Markus Vaher
@markusvaher.bsky.social
Estonian at Harvard. Researching East European and Russian politics.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
“Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to quell anti-government protesters last year, evidence gathered by the BBC suggests.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests
Anti-government demonstrators are likely to have been targeted with camite, our investigation finds.
www.bbc.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:40 AM
“Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to quell anti-government protesters last year, evidence gathered by the BBC suggests.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
False Gambia flagged KAIROS (9236004), former KATIUSKA, now on fire in the Black Sea, was a regular guest in the Baltics in 2024 and first half of 2025.
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
November 28, 2025 at 10:29 PM
False Gambia flagged KAIROS (9236004), former KATIUSKA, now on fire in the Black Sea, was a regular guest in the Baltics in 2024 and first half of 2025.
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
2000 Meters to Andriivka, to which I contributed as a translator, is available to watch on YouTube and the PBS website! It was directed by Oscar-winning Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov. It is an emotional, beautiful, and very important documentary. Don’t miss it!
youtu.be/Nf4Cgy56slU?...
youtu.be/Nf4Cgy56slU?...
November 26, 2025 at 9:02 PM
2000 Meters to Andriivka, to which I contributed as a translator, is available to watch on YouTube and the PBS website! It was directed by Oscar-winning Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov. It is an emotional, beautiful, and very important documentary. Don’t miss it!
youtu.be/Nf4Cgy56slU?...
youtu.be/Nf4Cgy56slU?...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Police said up to 20 protesters were detained on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, near Parliament, after they blocked traffic during a daily rally. Activists say as many as 30 were held, many dragged from sidewalks. The arrests come amid tighter protest rules.
Police Arrest Dozens on Rustaveli Avenue - Civil Georgia
Police said up to 20 people were arrested on the evening of October 22 as tensions flared after prot
civil.ge
October 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Police said up to 20 protesters were detained on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, near Parliament, after they blocked traffic during a daily rally. Activists say as many as 30 were held, many dragged from sidewalks. The arrests come amid tighter protest rules.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
BREAKING: The Ivanishvili regime is moving to further tighten repressive laws against protesters. Under the proposed amendments, individuals could face criminal charges and up to one year in prison for repeated offenses such as:
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
October 13, 2025 at 6:35 PM
BREAKING: The Ivanishvili regime is moving to further tighten repressive laws against protesters. Under the proposed amendments, individuals could face criminal charges and up to one year in prison for repeated offenses such as:
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
Reposted by Markus Vaher
As several pointed out (and yes, you can always quibble with details) the per Capita number of political prisoners in #Georgia now is higher than in #Russia.
(As in Russia, some of detentions are rooted in legal cases/ causes that ultimately are a result of oppression.)
(As in Russia, some of detentions are rooted in legal cases/ causes that ultimately are a result of oppression.)
Number of those arrested in connection with October 4 election-day unrest has reached 44, with 9 more detained on October 9. Authorities say they are working to identify additional individuals.
Number of Detainees Over October 4 Unrest Up to 44 - Civil Georgia
The number of those arrested in connection with the October 4 election-day unrest has reached 44, af
civil.ge
October 9, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Markus Vaher
At the UN, GD FM Maka Botchorishvili, sidelined by the entire civilized world, met with the Belarusian FM.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
September 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
At the UN, GD FM Maka Botchorishvili, sidelined by the entire civilized world, met with the Belarusian FM.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Today is the 300th day of protest in Georgia.
September 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Today is the 300th day of protest in Georgia.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
#Belarus One of the released is reportedly Mikalai Statkevich, who was sentenced to 14 years. He is a prominent opposition politician. The regime kept him incommunicado since February 2023.
September 11, 2025 at 12:28 PM
#Belarus One of the released is reportedly Mikalai Statkevich, who was sentenced to 14 years. He is a prominent opposition politician. The regime kept him incommunicado since February 2023.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
⚡️Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed
24-year-old Nadiya Yakymenko and her 2-year-old daughter Angelina were among the 25 people killed in the attack on the capital, the Russia Kills project reported on Aug. 29.
kyivindependent.com
August 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
⚡️Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Happy Independence Day, dear Ukraine, from day 270 of daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia! 🇬🇪🇺🇦
August 24, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Happy Independence Day, dear Ukraine, from day 270 of daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia! 🇬🇪🇺🇦
Reposted by Markus Vaher
🤯 Russians and Belarusians with military ties can now compete at July’s world fencing championships after the FIE—still heavily influenced by sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov—scrapped independent vetting. Olympic medalist Sofya Velikaya, a Russian army major, will also be there.
Russian army major to compete at fencing world championships – DW – 07/11/2025
Sofya Velikaya is one of the world's most successful fencers, having won multiple Olympic medals. Now, after a long absence, she is allowed to return to competition — despite her military rank.
www.dw.com
July 12, 2025 at 6:19 AM
🤯 Russians and Belarusians with military ties can now compete at July’s world fencing championships after the FIE—still heavily influenced by sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov—scrapped independent vetting. Olympic medalist Sofya Velikaya, a Russian army major, will also be there.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
#Belarus Since the start of 2025, the Lukashenka regime have made at least 1,700 political arrests. That’s the latest stark figure from the human rights center Viasna, which warns this is just the tip of the iceberg.
