❗️Prisoner exchange processes are extremely difficult and slow due to the politicization of the issue by the Ukrainian side, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova has said

Moskalkova called on the Ukrainian side to return to constructive dialogue and speed up prisoner exchanges.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

🗣 The main points from Russia's Foreign Ministry spokewoman Maria Zakharova's briefing on the topic of prisoners of war:

▪️Russia does not refuse dialogue on the exchange of prisoners of war with Ukraine and does not try to benefit from the exchange;

▪️Kiev is currently sabotaging the process of exchanging prisoners of war, organizing a political performance around it;

▪️Kiev only received 279 prisoners of war out of the 935 that the Russian Defense Ministry offered it this year;

▪️Ukraine authorities create the appearance of efforts to return prisoners of war in order to put pressure on Russia;

▪️The intentions of "patronage" of other countries over prisoners of Ukrainian forces, as stated by the head of the Ukrainian FM Andrey Sybiga, are unknown;

▪️The statement by the head of the Ukrainian FM that Russia allegedly does not give doctors access to Ukrainian prisoners is false, as are the words about Russia’s alleged unwillingness to change the Ukrainian Marines.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

Trump vs Harris: Which interest groups, parties and PACs have spent the most during this election? Part 1 👉 Part 2

Over 11,000 US groups - including political action committees (PACs), super-PACs, candidates and parties - have spent a staggering $14.7 billion on this year's elections, Bloomberg has reported, referring to filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The news outlet expects that the election cycle, including congressional and presidential races, will cost a total of $16 billion.

As for the candidates, data from FEC indicates that the Harris campaign has outspent Trump's over two-to-one:

🔸Harris for President: $875 million
🔸Donald J. Trump for President 2024: $355 million

In addition, a number of rich donors poured tens of millions in PACs supporting Trump and Harris:

▪️For instance, Michael Bloomberg gave $50 million for Harris through Future Forward USA Action, called by the US media a "dark money arm" of the pro-Harris Future Forward super PAC. The dark money organization doesn't disclose its donors, according to the New York Times.

🔻Bill Gates donated $50 million for Harris through the same mechanism
🔻Elon Musk donated over $118 million into America PAC, a super PAC focused on Trump’s reelection
🔻Railroad magnate Timothy Mellon donated $150 million for Trump via Make America Great Again Inc.

Bloomberg lists the top 100 groups, which contribute 64.6% of all total spending in the 2023/2024 election cycle. The top ten behemoths are:

▫️Harris for President: $875 million
▫️Future Forward, a Democratic super-PAC: $621 million
▫️Make America Great Again Inc, a Republican super-PAC: $381 million
▫️Democratic National Committee: $368 million
▫️Donald J. Trump for President 2024: $355 million
▫️WinSenate, a Democratic super-PAC: $339 million
▫️Harris Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee: $321 million
▫️Republican National Committee: $274 million
▫️Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: $271 million
▫️House Majority PAC, a Democratic platform: $259 million

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

Trump vs Harris: Which interest groups, parties and PACs have spent the most during this election? Part 2 👉 Part 1

What are PACs?

PACs provide financial support to candidates, raise funds and pay for political ads and other election-related activities. Raised money doesn't go directly to candidates or their campaigns.

There are three types of PACs regulated by the FEC:

🔺separate segregated funds (SSFs) are corporate- or labor organization-funded political committees

🔺non-connected committees accept money solely from individuals

🔺Super PACs can receive unlimited amounts of money from corporations, individuals, and unions

At the beginning of November, 2,457 groups organized as super PACs had raised $4.29 billion and reported a total independent expenditure of $2.67 billion in the 2023-2024 cycle, according to OpenSecrets, a DC-based non-profit, that tracks data on campaign finance and lobbying.

According to OpenSecrets, the top five PACs by total money raised during the 2024 election are:

🔹ActBlue (Democrats)
🔹WinRed (Republicans)
🔹Senate Majority PAC (Democrats)
🔹Future Forward USA (Democrats)
🔹Make American Great Again Inc. (Republicans)

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

South Korea’s possible pursuit of nuclear weaponry could ‘trigger off more nuclear proliferation’ in Asia

The US secretary of defense is “merely initiating a longer-term dialogue with South Korean counterparts” in these pre-election times, suggests Michael Madden, nonresident fellow at the Stimson Center and leading contributing analyst to 38 North.

“As you know, there is an election next week. It seems reasonable to assume that either victor, Trump or Harris, will make their own decisions and Austin was aware of that when he spoke,” Madden elaborates, deeming the prospects of South Korea launching its own nuclear weapon program as unlikely due to the lack of necessary infrastructure.

