Hans de Vreij
@vreij.bsky.social
Journalist. Studeerde Russisch. Was publiciteitscoördinator van Amnesty International-Nederland. Daarna 30 jaar journalistiek. Correspondent in o.a. Brussel, Praag en Genève. Eigen 'spionageverhaal': https://hansdevreij.com/2017/01/08/russian-spy-and-i/
Pinned
Hans de Vreij
@vreij.bsky.social
· Dec 29
In order to help promote transparency on Bluesky, I am not accepting anonymous followers. You will be blocked. Also: no interactions with the anonymous. || Anonieme volgers zijn hier niet welkom. Je wordt geblokt. Ik reageer ook niet op berichten van anoniempjes.
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Trump has imposed sanctions on 8 ICC judges and 3 prosecutors. “The sanctioned ICC staff,” Reuters noted, “now sit on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list, alongside suspected al Qaeda terrorists, Mexican drug traffickers and North Korean arms dealers.” wapo.st/3MsWi3c
Opinion | Trump has a strongman’s contempt for international law
The president’s indifference to domestic legal constraints is reflected in his actions outside the U.S.
wapo.st
February 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Trump has imposed sanctions on 8 ICC judges and 3 prosecutors. “The sanctioned ICC staff,” Reuters noted, “now sit on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list, alongside suspected al Qaeda terrorists, Mexican drug traffickers and North Korean arms dealers.” wapo.st/3MsWi3c
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Crew of Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter killed during combat mission.
The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission.
The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission.
Crew of Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter killed during combat mission.
The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission.
uazmi.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Crew of Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter killed during combat mission.
The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission.
The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission.
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
"Around 100,000 customers in the city of Belgorod were without running water early Monday after power surges caused by Ukrainian airstrikes on the local power grid forced two pumping stations to go into emergency shutdown."
www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/09/t...
www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/09/t...
Thousands Without Running Water in Belgorod After Ukrainian Attack - The Moscow Times
Around 100,000 customers in the city of Belgorod were without running water early Monday after power surges caused by Ukrainian airstrikes on the local power grid forced two pumping stations to go int...
www.themoscowtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:02 PM
"Around 100,000 customers in the city of Belgorod were without running water early Monday after power surges caused by Ukrainian airstrikes on the local power grid forced two pumping stations to go into emergency shutdown."
www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/09/t...
www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/09/t...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
‼️🇪🇺 EU plans to impose sanctions against third-country ports serving Russia's "shadow fleet" for the first time — Sky News
The 20th package of EU sanctions includes the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia. There are also proposals to add banks from Laos, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The 20th package of EU sanctions includes the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia. There are also proposals to add banks from Laos, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
February 9, 2026 at 7:20 PM
‼️🇪🇺 EU plans to impose sanctions against third-country ports serving Russia's "shadow fleet" for the first time — Sky News
The 20th package of EU sanctions includes the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia. There are also proposals to add banks from Laos, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The 20th package of EU sanctions includes the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia. There are also proposals to add banks from Laos, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Donald Trump's threats to seize Greenland have eroded confidence in U.S. commitments to protect its European NATO allies.
We take you inside Europe's search for an alternative nuclear umbrella.
🔗 politi.co/4twTHpN
We take you inside Europe's search for an alternative nuclear umbrella.
🔗 politi.co/4twTHpN
February 9, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Donald Trump's threats to seize Greenland have eroded confidence in U.S. commitments to protect its European NATO allies.
We take you inside Europe's search for an alternative nuclear umbrella.
🔗 politi.co/4twTHpN
We take you inside Europe's search for an alternative nuclear umbrella.
🔗 politi.co/4twTHpN
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
For instance, FP-2 drones: bsky.app/profile/spec...
Strikes by FP-2 guided drones with 100kg warheads on Russian targets, as well as rare footage of the FP-2 launch at the opening seconds.
February 9, 2026 at 8:12 PM
For instance, FP-2 drones: bsky.app/profile/spec...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Article on 🇺🇦 middle strike drones:
"These are drones that operate at a distance of 50-200+ km, carry a significantly heavier warhead, have better navigation, and resistance to electronic warfare compared to FPV drones, but cheaper than short-range cruise missiles."
dou.ua/lenta/articl...
"These are drones that operate at a distance of 50-200+ km, carry a significantly heavier warhead, have better navigation, and resistance to electronic warfare compared to FPV drones, but cheaper than short-range cruise missiles."
dou.ua/lenta/articl...
February 9, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Article on 🇺🇦 middle strike drones:
"These are drones that operate at a distance of 50-200+ km, carry a significantly heavier warhead, have better navigation, and resistance to electronic warfare compared to FPV drones, but cheaper than short-range cruise missiles."
dou.ua/lenta/articl...
