>>17394605

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/several-settlers-wounded-killed-in-bus-attack-in-occupied-al

Several settlers wounded, killed in bus attack in occupied Al-Quds

Al Mayadeen correspondent reported Sunday that a number of Israeli settlers were wounded and others were killed in a shooting operation that targeted a bus in occupied Al-Quds in the pre-dawn hours.

Our correspondent confirmed that at least nine Israeli settlers were wounded in the shooting, pointing out that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have not been able to arrest the person who carried out the operation.

Activists on social media circulated a video showing the IOF storming the town of Silwan in search of the shooter.

The Jerusalem Post said that the shooter "managed to escape the scene and police are currently conducting searches in the area," adding that "Police helicopters were also operating in the area in search of the shooter.

The Times of "Israel" reported that the shooter "fired shots in 2 different scenes and fled."

Simultaneously, Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that Resistance fighters were firing at an Israeli undercover unit that was discovered in Jenin, noting that about 40 IOF vehicles rushed toward Jenin camp in an attempt to save the unit.

>>17394691

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/al-quds-operation-suspect-turns-himself-in:-israeli-media

Al-Quds operation suspect turns himself in: Israeli media

The Palestinian man suspected of carrying out the shooting operation in occupied Al-Quds, Amir Sidawi, arrived in a cab at the "Moriah" Checkpoint and turned himself to the Israeli occupation forces, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

Al Mayadeen correspondent reported Sunday that a number of Israeli settlers were wounded and others were killed in a shooting operation that targeted a bus in occupied Al-Quds in the pre-dawn hours.

Our correspondent confirmed that at least nine Israeli settlers were wounded in the shooting, pointing out that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have not been able to arrest the person who carried out the operation.

The taxi driver that took Sidawi to his destination was also detained to be interrogated. He said he picked up Sidawi near the Israeli "Shaare Zedek" Medical Center.

Israeli media said Sidawi turned himself six hours after carrying out the operation in occupied Al-Quds. He was handed over to the Shin Bet security service for questioning.

The Jerusalem Post reported earlier that the shooter "managed to escape the scene and police are currently conducting searches in the area," adding that "Police helicopters were also operating in the area in search of the shooter."

Later on, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Sidawi turned himself in to protect his family members after the Israeli occupation forces arrested several of them in order to push him out of hiding.

Reports revealed the operation had a huge impact on the Israeli occupation, giving rise to fears about an escalation in terms of operations in occupied Al-Quds and the occupied territories.

"The operation proved the failure of the Israeli security apparatus that resorts to collective punishment in order to make up for its failures," Al Mayadeen's correspondent added.

The Israeli ambulance service, Magen David Adom (Red Star of David), reported that the shooting left 10 wounded settlers, including two in critical condition.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/bennett:-israel-is-in-a-sensitive-security-situation

Bennett: "Israel" is in a sensitive security situation

Israeli media quoted Sunday former Israeli occupation Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as saying that "It is irresponsible not to appoint a chief of staff while Israel is in a sensitive security situation."

Amit Segal, Israeli Channel 12 political commentator, wrote on his Telegram account that in today's cabinet session, Bennett considered that it would be irresponsible not to appoint an Israeli occupation forces (IOF) chief of staff during a sensitive security period in Lebanon and Gaza Strip.

"Hezbollah and [the natural gas rig] Karish, the war between the wars in Syria, Operation Breaking Dawn in Gaza. We are entering an election cycle and do not know how long it will last. Security necessities must be placed above any politics," considered Bennett.

On Sunday, the Israeli occupation cabinet voted to approve the appointment of Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz as head of the advisory committee that is responsible for appointing senior officials to government positions.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the "Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Senior Civil Service Officials" is responsible for reviewing candidates for key positions, including the IOF chief of staff, and recommending to the government whether to approve the appointments.

The news website said that the appointment is necessary in order for the committee to recommend to Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz candidates for the next IOF chief of staff position.

It indicated that "Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara allowed Gantz to go ahead with the appointment (of an IOF chief of staff) even though caretaker governments in election periods are generally not allowed to make major appointments."

According to the Jerusalem Post, right-wing Israeli politicians protested Baharav-Miara's decision, "arguing that there could still be a smooth transition if current Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s tenure would be extended for a few months."

