Alicia Alamillos is a journalist and fixer based in Madrid, Spain. Former Middle East correspondent for ABC newspaper, based in Cairo, Egypt. Former Subsaharan Africa correspondent and editor for EFE News Agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With experience working for print, online and radio. Breaking ...

Ukraine responds to Russia: drones attack the Russian fleet in the Black Sea

04 Aug 2023  |  www.elconfidencial.com  |  Spanish  |  International Relations

On the night of August 3 to 4, 2023, Ukrainian drones attacked several Russian ports in the Black Sea, causing significant damage to the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak. The attacks came after Russia's persistent targeting of Ukrainian port and river terminals, seen as an attempt to prevent Ukraine from resuming agricultural exports following Russia's withdrawal from the Grain Agreement. The Ukrainian operation, reportedly a joint effort by the SBU (intelligence) and the Navy, signifies a new chapter in Kiev's long-distance capabilities. Despite Russian claims of repelling the attacks, evidence suggests substantial damage to the Olenegorsky Gornyak. The incident also highlights the strategic importance of the Novorosysk port, a major Russian oil export hub.

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Russian Navy Ukrainian Armed Forces Financial Times

Ed Augustin is a British journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Havana. He writes for the Guardian, the New York Times, and Al Jazeera. He does broadcast work for TRT World, France 24 and Al Jazeera.

During his time in Cuba, Ed has made films about Guantánamo Bay, the impact of the US ...

Russian naval drills in the Caribbean are a PR stunt, researcher says

13 Jun 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  English  |  International Relations

A US Navy submarine has arrived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as Russian warships gather for military exercises in the Caribbean. Jeffrey Hawn, a researcher at the London School of Economics, suggests the small size of the Russian fleet indicates the drills are largely symbolic, serving more as a public relations effort than a significant military maneuver.

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Russian Navy US Navy London School of Economics and Political Science

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DILEK GUL is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Graduated from Yeditepe University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Later, continued her postgraduate study in Political science and International Relations. Alongside her studies, she also started working as an ...

What threats do sea mines in the Black Sea pose in terms of security and economy?

30 Mar 2022  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  War in Ukraine

Ukraine has laid mines along the coast of Odessa to prevent Russian landings, leading to concerns as some mines have drifted to Turkish shores. Experts, including retired naval officer Dr. Bülent Şenses and international relations specialist Dr. Yörük Işık, discuss the security and economic risks posed by these mines. While the number of drifting mines is debated, the threat to maritime traffic and international trade is significant. Turkey's navy is well-prepared to handle the situation, but the potential for increased international support may arise if the threat escalates.

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Turkish Navy Russian Navy Ukrainian Navy NATO

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I’m a bilingual (English-French) multi-media journalist with extensive field production and reporting experience in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. I'm currently based in Kampala, Uganda, working as a video journalist and radio/print reporter. As a BBC field producer, I’ve worked in high-risk ...

Ukraine morning briefing: Five developments as Ukraine claims to have hit Russian ship at Snake Island

13 May 2022  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  War in Ukraine

Ukrainian forces claim to have damaged a Russian logistics ship near Snake Island, intensifying the battle for control of the Black Sea coast. President Zelensky condemned Russian attacks on schools and accused their forces of cowardice. The first Russian soldier is set to be tried for war crimes in Ukraine. Relatives of fighters in the Azovstal steel plant call for efforts to rescue wounded servicemen amid ongoing bombardment. UNICEF reports nearly 100 children killed in Ukraine in the past month, highlighting the severe impact of the war on children.

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Russian Military Russian Navy UNICEF Ukrainian Military

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Russian Strikes and Naval Drills Unsettle Black Sea as U.N. Meets

21 Jul 2023  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  United Nations

The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the collapse of a grain deal allowing Ukraine to export despite a Russian blockade. Russia intensified its campaign against Ukrainian grain exports, conducting naval drills and missile strikes on Odesa. The U.S. and U.N. officials condemned Russia's actions, warning of global food supply disruptions. Russia presented demands for lifting sanctions and reopening trade routes. Tensions escalated with threats to civilian ships in the Black Sea. The article also covers the detention of Russian nationalist Igor Girkin and the economic impact of the war on Russia.

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Teresa Küchler is the Brussels-based EU affairs correspondent for Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet since 2010. 

She also broadcasts a bi-monthly podcast about European affairs in her native Swedish, called Brysselbubblan, and writes columns for 3 regional newspapers in Sweden. 

Teresa also ...

Russia's military stronger than in decades

24 Jan 2022  |  www.svd.se  |  Swedish  |  International Relations

In June 2014, the Russian ship Smolnyj arrived in Saint-Nazaire, France, with 400 Russian marines on board. These marines were to be trained in handling the Vladivostok, the first of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships being built in France for delivery to Russia later that year. This event highlights the strengthening of Russia's military capabilities.

