Moldova blocks TV channels because of Russian propaganda
1.20 a.m.: A special commission in Moldova, a neighboring country to Ukraine, has temporarily blocked six television stations for allegedly flawed reporting of events in the country and the war in Ukraine. “Moldova must be protected from propaganda and lies,” writes Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu on Telegram. The ban is due to come into effect on December 19 and will initially apply until February, when the state of emergency imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine ends. The six broadcasters are closely linked to the politician and businessman Ilan Shor, who from his exile in Israel repeatedly stirs up sentiment against the pro-Western government of President Maia Sandu. One of the affected broadcasters, TV-6, which is owned by Shor, has dismissed the allegations as unfounded, calling the commission’s decision illegal and an attack on freedom of speech.
Medvedev threatens to attack NATO countries: “legitimate targets”
10:45 p.m.: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accuses the NATO countries of waging “de facto a hybrid war” against Russia. The deputy head of the Russian Security Council explained on Telegram that the NATO states are also legitimate targets. Referring to ancient Roman definitions of war, the Putin confidant explains that “enemy troops and equipment” can be attacked in this way. Infrastructure such as bridges and energy supply and military leadership could also be targets. “The leaders of the NATO countries unanimously claim that their countries and the whole alliance are not fighting against Russia. But everyone understands that it is very different,” wrote Medvedev.
Minister of State Roth: Give Ukraine whatever is possible
10:30 p.m.: Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth underlined the German government’s willingness to support Ukraine. “We want to give whatever is possible to enable Ukraine to defend itself,” said the Green politician on Friday evening in Berlin after the premiere of the Ukrainian documentary “Oh, Sister” about the role of women in Ukraine’s struggle in the face of the Russian attackers. This applies not only to weapons, but also to help, for example in the humanitarian field or in the reconstruction of cultural institutions.
Insurance chaos feared for ships in the Black Sea
9.30 p.m.: According to insiders, shipping companies and aircraft leasing companies that are active in Ukraine and Russia may be at risk of insurance chaos from next year. Insurers may refuse to insure planes bound for Ukraine from January 1, industry sources said. Ships sailing in the Black Sea could also be affected. The reason is that reinsurers wanted to exclude the region from their policies. They would then no longer cover war-related risks for ships and planes bound for Russia and Ukraine.
Reinsurers insure insurers and are liable for natural disasters and attacks. You take responsibility for immense sums. Reinsurers typically renew their 12-month contracts on January 1st. For the first time since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, they have the opportunity to scale back their involvement in the region. The big reinsurers Hannover Re, Munich Re and Swiss Re declined to comment.