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Novaya Gazeta Europe
6 days ago
- Politics
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
Satellite images show 12 air defence systems deployed around Putin's Valdai residence — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Vladimir Putin and an Orthodox monk are pictured at the Smolensk Skete in the historic Valaam monastery in Karelia, Russia, 1 August 2025. EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL Satellite images of the area around Vladimir Putin's Valdai residence in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia have shown at least 12 air defence systems — mainly Pantsir-S1 complexes — deployed on the site, Radio Svoboda, the Russian-language service of RFE/RL, reported on Tuesday. A year ago, there were just two on the same site, Radio Svoboda said. The first air defence system on the site was discovered in January 2023, while a second system was revealed six months later. According to Radio Svoboda, there are only five times as many air defence systems in the whole of Moscow and the Moscow region as at the Valdai site, even though they have a combined population of 20 million. Previously, the investigative journalists at Proekt discovered that the Valdai site also now housed a separate residence for Alina Kabaeva, 42, a Russian politician and former gymnast widely believed to be Putin's partner. Furthermore, an investigation by the non-profit investigative outlet Dossier Centre revealed in September that Putin's two sons from Kabaeva live in these residences. The residence has previously sought to employ tutors from South Africa, while Olesya Fedina, Kabaeva's cousin, introduces herself as the boys' mother to outsiders and personally meets any prospective employees. Putin, 72, is famously guarded about his private life. He divorced his wife Lyudmila in 2014. Their two daughters have also largely managed to avoid the public spotlight.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Satellite images of Ukrainian strike on Russia's Engels airfield revealed
Satellite images from Maxar have captured the aftermath of a Ukrainian defence forces strike on ammunition depots at a Russian strategic aviation airfield. Source: Skhemy, a Radio Svoboda project Details: The images from 21 March show damage to the ammunition depots at Engels-2 military air base in Russia's Saratov Oblast. Craters from explosions have appeared in place of some buildings. The ammunition depots at Engels-2 airfield as of 21 March 2025 Photo: Skhemy The ammunition depots at Engels-2 airfield as of 7 December 2024 Photo: Skhemy The airfield is known as the base from which Russian strategic aviation aircraft have repeatedly taken off to carry out large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine. Aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi told Skhemy that these depots housed containers for Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles, which Russia uses for attacks on Ukraine with Tu-160 and Tu-95 aircraft. He also noted the likelihood that a missile pre-flight preparation centre located there had also been destroyed. Background: Local authorities reported that a fire broke out at the military airfield in Engels, Russia's Saratov Oblast, following a drone attack. Additionally, local Telegram channels stated that authorities had begun evacuating houses located near the airfield. Later, this information was confirmed by Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on the night of 19-20 March, the Ukrainian defence forces attacked Engels-2 airfield, which caused a fire and explosions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy on US aid: no discussions on new packages yet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine has not yet discussed new military aid packages with the United States, but there is no reduction in military support at present. Source: European Pravda with reference to Radio Svoboda (Radio Liberty) Details: After meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv on 5 February, Zelenskyy told journalists that Ukraine "currently has no reduction in US support". Quote: "It [US support – ed.] has not been stopped; it continues, and I am grateful to the US for this. Of course, we are not talking about new packages yet – it is too early to discuss that". Details: At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasised that any reduction in US military aid would definitely impact Ukraine's defence capabilities. Quote: "We will be weaker, and I am not sure whether we will save it [the land – ed.]. " Background: US arms shipments to Ukraine had been recently briefly suspended and then resumed as the Donald Trump administration discussed policy towards Kyiv. A Reuters source said there are factions within the Trump administration that disagree on the extent to which the US should continue providing weapons from its stockpiles to Ukraine. Trump had not previously ruled out the possibility of purchasing US-made weapons for Ukraine with funds generated by frozen Russian assets. Trump revealed his interest in striking an agreement with Ukraine to acquire rare earth metals and other resources in return for arms supplies. Support UP or become our patron!
