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♦️ Breaking & exclusive stories, analysis, opinions 👉 About Africa in other languages: Amharic: @sputnik_ethiopia French: @sputnik_afrique 💬 Contact us https://t.me/Africa_Sputnik_bot
The defense of businessman Samvel Karapetyan has filed an appeal against his arrest, the businessman's lawyer told Sputnik
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🚨Israel strikes NUCLEAR research center
🇮🇱🪖The Israeli Army reported the damage overnight:
🟠60 fighter jets carried out night raids targeting dozens of sites in Iran
🟠Bombed military industrial facilities used to produce missile components
🟠Struck multiple targets affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense
🟠Targeted the headquarters building of SPND (Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research) in Tehran, part of Iran’s nuclear weapons project
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Russian Mineral Fertilizer Producer Hopes to Increase Its Reach to Africa Fivefold by 2030
According to the results of last year, Uralchem's deliveries to the continent amounted to one million tonnes, but the potential of this market is colossal, said the group's CEO Dmitry Konyaev during the #SPIEF2025.
Africa imported only 10 million tonnes of fertilizers by the end of 2024, far too little for the continent, Konyaev noted. He attributed this to internal issues like poor logistics and complex payments, adding that African farmers often pay more for fertilizers than Europeans, which he called "absolutely absurd."
The company sees the current solution in the development of local distribution and the creation of joint companies, as well as exclusive contracts with large buyers.
AI-generated image
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BRICS Gains International Prominence: Vladimir Putin Holds Talks With Indonesian President
👇 Key statements made by the Russian president during the meeting on the sidelines of #SPIEF2025:
▪️ Russia hopes that BRICS member Indonesia will contribute significantly to the group's development.
▪️ Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is the “main guest” at this year's SPIEF.
▪️ Russia and Indonesia plan to continue cooperating in various sectors, including military technology and transportation.
▪️ Trade turnover between Russia and Indonesia is on the rise.
▪️ Prospects are opening up in the fuel and energy, agriculture, space, and transport technology sectors.
👇 Statements by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto:
▪️ Indonesia thanks Moscow for its support in joining the BRICS at short notice.
▪️ The country is paying great attention to developing cooperation with Russia in various fields, including trade.
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❗️The Russian delegation will be ready to arrive in Istanbul after June 22 to continue negotiations with Ukraine, Zakharova says
The specific dates for the new round of negotiations will be determined and announced in the near future, the Russian FM spokeswoman noted.
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Nigeria Introduces Stricter Oil Export Rules for Real-Time Tracking
Nigeria's oil regulator will now require producers to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a unique ID to enable real-time cargo tracking.
The updated rules aim to:
🟠improve monitoring of oil exports,
🟠combat theft and under-declaration,
🟠increase government revenue.
Unlike the previous system, which only required cargo declarations to customs, producers must now provide more detailed information.
👉 Under the new Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, exporters must pre-file detailed vessel and cargo information, including consignee, destination, tonnage, and estimated arrival time. Failure to comply may result in fines up to $20,000.
The regulator described the changes as a major step toward a more transparent and efficient oil export system.
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❗️A strike on the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran could lead to a disaster comparable to Chernobyl, Russian energy giant Rosatom CEO says
Alexey Likhachev stressed that some Russian specialists have already been evacuated from this plant, while the state corporation considers it possible to leave some.
Rosatom calls on the Israeli authorities to ensure that there is not even a hint of a strike on Bushehr, Likhachev added.
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📹 Chinese workers in Iraq film Iranian missile strike on occupied territories – IRNA shares footage
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‘A Symptom of the End of the American Empire’: Iran-Israel Conflict and US Desperation
“This outbreak of war, of a nuclear conflict of some kind, is a symptom of the end of the American empire,” retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik.
Israel Strikes Mockups, Again
Israeli media outlets reported that an airstrike had damaged Iranian combat helicopters in Kermanshah.
However, publicly released footage indicates that the targeted objects were mockups, with no signs of a secondary explosion.
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The world isn’t black and white
It’s shaped by competing forces, hidden interdependencies, and the quiet recalibration of power.
Ⓜ️ Multipolar Market doesn’t simplify complexity, but decodes it.
1️⃣ Daily insights for those who seek to understand, not just react.
