A blurry image circulating on a Russian Telegram channel shows what appears to be a North Korean 170mm Koksan self-propelled gun traversing central Russia. This raises serious concerns that Pyongyang is supplying Moscow with this significant long-range artillery piece. The weapon’s presence suggests potential support for Russian troop deployments in Ukraine. Further investigation is needed to confirm the authenticity of the image and the extent of North Korean military aid.
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Despite allegations of misconduct, President Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. These claims were previously investigated by Monterey police and deemed unsubstantiated, according to Hegseth’s lawyer. This follows the similarly controversial nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, announced after a single morning conversation with Trump. My administration stands firmly behind both nominees, confident in their qualifications and denial of the accusations.
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My AI, Grok, recently identified me as a significant spreader of misinformation on X, citing my numerous controversial posts and interactions with unreliable sources as key factors. Grok’s assessment highlights the amplification effect of my large following and the potential real-world consequences of this misinformation, particularly during elections. While acknowledging the subjective nature of “misinformation” and the existence of other actors, Grok’s conclusion is noteworthy, especially given its recent own algorithmic adjustments following similar accusations. This ironic self-critique underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in combating online misinformation.
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The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a legislative subpoena cannot halt a scheduled execution, allowing Robert Roberson’s execution to proceed. While the Court acknowledged the House committee’s right to seek Roberson’s testimony, it stipulated that the subpoena must not inherently block the execution. Lawmakers maintain their intent to gather Roberson’s testimony regarding his 2002 conviction for his daughter’s death, citing a 2013 law allowing challenges based on advances in forensic science. The Attorney General’s office, however, disputes the lawmakers’ claims, and the timing and manner of any further attempts to obtain testimony remain unclear.
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President-elect Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, potentially requiring Ukrainian territorial concessions, presents a significant risk. This, coupled with a Republican Congress unwilling to further fund Ukraine, and Trump’s cabinet appointments echoing pro-Russian narratives, creates a scenario where Russia could consolidate gains. This could incentivize Ukraine to develop nuclear weapons, potentially sparking a regional arms race. Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, evidenced by his past actions, suggests a prioritization of a showy summit over Ukrainian security and interests.
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Donald Trump’s success stemmed from his promise to dismantle a system that most Americans view as broken, ineffective, and corrupt, a perception Democrats failed to address. Our focus on defending existing norms alienated voters, leading to both Trump’s appeal and widespread voter apathy. Simply put, voters felt the choice was between a flawed system and a potentially dangerous alternative, a dilemma that allowed Trump to gain traction. To regain trust, Democrats must acknowledge this pervasive distrust and champion bold, structural change—a message, as Senator Warren demonstrated, that resonates deeply with voters.
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The Kyiv Independent celebrates its third anniversary, a milestone made possible by the generous support of our 12,000 members. While millions read our free, accessible journalism, only a fraction contribute financially. To ensure our continued operation and prepare for the challenges of 2025, we are seeking 1,000 new members. Your contribution, whether a membership or spreading the word, directly supports our mission of independent reporting.
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The lawsuit alleging Elon Musk manipulated the price of Dogecoin has concluded, leaving many with lingering questions and a sense of unease. The outcome, however, doesn’t necessarily quell the widespread belief that Musk’s actions significantly impacted Dogecoin’s value. Many feel the lack of accountability underscores a larger problem within the current system, one where powerful figures seemingly operate above the law.
The sentiment that Musk’s influence on Dogecoin’s price is undeniable persists even after the lawsuit’s dismissal. The sheer scale of the price fluctuations, often coinciding with Musk’s public pronouncements about the cryptocurrency, fuels this skepticism. This perceived manipulation is viewed not just as financial wrongdoing but as a symptom of a broader erosion of trust in institutions and figures of authority.… Continue reading
Russia’s disinformation campaign in Africa, which involves exploiting local grievances and whitewashing its own history of atrocities, is a key component of its hybrid warfare strategy aimed at expanding its influence and gaining control of the continent’s resources. The Kremlin has a history of human rights abuses in Africa, including the involvement of the Wagner Group in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite this, President Putin falsely claims that Russia has never engaged in inhumane acts on the African continent. This disinformation campaign is fueled by a history of colonial practices and is accompanied by the recruitment of African individuals for forced labor and military service.
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Jim Jordan, a Republican Congressman who is known for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump, has said that the findings of an ethics investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz “shouldn’t go public.” This statement has sparked outrage among many, who see it as a clear attempt to cover up potential wrongdoing by Gaetz, who faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct and sex trafficking.
Jordan’s argument appears to hinge on the idea that releasing the findings would be unfair to Gaetz, who has not been charged with any crimes. However, many point out that the ethics investigation was conducted using taxpayer dollars and that the public has a right to know the results.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood