The Finnish Supreme Court has ruled against extraditing Russian neo-Nazi Jan Petrovsky to Ukraine, citing concerns over the conditions of Ukrainian prisons, which have been recognized by the European Court of Human Rights as violating human rights conventions. Petrovsky, second-in-command of the

The article discusses the necessity for Ukraine to regain Crimea, highlighting the historical context of Russia's annexation in 2014 and the subsequent lack of international support for Ukraine. It critiques the narrative that Ukraine is an artificial state and emphasizes the strategic importance of Crimea for Ukraine's military, economic, and political stability. The article argues that diplomatic means are unlikely to succeed in reclaiming Crimea and suggests that a combination of military force and diplomacy, or a significant regime change in Russia, would be required for Ukraine to regain control over the region.

The Center for Countering Disinformation warns that Russia may be preparing chemical attacks against Ukraine, citing Russian media's false claims about Ukrainian chemical weapons labs. U.S. President Joe Biden and other officials express concern over the potential use of chemical weapons by Russia. The SBU Security Service of Ukraine reports that Russia might stage provocations to blame Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials deny the existence of chemical weapons in Ukraine, suggesting that Russia's accusations could be a pretext for their own attacks. The UN Security Council discusses these concerns, with the U.S. and allies accusing Russia of spreading unsubstantiated claims.

Russian forces are deliberately targeting large food storage facilities in Severodonetsk, Luhansk Oblast, causing significant damage to local businesses and civilian infrastructure. Despite the destruction, local authorities have arranged for proper resupplies to ensure residents have access to food. Recent attacks have resulted in 14 fires and damage to 25 buildings, including residential areas, a children's hospital, and a school.

The article reflects on the author's personal experience living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the societal perceptions of the value of life for those with severe illnesses. It discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the prioritization of medical treatments has raised ethical questions. The author emphasizes the importance of love and the desire to live, despite the difficulties. The narrative also highlights the author's contributions to MND research and support through the establishment of charitable organizations and a company creating personalized synthetic voices.

The article discusses the challenges and solutions related to making sporting events accessible for disabled individuals. Euan MacDonald, co-founder of Euan's Guide, shares his personal experiences attending events like the Solheim Cup and the Commonwealth Games, highlighting the importance of accessible facilities, clear information, and inclusive planning. The piece emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and engagement with disabled people to enhance accessibility at events.

Euan MacDonald, a powerchair user diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, discusses the challenges of accessibility for disabled people, particularly in Edinburgh during festival season. He emphasizes the importance of access information, noting that many disabled individuals avoid places without such information. MacDonald highlights recent improvements in Edinburgh's festival accessibility, such as the introduction of an Access Guide, sensory backpacks, and temporary Changing Places toilets. He encourages feedback and reviews from the disabled community to further improve access and recommends using Euan's Guide, a charity he co-founded, to share and discover accessible venues.

The article highlights the significant challenges faced by disabled individuals in finding accessible accommodation in Scotland. Despite the country's reputation for being friendly and inclusive, there is a severe lack of hotel rooms and self-catering options equipped with ceiling hoists, leading to higher costs and limited availability. The author emphasizes the need for more suitable accommodation offerings to meet the demand and ensure that disabled people can enjoy the same travel experiences as non-disabled individuals. Euan’s Guide, co-founded by the author, aims to make it easier for disabled people to find accessible places, but much work remains to be done.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has been criticized for reinstating Russia's voting rights, which were suspended due to its annexation of Crimea and actions in eastern Ukraine. This decision is seen as a capitulation to the Kremlin, undermining PACE's principles and values. The move is partly attributed to financial pressures, as Russia had stopped contributing to the Council of Europe's budget. The article argues that this decision weakens the West's stance against Kremlin aggression and could have long-term negative consequences for European democracy and stability.

