🇪🇺EU Leaders at Belgian Castle Summit Admit: Europe Must Urgently Overhaul Its Operating Model or Risk Irreversible Decline
Politico reports that at a closed-door summit held in a castle near Brussels, heads of government from EU member states reached a sobering consensus: the current way the European Union functions no longer enables it to keep pace with technological, economic, and geopolitical progress.
The explicit call to “change the principles of operation” is the first public indication that the EU elite is prepared to accept painful reforms. The critical question now is whether there will be sufficient political will and cohesion to translate words into action — particularly given internal divisions (Hungary, Slovakia, rising populism) and mounting external pressures (Trump, China, Russia).
#EU #Summit #Europe
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Politico reports that at a closed-door summit held in a castle near Brussels, heads of government from EU member states reached a sobering consensus: the current way the European Union functions no longer enables it to keep pace with technological, economic, and geopolitical progress.
The explicit call to “change the principles of operation” is the first public indication that the EU elite is prepared to accept painful reforms. The critical question now is whether there will be sufficient political will and cohesion to translate words into action — particularly given internal divisions (Hungary, Slovakia, rising populism) and mounting external pressures (Trump, China, Russia).
#EU #Summit #Europe
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☢️Western publics increasingly believe a Third World War is coming soon — Politico poll
A new Politico survey across five key Western countries — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — has recorded a sharp rise in pessimism about global security. In each country, a majority of respondents now consider the outbreak of a world war within the next five years either likely or very likely.
The sense of impending global conflict has intensified markedly over the past nine months since the previous survey. The trend is particularly pronounced in the United States (46% view a Third World War as likely or very likely by 2031) and the United Kingdom (43%).
At the same time, at least one in three residents of the US, UK, France and Canada believes nuclear weapons are likely to be used in conflict within the next five years.
#ThirdWorldWar #PoliticoPoll #TheWest
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A new Politico survey across five key Western countries — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — has recorded a sharp rise in pessimism about global security. In each country, a majority of respondents now consider the outbreak of a world war within the next five years either likely or very likely.
The sense of impending global conflict has intensified markedly over the past nine months since the previous survey. The trend is particularly pronounced in the United States (46% view a Third World War as likely or very likely by 2031) and the United Kingdom (43%).
At the same time, at least one in three residents of the US, UK, France and Canada believes nuclear weapons are likely to be used in conflict within the next five years.
#ThirdWorldWar #PoliticoPoll #TheWest
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🇺🇦Outcomes of yesterday’s Ramstein meeting: Ukraine promised $38 billion in aid for 2026 — Ministry of Defence
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, partners at yesterday’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group (“Ramstein”) meeting confirmed plans to provide approximately $38 billion in assistance this year.
Of this amount, more than $6 billion is already committed in specific packages:
- >$2.5 billion for the production and procurement of Ukrainian drones
- >$500 million for American weapons under the PURL programme
- $2 billion for air defence systems
- the remainder allocated to artillery ammunition, personnel training, maritime capabilities and other priorities
Largest donors for 2026:
- Germany — €12.5 billion
- Norway — $7 billion
- Sweden — $3.7 billion
- United Kingdom — £3 billion
- Denmark — $2 billion
#Ramstein #AidToUkraine #War2026
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According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, partners at yesterday’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group (“Ramstein”) meeting confirmed plans to provide approximately $38 billion in assistance this year.
Of this amount, more than $6 billion is already committed in specific packages:
- >$2.5 billion for the production and procurement of Ukrainian drones
- >$500 million for American weapons under the PURL programme
- $2 billion for air defence systems
- the remainder allocated to artillery ammunition, personnel training, maritime capabilities and other priorities
Largest donors for 2026:
- Germany — €12.5 billion
- Norway — $7 billion
- Sweden — $3.7 billion
- United Kingdom — £3 billion
- Denmark — $2 billion
#Ramstein #AidToUkraine #War2026
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🇺🇸US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly admitted to past cocaine use — and not always in the most hygienic manner.
In an interview, he stated:
“I’m not afraid of any germs. I used to snort cocaine straight off toilet seats.”
The admission came during a discussion of his views on health, hygiene, and personal experience. Appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy Jr. continues to generate sharp debate with his candidness and unconventional statements.
