News
North Korea threatens ‘nuke for nuke’
North Korea has promised a tit-for-tat response to any security threat from Washington and Seoul, including using its “most overwhelming nuclear force.” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited South Korea this week with a promise to
Israeli jets strike Gaza
The IDF said it targeted “chemical material production” and “weapon manufacturing” sites Israel launched airstrikes against several “terrorist” targets in Gaza on Thursday morning, hours after a rocket fired from the area was intercepted by
US makes diplomatic move targeting China
The US embassy in the Solomon Islands reopened on Thursday, decades after being shut down as redundant, amid concerns in Washington about the South Pacific archipelago’s overtures to Beijing. The mission in Honiara will consist
US Navy stops ‘gruesome’ experiments
Animal rights group PETA claimed that sheep suffered severe pain and paralysis in “scientifically worthless” decompression tests The US Navy has stopped commissioning decompression sickness experiments on sheep that allegedly subjected the animals to horrible
Russia issues warning to Israel
PM Netanyahu told CNN he was “looking into” sending the Iron Dome to Kiev, prompting a reaction from Moscow Anyone so much as speculating about sending weapons to Ukraine is escalating the conflict, Russian Foreign
Ukrainian official alleges Twitter conspiracy
An aide to President Vladimir Zelensky has claimed that Elon Musk is suppressing the Kiev government’s accounts on the platform Ukrainian presidential adviser Mikhail Podoliak has blasted Twitter owner Elon Musk as a sympathizer for
EU country draws the line at fighter jets to Ukraine
Despite supporting the gift of Leopard tanks to Kiev, Germany’s vice chancellor thinks planes are a step too far German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has warned against supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, arguing the step
China-Russia relationship a threat – NATO
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has claimed that the Western bloc needs more friends in Asia amid Beijing’s rise China and Russia are leading an “authoritarian pushback” against the “international rules-based order,” and their expanding ties
Is the FBI secretly running dark web terrorist recruitment?
US law enforcement is known for entrapment tactics, and the secrecy around a recent terrorism case is suspicious A high-level conspiracy of silence surrounding a US terrorism prosecution raises serious questions over whether the FBI
South Korea to test-fire ‘high-power’ rocket – media
A ballistic missile, named Hyunmoo-5, will be launched on Friday according to Yonhap news agency South Korea is planning to test-launch a new “high-power” ballistic missile later this week, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
US denies misuse of American aid in Ukraine
Washington will keep working with Kiev and other partners to tackle corruption in the country, the Department of the Treasury says The US Treasury Department has said there are no indications that money provided to
Hungary explains army reform amid ‘de-NATOfication’ criticism
Sacking hundreds of veteran officers is a path to meritocracy, the defense minister claims A massive overhaul of the Hungarian military officers’ corps is not driven by any secret agenda, and will trim a bloated
NATO state wants to fast-track training of Ukrainian tank crews
While the basic training course to operate German-made Leopard 2 main battle tanks takes around ten weeks, Polish instructors claim it is possible to cut that timeframe by half to get Ukrainian crews ready for
US to arm Ukraine with ‘longer-range’ missiles – Reuters
Washington is reportedly preparing a new $2 billion aid package, including munitions that can strike deep in Russian territory President Joe Biden’s administration has reportedly decided to send longer-range rockets to Ukraine, giving Kiev’s forces
The battle for lithium: China plants its shovel in the US’ back yard
By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst Lithium is the essential mineral for renewable energy resources, and is gearing up to become to the 21 century what coal was to the previous two centuries. The mineral is
FBI searched Biden’s think tank for classified docs – media
Unlike the search of the president’s home, the agency’s visit to his think tank in Washington was not publicized The FBI searched the offices of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, a
Workers used glue to fix British nuclear submarine reactor – media
The botched repairs reportedly prompted an urgent investigation as defense chiefs demanded assurances about future work UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace has reportedly called for an urgent investigation after The Sun revealed that a routine
Trump sues legendary journalist over audiobook
The former US president has accused Bob Woodward of “systematic manipulation” Former US President Donald Trump filed a nearly $50-million lawsuit against journalist and author Bob Woodward on Monday, accusing him of including taped interviews
Sex, lies and videotapes: Yet another scandal involving Western mercenaries engulfs Ukraine
A lawsuit alleges that the American founder of the ‘Mozart’ group is a sex pest and conman A lawsuit filed by a former member of the mercenary Mozart Group has raised serious questions about the
Woman killed look-alike she found online to fake own death – police
Authorities in Germany’s Bavaria believe they have now pinpointed the motive behind the stabbing of a 23-year-old last August German detectives have revealed new details in a murder case that drew media attention back in
Brazil’s Bolsonaro seeks to extend his US ‘vacation’ – media
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who flew to Florida the night before his term in office ended on December 31, is in no hurry to return home amid an investigation into whether he had any
White House reveals Covid emergency plan
The White House announced on Monday that it wants to end the Covid-19 national emergency by May 11, though that would entail extending it first. The plan comes after Republicans in the House of Representatives
US nuclear sub docks shut down over ‘seismic’ concerns
Four drydocks in Washington state have been idled amid worries raised by an earthquake study The US Navy has announced the shutdown of four drydocks in the Seattle area on concern over the safety risks
Biden comments on F-16 jets for Ukraine
The US won’t send F-16 fighter jets to Kiev, President Joe Biden said on Monday, commenting on media reports that the Pentagon was considering it. He had previously said that sending tanks to Ukraine would
NYC migrants refuse to move from hotel