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Malte Lauterbach is a journalist based in Haifa, Israel, with 4 years experience in the field. He has experience in both live production and video and print media. Malte Lauterbach has been awarded the European Innovation Award and the B&W world photojournalism award.
Contact me for timely reports ...

Russia's Submarine Fleet: Between Rust and Radioactivity

19 Sept 2022  |  Berlin Story News  |  German  |  Nuclear Submarines

The Russian submarine fleet, once a formidable force, is now a shadow of its former self, with many ships outdated and the average age of the fleet over 30 years. Despite modernization plans, the fleet's condition raises concerns about its safety and effectiveness. The Soviet Union had created the world's largest nuclear-powered navy, but many submarines were already outdated upon commissioning. The harsh marine environment and lack of maintenance have led to deterioration and potential nuclear risks, as seen in the near-meltdown incident in 1995. The economic downturn and corruption post-Soviet collapse exacerbated these issues. Although some modernization occurred after 2005, many submarines, including the Typhoon class, were decommissioned. However, decommissioned submarines pose environmental and safety risks due to lingering radioactivity and hazardous scrapping processes. The modernization efforts have stalled, and the flagship carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has suffered damage and delays in repairs. Sanctions have also impacted Russia's access to precision technology. Despite these challenges, Russian submarines, particularly those armed with Kalibr missiles, play a significant role in the Ukraine conflict and maintain a presence in strategic locations like the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.

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André Liohn lived in Botucatu, Brazil during his childhood. In his early 20s he moved to Trondheim, Norway where he lived for 15 years. He started photographing at the age of 30. In his first years in photography, he met the Czech photographer Antonín Kratochvíl who became his personal friend and ...

Odessa, strategic for Ukraine, prepares with barricades to react to Russian invasion

03 Mar 2022  |  www1.folha.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  War in Ukraine

Odessa, a crucial port city in Ukraine, is fortifying itself with barricades and preparing for a potential Russian invasion. The city is strategically significant, and its loss would be a major blow to Ukraine. The article describes the tense atmosphere, with Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers ready to defend the city. The Russian forces have already taken control of nearby Kherson and are intensifying their efforts across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Navy's main base is in Odessa, making it a key target. The article also mentions the sinking of the Estonian cargo ship Helt, allegedly used as a shield by Russian forces. Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov stated that military operations in Ukraine will continue.

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Ukrainian Navy Russian Army Ukrainian Army Ukrainian Coast Guard Estonian ERR

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Laura Loguercio is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Russia has withdrawn most of its naval fleet from the port of Sevastopol, Crimea, after recent Ukrainian attacks

05 Oct 2023  |  Il Post  |  Italian  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has withdrawn a significant portion of its naval fleet from its main base in Sevastopol, Crimea, following a series of Ukrainian military attacks that damaged the Russian base and some of its vessels. The fleet, including submarines and missile frigates, has been relocated to safer ports. While the move has limited military impact, as the ships can still launch attacks, it marks a strategic victory for the Ukrainian forces, whose counteroffensive has been progressing slower than expected.

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Niranjan Marjani is a journalist based in Vadodara, India.

Ripples in World Waters

15 Mar 2024  |  raksha-anirveda.com  |  English  |  Security

The navies of Iran, China, and Russia conducted a naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman to enhance security and stability in the region. This exercise, named Security Bond-2024, aimed to strengthen maritime trade security, combat piracy and terrorism, and foster multilateral cooperation. The Iran-China-Russia alliance impacts the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the broader Indo-Pacific Region. Iran's maritime strategy focuses on asymmetric warfare and aligning with US adversaries to counter Western influence. China and Russia, as non-resident powers in the Indian Ocean, have strengthened their strategic presence through cooperation with Iran. The Western Indian Ocean, though less focused on by the Quad, remains crucial for countering China's influence. The trilateral cooperation between Iran, China, and Russia extends beyond the Red Sea, affecting the entire Indian Ocean.

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Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Russian Navy Chinese Navy Iranian Navy Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines US Navy Houthis Quad Belt and Road Initiative

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Multi-media reporter and news producer covering politics, conflict, and society in the Middle East and around the world. 

Visit my digital portfolio at **** to view a selection of my work.

Finland spent years on icebreaker deal before memorandum with US, Canada

26 Nov 2024  |  www.arctictoday.com  |  English  |  Arctic Strategy

The article discusses the prolonged negotiations and strategic considerations surrounding the U.S. acquisition of icebreakers, highlighting Finland's attempts to lease its vessels to the U.S. The U.S. initially opted for domestic production, awarding a contract to VT Halter Marine, despite its lack of experience, due to political pressures and the Jones Act. Delays and cost overruns have plagued the project, while Russia and China have expanded their Arctic capabilities. The Trump administration's renewed focus on Arctic security led to a memorandum with Finland and Canada, aiming to bridge gaps in the U.S. icebreaking fleet. The article underscores the strategic importance of the Arctic and the need for the U.S. to enhance its capabilities in the region.

