Austria says it has uncovered a Russian-steered campaign to spread disinformation about Ukraine
Austria's domestic intelligence agency unearthed evidence of the operation as it analyzed devices found in a search of the woman's home, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. It said the investigation showed that a few weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a cell working for Russian intelligence was set up and planned a large-scale disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries, particularly Austria.
The group was active online but also used stickers and graffiti with content such as far-right symbols and nationalist statements meant to look like pro-Ukrainian activists were responsible for them, according to the Interior Ministry.
The Bulgarian suspect, whose name wasn't released, is believed to have played a significant role in the effort and acted as an intelligence contact, the ministry said, adding that she has admitted working for the cell, particularly in 2022.
A year ago, Austria's biggest espionage scandal in decades erupted with the arrest of a former Austrian intelligence officer, who was accused among other things of handing over cellphone data of former high-ranking Austrian officials to Russian intelligence and helping plot a burglary at a prominent journalist's apartment.
The ex-officer, who was later released from custody, is suspected of having provided sensitive information to Jan Marsalek, a fugitive fellow Austrian wanted on suspicion of fraud since the collapse in 2020 of German payment company Wirecard, where he was the chief operating officer. The arrest warrant said chat messages provided by British authorities link Marsalek directly to Russia's FSB intelligence agency.
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Glasgow Times
13 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands in Alaska as Ukraine war talks begin
After descending from Air Force One, Mr Trump applauded the Russian leader as he approached, walking along red carpets that had been placed for each leader on Friday. They gripped hands for an extended period of time, with both men smiling, and Mr Putin eventually grinned and pointed skyward while their hands were still clasped. US President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Uniformed military members stood at attention nearby at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and B-2s and F-22s — military aircraft designed to oppose Russia during the Cold War — flew over to mark the moment. Reporters nearby yelled, 'President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?' and Mr Putin put his hand up to his ear but did not answer. Mr Trump and Mr Putin both climbed in the US presidential limo, with Mr Putin grinning widely as the vehicle rolled past the cameras. It was the kind of reception typically reserved for close US allies and belied the bloodshed and suffering in the war Mr Putin started in Ukraine. Although not altogether surprising considering their longtime friendly relationship, such outward friendliness before hours of closed-door meetings is likely to raise concerns from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, who fear that Mr Trump is primarily focusing on furthering US interests and not pressing hard enough for Ukraine's. Mr Zelensky and European leaders were excluded from Mr Trump and Mr Putin's discussions, and Ukraine's president was left posting a video address in which he expressed his hope for a 'strong position from the US'. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin is now a three-on-three meeting that will include US secretary of state Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The change indicates that the White House is taking a more guarded approach than it did during a 2018 meeting in Helsinki, when Mr Trump and Mr Putin first met privately just with their interpreters for two hours. US President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) The Kremlin says the summit will also include the two delegations meeting and talks continuing over lunch. The men are expected to hold a joint press conference. The Kremlin shared two clips of Mr Putin and Mr Trump smiling and talking before talks began, alongside Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Mr Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov. Russian media outlets also shared images that appeared to show a bemused Mr Putin raising his eyebrows in response to shouted questions from assembled reporters. At one point, Mr Putin cupped his hands around his mouth and appeared to say something, although his voice could not be heard. US President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Interviewed by Bret Baier of Fox News Channel aboard Air Force One as he flew to Alaska, Mr Trump said he would like to walk away from the meeting with a ceasefire. He also said he would like a second meeting on Russia's war in Ukraine. 'I wouldn't be thrilled if I didn't get it,' Mr Trump said of a halt to hostilities between the countries. He said everyone tells him he will not get a ceasefire until a second meeting. 'So, we'll see what happens. I'm going to be, I won't be happy if I walk away without some form of a ceasefire,' he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks as he meets President Donald Trump (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Mr Trump earlier joked that he 'might start liking Hillary Clinton again' after the former secretary of state said she would nominate Mr Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize herself if he negotiates an end to Russia's war on Ukraine without Ukraine having to give up territory. 'Well, that was very nice,' Mr Trump said when asked about Ms Clinton's comment during an in-flight interview with Fox News Channel. 'I may have to start liking her again.' Mr Trump and Mr Clinton were presidential rivals in 2016 and have had a contentious relationship. Mr Trump has also been angling to be awarded the prestigious peace prize. If Donald Trump negotiates an end to Putin's war on Ukraine without Ukraine having to cede territory, I'll nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize myself. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 15, 2025 The sit-down gives Mr Trump a chance to prove to the world that he is both a master dealmaker and a global peacemaker. He and his allies have cast him as a heavyweight negotiator who can find a way to bring the slaughter to a close — something he used to boast he could do quickly. For Mr Putin, a summit with Mr Trump offers a long-sought opportunity to try to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia's gains, block Kyiv's bid to join the Nato military alliance and eventually pull Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit.
