The naval mission planned to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea is to be finally approved in Brussels by the foreign ministers of the EU states. In addition to Foreign Minister Baerbock, the wife of the late Kremlin critic Navalny is also expected.
The foreign ministers of the EU states want to decide this morning in Brussels on the start of the new military operation to secure merchant shipping in the Middle East.
The plan for Operation Aspides involves sending European warships to the Red Sea and neighboring sea areas. These are then intended to protect merchant ships there from attacks by the militant Islamist Houthis from Yemen. The militia wants to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip by shelling ships, which followed the massacre by the terrorist organization Hamas in Israel.
Germany sends frigate “Hessen”
Germany wants to take part in the operation with the frigate “Hessen”. The warship with around 240 soldiers on board was sent from Wilhelmshaven to the Mediterranean on February 8th. The mandate for the EU mission “Aspides” requires the approval of the Bundestag. The vote is expected next Friday.
Yulia Navalnaya takes part in meetings
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) is expected to attend the Foreign Ministers’ meeting for Germany. The situation in the Gaza Strip, the war in Ukraine, the situation in Russia and the latest developments in the Sahel region will also be discussed.
According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the widow of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who died in Russian custody, is also expected at the meeting. Julia Navalnaya will also be received in Brussels by Council President Charles Michel.