Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country.
We will keep you updated on the developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine on the 12th (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved.
(There is a 7 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)
Revised law banning ``foreign agents'' from posting advertisements takes effect in Russia
In Russia, a revised law that prohibits people and organizations designated as ``foreign agents,'' meaning foreign spies, from posting advertisements has come into effect, further tightening controls on speech critical of the regime. I am.
The revised law was signed by President Putin on the 11th and went into effect.
Persons or organizations designated as "foreign agents" by the Ministry of Justice are prohibited from posting advertisements for other individuals or organizations, or the media is prohibited from publishing advertisements for "agents," and if this is violated. is subject to fines and criminal penalties.
This will not only prevent the "agent" from earning advertising revenue, but also greatly restrict the dissemination of information about the "agent" through the media and the Internet.
In Russia, individuals and organizations that do not comply with the government's wishes are being designated one after another as ``foreign agents,'' and the control of speech is becoming even stronger.
Russian security authorities transfer Korean man on suspicion of spying
TASS news agency reported that Russian security authorities have detained a South Korean man in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East on suspicion of spying and transferred him to Moscow for further investigation.
It is said to be the first time that a South Korean national has been detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage, and a man was detained earlier this year during an investigation into a spy case. On the 11th, a Moscow court decided to extend his detention until mid-June. That is to say.
The Russian government has designated South Korea, along with Japan and other countries, as an "unfriendly country" due to sanctions against Russia.
"European arms imports approximately double in 5 years" Swedish research institute
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden analyzes the flow of weapons imports and exports using unique indicators based on factors such as the cost of producing weapons. We have released a report on the status of transactions.
According to the report, weapons imports by European countries increased by 94% compared to the five years from 2014 to 2018, roughly doubling.
Of these, Ukraine had the largest amount of imports, with a significant increase of more than 60 times, due to the fact that at least 30 countries have supplied military support with weapons such as fighter jets and missiles since Russia's military invasion. .
Regarding the situation in Europe as a whole, the Institute analyzes that ``Russia's missile attack on Ukraine has increased the demand for air defense systems in Europe.''
Japan, on the other hand, says its imports have increased by 155%, and the institute points out that the country is investing heavily in long-range strike capabilities, primarily due to rising tensions with China and North Korea.