Illegal aliens are protesting the decision to relocate them from their current accommodation to a shelter New York City’s efforts to cope with an influx of illegal aliens bussed to the Big Apple from border
Britain gives Ukraine tank delivery timeline
The Challengers will arrive on the battlefield “this side of summer,” the defense minister said Ukraine will receive 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks from the UK before the summer, Defense Minister Ben Wallace told
Labeling Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorists will hinder the fight against actual terrorism
The damning designation is becoming a political club to batter undesirable countries with The European Parliament is urging the EU to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move which
Young UK adults worry they won’t’ afford family – survey
Individuals aged 16-25 are more unhappy and less confident than at any point since the Prince’s Trust began measuring Nearly half (45%) of young adults aged 16 to 25 in the UK fear they will
US skeptical of UK military – Sky News
The report, citing defense sources, claims that a top US general privately shared the assessment with Britain’s defence secretary A senior US military official confidentially told British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace that the UK’s armed
Erdogan questions Macron’s competence
Paris has seen its clout in Africa diminish under the French leader, Türkiye’s president claimed Emmanuel Macron is unfit to be French president and has overseen a significant deterioration in relations with Africa, his Turkish
Beijing explains US role in Ukraine conflict
Washington instigated the crisis and is pushing for it to rage on, the foreign ministry has said The US is the “initiator and biggest promoter” of the crisis in Ukraine, Beijing has said, commenting on
US denies involvement in Iran strike
Several unidentified drones attacked a military workshop in the city of Isfahan over the weekend The Pentagon has denied that any US forces took part in a drone attack late on Saturday that damaged an
NATO hopeful could be ‘shocked’ by Türkiye – Erdogan
Ankara may give ‘different responses’ to Stockholm and Helsinki on their membership bids, the president has said Türkiye may rule differently on the NATO applications of Finland and Sweden, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an
Drones attack convoy on Syria-Iraq border – media
A convoy of trucks was attacked by drones at the al-Qaim crossing on the Syria-Iraq border on Sunday, Al Arabiya reported citing “opposition activists and a pro-government radio station.” The crossing is purportedly controlled by Iranian fighters.
European microstate votes to keep gambling alive
Voters in Liechtenstein on Sunday shot down a measure to ban casinos, opting to maintain the tiny country’s reputation as the ‘Las Vegas of the Alps’. Liechtenstein’s monarch opposed the ban, and its government argued
50 years after leaving Vietnam, the US keeps getting involved in wars without understanding them
In 1973, the Paris Peace Accords saw American troops abandon their partners. It wouldn’t be the last time By Matthieu Buge, who worked on Russia for the magazine l’Histoire, the Russian film magazine Séance, and as
Israel struck Iran with drones – WSJ
Israel was behind Sunday morning’s drone strike on an Iranian munitions facility, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing American officials. The strike, which Iran says it thwarted, came after the US and Israel held
Drone attack will not affect Iran’s nuclear program – FM
A military facility was targeted in a strike resulting in only minor damage, Tehran has said Iran has condemned an overnight drone attack that targeted a Defense Ministry facility in the city of Isfahan. Foreign
As the Pentagon’s favorite think tank calls for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict, is the mood shifting in Washington?
The RAND Corporation, a highly influential elite national security think tank funded directly by the Pentagon, has published a landmark report stating that prolonging the proxy war is actively harming the US and its allies
US city disbands police unit involved in fatal beating
Five former members of the ‘Scorpion’ team in Memphis have been charged with the murder of Tyre Nichols The Memphis Police Department has disbanded a controversial street crime unit whose officers beat 29-year-old Tyre Nichols
Pentagon lobbied for F-16s to Ukraine – Politico
The campaign to support Kiev with modern fighter jets is reportedly “gaining momentum” US military officials are “quietly pushing” the Department of Defense to greenlight the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help
Chinese spy fridges are making the new Cold War even chillier
Home appliances could be used to keep tabs on Western citizens through their China-made microchips, a Washington think tank warns By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst Next time you open your fridge for a late-night snack,
UK military spied on lockdown critics – media
The Ministry of Defence reportedly targeted public figures who questioned London’s pandemic policies The UK Ministry of Defence has been closely monitoring the social media accounts of public figures critical of the government’s Covid-19 policies
Fraud probe on US drug-tester used in custody cases – Vice
Averhealth is being sued by parents who were deprived of visitation rights to their kids Drug-testing company Averhealth, whose products were used by courts to evaluate parents’ fitness for custody of their children, is under
US to pressure partners into enforcing anti-Russia sanctions – Reuters
Türkiye and the UAE will reportedly be punished if they evade restrictions imposed by Washington The US Treasury Department’s top sanctions official will visit Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates next week to warn officials
Ex-NATO commander wins Czech presidential election
Petr Pavel has beaten former PM Andrej Babis in a second-round runoff, according to preliminary results Former NATO commander Petr Pavel won a second-round runoff election to become president of the Czech Republic on Saturday,
How I tried to prevent the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, and why I failed
No amount of truth can stop the world’s most powerful war machine fueled by the lies of its president In fulfillment of his solemn, constitutionally-enshrined obligation, the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush,
EU threatens migrants’ home countries
Nations have been warned to take back their citizens or face restrictions on visa issuance Countries that refuse to accept their nationals after they are turned away from the EU will face visa restrictions, the
