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'Everything is falling apart': North Korea even shocked Russian tourists

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'Everything is falling apart': North Korea even shocked Russian tourists

Russia and North Korea are getting closer to each other. This is not only evident through missile launches from Pyongyang. The first tourists allowed to visit North Korea after the pandemic also came from Russia. But the publicity trip leaves a bitter taste among vacationers.

Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang are better than they have been for a long time. The reason is the war in Ukraine. Russia needs ammunition for invasion, which it cannot sufficiently produce itself. In addition, components are missing due to Western sanctions. North Korea can supply it with ammunition, including missiles. A heavily isolated country that is also under sanctions could look to political support and assistance for its nuclear and satellite programmes, for example.

To strengthen the new friendship, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to the far east of his country last September, where he received North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. As icing on the cake, Kim received a luxury car from Putin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian cities are being bombed by missiles from Pyongyang (including Western components).

Tour group of nearly 100 people in front of Pyongyang Airport.

Tour group of nearly 100 people in front of Pyongyang Airport.

(Photo: via Reuters)

However, it is clear that Putin's comfortable path should not be limited to military and technological cooperation. An example of this is the trip of Russian tourists to the neighboring country. Since the attack on Ukraine means that most Russians are no longer able to travel to many Western places, North Korea wants to step in and present itself as a tourist dream country.

Nearly 100 Russians who flew from Vladivostok to Pyongyang on February 9 were the first tourists North Korea has allowed into the country since the pandemic, during which it closed its borders. Before 2020, there were several thousand tourists each year, including from Western countries, who visited North Korea mainly out of curiosity. The Russian travel group was not just looking for relaxation: among the participants were journalists and representatives of the travel industry as well as bloggers and influencers, whose aim was primarily to publish beautiful photos of the dictatorship and drum up advertising. But that didn't really work.

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„It's surreal”

According to the Vostok Intour travel agency that organized it, the trip took four days. According to the British Radio Sky News Tickets cost the equivalent of about 690 euros. „The weather is great right now. It's the best time for winter vacation,” The Russian embassy wrote in Pyongyang to welcome them on Facebook and wish them “good mood and unforgettable impressions.” Vacationers have already had it – some reported from Air Koryo, North Korea's only airline. Sky News quoted one of the tourists as saying: “The plane is old and smells like mothballs.” Others reported technical defects in the 41-year-old machine. “Everything is falling apart,” he says.

Once in Pyongyang, tourists visited not only the statues of the country's founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il – a must-see for visitors – but also the monument to Juche ideology and a student event with accordion music.

They were accommodated at the Yanggakdo International Hotel, but were not allowed to leave the building on their own. The reason: “You don't speak Korean and may have problems,” says travel blogger Ilya Voskresensky. Radio Free Asia saida US government-funded broadcaster.

Voskresensky, On Instagram He documented his trip, and spoke of further restrictions: On the plane, while they were still in Russia, one tourist deleted unpleasant photos from his cell phone. In the country, it was not allowed to photograph construction sites and dilapidated buildings, only scenic and beautiful views. In addition, you were not allowed to move freely. He added: „We did not have the opportunity to talk to ordinary people in North Korea.”

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However, there were only a few people and cars on the streets even at rush hour, which shocked him. “Sometimes you see people, and it's surprising that they all look the same,” he said, referring to their clothing. He told CNN, felt „like a trip back in time”. The empty streets and lack of advertisements reminded him of his grandparents' stories from the Soviet Union. “It's surreal.”

A separate section is planned for Russians

Masikryong Ski Resort, which the group visited after a night in the capital, appeared to have received a better reception. The resort, which opened in 2014 near the city of Wonsan, east of the peninsula, is the only one of its kind in the country and was built on Kim Jong Un's instructions to attract tourists from China in particular. Western technology, which appears to have been smuggled in after sanctions, was also used.

The tour group was largely on their own because other tourists do not come to the country and a visit would be unaffordable for most North Koreans. But their guards were on their heels: Voskresensky shows a man skiing behind him in a video and writes: “This is our personal accompaniment, not paranoia.” After all, according to him, there were no restrictions on photography and filming here.

This may also be North Korea's plan: under no circumstances should Russian tourists explore the country or meet the locals. It would be much better if they kept to themselves in an enclosed area. Investigative portal Insiders Reports, citing a Russian regional authority on the border with North Korea, said its own holiday resort for Russian tourists was already being planned. Pyongyang wants to build 17 hotels, 37 guesthouses, shops and a four-kilometre-long beach on an area of ​​2.8 square kilometers on the east coast. This fits what the head of the Russian Tourism Agency says euronews “Some people dream of visiting North Korea,” he said. “North Korea is a wonderful country.” Russian state television also spoke enthusiastically about the travel destination. It is clear that a holiday there is in the interest of both governments.

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“I have never seen Korean cuisine”

On the other hand, the results for some of the travel group participants were more than mixed. For example, Voskresensky was not only shocked by the deserted streets, but also frustrated by the ubiquitous propaganda. “It is shocking how the cult of personality has crossed all limits,” he said. He also criticized the lack of Korean culture and cuisine. “I have never seen Korean cuisine in North Korea,” he said. “I feel like they lost that culture because of years of poverty and 'communist egalitarianism.'

The organization of the trip and constant surveillance also left other participants bitter: “The meticulous preparations for our visit seemed like a theatrical performance,” Elena Bychkova told CNN. “Amidst these scenes, I could not shake the feeling that North Korea also has another side, a side that is still hidden.”

Yulia Mashkova books After the trip: “I would never go there again for moral and ethical reasons,” although she speaks highly of the ski resort she visited. In another post, she described North Korea as a „totalitarian dictatorship.” The country has no tourist value. „Of course it's worth the trip. To get your dose of surprises, empathize with frightened Koreans and enjoy the contrast with their southern neighbors,” she wrote. On Instagram. I personally felt unwell, despite the overall pleasant trip.

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Police disperse a Gaza protest camp on the UCLA campus

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Police disperse a Gaza protest camp on the UCLA campus

As of: May 2, 2024 at 9:18 p.m

Los Angeles police disperse a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the UCLA campus. US President Biden has condemned the violence of the university occupiers – but does not want to call in the National Guard.

Protests over the Middle East war continue to simmer on American campuses. In many places, police units are deployed to evict pro-Palestinian activists occupying university buildings. There was also such an operation on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Police cleared the tent camp there. The American CNN channel showed pictures of the remains of the camp at the site in the morning (local time). Officers had previously demolished the barriers that had been set up. According to the Associated Press news agency, at least 200 people were arrested during the evacuation.

Clashes at night

The authorities declared the camp on the University of California campus an “unlawful gathering” on Wednesday evening (local time). According to the Los Angeles Times, several thousand protesters gathered around the fortified tent camp and opposed emergency services, initially expelling them from the camp. Violence had already broken out the night before when supporters of the opposition side tried to demolish the protest camp themselves.

In recent weeks, many activists and students gathered at various American universities to demonstrate against Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with the Palestinians. Mostly it is about demanding that universities and companies cut financial ties with Israel. While some Jewish students participate in these protests, others feel threatened and stay away from universities.

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increase in Anti-Semitic procedures

Critics accuse the extremist part of the protest movement in particular of anti-Semitism and belittling Hamas. This denies Israel its right to exist, and on October 7, it carried out an unprecedented massacre against more than 1,200 Israelis who were living on the border with the Gaza Strip. Since then, the Tel Aviv government has been carrying out a large-scale military operation against the terrorist organization in the coastal region.

Anti-Semitic acts on campuses have increased since October 7, as have anti-Islamic attacks. In many places, pro-Palestinian activists are confronted by demonstrators showing their solidarity with the Israeli side and demanding the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

Biden: sabotage and Intimidation

US President Joe Biden explained during a speech at the White House that there is the right to protest, “but not the right to cause chaos.” There should also be no place on campus for anti-Semitism or threats of violence against Jewish students. This also applies to Islamophobia or discrimination against Arab Americans.

Biden stressed that acts of vandalism, trespassing on property, as well as “threatening and intimidating people” are not peaceful protests. The US President also made clear that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest is protected in the United States.

When asked by the press whether the National Guard should get involved, Biden said: “No.” The Democrat also explained that the protests did not cause him to rethink his Middle East policy. He also answered „no” to a journalist’s question.

Also popular at Dartmouth College

So far, more than 2,000 demonstrators have been arrested across the country. Before the UC campus was evacuated, there were police operations at other American universities: according to police in the city of Hanover, 90 people were arrested at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire on Wednesday evening (local time). They were charged with trespassing and resisting state authority after setting up tents at the site without permission.

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In Dallas, police clearing a protest camp on the University of Texas campus detained at least 20 people who were expected to spend the night in jail, Fox4 reported. Stony Brook University in New York also announced that the demonstration that began peacefully at its headquarters had subsided. Tents were set up and other students were intimidated and harassed. 29 demonstrators were subsequently arrested, including students, employees, and non-members of the university.

200 arrests at Columbia University

More than two weeks ago, the wave of protests on the campus of upscale Columbia University in New York began with a tent camp, and was quickly dispersed by police. This approach, which was seen as particularly harsh, prompted students to do so, leading to the formation of a larger camp. Tensions such that the largely peaceful protests eventually led to the violent occupation of Hamilton Hall on the Columbia University campus. A large NYPD squad then evacuated the campus and temporarily arrested more than 200 students.

