❗️ Russia is counting on progress in negotiations with the US and it is going in with the mindset to fight for it, said Grigory Karasin, the Russian representative at the talks.
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❗️Russia reserves the right to take RETALIATORY ACTION if Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure continue, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed amendments to the constitution to increase the NATIONAL DEBT in order to boost defense spending, NTV reports.
The amendments have already allowed the Bundestag to approve an additional €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in military aid to Ukraine on Friday.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said Russia would respond to steps towards German militarization.
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The amendments have already allowed the Bundestag to approve an additional €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in military aid to Ukraine on Friday.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said Russia would respond to steps towards German militarization.
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Zelensky’s Sudzha energy infrastructure ‘terrorism’ is attack on Europe - veteran Slovak security analyst
Before the conflict, Sudzha, a natural gas exchange feeder in the Brotherhood natural gas pipeline network, was able to help pump up to 32 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) per year of natural gas to Eastern and Western Europe. Deliveries slowed after fighting began, and halted completely in the end of December 2024 after Ukraine refused to renew the contract.
In this regard, “Ukraine will not dictate [the] steps for negotiations of Russia and Europe,” the observer said.
Photo from social media
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💬 “This is a tragic, tragic black comedy from the Ukrainian side to organize some kind of attack [on] the Sudhza gas pipeline,” Slovak Brig. Gen. (ret.) and ex-military attaché Jozef Viktorin told Sputnik, commenting on Ukraine’s attack on the Sudzha gas metering station in Kursk.
💬 “For me, it’s not really part of [the] military conflict. This is some kind of terrorist activity from the Ukrainian side,” Viktorin said, emphasizing that the consequences of the attack “will be a big problem” not only for Slovakia, but all of Europe, in terms of the region’s energy security.
Before the conflict, Sudzha, a natural gas exchange feeder in the Brotherhood natural gas pipeline network, was able to help pump up to 32 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) per year of natural gas to Eastern and Western Europe. Deliveries slowed after fighting began, and halted completely in the end of December 2024 after Ukraine refused to renew the contract.
💬 “This is about Europe. Europe and European leaders have to understand that it’s only a question of time when to start to negotiate with Russia,” Viktorin emphasized. “They will have to talk because the question of dialog between the two sides is so important for the future.”
In this regard, “Ukraine will not dictate [the] steps for negotiations of Russia and Europe,” the observer said.
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America’s shipbuilding decline: Years behind schedule, billions at stake
The US is falling behind in the global race for military shipbuilding, according to a Wall Street Journal report, citing a source familiar with the situation.
Key factors contributing to the decline include outdated shipyard equipment, labor shortages, and the impact of 25% duties on aluminum and steel imports, which raise costs for domestic metal production.
The USS Constellation, a new US Navy frigate, is a prime example, as it's only 10% complete despite being slated for delivery in 2026. The ship is already years behind schedule and millions over budget.
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The US is falling behind in the global race for military shipbuilding, according to a Wall Street Journal report, citing a source familiar with the situation.
Key factors contributing to the decline include outdated shipyard equipment, labor shortages, and the impact of 25% duties on aluminum and steel imports, which raise costs for domestic metal production.
The USS Constellation, a new US Navy frigate, is a prime example, as it's only 10% complete despite being slated for delivery in 2026. The ship is already years behind schedule and millions over budget.
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Deadly wildfire in South Korea
A devastating forest fire in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, has claimed the lives of two firefighters, with two others still missing.
Over 200 people have been forced to evacuate as the blaze continues to rage.
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A devastating forest fire in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, has claimed the lives of two firefighters, with two others still missing.
Over 200 people have been forced to evacuate as the blaze continues to rage.
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China is a MONOPOLIST in the African rare metals market, while the US and West LOSE GROUND – analyst
Beijing is demonstrating a smart and innovative approach to cooperation in Africa, while American influence on the continent “has declined at the political, military and intelligence levels,” Algerian political analyst Salim Bou Zidi told Sputnik.