Scholz reveals Germany’s goal in Ukraine
The chancellor also vowed to keep his nerve while dealing with the conflict between Moscow and Kiev The aim that Germany is striving to achieve by assisting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is to
Jerusalem struck by second shooting in 24 hours
Two people were severely wounded and hospitalized after a gunman opened fire in Jerusalem on Saturday, Israeli police said. They stated that the suspect, who is just 13 years old, has been “neutralized.” The victims
Videos of deadly police beating in US released
The footage sheds light on the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols by Memphis law enforcement officers The US city of Memphis, Tennessee released several videos on Friday showing the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by
White House confronted over tanks for Ukraine
American taxpayers are footing the bill for the conflict while domestic issues are being neglected, a group of Republicans in Congress has claimed Several Republican lawmakers have raised red flags about the decision by the
Poll reveals number of Brits supporting vote on reversing Brexit
Most UK citizens believe their country is faring worse than it was as an EU member, a Savanta survey shows More than two thirds of Britons want a vote on rejoining the EU, according to
Israel strikes Damascus airport – Syria
Damascus International Airport was forced to suspend operations early on Monday after an Israeli missile strike left two soldiers dead and damaged the facilities, the Syrian Defense Ministry has said. Israeli planes struck the airfield
Record numbers of migrants entered UK by sea in 2022
Successive conservative governments have failed to tackle the surge in illegal immigration More than 45,000 illegal immigrants entered the UK last year by crossing the English Channel in small boats, according to government figures released
New Year festivities marred by racist illumination
Offensive messages have been projected on the side of a bridge in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, amid New Year celebrations Rotterdam police are searching for unknown perpetrators who displayed offensive, racially charged messages on the Erasmus
Meth hazard prompts closure of US library
High levels of the drug were found in restrooms at the public facility in Colorado, local authorities say The main public library in Boulder, Colorado has been temporarily closed due to heavy drug contamination caused
Up to 500 dying every week because of UK hospital delays – physician
Britain’s National Health Service is currently grappling with the effects of strikes and a severe flu outbreak Delays in British emergency departments could be causing between 300 and 500 deaths each week, Royal College of
Bogota strikes ‘bold’ truce deal with militants
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced a truce between government forces and five paramilitary groups. The South American state has been afflicted by armed conflict for more than half a century, with around 90 illegal
Ukraine exacts revenge on Israel at UN – Axios
The media outlet claims Kiev refused to oppose a pro-Palestinian resolution after Israel declined to provide weapons to the country Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has made his country’s support for Israel at the UN contingent
Nancy Pelosi is stepping down as US House speaker, and few will miss her
The 118th United States Congress will be inaugurated on January 3, 2023, ushering in a number of changes, including Republican control of the House of Representatives and an attendant flip of the office of the
Man strikes cops with machete in New York
A machete-wielding man attacked police officers on Saturday evening not far from Times Square in New York City, where New Year’s Eve celebrations were taking place. The suspect was shot in the shoulder and taken
China accuses US of ‘slander and hype’ over air incident
It’s the American spy plane that dangerously approached a Chinese jet, not the other way around, Beijing insists Washington’s account of last week’s air incident over the South China Sea, involving a Chinese military jet
North Korea orders new ICBM and larger nuclear arsenal
Pyongyang needs “overwhelming military power” to protect its sovereignty, Kim Jong-un says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the country to develop a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and boost its nuclear arsenal
Illegal migration surges in Europe – report
While attention was focused on Ukraine, inflows jumped to the highest levels since the height of the migrant crisis Illegal immigration into the EU is at the highest level seen since the continent’s 2015-2016 migrant
Brazil’s president dodges transition ceremony – media
Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly flown to Florida after vowing not to hand the presidential sash to rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly flown to Florida rather than sticking around
UN votes for global court to rule on Israeli occupation
The International Court of Justice will study how Israel’s policies and actions affect the illegal occupation of Palestine The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution seeking an official legal opinion from the International
Trump hints at third-party run in 2024
The former president has shared an article suggesting that he should split from Republicans if they don’t support his candidacy Former US President Donald Trump has signaled a possible disaster for the Republican Party, floating
Britain’s problems ‘won’t go away’ next year, Sunak says
At the same time, the British PM pledged to continue working to bring out the “very best of Britain” PM Rishi Sunak shared his first in-office New Year message on Saturday, admitting that “it’s been
Former UK PM suggested bringing Putin into the Western fold
Tony Blair described the Russian leader as a ‘patriot’ and wanted to give him a place at the ‘top table’ of nations Former UK prime minister Tony Blair believed Russian President Vladimir Putin should be
Island nation demands reparations from Benedict Cumberbatch
Barbados is hoping to secure payments from “descendants of white plantation owners” The Caribbean island nation of Barbados is hoping to receive reparations for slavery from a number of people, including a British MP and
US Congress urged to assess ‘risks’ of Patriot delivery to Ukraine
A congressional advisory body has outlined issues lawmakers could face over the supply of anti-aircraft systems to Kiev The US Congress is facing issues “in both its legislative and oversight roles” over the planned delivery
How the year 2022 ended the American unipolar era