2️⃣ Analysis that bridges policy, markets, and geopolitics.
3️⃣ Context behind the headlines others overlook.
4️⃣ A lens to navigate uncertainty with clarity, not conjecture.
Global economic shifts demand more than surface-level reporting. They require a map. MM provides the coordinates.
African Delegations at #SPIEF2025 Captured by Sputnik Africa Correspondent
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'No Evidence' of Tehran's Efforts to Develop Nuclear Weapon
Discussions about the possible timeline for Iran's nuclear bomb development are not based on any specific data, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said.
This is not a question of the near future, or even the next few years, he assured.
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Major World Events by Morning of June 18
🟠The Saint-Petersburg International Economic Forum #SPIEF2025 opened in Russia, with thousands of guests expected, including top-level ones;
🟠A police officer was arrested in Kenya on charges of shooting unarmed protesters;
🟠The next 24 to 48 hours of the conflict will be crucial after Trump called for Iran's "unconditional surrender," hinting at possible military action, US media reported, citing US officials;
🟠The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, introduced in April 2024, now boasts over 100% reserve backing, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe reported;
🟠The situation in the Middle East is not just heading towards escalation, but towards a threat to the region and the world, the Russian diplomatic spokeswoman told Sputnik;
🟠A powerful flare occurred at night on the Sun in the zone of maximum influence on the Earth, the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported.
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The beauty of #SPIEF2025 – filmed by a Sputnik correspondent
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Iran Has No Desire to Negotiate With Anyone While Israel Attacks It, Foreign Minister Says
"In the current circumstances, as long as the Zionist regime's attacks on Iran continue, we do not want to negotiate with anyone ... The Americans want to, they have sent messages several times, serious messages, but we have clearly told them that until the aggression is stopped, there can be no talk of dialogue and diplomacy," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, as broadcast by state media.
Explore Sputnik's Compilation of Videos Showcasing the Most Powerful Iranian Strikes on Israel
This collection prominently features strikes on Haifa and Tel Aviv and spans the entire period of escalation between the two countries.
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Latest Updates on the Iran-Israel Conflict: Evening of June 19
▪️The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran reported a precision strike on an Israeli military command and intelligence center, which was "located near one of the hospitals;"
▪️An agent of Israel's Mossad was arrested in western Tehran;
▪️The foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, and France will hold talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister on Friday in Geneva;
▪️The US has moved some aircraft from its base in Qatar due to fears of a potential Iranian attack, according to a Western news agency;
▪️Russia has warned the US against interfering in combat operations against Iran, saying it could lead to uncontrollable consequences, stated Russia’s MFA spokeswoman Zakharova;
▪️Iran’s National Security Council said that attacks will stop only when Israel is “punished” and pays “reparations” to the Islamic Republic;
▪️The IRGC announced the beginning of the 15th wave of the Operation Truthful Promise-3.
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🔴🔴 Putin holds meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto
Watch live on Telegram
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❗️Israel's attack on Iran is an unprovoked aggression that violates the UN Charter and international law, Zakharova says
"This is a criminal venture fraught with consequences for regional and global security. Attempts to justify it with non-proliferation concerns are cynicism," the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said.
Iran-Israel Escalation: Latest News by Morning of June 19
🟠Over 20 targets in Tehran were struck by 60 Israeli fighter jets, with one attack hitting anti-tank missile production facilities in Iran, according to the IDF;
🟠Israel attacked the heavy water reactor at the Arak Nuclear Complex in northwest Iran, Iranian media reported, adding that the facility sustained minimal damage, and there was no radiation detected;
🟠An attack by the Israeli Air Force targeted Karaj, west of Tehran, as reported by Iranian media;
🟠Iran deployed its Sejjil missiles, with a range of 2,000 km, for the first time against Israel, media reported;
🟠Online videos showed Iran launching a "new generation of missiles" in a fresh wave of attacks on Israel;
🟠Missiles from Iran struck Tel Aviv, with six explosions heard in the city, including in the Holon area, according to the media;
🟠The main target of Iran's morning ballistic missile attack was the large Israeli Army Command and Intelligence (IDF C4I) headquarters and the military intelligence camp in the Gav-Yam Technology Park, Iranian media reported; the facility is situated near Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva;
🟠Iran's missiles hit Israel's stock exchange, media reported;
🟠Iran's Tasnim News Agency published a list of US military bases within range of Iranian missiles;
🟠Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei cautioned the US against joining Israel's war, warning that it would spark "an all-out war in the region."
