Led by Poland and Czechia, seven EU nations have jointly petitioned the EU to restrict Russian diplomats’ movement within the Schengen Area to their assigned consular districts, citing espionage and sabotage concerns. This initiative, supported by former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, follows suspected Russian-orchestrated attacks on EU territory and a reported increase in Russian intelligence activities since 2022. The proposal, if adopted, would represent a significant limitation on the Schengen Area’s free movement principle. Poland, which already restricts Russian diplomats to three cities, exemplifies the desired outcome.
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The European Commission is providing burner laptops and phones to staff traveling to the U.S. on official business due to escalating cybersecurity concerns. This measure, previously reserved for high-risk countries like China and Russia, reflects a deterioration in U.S.-EU relations and anxieties over potential espionage. Recent incidents involving detained EU citizens and allegations of U.S. surveillance have prompted this heightened security precaution. While the Commission officially refrained from confirming the burner device policy, it acknowledged updating travel recommendations to reflect increased global cybersecurity threats.
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In response to allegations of Russian sensors deployed near the UK to track nuclear submarines, Ambassador Andrei Kelin neither confirmed nor denied the activity. While acknowledging Russia’s tracking efforts, he vehemently rejected any suggestion of a threat to the UK, dismissing concerns as exaggerated. Kelin’s comments follow a Sunday Times investigation detailing the discovery of these suspected Russian sensors. He insisted that any perceived threat is fabricated, asserting that Russia poses no danger to the UK.
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A new U.S. government policy prohibits American personnel in China, their families, and contractors with security clearances from romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. Implemented in January 2017 by then-Ambassador Nicholas Burns, this blanket “non-fraternization” policy expands upon a prior, more limited restriction. The policy, though not publicly announced, stems from concerns about Chinese intelligence gathering and coercion, and allows for exemptions for pre-existing relationships. Violation results in immediate removal from China.
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A Chinese research vessel, the Tan Suo Yi Hao, is currently within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting concerns from Prime Minister Albanese, who expressed his preference for its absence. The vessel, capable of deep-sea exploration and intelligence gathering, is being monitored by the Australian Defence Force. This incident follows a recent, controversial circumnavigation of Australia by Chinese navy ships. Despite the concerns, Albanese affirmed confidence in Australia’s defence and security capabilities to safeguard national interests.
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Following the December arrest of a Bulgarian woman suspected of Russian espionage, Austrian authorities uncovered a Russian disinformation campaign targeting German-speaking countries. Analysis of the suspect’s devices revealed a cell operating since the start of Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, spreading propaganda online and through physical means like stickers and graffiti. This campaign aimed to sow discord by falsely implicating pro-Ukrainian activists through far-right and nationalist messaging. The Bulgarian woman reportedly admitted involvement, acting as a key contact for the operation. This discovery adds to Austria’s ongoing investigation into Russian intelligence activities, following a separate major espionage case involving a former Austrian intelligence officer.
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John Q. Hosedrinker