The post-Cold War world had long been crumbling, and after this year, it’s finally gone By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst The year 2022 is coming to an end. It has been a year which has
Xi says Happy New Year to Putin
During a video call on Friday, the Russian president invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Moscow in the spring of 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent New Year greetings to his Russian counterpart Vladimir
TV legend Barbara Walters dies
Renowned American TV journalist Barbara Walters, who became the first woman to anchor evening news, has died at the age of 93, her spokesman has confirmed. “Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded
Türkiye agrees to withdraw troops from Syria following Moscow talks – media
The tripartite negotiations involving Ankara and Damascus were the first of their kind since the Syrian conflict began in 2011 Türkiye has agreed to fully withdraw its troops from northern Syria following tripartite talks involving
More countries impose Covid-19 restrictions on Chinese travelers
France and the UK will require visitors from China to test negative before boarding flights People traveling to France from China will be required to show a negative Covid-19 test before boarding their flights, the
Venezuela votes out US-backed opposition leader
Juan Guaido led at least one failed attempt to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro and received vocal support from Washington Opposition lawmakers in Venezuela have voted to dissolve the ‘interim government’ formed under their one-time leader,
North Korea fires missiles toward Japan
The weapon test comes just one day after Seoul launched a solid-fuel rocket as part of a plan to monitor the DPRK from space North Korea has fired three short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea
China taps new foreign minister
A trusted ally to Chinese President Xi Jinping will now serve as Beijing’s top diplomat China’s former ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, has been promoted to foreign minister, replacing longtime chief diplomat Wang Yi, who
US nearly doubles weapons sales to NATO members in 2022 – media
Washington approved $28 billion worth of arms deals, with Poland and the Baltic states the biggest buyers American weapons sales to NATO states nearly doubled in number and value in 2022, Foreign Policy magazine reported on Thursday. With the
Israeli soldiers charged in Palestinian home bombing
Prosecutors took the rare step against two Druze servicemen, who are ethnic Arabs but not Muslim Two soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been indicted over an incident in Jenin, when they allegedly
Nobel Peace Prize winner jailed for another 7 years
A Myanmar court sentenced the country’s ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to an additional seven years behind bars on Friday. The new case has become the last one in a lengthy string of court
Apple Watch is racially biased – lawsuit
The device’s blood oxygen sensor becomes less accurate the darker the user’s skin is, a US plaintiff claims Apple profited at the expense of dark-skinned customers by charging a premium for an Apple Watch that
Belgrade comments on origins of Kosovo ideology
Celebrating a Nazi collaborator shows Pristina’s priorities, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic said The true beliefs of Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian prime minister are clear from his push to restore the home of a German spy and
Palestinians urge world to ‘reject’ new Israeli government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead an “annexationist, violent, racist” cabinet, the Palestinian Authority has said The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has called on world leaders to “reject all dealings” with newly confirmed Israeli Prime Minister
French ministry responds to energy crisis
Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher says employees will work from home for four days as part of an energy-saving “experiment” France’s ministry of energy transition has cut power from its offices for four days and asked employees
Russia warned NATO leaders about expansion in 2001 – Times
However, Britain continued to dismiss Russia’s concerns until Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine NATO leaders have known since 2001 that Russia would “take appropriate steps” against further expansion of the alliance, according to
World could reach ‘critical mass’ at any moment – ex-Polish president
Aleksander Kwasniewski has said the very fact that World War III is being discussed as a possible outcome is terrifying The world is in chaos and could reach “critical mass” anytime, former Polish President Aleksander
Congressman-elect under fire for claiming his mother died in 9/11 attacks
NY Republican George Santos, who admitted to fabricating details of his bio, faces criticism for more allegedly false statements New York Congressman-elect George Santos, who admitted this week to “embellishing” his resume, allegedly failed to
Brazil appoints Amazon protectors to lead policy reversal
Incoming Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appointed two rainforest preservation activists as ministers of environment and indigenous peoples on Thursday, part of the final round of 16 appointments ahead of his inauguration on
Biden signs $1.7 trillion spending bill
US President Joe Biden has signed a massive $1.7 trillion spending bill into law, averting a government shutdown after weeks of partisan debate. In addition to funding federal agencies, the legislation contains measures barring TikTok
US health agency grills teachers over LGBTQ inclusivity
The CDC has issued self-assessment handbooks to determine how welcoming classrooms are for minority students The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come out with a new tool to help school teachers
Netherlands updates asylum policy for Russians
The Netherlands has extended its decision and deportation moratorium for Russian nationals who had fled military conscription in the country for additional six months. Those who escaped the recent partial mobilization drive, however, will no
Convicted rapist released after marrying his victim – media
A Pakistani court has reportedly dropped its life prison sentence against a man because he agreed to wed the woman he assaulted A convicted rapist in Pakistan has reportedly gotten out of a prison sentence
Italy urges EU to push back against US law – media
PM Giorgia Meloni says the bloc must protect key industries as Washington undermines economic competitiveness Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for the European Union to become more economically independent in the wake of