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Russian Government U.S. Navy U.S. Coast Guard Trump Administration Chinese Government

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I am a freelance journalist for Thomson Reuters, New Arab Media, and Remedy Health New York and a member of the US State Department Foreign Press Association. 

I cover technology, public health, economics, climate change, food security, migration and climate change topics.

I have specialist ...

British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Russia summons British ambassador over Crimea drone strike

30 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Military Conflict

Russia has summoned British ambassador Deborah Bronnert to the foreign ministry in Moscow, accusing the UK of coordinating a Ukrainian drone attack on the Crimean port of Sevastopol. The Kremlin claims the Royal Navy oversaw the raid on the frigate Admiral Makarov, although no evidence was provided. The incident has heightened tensions, with pro-Kremlin protesters labeling Britain as a 'terrorist state'.

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Ugo Poletti is a journalist based in Odessa, Ukraine.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “The Odessa Journal”, digital media platform in English about culture, history, social and business life in Odessa, biggest port and cultural capital of Black Sea region

HUR Confirms Head of Russia’s Navy Dismissed After Losing a String of Warships

11 Mar 2024  |  www.kyivpost.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, has been dismissed following the loss of nearly one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's warships, including the sinking of the Sergey Kotov by Ukrainian-made MAGURA V5 maritime drones. The Kremlin has not publicly commented on the dismissal, which is typically announced by presidential decree. Admiral Alexander Moiseev has been appointed as the interim acting commander. This marks the most significant removal of a senior commander since the dismissal of Air Force Chief Sergey Surovikin the previous year.

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Russian Navy Ukraine's military intelligence service (HUR) Kremlin

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Arjuna Ranawana  
 

CAREER HISTORY 
 
 
Ceylon Newspapers Pvt, Ltd						2016 Current
Director Editorial
Supervising Editors of CeylonToday Daily and Sunday Newspapers

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation                                                       2015 - 2016
Producer Province ...

Sri Lanka navy holds blazing supertanker off east coast

07 Oct 2023  |  www.investing.com  |  English  |  Oil Industry

Sri Lanka's navy is managing an abandoned supertanker, New Diamond, off its east coast after a fire broke out in the engine room and spread to the bridge. The vessel, carrying about 2 million barrels of oil, is being held 40 km from the shore to prevent potential oil spill damage. The fire, now under control, was contained with the help of the Indian and Russian navies. The ship, chartered by Indian Oil Corp, was en route from Kuwait to India's Paradip port.

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Russian Navy Indian Navy Sri Lanka Navy

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Petrus Riski is a journalist based in Surabaya, Indonesia.
I like coverage of the environmental, socio-cultural and innovation fields.
Covering features and in-depth news is my specialty in news writing. I know Surabaya and East Java very well. If my skills are needed to cover the East Java ...

Expert: Indonesia Reinforces Non-Aligned Position Through Joint Military Exercises with Several Countries

10 Nov 2024  |  www.voaindonesia.com  |  Indonesian  |  Non-Aligned Movement

Indonesia is reinforcing its non-aligned position by conducting joint military exercises with various countries, including Russia. This move is seen as a strategy to maintain Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, especially amidst tensions in the South China Sea. Experts argue that these exercises are not indicative of Indonesia distancing itself from the US but rather affirming its independent stance. The exercises also provide Russia, currently isolated by several countries, an opportunity to demonstrate its non-isolation. Indonesia's approach aims to explore military relations with major powers while maintaining neutrality.

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Russian Navy Indonesian Navy BRICS

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Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Russia builds surveillance bases near northern Japan. Is it ‘punishing’ Tokyo for supporting Ukraine?

05 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Ukraine Conflict

Russia is constructing surveillance bases near northern Japan, potentially as a response to Japan's support for Ukraine. These bases are strategically important for Russia's military ambitions in the Asia-Pacific, particularly for monitoring Japan and its ally, the US. The islands in question are crucial for Russia's control over the Sea of Okhotsk, a key area for its ballistic missile submarines. While the new bases enhance Russia's defensive capabilities, they do not pose a significant new threat to Japan. The geopolitical tension has increased following Japan's alignment with the international community in supporting Ukraine, leading to a hardened stance from Moscow.

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US Navy Russian Defence Ministry

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Thibault Spirlet is a London-based journalist specialising in human rights. He has worked for the likes of @Daily_Express, @factal, @POLITICOEurope & 
@AFP on subjects ranging from US/European politics to the Russia-Ukraine war. Since leaving his latest job as news reporter at Daily Express, he ...

