КРИЗИС В ГАЗПРОМЕ, КОМПАНИЮ БУДУТ СПАСАТЬ | ПУТИН ЗАРАБАТЫВАЕТ НА MAX | РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ПЕРЕГОВОРОВ
Putin's Hidden Stake in the National Messenger
Discovery of Ownership
- Journalist Andrey Zakharov reveals that Vladimir Putin has a stake in the national messenger, Max.
- The ownership structure involves Putin's cousin, Mikhail Sholomov, who is a nominal owner of shares in the insurance company Sogaz.
- Sogaz holds shares in VK, which developed the Max messenger. Sholomov owned 12.5% of Sogaz before the war.
Implications of Ownership
- Despite claims of no connection to Max, Sholomov continues to hold his stake; he is also linked to Bank Rossiya, controlled by a close associate of Putin.
- Users of Max and VK indirectly contribute financially to Putin through these ownership ties.
Cultural Minister Arrested Amid Allegations
Arrest Details
- Aminah Shafikova, Culture Minister of Bashkortostan, was arrested for exceeding her official powers.
- Investigations are linked to state procurement issues within institutions under her ministry.
Background Information
- Shafikova has been in her ministerial role since 2012 and previously led the Ufa State Academy of Arts.
Gazprom's Financial Struggles
Economic Challenges
- Gazprom faces significant financial difficulties with reported losses nearing $7 billion in 2023—the first annual loss in over two decades.
- Discussions within the government include potential tax benefits for Gazprom amidst rising operational costs due to war expenditures.
Revenue Decline
- Although Gazprom projected earnings near $15 billion for 2024, it still refrains from paying dividends due to ongoing financial strain.
Controversy Surrounding Rapper Ganvest
Legal Issues
- Popular rapper Ganvest faces administrative charges initiated by law enforcement regarding alleged drug propaganda in his lyrics.
Cultural Impact
- Ganvest gained fame using unique terms that became memes; this controversy highlights tensions between art and regulation.
Updates on Ukrainian Counteroffensive
Military Developments
- Analysts report advancements by Ukrainian forces in northern regions despite limited confirmations from military sources.
Communication Disruptions
- Russian military operations have reportedly weakened due to Starlink disconnections; however, officials deny any impact on operational effectiveness.
Ongoing Conflict Casualties
Civilian Impact
- Recent attacks by Ukrainian forces resulted in civilian casualties across various regions including Belgorod and Sumy.
Infrastructure Damage
- Significant damage reported at energy facilities and residential areas following missile strikes during ongoing hostilities.
( t =305 s ) Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Tensions
Negotiation Outcomes
- A three-party meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, and the USA concluded without clear results or agreements after two days of discussions.
Future Meetings
- The head negotiator from Russia indicated further meetings will occur but provided no substantial outcomes from current talks.
( t =362 s ) Estonia's Defense Posture
Nuclear Considerations
- Estonia’s Foreign Minister mentioned potential plans for hosting nuclear weapons as part of NATO defense strategies amid regional security concerns.
News Summary and Updates
Avalanche Incident in the Alps
- An avalanche in the Alps resulted in the deaths of two skiers, with another individual sustaining injuries. The incident occurred on February 15 in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy at the Courmayeur ski resort.
Paralympic Participation of Russian Athletes
- For the first time since 2014, six athletes from Russia have been granted permission to compete under their national flag at the Paralympics. If they win, the Russian national anthem will be played.
- Each event will feature two athletes from Russia (one male and one female) competing in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.
- Additionally, four Belarusian athletes will also compete under their own flag during these games.
Ongoing Conflict Update
- As of February 18, it marks the 1456th day of ongoing conflict. The report emphasizes gathering significant news updates related to this situation.