EU should test all Chinese arrivals for Covid-19 – Italy
With most pandemic restrictions now lifted by Beijing, Rome says it “took action immediately” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the EU to impose a bloc-wide coronavirus test requirement on all air passengers arriving
US State Department’s new anti-China unit is a waste of time and resources
China House is another taxpayer-funded initiative designed to antagonize Beijing, instead of working on reconciliation for the common good The US State Department announced on December 16 the launch of a so-called ‘China House’ unit,
Polish PM calls for spending EU pandemic funds on military
Mateusz Morawiecki wants to use the money intended to restore the country’s economy on the army instead Poland is looking to use the money it received from the European Recovery Fund, intended to help restore
China reveals plans for military cooperation with Arab states
Beijing’s Defense Ministry says deeper ties would help build a “China-Arab community with a shared future” The Chinese Defense Ministry has signaled its readiness to strengthen military cooperation with the Gulf states in order to
NYC shelters gripped by outbreak of violence – media
In a single week, the city’s system for the homeless recorded 273 “critical incidents,” the New York Post reports New York City’s homeless shelters have deteriorated into such lawless deathtraps that they make prison look
China fumes after Japanese visit to Taiwan
Taipei’s leader pressed for deeper security cooperation with Tokyo during a meeting with a top Japanese lawmaker China has said it lodged “serious” complaints with the Japanese government after a leader from its ruling political
Seoul vows to ‘punish’ North Korea
South Korea says it will spend more than $440 million to bolster its defenses against drone attacks South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has instructed security officials to “punish” North Korea for any future “provocations,” saying
Germans told to prepare for nuclear emergencies
The head of the country’s radiation protection office says the Ukraine conflict could cause a wide range of catastrophes Residents in Germany must make preparations for nuclear emergencies, the President of the Federal Office for
Biden administration threatens airline over cancellations
While the US president blamed Southwest Airlines for the disruptions, critics say his policies caused a pilot shortage US President Joe Biden has threatened to hold airlines “accountable” over a spate of delayed and canceled
‘Zero Covid’ city scraps most pandemic restrictions
The relaxation in Hong Kong’s rules comes after mainland China eased its hardline coronavirus policies Hong Kong will drop most of its stringent Covid-19 restrictions this week, including a vaccine pass requirement and outdoor social
Belgrade calls on Kosovo Serbs to remove barricades
President Aleksandar Vucic says the US and EU have given “strong guarantees” on the dispute with Pristina Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with representatives of the Kosovo Serbs on Wednesday and asked them to dismantle
Ivan Zuenko: China unveils a surprising new weapon in its information war against the West
The US and its allies control the global media space, but Beijing has a plan to weaken their stranglehold By Ivan Zuenko, Senior Researcher at the Institute of International Studies and Associate Professor of the
France issues vouchers for firewood
The government aims to help families survive the winter amid surging energy prices French residents who use logs, wood chips or pellets to heat their homes can now receive between €50 ($53) and €200 ($212)
Berlin pledges to ramp up sanctions against Moscow
For now, “normal relations” with Russia are out of the question, Germany’s foreign minister has said Any business as usual with Russia is impossible in the near future due to the Ukraine conflict, German Foreign Minister
Merkel doubles down on Ukraine peace revelations
The former German leader reiterated that the 2014-15 Minsk accords were meant to give Kiev a stronger army Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has once again confirmed that the 2014-15 Ukraine peace deal she helped
South Korea apologizes for response to drone incident
A senior military official admitted to shortcomings in Seoul’s reaction after North Korean drones entered the South’s airspace South Korea has issued an apology to its citizens after failing to shoot down several North Korean
Supreme Court upholds another Trump-era border rule
The ruling marks the latest setback for President Joe Biden as he aims to reverse his predecessor’s immigration policies The US Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government may not end a policy allowing
Israeli doctors turn on Netanyahu allies
The incoming PM’s coalition partners want to allow religious hospitals to refuse gay patients Israeli doctors and hospital staff posted defiant messages after the hardline Zionist coalition partners of incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said
TikTok banned for US lawmakers – media
House Democrats and Republicans reportedly have to delete the “high risk” app from their official phones Administrators at the US House of Representatives sent out an email on Tuesday allegedly instructing all lawmakers and staff to
US military families sue over ISIS payments – media
Relatives of three Americans reportedly target French cement giant Lafarge after federal conviction Citing a recent judgment against the French cement-maker Lafarge in US federal court, families of two US Navy sailors and one retired
Sentence passed in US governor kidnap plot
Adam Fox was convicted in August of conspiring to abduct Gretchen Whitmer after a mistrial One of the purported leaders of a failed plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was sentenced to 16 years in
US military hires recruits with behavioral disorder – WSJ
The Pentagon is lowering its standards amid the largest shortfall in enlistment this year since 1973 The US military has allowed 700 recruits with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to sign up, after it rewrote
Ban on Orthodox patriarch ‘disgrace’ for West – Serbian president
Patriarch Porfirije compared the incident to trying to prevent the Pope ”from entering the Vatican” The decision by Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian government to block the Serbian Orthodox patriarch from entering the breakaway province is as
Every social media firm censors for US government – Musk
Platforms remove content at the “explicit direction” of US federal agencies, the Twitter CEO has claimed All social media platforms work with the US government to censor content, Twitter CEO Elon Musk claimed on Tuesday.
Taiwan makes ‘difficult’ decision to counter Beijing
From 2024, draftees will remain in the military more than twice as long as they do now, President Tsai Ing-wen has said Taiwan is poised to extend compulsory military service from four months to a
More US scrutiny of Ukraine aid likely – FT
Republican control of the House means Kiev can longer expect a ‘blank check’, the outlet has reported US support for Ukraine will likely undergo increased scrutiny after the Republican Party (GOP) takes control of the
Serbian Army on standby amid Kosovo tensions – Belgrade
The armed forces are ready to protect Serbs living in the country’s breakaway region, Defense Minister Milos Vucevic has said Serbia has placed its army and police on high alert amid a tense standoff between
First ever case of deadly brain-eating amoeba reported by South Korea
The parasite has killed a man who recently came back from Thailand, the health authorities say The first ever case of Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as a ‘brain-eating amoeba’, has been recorded in South
Christmas floods leave 13 dead
Almost two-dozen people remain missing after a torrential downpour triggered deadly floods At least 13 people were killed in the Philippines in flash floods following days of heavy rains, which caused chaos amid Christmas celebrations
US congressman-elect admits to lying about resume
The incoming New York rep. insisted he is “not a criminal” while acknowledging he “embellished” claims about his past Republican Congressman-elect George Santos has owned up to fabricating details about his work and schooling experience
Hawks in Congress may drag the US into conflict over Taiwan
Even if the Biden administration would like to hold back on provoking China, American legislators keep testing Beijing’s red lines By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst Just before Christmas, the US Congress passed the bumper National
US ‘concerned’about China’s activity near Taiwan
Washington would continue to assist Taipei in maintaining its self-defense capability, a White House official told AP The US is concerned over Beijing’s large-scale military drills in the Taiwan Strait, a White House National Security
Scientists reconstruct ‘handsome’ face of Ramses II
Researchers used CT software to “digitally unwrap” mummy of one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt Egyptian and British scientists have unveiled a facial reconstruction of Ramses II, having used computer tomography (CT) software
China to ease strict Covid-19 policies
The national coronavirus response level will be downgraded from the top ‘A’ level to ‘B’, the health commission has said China has announced several significant changes to how it will manage Covid-19 outbreaks. Strict lockdowns
Twitter Files detail Covid censorship campaign
The social media platform suppressed “legitimate content” on coronavirus at the behest of the White House, documents suggest The latest batch of Twitter files released by CEO Elon Musk show how the platform censored posts
One of UK’s ‘most powerful warships’ longer in repair than at sea – The Times
The HMS Prince of Wales has suffered a series of costly failures since its launch in 2019 The British Royal Navy’s largest ship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, has spent more time docked
Trump hails ‘mentally disabled Democrat’ in Xmas greetings
Former US president lashed out at his perceived enemies in a traditional “congratulation” Donald Trump, the 45th US President, has wished a merry Christmas to his detractors, apparently calling his successor, Joe Biden, “mentally disabled”
India to deploy ballistic missiles near China and Pakistan – media
New Delhi plans to station some 120 missiles along the Indian border, ANI news agency reports India intends to field more than a hundred ballistic missiles along its border with China and Pakistan, according to
Taiwan describes scale of Beijing’s ‘strike drills’
Beijing has launched large-scale naval and aerial maneuvers around Taiwan, involving dozens of aircraft, days after Washington’s pledge to provide additional military aid to Taipei. A total of 71 jet fighters, anti-submarine planes, electronic warfare
South Korean plane crashes while intercepting North Korean drones – media
A South Korean KA-1 light aircraft crashed on Monday as it scrambled to intercept North Korean drones that had intruded into South Korean airspace, Seoul’s military said, as cited by Yonhap news agency. Both pilots
Busloads migrants dropped off at VP’s house on Christmas Eve
Democrats accused Texas governor of endangering people’s lives with a “cruel stunt” Three busses carrying around 110 to 130 migrants arrived outside the Naval Observatory, the vice president’s official residence in Washington, DC, on Saturday
Paris shooter admits ‘pathological hatred’ for migrants – prosecutor
The gunman who shot and killed three people in the French capital has admitted to investigators that the massacre was driven by his long-standing hatred of foreigners, the Paris prosecutor said on Sunday. During questioning,
Erdogan accuses West of ‘provocations’ over Ukraine
The Turkish leader claimed only Ankara is trying to mediate between Moscow and Kiev President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Türkiye’s role in securing a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in a speech
West holds Iranian military drones in high regard – top general
Mohammad Hossein Baqeri dismissed as “part of the enemy’s psychological warfare” claims Russia is using Iranian UAVs in Ukraine By making allegations that Russia is using Iranian-made military drones in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine,
Media makes claim on Russia’s potential Ukraine offensive
The Neue Zuercher Zeitung cited an internal prognosis of the conflict allegedly prepared by Germany’s defense ministry Russia is likely to mount a renewed offensive in Ukraine early next year, Switzerland’s Neue Zuercher Zeitung has
China responds to US ‘provocation’
Beijing has launched military drills just days after Washington authorized a security assistance package to Taiwan The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) staged military exercises near Taiwan on Sunday, its Eastern Theater Command said in
‘Final opportunity’ left for holding elections – Libyan commander
Libya’s political forces have one last chance to lay the groundwork for holding elections in the war-torn country, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar stated on Saturday. His comments
Israeli general explains why Ukraine is not getting Iron Dome
The move would trigger pushback from Moscow and undermine Israel’s security, Jacob Nagel believes Israel is unlikely to support Ukraine with its Iron Dome air defense system over fears that the act could trigger a
China calls US a ‘direct threat’ to the world
Washington intentionally hypes up the “China threat” as an exuse to boost its military spending in an effort to maintain its global dominance, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement on Saturday, after President Joe
US spies pushed Twitter to censor ‘anti-Ukraine narratives,’ files suggest
New batch of Twitter Files exposes collusion with ‘other government agencies’ The CIA, Pentagon and other US intelligence and law enforcement agencies, referred internally as OGA, were getting increasingly “more aggressive” with their takedown requests,
