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EU sanctions have targeted Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian state agency coordinating the “Russian Houses” network. Yet according to a new investigation by Espreso, 15 of the 26 Russian Houses that existed in Europe continue to operate.

The issue goes beyond cultural events. European security services have raised concerns about links between parts of this network and Russian intelligence, while Ukrainian intelligence has reported that such institutions can be used for recruitment, sanctions evasion and the spread of Russian narratives.

The situation in Brussels is particularly striking. A Russian House continues to operate close to the European Commission, using language and educational programs as part of its public activity. In other countries, even when a Russian House is suspended or closed, some of its functions can simply be transferred to other Russian diplomatic or cultural structures.

This shows why sanctions alone do not necessarily eliminate an established influence network. If the infrastructure, contacts and alternative channels remain in place, the same activities can continue under different names and through different institutions.

Europe has spent years strengthening its ability to counter Russian espionage, disinformation and covert influence. The question now is whether that approach can also address the networks operating in the grey zone between diplomacy, culture and political influence.

The full investigation by Espreso explains how Russia has managed to preserve parts of this network despite EU sanctions.

Germany’s decision to close the “Russian House” in Berlin is another clear sign that European governments are becoming less willing to tolerate Russian influence networks under the cover of cultural diplomacy.

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In March 2014, shortly after Russia seized Crimea, Mélenchon argued that Russia was taking measures to protect its interests on the peninsula and effectively justified Putin’s actions. In his own 2015 blog, he went even further, writing: “Crimea will be Russian.”

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A Ukrainian former POW recalls how prisoners in Russia were subjected to propaganda recordings and psychological pressure. His testimony reveals what he witnessed inside Russian captivity — including the treatment of Ukrainian and foreign prisoners.

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A German journalist became a “one-time agent” for Russian intelligence — and learned how recruitment works in Europe.What makes this story particularly disturbing is that it shows how Russian intelligence operations in Europe are changing.

A German journalist became a “one-time agent” for Russian intelligence — and learned how recruitment works in Europe.What makes this story particularly disturbing is that it shows how Russian intelligence operations in Europe are changing.

Russia’s influence network in Europe is proving harder to dismantle than expected.

For the first time, Ukrainian drone manufacturers and major European defence companies are working inside one joint body. The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance brings together 18 founding members to accelerate joint ventures, next-generation drones and counter-drone systems.

AfD leader Alice Weidel is calling for closer relations with Russia, cheaper Russian gas and a return to nuclear power. Her position could signal a broader push within Germany’s political debate to reconsider Berlin’s approach to Moscow, sanctions and support for Ukraine.

MOSCOW’S OLD TIES ARE FUELING THE AfD’S RISE IN GERMANY

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RUSSIA’S “CULTURAL CENTERS” — OR KREMLIN INFLUENCE HUBS?

DECADES OF RUSSIAN INFILTRATION EXPOSED

Journalist Angelique Geray created a fake profile presenting herself as a pro-Putin influencer. After building a convincing online persona, she was approached by people offering money in Bitcoin for seemingly harmless tasks — taking photos, collecting packages or obtaining SIM cards.

The Leipzig airport drone incident is about more than a single attempted attack. It is also a reminder of how Russian influence can work from inside European politics.German authorities say the evidence points to Russian involvement

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