A Dutch university was caught funding an institute in Russia

Radboud University in the Netherlands has been embroiled in a scandal over its funding of the Netherlands Institute in St. Petersburg (NIP) amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.

In 2024, the university transferred 41,640 euros to the institute. A total of 98,000 euros was allocated to fund local staff, and approximately 50,000 euros was set aside for rent in St. Petersburg. Despite the suspension of most activities following Russia’s full-scale invasion in March 2022, the institution continues to operate: several employees remain on staff, and the library is open to visitors.

Critics warn that due to payroll taxes and rent payments, a portion of the Dutch funds may indirectly end up financing the war. Lilia Levandovska, coordinator of Nijmegen4Ukraine and a university employee, stated that such a practice is unethical regardless of the amount, since even these funds could be enough to produce a lethal drone, adding that the NIP serves as a tool of Russia’s soft power in the Netherlands.

Researcher Yelizaveta Markova and international relations instructor Olga Burlyuk note that the institute’s operations in Russia legitimize the Russian regime and can be used by Moscow as an example of Western support. In addition, opponents draw attention to legal aspects, citing EU sanctions and calls by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences to cease educational and scientific cooperation with Russia.

At the same time, the University of Amsterdam, which is also responsible for the NIP, asserts that the institute’s current operating format does not violate the sanctions regime. The institution’s leadership believes it is necessary to preserve the institute for the future, since it would be extremely difficult to reestablish scientific contacts once it is closed.

Source: voxweb.nl.

Zelenskyy’s office named the countries whose components Russia still uses in its weapons.

A group of Ukrainians has filed a lawsuit against U.S. tech companies over their chips being used in Russian weapons.