🇮🇷🇺🇸 U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has requested direct talks on the "nuclear deal."
🇺🇸 Market reforms come with pain
The U.S. stock market lost around $3 trillion yesterday. Donald Trump, meanwhile, stated that “everything is going very well, and the market will thrive.” At the same time, the press notes that American financial markets are experiencing their worst day in the past five years.
The U.S. stock market lost around $3 trillion yesterday. Donald Trump, meanwhile, stated that “everything is going very well, and the market will thrive.” At the same time, the press notes that American financial markets are experiencing their worst day in the past five years.
🇷🇺🇺🇲 Loud scandal during negotiations: Russian negotiators couldn’t share a chair in front of the Americans
The outlet Agentstvo, citing its sources, reported on a comical incident that took place during negotiations between Russian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia on February 18. It turns out that Putin entrusted the talks with the U.S. to two rival teams.
Initially, only Foreign Minister Lavrov and Putin's aide Ushakov were supposed to represent Russia. Later, Putin's special envoy Dmitriev was added to the delegation — but Lavrov wasn't informed about this.
Lavrov threw a fit and refused to give Dmitriev a chair.
The Russian Foreign Minister pushed the chair away from the table, saying: “If he wants to participate, let Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) tell me personally.” After that, Dmitriev left the room and went into the hallway to speak with journalists. All of this unfolded in front of astonished American delegates.
"Everyone goes to Putin one-on-one, and he tells each person something different. That’s part of the reason why no one can clearly articulate Russia’s demands in the negotiations," a source told Agentstvo.
The outlet Agentstvo, citing its sources, reported on a comical incident that took place during negotiations between Russian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia on February 18. It turns out that Putin entrusted the talks with the U.S. to two rival teams.
Initially, only Foreign Minister Lavrov and Putin's aide Ushakov were supposed to represent Russia. Later, Putin's special envoy Dmitriev was added to the delegation — but Lavrov wasn't informed about this.
Lavrov threw a fit and refused to give Dmitriev a chair.
The Russian Foreign Minister pushed the chair away from the table, saying: “If he wants to participate, let Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) tell me personally.” After that, Dmitriev left the room and went into the hallway to speak with journalists. All of this unfolded in front of astonished American delegates.
"Everyone goes to Putin one-on-one, and he tells each person something different. That’s part of the reason why no one can clearly articulate Russia’s demands in the negotiations," a source told Agentstvo.
Forwarded from Constantine's Notebook
🇬🇪 - Bipartisan U.S. Congressional Body Helsinki Commission members expressed concern about Georgian Dream awarding Anaklia port development rights to chinese conglomerate.
🇷🇺☪ Russia: number of people killed by gangs of underage migrants sees shocking rise - declares the Investigative Committee of Russia
The criminal behavior of underage migrants is causing serious concern, with the number of especially grave crimes committed by them increasing by 82% over the past year, according to Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee.
At the same time, the number of murders committed by migrant teenagers has increased sevenfold.
They often commit crimes "as part of a well-organized group," attacking passersby, beating them, and bullying and humiliating peers of Slavic appearance. These acts are often recorded on mobile phones and posted online. “The phenomenon of youth ethnic crime has become a negative trend of our time, raising concern among the native population and posing a threat to public stability,” Bastrykin emphasized.
The criminal behavior of underage migrants is causing serious concern, with the number of especially grave crimes committed by them increasing by 82% over the past year, according to Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee.
At the same time, the number of murders committed by migrant teenagers has increased sevenfold.
They often commit crimes "as part of a well-organized group," attacking passersby, beating them, and bullying and humiliating peers of Slavic appearance. These acts are often recorded on mobile phones and posted online. “The phenomenon of youth ethnic crime has become a negative trend of our time, raising concern among the native population and posing a threat to public stability,” Bastrykin emphasized.
🇺🇲🇷🇺🇺🇦 Is Russia ready to end the war?
"We will know within 'weeks, not months' whether Russia is ready to end the war," said U.S. Secretary of State Rubio. According to him, Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness to end the war, and it should be resolved through a solution that is "acceptable to both sides":
"If there's a tactic of delay, we won't be interested in that — Trump won't take part in endless negotiations. We’ll soon find out whether Russia is serious about peace. If yes — great, if not — we’ll need to reassess our position and what actions we’ll take."
"We will know within 'weeks, not months' whether Russia is ready to end the war," said U.S. Secretary of State Rubio. According to him, Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness to end the war, and it should be resolved through a solution that is "acceptable to both sides":
"If there's a tactic of delay, we won't be interested in that — Trump won't take part in endless negotiations. We’ll soon find out whether Russia is serious about peace. If yes — great, if not — we’ll need to reassess our position and what actions we’ll take."