The news website pointed out that Israeli Interior Minister, Ayelet Shaked, asked Bennett "to use his veto power over which topics can be voted on in the government, however, Bennett declined and the vote passed."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/taiwan:-beijing-sent-22-military-aircraft-6-ships-to-taiwan

Taiwan: Beijing Sent 22 Military Aircraft, 6 Ships to Taiwan Strait

The Chinese military on Sunday sent 22 military aircraft and 6 vessels to the Taiwan Strait, with 11 jets being detected in Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone (SW ADIZ), the island's ministry of national defense said.

The ministry added that 11 of the said aircraft "had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait" while staying in the island's SW ADIZ.

In early August, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei while on an Asia tour despite warnings from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contacts with the island. She was the first highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.

The visit triggered a new round of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. In addition to the launch of military exercises, Beijing had imposed sanctions against two Taiwanese foundations for separatist activities, suspended the export of natural sand to the island and the import of citrus fruits, as well as some types of fish products from Taiwan.

Earlier today, Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said in a statement that the US sends a congressional delegation to Taiwan, once again reigniting tensions with China over the non-respect of its sovereignty.

It was likewise reported on the same day that both China and Thailand engaged in military drills under the name of "Falcon Strike" to strengthen their alliance, as the US prepares its own drills with Indonesia following the Pelosi visit.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-congressional-delegation-arrives-in-taiwan

US Congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan

A US congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said in a statement amid tensions between Washington and Beijing over the former's provocation committed through US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit.

Sunday's unannounced visit came after Pelosi's, which came earlier this month and led to unprecedented air and sea drills, raising the prospect of conflict.

"Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), and Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) will visit Taiwan from August 14-15, 2022, as part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region," the American Institute in Taiwan said in a statement.

"The delegation will meet with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains, climate change, and other significant issues of mutual interest," it added.

The Taiwanese foreign ministry lauded the delegation's visit as another sign of warmth between Taipei and Washington.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere welcome (to the delegation)," the ministry said in a statement Sunday.

"As China is continuing to escalate tensions in the region, the US Congress has again organized a heavyweight delegation to visit Taiwan, showing a friendship that is not afraid of China's threats and intimidation, and highlighting the US' strong support towards Taiwan."

China announced carrying out fresh military drills around Taiwan on August 8, days after Pelosi's visit to the island gave rise to worse tensions between the two powers.

In parallel, the Taiwanese military held a few days later yet another round of live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait after the Chinese army concluded its military exercises in the South China Sea in light of tensions with Taipei over US regional interference.

Taiwan's exercises came less than a day after the Chinese military said its drills ended on Wednesday after its forces "successfully completed various tasks" in the Taiwan Strait, vowing to continue patrolling its waters.

In a multi-decadal first, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a white book on the island, saying it would "not renounce the use of force" against Taiwan, preserving "the option of taking all necessary measures."

"We are ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification, but we will leave no room for separatist activities in any form," it said in the paper. The last time Beijing issued a white book on Taiwan was in 2000.

The document titled "The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era" was jointly prepared and published by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office of China. Beijing regularly publishes white papers to clarify its policy on various pressing issues.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously stressed that China will leave no room for the pro-Taiwanese independence forces as the reunification of Taiwan with China is historically inevitable and all attempts to use Taiwan to contain China are doomed to failure.

Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.

What was significant about the visit is that it came at a time of great tensions between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan, and it marked the first visit made by a US House Speaker to the island since 1997.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/eu-concerned-about-inflammatory-rhetoric-of-serbia-kosovo

EU concerned about 'inflammatory rhetoric' of Serbia, Kosovo

The European Union is disturbed by the provocative statements made by senior officials of Serbia and Kosovo, wary that they may stoke more tension in the region, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said on Sunday.

On Thursday, Serbian President Alexandar Vucic accused Kosovo of preparing to kill Serbian population in northern Kosovo.

The top official also accused Pristina of using the Ukraine war to campaign against Serbia.

"The recent increase of inflammatory rhetoric between officials of Kosovo and Serbia, in particular, the statements about war and conflict in the Western Balkans are of great concern," the EEAS expressed in a statement.

"Senior politicians of the two Parties will be held responsible for any escalation that leads to any increased tensions and, potentially violence in the region," the statement read.

It added that the EU believes that both sides should immediately abandon "mutual hostilities and dangerous statements" and act reasonably and responsibly.

The EEAS stressed that all unresolved issues between Belgrade and Pristina should be discussed under the EU-facilitated dialogue.

It is noteworthy that the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo accepted the invitation of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to meet in Brussels on August 18 and resume discussions on normalization of relations after a flare-up in early August over new border rules.

