Merz sends more money to Kiev despite its role in Nord Stream sabotage — politician

Nord Stream gas leak investigationMerz sends more money to Kiev despite its role in Nord Stream sabotage — politician Sahra Wagenknecht urged the German government to resume imports of Russian gasBERLIN, July 3. /TASS/. The founder of the BSW party, Sahra Wagenknecht, urged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to stop financial aid to Kiev after news that a Ukrainian citizen is suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream sabotage. "What else exactly has to happen before the German government finally learns its lessons?" she asked rhetorically. "Everyone knows that the Ukrainian government, and most likely [Vladimir] Zelensky himself, ordered to commit this terrorist act," she wrote on the X social network. "As if in gratitude for destroying our energy infrastructure, Merz willingly sends more and more presents worth billions to Kiev, which are getting bogged down in a swamp of corruption," Wagenknecht continued. "Enough is enough! This embezzlement of taxpayer money needs to stop immediately. Instead of again making us a laughing stock to the world, the German government should work hard to resume imports of affordable Russian gas via the still-intact leg of the pipeline. That would be a huge relief for the economy and consumers." Earlier, Germany's federal prosecutor general announced charges against a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Prosecutors believe he and his accomplices planned the attack on behalf of Ukrainian state agencies. On September 26, 2022, unprecedented damage was recorded on three branches of the Nord Stream pipeline and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had not yet been put into operation. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal investigation into an act of international terrorism. TagsUkraineGermanyNord Stream gas leak investigationUS attained practically all its goals during negotiations with Iran — TrumpThe US president said he was not going to wage a war against Iran for yearsRead moreKiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoyBoris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territoryRead moreKiev tries to draw Minsk into conflict through strikes on Belarusian buses — Russian MFAAmbassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukraine attempts to further destabilize the situationRead moreGerman defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"Read moreRussia successfully tests new fixed-wing FPV training droneThe trials took place at the Moscow Military District's counter-UAV centerRead moreUkrainian troops failed to retreat from Sudzha — commando group’s chief"These groups are currently being exposed, pursued, and eliminated," he saidRead moreRussian diplomat reveals what EU can do to bring relations back on good trackBrussels and other European capitals must end all unfriendly actions against Russia, Maria Zakharova saidRead moreRussian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regionsUnits of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of NovosyolovkaRead moreGerman prosecutors confirm charges against Nord Stream saboteurAccording to Federal Public Prosecutor General, a Ukrainian national and his accomplices developed a sabotage plan on behalf of Ukrainian government agenciesRead moreFrance’s Naval Group to open maritime defense innovation lab in Lithuania with partnersNaval Group’s partners include the Kaunas University of Technology, the Klaipeda University, the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and the Center for Physical Sciences and TechnologyRead moreZelensky’s 'pantheon of heroes' move will cost Ukraine — former Polish PMMateusz Morawiecki clarified that "the cult of the UPA" did not strengthen Ukraine, but rather, it weakened its authority, complicated relations with allies, and distanced Ukraine from Western integrationRead moreBulgaria, Romania, Turkey agree to protect underwater infrastructure in Black SeaThe Bulgarian government has approved amendments to a memorandum on the establishment of a joint naval mine countermeasure groupRead moreRussia says EAEU shares its concern about Armenia's rapprochement with EUDeputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added that these two integration associations are fundamentally incompatibleRead moreKiev not seeking peace, Zelensky tasked with escalating conflict — MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Kiev regime is not independentRead moreBrent falls below $71 per barrel, first time since February 27As of 3:04 a.m. Moscow time, Brent crude reached $70.90 per barrelRead moreKremlin briefing covers Russia's massive strike on Ukraine, EU's confrontation with MoscowThe European Union's escalation toward Russia further intensifies already heightened tensions across Europe, Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreRussian Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower torches Ukrainian stronghold near Krasny LimanThe special operations group commander with the call sign Zmei said that the Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system was operating daily, providing support to advancing assault groupsRead moreZelensky says Kiev in contact with US negotiatorsAs the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yetRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreUN court accepts Russia’s lawsuit against Ukraine, gives Kiev one