A bomb explosion in a Moscow apartment building killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine. The blast ripped through the basement of the luxury “Scarlet Sails” complex, located just a short distance from the Kremlin, as Sarkisyan and his bodyguards entered. Russian media outlets described the incident as a well-planned assassination, highlighting the precision and lethality of the attack. The timing, location, and the fact that Sarkisyan was accompanied by bodyguards all suggest a sophisticated operation, targeting a high-profile figure within the pro-Russian sphere.
The death of Sarkisyan, who founded a pro-Russian paramilitary unit in 2022 composed largely of ethnic Armenians fighting against Ukrainian forces, is significant.… Continue reading
Tesla’s January performance in France, the EU’s second-largest EV market, was significantly weaker than the overall market trend. Registrations dropped a dramatic 63%, totaling just 1,141 vehicles — the lowest since August 2022. This decline contrasts with a small overall decrease in industry sales and EV sales specifically. The sharp fall in Tesla registrations suggests challenges for the company in this key European market.
Read More
Ocasio-Cortez’s assertion that Musk’s actions constitute a grave threat to national security highlights a deeply concerning situation. The alleged unauthorized access to highly sensitive US classified information, including potentially financial data, is not merely a breach of protocol; it represents a potential compromise of national security on a massive scale.
The gravity of the situation is amplified by Musk’s reported ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), raising serious concerns about potential foreign influence and the possibility of sensitive information being shared with adversarial entities. This isn’t just about individual actions; it involves a potential systemic compromise that could extend far beyond any single instance of data access.… Continue reading
Ukrainian reports indicate a potential withdrawal of North Korean troops from the front lines in the Kursk region, following heavy casualties estimated at 1,000 out of 11,000 deployed soldiers in just three months. This assessment, supported by similar reports from the New York Times, suggests significant losses impacting North Korea’s participation in the conflict. While the withdrawal may not be permanent, the North Koreans’ apparent vulnerability to Ukrainian drones highlights the challenges they face in modern warfare. Despite this setback, Russia and North Korea continue to strengthen their military alliance.
Read More
China is initiating legal action against the U.S. at the WTO, alleging that President Trump’s 10% tariff on all Chinese imports violates WTO trade rules. This action follows Trump’s justification of the tariffs under the IEEPA, citing a national emergency due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, primarily fentanyl originating from China. While China acknowledges its role in providing precursor chemicals, it rejects responsibility for the U.S. fentanyl crisis and urges a more collaborative approach to address the issue. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce vows to implement countermeasures to protect its interests.
Read More
President Trump’s newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminum imports have caused a ripple effect, prompting a temporary pause by Prime Minister Trudeau. The tariffs’ potential to disrupt global aluminum markets is evident in a significant drop in European aluminum premiums, as Canadian shipments are expected to be diverted. Canada supplied 56% of U.S. aluminum imports in 2023, highlighting the substantial impact of this trade dispute. The European Union, while a smaller importer of Canadian aluminum, has also seen market changes in response to the tariffs.
Read More
Trump’s decision to order a US withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and halt funding for UNRWA is a move sparking considerable debate. The very premise of the US’s presence on the council is being questioned; some argue the council’s actions don’t align with its stated goals, suggesting a fundamental disconnect between its principles and practice.
This action is seen by some as a step towards greater American isolationism, a policy with a historically dubious track record. The potential impact on international relations is a major concern. The notion that supporting human rights is intrinsically linked to promoting freedom is countered by those who see it as an obstacle to national interests or a politically charged concept.… Continue reading
The 50501 Movement organized nationwide protests on February 5th to oppose President Trump’s actions, including executive orders on immigration and pardons related to the January 6th Capitol riot. These protests, planned for all 50 state capitols and publicized through various social media platforms, aim to combat what some prominent figures have called “fascism.” Concerns regarding safety and organization were raised by some participants, acknowledging potential threats from counter-protesters. The demonstrations were intended to address various issues, including human rights, and equality.
Read More
Rep. Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s closure of the USAID headquarters, characterizing the action as a step toward dictatorship and a constitutional crisis. This closure, preventing staff access and halting congressionally authorized payments, represents an alleged power grab undermining Congress’s authority over the purse. Omar, who personally benefited from USAID aid as a refugee, highlighted the agency’s crucial role in fostering international goodwill and American compassion. The Democrats argue that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally halt funding allocated by Congress.
Read More
In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Canadian businesses are emphasizing domestic sourcing. Loblaw Companies Ltd. plans to increase its procurement of Canadian-grown and -made food, while also exploring Mexican alternatives. Shopify intends to incorporate features promoting local purchases within its Shop app for Canadian, U.S., and Mexican markets. These actions follow President Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, met by Canada’s own retaliatory tariffs totaling $30 billion initially, set to rise to $125 billion.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker