Russia put two companies owned by Fortum Oyj, the Finnish state-controlled utility, and German utility Uniper SE under temporary state administration in response to asset freezes by the US and its allies.
(Bloomberg) — Russia put two companies owned by Fortum Oyj, the Finnish state-controlled utility, and German utility Uniper SE under temporary state administration in response to asset freezes by the US and its allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday night signed a decree, allowing the government to introduce temporary state control over property or securities owned by companies or individuals from the so-called unfriendly states.
Russia threatened to pull out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal to protect Ukrainian shipments after accusing Kyiv of launching an attack on its Black Sea fleet with unmanned boats.
Key Developments
- Russia Seizes Fortum, Uniper Plants in Response to Asset Freezes
- Russian Billionaire Blasts EU Bans as Political Hostage-Taking
- How Putin Sparked a Record Borrowing Spree in Eastern Europe
- UN Chief Blasts Russia’s Ukraine Invasion as Lavrov Looks On (1)
(All times CET)
Russia Steps Up Tactical-Nuclear Threats (11:17 a.m.)
Russia trained troops from Belarus on tactical nuclear warheads for Iskander short-range missiles, taking a step toward following through on its threat to deploy the weapons on the territory of its ally.
Putin last month announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for the first time. As its invasion of Ukraine has struggled, Russia has repeatedly suggested it may use nuclear weapons, drawing criticism from the US and its allies, as well as China and India, which have generally been more supportive of Russia in the conflict.
Poland to Open Repair Hub for Leopard Battle Tanks in May (11:17 a.m.)
Poland will open a repair hub next week for German-made Leopard tanks returning from the Ukrainian battlefield, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday.
The decision follows a letter signed by Poland, Germany and Ukraine laying out the preliminary financial scheme for the creation of a service hub.
Garland Meets With Chief Justice (7:13 a.m.)
US Attorney General Merrick Garland met in Washington Tuesday with Vsevolod Kniaziev, the chief justice of Ukraine.
The two men discussed “the challenges posed by wartime conditions” in running a justice system, and “expanding access to justice, especially in those areas most affected by the war,” according to a Justice Department account of their encounter.
Sweden Expels Five Russian Diplomats (7:13 a.m.)
Sweden expelled five diplomatic staff members from the Russian embassy, broadcaster SVT reported. The ambassador was summoned by Swedish authorities.
“Their activities on our territory have been incompatible with their status as diplomats,” said Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom in an interview.
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