The US and other Western countries are gradually LOSING the African market not only in rare metals, “but also in energy and direct investment in the agricultural sector,” he noted.
The reason why China has become a “monopolist” in the African rare metals market is because it “does not interfere in domestic politics and does not impose its conditions on African countries,” the pundit pointed out.
Furthermore, Beijing offers “significant loans and lucrative deals where minerals are obtained in exchange for infrastructure construction.”
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Beijing is demonstrating a smart and innovative approach to cooperation in Africa, while American influence on the continent “has declined at the political, military and intelligence levels,” Algerian political analyst Salim Bou Zidi told Sputnik.
The US and other Western countries are gradually LOSING the African market not only in rare metals, “but also in energy and direct investment in the agricultural sector,” he noted.
The reason why China has become a “monopolist” in the African rare metals market is because it “does not interfere in domestic politics and does not impose its conditions on African countries,” the pundit pointed out.
Furthermore, Beijing offers “significant loans and lucrative deals where minerals are obtained in exchange for infrastructure construction.”
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Deja vu? France reportedly mulls rehash of US tax threat blunders
France is urging the EU to consider using its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) against the US if President Donald Trump imposes retaliatory tariffs on trading partners starting April 2, Bloomberg reports. The European Commission is not yet considering this move, pending a US announcement.
A 25% US tariff on steel and aluminum imports took effect on March 12. The EU plans counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of US goods, including a 50% duty on American whiskey, starting in April. Trump has criticized EU non-tariff barriers, calling April 2 "Liberation Day."
What is the ACI?
🟠 The European Union's Anti-Coercion Instrument was established in 2021 as a tool to protect member states from economic or trade pressure exerted by non-EU countries.
🟠 Subject to a number of conditions and steps, it allows the EU to impose countermeasures, such as tariffs or trade restrictions.
🟠 The ACI has never been activated in relation to the United States.
🟠 Retaliatory responses could potentially include restrictions on trade and services as well as certain intellectual property rights, foreign direct investment, and access to public procurement.
The last time France tried – and FAILED – to tax the US was in 2019, when it proposed a levy on digital services, specifically on Google, Amazon, Facebook*, and Apple.
Known as the "GAFA tax" (after the initials of the US tech giants), it was intended to target companies that profit heavily from the French market, but pay minimal taxes in France.
What happened: The US saw the move as discriminatory and unfair, aimed solely at American companies.
Washington threatened to impose tariffs on French goods, including items like wine and cheese.
France backed down, agreeing to temporarily suspend the tax until an international agreement on taxing digital services at the global level could be hammered out.
* Banned in Russia for extremism
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France is urging the EU to consider using its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) against the US if President Donald Trump imposes retaliatory tariffs on trading partners starting April 2, Bloomberg reports. The European Commission is not yet considering this move, pending a US announcement.
A 25% US tariff on steel and aluminum imports took effect on March 12. The EU plans counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of US goods, including a 50% duty on American whiskey, starting in April. Trump has criticized EU non-tariff barriers, calling April 2 "Liberation Day."
What is the ACI?
The last time France tried – and FAILED – to tax the US was in 2019, when it proposed a levy on digital services, specifically on Google, Amazon, Facebook*, and Apple.
Known as the "GAFA tax" (after the initials of the US tech giants), it was intended to target companies that profit heavily from the French market, but pay minimal taxes in France.
What happened: The US saw the move as discriminatory and unfair, aimed solely at American companies.
Washington threatened to impose tariffs on French goods, including items like wine and cheese.
France backed down, agreeing to temporarily suspend the tax until an international agreement on taxing digital services at the global level could be hammered out.
* Banned in Russia for extremism
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When in doubt, ask a chatbot: UK tech secretary grills AI for POLICY ADVICE
Puzzled as to why UK business was dragging its feet on adopting AI to boost efficiency, Peter Kyle didn’t seek expert advice from industry leaders or researchers, New Scientist reported.
Instead, the UK’s secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology asked ChatGPT for input, records obtained via the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act show.