🇫🇷 - Marine Le Pen's appeal trial is scheduled for the summer of 2026, less than a year before the 2027 elections.
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🇸🇾 - Reports of an organized withdrawal led by the defense ministry of the SDF from their controlled neighborhoods "Al-ashrafiyah" and "Al-sheikh maqsoud" in Aleppo towards the east of "Al-furat" (Euphrates).
Forwarded from Constantine's Notebook
🇱🇾🇺🇳 - Libyan authorities have accused aid groups of plotting to change the country's ethnic make-up by encouraging African migrants to stay there, and has ordered them to close their offices.
🇺🇦🇷🇺 Russia hits Ukrainian city with ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has just been hit by Russian ballistic missiles.
Number of dead 12, wounded 60. 3 children among the dead.
Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has just been hit by Russian ballistic missiles.
Number of dead 12, wounded 60. 3 children among the dead.
🇺🇦 Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, hit by 🇷🇺 Russian ballistic missiles
15 civilians killed, 5 children among them.
15 civilians killed, 5 children among them.
Germany appproves Franco-German tank project
Germany’s Federal Cartel Office has approved plans by three defense manufacturers — Rheinmetall, KNDS, and Thales — to establish a joint venture in Germany. The antitrust authority stated that “the previous areas of activity of Rheinmetall and KNDS largely complement each other,” making the merger permissible.
The companies will work on developing the next-generation Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) battle tank, with the German and French governments as the sole clients.
The goal of the Franco-German defense program is to replace the current main battle tanks — Germany’s Leopard 2 and France’s Leclerc — with next-generation systems by 2040. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously emphasized that this is not about upgrading existing models, but about creating “something entirely new.” He also noted that the use of artificial intelligence technologies will offer a “clear qualitative advantage in terms of capabilities.”
Germany’s Federal Cartel Office has approved plans by three defense manufacturers — Rheinmetall, KNDS, and Thales — to establish a joint venture in Germany. The antitrust authority stated that “the previous areas of activity of Rheinmetall and KNDS largely complement each other,” making the merger permissible.
The companies will work on developing the next-generation Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) battle tank, with the German and French governments as the sole clients.
The goal of the Franco-German defense program is to replace the current main battle tanks — Germany’s Leopard 2 and France’s Leclerc — with next-generation systems by 2040. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously emphasized that this is not about upgrading existing models, but about creating “something entirely new.” He also noted that the use of artificial intelligence technologies will offer a “clear qualitative advantage in terms of capabilities.”
Forwarded from Constantine's Notebook
🇫🇷🇵🇸 - French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Egypt near the Gaza Strip on Tuesday to call for a ceasefire.
🇪🇺 Support for a European army grows across Continent, poll suggests
More than half of British, French and German respondents want countries to pool their military might as the US distances itself from Nato.
British, French and German voters support the creation of a European army, an international poll has found.
Sentiment across Europe has hardened in response to President Trump's lukewarm remarks about Nato, the survey of more than 8,000 voters in the UK, US, France and Germany suggests.
In the UK and Germany, 59 per cent of voters favour a European army, according to the poll by Public First and Stonehaven, a consultancy. In France, 50 per cent of adults would like European countries to pool their military strength, compared with 11 per cent who are opposed.
More than half of British, French and German respondents want countries to pool their military might as the US distances itself from Nato.
British, French and German voters support the creation of a European army, an international poll has found.
Sentiment across Europe has hardened in response to President Trump's lukewarm remarks about Nato, the survey of more than 8,000 voters in the UK, US, France and Germany suggests.
In the UK and Germany, 59 per cent of voters favour a European army, according to the poll by Public First and Stonehaven, a consultancy. In France, 50 per cent of adults would like European countries to pool their military strength, compared with 11 per cent who are opposed.
🇨🇫🇷🇺 Thousands Protest Wagner Group in the Central African Republic
Thousands of people took to the streets in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR) to protest against President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who intends to run for a third term with the support of the Wagner Group, according to the Associated Press. The demonstration in Bangui was organized by opposition parties opposing Touadéra’s extended stay in power.
“We are here to say no to a third term for Faustin-Archange Touadéra. But more importantly, we want to defend our sovereignty, which has been trampled by Touadéra and Wagner,” said opposition representative Justin Vine. “Wagner has raped and killed without any justice. This is unacceptable. To end their rule, Touadéra must go.”