July 7, 2025 at 9:07 AM
#Belarus Since the start of 2025, the Lukashenka regime have made at least 1,700 political arrests. That’s the latest stark figure from the human rights center Viasna, which warns this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Sergei Tikhanovsky, jailed in May 2020 after announcing presidential run versus Belarus’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka and sentenced to 18 years, was set free and left the country. Nasha Niva claims this resulted from Trump envoy Keith Kellogg’ Minsk visit
June 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Sergei Tikhanovsky, jailed in May 2020 after announcing presidential run versus Belarus’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka and sentenced to 18 years, was set free and left the country. Nasha Niva claims this resulted from Trump envoy Keith Kellogg’ Minsk visit
Reposted by Markus Vaher
June 5, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Today is the Day for Protection of Children.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
June 1, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Today is the Day for Protection of Children.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
The results of our latest Eurobarometer are in.
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
May 28, 2025 at 8:11 AM
The results of our latest Eurobarometer are in.
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Reposted by Markus Vaher
This could likely be the primary cause for the stop, the ship was broadcasting a false identity on AIS (both flag state and name).
Pursuit of JAGUAR (registered at ARGENT) through the Estonian EEZ by government vessels. Starboard.nz shows differences between the AIS identity and the information on the S&P Global database. Note this only shows vessels on AIS. @tankertrackers.com, @claudialanz.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 8:39 PM
This could likely be the primary cause for the stop, the ship was broadcasting a false identity on AIS (both flag state and name).
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Au revoir, shadow fleet? All vessels passing through EU waters must now provide insurance information.
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
Commission strengthens the EU Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems
The Commission has adopted a crucial measure to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection around the EU’s coasts.
transport.ec.europa.eu
April 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Au revoir, shadow fleet? All vessels passing through EU waters must now provide insurance information.
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
Estonian forces have detained a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” near the island of Aegna. The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registra...
theins.press
April 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
The result of the night attack on Kyiv:
March 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The result of the night attack on Kyiv:
Reposted by Markus Vaher
“In the three years since the full-scale invasion, veterans from the front have killed and maimed more than 750 people after returning home,” Kseniya Kirillova highlights crimes committed by Russian soldiers upon their return from the frontlines.
When Ivan Comes Marching Home Again
Veterans from the invasion of Ukraine threaten to bring an epidemic of crime and violence home to Russia. The Kremlin has plans for them.
cepa.org
March 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
“In the three years since the full-scale invasion, veterans from the front have killed and maimed more than 750 people after returning home,” Kseniya Kirillova highlights crimes committed by Russian soldiers upon their return from the frontlines.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
The Kremlin has been messaging all day that it wanted a pause in arms deliveries to Ukraine as a condition of a full ceasefire. (As though Russia would cease taking deliveries from China, Iran and N. Korea.)
The absence of a full ceasefire suggests the White House didn't cave.
The absence of a full ceasefire suggests the White House didn't cave.
Reporting that Putin agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure.
This is a delay tactic, designed to keep Trump at the table and extract pressure on Kyiv.
It is not a breakthrough.
meduza.io/news/2025/03...
This is a delay tactic, designed to keep Trump at the table and extract pressure on Kyiv.
It is not a breakthrough.
meduza.io/news/2025/03...
Кремль: Путин поддержал 30-дневный отказ от ударов по энергетике Украины и «дал такую команду военным». Трамп настаивал на полном прекращении огня — Meduza
Владимир Путин поддержал идею президента США Дональда Трампа о взаимном отказе России и Украины от ударов по энергетической инфраструктуре в течение 30 дней и «дал такую команду военным», сообщил Крем...
meduza.io
March 18, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The Kremlin has been messaging all day that it wanted a pause in arms deliveries to Ukraine as a condition of a full ceasefire. (As though Russia would cease taking deliveries from China, Iran and N. Korea.)
The absence of a full ceasefire suggests the White House didn't cave.
The absence of a full ceasefire suggests the White House didn't cave.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
I once received an electric shock during torture only for writing for Radio Liberty: I was told that it was "a CIA structure and an enemy of Russia", and for that reason alone I was already guilty.
Now, the "enemy of Russia" is being destroyed by America itself, and my torture seems doubly in vain.
Now, the "enemy of Russia" is being destroyed by America itself, and my torture seems doubly in vain.
March 16, 2025 at 8:23 PM
I once received an electric shock during torture only for writing for Radio Liberty: I was told that it was "a CIA structure and an enemy of Russia", and for that reason alone I was already guilty.
Now, the "enemy of Russia" is being destroyed by America itself, and my torture seems doubly in vain.
Now, the "enemy of Russia" is being destroyed by America itself, and my torture seems doubly in vain.