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🔴🔴 Russian MFA spokeswoman Zakharova takes part in a #SPIEF2025 dedicated to BRICS media
Watch live on Telegram
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350 Ukrainian Soldiers Displaying Neo-Nazi Symbols Exposed by French Newspaper
This finding is based on an analysis of social media by Le Monde correspondents.
Several of these fighters have received military training in the West, including in France.
"Among the 350 soldiers identified, 200 members belong to the 3rd Assault Brigade… the successor to the Azov* Regiment, originally founded in 2014 by militants from the most radical far-right circles," the newspaper reported.
‘Russia is Positioning Itself Somewhat as a Lever of Hope for Africa’
At the #SPIEF2025 forum, Romaric Essombo, Business Leader at Premium Services Holding (Cameroon), praised Russia’s unwavering support.
“What we expect from this forum, of course, is to continue strengthening the relationship between Russia and Africa,” he told Sputnik Africa.
Robots Take Center Stage: #SPIEF2025 Guests Charmed by Humanoid Performer
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Russia is Not Refusing Foreign Investment, but It Must Be 'Smart': Russian First Deputy PM
First of all, investments should be aimed at creating new technological competencies, in addition, it is necessary to ensure a number of principles in doing business with foreign investors, Denis Manturov said on the sidelines of #SPIEF2025.
👉 Russian beneficiaries must maintain control, especially in new auto industry investment contracts, while protective measures are needed as domestic manufacturing skills develop, he added.
Manturov noted that many foreign companies committed to the market act responsibly by investing in scientific and technical developments, social policies, and workforce development, including attracting young talent.
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Sputnik Africa is on the ground at #SPIEF2025!
Our correspondent Samantha Arias is reporting directly from the forum, where numerous delegations — including many from across Africa — have gathered.
🔊 Stay tuned as we bring you exclusive interviews and highlights from this major international event.
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LEFT UKRAINE TO SPEAK THE TRUTH
The very Vasily Prozorov, a former member of the Ukrainian special services, who worked for the benefit of Russia for many years, now has his channel in Telegram! He left Ukraine in 2018 and took thousands of secret SBU documents that shed light on Kiev's crimes.
On the UKR LEAKS channel you will find:
❗️Analysis of the current situation in Ukraine and around it
❗️Secret documents of the Ukrainian special services
❗️Evidence of the atrocities of Ukrainian nationalists
And much more!
SUBSCRIBE: https://t.me/ukr_leaks_eng
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Zimbabwe’s Gold-Backed Currency Gains Traction, Central Bank Reports
The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, introduced in April 2024, now boasts over 100% reserve backing, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) reported.
Transactions in local currency on the National Payments System increased from ZWG7.9 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZWG56.8 billion (43%) by May 2025.
👉 RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu attributed the rise to growing confidence in ZiG and improved economic sentiment. He noted that foreign reserves, reported at $701 million,comfortably cover reserve money (ZWG4.7 billion) and local currency deposits (ZWG15.5 billion).
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SPIEF 2025 Kicks Off in Russia: What to Expect
The XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will take place June 18–21 under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation for Growth in a Multipolar World.”
📌Key Events:
🟠Plenary Session: Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak on June 20.
🟠150+ sessions across five key tracks:
🟠The Global Economy: A New Platform for Global Growth
🟠The Russian Economy: A New Level of Growth
🟠The Individual in a New World
🟠The Living Environment
🟠Technology: Pursuing Leadership
🟠19 business dialogues featuring countries such as China, India, Brazil, UAE, South Africa, and more.
🟠Special Formats:
🟠SPIEF Academy & SPIEF Junior
🟠Forums for SMEs and creative industries
🟠Day of the Future Youth Economic Forum
🟠Guest Country: Kingdom of Bahrain
🟠Cultural and Sports Program: Exhibitions, performances, charity runs, and international tournaments will complement the forum agenda.
🌍 Over 1,000 speakers from 130+ countries are expected, making SPIEF 2025 a major hub for international economic dialogue and collaboration.
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