CAR was one of the first countries where Wagner fighters appeared. They remain active in the country even after the death of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. In exchange for their services, Wagner reportedly gains access to natural resource deposits.
Thousands of people took to the streets in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR) to protest against President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who intends to run for a third term with the support of the Wagner Group, according to the Associated Press. The demonstration in Bangui was organized by opposition parties opposing Touadéra’s extended stay in power.
“We are here to say no to a third term for Faustin-Archange Touadéra. But more importantly, we want to defend our sovereignty, which has been trampled by Touadéra and Wagner,” said opposition representative Justin Vine. “Wagner has raped and killed without any justice. This is unacceptable. To end their rule, Touadéra must go.”
CAR was one of the first countries where Wagner fighters appeared. They remain active in the country even after the death of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. In exchange for their services, Wagner reportedly gains access to natural resource deposits.
Zelensky: Ukraine has information that U.S. is finalizing ceasefire measures
Ukraine has information that the United States is in the final stages of preparing measures aimed at achieving a ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
He emphasized that a full ceasefire must be established first. Only after that would Ukraine be ready to discuss further steps, including negotiations with Russia in any format — provided the talks are substantive.
Source: RIA (RU) / 24tv (UA)
Ukraine has information that the United States is in the final stages of preparing measures aimed at achieving a ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
He emphasized that a full ceasefire must be established first. Only after that would Ukraine be ready to discuss further steps, including negotiations with Russia in any format — provided the talks are substantive.
Source: RIA (RU) / 24tv (UA)
🇵🇱 Poland wants to spend EU post-COVID recovery fund on its army
Poland is seeking approval to use 6.1 billion euros in European Union post-COVID recovery funds for investments to boost security and defence, the Development Funds and Regional Policy minister said on Friday.
The EU's recovery facility provides Poland with nearly 60 billion euros ($63.1 billion) in grants and cheap loans to be spent by 2026.
In recent years, Poland has significantly ramped up its military spending, undertaking one of the most ambitious modernization efforts in Europe. The country has been acquiring advanced weaponry and defense systems to strengthen its armed forces in response to growing security concerns in the region. Among its major moves, Poland has invested in American-made F-35 fighter jets and Abrams tanks, signaling a strategic alignment with NATO standards. It has also partnered closely with South Korea to acquire 1000 K2 Black Panther tanks, hundreds of K9 howitzers, and FA-50 light combat aircraft, reflecting a diversification of suppliers and rapid capability-building.
Poland is also focusing heavily on air and missile defense, acquiring Patriot systems from the U.S. and 500 HIMARS rocket systems, alongside the South Korean Chunmoo launchers. The Polish government has emphasized that these are not just short-term upgrades, but part of a long-term vision to build one of the strongest and most modern armies in Europe. With defense spending projected to reach over 5% of GDP, Poland is positioning itself as a key military power on NATO’s eastern flank.
Apart from the above, Poland is increasing its military personnel head count to 300 thousand of professional soldiers plus about 100 thousand National Guard (WOT).
Sources: Reuters, Defence24 PL, Russia Today, The Guardian.
Poland is seeking approval to use 6.1 billion euros in European Union post-COVID recovery funds for investments to boost security and defence, the Development Funds and Regional Policy minister said on Friday.
The EU's recovery facility provides Poland with nearly 60 billion euros ($63.1 billion) in grants and cheap loans to be spent by 2026.
In recent years, Poland has significantly ramped up its military spending, undertaking one of the most ambitious modernization efforts in Europe. The country has been acquiring advanced weaponry and defense systems to strengthen its armed forces in response to growing security concerns in the region. Among its major moves, Poland has invested in American-made F-35 fighter jets and Abrams tanks, signaling a strategic alignment with NATO standards. It has also partnered closely with South Korea to acquire 1000 K2 Black Panther tanks, hundreds of K9 howitzers, and FA-50 light combat aircraft, reflecting a diversification of suppliers and rapid capability-building.
Poland is also focusing heavily on air and missile defense, acquiring Patriot systems from the U.S. and 500 HIMARS rocket systems, alongside the South Korean Chunmoo launchers. The Polish government has emphasized that these are not just short-term upgrades, but part of a long-term vision to build one of the strongest and most modern armies in Europe. With defense spending projected to reach over 5% of GDP, Poland is positioning itself as a key military power on NATO’s eastern flank.
Apart from the above, Poland is increasing its military personnel head count to 300 thousand of professional soldiers plus about 100 thousand National Guard (WOT).
Sources: Reuters, Defence24 PL, Russia Today, The Guardian.