Russian invasion

Security in Europe
US criticizes EU economic policy: “Mistake”

US EU Ambassador Andrew Puzder condemns the EU’s “Made in Europe” plans and warns European leaders that they could damage joint defense efforts and weaken Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia, reports Bloomberg.

– That would be a serious mistake, he tells the news agency.

European leaders have been discussing for some time how the EU can become more independent. Basically, it is about getting EU countries to produce and buy European goods to a greater extent. 

Sanctions
Technical glitch reveals 818 billion in Russian oil smuggling

A cyber glitch has revealed an oil smuggling operation in Russia worth at least 90 billion dollars, equivalent to 818 billion kronor, writes the FT. The so-called smuggling ring plays a central role in financing the war in Ukraine.

The FT states that 442 web domains, all registered on the same private server, are connected to the network. A total of 48 companies are participating, cooperating to hide the origin of Russian oil.

– We are seeing increasingly complex patterns and new actors emerging and trying to circumvent our measures, says David O’Sullivan, the EU’s sanctions envoy, to the FT.