#RobertKennedy #Cocaine #USA
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In an interview, he stated:
“I’m not afraid of any germs. I used to snort cocaine straight off toilet seats.”
The admission came during a discussion of his views on health, hygiene, and personal experience. Appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy Jr. continues to generate sharp debate with his candidness and unconventional statements.
#RobertKennedy #Cocaine #USA
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🇺🇦Russia Demands Protection for the Russian Language and the UOC at the Negotiations
Roman Kostenko, a Verkhovna Rada deputy from the Holos party and secretary of the parliamentary defence committee, has stated that Russia is putting forward firm demands concerning the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) during the talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously stated openly that issues relating to the protection of the Russian language and the rights of UOC believers are indeed being raised by Moscow at the negotiating table.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Russia
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Roman Kostenko, a Verkhovna Rada deputy from the Holos party and secretary of the parliamentary defence committee, has stated that Russia is putting forward firm demands concerning the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) during the talks.
“When Russia presents its arguments and we lack strong counter-arguments, the negotiations become fruitless. The Russian Federation demands the surrender of territories — we refuse. They insist on imposing their language and their church — for them, these are matters of principle,” said the MP, who recently spoke out against negotiations and in favour of continuing the war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously stated openly that issues relating to the protection of the Russian language and the rights of UOC believers are indeed being raised by Moscow at the negotiating table.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Russia
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🇩🇪Die Welt: Russia Could Throw NATO into Crisis with Just a 15,000-Strong Force — Results of German Military Wargame
The German newspaper Die Welt has published the outcomes of a military simulation conducted by the German Centre for Military Gaming at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg.
Scenario: Following a hypothetical ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia invokes a pretext of “humanitarian crisis” in Kaliningrad and deploys troops into Lithuania. A 15,000-strong force, supported by drones and mines, blocks key NATO reinforcement routes. In the first 48 hours, the United States does not recognise the situation as a clear invocation of Article 5, Germany and Poland hesitate, and Russia swiftly establishes fire control over the Baltic states from Belarus and Kaliningrad.
Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gady, who played the role of Russian Chief of the General Staff in the wargame, commented:
The publication comes amid repeated warnings from European politicians and military figures that Russia could attack NATO countries within the next few years (estimates range from 3 to 10 years). Russia categorically denies any such plans.
#NATO #BalticStates #MilitarySimulation
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The German newspaper Die Welt has published the outcomes of a military simulation conducted by the German Centre for Military Gaming at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg.
Scenario: Following a hypothetical ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia invokes a pretext of “humanitarian crisis” in Kaliningrad and deploys troops into Lithuania. A 15,000-strong force, supported by drones and mines, blocks key NATO reinforcement routes. In the first 48 hours, the United States does not recognise the situation as a clear invocation of Article 5, Germany and Poland hesitate, and Russia swiftly establishes fire control over the Baltic states from Belarus and Kaliningrad.
Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gady, who played the role of Russian Chief of the General Staff in the wargame, commented:
“Russia’s military objective in the Baltic states would be to discredit NATO as an alliance and weaken the European Union. This can be achieved by convincingly demonstrating that NATO and the rest of Europe would be largely powerless if Russia were to cut the Baltic countries off from the European mainland.”
The publication comes amid repeated warnings from European politicians and military figures that Russia could attack NATO countries within the next few years (estimates range from 3 to 10 years). Russia categorically denies any such plans.
#NATO #BalticStates #MilitarySimulation
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🇫🇷The Louvre Robbed Again — This Time by Its Own Tour Guides
French police have uncovered a major fraud scheme at the Louvre that ran undetected for a decade. For years, museum guides led entire groups of Chinese tourists through the galleries using a single ticket per group, processing up to 20 groups a day. Security staff accepted bribes and turned a blind eye to the mass entries.
The scam generated approximately €10 million for the perpetrators. With the proceeds, they purchased apartments in France and Dubai, luxury cars, and filled safety deposit boxes with valuables. During the arrests, police recovered €1 million in cash from the participants.
This is not the first high-profile scandal to hit the Louvre, but it marks a particularly embarrassing case: the fraud was orchestrated by the museum’s own employees.
