Highlights:
08:12 | A clever lie by the Kremlin – US experts said what Russia’s talk about a nuclear weapon means
Reflexive control — manipulation in an attempt to influence the actions of one’s adversary — is a key element of Russia’s hybrid warfare, analysts at the US Institute for Military Studies write in their latest report. This is a tactic by which Russia, through its rhetoric and information operations, tries to force its adversaries to voluntarily take actions favorable to Russia.
One recent example of this is Russia’s statement on tactical nuclear weapons exercises. This threat is intended to intimidate the West, which has provided Ukraine with a new batch of weapons.
“Russian officials have consistently combined nuclear preparedness exercises and vague threats of a nuclear response with major Western policy decisions regarding the war in Ukraine to force Western policymakers to hold back and reduce support for Ukraine,” ISW analysts wrote.
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world
(24 photos)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
Putin did not console: the threat of nuclear war is increasing in the world (photo: SCANPIX)
“It is likely that Russian officials are using the nuclear information operation to deter Ukraine’s Western partners from providing additional military support and to intimidate Western politicians into preventing Ukrainian forces from using Western-provided systems to attack legitimate military targets in Russia,” the experts added.
Despite the scaremongering, ISW analysts continue to say that it is highly unlikely that Russia will use tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine or anywhere else.
07:42 | Finnish Prime Minister: Russia is trying to harm Europe in every possible way
Finnish Prime Minister Petter Orpo and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed their shared concern over Russia’s actions during a meeting in Copenhagen.
This was reported by “Ukrinform” with reference to “Yle” portal.
During the joint press conference, the politicians positively evaluated the relations between the two countries. According to M. Frederiksen, Finland’s membership in NATO opens up new opportunities for cooperation.
At the same time, the prime ministers noted that they are particularly worried about Russia’s statements regarding possible attacks on the territory of European countries.
M. Frederiksen emphasized that such threats will have no effect on supporting Ukraine, but Europe should be well aware of them.
“Russia is trying to harm European countries in every possible way,” noted Mr. Orpo.
Migrants at the Finnish border
(7 photos)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
Migrants at the Finnish border (photo by SCANPIX)
07:00 | A US soldier has been detained in Russia on charges of “criminal behavior”.
An American soldier was detained in Russia last week on charges of “criminal conduct,” the U.S. military said Monday.
This has led to an increase in the number of Americans detained in Russia at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The name of the detained soldier was not released.
“In 2024 May 2 “Russian officials have detained an American soldier in Vladivostok, Russia, on allegations of criminal conduct,” US military spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said.
She noted that Russia has informed the US State Department, which is “providing the serviceman with the necessary consular support”, and the military has in turn informed his family.
“Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” the spokeswoman added.
