❗️FSB chief warns of escalation over US-backed strikes, calls Ukraine a global weapons hub
Alexander Bortnikov, chief of the Federal Security Service, claimed that US approval for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with long-range missiles would inevitably lead to an escalation of the conflict.
He warned that Russia must be prepared for potential provocations from the US and its allies, noting that Donald Trump's re-election is unlikely to bring significant changes to US foreign policy.
Bortnikov also said that Ukraine has become a hub for the global black market in weapons, with these arms being trafficked to other unstable regions.
#FSB
❗️Israel's hardline Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced his intention to vote against a proposed ceasefire agreement with Lebanon and vowed to persuade other ministers to follow suit
#Lebanon
We see lots of good prospects for Russia-Afghanistan cooperation — Sergey Shoigu
The Russian Security Council secretary traveled to Afghanistan for meetings with Taliban officials to discuss trade, economic cooperation, and potential energy deals.
RT's Donald Courter reports from Kabul.
#Friendship
‘How the f*ck is this possible?’: Bild journalist and Ukraine fanboy Julian Ropcke gobsmacked by Russian advances along the frontline
Commenting on the AFU retreat from Kurakhovo, Ropcke angrily posted on X: “I just don’t get this. If you don’t want your army to fight man against man for your strategic towns, you can also give the sh*t up & negotiate you surrender.”
His observation stirred the pot, with online commenters chiming in. “Julian, after a thousand days of fighting for each town. The Ukrainian Army is out of soldiers to continue this strategy,” one wrote. “Ask your grandad, how,” said another.
There's still time, Julian, to swap the Ukraine flag out of your bio…
#SMO
London secretly sent Ukraine more Storm Shadow missiles — Report
Bloomberg writes that Britain secretly provided Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow missiles, replenishing depleted stocks and preceding US authorization for strikes on Russian territory.
It marks the first such delivery under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.
#SMO
Incoming US border czar Tom Homan threatens Denver mayor’s claims that he will block Trump admin deportations
“I’m willing to put him in jail,” he told Fox News.
#Trump
Ex-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba the latest Kiev official to dig at podcaster Joe Rogan’s anti-war remarks
#JRE
❗️Russian air defenses destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions overnight, the Defense Ministry reported
#RussianMoD
Malaysian court orders return of wrist watches seized over LGBT designs
A Malaysian court has ordered the government to return 172 Swatch watches seized over LGBTQ pride designs. The court ruled the seizure illegal, as authorities lacked a warrant.
The watches, worth $14,000, were confiscated last year. Swatch argued they symbolized “peace and love.”
#Malaysia
Haiti: Child gang recruitment up 70% - UNICEF
According to a UN report released Monday, up to half of all gang members in Haiti are now children after criminals have stepped up underage recruitment of informers, cleaners and even armed members.
In a country where 60% of workers are paid less than $4 a day, a UNSC probe reported that some child gang members have been paid hundreds of USD per month, leaving poor families no choice but to accept the situation.
#Haiti
At least 22 migrants drown as boat capsized on way to France
At least 22 Somali citizens died after two migrant boats capsized near Madagascar while en route to the French overseas region of Mayotte.
Local fishermen rescued 25 from the first boat, including 10 men and 15 women. A second boat carried 38 people; 23 survived. Somalia's minister confirmed the toll.
#Somalia
Finally, the awards season: ‘Antisemite of the year’ shortlist revealed by notorious pro-Israel group
StopAntisemitism's tongue in cheek 2024 the shortlist includes, among others, actors John Cusack and Jackson Hinkle, conservative host Candace Owens and eco activist Greta Thunberg.
This year’s award’s theme appears to be related to the nominees’ potential comments about the October 7 tragedy, or Israel’s military conduct in the Middle East.
#Israel
State Dept ‘cry session’ therapy slammed
Rep Darrell Issa demanded Anthony Blinken explain the in-house State Department counselling sessions laid on after Donald Trump’s election win
“I am concerned that the Department is catering to federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy,” Issa said in a letter to Blinken last week.
He added that it was “disturbing” that “nonpartisan government officials” should not be suffering a “personal meltdown over the result of a free and fair election.”
PTSD (Post-Trump Stress Disorder) is real, folks.
#US
South Korean man found guilty of binge-eating to avoid draft – media
A South Korean man has been found guilty of deliberately gaining weight to evade mandatory military service, the Korea Herald reported.
The 26-year-old, who has not been named, reportedly doubled his daily food consumption and drank a large amount of water just before his physical examination for the military draft, which is compulsory for all able-bodied men in South Korea. He received a one-year suspended sentence for his offense, the outlet wrote, citing a district court judge.