Americans deeply split over discrimination – WSJ poll
Most Democrats believe US minorities face prejudice while GOP voters think it’s a white person’s problem, according to the Journal Americans are divided along partisan lines over which population groups in the United States face
King Charles kicks his brother out of Buckingham Palace – media
Prince Andrew has long been out of favor over his alleged ties with notorious sex offender Jeffery Epstein Britain’s King Charles III has evicted Prince Andrew from Buckingham Palace following a series of scandals over his
‘Stop using salami tactics,’ China tells US
Washington must drop its “old trick of unilateral bullying” that it hands out to Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The two top diplomats had a phone call
EU nation blasts Ukraine over minorities law
Kiev disregarded the opinion of Romanian-speaking community and of independent experts, Bucharest says Ukraine’s new law on national minorities has failed to take into account the needs of the Romanian community there, the Foreign Ministry
Sunak asks homeless man if he ‘works in business’
The British prime minister had an awkward encounter while serving breakfast at a charity shelter UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has drawn ridicule for asking a homeless man whether he “works in business” before giving
Paris shooter had ‘racist’ motive – AFP
A 69-year-old suspect was detained on Friday after fatally shooting three people near a Kurdish cultural center, injuring four more The gunman who shot and killed three people in the French capital, leaving another four
France has marketed its World Cup defeat as an anti-racist victory
The French football team may not have scored enough, but the French politicians certainly have By Matthieu Buge, who worked on Russia for the magazine l’Histoire, the Russian film magazine Séance, and as a columnist for
Peace in Ukraine depends on Washington – Orban
Kiev can only keep fighting Russia as long as it gets American weapons, the Hungarian prime minister says The prospects of ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict are in the hands of the US, which is Kiev’s
FBI’s most-wanted porn fugitive arrested in Spain
New Zealander Michael James Pratt has been indicted in the US on sex trafficking and child pornography charges A man on the FBI’s list of ten most-wanted fugitives was arrested in Spain earlier this week,
US defense act is a ‘political provocation’ – China
Beijing says it “deplores and firmly opposes” the new legislation adopted by Washington The US National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law by President Biden on Friday, hypes up the “China threat,” interferes in the
UK to hike defense spending – Telegraph
The newspaper claims at least £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) more is expected to be earmarked for Britain’s military in 2024-2025 Amid soaring inflation, the UK is set to boost defense spending in 2024-2025, the Telegraph
India announces nationwide Covid drill
Hospitals have been told to check their readiness for a potential surge in infections Top health officials in India have held a series of meetings this week to assess how the global Covid-19 pandemic could
Australia and China will never be friends, but balance is possible
The new government in Canberra is markedly less antagonistic to Beijing than its predecessor – but does that mean a rapprochement is coming? By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently made
Snowden says ‘I told you so’
The whistleblower pointed at an AP investigation on how the Covid-19 pandemic has “normalized” spying on citizens Former CIA and National Security Agency officer-turned-whistleblower Edward Snowden has claimed vindication after a media report brought to
Woman arrested while ‘praying’ near abortion clinic
UK police allege pro-life activist violated a “public space protection order” British police have arrested a woman who was silently standing across the street from an abortion clinic and admitted upon questioning that she might
NATO armies drained by Ukraine conflict – media
The fighting in Ukraine has “exposed flaws in US strategic planning” and “revealed significant gaps” in the US and NATO military industrial base, the Washington Post reported on Friday. As Kiev’s forces consume more ammunition
‘Once-in-a-generation’ winter storm wallops US
More than 1.4 million homes and businesses across the country have lost power service amid high winds and plunging temperatures A massive winter cyclone touted as a “once-in-a-generation” winter storm by meteorologists has knocked out
US Navy to hold on to under-performers
The military branch has quit pushing out service members who have failed to secure promotion Recruitment struggles and staffing shortfalls have prompted the US Navy to suspend its so-called “up-or-out” policy of discharging veteran service
Spanish MPs greenlight easier gender change
Under a bill passed by lawmakers, children as young as 12 can change their legal gender with a judge’s sign-off Spain’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a bill allowing anyone over the age
Three dead, more injured in Paris shooting
Police have detained a 69-year-old suspect, with the motive for the attack remaining unclear A gunman has gone on a shooting spree in the French capital, Paris, killing three people and wounding another four, the
TikTok parent company fires workers over US users’ data tracking
Those affected by inappropriate personal information access include two journalists, an internal email seen by the NYT shows ByteDance – the Chinese parent company of TikTok – announced on Thursday that it had conducted an
Now is not the time for Elon Musk to step down as Twitter CEO
At this turning point in history, America and the world need the ‘free speech absolutist’ to finish his job Last week Elon Musk conducted one of his famous Twitter polls, asking users if he should
North Korea rejects ‘absurd’ claim
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Friday dismissed reports that it had supplied Russia with weapons as “the most absurd red herring.” The White House and the US envoy to the UN claimed to
US Space Force practices for war in Europe
America’s newest military branch drilled with several allies, sharpening its readiness in a European scenario for the first time The US Space Force has conducted joint drills with UK, Canada and Australia – the largest
US admits Afghan pullout helped arm Ukraine
Secretary of State Blinken said aiding Kiev would’ve been “more complicated” without exit from Kabul US Secretary of State Antony Blinken admitted on Thursday that the much-criticized withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he called “America’s longest
Marine Corps may drop ‘yes sir’ for gender equity
Prominent critic in Congress warned about the danger of “wokeism” in the services A newly-published study claiming the US Marine Corps would benefit from dropping gendered identifiers like “sir” and “ma’am” for drill instructors was
EU country’s officials caught in stolen car – media
Moldovan border police reportedly found a Romanian delegation’s vehicle in the Interpol database A Romanian government delegation headed to Moldova on an official visit had one of its cars confiscated, after a border check revealed
German intel employee accused of spying for Russia
