Germany may receive Kazakh oil today
06:20 | Kazakhstan could deliver the first batch of oil via Russia’s Druzhba pipeline to Germany in the coming days, possibly as early as today.
“I really hope he goes today,” Akchulakov said.
The supplies from Kazakhstan are set to replace Russian crude which the European Union has pledged not to purchase as part of broader sanctions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The Soviet-built Druzhba pipeline remains free of sanctions, but Germany’s Leuna and Schwedt refineries — which are linked to the pipeline — have not ordered Russian crude this year.
Russia, China and South Africa organize a joint military exercise
05:20 | A Russian frigate equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles has arrived in the port of the South African city of Richards Bay. From Friday, the ship will participate in military exercises involving China and South Africa, reports the Russian news agency RIA. South Africa coordinates the exercises and calls them “routines”.
The Russian warship, dubbed Admiral Gorshkov of the Soviet Union’s fleet, carries Zircon missiles that have a range of 900 kilometers and can fly at several times the speed of sound. In late January, Gorshkov was still testing her attack capabilities in the western Atlantic.
China, Russia and South Africa, together with India and Brazil, form the so-called BRICS alliance and together account for about a third of the world economy. Last month they announced plans to develop their own currency, with the aim of breaking the hegemony of the dollar. Despite Western pressure, the five countries are refusing to impose sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Putin addresses the crowd at the Moscow stadium
03:30 | Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses a large audience at Moscow’s Luzhniki football stadium on Wednesday. 200,000 spectators are expected at the event. According to Russian media, the speech should be seen as a follow-up to Putin’s speech to members of the political and military elite the day before.
In his speech, Putin accused Western countries of posing a threat to Russia by forcing Russian troops to invade Ukraine. He announced that he would continue the offensive in the neighboring country.
Those present in the stadium will also be presented with a concert and will be able to see Russian military equipment. Friday marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.