"These are drones that operate at a distance of 50-200+ km, carry a significantly heavier warhead, have better navigation, and resistance to electronic warfare compared to FPV drones, but cheaper than short-range cruise missiles."
dou.ua/lenta/articl...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
'US to turn over two NATO command posts to Europeans, military source says. European officers would take over NATO's Allied Joint Force Command in Naples and Joint Force Command Norfolk, both currently led by U.S. admirals' www.reuters.com/world/us-tur...
US to turn over two NATO command posts to Europeans, military source says
The United States will turn over two of NATO's major command posts - in Naples, Italy and Norfolk, Virginia - to European officers, a military source told Reuters on Monday.
www.reuters.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:17 PM
'US to turn over two NATO command posts to Europeans, military source says. European officers would take over NATO's Allied Joint Force Command in Naples and Joint Force Command Norfolk, both currently led by U.S. admirals' www.reuters.com/world/us-tur...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
NATO expected to launch Arctic Sentry mission in coming days, sources say - https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2026/02/09/nato-expected-to-launch-arctic-sentry-mission-in-coming-days-sources-say
NATO expected to launch Arctic Sentry mission in coming days, sources say
BRUSSELS, Feb 9 (Reuters) - NATO is expected to launch an Arctic Sentry mission in the coming days, five sources told Reuters, in a move to boost its role in the region and defuse tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and European allies over Greenland.
www.thestar.com.my
February 9, 2026 at 2:18 PM
NATO expected to launch Arctic Sentry mission in coming days, sources say - https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2026/02/09/nato-expected-to-launch-arctic-sentry-mission-in-coming-days-sources-say
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
"They advised that pilots should start on a simulator. The US Army also uses one on Ukrainian advice."
February 9, 2026 at 7:46 PM
"They advised that pilots should start on a simulator. The US Army also uses one on Ukrainian advice."
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
This diagram is in Polish, but fairly easy to understand.
The upper section is U.S. assistance for Ukraine during the Biden and Trump admin
The lower is russian drone and missile attacks during the same time frame
Tell me more about how Trump's negotiations are working.
The upper section is U.S. assistance for Ukraine during the Biden and Trump admin
The lower is russian drone and missile attacks during the same time frame
Tell me more about how Trump's negotiations are working.
February 9, 2026 at 4:06 PM
This diagram is in Polish, but fairly easy to understand.
The upper section is U.S. assistance for Ukraine during the Biden and Trump admin
The lower is russian drone and missile attacks during the same time frame
Tell me more about how Trump's negotiations are working.
The upper section is U.S. assistance for Ukraine during the Biden and Trump admin
The lower is russian drone and missile attacks during the same time frame
Tell me more about how Trump's negotiations are working.
Munich Security Report 2026: 'The world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics.'
securityconference.org/en/publicati...
securityconference.org/en/publicati...
Munich Security Report 2026
The Munich Security Report 2026 analyzes the far-reaching consequences of the rise of political forces that favor destruction over reform.
securityconference.org
February 9, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Munich Security Report 2026: 'The world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics.'
securityconference.org/en/publicati...
securityconference.org/en/publicati...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
👀 Russia is ready to attack NATO 6 months after ceasefire in Ukraine, Munich Security Conference report
February 9, 2026 at 6:27 PM
👀 Russia is ready to attack NATO 6 months after ceasefire in Ukraine, Munich Security Conference report
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
February 9, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
NATO and the United Kingdom have carried out a routine, visible intelligence-gathering presence over the Black Sea in recent hours, with surveillance aircraft operating at the same time on opposite sides of the Black Sea
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-and-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-and-...
British and NATO aircraft gather intel on Russian forces
NATO and the United Kingdom have carried out a routine, visible intelligence-gathering presence over the Black Sea in recent hours, with surveillance aircraft operating at the same time on opposite sides of the Black Sea
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM
NATO and the United Kingdom have carried out a routine, visible intelligence-gathering presence over the Black Sea in recent hours, with surveillance aircraft operating at the same time on opposite sides of the Black Sea
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-and-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-and-...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
My latest. Key point is that national defense in Europe is not a national sovereign responsibility. This is a fiction. Europe’s states haven’t been sovereign on defense since WWII. Instead they outsourced defense to a foreign power (US). Now Europe has to start working together as Europe on defense
“The most effective way European states can defend themselves without Washington’s backing is to integrate their defense efforts,” writes @maxbergmann.bsky.social. “It is time for the EU to become Europe’s Pentagon.”
Europe Needs an Army
Only collective defense can protect the continent.
fam.ag
February 9, 2026 at 5:54 PM
My latest. Key point is that national defense in Europe is not a national sovereign responsibility. This is a fiction. Europe’s states haven’t been sovereign on defense since WWII. Instead they outsourced defense to a foreign power (US). Now Europe has to start working together as Europe on defense
‘Zorgen over Trumps “sloopkogelpolitiek” in aanloop naar conferentie in München’ www.nu.nl/buitenland/6...