A Ukrainian drone pilot described an attack on the Russian navy being ruined when Elon Musk cut his Starlink access

02 Jan 2024  |  Business Insider  |  English  |  Starlink

A Ukrainian drone pilot recounted a failed attack on the Russian navy due to Elon Musk cutting Starlink access, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The mission aimed to target the Russian frigate Admiral Makarov near Sevastopol in Crimea. Musk's decision, driven by fears of escalating the conflict into a nuclear war, was revealed in a biography excerpt and later defended by Musk himself. Despite the disruption, Ukraine continued similar operations without Starlink, and the conflict did not escalate as Musk feared. The incident highlights the complex interplay between technology, military strategy, and geopolitical tensions.

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Russian navy Ukrainian Pravda Ukrainian military

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

Moment Sun Man Jerome Starkey swoops on Russian warship in Wildcat chopper in dramatic showdown in English Channel

15 Oct 2023  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Security

The article details a dramatic encounter in the English Channel where the Royal Navy, including HMS Iron Duke and a Wildcat helicopter, intercepted a Russian convoy. The mission, led by Commander David Armstrong, was part of increased patrols amid concerns over Russian activities, such as subsea cable sabotage. The operation involved collaboration with French and Spanish navies and was supported by RAF aircraft. The article highlights the dedication of British sailors and the strategic importance of maritime security, while also noting the potential threat posed by the Russian vessels, suspected of carrying arms and munitions.

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Spanish Navy French Navy Russian Navy Royal Navy RAF 815 Naval Air Squadron

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Emily Tamkin is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Warship

26 Dec 2023  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  International Relations

Ukraine successfully attacked a Russian warship in a Black Sea port in Crimea, causing significant damage and casualties. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, praised the attack, while Russia confirmed the damage. The U.S. Congress and the European Union have not approved additional aid for Ukraine, with Hungary vetoing a significant package. Despite the success, Ukraine faces challenges, including setbacks in Marinka. The article also touches on other global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, a controversy over Notre-Dame's stained glass windows, and violence in Nigeria.

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Russian Navy Ukrainian Air Force U.S. Congress European Union Hungarian Government

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Maxim Tucker reports for The Times on Ukraine. He has worked in some of the hottest spots in the conflict zone and various locations throughout the country. He has extensive contacts within the Ukrainian government, military and intelligence services, as well as among diplomats, political parties, ...

We cheat death to keep the Black Sea open for Ukraine

15 Sept 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Naval Warfare

Ukraine's naval forces are engaged in a perilous mission to keep the Black Sea corridor open for exports, facing constant threats from the Russian military. Despite being outnumbered, the Ukrainian navy escorts grain ships and clears mines, while Russian forces use drones and missiles to disrupt operations. The article highlights the bravery of Ukrainian sailors and the strategic importance of the Black Sea in Ukraine's economy, amid increasing Russian aggression.

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Russian Navy Ukrainian Navy Kremlin

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I am currently working as a journalist for the belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, for the International Section. Born in Bucharest in 1991, I have been living in Belgium since I was 10 years old. Experiencing two cultures has been an amazing opportunity, that sparked my interest in international ...

Security in the Black Sea: 'If the West remains weak, indecisive, and cowardly, the Russians will extend their authority'

06 Sept 2023  |  La Libre.be  |  French  |  Conflict

Russian attacks on Ukrainian agricultural infrastructure and increased surveillance in the Black Sea have heightened tensions, particularly near Romania, a NATO member. Incidents such as the firing on the Sukru Okan vessel illustrate the escalating conflict. The collapse of a grain export arrangement has led to Russia declaring any ship heading to Ukrainian ports as a warship, prompting Ukraine to declare Russian ports as war zones. Romania and Bulgaria seek greater international maritime presence to protect their economic zones. The article suggests that NATO and the U.S. must respond to prevent further Russian expansion.

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Ukrainian Navy Russian Navy NATO

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The first investigative journalist in the old Soviet Union, Vitali Vitaliev was forced to defect from the USSR in January 1990 – the result of his ground-breaking and courageous investigations into Soviet organised crime, neo-fascism, political prisoners and persecutions.
For his dangerous, ...

Book review: ‘Memo for Nemo’ by William Firebrace

03 Nov 2022  |  eandt.theiet.org  |  English  |  Technology

Vitali Vitaliev reviews 'Memo for Nemo' by William Firebrace, praising the author as a contemporary polymath. The book is described as a poetic history of underwater exploration and technology, referencing Jules Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'. Firebrace's work is celebrated for its cultural and literary perspectives, with MIT Press releasing this and two other books, 'Marseille Mix' and 'Zickzack', simultaneously. The review also touches on the Kursk submarine tragedy, suggesting it symbolizes the decline of Putin's rule.

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