Vladimir Kara-Murza put on wanted list
The Russian Interior Ministry has added Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza to a wanted list, TASS reports. According to the ministry’s database, he is “wanted under an article of the Russian Criminal Code,” though it does not specify which article. In 2023, Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of treason, spreading “false information” about the army, and collaborating with “undesirable organizations.” He was released from prison in the summer of 2024 as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries. Afterward, he left Russia and is now wanted by the authorities once again (TASS).
Intended effect: The news emphasizes the Russian government’s stance that opposition figures remain subject to criminal prosecution, even when they are abroad. This portrays the state as determined to control its opponents and shows that amnesties or exchanges do not mean an end to persecution. It reinforces the idea that no opposition figure is “untouchable.”
RIA Novosti: Europe has started a war where it was not expected
RIA Novosti has published an article claiming that Europe is already waging a “war” within its own cities, not on external fronts. The author describes Brussels as “the most dangerous place in Europe,” a city where shootings and attacks have allegedly become more frequent, and street crime is linked to migrants and “ethnic ghettos.” The article states that the police are demoralized and afraid to act, and that the authorities are not in control of the situation. The article emphasizes that European armies are too small to counter internal chaos, and that the flow of migrants is turning into a “military reserve” for future conflicts (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The article portrays Europe as a region plunged into chaos and violence, devoid of order and security, contrasting it with the stability of Russia. This rhetoric reinforces the idea of the “decline of the West” and justifies Russian foreign policy as a means of safeguarding traditional values and maintaining internal control.
Erdoğan announces continued contacts with Russia and Ukraine
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed that Turkey continues to maintain contacts with Russia and Ukraine in order to end the conflict, adhering to a policy of balance, RIA Novosti reports. Erdoğan also noted that “as in any war, the blood merchants are those looking to profit here” (ria.ru).
Intended effect: Erdogan’s statement highlights Turkey’s desire to remain neutral and act as a mediator to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
RIA Novosti: Moldova is preparing an attack on Transnistria with NATO’s support
Transnistria has announced that Moldova is preparing an attack on the PMR, claiming that Chisinau is arming itself and using diversionary tactics in preparation for action, either independently or with NATO’s help, RIA Novosti reports. Ilya Galinsky, a professor at the so-called Pridnestrovian State University, noted that Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu’s statement about the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria contradicts the country’s increasing militarization. Grosu previously stated that Chisinau is considering two scenarios for joining the EU – with Transnistria’s participation immediately or in two stages, emphasizing the region’s close economic ties with the European market. Galinsky stressed that reintegration is a foreign and hostile concept for Transnistrians that is being imposed on them by militant opponents from the right bank of the Dniester (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The statement emphasizes the strained relations between Moldova and Transnistria with a focus on military training and NATO’s potential involvement. This could heighten fears of a potential escalation of conflict in the region.
