Beginning July 1st, all Russian state employees in the U.K. must publicly declare their activities under a new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). This measure, expanding the scheme initially launched in 2023, follows the uncovering of suspected Russian and Belarusian spy networks and aims to counter threats to national security. Russia joins Iran as the second country subject to FIRS, enabling stronger action against covert activities and potential criminal prosecution for non-compliance. The scheme mandates registration of all political influence activities undertaken on behalf of a foreign state, enhancing transparency and informing parliamentary interactions.
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Switzerland has frozen CHF7.4 billion ($8.4 billion) in Russian assets, a CHF1.6 billion increase from the previous year. This rise reflects the identification and subsequent freezing of additional assets. Furthermore, 14 real estate properties belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities have been seized. Criminal proceedings have been initiated by the Swiss Attorney General following a SECO investigation, resulting in an additional CHF1.65 billion in super-provisional asset freezes.
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The U.S. removed Karina Rotenberg, wife of sanctioned Russian oligarch Boris Rotenberg, from its sanctions list. Rotenberg, a U.S. citizen since at least 2013, had been sanctioned in 2022 despite continued international travel and significant joint assets with her husband, including European real estate and equestrian holdings. This action comes as the U.S. simultaneously expanded sanctions on other Russian individuals and entities, while the EU concurrently lifted sanctions on another sanctioned oligarch and his family. The reasons behind the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Karina Rotenberg remain unstated in this report.
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Following a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced Ukraine’s readiness to commence the first cluster of EU accession negotiations. This announcement follows Germany’s commitment of an additional €3 billion in aid, encompassing crucial defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s security. Sybiha expressed gratitude for Germany’s continued support, highlighting the €8 billion allocated for future aid and its significance in ensuring long-term Ukrainian and European security. The aid package will facilitate new contracts with German defense companies, solidifying a strategic partnership.
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Russia’s spring military call-up, totaling 160,000 men aged 18-30, marks the largest conscription since 2011, reflecting a broader military expansion plan to nearly 2.39 million personnel. This increase, exceeding previous spring drafts by 10,000, comes despite ongoing attempts at a ceasefire and reports of conscripts’ deaths in Ukraine. The call-up is attributed to escalating threats stemming from the war in Ukraine and NATO expansion. While officially stated to not participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, past instances show that conscripts have been used to replace losses.
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Germany will permanently station troops in Lithuania by 2027, marking its first such deployment since World War II. This deployment, part of a multi-year agreement between Germany and Lithuania, is a direct response to Russia’s aggression and aims to bolster NATO’s eastern flank. Initially, 150 German soldiers will be deployed, growing to 500 by 2025 and eventually reaching 5,000. The move comes amid intelligence assessments suggesting Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO.
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Despite a purported agreement to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia’s spring conscription has begun, calling up 160,000 men—10,000 more than the previous year. This follows heavy Russian military losses in Ukraine, prompting a tripling of the military’s size since the invasion began. The increased draft, coupled with recruitment of contract soldiers and foreign fighters, aims to replenish forces depleted by the ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, neighboring Finland, citing increased military threats, is increasing defense spending and abandoning its commitment to the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, during a Kyiv press conference, emphasized the persistent and significant military threat Russia poses to NATO, citing its long-term military buildup near alliance borders and stated goal of dominating Europe. He outlined three potential scenarios with Russia—war, threat, or occupation—arguing that robust deterrence, including continued support for Ukraine and its NATO membership, is crucial to preventing the latter two. Budrys stressed that Russia’s intentions are hostile and unchanging, aiming for territorial expansion and subjugation of neighbors. He highlighted the need to understand this reality to effectively counter the Russian threat.
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Amidst ongoing peace negotiations brokered by President Trump, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that current U.S. proposals are unacceptable, as they fail to address Russia’s core demand: resolving the root causes of the conflict. This demand centers on preventing Ukraine’s integration into NATO, a key security concern for Moscow. Ryabkov emphasized Russia’s commitment to its own priorities and approaches, even after recent talks in Riyadh. While partial ceasefires have been achieved, a complete resolution hinges on addressing this fundamental Russian concern.
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On March 27, the Ukrainian Air Force targeted the Pogar border checkpoint in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, resulting in the destruction of military infrastructure and the deaths of 15 to 40 Russian soldiers. This strike, a reprisal for ongoing Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, neutralized a key launch point for drones targeting Sumy and Kursk oblasts. The destroyed infrastructure included communication, electronic warfare, and surveillance systems. The action underscores the ongoing conflict and escalating tensions despite a recent partial truce agreement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker