News from Volkia

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141


February 13, 2020

Retired Supreme Federal Court Justice Anton Lavrentyev dies at 94

KIROPOVETS, DEBYRANSK OBLAST (HHC) - The Supreme Federal Court has confirmed that retired Justice Anton Lavrentyev has died at age 94.

“We are saddened to confirm retired Justice Anton Lavrentyev passed away this morning at his home in Kiropovets, Debyransk Oblast, from complications following an illness. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old,” the Supreme Federal Court said in its statement.

Lavrentyev was nominated to the Supreme Federal Court by President Matvei Yakushin in 1984 and until he retired in 2008, serving 24 years on the court.

Lavrentyev is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. His wife, Nataliya Rudova, preceded him in death in 2016.

Lavrentyev remained a staunch supporter of civil rights throughout his time on the court, his most notable votes supporting the 1987 legalization of same-sex marriage, anti-censorship of media in 1989, and the decriminalization of marijuana possession in 2007.

Funeral plans have yet to be announced but Lavrentyev’s family confirmed he will be buried next to his wife in the Lavrentyev family plot.

142


April 5, 2020

Man who licked produce in grocery store seen in viral video charged

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA (HHC) - An 18 year old man who appeared in a viral video depicting himself licking produce in a grocery store as part of an ongoing internet trend has been charged, Volkgoroda Metropolitan Police say.

The man, identified by police as Boris Klokov, allegedly entered a Zvezda supermarket on March 30th with a juvenile who began filming as Klokov licked fruits and vegetables before replacing the product on store shelves. Zvezda employees removed Klokov and the juvenile from the store after the incident was reported by a customer. Zvezda removed thousands of koronas worth of produce from the store and notified police. Klokov had left the scene by the time police arrived.

The Volkgoroda District Attorney issued an arrest warrant for Klokov on April 3rd for criminal mischief, a gross misdemeanor, and tampering with a consumer product, a Category E felony. Klokov turned himself in to authorities late Sunday evening. Klokov faces up to four years in prison and up to a 5,000 korona fine.

143


June 16, 2020

Train derails near Vasilyev, injuring three

VASILYEV, NORINDZHIK OBLAST (HHC) - A large rock slide resulted in the derailment of a NorthRail Union freight train which trapped three crew members Tuesday morning.

Three crew members of the NorthRail Union train were briefly trapped before they were able to free themselves and wait for rescue. They were taken to the hospital where they were later discharged with minor injuries, local police said. No other injuries were reported in the derailment.

NorthRail said in a statement that the train derailed into a small ravine near the small town of Opochka, which is roughly 100 miles southwest of Vasilyev. Heavy rains in the area around Opochka had caused a rockslide sometime Monday night, which caused the train to derail Tuesday morning at approximately 6:30 am. A fire had started in the locomotive had started by the time firefighters arrived and was extinguished quickly.

Damage to the tracks from the rock slide was repaired and the cars that did not derail had been removed from the area. A statement from the Federal Transportation Safety Agency said that a team was being sent to investigate the derailment.

NorthRail said the train had 56 cars carrying lumber and 42 cars carrying grain. Ten cars derailed, including nine lumber cars and one sand car. NorthRail said that most of the cargo would be recovered.

144


July 22, 2020

Volkian Defense Forces to begin partial withdrawal from North Dveria

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA OBLAST (HHC) – President Yuliya Surkova announced Wednesday morning that the majority of Volkian Defense Forces currently stationed in North Dveria would begin returning home by the end of the year.

There are approximately 30,000 Volkian troops currently in North Dveria at various bases supporting the North Dverian National Defense Forces and the National Police. Volkian troops have been in North Dveria since 2014 in various roles, with combat operations ending in 2016. Since then Volkian troops have helped train and support North Dverian military and police forces, who have taken over all security duties.

President Surkova stated the large number of forces in North Dveria were unnecessary as the ceasefire between the North Dverian government and the Dverian Nationalist Army remains in effect. Violence in North Dveria has decreased significantly since the ceasefire’s signing in early 2019 and a lasting peace in North Dveria seems within reach. North Dverian leaders and Dverian Nationalist Army leaders are scheduled to meet in the North Dverian capital in August to negotiate a permanent peace agreement.

According to President Surkova, roughly 10,000 troops will remain in North Dveria following the withdrawal with plans to reduce the number to 5,000 for training and support purposes by the end of 2021. Volkian naval vessels will still be granted access to Lukashek’s harbor and will likely be the home for some Volkian ships for the foreseeable future.

