Alexandra Brzozowski is a Brussels-based journalist specialised in European affairs. For EURACTIV, she covers European security and defence policy, Eastern Europe and Arctic policy. Also occasionally found on Zenger News.

Russia's Narrative of Western Sanctions

15 Feb 2024  |  EURACTIV.de  |  German  |  Ukraine Conflict

Western sanctions and their effectiveness are a key focus of Russian propaganda, highlighting the Kremlin's efforts to control this narrative and the actual impact on the Russian economy. Over ten years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have seen multiple sanctions packages from the EU, with the 13th package adopted in February 2024 and discussions for a 14th underway. Despite these measures, the conflict continues, and Russia attempts to downplay the sanctions' effects. Russian propaganda portrays sanctions as ineffective and harmful to the West, while surveys indicate that most Russians believe the sanctions do not affect them significantly. Ukrainian perspectives on sanctions vary, with some doubting their effectiveness in ending the war. The article is part of the FREIHEIT media project funded by the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF).

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Wladimir Putin

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Markus Feldenkirchen is a political author for DER SPIEGEL news magazine, based in Berlin

Selenskyjs Freund und Helfer

01 Oct 2023  |  www.spiegel.de  |  German  |  Social Media

Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj visited the US, marking his first trip abroad since the Russian invasion, to thank President Joe Biden and seek further support. The US has provided significant aid to Ukraine, contrasting with the lesser support from Germany. Meanwhile, the EU Parliament faces a corruption scandal involving former Vice President Eva Kaili, accused of accepting bribes from Qatar. Elon Musk announced plans to step down as Twitter CEO following a user poll, amid criticism of his management. The article also critiques EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's communication strategy.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Joe Biden Olaf Scholz Eva Kaili Francesco Giorgi Elon Musk Ursula von der Leyen

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Recently relocated to London, Kit Gillet is a journalist with extensive experience covering Romania/Moldova, writing for The New York Times, Guardian, Economist and others. He's also a regular commentator for the BBC World Service, Monocle radio, Al Jazeera, France 24, Euronews and others.

How Erdogan Became the Most Important Mediator in the Ukraine War

01 Oct 2023  |  www.businessinsider.de  |  German  |  International Relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprising reversal by rejoining the grain shipping agreement with Ukraine, a move announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdogan's balanced approach in the Ukraine conflict, maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine, has positioned him as a key mediator. Despite Turkey's NATO membership and economic ties with Europe, Erdogan has avoided taking a clear side, providing refuge to sanctioned Russian oligarchs while supporting Ukraine's territorial claims. Erdogan's diplomatic efforts, including the grain export agreement and a significant prisoner exchange, have bolstered his international standing. However, he faces domestic challenges with a weak economy and high inflation. Ukraine and the West recognize Erdogan's growing influence, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally thanking him for his support.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Wladimir Putin Sergej Schoigu Andrei Sizov

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Alfred Hackensberger is based in Tangier, Morocco. Correspondent of the German daily die Welt and Die Presse in Austria. But available for other jobs for other countries. I am covering North Africa, but as well other Arab countries like Syria, Iraq or Lebanon.

Why Kyiv's Counteroffensive is So Complicated and Far from Failed

30 Aug 2023  |  www.welt.de  |  German  |  Military Strategy

The article discusses the complexities and ongoing nature of Kyiv's counteroffensive against Russian forces. Despite the delivery of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands, these are not seen as game-changers in the conflict. Military experts emphasize that the war's outcome depends on a combination of various weapon systems and strategies rather than single elements. The Ukrainian counteroffensive, criticized for its slow progress, is argued to be effective in weakening Russian forces and creating favorable conditions for future operations. The article also highlights the importance of non-linear and strategic operations, such as drone attacks on Russian command posts and infrastructure.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Mette Frederiksen Thomas C. Theiner Phillips P. O’Brien Nico Lange

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

Foreign Fighters Report on the Brutality of the War in Ukraine

27 Mar 2022  |  www.vice.com  |  German  |  Military Conflict

Foreign fighters Adam and Hieu Le recount their harrowing experiences in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, highlighting the brutality of the conflict and the challenges faced by volunteers. They describe the devastating impact of Russian missile attacks, the lack of military support, and the internal issues within the legion, including discipline problems and the presence of unreliable individuals. Despite the trauma, they acknowledge the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the efforts of the Ukrainian government to improve conditions for foreign fighters. Both express mixed feelings about their time in Ukraine, with Adam considering a return and Le planning to process his experiences through travel.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Adam Hieu Le Wladimir Putin

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Erkan Pehlivan is a freelance journalist based in Frankfurt, Germany.

Many years of case reporting experience, with a network of contacts in EU, Turkey, Balkans, MENA, think tanks...
Particularly familiar German, EU and Turkey policy.

Human rights, abductions, turkish intelligence MIT, Islam ...

Ukraine plans counteroffensive after Russia's territorial gains

01 Dec 2024  |  www.leinetal24.de  |  German  |  War in Ukraine

Ukraine is planning a counteroffensive against Russian forces following recent territorial gains by Russia. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, emphasized the need for offensive action to achieve victory. The conflict has intensified, with Russia launching extensive drone attacks, while Ukraine intercepted many of them. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine in a call with President Volodymyr Selenskyj, promising continued military aid. The article also notes the return of the bodies of 502 Ukrainian soldiers killed in the conflict.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Oleksandr Syrskyi Kirill Sazonov Donald Trump Olaf Scholz

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Kirsten Ripper is a journalist based in Lyon, France.
EXPÉRIENCES PROFESSIONNELLES
 2017 - 2023 Editor of the Day  Responsable de l'équipe allemande
 Responsable pour la langue allemande à la
 télévision et sur le site internet
 de.euronews.com Management d'une équipe d'une quinzaine de ...

"Whatever it takes" for Defense: CDU/CSU and SPD want a special fund of 500 billion

04 Mar 2025  |  de.euronews.com  |  German  |  Economic Policy

CDU/CSU and SPD have agreed on a 500 billion Euro special fund for infrastructure and defense spending, citing recent global events as justification. The proposal requires a constitutional amendment to bypass the debt brake, needing support from other parties. The plan has drawn criticism from the AfD and commentary from various political figures and journalists, highlighting the political maneuvering and potential implications for Germany's fiscal policy.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Friedrich Merz Lars Klingbeil Katharina Dröge Robin Alexander Markus Feldenkirchen Alice Weidel Mario Draghi

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Teri Schultz is a freelance reporter based in Brussel, Belgium covering NATO, the European Union, the Benelux. Her focus is on current affairs, political news, foreign policy and security issues. Her clients include NPR, CBS News and Deutsche Welle.

Sarah Thust studied Journalism and Psychology in Leipzig, Germany. Since her studies she works as freelance journalist within a broad range of media and subjects.

Sarah spent three years in Cambodia as a freelance reporter. She worked for German newspapers & radio stations, English newspapers & ...

Russian missile attack in Ukraine: Yes, the shopping center in Kremenchuk was open

21 Jul 2022  |  correctiv.org  |  German  |  Civilian Casualties

On June 27, the Amstor shopping center in Kremenchuk, Ukraine, was hit by a Russian missile, resulting in a fire. Contrary to claims by the Russian Ministry of Defense and social media posts, the shopping center was open and occupied at the time of the attack. Eyewitness accounts, videos, and satellite images confirm the presence of civilians and suggest the center was directly targeted. The Russian narrative that the fire spread from a nearby military target is disputed by investigative reports from Bellingcat and Human Rights Watch, which found no evidence of military supplies in the area. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.

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Wolodymyr Selenskyj Igor Konaschenkow

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