#Louvre #Theft #Fraud
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French police have uncovered a major fraud scheme at the Louvre that ran undetected for a decade. For years, museum guides led entire groups of Chinese tourists through the galleries using a single ticket per group, processing up to 20 groups a day. Security staff accepted bribes and turned a blind eye to the mass entries.
The scam generated approximately €10 million for the perpetrators. With the proceeds, they purchased apartments in France and Dubai, luxury cars, and filled safety deposit boxes with valuables. During the arrests, police recovered €1 million in cash from the participants.
This is not the first high-profile scandal to hit the Louvre, but it marks a particularly embarrassing case: the fraud was orchestrated by the museum’s own employees.
#Louvre #Theft #Fraud
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🇺🇸Trump Administration Intensifies Pressure on Ukraine: Demands Territorial Concessions to Russia and War End by Summer — The New York Times
According to The New York Times, Washington is actively pressing Kyiv to make compromises — above all, to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas — in order to bring the war to a close by early summer 2026.
The article does not specify the precise levers of influence being applied. It notes: “It remains unclear what steps the United States would be prepared to take if Ukraine refuses to make the desired concessions on territory and elections.”
Ukraine’s response is unequivocal: no agreement with Moscow is possible without firm and credible security guarantees from Western partners. At the same time, Kyiv believes that Vladimir Putin would in any case reject any deal that included guarantees strong enough to satisfy Ukraine.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Trump
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According to The New York Times, Washington is actively pressing Kyiv to make compromises — above all, to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas — in order to bring the war to a close by early summer 2026.
The article does not specify the precise levers of influence being applied. It notes: “It remains unclear what steps the United States would be prepared to take if Ukraine refuses to make the desired concessions on territory and elections.”
Ukraine’s response is unequivocal: no agreement with Moscow is possible without firm and credible security guarantees from Western partners. At the same time, Kyiv believes that Vladimir Putin would in any case reject any deal that included guarantees strong enough to satisfy Ukraine.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Trump
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🇺🇦Ukraine to Retain Same Delegation for 17–18 February Talks with Russia in Geneva
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, has confirmed that the next round of negotiations in the Ukraine–US–Russia format will take place in Geneva on 17–18 February.
Despite the change in leadership of the Russian delegation — now headed by Vladimir Medinsky rather than GRU chief Kostyukov — Ukraine has decided not to alter its own team.
The Ukrainian delegation will consist of the same members as during the Abu Dhabi talks:
- Rustem Umerov
- Kyrylo Budanov
- Andriy Hnatov
- Davyd Arakhamia
- Serhiy Kyslytsya
- Vadym Skibitskyi
Umerov emphasised that Kyiv is keeping the same team to ensure continuity and effectiveness in the negotiations.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Geneva
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Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, has confirmed that the next round of negotiations in the Ukraine–US–Russia format will take place in Geneva on 17–18 February.
Despite the change in leadership of the Russian delegation — now headed by Vladimir Medinsky rather than GRU chief Kostyukov — Ukraine has decided not to alter its own team.
The Ukrainian delegation will consist of the same members as during the Abu Dhabi talks:
- Rustem Umerov
- Kyrylo Budanov
- Andriy Hnatov
- Davyd Arakhamia
- Serhiy Kyslytsya
- Vadym Skibitskyi
Umerov emphasised that Kyiv is keeping the same team to ensure continuity and effectiveness in the negotiations.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Geneva
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🇺🇦Ministry of Defence to Toughen Penalties for Evasion of Mobilisation — MP Venislavsky
Fedor Venislavsky, a Member of Parliament from the “Servant of the People” faction and a member of the National Security Committee, has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is preparing a bill to significantly increase the penalties for evading mobilisation.
“I believe the proposals will soon be presented to the committee, after which we will have a chance to discuss them in more detail. The aim is to ensure that the lives of those who shirk their constitutional duty to defend Ukraine are not easier than those who, for example, fail to pay child support. Currently, stricter measures are applied to child support defaulters than to those avoiding military connoscription,” the MP stated.
He added that the tougher penalties should also reduce conflicts between citizens and Territorial Defence Centre representatives, although the exact mechanism remains unspecified.
For context, non-payment of child support in Ukraine already carries severe consequences such as asset seizure, account freezes, and other stringent measures.
