Latest news with #Russian-Qatari
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Putin Giving 'Shadow Fleet' Warship Escorts: Finland Defense Official
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed warships to escort his covert "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, according to Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen. Putin's military vessels are now guarding the fleet through the Gulf of Finland, the official said, calling the move unprecedented. Newsweek reached out to Russia's Foreign Ministry via email for comment. Why It Matters Russia put together its so-called "shadow fleet" to circumvent curbs on its oil exports in response to Western sanctions levied after Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Operating primarily in the Baltic Sea, the fleet consists of older tankers with opaque ownership structures, often lacking proper insurance and frequently changing flag registrations. These vessels account for approximately 17 percent of the global oil tanker fleet. The alleged deployment of warships to guard the fleet is significant as it signals a clear link to the Kremlin. What To Know "The Russian military presence in the region has always been visible, this is not a new feature. However, what is new is that Russia is protecting its shadow fleet tankers in the narrow passage of the Gulf of Finland," Häkkänen told Finnish broadcasting company Yle on Saturday. "Military escort and the presence of armed forces is observed. This is a completely new thing," Häkkänen said. Experts say the vessels are being used by Russia to circumvent curbs on its oil exports. Officials have also sounded the alarm that vessels from the Russian shadow fleet can be used for signals intelligence, or intercepting communications. NATO officials have also accused Moscow of using such vessels to carry out sabotage of critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables. Russia has not commented on the shadow fleet. Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during Russian-Qatari talks at the Grand Kremlin Palace on April 17, 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during Russian-Qatari talks at the Grand Kremlin Palace on April 17, 2025. Contributor/Getty Images Häkkänen said Finland doesn't consider the deployment of warships a direct threat to the country yet, but "it's clear that Russia is strengthening its military capabilities and remains an aggressive and dangerous neighbor to all of Europe." On Friday, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced that two Russian military aircraft had violated the country's airspace off the coast of Porvoo, prompting an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Russia also sparked alarm when it was reported to have deployed a Su-35 fighter jet inside Estonian airspace to protect an oil tanker on May 13. "This fighter jet violated NATO territory for one minute. This is something very new," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said at a NATO meeting in Turkey. "We need to understand that Russia has officially tied and connected itself to the Russian shadow fleet." He added: "We need to understand that the situation is really serious." NATO member states have held talks on how to seize Putin's shadow fleet, Politico reported in February, citing two European Union diplomats and two government officials. Some have suggested seizing the vessels on the grounds of international law, either for environmental reasons or piracy. The EU and Britain adopted sanctions this month against the shadow fleet. United States President Donald Trump has also extended a Biden-era ban on Russian ships docking in U.S. ports, citing national security concerns. What People Are Saying The European Parliament said in November 2024: "To evade sanctions, the Russian 'shadow fleet' makes use of flags of convenience and intricate ownership and management structures while employing a variety of tactics to conceal the origins of its cargo, including: ship-to-ship transfers; automatic identification system blackouts; falsified positions; transmission of false data; and other deceptive or even illegal techniques. In addition to bolstering its war chest, Russia's 'shadow fleet', which consists of a growing number of aging and poorly maintained vessels that operate with minimal regard to the regulations, poses significant environmental, maritime safety, and security risks. "As Russia depends increasingly on its 'shadow fleet' to maintain oil exports, the EU and allied nations have implemented measures to counter these evasive tactics. These include imposing targeted sanctions on specific vessels and enhancing international collaboration to disrupt such activities." What Happens Next NATO officials will continue to monitor the activities of the fleet for possible sabotage activities. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has vowed a "firm response" should there be any attack on infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
University of Doha for Science and Technology signs strategic MoU with Innopolis University to strengthen academic collaboration in the field of AI
