oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | flights, russian, tourists, Travel, vietnam
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has noted a significant rise in the number of Russians visiting Vietnam, extending beyond just the fall and winter months to include trips during May holidays and summer breaks.
Head of ATOR Maya Lomidze cited multiple reasons for the increase, such as accumulated demand from previous years, the reinstatement of direct flight options, and the enhancement of the ruble’s strength.
She mentioned that Vietnam is expected to rank within the top 10 summer travel spots, possibly even breaking into the top five.
Direct flights between Russia and Vietnam have been restarted following an extended pause caused by the Covid pandemic.
Aeroflot from Russia initiated direct services to Nha Trang on March 22, whereas Vietnam Airlines intends to commence regular flights connecting Moscow and Hanoi beginning in May.
Moreover, Russian companies Azur Air and Pegas Touristik are increasing their charter flight operations.
The Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Timur Sadykov, has shown confidence that the reinstated flight connections will not just restore but also exceed pre-pandemic tourist numbers, thereby enhancing mutual ties even more.
As reported by the travel website Travelata.ru, interest in group tours to Vietnam rose by 5% in March compared to February and saw an increase of 9% in February relative to January.
According to data provided by Sletat.ru, tour sales between February 1 and March 18 increased threefold compared to the previous year.
In March, Level.Travel saw their tour sales quadruple, with Vietnam becoming the quickest-expanding destination, outpacing Thailand, Indonesia, and neighboring nations.
Yandex Travel saw a 49% rise in airline ticket purchases for trips to Vietnam compared to the previous year, with tickets costing an average of 81,000 RUB (more than $950).
In the meantime, the hotel reservation platform Ostrovok reported a 25% increase in bookings in Vietnam starting from early March, accompanied by an 18% surge in the average daily rate to approximately 5,100 RUB.
oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | military, military aircraft, russian, russian armed forces, russian politics
On Thursday, a Russian surveillance plane was spotted close to the northeastern coastline of Germany and subsequently accompanied by two German Air Force Eurofighter fighter jets.
Spotted over the
Baltic Sea
, the Russian aircraft (a model IL-20) was not emitting a transponder signal, which is utilized for identification purposes, according to reports.
Le Figaro
The inactive state of the aircraft’s transponder indicates
a significant threat to non-military aviation,
says the German daily
Bild
.
As a result, two Eurofighter jets were dispatched to intercept the “unidentified” aircraft originating from the Rostock-Laage airbase. This event underscores the rising geopolitical strains within the area.
A swift response
In order to maintain the security and integrity of its airspace, the German Air Force responded quickly. Following interception, the Russian Ilyushin IL-20 altered course and moved toward Kaliningrad, which is where it had initially been identified.
As a reminder, in mid-March, the prospective German Chancellor
Friedrich Merz
claimed that the substantial military funding program to rebuild Germany’s armed forces was warranted due to the necessity of combating the “war against Europe” initiated by Moscow.
(MH with Manon Pierre – Source: Le Figaro/Bild – Illustration: ©Unsplash)
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | russia ukraine conflict, russian, russian politics, ukraine, weapons
For the third time, a Russian oil facility has been attacked, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing efforts aimed at controlling the blaze that has been burning fiercely at the location.
Russian authorities stated that remnants of Ukrainian drones led to a blaze at the Kavkazskaya facility in the Krasnodar area earlier this week, and the flames remain unextinguished as firefighters continue their efforts.
Several days prior, extra drones targeted a refinery in the same region, as Kyiv persists with its approach of interrupting Russia’s energy output to diminish its capacity to support the conflict.
In spite of the assaults, Russia and Ukraine have consented to a one-month truce concerning energy infrastructure, which is scheduled to commence as their continuous peace negotiations are set to recommence later this week.
Nevertheless, Moscow claims that Kyiv is intentionally attacking energy infrastructure in Krasnodar, which allegedly violates the accord.
(QG – Source: Newsweek – Image: © Unsplash)
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, politics, russian, russian politics, sports
After Russia was prohibited from participating in competitive football following their invasion of Ukraine, they’ve mostly encountered supportive nations in friendly matches. Recently, more African teams are stepping up to play against them. What’s behind this trend?
Although they might be excluded from significant competitions and treated as outcasts globally, Russia isn’t facing many difficulties in locating adversaries eager for a match. Over the past year, they have competed against Syria, Belarus, Brunei, Grenada, and Vietnam.
Serbia
In friendly matches, Iran, Qatar, Cuba, and Iraq were part of the opponents prior to this. They have emerged victorious in each of their last seven encounters, netting 31 goals without allowing any in return.
However, beyond those teams clearly connected to the Kremlin, several African squads began playing friendly matches against Russia ahead of the 2018 World Cup. In September 2023—six months post-ban—an Egyptian U-23 team was among the first to face off against them. Subsequently, Cameroon journeyed to Moscow, followed shortly thereafter by Kenya’s match against them in Turkey later that same month. Nigeria plans to visit the Russian capital in June; however, before then, Zambia will be heading over on March 25.
