Russian services have penetrated everywhere and deeply into the West; here is a very good article from Danish investigative journalists. danwatch.dk/droneangreb-...

Russia will not rest until it is stopped and defeated in Ukraine. jamestown.substack.com/p/russian-fo...

NATO and Latvia 🇱🇻 host joint exercise to enhance defence readiness against threats on Latvian border www.ncia.nato.int/newsroom/new...

“History warns us to think twice. The Baltic nations know what “only de facto” Russian occupation means — and that “temporary” can last half a century.” on.ft.com/3UsRc7E FT: Baltic states know Russian occupation is never temporary

The Kremlin has a bad track record of keeping its promises and sticking to its commitments.

Well done! Latvia secures exclusive contract to deliver advanced drones to Ukraine. The procurement competition attracted the interest of 163 entrepreneurs from 57 member states of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group. eng.lsm.lv/article/soci...

“Russia is not just Ukraine’s problem. It is a systemic threat to the international order,” writes Latvia’s foreign minister Baiba Braže. econ.st/4mNRcMo

It’s time to call it out - the so-called MEP Fidias Panayiotou is actively spreading Russia’s disinformation narrative. He’s done so for too long, largely unchallenged. Also, his 9 May visit to Moscow’s Red Square with red carnations is one of many examples.

To reflect upon…

Recently, the French Navy's Atlantique 2 patrolled above the Baltic Sea. "Russian forces attempted to jam the plane’s GPS, & at one point, another Russian warship locked on to the plane with radar, a warning that it could open fire. Russian naval ships & a submarine were visible in the sea below."

FT: Trump threatens secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no deal on Ukraine www.ft.com/content/784b...

Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has destroyed Gazprom's business model. www.ft.com/content/5da4...

President Donald Trump’s pick as NATO ambassador reassured senators at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that the Trump administration’s commitment to the military alliance was “ironclad.” apnews.com/article/matt...

Ursula von der Leyen: "Europe is ready to assume its responsibilities. ReArm Europe could mobilise close to EUR 800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe. We will continue working closely with our partners in NATO. This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up."

It’s Monday.

Europe’s rescue mission on Ukraine: keep Trump engaged “The PM [Starmer] will bring people together and politely make sure they realise that there is only one negotiation in town — and that’s President Trump’s.” on.ft.com/41OdWDD

Today’s news in Russia.

Much has already been said about yesterday's events at the White House. Just now, the president arrived in London, where he was warmly welcomed by the British Prime Minister. Tomorrow, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with King Charles. But what about the online space? 1/5

"Don't 'give Russia what they want," says EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Read: kyivindependent.com/kallas-decri...

Financial Times: Zelenskyy offers to step down in exchange for peace and Ukraine’s Nato membership on.ft.com/41aIMoo

The Economist: “NATO has been the world’s most successful alliance: its disappearance is hard to imagine. But the old things have passed away; all things have become new. Europe needs to face up to that before it is too late.” www.economist.com/leaders/2025...

Europe delivers.

Evil…

Evil…

Once again, critical undersea infrastructure has been damaged in the Baltic Sea. Early on the morning of January 27, an underwater fiber-optic cable connecting Sweden and Latvia was damaged. Just a few weeks ago, critical infrastructure connecting Finland and Estonia was also damaged.

Straight talking Donald.

Finally! Today, the European Parliament adopted a critical resolution that condemns the Russian regime's systematic falsification of historical arguments to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

‼️‼️‼️

Ukraine’s future is in the EU and NATO www.politico.eu/article/volo...

Europe, it's time to act decisively. Seize those Russian assets. edition.cnn.com/2025/01/14/p...

"The Kremlin playbook is to haul in the deputy and squeeze him (it normally is a man) for compromising material about his bosses and colleagues. Everyone understands the rules, which helps to keep Putin’s servants on a short leash and minimize the likelihood of dissent among the elite."

Go for it, Valdis! www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

The Duma is seriously discussing the introduction of food coupons…Interesting thread on Russia’s plummeting economy from @efinkel.bsky.social showing that Moscow is not winning.

Stronger together 💪

"Russia appears to be withdrawing some of its Syria-based forces following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, according to analysis of satellite photography and a Ukrainian intelligence assessment."

Not a single indicator that Russia would like to enter peace talks with Ukraine. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

"As Hemingway once wrote of bankruptcy, the collapse of autocratic regimes tends to happen gradually and then suddenly—slowly, and then all at once."

‼️ Declassified Romanian secret service files, sent to the Supreme Council of National Defence, reveal concerns about pro-Russian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. They were made public after President Iohannis approved their release at institutional request. 🧵 ⤵️ 1/5

‼️

Swedish media reports two new internet cable disruptions between Sweden and Finland.

Not good.

This podcast gives a good insight and overview of EPP priorities for the 2024-29 @eucommission.bsky.social.

The new 2024-2029 European Commission has been approved. A lot of work ahead! Let's get to work!

The emperor has no clothes! Russia brags about its military power, while soaring inflation drives people to steal butter, now locked in anti-theft boxes.

It is a very dangerous and recurring trend in Europe! Pro-Russian parties and candidates often remain unnoticed by traditional media and polling companies during the pre-election period, even as their videos trend and solidify voter preferences.

“No European can afford complacency, fatigue or neutrality, whether political or economic. Europe can achieve long-term peace only if it is prepared for war.” @edgarsrinkevics.bsky.social says Ukraine is a litmus test for European resolve www.economist.com/the-world-ah... from @economist.com.

We cannot stand idly by while the world around us continues to arm itself. The future of European security depends not only on policies but also on political will. It is time for Europe to take responsibility for its defence. Read: epp.group/npk8c931 #EUDefence

‼️ SANCTIONS WORK ‼️

In a new "can't make this shit up" . moment, Maria Zakharova gets a call during her live presser today, and you can hear a male voice tell her to not comment the IBCM launch. Is this another Moscow4 moment, or is it a staged poker bluff meant for the West?

Russia has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, following days of escalation in the conflict.