145


July 29, 2020

Shimanovsk Oblast Police arrest suspect in 33-year-old cold case
By Aleksei Gazenkov, HHC

SHIPUNOVO, SHIMANOVSK OBLAST (HHC) – A spokesperson for Shimanovsk Oblast Police announced the arrest of a man in connection with the unsolved 1987 death of a 17 year old girl.

Pavel Ilyich Gerasimov, 54, of Kondrovo, Shimanovsk Oblast, was taken into custody Monday morning by Shimanovsk Oblast Police officers and charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping for the death of 17-year-old Ludmila Khorkinova. Khorkinova was abducted while walking home from school on March 2, 1987 and was found six days later strangled and left in a field three miles from her home.

Investigators say DNA evidence that was previously too small to test was used to connect Gerasimov to Khorkinova’s death. They also said that Gerasimov was a suspect in 1987, but investigators at that time had been unable to connect Gerasimov to Khorkinova’s death.

Judge Konstantin Anatolyovich Rusanov granted the prosecutors’ request for no bail for Gerasimov, who will remain in custody. Gerasimov is expected back in court August 10.

146


September 13, 2020

Major political parties finalize 2020 presidential election candidates

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA OBLAST (HHC) - The nominees of the 2020 presidential election have been set, with the Liberal Party filing their candidate early Friday morning with the Federal Elections Committee.

The Liberal Party became the final national political party to finalize their nominee for the 2020 presidential election, scheduled for October 28. Federal Councilor Katja Alexandrovna Nikolaeva of Uzlovaya Oblast, 52, became the Liberal Party’s first female nominee for the office of the presidency. With the election cycle set to begin in three days, the parties have begun spending millions of koronas in ad space on television, radio, and online. Political advertising will be permitted from September 16 to October 26.

The following are the candidates for president that will appear on the ballot nationwide in alphabetical order by surname:

Socialist Labor League
Polina Petrova Fedorova

Conservative Party
Artem Yaroslavovich Morozov

Liberal Party
Katja Alexandrovna Nikolaeva

Volkian Green Party
Anatolii Ivanovich Novikov

Social Democratic Union
Yuliya Dmitrova Katin Surkova

Monarchist Union Party
Viktor Viktorovich Zakharov

Incumbent is italicized.

President Yuliya Surkova and the Social Democratic Union are still considered to be favorites in the 2020 election, though recent polling suggests the nation’s longest ruling party’s majority in the Chamber of Deputies may be in danger. The party currently holds 42 of 78 seats in the Federal Council, and 243 of 472 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.

This is the last election to use the 2010 Federal Census; the Chamber of Deputies will be restructured following the election and completion of the 2020 Federal Census.

147


October 11, 2020

Man arrested for impersonating federal officer and carrying guns illegally during protest indicted

TORZHOK, UZLOVAYA OBLAST (HHC) – A man who impersonated a federal officer while armed during student demonstrations against the president of Torzhok Federal University appeared in Federal Court Friday morning.

Federal Attorney Nina Soloveva’s office said that 22 year old Adrik Sergeev of Kyshtovka Oblast was charged with one count of false personation of a federal law enforcement officer, two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and two counts of possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.

Court documents show that Sergeev participated in the student demonstrations on August 14, 2020 and August 15, 2020 at Torzhok Federal University. He allegedly wore tactical gear and carried a handgun holstered on his hip and identified himself as a law enforcement officer. Sergeev was also found to be in possession of a second handgun concealed in his backpack.

As demonstrations continued Sergeev approached Federal University Police officers and identified himself as a special agent with the Federal Investigative Agency (FSA). The officers, recognizing that no FSA agents had been deployed to the protest, challenged Sergeev’s claim and took him into custody.

Sergeev faces a maximum of three years imprisonment and a 400,000 korona fine for the false personation, and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison and 2,000,000 korona in fines for the firearm charges.

Sergeev’s trial is scheduled for November 9.

148


October 28, 2020

2020 ELECTION: Yuliya Surkova holds early lead in presidential election

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA OBLAST (HHC) – There is no winner as of yet in the 2020 presidential election, however there is a clear frontrunner: incumbent Yuliya Surkova.

No candidate received the required 50% plus one on the first ballot and the second round of counting is underway. If there is no clear winner a third round of counting will begin 8 am Thursday morning.