Just a casual match, unrelated to our official competitions,” stated Sydney Mungala, the communication director at Zambia FA, to LIFEHACK. “From our standpoint in Zambia, this was purely a football-related choice.
Mungala stated that Zambia was left without a match scheduled for the March international window following Eritrea’s withdrawal.
2026 World Cup
Qualifying was allegedly halted out of concern that players might escape and apply for asylum during overseas trips. Additionally, both the Republic of Congo and their national team faced bans from FIFA because of external influences interfering with football matters.
“When they reached out to us, I believe we were seeking a chance to maintain engagement with our team during this FIFA window, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in this match,” Mungala stated.
We also view it as a gesture of unity with all people, regardless of their origin. Thus, for us, football does not recognize distinctions.
The enduring camaraderie between Russia and Zambia
Mungala additionally mentioned that the bilateral relationship between the two nations is robust and long-lasting.
“Zambia and Russia share a history spanning six decades. He mentioned that shortly after Zambia achieved independence in 1964, one of the nations offering support was Russia, which has maintained significant influence in Zambia since then.” The speaker further noted that this game does not imply Zambia is advocating for Russia’s reinstatement into FIFA.
Those
diplomatic and cultural links
, created during the era when Russia was part of the Soviet Union, appear to be a significant factor behind why numerous African teams prefer playing against Russia more than they do with most other countries.
As Zambia celebrated the arrangement of a match earlier this year through a social media announcement highlighting that both nations had “leveraged their enduring camaraderie to set up an international friendly,” Nigeria has remained conspicuously silent regarding their encounter, which is slated for June 6 at an as-yet-unspecified location.
Despite Russia confirming the match, there has been no statement posted on the Nigerian Football Association (NFF) website. Numerous attempts to get comments from LIFEHACK also yielded no response.
“Football is not warfare; it transcends ethnicity and political concerns,” Nigerian sports producer and reporter Oluwaseun Idowu stated to LIFEHACK, attempting to gauge the stance of Nigeria’s football federation.
I don’t believe this indicates that these nations see Russia differently from the majority of the global community.
Russia depends on soft power.
During the 1960s, Nigeria forged strong connections with the Soviet Union, as the latter supported the Nigerian government during a civil conflict starting in 1967. Subsequently, following his inauguration in 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin cordially received the newly appointed Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo. In addition, both nations entered into a military pact in 2017, and Russia intends to construct a nuclear facility within Nigeria’s borders. However, this is not the sole area where Russia exerts its influence over Nigeria.
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Both Russia and the Soviet Union have undoubtedly employed their soft power in this area by sending African students to study in Russia and through various cultural and sports initiatives,” said Michelle Sikes, an associate professor specializing in Kinesiology and African Studies at Pennsylvania State University in the U.S., speaking to LIFEHACK. She added that such efforts can create enduring impacts.
The sports connections seem to have become even stronger for certain nations following the invasion. Delegates from the National Olympic Committees of four African countries— Namibia, Mali, Eswatini, and Togo—attended.
A meeting with Russia scheduled for 2023
Most African countries dispatched delegates to the summit, with Nigeria and Zambia being among them. These two nations have routinely supported United Nations General Assembly motions advocating for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and numerous African states are worried about how this conflict might impact their economies.
Differing priorities
“During tough times, true friends are recognized not through their words, but through their actions,” stated the Russian proverb.
Olympic
At the summit was Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov.
Now we can truly identify our genuine allies versus those who merely feign support or persist in pretending. Consequently, we maintain an optimistic outlook toward our collaborative efforts and certainly hope that colleagues from different continents will emulate the exemplary conduct of our African counterparts.
Sikes highlighted that the Soviet Union seemed to adopt a more resolute position in combating apartheid in South Africa compared to numerous Western countries throughout the Cold War period.
The favorable sentiments arising from that period might have persisted, making Russia seem more empathetic towards certain African nations, particularly considering the significant impact of apartheid.
She highlighted that the geographic separation from the conflict makes it easier for people in various African nations to not keep it at the forefront of their minds.
In recent years, Russia’s impact on Africa has increased, as highlighted in a 2024 brief from the European Parliament.
“As it stands now, Russia’s involvement with the continent aims at overcoming the diplomatic and economic seclusion enforced by Western nations. This effort also serves to reinforce Russia’s significance on the global scene as a proponent of the emerging ‘multipolar world.’ Additionally, this engagement facilitates progress toward Russian geopolitical objectives concerning extraction industries, energy sectors, and bolstering military presence in crucial regions like the Red Sea and the Mediterranean,” the document states.
