Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Trump believes only negotiated agreement can resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict – US State Department

 

at 6/20/25 8:54pm

The US president understands the complexity of the ongoing talks between Moscow and Kiev, according to Tammy Bruce US President Donald Trump believes a negotiated agreement between Russia and Ukraine is the only viable path to ending the conflict between the two countries, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Trump’s efforts to mediate a truce between Russia and Ukraine contributed to the countries restarting direct negotiations in Türkiye last month – talks that Kiev abandoned in 2022 to focus on its military efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that while Moscow is not seeking an unconditional surrender, Kiev must acknowledge the “realities on the ground,” and that its negotiating position worsens with each passing day. In a press briefing on Friday, Bruce was asked whether those remarks mean that Moscow is not serious about the talks, and how Washington would respond. READ MORE: Ukraine can’t stop it, maps can’t hide it: Russia’s summer blitz redraws the war “As I’ve mentioned before, during negotiations, things sometimes progress, things change. That’s the whole point of negotiations and conversations: You signal how long you’re generally willing to wait, but you also know if someone is serious,” she said, noting, “At the same time, we’ve heard some very blunt comments by President Trump about President Putin.” That’s where we’ve landed at this point in comments from both the president and secretary of state – that the only way this is going to end is for the two parties to meet and come to a conclusion and a decision, and some kind of an agreement. She added that while the US remains Ukraine’s “biggest supporter,” the process of peace negotiations is complex and constantly evolving. “We are clearly making our presence and our care about the situation known... but this is not about reacting to a single quote or online statement,” she said. Read more Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender – Putin Asked about Putin’s assertion that Russia now holds a “strategic advantage” in the conflict, Bruce declined to comment on potential punitive measures or sanctions, reiterating: “We’re not going to listen to what [Russia] says – we’re going to watch what they do.” “Only the president can make the decision about how to proceed. Only he knows all the elements about what’s important and how we’re going to make a difference,” she said. “As I term it… there is one guiding hand to the choices that we make. And that would include Russia, Ukraine, and every conflict he’s trying to stop.” The spokeswoman added that direct engagement between Moscow and Washington continues behind the scenes, involving “months now of dealing with the parties directly,” and argued that Trump, as “the most powerful leader in the world right now,” is better positioned than the public or press to assess the situation.

[Link to media]

— Trump believes only ‘agreement’ can solve Russia–Ukraine conflict – State Dept

 

at 6/20/25 8:54pm

The US president understands the complexity of the ongoing talks between Moscow and Kiev, according to Tammy Bruce US President Donald Trump views a negotiated agreement between Russia and Ukraine as the only viable path to ending the ongoing conflict, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Trump’s efforts to mediate a truce between Russia and Ukraine contributed to the countries restarting direct negotiations in Türkiye last month – talks that Kiev had abandoned in 2022 to focus on its military campaign. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that while Moscow is not seeking an “unconditional surrender,” Kiev must acknowledge the “realities on the ground” and that its negotiating position worsens with each passing day. In a press briefing on Friday, Bruce was asked whether those remarks meant Moscow was not serious about the talks, and how Washington would respond. READ MORE: Ukraine can’t stop it, maps can’t hide it: Russia’s summer blitz redraws the war “As I’ve mentioned before, during negotiations, things sometimes progress, things change. That’s the whole point of negotiations and conversations: you signal how long you’re generally willing to wait, but you also know if someone is serious,” she said, noting, “At the same time, we’ve heard some very blunt comments by President Trump about President Putin.” That’s where we’ve landed at this point in comments from both the president and secretary of state – that the only way this is going to end is for the two parties to meet and come to a conclusion and a decision, and some kind of an agreement. She added that while the US remains Ukraine’s “biggest supporter,” the process of peace negotiations is complex and constantly evolving. “We are clearly making our presence and our care about the situation known... but this is not about reacting to a single quote or online statement,” she said. Read more Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender – Putin When asked about Putin’s assertion that Russia now holds a “strategic advantage” in the conflict, Bruce declined to comment on potential punitive measures or new sanctions, reiterating: “We’re not going to listen to what [Russia] says – we’re going to watch what they do.” “Only the president can make the decision about how to proceed. Only he knows all the elements about what’s important and how we’re going to make a difference,” she said. “As I term it… there is one guiding hand to the choices that we make. And that would include Russia, Ukraine, and every conflict he’s trying to stop.” The spokeswoman added that direct engagement between Moscow and Washington continues behind the scenes, involving “months now of dealing with the parties directly,” and argued that Trump, as “the most powerful leader in the world right now,” is better positioned than the public or press to assess the situation.