Round One

No candidate has received enough votes to be elected. The second round of counting is underway.

Total Votes Cast
50,205,378

Invalid
50,155

Threshold
25,102,690

Candidate
First Round Votes

Yuliya Dmitrova Katin Surkova
20,516,592

Artem Yaroslavovich Morozov
12,965,367

Katja Alexandrovna Nikolaeva
6,626,699

Polina Petrova Fedorova
5,880,579

Anatolii Ivanovich Novikov
2,912,107

Viktor Viktorovich Zakharov
1,053,259

Write in votes
200,620

Source: Volkian Election Commission

Turnout was reported to be around 87%, which is up from 2016 when 83.8% of eligible voters filed a ballot. This year’s election is expected to have one of the highest turnouts in Volkian electoral history. The 1972 presidential election had the highest turnout in Volkian electoral history, with 91.8% of eligible voters taking part.

National Assembly Results

There is still no clear winner of either of the houses of the National Assembly although some districts have been able to report winners. The Social Democratic Union remains dominant in the Chamber of Deputies and will likely secure another majority. The Conservative Party continues to make gains at the expense of the Monarchist Union Party who has lost a Federal Council seat and six Chamber of Deputies seats to the Conservatives.

Federal Council (26 seats up for election - 14 called)

Party
Seats Called

Social Democratic Union
5

Conservative Party
4

Liberal Party
3

Volkian Green Party
1

Socialist Labor League
1

Monarchist Union Party
0

Chamber of Deputies (472 seats up for election - 152 called)

Party
Seats Called

Social Democratic Union
56

Conservative Party
38

Liberal Party
25

Volkian Green Party
14

Socialist Labor League
11

Monarchist Union Party
6

Source: Volkian Election Commission

Counting will continue into the night with third rounds of counting for the National Assembly beginning Thursday morning at 8 am.

149


October 29, 2020

2020 ELECTION UPDATE: Yuliya Surkova reelected to second term

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA OBLAST (HHC) – Yuliya Surkova has won a second term as president, defeating five other major candidates and several minor ones.

It took three rounds of counting in order for Surkova to secure the necessary number of votes, winning 51.28% of the vote. Artem Morozov of the Conservatives finished second with 27.98% and Katja Nikolaeva of the Liberals finished third with 19.41%. Socialist Polina Federova finished fourth, Anatolii Novikov of the Greens finished fifth, while Monarchist Viktor Zakharov finished last. All three were eliminated. The total number of invalid and exhausted votes were 655,004.

Candidate
First Round
Final Round

Yuliya Dmitrova Katin Surkova
20,516,592 (40.86%)
25,750,151 (51.28%)

Artem Yaroslavovich Morozov
12,965,367 (25.82%)
14,051,568 (27.98%)

Katja Alexandrovna Nikolaeva
6,626,699 (13.19%)
9,748,655 (19.41%)

Polina Petrova Fedorova
5,880,579 (11.71%)
Eliminated

Anatolii Ivanovich Novikov
2,912,107 (5.80%)
Eliminated

Viktor Viktorovich Zakharov
1,053,259 (2.09%)
Eliminated

Write-ins/Other Candidates
200,620 (0.39%)
Eliminated

Source: Volkian Election Commission

National Assembly Results

The Social Democratic Union has once again secured a majority across both houses of the National Assembly. The Conservative Party made large gains in both the Federal Council and the Chamber of Deputies, increasing their number of seats. The Liberal Party, Socialist Labor League, and the Volkian Green Party either gained seats or maintained their holds while the Monarchist Union Party saw large losses and lost their representation in the Federal Council.

Federal Council (26 seats up for election)

Party
Seats Won (Total Seats)

Social Democratic Union
11 (44)

Conservative Party
5 (11)

Liberal Party
5 (11)

Socialist Labor League
3 (6)

Volkian Green Party
2 (6)

Monarchist Union Party
0 (0)

Chamber of Deputies (472 seats up for election)

Party
Seats Won

Social Democratic Union
258

Conservative Party
66

LIberal Party
50

Socialist Labor League
47

Volkian Green Party
37

Monarchist Union Party
11

Alternative for Volkia
3

Source: Volkian Election Commission

Surkova and Vice President Vladimir Burmakin will be sworn in for their second terms on January 13, 2021; the 66th National Assembly will also be sworn in and begin their first session the following day.