Mungala told LIFEHACK that no Zambian supporters will make the trip to Moscow for the game on March 25, due to high travel expenses and complex arrangements. Although from a competitive standpoint the match holds minimal importance, it could be seen as a minor stride toward overcoming international seclusion, particularly among aficionados around the globe who follow soccer.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
Author: Matt Pearson
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | passports and international travel, russian, russian politics, tourists, Travel
Clad in cozy overcoats and fuzzy caps, many individuals have ventured out into Moscow’s crisp early-spring climate, standing patiently in line. However, their motivation isn’t to catch sight of a star or visit a special showcase; rather, what draws them is the opportunity for Japanese visas.
As many European countries have prohibited direct flights with Russia, and Japan has introduced visa benefits, Russian travelers are seeking out novel vacation spots. They’re taking advantage of their currency’s strength and an increase in real wages due to the country’s economic upturn following substantial wartime expenditures made by Moscow in the conflict in Ukraine.
In the 2024 edition of Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, Japan was voted as the globe’s top travel destination by its readers. This year, the country recorded over 36.8 million visitors, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of approximately 32 million set back in 2019, as per data provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Japanese carriers no longer operate direct routes to Russia, yet the Japanese embassy in Moscow reported that the number of Russian visitors was rising alongside the growing availability of connecting flights.
Dmitry Gorin, the vice president of the Russian Union of Tourism Industry, stated that the number of Russians vacationing in Japan is expected to double this year, reaching approximately 200,000 from about 100,000 in 2024.
Reuters
.
Gorin noted that queues at the embassy are expected because Japan’s renowned cherry blossoms in spring attract many visitors.
He emphasized that the crucial factors were simple visa procedures and budget-friendly flights.
In November, Japan eliminated the requirement for Russian visitors to submit paperwork beforehand to prove they had reserved accommodation for their stay. Round-trip tickets, frequently involving layovers in China, begin at approximately 40,000 rubles ($477.64), according to Gorin.
Elizaveta, who
Reuters
As she waited in line for her appointment at the Japanese embassy in Moscow, she mentioned that the more straightforward visa procedure had motivated her to purchase tickets.
She mentioned, ‘We have been wanting to visit for quite some time now.’ However, traveling to Europe has become increasingly challenging recently. Given that obtaining a visa for Japan only requires around four to five days, they opted to make their trip there instead.’
Prior to Russia initiating the dispute in Ukraine in February 2022, countless Russians visited Europe annually. These journeys, which now require detours due to most European airspace being off-limits to Russian airlines, have grown costlier.
The current yearly visitor count of approximately 300,000 individuals is roughly 90% lower than the figures from 2019, as stated by Gorin.
Russia’s economy experienced a temporary downturn due to sanctions, but it quickly recovered. Soaring consumer demand, particularly for air travel, has pushed the economy towards overheat. However, the ruble’s significant strengthening this year—driven by optimism about improved relations between Washington and Moscow potentially leading to a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine—has primarily benefited Russian travelers going to Japan and other destinations.
Most international travelers have shifted their focus to destinations that haven’t enforced sanctions against Moscow.
“The appreciation of the ruble has a direct impact on tour costs and consumer enthusiasm for overseas vacations,” stated Lyubov Voronina, who leads international initiatives at travel comparison website sletat.ru.
Voronina stated that depending on their travel plans, tourists can presently save anywhere from 10% to 30%.
This timing is ideal for many who now benefit from increased spending money alongside reduced costs.
“I’ve had this dream for a very long time, even back when I was a child,” stated Nikita at the embassy.
I now have the funds available and have made my decision to proceed. Additionally, the costs have decreased.
The main hurdle for Russians is the lengthy line, but when Anton was questioned about whether he feared not having enough time to file his application that day, he merely responded with, “I’ll just come back tomorrow instead.”
oleh admin | Mar 23, 2025 | military, news, russian, ukraine, warfare
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Ukraina Mengebom Baseline Utama Engels-2 Rusia, Bertujuan Memulihkan Wilayah: Kiev Ter bombardir oleh Drone Moskow
Lifehack My ID
Ketika Rusia terus melakukan serangan udara ke Ukraina menggunakan pesawat tanpa awak dan roket, Ukraina sukses mengidentifikasi asal beberapa serangan itu, demikian dilaporkan BBC pada hari Minggu, 23 Maret 2025.
Laporan tersebut mengindikasikan bahwa salah satu dari serangan pembalasan Ukraina langsung menargetkan Pangkalan Udara Engels-2.
Ciptakan Tentara Infanteri Rusia yang Lesu, Ukraine Menargetkan Produksi 4,5 Juta Drone pada Tahun 2025
Serangan tersebut menjadi pukulan besar untuk Moskow sebab lokasinya yang sangat masuk ke dalam wilayah mereka. Selain itu, Pangkalan Udara Engels-2 milik Rusia bertindak sebagai basis utama dari bom-bom strategis Moskow serta digunakan sebagai tempat pengepungan bahanbakar.