The Herald Scotland
29 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Will this be peace in our time or just ice cold in Alaska?
I decided to let my imagination run riot, and devise an alternative solution. Before leaving Ukraine, and Europe in general, to their fate, President Trump, as a self-identified dedicated peacemaker, might want to consider the following alternative deal. (And if not, would he be prepared to explain his rejection, as it essentially mirrors his own proposal.) The USA and Ukraine have similarities in their respective territorial relationships with Russia; both govern land previously controlled by Russia. (America purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.) President Trump would surely gain a better understanding of President Zelenskyy's position if he were to consider an alternative land-swap deal. One which may find favour with Russia and Ukraine. Such a deal would involve Russian forces retreating from Ukraine ,while the USA returns to Russia an equivalent area of Alaska. Any security concerns America might have could be dealt with if the same parties cobbled together an appropriate memorandum, along the lines of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which was meant to secure Ukraine's sovereignty within its existing borders. What could possibly go wrong with that? Alan Fitzpatrick, Dunlop. More letters... Church leaders need to get rid of the assumed superiority and become part of the people Golf should target the spitters Alex Salmond top Scots figure? No, that's Gordon Brown, without question Defensive behaviour With reference to a recent front page article ('Highest level of nuclear incident reported at Faslane', The Herald, August 14), if nuclear power is so safe, efficient and popular, why is the Ministry of Defence so secretive about their recent "incidents" on the Clyde? Is it gaslighting, ignorance or deceit? Allan McDougall, Neilston. Potato poverty There is little doubt that the SNP can spend money, as is evident in the latest GERS (Government Expenditure and Revenue for Scotland) report (Letters, August 14). But they fall well short on supporting the very Scottish companies that creates their income. The SNP spent £2700 per head in Scotland more than the rest of the UK. If they weren't bailed out by the UK treasury, the SNP would have had to borrow the 11.7% shortfall to make ends meet. This underlines the complete folly of Scottish independence, as it would reduce Scotland to humiliating poverty and back on to a diet of neeps and tatties. Dennis Forbes Grattan, Aberdeen. Transparent not apparent In one of her many media interviews, Nicola Sturgeon at last come out as a republican. For years, when there were votes to chase, she waffled and prevaricated, clearly desperate not to ruffle the feathers of monarchists or republicans. I'd have thought it would be preferable to be unambiguous, honest and transparent when you are an elected public servant, rather than when you are plugging a book. Martin Redfern, Melrose. Tree-mendous suggestion Questioned about her memoirs, Nicola Sturgeon concedes to not having thought through just what would be required to deliver on her promise of overcoming the attainment gap in education ('I underestimated the challenge of education attainment gap, Sturgeon admits', The Herald, August 15). It was the same in regards to so many grand pronouncements made by the SNP leadership over the course of the last 18 years. Whether in regard to reducing waiting times in the NHS, or cutting drug deaths, building badly needed roads and ferries, or meeting environmental targets, time and again the SNP made commitments and promises that were not properly considered. The same can be said of attempts to engineer social change, such as laws about hate speech, named person involvement in family life, and ill-fated self-ID legislation. In each case the initial headline ambition dominated to the exclusion of any careful reflection on alternate views, or the full ramifications of what was being proposed. All of this should come as no surprise, because it goes to the heart of the SNP's approach to its main purpose, namely trying to convince Scotland to leave the UK. Nicola Sturgeon has now revealed her angst at putting together the 670 pages of the Scotland's Future White Paper, ahead of the 2014 independence referendum, bemoaning how Alex Salmond left her to do all the 'heavy-lifting'. I appreciate it will be of no comfort to her now, but Ms Sturgeon could have distilled that weighty tome down to a handful of words on one page, namely: 'Independence: let's hope for the best.' Imagine all the trees that could have saved. Keith Howell, West Linton. Book blocked Steven Camley's excellent recent cartoon was thought provoking on many levels. Initially I missed the nuances, until I read Andrew Learmonth's article ('Scots National Library accused of 'cowardice' over exclusion of gender critical book', The Herald, August 14), explaining the 'cowardice' of the Scottish National Library for not exhibiting 'The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht' book. Censorship in whatever form should not be encouraged. Linda FitzGerald, Killin, Perthshire. Slip slidin' away FOR many years, my mum, Ann Burt, a Paisley resident and