150


December 24, 2020

Man sentenced in white-tailed eagle poaching case

ALATYR, DINSKAYA OBLAST (HHC) – A man caught poaching white-tailed eagles by federal wildlife officers in 2017 has been sentenced in federal court.

Semyon Vadimovich Plotnikov, 46, of Alatyr was sentenced Wednesday under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors before Judge Tanya Aleksandrovna Novikova. Plotnikov will spend 18-24 months in a federal prison with 36 months probation following his release. Plotnikov will have to pay a 10,000 kron fine for the illegal hunting, and must pay 200,000 kron in civil penalties for the birds taken. Plotnikov will also lose his hunting license for life, and is forbidden from assisting anyone in hunting or trapping activities.

Plotnikov was stopped by federal wildlife officers in June 2017 during a random license check in Belbereg National Reserve when the officers discovered two white-tailed eagle carcasses in Plotnikov’s possession. Plotnikov admitted to killing the animals roughly an hour before being stopped by the officers.

The white-tailed eagle is protected under federal law due to its status as the national bird. White-tailed eagles may only be “taken” with a license issued by the Minister of Land Management.

151


January 31, 2021

Attack on Volkian frigate Sigayevo leaves 15 dead, 37 wounded

LUKASHEK, NORTH DVERIA (HHC) – An attack by North Dverian militants on the air defense frigate Sigayevo has left five Volkian sailors, three North Dverian Guardsmen, and seven attackers dead according to a spokesperson for the Volkian Navy. An additional 37 Volkian and North Dverian military personnel were wounded.

The Sigayevo docked in Lukashek on Friday evening after completing a patrol with North Dverian naval vessels in the Gulf of Itur with plans to return to sea Monday morning for further patrols. At approximately 6:00 PM local time, roughly 24 masked gunmen launched an attack with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades on the dock where Sigayevo was refueling. The assailants were successful in overrunning the North Dverian defenders and began attacking the ship. Volkian sailors returned fire and were able to rout the attackers with the support of a platoon of North Dverian Home Guardsmen.

Five Volkian sailors and three North Dverian Guardsmen were killed in the fighting while another 37 Volkians and North Dverians were wounded. The Sigayevo suffered moderate damage from gunfire and explosives and will remain docked until the full extent of the damage is evaluated. If severe enough it will return to Volkia for repairs.

Seven gunmen were also killed by the defenders, and the North Dverian Federal Investigations Committee and the Volkian Federal Investigative Agency were working together to identify the attackers and any conspirators. An offshoot terror group made up of former Dverian Nationalist Army members, the Dverian Liberation Army, posted a video on social media an hour after the attack claiming responsibility.

The Sigayevo is one of several Volkian vessels from the Gulf of Itur Fleet stationed in North Dveria’s ports in a support role for the North Dverian Navy.

152


March 22, 2021

Lukyan Yolkin loses final death penalty appeal

VOLKGORODA, VK (HHC) – The Federal Supreme Court denied a final writ of certiorari from Lukyan Yolkin, the man convicted for masterminding the 2006 Volkgoroda bombings, exhausting his appeals and upholding his conviction and sentence.

Yolkin’s sentence was upheld by the Federal Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for various legal challenges before Yolkin appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. His writ was in turn denied, upholding the Court of Appeals’ decision. Yolkin claimed he did not receive a fair trial due to improper evidence handling and prosecutorial misconduct. Both the Court of Appeals and Federal Supreme Court denied Yolkin suffered either and upheld the conviction and sentencing.

Yolkin was convicted in 2010 of numerous counts for his role in masterminding the 2006 Volkgoroda bombings, including murder, terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit terrorism. Sentenced to death plus 250 years, he was due to be executed in 2018 but was granted a stay following further arrests of Yarkiye cult members who claimed Yolkin masterminded the failed Kursavka subway bombing from prison in 2012. These claims were substantiated which resulted in the firing and prosecution of four guards at High Mountain Federal Correctional Complex. Yolkin was then moved to Cold River Federal Correctional Complex.

The stay of execution gave Yolkin time to file a final appeal, as a new execution date had not been set.

Yolkin personally directed six cult members to detonate suicide bombs across Volkgoroda during the Autumn Festival weekend in order to “save as many souls as possible.” On December 18, 2006 two perpetrators detonated suicide vests in Stefan Gurkovsky Square at the Autumn Market while two others detonated their vests in the Metro station nearest the square. Two perpetrators were taken into custody by police after their vests failed to detonate. They were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole on April 4, 2011 in exchange for their testimony against Yolkin.