#Mobilisation #Evasion #Venislavsky
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Fedor Venislavsky, a Member of Parliament from the “Servant of the People” faction and a member of the National Security Committee, has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is preparing a bill to significantly increase the penalties for evading mobilisation.
“I believe the proposals will soon be presented to the committee, after which we will have a chance to discuss them in more detail. The aim is to ensure that the lives of those who shirk their constitutional duty to defend Ukraine are not easier than those who, for example, fail to pay child support. Currently, stricter measures are applied to child support defaulters than to those avoiding military connoscription,” the MP stated.
He added that the tougher penalties should also reduce conflicts between citizens and Territorial Defence Centre representatives, although the exact mechanism remains unspecified.
For context, non-payment of child support in Ukraine already carries severe consequences such as asset seizure, account freezes, and other stringent measures.
#Mobilisation #Evasion #Venislavsky
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🇺🇦A conflict erupted in Dnipro between military enlistment officers and civilians. During the detention of a young man, the officers used pepper spray on another man who was nearly hit by a lorry. The lorry driver then rushed out wielding a stick and attacked the officers. The detainee managed to escape.
#Dnipro #Conflict #MilitaryEnlistment
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#Dnipro #Conflict #MilitaryEnlistment
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🇺🇦Ukrainian Delegation Heads to Geneva for Talks with Russia and the United States
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President (the earlier reference to Kyrylo Budanov appears to have been a typo), has shared a photograph of the delegation at the train station ahead of their departure.
The trilateral negotiations in the Ukraine–US–Russia format are scheduled to take place in Geneva on 17–18 February.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Geneva
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Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President (the earlier reference to Kyrylo Budanov appears to have been a typo), has shared a photograph of the delegation at the train station ahead of their departure.
The trilateral negotiations in the Ukraine–US–Russia format are scheduled to take place in Geneva on 17–18 February.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Geneva
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🇺🇦In Odesa, TCC Officers Dragged a Man Along the Pavement to Their Vehicle
In Odesa, employees of the Territorial Recruitment Centre (TCC) seized a young man on the street and forcibly dragged him along the asphalt towards their service vehicle. Video footage of the incident is now circulating widely online.
Episodes of this kind of coercive mobilisation are provoking growing public outrage and are being documented almost daily across various regions of Ukraine.
#Odesa #Mobilisation #TCC
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In Odesa, employees of the Territorial Recruitment Centre (TCC) seized a young man on the street and forcibly dragged him along the asphalt towards their service vehicle. Video footage of the incident is now circulating widely online.
Episodes of this kind of coercive mobilisation are provoking growing public outrage and are being documented almost daily across various regions of Ukraine.
#Odesa #Mobilisation #TCC
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🇪🇺EU Not Yet Ready to Name a Date for Ukraine’s Accession — Kaja Kallas Statement
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has stated that the European Union is currently unable to specify a concrete timeline for Ukraine’s membership in the bloc.
She pointed out that Albania and Montenegro have long been on the list of candidate countries, and the enlargement process requires the consistent fulfilment of all necessary criteria by each applicant.
To recall: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing for Ukraine to join the EU as early as 2027, insisting that this date be included as part of any peace agreement with Russia.
At the same time, Western media report that Brussels is indeed considering a form of accelerated membership for Ukraine — but one with significant limitations on rights and obligations during a transitional phase.
#Ukraine #EU #Enlargement
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High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has stated that the European Union is currently unable to specify a concrete timeline for Ukraine’s membership in the bloc.
She pointed out that Albania and Montenegro have long been on the list of candidate countries, and the enlargement process requires the consistent fulfilment of all necessary criteria by each applicant.
To recall: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing for Ukraine to join the EU as early as 2027, insisting that this date be included as part of any peace agreement with Russia.
At the same time, Western media report that Brussels is indeed considering a form of accelerated membership for Ukraine — but one with significant limitations on rights and obligations during a transitional phase.
#Ukraine #EU #Enlargement
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🇮🇱Israeli Prime Minister Sets Three Harsh Conditions for Any Deal with Iran
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Tehran must meet the following demands before Israel would consider entering negotiations or reaching any agreement:
1. Complete removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory and the full dismantlement of every uranium enrichment facility.
