An investigation published by Fontanka, an independent Russian newspaper, found that the Kremlin had hired members of a private military company called Wagner to go to Syria and Ukraine. The use of contractors gives Mr Putin a deniable way of sending trained personnel to both countries. Source: Telegraph
Russia’s largest aluminum producer Rusal (0486.HK) said on Monday it has not received a formal resignation from director Oleg Deripaska, and reiterated that its business and prospects may be affected by U.S. sanctions. Source: Reuters
China says it has landed long-range bombers for the first time on an island in the South China Sea, the latest in a series of maneuvers putting Beijing at odds with its neighbors and Washington over China’s growing military presence around disputed islands. Source: CNN
Germany’s migration office reportedly knew about improper asylum decisions in its Bremen branch earlier than previously admitted. Migration officials in Bremen are suspected of taking bribes to approve applications. Source: Deutsche Welle
