Microsoft is fully withdrawing from Russia, with its subsidiary, Microsoft Rus, initiating bankruptcy proceedings in a Moscow court. This action follows a lawsuit by Gazprombank seeking repayment for allegedly unfulfilled contract obligations totaling approximately US$1.14 million. Despite a significant revenue drop since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft Rus reported a net profit before filing for bankruptcy. The move marks the final stage of Microsoft’s departure from the Russian market, following the closure of its 13 Russian branches earlier this year.
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Retired Russian commander Zaur Gurtsiev, decorated for his role in the Mariupol offensive, was killed in a Stavropol blast alongside another man. Russian authorities opened a murder investigation, while suggesting but not confirming Ukrainian involvement in the suspected suicide bombing. Gurtsiev’s death follows recent assassinations of other high-ranking Russian military officials, occurring amidst stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The incident further escalates tensions between the two countries, with accusations of deception surrounding proposed peace negotiations.
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On Wednesday, a South Korean machine gun accidentally fired a single round towards North Korea near the border. The incident, occurring during a weapons inspection at a Yangju outpost, prompted an immediate warning broadcast to the North. No response from North Korea has been detected, and a full investigation is underway. This marks the second such accidental discharge involving a K-6 machine gun in a month.
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A US-brokered ceasefire proposal, endorsed by Israel, has been rejected by Hamas. The plan, involving a phased hostage release in exchange for a 60-day truce and prisoner releases, failed to meet Hamas’ core demands for a complete end to hostilities and a restoration of humanitarian aid flows. Hamas indicated its response will be forthcoming, while Israel remains silent publicly, although Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly informed hostages’ families of his acceptance. The proposal’s rejection follows the collapse of a previous ceasefire and amid escalating conflict resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement in Gaza.
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Despite the upcoming Istanbul ceasefire talks, Vladimir Putin faces minimal repercussions from the US and Europe for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Significant European reliance on Russian gas exports, generating billions for the Kremlin, directly funds the conflict. The Trump administration’s threatened withdrawal from peace negotiations, coupled with its inaction on other potential leverage points, leaves NATO grappling with its purpose and efficacy. This situation highlights the hypocrisy of European nations condemning the war while simultaneously contributing to its funding through energy purchases.
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Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) called for an immediate end to all U.S. military aid to Israel, citing the immense number of civilian casualties in Gaza. Massie’s statement follows intense criticism of aid distribution in Gaza and President Trump’s suggestion of U.S. control over the region. This stance is consistent with Massie’s past votes against increased military aid to Israel and his outspoken criticism of U.S. foreign policy. The high civilian death toll and ongoing conflict continue to fuel intense debate over U.S. involvement in the region.
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Over the past 24 hours, 173 combat engagements occurred across ten front lines in eastern Ukraine and within Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The most intense fighting was on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian forces repelled 66 Russian assaults. Elsewhere, Ukrainian troops successfully defended against numerous attacks, while Russian forces launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments. In the operational zone of Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces repelled 26 Russian assaults.
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Following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia’s unchecked power in the Black Sea grew significantly. Inheritance of the Black Sea fleet and the Sevastopol base, coupled with Crimea’s annexation, solidified Russia’s regional dominance. This control extends to Ukrainian shipping routes. Furthermore, modernization efforts have established substantial anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, challenging NATO’s influence in the region.
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Ongoing discussions between Ukraine and Germany regarding the delivery of Taurus missiles are currently underway, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy confirmed work is progressing on this front, although specifics remain confidential per an agreement with Chancellor Merz. Merz has previously expressed openness to supplying the missiles, while the German government maintains a policy of limited public disclosure on weapons deliveries. Pressure for the missile transfer continues to mount within Germany’s ruling coalition.
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A joint forecast from the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office predicts a high likelihood (80%) of another record-breaking global temperature within the next five years, exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. There’s even a chance, albeit small, of exceeding the 2°C warming limit before the end of the decade. This increased warming translates to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and stronger hurricanes, resulting in significant risks to human health and life. The forecasts are based on multiple climate models and indicate a continuing trend of escalating global temperatures.
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John Q. Hosedrinker