A total of 128 civilians were killed and another 361 were injured in the attack; it remains the deadliest terrorist attack on Volkian soil.

Yolkin’s new execution date has reportedly not been set as of yet but the government is expected to follow through with his execution.

153


April 18, 2021

Fireworks, parades mark Volkia’s 133rd Federation Day

VOLKGORODA, VOLKGORODA OBLAST (HHC) – Nationwide celebrations marked the 133rd anniversary of the adoption of the constitution that gave the country its federal republic.

The constitution was adopted by the former provinces of the Kingdom of Volkia on April 17, 1888 and has been celebrated by Volkians as the country’s national day ever since. Fireworks, parades, and barbecues are common ways Volkians like to celebrate Federation Day. The largest of these events are held annually in Volkgoroda, the nation’s capital, and attract attendees from across the country.

The Volkgoroda Federation Day Parade saw massive crowds while thousands of others attended festivities in Federation Square. Federation Square hosted concerts, food trucks, and stands featuring local businesses. The night was capped off by one of the country’s largest fireworks shows which was also broadcasted on local television stations.

President Surkova wished Volkians a safe holiday on social media and shared a photo of herself at a small barbecue attended by family and friends. Other politicians, like Vice President Burmakin, Chamber Speaker Stefania Nevzorova, and other members of the federal legislature made similar posts to social media.

154


April 20, 2021

Wolverines win second Polivanov Cup, defeat Falcons in five games

ZARINSK, ZHUKOVSKY OBLAST (HHC) – The Zarinsk Wolverines have become VHL Champions for the second time.

Zarinsk defeated Kovdor 4-3 in overtime in Game 5 of the Polivanov Cup Final at TIK Arena on Tuesday.

“I still think I’m dreaming,” Wolverines captain Maksim Ulyanov said. “You play so hard all year, and getting awarded with [the Cup] is just magical. I think I’m gonna be smiling for weeks. We’re definitely going to party hard after this.”

Denis Noskov made 19 saves; Ulyanov had two goals and an assist while Arkady Voronov and Leonid Loktionov scored a goal as well. The Wolverines previously won the Polivanov Cup in 1992 and had four Cup Final appearances (1983, 1984, 1992, 2005). The 2021 Polivanov Cup Finals were a repeat of the 1984 Finals, where Kovdor defeated Zarinsk in seven games to secure their only Cup.

Wolverines forward Nikolay Abramovich won the Pavel Yuditsky Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player of the Polivanov Cup Playoffs. “I never thought I’d get my name on the Pavel [Yuditysky Trophy]. Y’know, you dream of winning it as a kid and you watched most of the guys on the trophy play, it’s so cool to be on it with them now.”

Grigory Firsov of the Falcons made 24 saves, and Miroslav Polyakov, Kuzma Kuzmetsov, and Simeon Polunin each scored a goal for Kovdor, which won Game 4 of the best-of-7 series 6-0 on Saturday.

“It just sucks. We thought we would finish better than we did, and to lose in overtime… it’s makes it harder,” Polyakov said.

Zarinsk defeated HC Svetlogorsk in five games in the Southern Conference First Round, swept the Kursavka Golden Eagles in the second round, and beat the Makushin Cyclones in seven games in the conference final.

“I can’t wait to see what next year holds. I think we’ll be sticking around the playoffs for a while,” Noskov said when asked about the future of the Zarinsk team.

155


August 10, 2021

Volkian and North Dverian troops clash with militants near Kärssaare

LUKASHEK, NORTH DVERIA (HHC) – An emboldened Dverian Liberation Army (DLA) attacked a North Dverian forward operating base located near Kärssaare late Tuesday afternoon, killing two soldiers and wounding ten.

Members of North Dveria’s Home Guard and the Volkian Army came under mortar attack at the Koppel Forward Operating Base by elements of the DLA near the North Dverian town of Kärssaare. Residents reported gunfire into the night, with things quieting down by 22:00 local time. Two North Dverian soldiers were killed and seven were wounded, while three Volkian soldiers were wounded. The DLA militants had an unknown number of casualties.

Security in eastern North Dveria continues to be an issue for local security forces, which is the main cause of the Volkian overstay in North Dveria. Most of the Volkian combat troops in North Dveria were due to be home by the end of 2020, however increasing violence from North Dverian terror groups has consistently pushed back Volkia’s full withdrawal date.