The latest flare-up between the two countries was triggered by Pristina declaring plans to introduce new border rules.

The Kosovo authorities had announced that starting August 1, Serbian-issued documents would be invalid and their owners would receive temporary certificates when entering Kosovo.

At the same time, Kosovo was going to start mandatory re-registration of vehicles with Serbian license plates, which would affect Serbians in the northern part of Kosovo and several other towns. This caused tensions at the border, prompting Kosovo to postpone the entry restrictions until September 1.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in late July that Moscow has urged Pristina, as well as the United States and the European Union, which back the Kosovo authorities, to halt provocations and respect the rights of Kosovo's Serbs.

Similarly, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had affirmed that Russia supports Serbia's stance amid the current tensions on borders with Kosovo.

On his part, Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, blamed the conflict on the Serbia-Kosovo border on the US.

"Washington is to blame for the conflict on border between Serbia and Kosovo. Its goal is quite obvious - to weaken countries daring to take an independent position. The methods are quite typical. Nothing new. First, the United States supports nationalist moods, fuels them, and then, it pushes to armed conflicts," Volodin explained.

>>17394832

4th time 226 showed up this week.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/china-thailand-conduct-falcon-strike-drill-amid-us-tensions

China, Thailand conduct 'Falcon Strike' drill amid US tensions

Thailand and China kicked off their first joint air force exercise on Sunday as Thai-Chinese air force drills were regularly held since 2015 but had to pause when the pandemic hit in 2020.

Precautionary measures

Labeled "Falcon Strike", the exercise follows China's largest-yet military drills around Taiwan, as a precautionary measure in retaliation to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island. The controversial visit was advised against, by both the US military and Chinese officials, and resulted in heightened tensions between the trio: China, Taiwan, and the US.

Interestingly, the visit came at a time of rising tensions between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan, and it marked the first visit made by a US House Speaker to the island since 1997, causing concern across the globe.

Thai Air Chief Marshall Prapas Sornchaidee stated that "Falcon Strike" that's running for 10 days in the northeast of the country, was meant to fortify relations and mutual understanding with China. The drill will consist of fighter jets, bombers, and airborne early-warning (AEW) planes according to the defense ministry in Beijing last week. It also noted that the drills will comprise of training for "air support, strikes on ground targets, and small- and large-scale troop deployment".

Arm deal may be pushed back

Washington expressed increased concern over China's assertiveness and presence in the Pacific region and consequently launched the "Super Garuda Shield" exercise in Indonesia with its allies last week, which involved around 2,100 Indonesian military troops and 1,500 US army soldiers.

Thailand aimed to strengthen its alliance with China and was among the first to buy Chinese naval hardware under a deal signed back in 2017.

In 2020, however, a subsequent deal in the amount of $724 million for two Chinese-made submarines was postponed following a public outcry. Further friction over the vessels' engines may see the delivery pushed back as far as 2024, according to a report by local media this month.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/syria:-air-defenses-confront-israeli-aggression-on-tartus

Syria: Air defenses confront Israeli aggression on Tartus

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) confirmed Sunday that Syrian air defenses are intercepting hostile targets in the sky of Tartus and in the air of the Qalamoun mountain range near the Lebanese border."

Earlier, Al Mayadeen correspondent in Damascus reported that three explosions were heard in the sky of the Syrian city of Tartus.

Our correspondent added that the Syrian air defenses engaged Israeli missiles targeting points in the vicinity of Tartus, noting that the aggression was carried out by Israeli warplanes from over Lebanese territory.

"The aggression led to the death of three soldiers, the wounding of three others," SANA said, quoting a military source.

A source in Tartus Fire Department confirmed to SANA that the fires caused by the Israeli aggression had been brought under control.

It is noteworthy that an Israeli air aggression targeted southern Tartus earlier this month, injuring two civilians, including a woman, and causing some civilian casualties.

Palestinian factions condemn Israeli aggression on Syria

In response, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) affirmed its support for Syria and its army against the Israeli aggression, adding that "the Zionist entity confirms that it is the central enemy of the Arab nation and constitutes a serious threat to its security and interests."

On its part, the Hamas movement considered that after committing crimes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, "the Zionist occupation is committing today a new aggression on Syrian lands," stressing that the continuous and "extended Zionist terrorism in the entire region must be confronted with a unified stance from all the forces of the nation."

