Author

Zintis Znotiņš 15 posts

Zintis is a freelance independent investigative journalist He's the proud Latvian, born in Riga. He has studied politics and journalism at the Latvian University. Currently, on a voluntary basis, he helps main-stream media and credible journalists collect information and prepare articles on number of different issues regarding Russian internal and external affairs, as well as the military activities.

Russian intelligence can’t hold a candle to their Chinese counterparts

The reasons for this varied between countries – the US did so in response to Russia’s cyberattacks and election meddling, while Czechia expelled diplomats due to their suspected involvement in an ammunition depot explosion in 2014.

Military might of Putin’s Russia – reality, lies, and failures

This is the case with individuals; for instance, a scientist or an artist is respected because of their work. Therefore people listen to them, or a criminal who uses intimidation and brute force to make people listen to him.

Everything looks good on paper in Russia – even CSTO

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) was established on 15 May 1992 after Russia’s initiative and can be considered the ideological heir to the Warsaw Pact, albeit of a considerably lesser quality.

Unprofessionalism of Russian intelligence services – or a planned operation

We live in incredibly eventful times, and it seems like everyone is following the processes taking place in Belarus and Russia. And, of course, we still have Covid-19.

When Kremlin’s foxes in blue helmets want to guard the henhouse

Long-time Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov expressed the necessity to raise the capabilities of CSTO peacekeepers so that they could become a part of the United Nations Peacekeeping.

What goes on in Chechnya: Russian military persons either don’t know or are lying

The Chechen Republic or simply Chechnya is one of Russia’s federal subjects. Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has long been known for his extravagant outbursts in regard to Moscow’s demands.

Russia exploits COVID-19 for its own ends, but the virus could be the end of Putin’s era

The world is changing – the coronavirus has affected not only the everyday lives of every citizen, but also political and economic processes. In addition, political processes are directly and indirectly affected by the economy.

Russia unofficially crowns a tsar – but can oil overthrow him?

To make mistakes is human, if only these mistakes are then admitted. Some time ago, I wrote about the possible obscure ways the Russian president could attempt to maintain his power and influence after his second term ends.

Turkey grants huge favor to Russia

Turkey has been a member of NATO already since 1952, but a serious question has recently emerged: is Turkey on the side of NATO, or has it perhaps sided with Russia?

Belarus’ forced wedding: how Putin publicly humiliated Lukashenko?

MINSK, (BM) - We often read that Russia and Belarus are unable to agree about the prices and delivery conditions of oil products and natural gas. This was the case in 2017, and it is the case now as well: the particular issue resurfaces with certain frequency and it seems it will continue to do so. Read more: Military and defense analyzes,…

Russian spy network spreads like Coronavirus

RIGA, (BM) - With the ongoing geopolitical chaos, as well as the bloodthirsty ambitions of Putin’s regime gaining ground in Ukraine, Africa and maybe even Belarus, it is no wonder that Russian spies are getting caught in Europe one after another. This is a signal that the concentration of Russian spies in Europe, especially its eastern part,…

Belgian tolerance of Russian spies – naivety or deliberate intention

BRUSSELS, (BM) - We live in an era where news about the activities of Russian spies is nothing really new to anyone. It was recently reported that Belgian intelligence services, the ones responsible for protecting EU and NATO objects, have begun large-scale investigations based on concerns of possible infiltration by Russia or other actors. …

Democratization or Stalinization: Putin’s amendments

RIGA, (BM) - We’ve been digging in our own backyard for long enough, so for a change let’s look at what’s happening in the wide world. There’s no doubt that the events taking place in our neighboring land are significant, as they can affect us in the long-run. I’m, of course, talking about the announcement made by Russian President Vladimir…

Putin’s private army is thirsty for some fun

RIGA, (BM) - In the harsh modern geopolitical situation, characterized by hybrid warfare between the engaged actors, bloodhounds of Putin’s chef have once again fallen into media disfavor – I am, of course, talking about Wagner. Some of the Kremlin’s mercenaries were thirsty for some fun, so they decided to mangle a Syrian man and set his…

Wagner – Russia’s mercenary army: something new or well-forgotten old?

RIGA, (BM) - For quite some time there have been discussions whether the mercenary armies formed in Russia are solely private establishments or are they an alternative tool blessed and supported by the Kremlin for reaching its goals? First, let us forget about higher philosophy and look at one basic subject – are private military establishments…