year to answerRussia can submit its objections by December 7, 2027Read moreUkrainian drone attack on Nizhny Novgorod Region kills one as Russia downs 327 UAVsMore than 25 drones were destroyed over six districts in southern Russia’s Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar reportedRead moreRosatom supplied nuclear island control systems for Xudapu NPP in ChinaThe Specialized Research Institute of Instrument Engineering specialists have already completed the manufacturing of services for the supervision and installation of software and hardware packagesRead moreTransnistria extends yellow terrorist danger code for another two monthsThe yellow level has been in effect for fourth years after a series of terrorist attacks in 2022Read moreKiev's sponsors refuse to respond to deaths of children in Russia in airstrikes — MPRoza Chemeris' comments came in response to the overnight strike by Ukrainian forces that resulted in the death of a six-month-old baby in Yegoryevsk, near MoscowRead moreUkrainian attack on city bus in Lugansk People’s Republic leaves 12 injuredLeonid Pasechnik added that Russian investigators continued to document the consequences of such attacksRead moreKazakh president identifies direct flights to US, Japan as priorityKassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of effectively pursuing strategic goals such as expanding the fleet size, broadening the route network, and enhancing Kazakhstan’s transit potentialRead moreInvestigation sees woman behind Monaco explosion — Le FigaroSeveral newspaper sources claim that the woman conducted reconnaissance several days and several hours before the explosionRead moreRussian children rights commissioner, ICRC chief discuss Russia-Ukraine kins reunificationThe meeting focused on reuniting children with their families in Russia, Ukraine and third countriesRead moreMoscow cannot ignore EU’s commitment to confrontation with Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov believes it is clear that Europe is escalating tensions with RussiaRead moreOil shipments through Strait of Hormuz rise to 10 mln barrels per day — mediaAccording to the report, another 5 million barrels of oil per day are being transported via alternative routesRead moreVon der Leyen "excellent liar" saying Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe — ZakharovaThe Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that any EU citizen can sue the European Commission president for this statement and win the caseRead moreEU’s 2025 military spending exceeds Brussels' forecastsThe European Defense Agency data shows that in 2025, defense expenditure by EU member states reached 418 billion euros, a 20% increase from the previous yearRead moreSaudi Arabia sent largest oil shipment in four months through HormuzThis indicates an increase in Saudi Arabia's oil exports after the United States and Iran agreed in June to resume maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg said Read moreRussian FPV drones destroy Ukrainian robotic vehicles near Krasny LimanA Molniya-2 drone crew of the Battlegroup West destroyed a camouflaged Ukrainian UAV control post in the Krasny Liman directionRead morePutin’s call with Pashinyan, Lithuania’s statements on UAVs, SPIEF guest: KremlinDmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow had never revealed the guest of honor and who will host the plenary session at SPIEF beforehandRead moreThree in serious condition after drone strike on bus in Lugansk People’s RepublicNine people suffered injuries, Assistant Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov saidRead moreRussia to feature new aircraft carrier concept at Army-2019 arms showThe new aircraft carrier may have a gas turbine power unit, according to designers Read moreRussian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for UkraineThe commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basementsRead moreTurkey calls Israel ‘problem for whole world’Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Israeli authorities "have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear"Read moreRussia develops augmented reality system for mobile fire team trainingDesigned for on-site training at actual combat positions, the system eliminates the need for ammunition expenditure and reduces barrel wearRead moreIAEA, US to assist Iran in destroying enriched uranium — JD VanceThe US vice president added that this is "spelled out very clearly" in the memorandum of understandingRead moreLebanon and Syria establish High Committee for Cooperation and Security"The committee's work will be aimed at developing trade and economic ties and establishing mutual understanding in the field of security," Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf SalamRead moreRussian troops begin fighting for Osykovo northwest of Konstantinovka in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this directionRead moreZelensky becoming 'lame duck' even for Kiev hardliners — governorKherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term has ended and that the head of the Kiev regime is clinging to power through a ban on normal political competitionRead moreRussia begins testing new Svarog pro AI-assisted interceptor drone in combatThe drone that is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs is hand-launched and is used jointly with a ground-based control station, enabling an operator to strike targets at a distance of up to 17 kmRead moreIdentity of