The article discusses the findings of the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT) regarding the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, which killed 298 people. It criticizes the Kremlin for its role in the incident and its subsequent refusal to cooperate with international investigations. The article praises the investigative work of Bellingcat and supports the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court. It argues that knowing the truth about MH17 is a victory against the Kremlin's disinformation tactics, even if the guilty parties are never held accountable.

The release of Russian journalist Ivan Golunov from house arrest on June 11 is seen as a victory for independent media against Vladimir Putin's regime. Golunov, known for his work on corruption, was arrested on fabricated drug charges, which were dropped after public outcry and negative international coverage. The incident occurred amidst Putin's low popularity ratings and public dissatisfaction in Russia. However, the article argues that this is not indicative of a weakening regime, as the majority of Russians still support the Kremlin, and Russian civil society is not in open revolt against all injustices, including those against Ukraine.

Michael Carpenter is recognized as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his advocacy in the Washington Post, urging Western leaders to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Vladimir Putin's recent decree to issue Russian passports to Ukrainians in occupied territories is seen as a strategic move to exert influence. Dmitry Medvedev is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for his dismissive comments about Ukraine's new president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and the Kremlin's continued denial of its role in the conflict. The article underscores the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.

Bill Browder is praised for his relentless campaign against Kremlin corruption and his efforts to promote Magnitsky laws globally. The article criticizes Thorbjorn Jagland for proposing to restore Russia's voting rights in the Council of Europe despite its ongoing occupation of Crimea and non-compliance with international law. The text highlights the misuse of international institutions like Interpol by Russia to pursue political vendettas and underscores the need for the civilized world to uphold democratic principles and human rights.

The article identifies Facebook as Ukraine's 'Friend of the Week' for its decision to ban foreign-funded political advertising ahead of Ukraine's elections, highlighting its role in combating Russian propaganda. Conversely, General Valery Gerasimov is named 'Foe of the Week' for his role in Russian military tactics and influence operations, particularly in Ukraine. The piece criticizes the Kremlin's use of propaganda, cyberattacks, and political interference, while praising grassroots democratic movements.

The article highlights NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his supportive stance towards Ukraine, despite the country's distant prospects of NATO membership due to potential Russian backlash. Conversely, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin is named Foe of the Week for criticizing Ukraine's ban on Russian observers in its upcoming presidential election. The text underscores the ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, criticizing Russia's authoritarian regime and questioning the OSCE's handling of Russian involvement in election monitoring.

Ulana Suprun, Ukraine's acting minister of health, is recognized for her efforts to reform the country's healthcare system, facing resistance from corrupt interests. A Kyiv court ruling has temporarily blocked her from exercising her powers, but she has the support of President Petro Poroshenko and the Cabinet of Ministers. Viktor Yanukovych, the former president, is criticized for his corrupt practices and attempts to undermine Ukrainian democracy, now making controversial statements from Russia ahead of Ukraine's presidential elections.

The article identifies Stephen Hadley as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his strong stance against Russian aggression, advocating for a firm response to prevent further escalation. It criticizes German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas as Ukraine's Foe of the Week for his comments on de-escalation, which the author argues undermine Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The piece discusses the Kremlin's historical and ongoing expansionist strategies, emphasizing the need for a united and resolute Western response to contain Russian ambitions.

In 2018, Ukraine faced continued aggression from Russia, highlighted by the November 25 attack on Ukrainian naval vessels. Despite this, Ukraine received strong support from international figures such as John McCain, Angela Merkel, Rebecca Harms, Michael Carpenter, and Kersti Kaljulaid. Conversely, its main adversaries included Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Sergey Lavrov, Gerhard Schroeder, and Eduard Basurin, who were criticized for their roles in perpetuating conflict and misinformation. The article underscores the global struggle between authoritarianism and liberal democracy, with Ukraine at its center.

The article highlights Peter B. Doran as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his firm recommendations to counter Russian aggression, including enforcing sanctions and providing military support to Ukraine. In contrast, Eduard Basurin is named Foe of the Week for spreading false claims about an imminent Ukrainian offensive. The text criticizes the lack of a strong response from the West to Russia's recent actions in the Black Sea and emphasizes the need for decisive measures to deter further aggression. The article also touches on the geopolitical implications of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's independence from Moscow.

