In Belarus, the court sentenced a Russian and a Belarusian to up to 23 years in prison in the case of preparation for the explosion of the Russian Consulate General and an oil depot
Details
A Russian and a Belarusian, who were recruited by a Russian, recruited by a “Ukrainian intelligence officer,” were tried in Hrodna. According to the version of state TV channels, they planned to blow up the oil depot in Hrodna. Despite the fact that there was no explosion, they are accused of committing a terrorist act.
The court in Hrodna appointed Belarusian Vadim Patsenko and Russian Alexei Kulikov 21 and 23 years in prison, respectively, in the case of preparation for sabotage in Hrodna in 2023. They were found guilty under the articles on agent activity, terrorist act, act of international terrorism, state treason and incitement to hatred.
According to the investigation, the Russian allegedly on the “assignment of the Ukrainian security services” photographed Hrodna military recruitment center, military unit, as well as the Consulate General of the Russian Federation and the local oil depot, which was later to be blown up by Patsenko with the help of a drone and explosives.
According to the investigation, the activities of both convicts were supervised by St. Petersburg artist and activist Daniil Krinari, who was sentenced by the Moscow City Court in April 2024 in a case of “confidential cooperation with a special service of a foreign state”.
The trial of the men was held in closed mode, whether the convicts pleaded guilty is unknown. At the same time, pro-government TV channels say that Kulikov said his last word in Ukrainian, while Patsenko said “that his actions were politically motivated”.
Finland is moving to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the decision comes as a direct response to growing aggression from Russia.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has approved a set of controversial laws, including a “foreign agent” act aimed at NGOs and media. Critics say it mimics the U.S. FARA but is weaponized against dissent.
A long-feared megaquake off Japan’s Pacific coast could cause up to $1.81 trillion in damage and kill nearly 300,000 people, according to a new government report.
We regret to inform you that due to lack of funding we are forced to discontinue the English version of our website. This decision was not easy for us, as we have always strived to provide quality and timely information for our international audience and Russian-speaking readers. Unfortunately, the current financial realities leave us no other choice.
The Russian-language version of the site will continue to operate, but in a limited mode. We understand that this will create inconvenience for many of our readers, and we apologize for possible interruptions in the provision of news and analytical materials on this resource.
We appeal to you, our loyal readers, with a request to support our editorial staff. Your help will allow us to continue our work and provide you with important and relevant news. Please go to the support page and make your contribution to the development of independent journalism.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to your support during this difficult time.
The Russian capital faced one of the largest terrorist attacks in its history. The terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which claimed the lives of many innocent people, was the second largest after the Beslan tragedy. But unlike previous attacks, this incident is shrouded in a layer of contradictory facts and ambiguities that point to possible miscalculations by the Russian security services