EU negotiator irrelevant as long as EU demands Russia's capitulation — MFAMikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Russian side has consistently maintained that the EU’s representative should be someone who "has not said or done anything offensive towards Russia" Read moreFinland on list of targets for Russian nuclear weapons — MedvedevThe deputy chairman of the Security Council explained that this happened after Finland lifted its ban on the import of nuclear weaponsRead moreUS Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers leave Royal Air Force base in UK — TWZThe event marked the end of the deployment to support the war against IranRead moreMan rescued alive from rubble in Venezuela one week after earthquakeEl Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said the operation succeeded thanks to the joint efforts of rescue teams from Chile, the US, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and El SalvadorRead moreClosure of railway border crossings with EU not affecting national economy — lawmakerLeonid Liminchuk, Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Industrial Policy, Energy, Housing and Utilities of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia, called this a technical issueRead moreDiplomats from Russia, China, Mongolia discuss schedule for potential trilateral contactsThe parties discussed in detail the schedule of potential trilateral political contacts for 2026, including at the highest and high levelsRead moreFinland takes side in Ukrainian conflict, to which has no relation — politicianArmando Mema, a member of the conservative Freedom Alliance party, says that in recent years, Finland has pursued a terrible policy towards Russia Read moreAll tickets for upcoming direct flights between Russia and Tanzania sold out — ministerRussian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that flights would be operated three times a week by Air TanzaniaRead moreGranddaughter of Cold War-era Soviet leader dies after being hit by train near MoscowThe woman attempted to cross the rail tracks away from the established safe crossingRead moreLearning personally from Putin about Russia’s foreign policy important for Turkey — FidanThe Foreign Minister added that it is important for Turkey to understand Russia’s position on the "ongoing peace process in the Caucasus," positions and opinions on Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, and SyriaRead moreExplosion hits Damascus, causing casualties — TVAccording to the report, the incident occurred on Al-Nasr Street near the Palace of Justice, leaving several people injuredRead moreMoscow aims to finish talks on Iranian nuclear deal by end of February — envoyAccording to Russia’s Permanent Envoy to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov, a final document on the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal has already been draftedRead moreRussia to comply with international humanitarian law no matter what — top diplomatRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with International Red Cross Committee President Mirjana Spoljaric in MoscowRead moreRussian forces hit Kiev facility that manufactures Flamingo missile control systemsThe Russian forces delivered the strike in retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attacks on civilian infrastructure on Russian territoryRead moreBank of Russia to assess feasibility of key rate cut at July meetingKirill Tremasov everything voiced in June remains relevantRead moreCyprus says is going to send troops to Ukraine 'under no circumstances'According to Yiannis Antonio, Christodoulides said Cyprus is willing to contribute to the creation of a UN-mandated force to monitor security in Ukraine after a peace deal is signed, similar to the one inked before the deployment of the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon on the border with IsraelRead moreChina, ASEAN countries have shown interest in Trans-Arctic corridor — RSPP headRussia also faces the task of increasing the railway’s throughput capacity in the eastern direction to 180 mln tons, Alexander Shokhin addedRead moreRussian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilitiesRead moreRussian troops liberate Piskunovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 155 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead morePutin supported request for extra fuel supplies to Kaliningrad Region — KremlinThe head of state also backed a request "to allocate funds for subsidized air tickets for residents of the Kaliningrad Region," Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreOmbudswoman’s office documents every account of torture in Ukrainian captivityYana Lantratova stressed that every report of torture, abuse, threats, unlawful detention, and other violations is taken up for actionRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on Minsk-Anapa bus in Bryansk RegionTwo bus drivers from Belarus' Gomel Region and one passenger were injured as a result of the drone attackRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areasThe ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targetsRead moreCzech PM hits back at US criticism of Prague’s implementation of NATO commitmentsAndrej Babis said that the Czech Republic is not a colony, but a partnerRead moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreUS offers Iran access to frozen funds for free Hormuz Strait passageIran rejected the proposal, insisting on its