Katarina Wilhelm, Tagesschau, May 2, 2024, 4:11 pm

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Ukraine launches 'Putin's nightmare' – long-range US missile hits Crimea

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Ukraine launches 'Putin's nightmare' – long-range US missile hits Crimea
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First hit by a long-range US missile in Crimea: Ukraine uses Atakm again. There is cause for celebration, but it is very restricted.

Cape Tarkankot – “When thousands of shrapnel fall on an anti-aircraft battery, there is nothing left,” Thomas Thiener said last September. world Tell. The former Italian artilleryman commented on the potential impact of the Atakum (Army Tactical Missile Systems) missile with cluster munitions. It seems like something like this has happened again. Newsweek Reports, citing various sources, stated that Ukraine It is possible that Crimea has been attacked again with Atakum missiles, and perhaps even with cluster munitions again. Vladimir Putin An S-300 anti-aircraft battery was now lost in the final attack. There is also talk of launching a strike against Russian positions in occupied southeastern Ukraine Daily news This is done using Atacms.

A tempting war target: The Crimean Bridge has been attacked repeatedly — as happened here in October 2022. With new Atakum missiles, Ukraine could seriously damage the bridge and perhaps cut off Russian supplies entirely. © Uncredited/AP/dpa

Newsweek It refers to Channel Newsweek Very cheerful. As happened last fall, when Ukraine dealt a strong blow to the Russian Air Force for the first time; Until the New Zurich Times The topic lit up: “Blistering flames, huge clouds of smoke, and the outline of a combat helicopter against the red night sky: video images of inferno at the military airport in the Russian-occupied city of Berdyansk on October 17, 2023.” He immediately made it clear that the Russian Air Force had suffered a serious blow. It was soon confirmed that a new weapon was being used here: Ukraine fired American Atakum missiles for the first time.

„Putin's Nightmare”: The modern Ataxus symbolizes the principle of hope in Ukraine

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden I paid for the supply of this weapon. Ukraine will be able to travel long distances because the United States has delivered the current type with a range of up to 300 kilometers. The headline read: “With this weapon, Putin’s nightmare has come true.” world In September, when the first batch of missiles, the older type with a range of less than 200 kilometers, had probably just arrived at the front. It symbolizes the principle of hope, which the defenders of Russian terrorism seem to be using at every straw they have, because the situation in Ukraine is like a nightmare. Even if a battery in the Crimea were destroyed, it would be a drop in the ocean, even though it is world “All Russian facilities are in grave danger,” she responded again animatedly, wanting to know.

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Online time It's more realistic – if not downright pessimistic: from their point of view, this would be the right weapon – but a year too late: „There is more promise in the missile than it can deliver,” wrote author Alexander Edlin. In fact, the number of Atacms delivered appears to be unclear. The first batch last fall described this Daily news As a “very small number”, it is now reported time according to The New York Times An additional 100 missiles were delivered – their advantage is that they can be launched from HIMARS missile launchers already in use in Ukraine.

Impact in Crimea: There is no tactical value without the use of ground forces

Meanwhile, the US has also reportedly delivered the modernized version with a range of up to 300 km and GPS, perhaps due to Russia's now significant superiority. This certainly gives Ukraine operational opportunities, but on the other hand, this is also an argument Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Caution: With Ukraine's ability to operate over longer distances, it is simply pushing Russian airfields, warehouses, or staging areas into the heart of Russia: a missile attack without follow-up ground forces will therefore not achieve long-term tactical success. .

Even the current attack on the air defenses in Crimea may be a successful event, but it is certainly unique – in contrast to the ongoing drone-assisted attack on the Black Sea Fleet, which has established Ukraine as a regional naval power. But what is more threatening is the war of attrition that Ukraine has been waging with increasing force for months, behind the lines of contact. Attrition is likely to increase with the new delivery of precision American Atakam missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers. world He was drafted blue late last year. There are still few signs of that.

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Time is ticking for Russia, but the clock may be ticking for the Crimean Bridge

The big bang may already be imminent. The Crimean Bridge remains a thorn in the side of Ukraine, which would become more vulnerable again with new missiles. But it is questionable how many missiles Ukraine would have to invest in order to cut off the lifeline of Russian supplies. At least Russia had time to use the months of wrangling the United States has witnessed to prepare itself. Since the successful attack by Ukraine in October, the Russians have had the opportunity to prepare for this threat ISW He writes. The Russians could have moved their warehouses back and better protected them against air raids.