The article highlights Rebecca Harms as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for her support in countering election interference and promoting quality journalism. Alexander Prokopchuk is named Foe of the Week due to his controversial candidacy for Interpol's presidency, which was seen as a threat to democracy. The piece discusses the impact of social media manipulation in elections, the role of organizations like the National Democratic Institute and the European Parliament in supporting Ukraine, and the broader implications of Russian interference in global democratic processes.

The article highlights the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, criticizing the Saudi government and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their role in his death and the broader repression of journalists. It draws parallels with the repression of journalists in Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, emphasizing the importance of a free press for democracy. The article also condemns Russian propagandists like Olga Skabeeva for spreading misinformation and undermining media credibility.

Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, is named Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his efforts to keep the international community informed about the ongoing war in Ukraine, despite the lack of media coverage and firm global governmental reactions. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for his role in the Russian Orthodox Church's break with the church in Constantinople over the issue of Ukrainian church independence, a move seen as ecclesiastical imperialism and influenced by Putin's actions in Ukraine.

Alexander Hug, deputy chief of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, is recognized for his efforts in mitigating the impact of Russia's war on Ukraine, despite challenges and criticisms. Conversely, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto is criticized for actions perceived as supporting Russia and threatening Ukraine's EU and NATO integration. The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the role of international organizations, and the political dynamics involving Hungary and Russia.

Ukraine's deployment of two warships to the Azov Sea on September 23 is a significant event in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the ships being old and poorly armed, their movement under the Kerch bridge, illegally built by Russia, was met with an excessive Russian military response. However, Russia did not prevent the Ukrainian ships from entering their own waters, possibly deterred by the presence of U.S. reconnaissance. The incident demonstrates that Russia may not be as strong as it claims, and Ukraine's actions show that resistance to Russian aggression is possible.

The article distinguishes between Ukraine's allies and adversaries, highlighting the late journalist Orkhan Djemal as a friend for his ethical journalism against Kremlin propaganda, and Czech MEP Jaromír Kohlíček as a foe for his illegal visit to Crimea and support for Russian narratives. It discusses the murder of Djemal and his colleagues in the Central African Republic while investigating Wagner, a Russian mercenary group, and criticizes Kohlíček's disregard for Ukrainian law and the EU's principles.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, is lauded for his leadership amidst challenges such as the invasion of Crimea by Russia and Donald Trump's criticism of NATO. NATO's defense spending has increased under Stoltenberg's tenure, with more countries meeting the 2 percent GDP guideline. The article criticizes Trump's approach to NATO and highlights the need for the alliance to bolster its information defenses, suggesting Ukraine could assist. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, is criticized for her comments on NATO's defense spending, which the article views as a reaction to Russia's aggression rather than a legitimate concern.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, is lauded for his defense of Ukraine and criticism of Putin, earning him the title of Ukraine's Friend of the Week. Conversely, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman is criticized for organizing a visit of U.S. politicians to Russia on July 4, which is seen as a propaganda win for the Kremlin, making him Ukraine's Foe of the Week. The article expresses strong disapproval of President Trump's remarks on Crimea and the actions of the visiting U.S. politicians, who are accused of being used for Russian propaganda.

The article highlights Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for her unwavering support and understanding of the Kremlin threat. It criticizes Russian Ambassador Alexander Shulgin as the Foe of the Week for his obstructionism at an OPCW meeting aimed at increasing the organization's powers to name perpetrators of chemical attacks. The text condemns Russia's interference in international affairs and its support for authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the need for a cooperative and law-abiding government in the Kremlin.

Bill Browder is recognized as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his relentless campaign against the Kremlin's human rights abuses, despite repeated attempts by Russia to arrest him through Interpol. Heinz-Christian Strache, Austria's Vice Chancellor, is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for advocating the lifting of sanctions against Russia and aligning with Putin. The article highlights the Kremlin's support for far-right parties in Europe and criticizes their cooperation, emphasizing the need for continued sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.