[Link to media]

— Israel ‘almost a Russian-speaking country’ – Putin

 

at 6/20/25 7:40pm

The Russian leader also noted that Moscow has traditionally friendly relations with the Islamic world Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized Israel’s large Russian-speaking population as one of the key factors in Moscow’s approach to the ongoing Middle East conflict – alongside Russia’s own Muslim population and traditionally friendly relations with the Islamic world. Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday, Putin said those who question Russia’s commitment to its partners are “provocateurs” attempting to stir discord. The Russian leader underscored the complexity of the Iran-Israel conflict, cautioning against one-size-fits-all expectations of alliances. “Every conflict is unique,” he said, outning Russia's nuanced relationships across the region. Putin highlighted the presence of nearly two million Russian-speaking residents in Israel. “It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia’s contemporary history,” he said. Read more Kremlin comments on possible US strike on Iran At the same time, he emphasized Russia’s “friendly, trusting, and allied” relations with the Arab and Islamic world, which include 15% of Russia’s own population and participation as an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Russian president reiterated his country’s support for Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program – stressing that this support is not merely rhetorical, but demonstrated through concrete cooperation. “We defend Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy not just in words, but in action,” he said. “Despite all the complexity of the situation around Iran, we built a nuclear reactor in Bushehr... And despite all the challenges and certain risks, we continue this work.” Read more Israel makes Iran-related promise to Russia  Putin dismissed criticism that Russia should have done more to support Iran. “Start some kind of combat operations, is that it?” he asked rhetorically. “We already have combat operations going on against those whom we consider opponents of the ideas we defend and who pose a threat to the Russian Federation,” he added, noting that these opponents are “far behind the frontline” and are “basically the same forces – with Iran and in the case of Russia.” According to the Kremlin, Putin has a “complete picture” of the situation, as one of the few leaders to speak directly with the heads of Israel, Iran, and the United States since the conflict flared up last week. In a late-night Q&A session on Wednesday, Putin told journalists that Moscow had proposed several compromise frameworks to all parties, suggesting that any potential settlement should include mutual security guarantees – protecting both Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology and Israel’s right to security. Read more Putin and Xi discuss Middle East crisis While reaffirming support for Iran’s legitimate interests, Putin clarified on Friday that Russia is not seeking to act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict. “We are simply offering ideas. Should these proposals resonate with both nations, we would be pleased,” he said, adding that he sees potential “points of contact” between Tehran and West Jerusalem.

[Link to media]

— Ukrainian sovereignty, worsening positions and ‘final mistake’: Key takeaways from Putin’s Q&A

 