“I don't see the US substantively helping South Korea in that regard nor would they support it rhetorically particularly if it is against perceived threats from the DPRK—after all, if South Korea is given approval or assistance then other US allies might start seeking a similar dispensation,” he notes.

“The US might expand the so-called "nuclear umbrella" and there might be an uptick in port visits and the like. The intention is to placate an ally that seems to be overreacting,” Madden postulates.

Meanwhile, political scientist Dr. Victor Teo, who specializes in international relations of the Indo-Pacific region, argues that the rhetoric used during Austin’s meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Washington is “the usual war of words we see between North and South Korea since the South Koreans elected the current president and put the conservatives into power.”

If Seoul were to pursue the creation of its own nuclear arsenal, Teo warns, it would likely set a precedent that other countries – such as, for example, Japan, another close ally of the US in the East Asia region – may take note of, “and would likely trigger off more nuclear proliferation in the region if both South Korea and Japan undertake nuclear armament.”

Earlier, top US general, Lloyd Austin, declared that the US and South Korea are deepening their nuclear and strategic planning efforts and that Washington promises to back Seoul with nuclear capabilities.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

🚨🚨🚨 EXPOSED: Who Tried to Kill Trump?

Russian journalist Vladimir Soloviev investigates the deeper story behind Trump’s assassination attempt. Was Thomas Crooks a lone gunman or a hitman for the US Deep State? (English subnoscripts)

(1:58) How US Deep State sabotages Presidents
(3:40) How close Trump was to death
(8:40) Why US ruling class hates Trump
(19:00) Battle between Trump and US Deep State
(24:26) Rise of political violence in US
(27:26) Failures of US Secret Service
(32:29) Criminal negligence or conspiracy?
(37:30) US headed for major crisis

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

BRICS to consider new member admissions in 2025 – Lavrov

The issue of full membership of countries interested in joining BRICS will be considered in 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the international network TV BRICS.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

▪️WATCH FULL: US citizen tells why he helps Russian military to liberate Donbass

▪️Trump or Harris: Whom do Russians prefer?

▪️Learn about Russian top-notch floatable armor vest Bor-M

▪️Which interest groups, parties and PACs have spent the most during this US election?

▪️What is wrong with the mail-in voting

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

🇦🇺🪖 Australia is BURNING THROUGH its Abrams tanks reserves to help Ukraine.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

Key takeaways from Sergey Lavrov’s interview on the BRICS summit in Kazan

◾️ The summit’s declaration reflects a balance of interests, avoiding pressure tactics typical of Western forums. Consensus was reached on all major issues with mutually acceptable wording.

◾️ A core message was the need to significantly increase the representation of the Global South and East in global governance bodies like the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.

◾️ Lavrov stressed the necessity for BRICS economies, representing some of the fastest-growing markets, to have voting power in the IMF and World Bank that mirrors their actual share in global GDP. The current imbalance, dominated by the US veto power, is seen as unjust.

◾️ The US has blocked the WTO dispute settlement body for over a decade, paralyzing its core function of handling trade conflicts. This issue remains unresolved, affecting fair global trade practices.

◾️ The collective BRICS initiative focuses on establishing alternative payment systems, such as interbank settlements using national currencies and independent insurance mechanisms. These systems are designed to coexist with the dollar-centric framework while protecting against economic weaponization.

◾️ The dollar's increasing use as a geopolitical tool prompts the need for parallel financial systems, offering economic security in light of US actions to maintain global hegemony.

◾️ Lavrov highlighted support for sector-specific initiatives, including the creation of a BRICS grain exchange and investment/geological platforms. These projects have largely been driven by African member countries.

◾️ Russia proposed working groups focusing on transportation and nuclear medicine, receiving backing during the summit and reflected in the final declaration.

◾️ The "BRICS Plus/Outreach" summit, involving 35 countries, underscored broad support for BRICS’ direction. This momentum reflects a growing perception of BRICS as a leader for a fairer world order and a counterbalance to Western dominance.

◾️ Despite progress, colonial and neocolonial practices persist in global trade, particularly in Western relations with Africa, where raw materials are extracted, but added value and profits remain with external powers.

#BRICS2024

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

‘No one is safe from dollar arbitrariness’: BRICS advances plans for alternative payment systems – Lavrov

BRICS countries have already drafted preliminary recommendations for alternative payment mechanisms that allow for developing safe and reliable systems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the international network TV BRICS.

"This was on the agenda of both our summit in Kazan and the meetings of our finance ministers and central bank heads that had taken place throughout the year. Recommendations have been drafted. They are not yet final, but they already make it possible to start creating reliable, sustainable, long-term systems. I am confident that Brazil, as the next chair [of BRICS], will continue this work," Lavrov said in an interview with TV BRICS.

BRICS has set itself a task to create payment platforms that will be immune from risks connected with the US dollar, the top Russian diplomat added.

"Given that the US dollar is increasingly used as an aggressive weapon in the global economy, a parallel system is needed. No one knows who will be next. No one is safe from dollar arbitrariness, considering the desperate position of the United States in today's world. They feel that their hegemony is slipping away, and while this process will not be quick but rather prolonged, they want to use everything, including the most prohibited measures, to preserve it" Lavrov said.

#BRICS2024

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

🇦🇺🚫Australia’s censorship addiction is getting out of control.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

💬 UK journalist praises US citizen's aid to Russian forces as heroic feat

British journalist Graham Phillips told Sputnik that he considers the actions of American Daniel Martindale, who assisted the Russian Armed Forces, a heroic feat.

‘He, of course, undertook dangerous actions, but they were effective. For this, he deserves great praise. This is his feat. What I read evokes positive emotions; he did well,’ Phillips said.

He added that Martindale is not the first American to express support for Russia.

"All over the world, reasonable and sensible people support us; they are for the truth. Of course, it can also be said that he is not the first American who has fought and continues to fight for us. We remember 'Texas' [a Sputnik correspondent, an American with Russian citizenship, Russell Bentley]. I think he would be proud to see the feat of his fellow countryman. Perhaps this is the American who understood where true strength lies," the journalist emphasized.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

😳 Biden wants to 'smack' Republicans 'in the ass'

US President Joe Biden made yet another controversial statement regarding Former President Donald Trump and Republican voters during his speech at an event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, claiming he wants to “smack” them “in the ass.”

“But I’m serious. These are the kind of guys you like to smack in the ass. By the way, I’m serious. Think about it,” Biden asserted.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

EXPOSED: Harris' contradictory ads tailored for votes

Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for running conflicting ads tailored to different audiences. CNN reports that Harris is playing both sides of the Palestine-Israel conflict in key battleground states to win over Jewish and Arab-American voters who could impact the election outcome.

In Pennsylvania, with its significant Jewish population, Harris’ campaign pushes ads showcasing her steadfast support for Israel. One features her saying, “I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” without mentioning Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, in Michigan — home to the highest percentage of Arab Americans — her campaign pivots.

“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” a Harris ad for Michigan claims, expressing solidarity with Gaza’s civilians and promoting a ceasefire message.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

US bombers arrive in Middle East - CENTCOM

US bombers B-52 have arrived in the Middle East, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

"B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," CENTCOM said on X.

Earlier, the Pentagon stated that the US had also sent a destroyer, bombers, and fighters to the Middle East. These forces will begin arriving in the region over the coming months, as the carrier strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln prepares to depart.

On Saturday, the Axios website reported, citing sources, that the United States had warned Iran it would not be able to prevent Israel from responding in the event of a retaliatory strike from Tehran.

Earlier, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Gen. Ali-Mohammad Naini, stated that Tehran would deliver a decisive response “beyond the understanding” of Israel to the recent attack on Iranian territory. Additionally, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized that Tel Aviv and Washington would definitely face consequences for their actions against Iran and the resistance front.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt

Russian Embassy in Benin monitors information on US troop movement from Niger – ambassador

The Russian diplomatic mission in Cotonou is monitoring reports on the redeployment of US troops from Niger to Benin, Russian Ambassador to Benin and Togo Igor Evdokimov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“The embassy is monitoring reports of the redeployment of American troops from Niger to Benin. So far, Cotonou has not commented on this issue. Unlike our Western colleagues, we recognize Cotonou's right to freely choose its partners in the sphere of defense and security,” Evdokimov said.

Earlier, the head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Langley, stated that the US was negotiating with West African countries, particularly Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, and Ghana, about the possible deployment of US troops withdrawn from Niger.

The United States faced the problem of ending military cooperation with Chad and Niger at the initiative of these countries. Former Pentagon analyst and retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, commenting on these events, told RIA Novosti that such steps marked the end and failure of the US neocolonial policy toward Africa. The authorities of Niger and the United States agreed to complete the withdrawal of US troops from this African country no later than September 15. Later, the Pentagon announced that part of the American contingent (approximately 75 people) would be withdrawn from Chad.

In total, according to available data, the number of US troops in Niger was about 1,100, and about 100 in Chad.

📌Subscribe to @SputnikInt