Unmasking Russia

Unmasking Russia is a newsletter focused on Russia’s intelligence and destabilization efforts against global democracies, covering Ukraine, Eastern, and Central Europe. It features original content, curated news, and translated investigations addressing Russia's impact on international security, sanctions evasion, and the geopolitical dynamics influencing U.S. and EU policies.

Russian Intelligence Operations Global Democracies and Human Rights U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy EU Sanctions and Aid Packages Ukraine Conflict and Military Support Cyber Warfare and Information Manipulation Russian Sanctions Evasion and Economic Strategies Influence of Russian Operations on Global Politics

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Unmasking Russia

707 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Democracy Intelligence Human Rights Europe
  1. The newsletter 'Unmasking Russia' focuses on uncovering Russia's operations against democracies and human rights crimes.
  2. Expect weekly original content, curated news on Ukraine and Russia, and translations of investigations from 'Unmasking Russia'.
  3. For further support, readers can upgrade to a paid subscription to help the author continue their research and advocacy efforts.

February 1, 2024: Russian Digest

353 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia China Europe Hacking
  1. Ukraine claims to have sunk a Russian warship and launched missile attacks on Crimea.
  2. China warns Ukraine about the consequences of labeling Chinese companies as 'international sponsors of war'.
  3. Russia's intelligence services are impersonating Western researchers in a hacking campaign to access email accounts.

Dossier Center Investigation: Through diplomatic channels

334 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Sanctions Business Corruption
  1. The son of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev managed to cope with sanctions by receiving help from the family of the Norwegian ambassador, who provided ships for his work on the Arctic shelf.
  2. Nikolai Patrushev, a former FSB director and influential figure in Russia, has family members involved in important business dealings related to offshore projects in the Arctic.
  3. Connections between the son of the Norwegian ambassador to Russia and Andrey Patrushev are revealed in business transactions involving companies related to the Arctic shelf and oil and gas fields.
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January 30, 2024: Russian Digest

353 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine Europe NATO Military
  1. CIA director emphasizes the importance of providing aid to Ukraine to prevent a historic mistake
  2. Russia has been secretly sending oil supplies to Europe through Turkey, bypassing sanctions
  3. EU countries are determined to pass a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, even if Hungary's support is lacking

January 29, 2024: Russian Digest

294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine NATO European Union
  1. Russian President Putin and Belarus President Lukashenko agreed to create a joint state propaganda entity.
  2. Brazilian authorities bring new money laundering charges against GRU officer linked to Russian embassy.
  3. Latvian Member of European Parliament revealed as a Russian intelligence agent, reporting to FSB.

Dossier Center Translation: The British business of a new member of the Security Council

255 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Security Council Sanctions International relations
  1. Gennady Krasnikov is a member of the Russian Security Council without any sanctions imposed, but his family's business connections could potentially lead to complications.
  2. Krasnikov's wife owns a stake in a major Russian insurer through a British company connected to high-ranking security officials.
  3. Membership in the Security Council can prompt international sanctions, as seen with other members, making Krasnikov's position vulnerable.

February 6, 2024: Russian Digest

196 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine North Korea Turkey Iran
  1. Ukraine is creating a military force dedicated to drones to enhance its defense capabilities against Russia.
  2. Russia may be assisting North Korea with access to international banking networks in exchange for weapons, which could impact global security.
  3. Russian influence on European politics is under investigation, uncovering potential corruption with the funding of political parties.

February 9, 2024: Russian Digest

176 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine NATO Russia Cyberattacks
  1. Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of military hardware, including missiles, and is in urgent need of support from foreign allies like the US.
  2. Lawmakers from Baltic and Nordic countries expressed concern over the lack of urgency from the US in helping Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion, warning of potential dire consequences.
  3. Recent intelligence reports suggest that Russia is rapidly rearming and may pose a threat to NATO countries within the next three to five years, prompting calls for increased military investments and sanctions by the EU.

The Insider: What a beauty these colors are! Tikkurila, Dulux, and Pinotex, contrary to statements, did not curtail their business in Russia

196 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia European Union Sanctions Ukraine International relations
  1. Tikkurila and AkzoNobel did not reduce their business in Russia, despite public statements
  2. Tikkurila continues to operate in Russia, importing foreign components and participating in local events
  3. AkzoNobel still sells paints in Russia and faces sanctions risks for receiving sanctioned components

"Trump's Alarming Rhetoric: A Gift to Putin"

137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Security Alliances NATO Russia
  1. Trump's alarming rhetoric towards NATO raises concerns about the future of transatlantic security if he were to win the election.
  2. The need to address foreign interference in democratic institutions becomes urgent with Trump's willingness to align with Putin and seek assistance in the upcoming election.
  3. Trump's criticism of allies and questioning of NATO's value highlight the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international stability.