156

Feds execute masterminds of 12/18 attacks

2:19 pm | Friday, November 19, 2021 | The Afternoon online edition

The federal government executed the masterminds responsible for the 2006 Volkgoroda bombings Friday afternoon, according to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General Vasiliy Akinfeev.

Maksim Vakhmistrov (aged 56), Anatoly Slavyanov (aged 57), and Yarkiye founder Lukyan Yolkin (aged 64), were hanged at the Cold River Federal Correctional Complex located outside of Deyevsk, Okostolitsa Oblast. Vakhmistrov was pronounced dead at 12:10 pm, Slavyanov at 12:45 pm, and Yolkin at 1:12 pm.

During his last words, Vakhmistrov offered remorse for his role in the attack and begged for forgiveness. Slavyanov remained silent, and Yolkin offered no apology and struck a defiant tone. “I pray that you all find his light, because I’ll be coming back for you. I will be the one leading the charge for the end of days,” he said, according to Akinfeev.

Akinfeev confirmed that all three men had exhausted their appeals and that their deaths were necessary to “close one of Volkia’s saddest chapters.” He cited the “pain and suffering of the victims and their families” as well as the timing of the 15th anniversary as to why the government moved forward on their executions, as opposed to some inmates who had been on death row longer.

President Surkova refused to commute the three mens’ sentence to life imprisonment and allowed the executions to go on as planned. Surkova has spoken out against the death penalty in the past while as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Ozyoretsk Oblast. “Justice and the will of the Volkian people has been done,” she said in a comment after the executions.

Yolkin was scheduled to die in 2018, which was postponed after information arose that he was involved in the planning of an attack on the prison he was confined to by Yarkiye members. The threat was later found to be substantiated and led to the arrests of nine people, the seizure of firearms and explosives, and the relocation of Yolkin, Vakhmistrov, and Slavyanov to Cold River.

The 2006 Volkgoroda bombings shook the country to its core, shattering decades of relative peace and security after years of unrest during the 1960s. The attacks killed 128 civilians and wounded 362, 68 of which were critically injured. The attacks ultimately led Yarkiye to be declared a terrorist organization and made membership illegal in Volkia.

Vanya Tereshchenko and Kostya Kuzmin, the two surviving attackers of the bombings, remain incarcerated; Kuzmin is eligible for parole beginning in 2032 for his cooperation with the government. Two other Yarkiye members remain on death row for their roles in a separate attack.

157

Surkova administration approves $1.5 billion SHD arms sale to Casilló y Réal

3:19 pm | Saturday, December 4, 2021 | The Reflector online edition

VOLKGORODA (The Reflector) - The Surkova administration has approved a $1.5 billion SHD arms sale to Casilló y Réal after weeks of testing and deliberation by the Novaran nation’s Bureau of Procurement.

It calls for selling Casilló y Réal 36 Ga-36 interceptor aircraft and 12 Ga-20M fighters from current reserve stock. An additional 12 Ga-20M fighters will be produced by Galyorkin Aerospace specifically for Casilló y Réal, with a total of 60 aircraft to ultimately be delivered to the Royal Corric Air Cavalry. Galyorkin Aerospace will be permitted to open facilities within Casilló y Réal in order to provide local production facilities of ammunition and parts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified the National Assembly this morning of the pending sale.

As required by federal law, the National Assembly will have two weeks from the date of notification to file a resolution of disapproval from either house; neither the Chamber of Deputies or the Federal Council are expected to object to the sale. Leaders in the foreign affairs committees of both houses had no objections at this time, according to aides.

“This sale will allow the Royal Corric Air Cavalry to further modernize and ensure effective air defense of Casilló y Réal. We hope that this will strengthen cooperation between our countries and create further opportunities for us to work together,” Oksana Herzena, Assistant Minister of the Bureau for Political-Military Affairs, said Saturday afternoon shortly after the sale notification.

Additionally, training in both use and maintenance is expected to be provided to Corric crews to ensure proper use and maintenance of the aircraft.