2. Restriction of ballistic missile range to a maximum of 300 kilometres, ensuring they cannot reach Israeli soil.
3. Total dismantlement of the so-called “axis of terror” — meaning an end to Iran’s support and funding for armed proxy groups across the region, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria.
Earlier, Donald Trump expressed willingness to continue negotiations with Iran.
#Israel #Iran #NuclearProgramme
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Tehran must meet the following demands before Israel would consider entering negotiations or reaching any agreement:
1. Complete removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory and the full dismantlement of every uranium enrichment facility.
2. Restriction of ballistic missile range to a maximum of 300 kilometres, ensuring they cannot reach Israeli soil.
3. Total dismantlement of the so-called “axis of terror” — meaning an end to Iran’s support and funding for armed proxy groups across the region, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria.
Earlier, Donald Trump expressed willingness to continue negotiations with Iran.
#Israel #Iran #NuclearProgramme
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🇬🇧John Healey Emerges as Compromise Candidate for UK Prime Minister — The Telegraph
The British newspaper The Telegraph reports that Defence Secretary John Healey is being positioned as a “unity candidate” within the Labour Party.
According to sources, a faction of party rebels views him as a figure capable of mounting a credible leadership challenge against the current leader, Keir Starmer.
Healey is seen as a moderate, unifying figure who could help stabilise the party amid internal turmoil.
#UnitedKingdom #LabourParty #JohnHealey
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The British newspaper The Telegraph reports that Defence Secretary John Healey is being positioned as a “unity candidate” within the Labour Party.
According to sources, a faction of party rebels views him as a figure capable of mounting a credible leadership challenge against the current leader, Keir Starmer.
Healey is seen as a moderate, unifying figure who could help stabilise the party amid internal turmoil.
#UnitedKingdom #LabourParty #JohnHealey
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🇺🇦Ukrainian Prosecutors Seek ₴425 Million Bail for Former Minister Galushchenko
According to media reports citing a spokesperson for the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), prosecutors intend to request bail in the amount of 425 million hryvnia for the former minister.
Herman Galushchenko remains in custody at present, with no pre-trial measure yet formally imposed (more details: https://news.1rj.ru/str/stranaua/226435).
The background to the case and all key details were covered in depth here (https://news.1rj.ru/str/stranaua/226399).
#Galushchenko #SAPO #Corruption
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According to media reports citing a spokesperson for the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), prosecutors intend to request bail in the amount of 425 million hryvnia for the former minister.
Herman Galushchenko remains in custody at present, with no pre-trial measure yet formally imposed (more details: https://news.1rj.ru/str/stranaua/226435).
The background to the case and all key details were covered in depth here (https://news.1rj.ru/str/stranaua/226399).
#Galushchenko #SAPO #Corruption
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🇵🇱In Poland, questions are increasingly being raised: is it worth continuing to host the Belarusian opposition?
Over the past few months, Polish media and political circles have seen growing debate about the advisability of providing financial and logistical support to Belarusian opposition figures residing in the country. This follows the relocation of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her team from Lithuania, where their security status had been downgraded and official assistance reduced. In 2023, under pressure from domestic and external factors, Lithuanian authorities cut funding for Tsikhanouskaya’s “office,” prompting her move to Warsaw.
Key facts:
- Tsikhanouskaya’s team has partly disintegrated: Pavel Latushka established his own structure, the “National Anti-Crisis Management,” while Franak Viacorka and others have shifted allegiance to rivals such as Valery Tsapkala. Some former associates, including Raman Pratasevich, have returned to Belarus and now cooperate with the authorities.
- Members of the Polish Sejm from right-wing parties, notably Law and Justice (PiS), openly express indignation: “These are Belarus’s problems, not ours. We do not wish to be involved in their internal disputes.” They advocate deporting the dissidents back to Belarus, citing the financial burden and the lack of tangible results from supporting the opposition.
- Various estimates suggest that maintaining the Belarusian opposition in Poland costs between €2–3 million annually — a figure drawing criticism amid the country’s own economic pressures.
