Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken stated that Moscow would be destroyed if Russia attacked a NATO member’s capital, like Brussels. He made this statement in response to a question about a potential Russian missile strike. Francken emphasized that the West should not be intimidated by Putin. While he is less concerned about a direct attack, he expressed worries about “grey zone” scenarios involving covert operations within NATO countries.
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The Japanese Self-Defence Forces have been mobilized to address a surge in aggressive bear attacks in northern Japan. This comes after the death of an elderly woman in Akita City, bringing the total number of bear-related fatalities since April to ten, surpassing last year’s total. With numerous injuries and deaths reported this month alone, the provincial governor has requested national government assistance. The military will work alongside hunters to control the bear population as attacks targeting the neck and face are extremely common.
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President Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to pressure China to end its support for Russia during his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. The Ukrainian leader stated his readiness for peace talks, excluding Russia and Belarus, but emphasized that Ukraine will not cede any territory. Zelenskyy also referenced Trump’s support for a ceasefire and highlighted the importance of continued financial aid from European allies for the next few years. The article also covers the current situation around Pokrovsk, noting ongoing conflict and Russian advances.
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On Tuesday, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian spy plane over the Baltic Sea. The Russian Il-20, which was on a reconnaissance mission in international airspace, was flying without an active transponder and had not filed a flight plan. Two Polish MiG-29 fighter jets escorted the Russian aircraft away from the area, though it did not violate Polish airspace. This interception highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly given Russia’s military presence in the Kaliningrad exclave.
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On October 29th, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Ulyanovsk Oblast and a chemical plant in Stavropol Krai, according to Russian Telegram channels. The strike on the NS-Oil refinery in Novospasskoye resulted in a large blaze, while the attack on the Stavrolen chemical plant, a Lukoil subsidiary, reportedly caused a radiating fire. These reported attacks are part of Kyiv’s ongoing campaign against Russian infrastructure that supports its war efforts. These reports arrive amid a large Ukrainian drone attack on various Russian regions, including an instance of drones being downed en-route to Moscow.
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On October 17th, unidentified drones were detected near the Reedo military barracks in South Estonia. One of the drones was brought down by allied forces using an anti-drone rifle. The Defense Forces, in collaboration with the Police and Border Guard Board, searched for the downed drone but were unable to locate it. The Reedo Barracks is a base for the U.S. Army’s 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
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At a recent event in Ottawa, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada reportedly launched a profanity-laced tirade at Ontario’s trade representative, allegedly over an anti-tariff advertisement. Witnesses claim the ambassador was visibly upset about the ad campaign, which has angered President Trump and led to a halt in trade talks. This outburst occurred at the Canadian American Business Council’s state of the relationship event, attended by high-ranking officials and diplomats. The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the incident, while Canadian efforts to resolve trade disputes with the U.S. remain at a standstill.
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The US State Department has eliminated its online portal, the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), which served as a channel for reporting human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. This portal was established in 2022 to comply with the Leahy Law, which mandates the government to gather information on alleged human rights abuses. Critics, including a former congressional aide involved in drafting the law, have condemned the removal, arguing it undermines the ability to monitor and address such violations. While the State Department maintains it is still adhering to its legal obligations, the closure comes amidst a broader restructuring and a perceived shift in focus on human rights within the department.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military conducted strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean, targeting four boats suspected of carrying drugs, resulting in 14 fatalities and one survivor. The strikes, which took place off the coast of Colombia, mark the deadliest single day since the Trump administration initiated its campaign against drug trafficking in South American waters. The attacks have escalated tensions in the region, drawing criticism from allies like Mexico, which is conducting a search and rescue operation for the survivor. Furthermore, the actions have fueled speculation that the U.S. aims to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the administration accuses him of involvement in narcoterrorism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker