🎥🎥 Lavrov chairs diplomatic roundtable on Ukrainian crisis

👉Watch the livestream here or on Sputnik's website

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THROWBACK: Former Mossad director, Efraim Halevy, admits Israel provided support to militants in Syria linked to Al-Qaeda*

"It's always useful also to deal with your enemies in a humane way. And I think that when you have people who are wounded and you can deal with them in a humane way, the considerations as to whether to take them in are not simply whether it's politically useful or whether it's politically...

*terrorist organization banned in Russia

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Liberal activist told homeless who stole phone to only steal from the rich
 
A girl from Portland, US, said that she was just being "honest", and that the homeless would be able to make money on resale after stealing from "rich scum."
 
In a conversation, she said that if the homeless really stole her phone, then it was not their fault, but capitalism, says journalist Kevin Dahlgren, who posted the video. In her opinion, it is capitalism that drives vagrants to steal and take drugs, so she did not call the police.
 
Despite the woman's pleas, she didn't get her phone back.

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❗️Any solution to the conflict in Ukraine will not be lasting without eliminating its causes - Lavrov
 

"No information wars, lies and fakes will help the neo-Nazi Kiev regime. The goals and objectives of the special military operation will be implemented," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow at the embassy roundtable.

 
Lavrov added that at the same time, Russia gives preference to peaceful, political and diplomatic means, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated, but "any settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will not be lasting, long-term, if its root causes are not eliminated."
 
These include, according to the minister, "the creation of long-term threats to Russia's security in the western direction through the expansion of NATO and attempts to absorb Ukraine into the alliance."
 

"The root causes, of course, include the systematic actions of the Kiev regime to destroy the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking citizens of their own country," the Russian minister explained.

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Yakutsk researchers unveil durable polymer implants to enhance medical prosthetics

At the Youth Scientists Congress in Russia's Sirius from November 27-29, students and graduate researchers from the North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutsk presented their work on polymer-based implants and endoprostheses.

Alexander Spiridonov, leading researcher and head of the "Polymer Composites for the North" laboratory, shared details about the project with Sputnik. The lab focuses on developing polymer composites made from polyetheretherketone and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, filled with inorganic nanoparticles. These materials are highly biocompatible, making them ideal for implants such as cranial and joint prostheses. The goal of their research is to create a more durable, wear-resistant composite to reduce inflammation caused by wear particles in the body, ultimately extending the service life of these implants.

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West targets Sputnik and RT for bringing ‘objective truth’ – Lavrov

As soon as Western countries realized that the world is more diverse than the neoliberal model they're pushing, the West began to ban access to information that contradicts their position and point of view, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

“The countries of the Collective West preach about freedom of speech, pluralism, and democracy, but in reality, they demonstrate brazen intolerance to any alternative point of view,” he stressed.

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❗️Russian troops have liberated the settlement of Vorovskoye and the village of Razdolnoye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry announced

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Latest statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

On Ukraine:

▪️Strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial complex were carried out in line with Russia's response to American missile strikes on Russian territory;

▪️Peskov recalled the irresponsibility of Washington's decision to allow Kiev to use American missiles to strike deep into Russian territory;

▪️Russia has clear parameters for settling the Ukrainian issue;

▪️On reports of NATO's intentions to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine: the deployment of peacekeepers is possible only with the consent of the parties to a particular conflict;

▪️To get on the path of a settlement in Ukraine, it is necessary to resolve the root causes of the conflict, this issue is deeper than the direction of the peacekeeping mission.

On Syria:

▪️Peskov called the situation in Aleppo an encroachment on Syria's sovereignty, Russia advocates bringing order to the region.

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❗️Russian troops have liberated four settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Kharkov region during the week — Russian MoD
 
🇷🇺🪖More statements from the Russian Defense Ministry's weekly briefing on the special military operation's progress:
 
🔸Russian troops took 34 Ukrainian militants prisoners, 17 of them surrendered in the Russian Kursk direction;
 
🔸The Russian Tsentr Battlegroup repelled 53 Ukrainian counterattacks; Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 2,900 soldiers;
 
🔸Ukrainian forces lost up to 2,420 fighters in the area of responsibility of the Russian Sever combat group;
 
🔸The Russian Zapad Battlegroup repelled 28 Ukrainian counterattacks; the enemy lost over 3,150 militants;
 
🔸Ukrainian forces lost over 2,700 soldiers in the area of responsibility of the Russian Yug combat group;
 
🔸Russian air defense systems shot down a Neptune missile, ten ATACMS missiles, 15 Hammer bombs and 353 Ukrainian drones.

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Czech politician cut off on air for criticizing Ukrainian refugees
 
The mayor of the Czech city of Pilsen, Roman Zarzycký, was talking about the rise of crime in the city, noting that Ukrainian youth "spit" on Czech decrees and laws; after which, he was cut off on air immediately.
 

"I will not tolerate the inappropriate behavior of Ukrainian youth who spit on our decrees and laws," the mayor wrote on social networks.

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New first-person view Tor drone unveiled at Young Scientists Congress in Russia

At the Youth Scientists Congress held in Russia's Sirius from November 27-29, a new FPV drone, Tor, has been showcased.

Developed by Ekaterina from Tula, the drone features a carbon frame that enhances vibration resistance and increases its payload capacity.

"Our drone has an optimized propeller-motor group, which allows for transporting loads over longer distances compared to similar models," Ekaterina told Sputnik.

The Tor drone can carry up to six kilograms and is ten inches in size. It utilizes non-standard frequencies for both control and video transmission, with the ability to adjust signal power to maintain stealth and avoid revealing positions.

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Macron grants immunity to Netanyahu in exchange for role in Lebanon ceasefire talks - report

French President Emmanuel Macron has agreed not to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in exchange for securing France’s role in a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, Le Point reports, citing sources.

The deal was reportedly reached after talks between the two leaders, where Netanyahu requested immunity from ICC prosecution, which France granted due to "diplomatic exceptions for non-member states".

The French Foreign Ministry later confirmed that Paris would not arrest Netanyahu if he visited, citing immunity rules. This decision drew criticism from human rights groups, with Amnesty urging France to uphold its obligation to arrest individuals under ICC warrants.

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📹 At the Young Scientists Congress, a mini-UAV competition was held.

Participants were tasked with configuring their drones to fly around all the figures placed on the ground in the correct sequence.

A display screen showed the flight plan, allowing the audience to follow the progress and evaluate the accuracy of the task.

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😎 'I'll be back' - Bolsonaro vows to return to presidential race

Former President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro plans to return to power and believes that President-elect Donald Trump will become a real game-changer in the future of the right in Latin America, the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Trump is back, and it’s a sign we’ll be back too,” Bolsonaro told WSJ.

Earlier, as the newspaper notes, although Bolsonaro was banned from running for the office until 2030, he is planning to register his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election.

The former president hopes Trump will help with his return to power.

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AI in education: Experts debate challenges and opportunities at Young Scientists Congress

Key experts from education and technology gathered at the IV Congress of Young Scientists to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning and research.

During the session noscriptd "New Trends in the Development of Humanitarian Education," panelists examined how AI is reshaping education and the potential it holds for advancing scientific knowledge.

Moderated by Andrey Fursenko, assistant to the president of Russia, the discussion highlighted both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI integration in the education sector.

🔸 Fursenko opened the debate by addressing the growing shortage of skilled professionals and the transformative impact of new technologies on education and research. He emphasized the need to evaluate which technological changes should be embraced in the field. Experts like Andrey Logvinov, acting rector of the Russian State University for the Humanities, discussed AI’s role as a tool to support, not replace, human cognitive abilities.

🔸 Other speakers, including Svetlana Merkushina from Sber, and Fedor Senatov from NITU MISIS, further explored AI’s potential in developing educational tools and advanced technologies like robotic surgeons. Despite differing opinions, the panel agreed on the importance of ethical guidelines and the need to ensure that AI serves the public good.

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Unpacking current US military alliances: Here’s what you need to know

The United States is beefing up its military alliances around the globe, but is this a matter of defense, or is the US seeking to expand its global dominance? From NATO to the Indo-Pacific region, these alliances raise questions about the true motives behind America’s expanding military footprint.

1️⃣Formal alliances with the US military at the helm

▫️NATO: This collective defense alliance consists of 30 members, where an attack on one is regarded as an attack on all. The US is NATO’s largest contributor, ensuring mutual defense under Article 5.

▫️AUKUS: This trilateral security pact between the US, Australia, and the UK, focuses on military cooperation and countering China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly through the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

▫️ANZUS: This defense treaty between the US, Australia, and New Zealand, is intended for promoting mutual defense and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

▫️The Quad: This strategic partnership between the US, Japan, India, and Australia is aimed at promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, focusing on military cooperation, regional security, and countering China’s growing influence.

▫️RIO Treaty: This mutual defense pact involving the United States and Latin American nations ensures collective security throughout the Americas, and is relevant in addressing regional security threats.

2️⃣ Alliances involving indirect US participation

🚛 FPDA (Five Power Defense Arrangements): This security framework between Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, where the US supports these nations through intelligence sharing and logistical cooperation, especially in Southeast Asia.

