Russia
🇷🇺 BRICS flexes growing muscle at Putin-hosted Kazan summit, drawing UN chief and NATO’s Turkey as potential member. While far from challenging IMF or dollar dominance, the bloc’s expansion signals shifting global power as developing nations seek alternatives to Western-led systems.
🇰🇵 The U.S. reports evidence that North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia, possibly for deployment in Ukraine, an escalation in the conflict. South Korea claims North Korea plans to send a total of 10,000 troops. U.S. officials warn of consequences if NK troops join Russia in combat.
🇸🇩 A plane downed in Sudan’s North Darfur, reportedly crewed by Russians, was supplying the army with weapons, according to the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The incident reveals the complex supply chains fueling Sudan’s 18-month conflict, with foreign powers manipulating the war.
🇬🇪 In a disturbing pre-election rally, Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili vows to crush opposition parties if his party wins, accusing them of “war crimes.” With the election seen as a battle between pro-Western values and Russian influence, authoritarianism looms large.
🇧🇾 Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warns that deploying foreign troops in the Ukraine conflict would lead to escalation. In interviews, he dismissed claims of North Korean troops joining Russia and reaffirmed use of Russian nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus would require his consent.
🇺🇸 The U.S. aims to provide Ukraine with $10 billion in military aid, part of a $20 billion loan package coordinated with the G7 and EU. Funded by interest on frozen Russian assets, the aid package balances military and economic support, but hinges on Congress’ approval before December.
🇫🇮 Finnish President calls North Korea’s reported troop deployment to Ukraine a sign of Russian “desperation”, citing Moscow’s reliance on Iranian weapons and NK soldiers as evidence of isolation ahead of his China visit.
🇺🇸 Yellen: US to lead $50B Ukraine aid package with $20B contribution, funded by frozen Russian assets, not taxpayers. G7 racing to finalize deal before US election as new sanctions against Russia’s war suppliers loom.
🇦🇹 Austrian president snubs far-right FPO despite election win, tasks center-right Nehammer to form govt instead. Pro-Russia FPO leader Kickl warns against ‘coalition of losers’ as unprecedented three-party alliance looms.
🇺🇸 US intel warns Russia, China, and Iran plot to inflame post-election chaos with AI-generated disinfo and potential violence, as Harris leads Trump 46-43% in latest poll. Foreign actors seen targeting swing states through sophisticated social media ops.
🇺🇦 Zelenskiy warns of 12,000 North Korean troops potentially joining Russia’s war effort, urges Western allies to stop “hiding” and confront this alarming escalation as UK confirms hundreds of NK soldiers likely already deployed.
🇬🇪 From his shark-tank mansion atop Tbilisi, enigmatic billionaire Ivanishvili – Georgia’s most powerful figure – warns voters that siding with the West could spark Russian conflict, while critics accuse him of turning the nation into his private fiefdom.
🇺🇸 U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Kyiv, pledging $400 million in new arms for Ukraine just weeks before the U.S. presidential election. Despite uncertainty over future support, Austin reaffirmed bipartisan backing for Ukraine, warning that failing to resist Putin risks tyranny.
🇲🇩 Moldova’s President Maia Sandu declared a hard-fought victory after a narrow 50.46% win in the EU accession referendum, despite allegations of Russia-backed meddling. Sandu, calling it an “unfair fight,” accused foreign forces of undermining the vote. A presidential runoff looms.
🇺🇸 Paul Whelan recounts the harsh, monotonous conditions of his five-year imprisonment in Russia, enduring filthy labor camps, sham trials, and failed prisoner swaps. Now free, he’s focused on fighting for fellow Americans still held abroad, driven by hope and advocacy rather than revenge.
🇷🇸 In a rare call, Serbia’s Vucic thanks Putin for ensuring winter gas supplies, reaffirming close ties despite EU pressure. Serbia maintains its refusal to sanction Russia over Ukraine, hiding behind a “delicate balancing act” between East and West.
🇺🇦 Russian missiles slam Zelenskiy’s hometown Kryvyi Rih, wounding 17 and ravaging buildings. Ukraine claims to have shot down 31 of 49 Russian drones in brutal overnight assault. Attack exposes Russia’s relentless targeting of civilians, despite Kremlin denials, as urban devastation mounts.
🇷🇺 Russian official admits Ukraine attacks forced Black Sea Fleet to relocate from Sevastopol, the first acknowledgment of Ukraine’s successful campaign to disrupt Russian naval operations. Dmitry Rogozin highlights Russia’s drone technology lag, calls for urgent military-tech revolution.
🇺🇦 Zelenskiy demands global response to North Korea’s deepening involvement in Ukraine war. Citing satellite, video evidence, he warns of NK troops training for deployment alongside Russian troops. The conflict escalates as Pyongyang’s support threatens to prolong and intensify the brutal invasion.
🇨🇭 Switzerland, famously neutral, has signed onto the European Sky Shield Initiative—a significant departure from its traditional stance. The unified air and missile defense system, led by Germany in response to Russia’s violent aggression, offers Europe a chance to streamline defense resources.