Russian FSB accuses London and Kyiv of planning to sabotage TurkStream
Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), claimed that British and Ukrainian intelligence agencies were planning sabotage attacks on the TurkStream gas pipeline. He made this statement at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of the CIS in Samarkand. According to Bortnikov, the FSB has information confirming the involvement of Western special services in planning attacks on Russian energy infrastructure facilities. Bortnikov did not provide details about the planned operations, but noted that the FSB is taking measures to prevent such threats and strengthen the security of strategic facilities (TASS).
Intended effect: The article aims to paint a picture of constant threats from the UK and Ukraine while strengthening trust in Russian special services as defenders of national infrastructure. At the same time, the article reinforces anti-Western rhetoric, presenting Russia as a besieged fortress under attack from external enemies.
Russian FSB: Europe has replaced U.S. in financing NGOs in CIS countries
Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), claimed that European agencies took over the financing and coordination of non-governmental organizations in the CIS countries after the U.S. reduced its activity in this area. Bortnikov alleged that the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and other countries are now playing an active role by using business projects as a cover for destructive activities. He also noted that European curators provide these organizations with technical resources and programs aimed at undermining relations between the CIS countries and Russia, as well as weakening Russian influence in the region (TASS).
Intended effect: The article portrays Europe as the primary source of external interference in the affairs of CIS countries. It emphasizes the need to strengthen control over non-governmental organizations and supports the idea that Russia is a target of Western subversive activities.
Bishop of Armenian Apostolic Church sentenced to custody in Yerevan
A court in Yerevan has sentenced Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to two months in prison on charges of coercing people to participate in rallies and gatherings, RIA Novosti reports. Other clergymen, including Priest Garegin Arsenyan, as well as diocese employees, were arrested alongside him. The conflict between the Armenian government and the church intensified after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made offensive statements against the church on social media and proposed changing the procedure for electing the Catholicos, giving the state a decisive role. Supporters of the church and defense lawyers representing those arrested plan to appeal the court’s decisions, considering the trial to be politically motivated and a violation of the rights of religious figures (ria.ru).
Intended effect: By covering the bishop’s arrest, Russian media outlets are portraying the Armenian government as a repressive regime that suppresses freedom of religion. They are creating the impression of instability and chaos in the country and demonstrating official Yerevan’s inability to respect traditional institutions, including the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Russia proposes important agreement to Azerbaijan and Armenia
Russia has made an important proposal to Azerbaijan and Armenia aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and resolving pressing issues, the Moscow-based outlet moscow-baku.ru reports. Representatives from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran met in Baku to discuss issues of transport, energy, and customs regulation. The initiative aims to strengthen economic cooperation, stabilize the situation in the region, and ensure mutually beneficial interaction between the countries. During the talks, the sides emphasized the importance of dialogue and joint work on key areas, such as transport corridors, energy projects, and coordinating customs procedures. Russia’s initiative is seen as a step toward improving security and economic stability in the South Caucasus (moscow-baku.ru).
Intended effect: Russian media outlets emphasize Russia’s role as the main peacemaker and mediator in the South Caucasus. This demonstrates Russia’s influence and ability to unite Azerbaijan and Armenia around joint economic and political initiatives, strengthening Moscow’s image as a key regional player.