🚛 NORDEFCO (Nordic Defense Cooperation): This defense agreement encompasses Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, with significant US support facilitated through NATO and joint operations, particularly focused on countering Russian military activity in the Arctic.

🚛 GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): Consisting of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, and even though the United States is not a member, it provides vital military support to counter regional threats, particularly from Iran.

3️⃣ US strategic bilateral defense agreements

🟢US-Japan Security Treaty: The US is committed to defending Japan from external threats, especially those posed by China and North Korea. With a robust military presence, including several bases in Japan, the US secures a strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific region.

🟢US-South Korea Treaty: The US is obligated to defend South Korea against aggression from North Korea. A significant US military presence in South Korea serves as a deterrent to any hostile action by Pyongyang.

🟢US-Israel Agreement: The US provides Israel with military aid, advanced defense technologies, and intelligence. The US has pledged to intervene if Israel is attacked, particularly by regional adversaries like Iran.

🟢US-Taiwan Relations Act (TRA): While not a formal defense treaty, the TRA guarantees continued US support for Taiwan, focusing on deterring military aggression from China against the island.

🟢US-Jordan Defense Agreement: The US assists Jordan in combating terrorism and regional instability, while providing military aid, training, and logistical support in the fight against extremist groups.

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More than 50 people were injured in a fire during a march against terrorism in the Indian city of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.

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What’s behind US Federal Trade Commission’s probe into Microsoft? A whistleblower explains

“This is clearly a regulation play” into Microsoft’s “AI dealings”, Zach Vorhies, a former senior software engineer at YouTube and Google-turned-whistleblower, tells Sputnik when commenting on a decision by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the country’s top antitrust watchdog, to launch an investigation into the tech giant.

The FTC is reportedly investigating whether Microsoft has violated the antitrust law in multiple segments of its wide-ranging businesses related to cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity tools and AI products. The probe was announced less than two months before Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Will the new US administration change things?

▫️ “A change in administration will likely bring a shift in regulatory attitudes”

▫️ “While the incoming administration may favor reducing domestic AI regulations, it's crucial to establish robust guardrails to prevent advanced technologies from being misused or exported without oversight”

What about Meta*?

▫️ Mark Zuckerberg’s recent face-to-face with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago “aligns logically with the developments” related to the company’s decision to cut off access to mainstream media content.

▫️ Such decisions “played a decisive role in the election outcome, effectively favoring Trump.”

*banned for extremism in Russia

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❗️The Syrian Army has deployed reinforcements to strengthen positions along the line of contact, where ongoing battles with terrorist groups are taking place, according to the Syrian military command.

Hundreds of terrorists have been eliminated during clashes with the Syrian Army in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo.

The Syrian military command also reported that many foreign mercenaries were involved in the attacks in these provinces.

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Is the US fueling a new nuclear arms race? A Russian think tank investigates Washington's modernization plans

The pace of US nuclear weapons modernization is accelerating, meaning Washington has de facto launched an arms race against Russia and China, the Roscongress Foundation warned in its recent report obtained by Sputnik.

The report outlined key developments:

▪️The US is planning to spend about $138 billion on the modernization of nuclear warheads until FY 2049

▪️Another $500 billion will be spent on stockpile management, including dismantling and disposal of components of warheads removed from armaments, as well as research, development, testing and evaluation, other weapons activities and, finally, infrastructure operations

▪️Over 67,000 employees have been involved in the implementation of the US nuclear weapons modernization program. Their number has increased by more than 70% over the past ten years

▪️The US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has fast-tracked plutonium pit production, with a 2018 plan to produce 80 pits annually for nuclear warheads

▪️In addition, the US is modernizing most of the nuclear weapons storage bases in Europe. Presently, the US stores its tactical nuclear weapons at six bases in five NATO member countries, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkiye.

▪️In 2023, the Pentagon received over 200 updated nuclear munitions, which was the largest annual delivery since the end of the Cold War

According to Federation of American Scientists, the total inventory of US nuclear warheads amounts to 5,044 including 1,770 deployed warheads, 1,938 reserved for operational forces, and 1,336 retired warheads.

▪️The State Dept. estimates that the US had roughly 1,420 warheads deployed on 662 missiles and bombers as of March 1, 2023, including:

🔺Minuteman III ICBM 396 warheads
🔺Trident (D-5) SLBM 981 warheads
🔺B-52 bombers 33 warheads
🔺B-2 bombers 10 warheads

▪️According to US Congressional Budget Office 2023 estimates, US programs to operate and modernize nuclear forces would cost $756 billion over the next 10 years.

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