Kremlin warns of global fallout from Ukrainian attacks on pipelines
Ukraine has escalated drone attacks on Russian gas infrastructure, including compressor stations linked to the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines. The attacks have been intercepted by Russian forces with no damage reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned that the actions could worsen an already fragile global energy situation.
Major British bank to replace human workers with AI – Bloomberg
HSBC is considering cutting up to 20,000 jobs as part of a push to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations. The potential reductions would represent approximately 10% of the bank's global workforce and are expected to impact non-client-facing roles in global service centers. The deliberations are still at an early stage and no final decisions have been made.
Major Islamist terror attack stopped in Nigeria
Nigerian troops repelled a large-scale attack by Islamic terrorists in the country's northeast, killing over 80 militants and forcing them to retreat. The attack occurred in Mallam Fatori, near the border with Niger in Borno State, where the militants launched a five-pronged attack from multiple directions. The military reported that the terrorists were met with overwhelming resistance and that weapons recovered included assault rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, improvised explosive devices, and components of armed drones. Four soldiers were wounded in the fighting and are receiving treatment.
There’s a heretic in the heart of the EU and he wants to talk to Putin
The text discusses the inefficiency and shortcomings of the European Union (EU) in addressing public needs and finding solutions to problems. It highlights three main issues: the EU's tendency to prioritize ideology over reality, the bureaucratic nature of the organization, and the lack of diversity in decision-making processes. The text also mentions the Belgian prime minister Bart de Wever, who has been critical of the EU's policies towards Russia and has called for a more pragmatic approach to finding solutions. Keywords: European Union, inefficiency, bureaucracy, decision-making, Bart de Wever, Russia.
Iran claims F-35 hit (VIDEO)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has claimed to have struck a US F-35 fighter jet with anti-aircraft fire, with video footage showing the plane sustaining damage. The incident is under investigation, but two sources familiar with the matter believe the aircraft was struck by an Iranian surface-to-air missile.
Hegseth says munitions for US, not Ukraine
The Pentagon has shifted its focus to replenishing its own weapon stocks instead of sending them to Ukraine, according to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He attributed the decision to the Biden administration and the depletion of stockpiles under the previous administration. The additional funding is needed to ensure proper funding for future military operations.
EU faces energy price ‘tsunami’ – Putin envoy
An oil and gas price surge is expected to hit Europe due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has led to extreme volatility in global energy markets. Russia has accused the EU of displaying 'stubborn stupidity' by rejecting its reliable and cost-effective energy supplies. The EU has instead called for a rethink on its energy policies and has maintained that there will be no return to Russian energy imports.
Zelensky issues new deadline demand to EU
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has demanded a clear date for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, but the prospect is divisive among EU member states. Zelensky believes that with a clear date, Russia will not be able to block Ukraine's accession. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are skeptical of fast-tracking Ukraine's membership, citing the need for institutional stabilization and corruption rooting. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also expressed opposition to Ukraine's accession. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a 'membership-lite' plan for Ukraine, but this scheme was met with criticism from member states. The European Council has stated that the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the EU, but did not mention any specific accession date or plan.
Invasion incoming? Lebanon braces for an Israeli onslaught
Yegia Teshyan, a coordinator at the Issam Fares Institute of Public Policy and International Relations at the American University of Beirut, spoke to Russia in Global Affairs about the growing risk of war in Lebanon. She outlined possible scenarios, including a limited conflict, a full-scale invasion, or regional escalation, and discussed the potential consequences for Lebanon. Teshyan expressed concern about the country's internal divisions, financial crisis, and fragile state institutions, as well as the possibility of Syria becoming involved in the conflict.
Netanyahu says Israel 'acted alone' in attack on Iranian gas field
Israel has attacked an Iranian gas field, leading to a spike in energy prices and retaliatory attacks by Iran on energy targets in the Gulf. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that his country dragged the US into the war or misled President Donald Trump, but has confirmed that the attack was coordinated with the US in advance. The attacks have raised questions over the unity of Israel and the US in their war aims.
Russia’s IT Olympiad draws developers from 34 countries
The first international Olympiad in industrial software development for high school students, PROD, was hosted by Russia, bringing together thousands of young IT enthusiasts from 33 countries. The competition allowed students to see how major IT firms develop software and manage large-scale projects, with mixed teams developing real-world IT products during a five-day final event. The winners received grants covering tuition at Central University, discounts on joint programs with HSE University, and the right to go through a simplified selection process for internships at T-Bank.
Nearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through?
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant decrease in ship traffic due to periodic attacks by Iranian forces. Despite this, some ships are still passing through the strait, with a third of recent crossings having connections to Iran. Tracking data suggests that some ships are taking a longer route than usual, and there have been 20 commercial vessels attacked off the Iranian coast since the conflict began. The mix of threats, including drones, missiles, fast attack boats, and potentially mines, presents a serious challenge for shipping companies.