Syria: 2 civilians injured in Israeli aggression targeting Quneitra

A few days ago, two civilians were injured as a result of the Israeli aggression that took place in the vicinity of Al-Hamidiyah village in the northern countryside of the Syrian Quneitra countryside.

The Israeli occupation fired two tank shells that landed in the surroundings of Al-Hamidiyah village in the northern countryside of Quneitra, injuring two civilians, who were transferred to Mamdouh Abaza medical center, SANA reported.

A medical source reported that "two citizens were admitted to the hospital, and their health condition is currently stable."

Hundreds of Israeli airstrikes against Syria

"Israel" has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against Syria in the last few years, completely violating the integrity and sovereignty of Syria and neighboring countries, such as Lebanon.

It is noteworthy that on June 10, Israeli air attacks destroyed the runways, control tower, reception rooms, and hangars of Damascus International Airport, forcing Syrian officials to cease flights and conduct extensive repairs.

Russian Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, revealed that the Israeli airstrikes that hit Damascus International Airport received tacit US approval.

"It may seem that Israel received a carte blanche to engage in illegitimate unilateral action upon silent approval of Washington that basically blocked all opportunities to have the peace process recovered," Polyanskiy said.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/russia-pakistan-cooperating-in-counter-terrorism-on-afghanis

Russia, Pakistan cooperating in counter-terrorism on Afghanistan

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Sunday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistani President Arif Alvi on the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence, noting active cooperation in counter-terrorism, the Kremlin said Sunday.

In a telegram sent to the Pakistani leadership, Putin expressed trust that the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan will continue to expand.

"Relations between our countries are at a high level. Russia and Pakistan are actively cooperating bilaterally and in various multilateral formats, including in counter-terrorism and the Afghan direction. I am confident that our joint efforts will provide further building of the whole range of constructive Russian-Pakistani ties for the good of our peoples and in interests of strengthening regional security and stability," Putin wrote in his message published by the Kremlin.

In October 2021, Russia hosted international talks on Afghanistan, and a Taliban delegation attended a meeting aiming to focus on the security situation and the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

Participants in the third Moscow format talks on Afghanistan expressed their concerns about the activities of terrorist groups in the country.

In a joint statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry after the meeting, the participants expressed their concerns "about the activities of proscribed terrorist organizations in Afghanistan." Moreover, "the sides reaffirmed their willingness to continue to promote security in Afghanistan to contribute to regional stability."

>>17394888

Tail number. Qpost 1056. E.

Pakistan joined as well as Thailand.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-media:-situation-before-aggression-on-gaza-has-not-c

Israeli media: Situation before aggression on Gaza has not changed

Israeli media pointed out Sunday that the current situation on the ground reminds all sides that the situation that existed before the Israeli occupation aggression on Gaza has not fundamentally changed and that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad did not give up on connecting battle arenas.

"Israel" Hayom reported that the occupation celebrated, early last week, the end of the aggression on Gaza, and deemed it as an achievement that disrupted the connection between battle arenas.

The news website, however, considered that the celebrations were premature.

It said that this momentum continued even at the end of the aggression on Gaza and spilled over into the West Bank, with the Israeli occupation forces storming Nablus and assassinating Resistance leader Ibrahim Al-Nabulsi.

According to the news website, a week after the euphoria, the situation reminds all parties that the reality that existed before the aggression on Gaza has not changed fundamentally, at least till now, adding that Hamas and the PIJ do not give up on the connection between resistance arenas, including Gaza, occupied Al-Quds, and the West Bank.

Regarding Sunday's shooting operation in Al-Quds, the news website considered that it provides Hamas with an opportunity to claim that the resistance is crossing-platform and that the equation that was developed during the battle of Seif Al-Quds and aims to create a link between different battle arenas against "Israel", has not collapsed yet.

"Israel" Hayom claimed that as an organization that knows how to seize opportunities to advance its interests, an operation in occupied Al-Quds would help Hamas inflame passions and continue inciting operations outside the Gaza Strip, which is exactly the fuel the movement needs to start its propaganda machine.

Impossible to prevent one-man solo operations through intelligence

In the same context, Israeli media quoted former Israeli Minister Haim Ramon as saying that it is difficult and even impossible to prevent one-man solo operations through intelligence means.

