The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service reports a crisis of confidence in Russia’s banking system, marked by a shift towards short-term deposits and dwindling demand for longer-term investments. Three-month deposits have surged in popularity, while those exceeding a year have plummeted, reflecting widespread distrust in the unstable Russian economy. This trend suggests a deepening economic crisis, as banks struggle to attract clients and key sectors falter. The situation is further compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, international sanctions, and predictions of long-term economic stagnation.
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AP News has learned the identity of some men killed in U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, thanks to reporting done by Regina Garcia Cano. Through interviews with residents and relatives in Venezuelan villages, it was discovered that the deceased were not narco-terrorists as claimed, but rather men involved in drug running for the first or second time. The reporting was met with significant challenges, as sources were fearful of speaking out due to potential repercussions from the Venezuelan government, including searches and detentions. Despite the challenges, the reporting found widespread poverty and a lack of information that is hindering the ability of families to mourn their lost loved ones.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will attempt to negotiate the purchase of Russian energy resources during his meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy believes Orbán will prioritize securing Hungary’s oil dependence on Russia, aiming to maintain its energy supply. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Ukraine will actively prevent Russia from profiting from its energy sector, particularly in the context of recent reports indicating Orbán’s efforts to obtain exemptions from US sanctions on Russian energy companies. Zelenskyy also expects Orbán to advocate for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Fighting in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region is intense, with Ukrainian forces repelling numerous Russian attacks throughout the day. Ukrainian troops have engaged in building-by-building combat within Pokrovsk, working to detect and eliminate enemy forces attempting to advance into the city’s outskirts. Despite logistical challenges, Ukrainian forces are holding their positions and preventing the enemy from securing the outskirts of the city. While acknowledging the difficult situation, the Armed Forces are focused on blocking Russian logistics and disrupting reinforcements in an effort to push the invaders out.
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Following a meeting between Hungarian and US officials, a dispute has emerged regarding the scope of a sanctions waiver on Russian oil and gas imports. While Hungarian officials claimed an indefinite exemption, a White House official clarified that the waiver is only valid for one year. The US official also stated the agreement includes requirements for Hungary to diversify its energy sources, including the purchase of US liquefied natural gas. This disagreement arises amidst Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy imports, drawing criticism from its allies.
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Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, has prompted the evacuation of over 900,000 people in the Philippines, particularly on Luzon Island, with the storm expected to make landfall in Aurora province. The typhoon, packing sustained winds of 185 kph and gusts up to 230 kph, has already caused work and class suspensions in several regions while the archipelago recovers from Typhoon Kalmaegi. Authorities have issued evacuation orders and redirected military personnel to assist with humanitarian efforts. The storm threatens to further strain disaster response as affected areas continue to provide aid for Kalmaegi survivors while also rebuilding communities.
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On November 7th, a Russian Ka-226 helicopter crashed in Dagestan, resulting in five fatalities, including four employees from the sanctioned Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ), a defense company. The helicopter, which crashed near the village of Achi-Su, was carrying passengers, including the plant’s deputy general director. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, with Rosaviatsia investigating the incident, as Western sanctions have created maintenance issues for many Russian aircraft.
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On November 8th, a proposal to impose a “minimum contribution” on foreign retirees benefiting from France’s universal healthcare coverage after three months of residency garnered significant support in the Assemblée Nationale. The amendment, spearheaded by MP François Gernigon, targeted retirees from G20 countries, specifically those holding long-stay visas. This measure, aimed at addressing the nation’s €23 billion social security deficit, seeks to ensure reciprocity as many of these countries lack similar healthcare contribution arrangements. While the public accounts minister acknowledged the government’s seriousness regarding the issue, the amendment was carefully crafted to exclude all foreign nationals, and focus on the G20 countries.
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Starting Saturday, Thailand implemented amended alcohol control laws introducing stringent fines for those consuming alcohol during restricted hours or in prohibited places, with penalties beginning at 10,000 baht. The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act also tightens advertising restrictions, limiting promotions to factual content and banning celebrity endorsements. Restaurant owners express concerns over the potential negative impact on their businesses due to the consumer-focused enforcement. The law has also drawn criticism, with some arguing the rules could harm tourism and open opportunities for misuse of power.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has asserted that a naval blockade by China against Taiwan, coupled with military conflict, would likely constitute a “survival-threatening situation” necessitating Japan’s response, marking a departure from previous leaders. While acknowledging the need for a comprehensive assessment of each specific situation, Takaichi’s stance reflects her belief that such an event could trigger Japan’s right of collective self-defense, a position aligned with conservative factions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. This position is a notable stance considering past Prime Ministers’ hesitations to publicly describe an attack on Taiwan as a survival-threatening situation due to concerns about escalating tensions with China. Takaichi’s statements were likely influenced by her own views, which differed from the Ministry’s briefing notes, and followed similar rhetoric from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
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John Q. Hosedrinker