Doha, Qatar, As part of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar's visit to Russia, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innopolis University marking a major step in academic cooperation and professional development. The agreement was signed by Ms. Najla Al-Naemi, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at UDST, and Aleksei Pavlov the Deputy Director of the Russian IT university. The MoU outlines both institutions' mutual goal to cooperate across several academic fields. It serves as a framework for advancing shared objectives and engaging in joint activities that will benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both universities. The entities will collaborate on scientific and research projects in the fields of machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. Special attention will be given to the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, smart cities, and energy, key sectors for both Qatar and Russia. The partnership includes the establishment of a platform to support technology startups in the field of AI, providing access to laboratories, mentoring programs, and investment opportunities offered by both universities. Additionally, the institutions plan to develop joint educational programs and organize international events aimed at knowledge exchange and the pursuit of breakthrough solutions in artificial intelligence. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST, highlighted the significance of the agreement: 'We are proud to establish this partnership with Innopolis University, in the presence of His Highness the Amir of Qatar, aligning with the country's vision of cultivating global connections and innovation-driven education. This collaboration will offer our students and faculty valuable international exposure and open doors to cutting-edge research, academic exchange, and transformative learning experiences. Innopolis University's excellence in technology and innovation makes it an ideal partner as we work together to shape the future of higher education.' Mr. Iskander Bariev, Director of Innopolis University, highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating: 'This will expand the horizons of Russian-Qatari cooperation in the field of high technology. University of Doha for Science and Technology has a strong research base, and our IT university has competencies in the field of applied AI: medical diagnostics, logistics, creation of new drugs and materials, and more. Together, we will be able to accelerate the development of new innovative projects. In addition, the cooperation between the two universities will strengthen scientific and technological ties between our countries and will also help in the development of an international ecosystem of AI developments.' The MoU will facilitate the exchange of academic staff and students for teaching, visits, joint research experiments, and internships, as well as the implementation of collaborative projects. UDST and Innopolis University have also committed to sharing best practices and innovative experiences, with the potential to expand their cooperation into other mutually agreed areas in the future. This collaboration is part of UDST's broader internationalization strategy and emphasizes its position as a leader in applied education, committed to empowering the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and industry professionals. About University of Doha for Science and Technology: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) was officially established by the Emiri Decision No13 of 2022, and it is the first national university specializing in academic, applied, technical, and professional education in the State of Qatar. UDST has over 70 bachelor's and master's degree programs, diplomas, and certificates. The university houses 5 colleges: the College of Business, the College of Computing and Information Technology, the College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of General Education, in addition to specialized training centers for individuals and companies. UDST is recognized for its student-centered learning and state-of-the-art facilities. Its world-renowned faculty and researchers work on developing the students' skills and help raise well-equipped graduates who proudly serve different sectors of the economy and contribute to achieving human, social, and economic development goals nationally and internationally. Innopolis University specializes in education, research, and development in the field of information technology and robotics. The Russian IT university cooperates with 52 academic partners from 25 countries and with 400 industrial ones. Since 2012, the university's portfolio includes 538 implemented commercial and grant projects for Gazprom, Aeroflot, Kamaz, Norilsk Nickel, Rosseti, RusHydro, Severstal, and other companies.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Qatari Emir arrives in Moscow for talks with Putin on Ukraine and Middle East
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived in Moscow on Thursday for talks with President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine and Middle East issues, on a trip that the Kremlin described as very important. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the two leaders would have a "serious conversation" on a range of issues and sign various agreements. "It is difficult to overestimate the role of Qatar as a whole now in many regional and even world affairs. Qatar is our good partner, Russian-Qatari relations are developing very dynamically, contacts between the heads of state are quite frequent," Peskov told reporters. Qatar has made a series of attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and has helped arrange the return of children from both countries who were separated from their parents during the war. Russia and Qatar said this week that the leaders would discuss efforts to find a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end the "bloodbath", but has yet to achieve a breakthrough. Moscow has said it is not easy to agree a settlement. Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi told the TASS state news agency that the emir's talks with Putin would touch on Ukraine, Syria, the Gaza Strip and energy such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
See - Sada Elbalad
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Kremlin: Putin to hold talks with Qatari Emir tomorrow
Basant Ahmed The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad tomorrow, Thursday, in the Russian capital, Moscow." The Kremlin explained - according to the Russian news agency "TASS" - that "it is planned to discuss urgent issues of Russian-Qatari cooperation in various fields, with a focus on the trade, economic and humanitarian fields, in addition to a number of key issues on the international agenda." read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