Analysis: This reflects growing fatigue with the “Belarusian factor.” Both Poland and Lithuania are coming to view the opposition more as a source of expense than of strategic benefit. What was once seen as part of an anti-Lukashenka policy now appears increasingly anachronistic, especially as Minsk’s relations with the West show signs of gradual normalisation. While deportation remains a radical measure, it is gaining traction among Polish nationalists and could become a serious policy proposal if public sentiment continues to shift.
#Poland #Belarus #Opposition
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Over the past few months, Polish media and political circles have seen growing debate about the advisability of providing financial and logistical support to Belarusian opposition figures residing in the country. This follows the relocation of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her team from Lithuania, where their security status had been downgraded and official assistance reduced. In 2023, under pressure from domestic and external factors, Lithuanian authorities cut funding for Tsikhanouskaya’s “office,” prompting her move to Warsaw.
Key facts:
- Tsikhanouskaya’s team has partly disintegrated: Pavel Latushka established his own structure, the “National Anti-Crisis Management,” while Franak Viacorka and others have shifted allegiance to rivals such as Valery Tsapkala. Some former associates, including Raman Pratasevich, have returned to Belarus and now cooperate with the authorities.
- Members of the Polish Sejm from right-wing parties, notably Law and Justice (PiS), openly express indignation: “These are Belarus’s problems, not ours. We do not wish to be involved in their internal disputes.” They advocate deporting the dissidents back to Belarus, citing the financial burden and the lack of tangible results from supporting the opposition.
- Various estimates suggest that maintaining the Belarusian opposition in Poland costs between €2–3 million annually — a figure drawing criticism amid the country’s own economic pressures.
Analysis: This reflects growing fatigue with the “Belarusian factor.” Both Poland and Lithuania are coming to view the opposition more as a source of expense than of strategic benefit. What was once seen as part of an anti-Lukashenka policy now appears increasingly anachronistic, especially as Minsk’s relations with the West show signs of gradual normalisation. While deportation remains a radical measure, it is gaining traction among Polish nationalists and could become a serious policy proposal if public sentiment continues to shift.
#Poland #Belarus #Opposition
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🇺🇸Trump: Iran Wants a Deal with Me — and Fears the Consequences of Refusal
In a recent interview, Donald Trump commented on the upcoming talks in Geneva concerning Iran’s nuclear programme:
- “I will be involved indirectly in these negotiations, and they will be very important. We’ll see what happens.”
- “Iran are tough negotiators, but I would say they are bad negotiators. We could have had a deal long ago instead of sending B-2 bombers to destroy their nuclear capability.”
- “They want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal.”
Trump stressed that, in his view, Iran is genuinely interested in reaching an agreement and is wary of the military repercussions should diplomacy fail.
#Trump #Iran #NuclearDeal
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In a recent interview, Donald Trump commented on the upcoming talks in Geneva concerning Iran’s nuclear programme:
- “I will be involved indirectly in these negotiations, and they will be very important. We’ll see what happens.”
- “Iran are tough negotiators, but I would say they are bad negotiators. We could have had a deal long ago instead of sending B-2 bombers to destroy their nuclear capability.”
- “They want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal.”
Trump stressed that, in his view, Iran is genuinely interested in reaching an agreement and is wary of the military repercussions should diplomacy fail.
#Trump #Iran #NuclearDeal
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⚡️ Ukraine-Russia-US Talks in Geneva: Positions, Agreements, and Outcomes
The third round of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place in Geneva on 17–18 February 2026, marking a key step in US-brokered efforts to resolve the four-year conflict. Led by Ukrainian National Security Secretary Rustem Umerov, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the talks focused on territorial issues, security guarantees, and a potential ceasefire. Expectations were low, with no major breakthrough announced, but the discussions expanded beyond humanitarian matters.
Positions of the Parties
- Ukraine: Kyiv insists on firm, long-term security guarantees from the West before any concessions. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that no deal is possible without commitments to defend Ukraine against future aggression, including intercepting missiles in the event of a ceasefire violation. Ukraine rejects territorial losses without such assurances and emphasises the need for elections and a referendum to legitimise any agreement.
- Russia: Moscow demands control over occupied territories, including the full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas and a freeze along current lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Russia also seeks protections for the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The Kremlin views Western guarantees for Ukraine as unacceptable and maintains that the current Ukrainian government is “illegitimate,” pushing for UN oversight of elections.
