EU Mulls Military Support To Moldova As Russia Accused Of 'Provocations' In Breakaway Transnistria

"For much of the past two weeks Russia and Ukraine have exchanged accusations over a series of unexplained explosions in the Transnistria region, which is host to some 1,500 Russian "peacekeeping" troops (most of which are said to be Transnistrian separatists holding Russian passports). Ukraine's defense ministry called the destabilizing incidents a "planned provocation" designed to justify a greater Russian military intervention.

Internationally recognized as part of Moldova, the breakaway republic of Transnistria has population of nearly 500,000 - but is seen by some Western analysts as potentially serving as a launching point for Russian destabilizing action against Moldova. Russia's troop presence there goes all the way back to 1992 in support of the separatists.

And now on Wednesday it seems the region is coming more and more into the spotlight related to the war across the border in Ukraine, given the European Union says it is now exploring options for ramping up military support to Moldova. Moldova has just an estimated 6,000 regular forces in its military." ZH

German Opposition Leader Travels to Ukraine as Chancellor Scholz Refuses to Visit

"Germany’s conservative opposition leader traveled to Kyiv on Tuesday for meetings with
Ukrainian officials, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz made clear that he wouldn’t be visiting Ukraine any time soon.

Opposition leader , who heads former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right Union bloc, visited the town of Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, to see the destruction caused by the Russian army." Breitbart

 

 

Swedish Dockers Sued for 'Illegal' Blockade of Russian Ships

"Employers' trade union Ports of Sweden is suing the Port Workers' Union over its blockade of Russia-linked goods and ships, which it deems illegal.

Because of the blockade imposed on 28 March, members of the Port Workers' Union no longer deal with Russian ships, Russian goods and ships on their way to or from Russia. According to the dockers' union, the blockade is designed to show sympathy for, and solidarity with Ukraine. 

The employers, however, argue that the industrial action is illegal and have taken the issue to court.

Ports of Sweden press officer Håkan Filipsson confirmed that the case has been passed on to the Labour Court, where it will be taken up later this week." Sputnik

Any NATO Vehicle Coming to Ukraine With Weapons Will Be Considered Legitimate Target

"The United States and its NATO allies continue to pump weapons into Ukraine. I can confirm
that any transport from the North Atlantic alliance that arrives in the country with weapons or materiel for the Ukrainian armed forces will be considered by us as a legitimate target for destruction," Shoigu said on Wednesday." Sputnik