The Palestinian man suspected of carrying out the shooting operation in occupied Al-Quds, Amir Sidawi, arrived in a cab at the "Moriah" Checkpoint and turned himself to the Israeli occupation forces, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

Al Mayadeen correspondent had reported Sunday that a number of Israeli settlers were wounded in a shooting operation that targeted a bus in occupied Al-Quds in the pre-dawn hours.

The taxi driver that took Sidawi to his destination was also detained to be interrogated. He said he picked up Sidawi near the Israeli "Shaare Zedek" Medical Center.

Israeli media said Sidawi turned himself six hours after carrying out the operation in occupied Al-Quds. He was handed over to the Shin Bet security service for questioning.

Later on, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Sidawi turned himself in to protect his family members after the Israeli occupation forces arrested several of them in order to push him out of hiding.

Reports revealed the operation had a huge impact on the Israeli occupation, giving rise to fears about an escalation in terms of operations in occupied Al-Quds and the occupied territories.

"The operation proved the failure of the Israeli security apparatus that resorts to collective punishment in order to make up for its failures," Al Mayadeen's correspondent added.

The Israeli ambulance service reported that the shooting left 10 wounded settlers, including two in critical condition.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/dprk-slams-un-chief-denuclearization-calls

DPRK slams UN chief denuclearization calls

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) criticized Sunday United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres over his calls for "completely and verifiably" denuclearizing Pyongyang during his visit to Seoul.

Guterres met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Friday. He took the opportunity during the meeting to underline the UN's commitment to a fully denuclearized DPRK as a divided Security Council allows more room for Pyongyang to expand its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program.

The issue at hand is a "fundamental objective to bring peace, security, and stability to the whole region," Guterres said.

DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong denounced the UN chief, accusing him of showing "sympathy" for the hostile policy of the United States.

"I cannot but express deep regret over the said remarks of the UN secretary-general that grossly lack impartiality and fairness," he said, as quoted by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim said the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation" of North Korea was "an infringement upon the sovereignty of the DPRK."

"We advise Secretary-General Guterres to be careful in making such dangerous words and deeds as pouring gasoline on flames," he stressed.

The DPRK has fired more than 30 ballistic missile tests this year, including its first intercontinental ballistic missiles since 2017, as leader Kim Jong Un pushes to advance his nuclear arsenal despite what Pyongyang referred to as "gangster-like" US pressure and sanctions.

Kim previously stressed that Pyongyang was ready to mobilize its nuclear war deterrent, warning that Seoul was pushing toward the verge of war.

Experts claim that the abnormal fast pace in weapons demonstrations also accentuates brinkmanship targeted at forcing Washington to embrace the DPRK as nuclear power and to negotiate urgently needed sanctions relief and security concessions.

Although the Biden administration has said it would impose additional sanctions if the DPRK conducts more nuclear testing, the expectations for meaningful punitive measures are unclear.

China and Russia recently vetoed US-sponsored resolutions at the UN Security Council meeting that aimed to increase sanctions on the North over some of its ballistic missile testing this year, highlighting tension between the council's members that has strained over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/poland-developing-mechanism-for-eu-to-stop-issuing-visas-to

Poland developing mechanism for EU to stop issuing Visas to Russians

Poland is developing a concept for the European Union to stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens as part of the new sanctions package despite the resistance of some member states, Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk told the Polish Press Agency.

Poland "supports the extension of the EU sanctions, in particular, on the issue of suspension of the agreement on visa facilitation for Russian citizens," Wawrzyk said. However, according to the official, not all EU member states share this position. The idea is opposed by large countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

"Since it is impossible to break the resistance of these states to suspend the agreement on visa facilitation for Russian citizens, Poland is working on a new solution," the Polish deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying.

In particular, Warsaw has been negotiating the issue with some EU member states for several weeks, Wawrzyk said, adding that Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia had a similar outlook on visas for Russians.

"We can expect a decision on the issue to be made in the coming weeks," the Polish official said, as quoted by the news outlet.

Poland has not been issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens for several months. Currently, visas are being provided only for truck drivers, diplomats, and other persons who have to cross the Polish-Russian border for work, as well as persons with a Pole's Card - a document confirming Polish nationality - and family members of citizens of Poland or other EU member states.

Earlier in August, the German government began discussions of a draft EU decision to ban the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens as part of the next sanctions package. In addition, the Latvian parliament officially urged EU countries to stop issuing visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Moscow considers proposals to ban the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens as a manifestation of chauvinism. The Kremlin has said that such a decision will definitely entail retaliatory measures and a counter-reaction on the part of Russia.