Russian general has been detained, Russia says

Russia’s Federal Security Service says a man suspected of shooting a deputy chief of Russia’s military intelligence agency in Moscow has been detained in Dubai and handed over to Russia

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine has requested emergency aid from Poland after a massive Russian attack on its energy infrastructure. The strikes targeted key power plants, causing widespread outages and leaving many without heat or electricity in freezing temperatures. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the request for assistance, as the damage has led to emergency outages in most regions. The attacks coincide with ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., which have yet to resolve territorial disputes and security concerns.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for faster action on air defence, repairs to grid

Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for faster action on air defence, repairs to grid

Feb 6 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Friday for faster action in boosting Ukrainian air defences and in repairing damage to electricity grids and heating systems following massive Russian air attacks.

Ukrainian Shelling Causes Significant Damage in Russia's Belgorod, Governor Reports

Ukrainian Shelling Causes Significant Damage in Russia's Belgorod, Governor Reports

The governor of Russia's Belgorod region reported significant damage following nighttime shelling by Ukrainian forces. The attack, which occurred near the Russian-Ukrainian border, resulted in power outages in some districts of Belgorod city. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that emergency meetings were underway to address the situation, although specific details of the damage were not disclosed. The shelling comes amid resumed strikes on energy infrastructure by both Russia and Ukraine, despite a previously agreed moratorium. The attacks are set against the backdrop of U.S.-brokered peace talks, highlighting the ongoing tensions and conflict between the two nations.

U.S. and Russia Reestablish Military Dialogue Amid Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. and Russia Reestablish Military Dialogue Amid Ukraine Peace Talks

The United States and Russia have agreed to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue for the first time in over four years. This development comes as part of U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The agreement was reached during a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials, as confirmed by the U.S. European Command. The restored communication channel is intended to provide consistent military contact as efforts continue towards achieving a lasting peace. This dialogue had been suspended since 2021 due to escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The talks in Abu Dhabi also included discussions on prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides agreeing to release captured servicemen.