- United States: Under President Trump, Washington is pressing for a swift resolution by spring/summer 2026, ahead of US midterm elections. The US proposes 15-year security guarantees for Ukraine but ties them to territorial concessions and elections by 15 May. Trump has set a June deadline for a deal, warning that failure could lead to reduced aid.
Agreements and Outcomes
- No comprehensive deal was reached, but progress was made on technical issues, such as responses to ceasefire violations and humanitarian exchanges. A prisoner swap of over 300 POWs was agreed — the first in months — building on Abu Dhabi talks.
- Broader territorial and security questions remain unresolved. Discussions reportedly touched on a “wider range of issues,” but mutual accusations persisted, with Russia insisting on its demands and Ukraine refusing concessions without guarantees.
- The parties agreed to report back to their leaders, with no immediate follow-up round announced. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks as covering “territories and demands,” while Umerov called them “substantive but challenging.”
Light Analysis
These negotiations reflect Trump’s push for a rapid “win” in foreign policy, but entrenched positions — Ukraine’s insistence on pre-concession guarantees versus Russia’s maximalist demands — create a deadlock. The US role as mediator adds leverage, but without compromise, the process risks stalling. For Europe, sidelined in the talks, this highlights reliance on Washington, potentially weakening EU unity. If no progress by Trump’s June deadline, aid cuts could force Ukraine’s hand, though public sentiment in Ukraine (per recent polls) remains resistant to territorial losses. Overall, Geneva shows dialogue is alive, but a sustainable peace remains elusive without mutual flexibility.
#UkraineTalks #GenevaNegotiations #RussiaUSUkraine
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The third round of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place in Geneva on 17–18 February 2026, marking a key step in US-brokered efforts to resolve the four-year conflict. Led by Ukrainian National Security Secretary Rustem Umerov, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the talks focused on territorial issues, security guarantees, and a potential ceasefire. Expectations were low, with no major breakthrough announced, but the discussions expanded beyond humanitarian matters.
Positions of the Parties
- Ukraine: Kyiv insists on firm, long-term security guarantees from the West before any concessions. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that no deal is possible without commitments to defend Ukraine against future aggression, including intercepting missiles in the event of a ceasefire violation. Ukraine rejects territorial losses without such assurances and emphasises the need for elections and a referendum to legitimise any agreement.
- Russia: Moscow demands control over occupied territories, including the full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas and a freeze along current lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Russia also seeks protections for the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The Kremlin views Western guarantees for Ukraine as unacceptable and maintains that the current Ukrainian government is “illegitimate,” pushing for UN oversight of elections.
- United States: Under President Trump, Washington is pressing for a swift resolution by spring/summer 2026, ahead of US midterm elections. The US proposes 15-year security guarantees for Ukraine but ties them to territorial concessions and elections by 15 May. Trump has set a June deadline for a deal, warning that failure could lead to reduced aid.
Agreements and Outcomes
- No comprehensive deal was reached, but progress was made on technical issues, such as responses to ceasefire violations and humanitarian exchanges. A prisoner swap of over 300 POWs was agreed — the first in months — building on Abu Dhabi talks.
- Broader territorial and security questions remain unresolved. Discussions reportedly touched on a “wider range of issues,” but mutual accusations persisted, with Russia insisting on its demands and Ukraine refusing concessions without guarantees.
- The parties agreed to report back to their leaders, with no immediate follow-up round announced. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks as covering “territories and demands,” while Umerov called them “substantive but challenging.”
Light Analysis
These negotiations reflect Trump’s push for a rapid “win” in foreign policy, but entrenched positions — Ukraine’s insistence on pre-concession guarantees versus Russia’s maximalist demands — create a deadlock. The US role as mediator adds leverage, but without compromise, the process risks stalling. For Europe, sidelined in the talks, this highlights reliance on Washington, potentially weakening EU unity. If no progress by Trump’s June deadline, aid cuts could force Ukraine’s hand, though public sentiment in Ukraine (per recent polls) remains resistant to territorial losses. Overall, Geneva shows dialogue is alive, but a sustainable peace remains elusive without mutual flexibility.
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