The Russian invasion

The Russian invasion|The response of the outside world  

Turkey blocks minesweepers to Ukraine: "Unfortunate"  

 

Turkey's decision to block two British minesweepers from being donated to Ukraine is "unfortunate". This is what James Stavridis, retired US admiral who was formerly NATO's supreme commander in Europe, told Politico. 

 

Earlier this week, ships were stopped from sailing from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, via the waterway that runs through Turkey. The decision was made with reference to the Montreux Convention of 1936.  

 

According to the convention, ships from third countries are allowed to pass through the strait in time of war, but it is also written that Turkey has the last word. And the country believes that the decision is made to minimize the risk of being drawn into the war.  

 

James Stavridis is critical. 

 

- I think that Ankara is trying too hard to maintain a balance and should instead fully commit to its role as a NATO member.  

 

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The Russian invasion|The response of the outside world  

Kadyrov: Lift the sanctions against mother and the horses 

 

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says he is ready to release 20 Ukrainian prisoners of war captured in Donetsk and Luhansk. But in exchange, he demands that the US lift several sanctions, The Moscow Times reports. 

 

Kadyrov wants the sanctions against his mother, daughters and horses lifted. That the horses are mentioned in the same sentence as the family members stands out. The explanation is that Kadyrov has long been a successful owner in equestrian sports, writes Expressen.  

 

Kadyrov, who is closely allied with Vladimir Putin, has handed over the list of prisoners of war to former American CIA agent Scott Ritter. He has turned towards the West and is now a frequent guest on Russian television, where he acts as an "analyst".