The West remains somewhat concerned about the use of the weapon and Moscow's response in the event of an ATACM strike to the heart of Russia. Weapons are expressly intended for such “use within its territory.” Daily news Quoted by Jake Sullivan, the President's National Security Advisor. Currently – on April 28 – the news agency reported Reuters Based on renewed demand from Ukraine to the USA. In his weekly video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he recently spoke with US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and asked him to hurry up: “In my conversation with Mr. Jeffries, I stressed the need for Patriot systems, and as quickly as possible.” „.

Cutting supplies: Ukraine's chance to stabilize the front

Reuters At the same time, reports indicate that the situation on the front in Ukraine is deteriorating: since the capture of the city of Avdiivka, Moscow's forces have been advancing slowly, taking advantage of the defenders' lack of artillery and soldiers. The Kiev forces were to take up new positions west of the villages of Berdykhi and Semenivka, both north of Avdiivka, and Novomikhylivka, south near the town of Marinka. “In general, the enemy achieved certain tactical successes in these areas, but was unable to achieve operational advantages,” Laut said. Reuters Colonel-General Oleksandr Sersky, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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In March, the most famous German military historian Sönke Neitzel said NDR He joked that he was almost accused of defeatism at the recent Munich security conference when he said he would be happy if at least Ukraine didn't lose. Neitzel repeatedly stresses the need to increase Ukraine's ability to attack. According to him, optimism is spread primarily by those who have no idea “how difficult it is to carry out offensive operations,” he said. Atacms can contribute to offensive capability. It seems so too MirrorAuthor Gernot Kramber said he feared the Ukrainians would not be able to withstand Russian pressure much longer.

If it now becomes possible to cut off Russian supplies and strike command structures, Russian offensive momentum will weaken. “This does not mean victory, but the Ukrainians will at least have a chance to stabilize their front.” (priest)

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It is clear that Hamas leaders view the Israeli proposal with suspicion

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It is clear that Hamas leaders view the Israeli proposal with suspicion

As of: May 2, 2024 at 7:39 AM

In the struggle for a ceasefire in the Middle East, an official response by Hamas to Israeli concessions is still pending. However, the Jemaah Islamiyah leader has already spoken – and he did not sound optimistic.

According to a media report, the leader of the extremist Islamic movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Juhia Sinwar, is questioning the latest offer to negotiate a hostage deal.

A source close to the Hamas leader told the Israeli television channel Channel 12 this evening that this is not an offer from Egyptian mediators, but rather an Israeli offer “in American guise” that includes a number of pitfalls. The current draft does not contain any guarantee that the war will end.

It is unclear how many hostages are still alive

As part of Egyptian mediation efforts in Cairo, Hamas was presented with a ceasefire proposal in exchange for the release of the hostages. The Egyptian mediators had previously received the offer in Israel.

In the October 7 massacre in Israel, Hamas and other terrorist groups took more than 250 hostages. 105 of them were released at the end of November. It is unclear how many of the rest are still alive.

An official response from Hamas is expected soon

Hamas has not yet responded to the Israeli proposal. The Islamic organization so far insists on ending the war, which Israel rejects. The Israeli government announced the rapid start of the controversial offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt if an agreement is not reached.

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Hamas's representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, told Al-Manar TV station, which is controlled by the pro-Iranian Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon: “Our position on the current negotiating document is negative,” as The Times of Israel reported that night. But according to the Hamas press office, this does not mean an interruption in the negotiations. According to the newspaper, the organization intends to provide a response to the latest proposal within the next few hours.

What weight does the word sinwar carry?

A person close to Sinwar told Israel's Channel 12 that statements by Hamas leaders in exile should not be viewed as official positions of the Islamic organization. The Gaza leader now relies solely on two of his close followers who control the Gaza Strip for decision-making. He left the matter before the terrorist attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7 last year.

According to The Times of Israel, Hamas leaders in exile recently issued statements in favor of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Map of the Gaza Strip, gray areas: built-up areas of the Gaza Strip, inscribed: areas controlled by the Israeli army

Blinken: “Hamas is blocking the way to a ceasefire”

During his visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken previously called on Hamas to agree to the Israeli ceasefire proposal. He said, „It is Hamas that is blocking the path to a ceasefire.” There is a „very strong suggestion on the table” that the terrorist organization should „agree to it and get it over with.”

According to media reports, the Israeli proposal stipulates a multi-stage process in which fighting in the Gaza Strip would be halted for 40 days initially, and the hostages would be released in return. First, women, the sick, the elderly and the wounded must be released. As was the case with the first ceasefire, Palestinian prisoners will also be released from Israeli prisons – also in stages.

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An Israeli government spokesman said it wanted to wait until the evening to get a response from Hamas. A “decision” will then be made on whether Israel will send a delegation to Cairo for further talks.

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