essanews.com on MSN6d
russia blocks germany's bid for un security council seat
For years, Germany has been working to elevate its status within the United Nations. However, Russia has now sent a clear signal that is not in Berlin's favor. Moscow has categorically rejected Germany's request for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Germany calls for new sanctions on Russia's dark fleet that is 'damaging major undersea cables' nearly every month
Finland said last week it detained a ship that may be from Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers as part of a probe into a damaged undersea cable.
KUOW1d
Here's what's behind Russia cutting off its last gas line to Europe
Ukrainian transit gas deal to Europe ended on Jan. 1. For now, the most acute effects are being felt in a region called Transnistria, on the eastern edge of Moldova.

NATO, Baltic Sea and Russia

NATO Beefs Up Baltic Presence With Extra Ships Amid Russia Threat
 · 1dKyiv Independent on MSN
Finland to host NATO Baltic summit, address Russia’s 'shadow fleet' sabotage threats
 · 2dDaily Wrap on MSN
NATO deploys ships to patrol Baltic, safeguard undersea cables
 · 9hOneindia
Elon Musk Engages in Controversial Discussion with Alice Weidel on Hitler and the Russia-Ukraine War
 · 3hHosted on MSN
Elon Musk's Full Conversation: Musk Makes Controversial Comments on Hitler & Russia-Ukraine War
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has hosted a lengthy conversation with the co-leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Alice Weidel. Up 150 experts were expected to monitor the talk live-streamed on X on Thursday evening for potential violations of Germany’s election laws,
Elon Musk and far-right German leader Alice Weidel heartily agree in interview
US to announce new weapons package for Ukraine as defence leaders prepare to meet in Germany
US, Germany pledge more aid for Ukraine at latest Ramstein meeting
In Germany, Austin announces what could be final substantial US aid package for Ukraine
THE FINAL $500 MILLION? Compared to some previous U.S. aid packages for Ukraine, $500 million is fairly modest. However, it was the best the Pentagon could manage to assemble from existing weapons stocks before the Biden administration ends in eleven days.
Russia, China step up hybrid confrontation ahead of Trump inauguration: Peter Apps
On Christmas Day, authorities in Estonia and Finland noted the sudden interruption of the Estlink 2 undersea electricity cable linking their two nations - just as ship tracking data showed the Cook Islands-registered "Eagle S" passing outbound from Russia’s Baltic coast en route to Egypt.
U.S. announces more Ukraine aid as Zelenskyy calls for NATO to deploy troops to "force Russia into peace"
Ukraine's leader says partners sending ground troops would help "force Russia into peace," as America's European allies ponder Trump's next move.
Stars and Stripes10d
Trio charged in Germany for pro-Russia plot targeting US bases in Bavaria
Three men have been charged with spying on U.S. military bases for Russia and plotting attacks on American personnel in retaliation for Western support of Ukraine, German prosecutors said.
How Kyiv ‘weaponising’ natural gas in Russia-Ukraine War is bad gambit for Europe
Though the avowed purpose of Ukraine and Western nations of the non-extension of the gas transit agreement is to give a material blow to the Russian economy, its real consequences in terms of strategic,
Germany and US have long been allies - that could change with Trump | Opinion
As Angela Merkel, the longtime former chancellor of Germany, said in November 2024, the looming second Trump presidency “is a challenge to the world, especially for multilateralism.”
Germany: Inflation rose to 2.6% in December
Germany has struggled with rising prices due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The German figures come one day before the eurozone will release its December inflation numbers.