#SouthKorea
Nationalist candidate achieves shock success in Romanian election
Romanian nationalist Calin Georgescu has surprised observers by likely topping the first round of the country’s presidential election, according to early results.
With nearly 100% of the ballots counted, in the early hours of Monday, Georgescu, who has gained traction for his anti-Ukraine war stance, holds 22.91% of the vote, ahead of centre-right reformist Elena Lasconi with 19.18%.
Pro-EU Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu conceded defeat after placing third.
#EU #Romania
Europe should sacrifice more for Ukraine — Top NATO official
Admiral Rob Bauer has warned that Europe must prepare for a "wartime scenario" and be ready to make sacrifices to support Ukraine and deter Russia and China.
Although it would further increase the cost of living and impact businesses, the NATO official advocated increasing defense spending at the expense of some "luxuries" and reducing dependence on China for critical imports like rare earth minerals and medicines.
Just a little more, more, more, more…
#NATO
Conor McGregor breaks silence after civil case loss, claims encounter was ‘consensual’
The MMA superstar has finally spoken out after losing a civil case against the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2018, insisting that “everything that happened was consensual.”
The married father of four’s short statement posted on X claimed Nikita Hand had made advances towards him before an alcohol and cocaine-fuelled late-night party.
Although Hand was awarded €248,000 in damages for McGregor’s actions, the jury found that another man she also accused of assault and rape was innocent.
#UFC
Canada: Pro-Palestine protesters stage a die-in in Montreal to demonstrate against the ongoing war in Gaza
#Gaza
Russia could deploy missiles in Asia if US installs similar systems there — Deputy FM
"Of course, this is one of the options that has also been repeatedly discussed. The appearance of corresponding American systems in any region will predetermine our further steps, including organizing a military and military-technical response," Sergey Ryabkov told reporters.
#RussianMFA
Russian Mi-28nm choppers destroy an enemy stronghold during operations in the Kursk region border area, MoD footage shows
#RussianMoD
Clashes in Pakistan leave officer dead, dozens injured
t least one police officer was killed and over 100 others injured in clashes between security forces and supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan near Islamabad on Monday.
The violence erupted amidst a security lockdown and followed Khan's call for a protest march.
#Pakistan
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on her Telegram channel that the US Justice Department’s dismissal of federal cases against Donald Trump highlights the "amazing cyclicality" of American justice, yielding "completely different" outcomes before and after elections
#DoJ
Japan rocket engine test ends in fire, delaying launch
A fire during a ground test of Japan's Epsilon S rocket engine at the Tanegashima Space Center has caused the launch to be postponed beyond its March target, potentially further delaying the national space program.
#Space
Israel is going down the slippery slope – Haaretz columnist following sanctions against the newspaper
#Israel
Western media blames Russia for DHL cargo plane crash, without any evidence of course
Western media has been quick to blame Russia for the crash of DHL cargo plane in Lithuania, saying it could be a sabotage operation by Moscow. However, no evidence proving Russia's involvement has been provided.
Senior Research Fellow at the Global Policy Institute George Szamuely says the latest allegations against Russia are part of a popular pattern for Western media.
#DHL
These summer images from Peterhof are keeping us warm 💫
Can you imagine each fountiain jet in Peterhof is adjusted manually, just like 300 years ago?! The Peterhof Palace and its fountains are a truly amazing sight.
Visit this imperial wonder with us
🌏 Inland Visions
‘I used to think Tony Blinken was running the White House. Now, I think it is Satan himself’ – Tucker Carlson
“I really think that you’ve got dark forces in charge,” Carlson said during an appearance on the news show Redacted. “There’s no justification for using anti-personnel mines in this [Ukraine] conflict,” he told host Clayton Morris.
“The only effect of that move is to kill innocents, and they know that”.
#US #Ukraine
⚡️Special counsel Jack Smith files to drop January 6 charges against Donald Trump
#US #Trump
Prosecutors seek 20 years for elderly Frenchman who organized wife’s mass rape
French prosecutors seek a 20-year sentence for Dominique Pelicot, 71, who drugged and facilitated the rape of his wife by dozens in their home. Pelicot admitted guilt in a case highlighting systemic sexual violence as fifty others face trial for participating.
"The maximum sentence is 20 years, which is a lot... but at the same time... too little in view of the seriousness of the acts that were committed and repeated," public prosecutor Laure Chabaud told the court.
#France
France’s Le Pen threatens to bring down government over lack of budget compromise
Marine Le Pen has threatened a no-confidence vote after budget talks with PM Michel Barnier failed amidst her doubts about reaching a compromise on the 2025 budget bill.
The government aims to save €60 billion ($62.85 billion) by implementing tax hikes and spending cuts, targeting a reduction in the deficit from over 6% of GDP this year to 5% next year.
#France