Zorgen over Trumps 'sloopkogelpolitiek' in aanloop naar conferentie in München
De jaarlijkse veiligheidsconferentie voor wereldleiders in München, die altijd draaide om het bondgenootschap tussen Europa en de Verenigde Staten, maakt zich zorgen. De sloop van de wereldorde is in ...
www.nu.nl
February 9, 2026 at 6:37 PM
‘Zorgen over Trumps “sloopkogelpolitiek” in aanloop naar conferentie in München’ www.nu.nl/buitenland/6...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
The Pentagon’s top strategist, Elbridge Colby, is headed to NATO headquarters later this week where he will inform allies about future U.S. military plans in Europe.
Read more:
Read more:
US force posture on the agenda for high-level NATO talks in Europe
The Pentagon’s top strategist, Elbridge Colby, is headed to NATO headquarters where he will inform allies about future U.S. military plans in Europe.
www.stripes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:36 PM
The Pentagon’s top strategist, Elbridge Colby, is headed to NATO headquarters later this week where he will inform allies about future U.S. military plans in Europe.
Read more:
Read more:
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Door Russische aanvallen op ⚡ onderstations is de hoeveelheid elektriciteit die door Oekraïense kerncentrales wordt opgewekt gehalveerd.
De 🇺🇦 militaire inlichtingendienst waarschuwde eerder dat Rusland probeert kerncentrales van het elektriciteitsnet af te sluiten door onderstations te vernietigen.
De 🇺🇦 militaire inlichtingendienst waarschuwde eerder dat Rusland probeert kerncentrales van het elektriciteitsnet af te sluiten door onderstations te vernietigen.
Exclusive: Russia’s worst attack on substations halves Ukraine’s nuclear power output
Russia launched its worst-ever attack on Ukraine's nuclear-connected substations on Feb. 7, cutting the volume of electricity generated by the country's nuclear power by around 50%, Vitaliy Zaichenko,...
kyivindependent.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Door Russische aanvallen op ⚡ onderstations is de hoeveelheid elektriciteit die door Oekraïense kerncentrales wordt opgewekt gehalveerd.
De 🇺🇦 militaire inlichtingendienst waarschuwde eerder dat Rusland probeert kerncentrales van het elektriciteitsnet af te sluiten door onderstations te vernietigen.
De 🇺🇦 militaire inlichtingendienst waarschuwde eerder dat Rusland probeert kerncentrales van het elektriciteitsnet af te sluiten door onderstations te vernietigen.
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
🔴 US intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker Aquila II.
The Pentagon says the vessel violated President Trump’s Caribbean quarantine for sanctioned ships before a high-seas pursuit ending in the Indian Ocean.
According to War & Sanctions, Aquila II belongs to Russia's shadow fleet.
The Pentagon says the vessel violated President Trump’s Caribbean quarantine for sanctioned ships before a high-seas pursuit ending in the Indian Ocean.
According to War & Sanctions, Aquila II belongs to Russia's shadow fleet.
February 9, 2026 at 4:10 PM
🔴 US intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker Aquila II.
The Pentagon says the vessel violated President Trump’s Caribbean quarantine for sanctioned ships before a high-seas pursuit ending in the Indian Ocean.
According to War & Sanctions, Aquila II belongs to Russia's shadow fleet.
The Pentagon says the vessel violated President Trump’s Caribbean quarantine for sanctioned ships before a high-seas pursuit ending in the Indian Ocean.
According to War & Sanctions, Aquila II belongs to Russia's shadow fleet.
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
" #Russia ’s military is scrambling to find alternatives to #Starlink satellite internet after access to the network was curtailed, disrupting a key communications system that its forces had been using illicitly on the battlefield."
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Russian military scrambles to find Starlink alternative after access blocked
Elon Musk’s SpaceX curbs illicit use of satellite internet network, which Ukraine says is already affecting operations
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:41 PM
" #Russia ’s military is scrambling to find alternatives to #Starlink satellite internet after access to the network was curtailed, disrupting a key communications system that its forces had been using illicitly on the battlefield."
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Reposted by Hans de Vreij
Estonia bans more than 1,000 more Russian fighters from entering Schengen zone – PM #Ukraine
Estonia bans more than 1,000 more Russian fighters from entering Schengen zone – PM
en.interfax.com.ua
February 9, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Estonia bans more than 1,000 more Russian fighters from entering Schengen zone – PM #Ukraine
'Russian oil companies suffer record losses from refinery strikes' www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/202...
Russian oil companies suffer record losses from refinery strikes
Russian oil companies have suffered losses of more than RUB 1 trillion (about US$13 billion) from drone raids on oil refineries.
www.pravda.com.ua
February 9, 2026 at 2:47 PM
'Russian oil companies suffer record losses from refinery strikes' www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/202...