Authorities in Berlin have arrested a suspect for allegedly sharing state secrets, committing treason German authorities have arrested an employee of the country’s foreign intelligence service (BND) on accusations that he was spying for Russia
North Korean hackers stole over $1 billion – Seoul
South Korea has accused its neighbor of pilfering cryptocurrency and other digital assets North Korean hackers have stolen about 1.5 trillion won ($1.2 billion) worth of cryptocurrency and other virtual assets in recent years, shoring
US Senate authorizes confiscation of Russian assets
Lawmakers agreed to the measure as part of a $1.7 trillion spending package that doles out an additional $44 billion to Kiev The US Senate has greenlit legislation authorizing the administration of President Joe Biden
US couple faces death penalty in Uganda – media
Nicholas and Mackenzie Spencer allegedly tortured and trafficked a foster child who lived with them in the East African nation A Ugandan court on Wednesday charged an American couple with aggravated child trafficking, an offense
The EU’s freeze of Russian media assets is a perversion of its own principles
There’s a big difference between actual disinformation or misinformation, and information or analysis that you just don’t like Apparently, it wasn’t enough for the European Union to block access to media outlets on TV and radio,
New Zealand PM auctions off transcript of hot mic insult
Jacinda Ardern called a liberal opponent “an arrogant prick” in parliament last week A signed and framed copy of the transcript of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern insulting a political opponent on a hot
Kremlin assesses Zelensky-Biden meeting
Spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, insists both leaders are reluctant to address Moscow’s concerns Washington seems intent on waging a proxy war against Russia using Ukraine as a tool, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry
FBI accuses ‘conspiracy theorists’ of weaponizing Twitter Files
The agency insisted its efforts to pressure the social network were merely business as usual Correspondence between the FBI and Twitter staff revealing how the agency pressured the platform to suppress certain narratives is not
Texas mayor calls for UN intervention
El Paso’s leader says the US border crisis is too big for the federal government to resolve alone The mayor of America’s largest southern border city has called for support from other countries and even
Zelensky urges Congress to ‘invest’ in Kiev’s war effort
The Ukrainian leader promised to handle American taxpayer dollars “in the most responsible way” Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky addressed a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, urging US lawmakers to drop all their disagreements and
Donald Trump Jr. calls Zelensky ‘welfare queen’
The former president’s oldest son has criticized Washington’s massive flow of aid to Kiev Donald Trump Jr. has reacted to Vladimir Zelensky’s trip to Washington by mocking the Ukrainian president for constantly seeking handouts from
Top Republican reveals ‘number one priority’
The Senate minority leader said arming Kiev to “defeat” Russia tops the agenda of “most Republicans” The US’ top priority should be funding and arming Ukraine so it can beat Russia on the battlefield, Senate
NATO boss to lead IMF – media
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg may become the new head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Norwegian TV 2 broadcaster reported on Wednesday, citing ‘reliable’ sources within the US-led military bloc. Moreover, the outgoing secretary
Pentagon cites fraud risks with Ukraine aid – media
A US Department of Defense agency is reportedly on the lookout for potential “black market diversion” of aid to Kiev The massive scale of US military aid to Ukraine has reportedly put a Pentagon law
Enough fentanyl to kill all Americans seized in 2022 – DEA
The law enforcement interdicted a record 50 million pills containing the deadly opiate, along with 10,000 pounds of powder The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl in
Christmas carol rewritten to be more ‘inclusive’
A church in the UK altered the verses of a popular hymn to make mention of women and queer people A British church has taken it upon itself to update the lyrics of the 17th
Eco-activists decapitate Christmas tree (VIDEOS)
German climate protesters lopped off the top of a Christmas tree at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday, in a demonstration against fossil fuels. The group responsible has led a months-long campaign of traffic disruption and
Eyes wide shut on the Balenciaga scandal
Some are too quick to explain away and dismiss the fashion brand’s controversial advert featuring children and sexualized teddy bears By Matthieu Buge, who worked on Russia for the magazine l’Histoire, the Russian film magazine
Ukraine to ask US for long-range missiles – Politico
President Zelensky reportedly intends to plead for more advanced weapons but is unlikely to receive them, sources say Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s upcoming trip to Washington to meet with his US counterpart Joe Biden will
Twitter ‘directly assisted’ Pentagon’s propaganda campaign
Newly released docs show how the social media giant helped the US military “to amplify certain messages” Twitter executives have granted the US Defense Department special privileges to use the social media platform for its
Can China break through the semiconductor blockade the US is building?
Washington wants to draft allies into a ‘silicon fence’ around Beijing, leaving China to race against the clock to innovate By Timur Fomenko, a political analyst The United States is aiming to construct what one journalist
Macron doubles down on ‘security guarantees’ for Russia
The French president sees no viable alternative to eventual negotiations with Moscow French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his belief that the conflict in Ukraine will inevitably be resolved at the negotiating table, and that
White House struggles to name VP’s accomplishments
Vice President Kamala Harris’ achievements fighting illegal migration remain a mystery Confronted by a reporter on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was unable to describe what exactly Vice President Kamala Harris had done
EU ex-top official admits corruption involvement – media
Eva Kaili told the police that she had instructed her father to hide suitcases of Qatar-linked cash, La Repubblica reported Former EU Parliament vice president Eva Kaili told Belgian investigators that she tasked her father
Taliban makes decision on women
Afghan universities were told to halt the “education of females” until further notice All public and private universities in Afghanistan shall suspend the education of female students effective immediately and until further notice, the ministry
White House comments on Iran after Biden’s ‘dead deal’ video
Footage, apparently from November, shows the US president claiming the nuclear accord is no more The White House stated on Tuesday that reviving the nuclear deal with Iran is “not our focus right now,” after
German ambassador blasts fellow EU member
Berlin’s ambassador in Vilnius, Matthias Sonn, lambasted Lithuanian politicians and media in a fiery speech on Monday, claiming that relations between the two nations have been plagued by distrust. The outburst was sparked by a