158

President Surkova denounces potential Blaskovian resettlement policy

3:19 pm | Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | The Afternoon online edition

President Surkova denounced Blaskovian and Noraii plans to begin forcibly relocating Zrei elven and tiefling communities between the two countries. “It’s a blatant violation of sapient rights,” Surkova said on Tuesday morning during the daily press briefing. “It doesn’t matter if they’re offering ‘financial compensation,’ they’re talking about forcibly displacing thousands of people. You can’t just make people move from their homes to a country they might not have even been to. It’s not right. This shouldn’t even be a discussion.”

When asked how Volkia would respond if the plan is actually implemented, Surkova held back on offering any specifics. “We’re exploring all available options in our response. I don’t want to jump the gun - as of right now it’s just talk. But we’re certainly aware of the implications if the plan does go ahead, and we’ll respond accordingly.”

Speaker of the Chamber Stefania Nevzorova echoed the President’s concerns when questioned on her way between meetings. “We’re monitoring the situation. I can promise you that President Surkova has the support of the Chamber of Deputies and, if needed, we will take measures ourselves.”

While most in the Volkian political world have denounced the plan, it has seen some support in some right-wing populist groups and within the Populist Caucus of the Conservative Party. “Honestly, who cares? It sounds like an internal decision and frankly, I don’t see a problem with it.” Ernst Dovlatov (KP), people’s deputy from Uzlavoya Oblast, told reporters outside the National Assembly building. “As long as it isn’t here, I could care less about where they get moved to. I can’t believe I’m in agreement with Blaskog.”

Monarchist Fyordor Gergiev, an outspoken lupine supremacist and also a people’s deputy from Uzlavoya, concurred with Dovlatov’s opinion. “I’m impressed. Blaskog is going to do something right for once, and we should take a page from the book they’re working with.”

The Conservative Party distanced itself some from Dovlatov when asked for comment, reiterating that the party supports “equality for all species.” The Monarchist Union Party refused to comment on Gergiev’s statement.

159

BREAKING: Ongoing incident in Izumrud prompts shelter-in-place order

7:14 pm | Friday, December 31, 2021 | The Afternoon online edition

IZUMRUD - Police are asking residents to avoid the area and to shelter-in-place due to an ongoing incident in Eagle Park, located in the city’s Waterfront District and a popular spot to watch the city’s waterfront fireworks show.

Details are minimal as police have yet to brief the media, but have issued a shelter-in-place order for the Waterfront District and have responded en masse to the Eagle Park area. Police have cordoned off the Waterfront District and numerous ambulances and fire trucks are currently staged outside the cordon.

Both the Izumurd Police and the Federal Police alerted residents to the ongoing incident on Pigeon:

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/the_east_pacific/download/file.php?id=603855

Witnesses have described gunfire and small explosions inside Eagle Park and the surrounding city blocks, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. If you are in the Waterfront District, please seek shelter and wait for police if you are unable to evacuate. If you have an emergency or are in danger, dial 999.

160

UPDATE: At least eight dead, 22 wounded in mass shooting at Eagle Park

9:14 pm | Friday, December 31, 2021 | The Afternoon online edition

IZUMRUD - Police have confirmed there are at least eight dead following a mass shooting in Eagle Park, targeting revelers who had gathered to watch the city’s fireworks show for New Year’s. There are at least 22 wounded according to police, and have been transported to local hospitals. One of the dead is an Izumrud police officer, whose name has yet to be released pending family notification.

According to a spokesperson for the Izumrud Police, two suspects have been taken into custody and another was shot dead by police. A fourth suspect was shot but is expected to survive their injuries; they have been transported to a hospital as well. Full details are still unclear, but the police state they are confident all suspects have been located.

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The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but police are continuing to advise residents to avoid Eagle Park and the surrounding area as it is an active crime scene. A spokesperson for the City of Izumrud announced the city fireworks show had been cancelled, and asked for blood donations from residents who were able.

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City of Izumrud’s Pigeon post following the shooting.

President Surkova was briefed on the shooting soon after it was reported, and took to Pigeon to express her sympathies. She also announced she would visit Izumrud tomorrow, January 1, to meet with local leaders and show support.

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President Surkova’s Pigeon post in response to the shooting.

This story will be updated as more details become available.

11:52 pm

UPDATE: Gunshots reported in downtown Izumrud were from police action

Izumrud police responded on Pigeon to reports of gunshots in downtown Izumrud, dismissing rumors of another shooting taking place. “We can confirm there was gunfire in downtown Izumrud, however it was the result of a police action. We have no evidence that another attack is imminent. We’ll put out additional updates when we’re able to,” the Izumrud police public information officer said in a statement.

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