**Russian Ice Hockey Player Sentenced to Prison for Espionage**
A Polish court has convicted a 21-year-old Russian ice hockey player, Maxim Sergeyev, on charges of espionage. He was sentenced to nearly three years in prison.
Sergeyev played for the OKS Zagliebie Sosnowiec team in Poland‘s junior league before being arrested in June 2023. The authorities accused him of spying on and taking photos of Polish and NATO military sites, including a factory that produces military equipment. Sergeyev also posted pro-Russian content on social media.
Prosecutors said Sergeyev joined a Russian cell with the intention of sabotaging a train carrying weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in exchange for 10,000 euros. He pleaded guilty to the charges and will be deported back to Russia in May 2025 once his sentence is up.
**More Cases of Espionage Suspected**
This case is one of several suspected cases of espionage and sabotage linked to Russia in recent months. Alleged Russian spy rings have been discovered in countries including Ukraine, the UK, and Slovenia.
**Ukraine Receives Military Aid**
In other news, a fire broke out at an oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast after a mass drone and missile attack. The attack was on facilities that produce equipment for Ukraine’s navy, including small boats and reconnaissance drones.
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Brussels to discuss air defense systems with NATO officials. Ukraine is seeking more security guarantees from its Western allies.
**Ukraine Receives Financial Aid**
The EU has allocated funding to support Ukraine’s navy, including a $1 billion grant from the US loan backed by frozen Russian assets. Another $1.05 billion is supported by the UK and Japan.
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