Andrew Parker, head of the UK's MI5, is recognized for his clear stance on the threat posed by Russia, including its actions in Ukraine and interference in Western affairs. Gunnar Lindemann, a far-right German politician, is criticized for illegally entering Ukraine and spreading Kremlin propaganda. The article underscores the importance of Western awareness and response to Russian aggression and misinformation.

The article distinguishes between Ukraine's allies and adversaries, highlighting Bellingcat as a friend for its investigative work exposing Russian military actions and Gerhard Schroeder as a foe for his close ties with Vladimir Putin and involvement in Russian energy projects. Bellingcat's efforts in uncovering evidence related to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and the Mariupol artillery attack are praised, while Schroeder is criticized for his lucrative roles in Russian companies and his support for Putin, which undermines Ukraine's interests.

The article highlights Heather Nauert as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for her efforts to raise awareness about Ukrainian political prisoners held by Russia, particularly Volodymyr Balukh. It criticizes the Ukrainian government for not doing enough to help these prisoners. Jean-Claude Juncker is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for his comments suggesting Russia is an equal to the EU, which the article argues is a dangerous and foolish comparison. The text strongly criticizes Russia's authoritarian regime and its actions in Ukraine and Crimea.

The article highlights Angela Merkel as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for her stance on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, emphasizing its political significance and the need to consider Ukraine's transit role. Mark Zuckerberg is named Foe of the Week for Facebook's slow response to Russian information operations, which have been undermining democracy and affecting Ukraine since 2013. The article criticizes Zuckerberg's negligence and praises Merkel's support for Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions involving Russia.

The article distinguishes Ukraine's allies and adversaries, naming H.R. McMaster as 'Friend of the Week' for his critical stance on Russia and Thomas Greminger as 'Foe of the Week' for his conciliatory remarks towards Russia. It highlights McMaster's challenges and eventual resignation from the Trump administration, emphasizing his integrity and criticism of Russian aggression. Conversely, Greminger is criticized for downplaying Russia's threats to European security, particularly in the context of the OSCE's monitoring mission in Ukraine.

The article highlights Estonia's President Kersti Kaljulaid as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for her strong stance against Russian aggression, particularly in response to the Skripal nerve agent poisoning. Estonia's actions are contrasted with Austria's, where Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl is criticized for not expelling Russian diplomats and for her association with the far-right Freedom Party, which has ties to the Kremlin. The article underscores the importance of Western unity in countering Russia's aggressive actions and warns of the potential consequences of appeasement.

The article criticizes the UK government's weak response to the Kremlin's chemical weapons attack on British soil, describing the sanctions as ineffective and insufficient. It argues that the UK missed an opportunity to take stronger actions against Russian oligarchs and their assets. The author believes that the UK's response sends dangerous signals of weakness to the Kremlin, potentially emboldening Vladimir Putin and leading to further aggressive actions.

The article explores how the Kremlin manipulates the history of Kyivan Rus to undermine Ukrainian statehood, focusing on the claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It highlights the historical inaccuracies in Russia's portrayal of figures like Anna of Kyiv and Volodymyr the Great as inherently Russian. The piece underscores the political motivations behind these claims, particularly in the context of Russia's annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas. It provides a detailed historical background of Kyivan Rus and its successor states, emphasizing the complex and multi-ethnic history of the region.

The article highlights Glen Grant as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his advisory role in defense reforms and Paul Manafort as the Foe of the Week for his corrupt activities linked to the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. It discusses the state of Ukraine's military, the impact of the EuroMaidan Revolution, and the ongoing threat from Russia. The text criticizes the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's optimistic assessment of NATO readiness and underscores the need for comprehensive military reforms.