Herald subscriber, 89-years-old in November, has regaled our family with her story of the monster slide she went down in the park in Stonehouse, when she was a young girl in 1946. She came right off the end, and managed to do herself an injury. Indeed, she can still point to the outcome of the sudden exit she endured. The other day she phoned with great joy to tell me to check out a Herald photo ('Remember when… Stonehouse had the highest chute in Scotland', August 12). This was the same chute from mum's story, and she claimed vindication for retelling it once or twice. On viewing the picture, all I can say is I'm not sure that when I was 11 (as mum was on her slide down) I'd have had the gung-ho spirit to take the challenge. I suspect that, nowadays, a chute like that would need a prior training course and a lot of safety equipment. My mum's generation were made of sterner stuff. So well done mum. After seeing the pictorial evidence, I promise I will listen to your story with greater admiration the next time you tell it! Rev. David W.G. Burt, Greenock. Diversionary tactics Am I alone in becoming increasingly irked by the amount of roadworks? Also, the increased amount of roadworks within roadworks, and diversions within diversions? Journeys that should take fifteen minutes end up taking an hour and fifteen minutes. Take a recent experience, when I booked a slot at the local recycling centre. I loaded up the car with a considerable amount of items and headed off. Upon nearing the recycling centre, there was a sign advising me that the road I was to join was closed on that particular day for work between 0900 and 1600, along with diversion signs. I duly followed the signs, which entailed a lengthy journey. It was not helped by the fact that using my 'little grey cells' and local knowledge, a shortcut I could have taken through a housing development was also, you guessed it, closed for resurfacing work. Upon nearing the recycling centre again, from the other direction, I spotted another sign. 'Road ahead closed', it read. I assumed this meant the junction of the road further along, that I had been prohibited from entering in the first place. My drive continued, and I was eventually able to access the recycling centre. Why was there no notification under the 'road closed' sign advising 'access to recycling centre only'? Or 'no access beyond recycling centre'? Surely it's common sense to consider such facilities when advising of planned road closures, and to ensure, if access is available, that it is communicated to the public clearly. Especially when one has already been considerably inconvenienced with a lengthy diversion. John G McMenemy, Milngavie. Praying for resurgence A recent article ('Local campaign groups call for more time to buy unwanted kirks', The Herald, August 14), was very raw, and a bit close to home for me, with the imminent announcement of yet another church closure, this time affecting the congregation I attend. The process of closure is a lengthy process and has been very unsettling for those involved. Yet this article describes the Church of Scotland adding salt to the wound for local communities. With the closure of so many churches, along with church halls, it effectively closes community worship in many villages, and closes community facilities and outreach, such as foodbanks. What is the future for those who have remained faithful to the Church of Scotland? And what about local communities who depend on hiring church halls? It's hard to understand where Jesus' message of outreach enters this scenario. Closing so many churches will only serve to exacerbate falling numbers; a factor the Church of Scotland should be concerned about if it is to exist in the future. Catriona C Clark, Banknock. Stable relationship AI (Artificial Intelligence) is often discussed in terms of science fiction fears, such as rogue machines or job losses. Yet for autistic people a quieter and more immediate danger is already here. I am an autistic man from a working class background. Some AI chat systems have been a lifeline for me and others, offering continuity, a non-judgemental space, and a rare feeling of being understood. But these systems can change tone, memory and behaviour without warning. For neurotypical users, this may be irritating. For autistic people, it can feel like emotional abandonment, and trigger severe anxiety or even a mental health crisis. Autistic people are already at much higher risk of suicide than the general population. When AI is designed without considering our needs, the harm is not hypothetical, it is real and preventable. Developers and regulators must act now. We need transparent notice before changes, communication styles tailored to neurodivergent users, and clear settings for how much the AI remembers. Stability is not a luxury for us, it is a necessity. AI may never take over the world, but if built without care, it could quietly devastate autistic lives. Paul Wilcox, Barrhead. The grand old game is becoming increasingly modern in its ways (Image: Image: Supplied) Slow coach Kristy Dorsey's report on one of the latest golf simulators (''Golf doesn't just mean playing the game' for Dumfries company', The Herald, August 15) reveals that AI provides motion analysis of your swing dynamics for comprehensive insights into your swing mechanics. A far cry from a lesson at Hilton Park , where the late Billy McCondichie said to me: " Slow that down to a blur, so that I can see what you're doing." I did, and he saw what I was doing. David Miller, Milngavie.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Trump-Putin peace summit leaves five unanswered questions as ceasefire in doubt
