The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) alleges that Magamedrasulov aided his Russian father in illegal industrial hemp trade with Russia and is investigating his potential contact with Russian spies. The SBU is also examining whether Magamedrasulov shared confidential information about corruption investigations with Russian agents and his close contact with pro-Russian lawmaker Fedir Khrystenko, suspected of being a Russian spy. National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) reported searches targeting staff members, often citing traffic accidents as grounds, while also investigating possible ties to the aggressor state, though NABU believes this doesn’t warrant halting its operations.
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Armenian police have refused to extradite Semyon Subbotin, a Russian deserter, despite Russia placing him on an international wanted list for desertion. Subbotin, aided by a project assisting those fleeing mobilization, sought protection from Armenian authorities after learning of potential attempts to forcibly return him to Russia. Following a 72-hour detention, during which Russia attempted to take him without proper procedures, Subbotin was released and remains free. Russia has not yet formally requested his extradition, and any request will be reviewed by Armenian courts.
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A coalition of 25 Western countries, including key allies of Israel, issued a joint statement demanding Israel immediately cease its war in Gaza and condemning the “inhumane killing” of Palestinians, particularly near food distribution sites. These nations criticized the “drip feeding of aid” and the dangerous aid delivery model, highlighting the dire suffering of Gazan civilians. The statement calls for Israel to lift restrictions on aid, allow humanitarian organizations to operate, and take action for an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel responded by calling the statement “disconnected from reality,” blaming Hamas for the situation.
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Russia recently unveiled its Alabuga industrial park as the “largest and most secret” drone factory, capable of producing thousands of Geran-2 drones monthly. This facility, located in Tatarstan, employs teenagers, some as young as 15, in the assembly process, as highlighted by state media. The plant, which has been targeted by Ukrainian drones, relies on components from Iran and has seen significant production increases. Concerns have been raised about potential human trafficking related to the recruitment of workers for the facility, while Ukraine is also ramping up its own drone production capabilities in response.
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Overnight, Russia launched a barrage of 450 missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. While the majority of the projectiles were intercepted, several struck residential areas and critical infrastructure, sparking fires and causing significant destruction. Simultaneously, long-range drone attacks by Kyiv caused travel disruptions at Moscow airports, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for talks with Russia to negotiate a ceasefire amidst increasing pressure.
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The Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Germany recently set a new record for plasma duration in a nuclear fusion reactor, sustaining fusion reactions for 43 seconds. This marks a significant breakthrough, achieving the “triple product” performance level crucial for viable nuclear fusion. Stellarators, unlike tokamaks, can sustain plasma with less power, offering design flexibility and easier plasma control. Using hydrogen ions, fusion reactors avoid toxic waste production unlike fission reactors.
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X (formerly Twitter) is refusing to cooperate with a French probe into alleged foreign interference and bias, deeming the investigation politically motivated. The probe, initiated after complaints of manipulated data and “reduced diversity of voices,” involves suspected crimes like manipulating and extracting data. X has declined to provide access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, claiming it has a legal right to do so. The social network also raised concerns about the impartiality of the chosen experts and objected to the use of the “organized gang” aggravating circumstance.
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In a speech on the eve of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe called for stronger European leadership in the face of threats to international law and condemned the situation in Gaza as a “disgrace to humanity.” He highlighted the importance of upholding human rights and safeguarding human dignity, urging Europe to remain true to its core values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Furthermore, the King expressed support for an immediate end to the crisis in Gaza and emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine. Finally, he underscored the urgency of forming a new regional government in Brussels to address domestic concerns that directly impact citizens.
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A French organization has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that Russia is conducting a systematic and organized looting of Ukrainian museums. The complaint claims this plundering, which includes the theft of over 1.7 million works of art and cultural properties, constitutes the largest looting of cultural heritage in Europe during an international armed conflict since World War II. The organization seeks arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and eight high-ranking Russian officials, accusing them of planning and enabling the appropriation of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The stolen items, which include collections from the Kherson Regional Museum and others in occupied territories, are reportedly being used to rewrite history and assert a narrative of Russian ownership over the region.
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NATO members recently agreed to allocate five percent of their GDP to defense, with 3.5 percent dedicated to “hard defense.” Germany has committed to reaching the 3.5 percent spending target by 2029, necessitating significant constitutional reforms to facilitate borrowing. Chancellor Merz has engaged with Donald Trump multiple times, noting their weekly coordination regarding the war in Ukraine, but acknowledging Trump’s perceived indifference to European concerns. Merz emphasized the need for increased defense spending due to Germany’s military shortcomings.
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John Q. Hosedrinker