Kyle also asked AI to define various terms relevant to his department, such as “antimatter” and “quantum,” and sought ChatGPT’s wisdom on which podcasts he should grace with his presence.
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Puzzled as to why UK business was dragging its feet on adopting AI to boost efficiency, Peter Kyle didn’t seek expert advice from industry leaders or researchers, New Scientist reported.
Instead, the UK’s secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology asked ChatGPT for input, records obtained via the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act show.
Kyle also asked AI to define various terms relevant to his department, such as “antimatter” and “quantum,” and sought ChatGPT’s wisdom on which podcasts he should grace with his presence.
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Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders were absent on the ground during operations in the Kursk region, captured Ukrainian serviceman Sergey Golubchenko has claimed in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry.
💬 "In the Kursk region, we did not meet with commanders. All orders came via radio from Ukraine," he said.
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Trump could undermine NATO without ever withdrawing from the alliance
By casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO's collective defense clause, Trump could erode trust overnight, says David Blagden, a professor at the University of Exeter, told Newsweek. This uncertainty could have a notable impact on NATO's strength.
Such actions might result in a gradual reduction of the US military presence in Europe, less involvement in NATO exercises, and even a potential shift in the role of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, which has been traditionally held by an American general for nearly 75 years, the publication suggests.
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By casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO's collective defense clause, Trump could erode trust overnight, says David Blagden, a professor at the University of Exeter, told Newsweek. This uncertainty could have a notable impact on NATO's strength.
Such actions might result in a gradual reduction of the US military presence in Europe, less involvement in NATO exercises, and even a potential shift in the role of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, which has been traditionally held by an American general for nearly 75 years, the publication suggests.
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From survival kits to war manuals: How Europe gears up for possible conflict with Russia
Despite Steve Witkoff's rejection of “preposterous” fears of a Russian invasion of Europe, and Trump's confidence that Russia’s not a threat to NATO, US allies are preparing their populous for the worst.
🇵🇱 Poland: Interior Ministry recently urged citizens to prep three-day survival kits with food, water, meds, and power supplies.
🇫🇷 France: Plans to issue a ‘survival manual’ for national emergencies, with conflicting claims to media about whether it includes prep for war.
🇸🇪 Sweden: Updated its 'If Crises or War Comes' manual in November, advising stockpiling, providing air raid guidance, etc.
🇫🇮 Finland: Also published an online 'Preparing for Incidents and Crises' guide in November, including wartime scenarios.
🇩🇪 Germany: Updated its ‘Guide for Emergency Preparedness’ in 2022, including tips on creating emergency evacuation “grab bags” as Berlin embarked on militarization.
🇩🇰 Denmark: Released a new ‘Prepare for Crises’ guide in 2024.
🇳🇴 Norway: Updated the 'How to Contribute to Norway’s Emergency Preparedness' guide in fall 2024, extending supply stockpiling recommendations from three days to a week.
🇮🇹 Italy: Launched an IT-Alert public warning system in 2024, accompanying its revised emergencies and civil defense guide.
🇬🇧 UK: Last updated its emergency tips in 2019. Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin recently mentioned talks with NATO on updating guidelines again in light of Ukraine.
🇱🇹 Lithuania: Updated its LT72 emergency prep site in 2023.
🇭🇷 Croatia: Revised its National Civil Protection Plan in 2023-2024, modernizing emergency communications under NATO commitments.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria: Plans a NATO Emergency Management Exercise in September, ostensibly aimed at improving ‘disaster response’ capabilities.
🇷🇴 Romania: Implemented a RO-Alert system and updated its National Civil Protection Strategy (2021-2024).
🇪🇺 EU: The EU-Alert system, created in 2018 and updated in 2023, includes security-related emergencies, including armed conflicts.
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Despite Steve Witkoff's rejection of “preposterous” fears of a Russian invasion of Europe, and Trump's confidence that Russia’s not a threat to NATO, US allies are preparing their populous for the worst.
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