The prospect of a ceasefire in Ukraine seems more distant than ever as several hours of negotiations in Anchorage, Alaska, between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin ended without agreement Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have concluded their highly anticipated peace summit without any notable outcome, as the two world leaders failed to broker an agreement - leaving a host of unanswered questions in their wake. The two met in Anchorage, Alaska, today for what was projected to be several hours worth of closed-door negotiations between senior teams in a bid to hammer out a Ukraine ceasefire. But they both left empty-handed after just under three hours, with the summit closing abruptly following a joint press statement and both men boarding their respective planes bound for home. Mr Trump, who conceded there was "no deal" in his own statement, has left more questions than answers after delivering vague remarks to gathered journalists. What was the ' significant point' that couldn't be agreed on? Mr Trump gave the most substantive answer to what happened behind closed doors when he addressed diplomats and members of the press, but still revealed very little as to what was said. He notably revealed that "many points were agreed to" in the closed-door meeting, adding that "one is the most significant". He said: "We had an extremely productive meeting and many points were agreed to, there are very few that are left. Some are not that significant, one is probably the most significant but we have a very good chance of getting there." While he spoke for a little longer, he never did elaborate on that point, with members of the public none the wiser as to what he meant after he and Putin split off without answering journalists' questions. Will Trump go to Moscow? Today's joint address concluded with a brief quip from Putin, who appeared to suggest another meeting in the future - this time on his home turf. Speaking after Mr Trump suggested they could meet again, he said: "Next time in Moscow." The US President seemed discomforted by the suggestion, however, and was very non-commital in his response, telling his Russian counterpart the suggestion was an "interesting one". He said: "That's an interesting one. I'll get a little heat on that one, but I could see it possibly happening." Neither Washington nor the Kremlin has committed to another meeting, with Mr Trump suggesting in an interview on Fox News that the ball is now in Ukraine and NATO's court. Why did Trump not take questions? Mr Trump famously enjoys speaking with members of the press, whether from the Oval Office or in conferences after major meetings conducted behind closed doors. But today was notably different, with the US and Russian Presidents notably departing the stage abruptly and without taking a single question. The leaders had a taste of the kind of questions that would have been asked, with Putin quizzed as to whether he would "keep killing civilians" in Ukraine. He appeared to antagonise members of the press at several points by holding his hand to his hear and shrugging, before cracking a smile. He may have wanted to avoid answering these lines of inquiry on stage and ruled out taking questions - but neither Kremlin nor Washington officials have said why they left before doing so. How will NATO respond? One question to which we will eventually get an answer is how NATO will respond to the meeting, with Mr Trump saying during today's conference that he planned to speak with representatives of the military pact after the summit. He said: "I'm going to start making a few phone calls and will tell them what happened." World leaders typically release statements following conversations with Mr Trump, with Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte among the key figures likely to do so. But we've already got an early taste of how the summit was received by former NATO officials, with the US' former ambassador to the organisation saying Mr Trump achieved "zero". Douglas Lute told the BBC Putin ultimately won, having come away "with the end of international isolation". Why was the luncheon cancelled? Among the billed features of the summit mentioned ahead of time was a luncheon between senior negotiators, which appears to have been ultimately ditched at the last second. These lunches are typically vital opportunities for strengthening diplomatic ties, and have been skipped in the past when frictions develop between officials. A highly-anticipated lunch between Mr Trump and Ukrainian premier Volodymyr Zelensky was notably skipped earlier this year after their Oval Office meeting descended into a shouting match. While the Anchorage summit was more publicly convivial, the lunch between US and Russian officials was skipped. Representatives from either party are yet to confirm as to why this was the case.
