RRussia's authorities are meanwhile continuing to tighten the thumbscrews against war opponents and dissidents: The Russian Ministry of Justice declared the well-known civil rights activist Oleg Orlov a “foreign agent”. According to the Interfax news agency, the 70-year-old was put on the blacklist along with five other people because of his criticism of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the spread of alleged false information about the political leadership in Moscow. For years, Orlov headed the human rights department of the civil rights organization Memorial, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.
The Russian leadership uses the term foreign agent to brand opposition members and critics. Anyone who is listed as a “foreign agent” in Russia must expect numerous disadvantages. The organizations, media and individuals on the register are subject to increased supervision of their finances. The classification is intended to fuel mistrust against them and make their work in Russia more difficult. Non-governmental organizations complain that Russians are turning away for fear of being accused of collaborating with “foreign agents.”
Kyiv is happy about new anti-aircraft systems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the arrival of two more modern anti-aircraft complexes. “They are systems that shoot down everything,” Zelensky said in his daily video message on Friday. Kiev has been working for months to deliver these systems. He did not name the exact type. In the Russian war of aggression, Ukraine defends its airspace with, among other things, US Patriot air defense complexes and the Iris-T system from Germany. The war enters its third year at the end of February.
According to Zelensky, the two new anti-aircraft weapons will be used to protect the regions. He admitted that these were still inadequately protected and at the same time promised to work on further strengthening them. Air defense is considered important because, particularly last winter, Russia systematically destroyed Ukraine's infrastructure – especially its energy supply – with attacks from drones, rockets and cruise missiles. This winter, the damage is significantly less, thanks to stronger anti-aircraft defenses.
In addition to the “news of the day,” Zelensky also shared the results of the General Staff meeting. Plans for the current year have been laid down there, specifically to increase the company's own drone production and to secure the supply of ammunition. At the front, Zelensky highlighted the situation in Avdiivka as continuing to be particularly difficult.
According to Zelensky, he was also informed about the situation by the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, Valeriy Zalushny. Speculation about a replacement for the popular top general has been growing for days.
Lithuania delivers more ammunition to Ukraine
There is good news for Kiev from the Baltics: Lithuania has provided Ukraine with further military aid in the fight against Russia. The army of the Baltic EU and NATO country has handed over ammunition for “Carl Gustaf” grenade launchers and remote detonation systems to Kiev, the Defense Ministry in Vilnius said. “We actively and consistently support Ukraine, because our support for Ukraine is also an investment in our own security,” said Minister Arvydas Anusauskas.
That will be important on Saturday
An informal meeting of EU foreign ministers is entering its second day in Brussels. The situation in Ukraine and further help for the country attacked by Russia will also be discussed at a working lunch. However, not all ministers are there in person.
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