right to control the Strait of Hormuz, while its military also threatened tough measures against vessels that do not use routes approved by Tehran, The Wall Street Journal notedRead moreSecurity Council urges Belarusians to refrain from traveling to Russian border regionsNo one will be able to guarantee the safety of citizens on such trips until the special military operation stops, Alexander Volfovich saidRead moreTanzania become 34th country with direct flights from Russia in summer seasonFlights on the route Dar es Salaam - Moscow - Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam will be operated three times a week Read moreSlovenian lawmaker questions idea of upping defense spending to please TrumpSlovenia could either "continue investing in projects that benefit the people" or "simply listen to what ‘daddy’ says and purchase only American weapons", said Martin Premk, a member of the Slovenian lower house of parliament representing the Freedom Movement, the largest opposition factionRead moreRussia to create risk management tool for first industrial use of domestic technologiesThe Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia has formed a special working group to consider this initiativeRead moreUkraine attacked Belarusian bus to provoke Minsk — Russian SenatorKiev is also trying to intimidate residents of the Union State, threatening reprisals for trying to enter the territory of Russia, Russian Senator from the Kherson Region Igor Kastyukevich saidRead moreSomali pirates demand $10 mln for release of tanker — portalAccording to the news outlet, the vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, was seized on May 2 in the Gulf of Aden while transporting diesel fuel from the UAERead moreUkraine loses over 38,000 servicemen, mercenaries in June — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, this is 7,180 more than in MayRead moreRussia, Indonesia plan to expand space cooperationAccording to Russia's Roscosmos CEO, in a period when space services are increasingly used worldwide, every country needs to have sovereign access to outer spaceRead moreAmid Russian advance Ukraine is trying to draw Belarus into conflict — senior diplomatMikhail Galuzin emphasized that Moscow and Minsk remain prepared to utilize the full scope of their bilateral security agreement to safeguard their shared interests should Kiev's provocations escalate furtherRead morePutin grants Russian citizenship to Italian opera icon Giancarlo del MonacoOver the course of his career, del Monaco has directed more than 100 operas in major theaters around the worldRead moreNATO chief admits to sleepless nights over RussiaAccording to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer termRead moreRepresentatives from 100 countries to attend Ali Khamenei's funeral ceremony — diplomatEsmaeil Baghaei added that the farewell ceremony for foreign guests will begin on Friday at approximately 2:00 p.m. local timeRead moreUkrainian 'national pantheon' to be installed in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra — Culture MinistryThe decision on reburial will require approval through a vote of the Verkhovna Rada, the Center for Strategic Communications under the Culture Ministry saidRead moreRussian forces establish foothold along Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal — military expertAndrey Marochko noted that with Malinovka under control, Russian servicemen "can advance in various areas"Read morePilgrims arrive in Tehran for farewell ceremony for Ali KhameneiAccording to the Iranian authorities, several million pilgrims are expected in TehranRead moreArtillery from 810th Brigade destroy 10 Ukrainian UAV centers in Sumy Region in one weekThe enemy's ability to coordinate drone operations in this sector of the front has been effectively neutralizedRead moreUkrainian scam call center defrauds US citizens of $500,000 — policeAccording to the report, the scammers posed as financial advisors and convinced victims to invest in cryptocurrency, securities, and stocks through fake investment platformsRead moreFinland lifting its ban on nukes requires Russian response, diplomat saysMaria Zakharova lambasted the move as unfounded, given repeated statements from leading Finnish politicians and relevant agencies in the Nordic country that Russia does not pose a direct military threat to FinnsRead moreErdogan regularly holds consultations with Putin on regional issues — FidanBecause look at our region, at the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea basin, which is important to us. The Caucasus is important to us, Central Asia and the Middle East, said Turkish Foreign MinisterRead moreEU to grant Armenia €38 mln and open market for 80% of its goods — von der LeyenEC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million to help strengthen and diversify its tradeRead moreOmbudsman readies materials for human rights defenders on Ukrainian strike on collegeAdditional documentation on the weapons used, the chronology of strikes and the results of the investigation will be provided in the near futureRead moreRussia to have decent representation at upcoming G20 summit in US — sherpaDenis Agafonov confirmed that Moscow is aware of public statements from US officials regarding plans to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 meetingRead moreRussian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near KonstantinovkaAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clockRead more