Engels-2, menurut laporan dari Ukraine, juga menyimpan persenjataan seperti rudal jelajah subsonik Kh-101 yang dioperasikan dari udara. Rudal ini bernilai jutaan dolar masing-masing dan sudah sering kali dipakai dalam serangan pada malam hari.
“Serangan oleh drone dikabarkan menimpa Engels, hancurnya instalasi penyimpanan amunisi, seperti ditunjukkan oleh foto sebelum dan setelah yang diberikan oleh citra satelit Maxar dalam rincian kerusakan tersebut,” demikian tertulis dalam laporannya.
Pimpinan Badan Pengendalian Informasi Menyesatkan dari Dewan Keamanan dan Pertahanan Nasional Ukraina, Letnan Andriy Kovalenko, mengatakan dalam pesannya di Telegram bahwa “di Engels, Rusia telah kehilangan beberapa rudal, termasuk jenis Kh-101, karena serangan tersebut. Rincian tentang jumlahnya akan diberikan kemudian. Landasan udara ini merupakan tempat penyimpanan rudal-rudal dengan kuantitas tertinggi yang dipakai oleh unit penerbangan strategis untuk melancarkan serangan ke Ukraina.”
Meskipun operasi militer Rusia diidentifikasi dengan skala besar dari serangannya, sumber daya Ukraina yang sangat terbatas perlu dipusatkan pada penyerangan akurat ke fasilitas militer penting saja.
“Rusia berupaya melanjutkan serangan pada malam hari guna mengungguli pertahanan udara serta sistem perang elektronik yang diterapkan oleh Kiev dalam usahanya untuk mematahkan serbuan drone militer,” demikian dijelaskan dalam laporan BBC.
Rebut Desa di Luhansk
Dalam laporan tentang kemajuan perang, pasukan militer Ukraina menyatakan bahwa mereka sudah berhasil merecupera kembali Nadiya, sebuat desa yang terletak di area Luhansk, bagian timur negeri tersebut.
Di sebuah pesan yang diposting di Telegram, dikatakan bahwa mereka mengejar Nadiya selama operasi berlangsung sekitar 30 jam, dan berhasil mengambil kembali area dengan luas tiga kilometer persegi.
Postingan itu juga menampilkan klip perang, yang melibatkan pertarungan tank.
Perekaman tersebut belum dikonfirmasi secara mandiri.
Di awal perang, Rusia secara efektif sudah mendominasi keseluruhan area di Oblast Luhansk, yang merupakan prioritas penting dalam serangan presiden Putin terhadap Ukraina.
Mayoritas wilayah Luhansk saat ini tetap di bawah kontrol tentara Rusia.
Tiga Orang Tewas Akibat Serangan Militer Rusia di Kiev
Di sisi lain, serangan militer Rusia ke Ukraina pada hari Minggu dini hari juga sudah mengakibatkam tiga korban jiwa di Kiev dan sejumlah orang luka, seperti dilaporkan oleh petugas lokal.
Seorang saksi mata menyebutkan bahwa “setiap orang mulai berseru-seru dan lari-larian” ketika reruntuhan menimpa salah satu bagian kompleks perumahan tersebut.
Angkatan Udara Ukraina menyebut bahwa mereka berhasil menjatuhkan 97 dari 147 drone tanpa awak yang dilepaskan oleh Russia ke wilayah mereka.
Pada saat yang sama, Kementerian Pertahanan Rusia melaporkan bahwa mereka telah merontokkan sekitar 60 drone tanpa awak milik Ukraina dan menyebutkan ada satu korban meninggal akibat kebakaran di dalam sebuah mobil pasca serangan tersebut.
Mengikuti serangan di ibukotanya, Presiden Ukraina Zelensky sudah mengajukan permintaan untuk pemberian sanksi tambahan kepada Rusia.
Ini terjadi sesudah Kremlin melaporkan bahwa langkah-langkah menuju pertemuan langsung antara Trump dan Putin semakin mendekat; meskipun demikian, seorang juru bicara menambahkan bahwa diskusi teknis yang “membingungkan” harus diselesaikan dahulu agar proses tersebut bisa berlangsung.
Duta besar Amerika Serikat dan Ukraina akan berkumpul di Arab Saudi pada hari Minggu, ketika pemerintah AS mencoba melakukan negosiasi guna menyelesaikan perang itu.
Pada hari Senin, Amerika Serikat diprediksikan akan berjumpa dengan kawanannya dari Rusia.
Putin telah menolak panggilan bersama dari Amerika Serikat dan Ukraina untuk gencatan senjata total dan cepat berlangsung selama 30 hari, serta meminta agar penyerahan senjata dihentikan hanya pada instalasi energi saja.
(oln/bbc/*)