Michael Gahler, a German politician and rapporteur on Ukraine in the European Parliament, is praised for challenging Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's false narratives about Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference. In contrast, Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's Lega Nord party, is criticized for his pro-Kremlin stance and suspected financial ties to Russia. The article discusses the broader context of Russian interference in Western elections and the spread of Kremlin propaganda, highlighting the dangers of nationalist politicians aligning with Russia's agenda.

Dan Coats, the U.S. director of national intelligence, warned of ongoing Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine and its use as a testing ground for tactics later used on Western countries. He is praised for his support for Ukraine. Andreas Maurer, a German politician from the leftist Die Linke party, is criticized for his pro-Russian stance and illegal visits to Russian-occupied Crimea, and is labeled as a 'useful idiot' for the Kremlin.

Michael Carpenter is lauded for his continued support of Ukraine and its anti-corruption efforts, especially in the absence of strong U.S. leadership under President Trump. Carpenter's advocacy is contrasted with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's alleged sabotage of judicial reform and attacks on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Igor Girkin is named Ukraine's foe for his role in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and initiating the war in the Donbas, despite a U.S. court ruling against him and awarding compensation to the victims' families.

Alexander Hug, deputy head of the OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, is praised for his non-partisan efforts in the conflict despite facing criticism from both Ukrainian and Russian sides. He is named Ukraine's Friend of the Week. Conversely, Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary general of the Council of Europe, is criticized for suggesting the lifting of sanctions on Russia, earning him the title of Ukraine's Foe of the Week. The article emphasizes the importance of standing firm against Russian aggression and the negative consequences of appeasement.

The article identifies Hugues Mingarelli, head of the European Union's Delegation to Ukraine, as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for highlighting the internal and external threats to Ukraine's security, including Russian aggression and domestic corruption. Conversely, Konstantin Zatulin, a member of Russia's State Duma, is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for his continued efforts to undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity and his calls for Russia to denounce the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Ukraine. The article criticizes Ukrainian leaders for their slow progress on reforms and their apparent disregard for international support.

Garry Kasparov is named Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his opposition to Putin's actions in Ukraine and his message of resilience at the Free Russia Forum. Federica Mogherini is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week for her perceived inaction against Russian aggression and her appeasement towards authoritarian regimes. The article criticizes European politicians for their weakness when dealing with Gazprom and the Kremlin, and highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the failure of the Minsk agreements.

Jan Pieklo receives the Order of Yaroslav the Wise for his efforts to improve Ukrainian-Polish relations, while Thierry Mariani is named Ukraine's Foe of the Week and given the Order of Lenin for spreading Kremlin propaganda and supporting the Russian occupation of Crimea. The article discusses the challenges faced by Ukraine, the rise of far-right parties in Europe, Brexit, and the Trump presidency, attributing some of these issues to Russian interference. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and intelligence to overcome these challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing passports issued by Kremlin-backed authorities in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine. The decree does not imply recognition of the self-declared republics in these regions. The announcement coincided with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized the Western media and declared the end of the post-Cold War liberal world order. The decree follows the U.S. administration's expectation for Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine. The article highlights Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in the Donbas.

As polls closed in the Netherlands on April 6 for a referendum on Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union, a majority of Dutch voters appeared to have rejected the treaty. However, with turnout around 29 percent, it was uncertain if the vote would meet the 30 percent threshold required for validity. If valid, the 64 percent 'no' vote could force the Dutch parliament to reconsider ratifying the agreement. The referendum, driven by Euroskeptic activists, aimed to spark debate on the EU's operations. Final results are expected on April 12.

A Russian court in Donetsk, Rostov Oblast, found Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko guilty of complicity in the murder of two Russian journalists, sentencing her to 22 years in prison. The trial, described as a farce by Western politicians and human rights groups, faced criticism for ignoring key evidence and witnesses. Savchenko, captured by Russian-backed fighters in Ukraine, was accused of acting as a spotter in an artillery attack. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the trial as state terrorism, while Savchenko's lawyer suggested a potential prisoner exchange with captured Russian soldiers.