at 6/20/25 5:02pm

The Russian president repeatedly touched on the Ukraine conflict during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Moscow is not seeking the unconditional surrender of Ukraine, but wants it to acknowledge the realities on the ground, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said at SPIEF 2025, commenting on various aspects of the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s goals, and potential directions for resolving the crisis. READ MORE: Putin and global leaders call for sovereignty and multipolar future at SPIEF 2025: As it happened Putin took part in the plenary session of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) on Friday, delivering a major speech and conducting a Q&A session. Here are the key takeaways regarding the Ukraine conflict: Ukrainian surrender Asked whether Moscow expects an “unconditional surrender” from Kiev – similar to the demand his US counterpart, Donald Trump, is making of Iran – Putin said this is not the case, reiterating Russia’s readiness to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. READ MORE: Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender – Putin “We are not seeking the surrender of Ukraine. We insist on recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground.” Worsening negotiation positions Russia has consistently attempted to settle the conflict in the former Ukrainian Donbass, which erupted after the Western-backed 2014 Maidan coup, through diplomatic means, the president said. However, these efforts were repeatedly undermined by Kiev and its backers.“At each stage, we suggested to those with whom we were in contact in Ukraine to stop and said, ‘Let’s negotiate now. Because this logic of purely military actions can result in your situation getting worse, and then we will have to conduct our negotiations from other positions, from positions that are worse for you.’ This happened several times,” Putin said. Foreign-fueled conflict Negotiations held in Istanbul in early 2022, shortly after the conflict escalated, fell apart under pressure from the same “neocolonial forces,” Putin added.“Those who are guided by old, neocolonial principles, including and above all in Europe, thought that now they would easily profit at the expense of Russia: crush it, destroy it, annihilate it, and receive some dividends from this.”  Ukraine’s sovereignty Russia has never denied Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent nation, Putin said. However, in the years since the Soviet Union’s collapse, the country has drifted from the principles on which it originally gained its independence. Read more Ukraine ‘didn’t exist in 12th century’, Russia’s Medinsky tells NATO boss “The grounds on which Ukraine became independent and sovereign were set out in the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine of 1991, where it is clearly written in black and white that Ukraine is a non-aligned, non-nuclear, neutral state. It would be a good idea to return to these fundamental values on which Ukraine gained its independence and sovereignty,” he said.At the same time, Putin reiterated his belief that, in a certain sense, all of Ukraine is Russian. “I have said many times that I consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people, in fact. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours.”  Going nuclear would be Kiev’s ‘final mistake’ Obtaining and using a nuclear device of any sort, including a dirty bomb, would be the “final mistake” for Kiev, the Russian president warned. This would trigger a mirror response from Moscow with “catastrophic” consequences for Ukraine, he said. READ MORE: Russia has world’s most advanced nuclear weapons – Putin “Our response will be very harsh and, most likely, catastrophic for both the neo-Nazi regime and, unfortunately, for Ukraine itself. I hope that they will never come to that,” Putin stated, adding that Moscow currently has no intelligence suggesting that Kiev is attempting to do so. Ukrainian military thinned out Ukrainian forces are suffering from severe manpower shortages, with units at only 47% strength on average, Putin stated. He said Ukraine’s attack on Russia’s Kursk Region last August – driven by political rather than military reasoning – worsened the situation and further stretched its forces along an expanded frontline. Read more Russia ready to hand over 3,000 more bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers – top negotiator “They got into Kursk Region. First of all, they lost 76,000 people there. It was a disaster for them,” Putin said. “In the end, as we said, we drove them out of there, but they created a threat to us... along the entire line of the border with Ukraine, in two other neighboring regions,” he added.Kiev’s actions created an additional 1,600km line of contact, he said. “They pulled apart all their armed forces. It is hard to imagine bigger stupidity from a military point of view.” Russian troops could go deeper into Ukraine Putin did not rule out the possibility of advancing further into Ukrainian territory to establish a buffer zone to protect Russian border areas from further attacks.Following the defeat of Ukrainian forces in Kursk, Russian troops moved into Ukraine’s Sumy Region. According to Putin, the buffer zone there is already up to 12km deep.“We don’t have the goal of taking Sumy, but in principle, I don’t rule it out,” he said.

[Link to media]

— Kiev’s sovereignty, worsening positions & ‘final mistake’: Key takeaways from Putin’s Q&A

 

at 6/20/25 5:02pm

The Russian president repeatedly touched on the Ukraine conflict during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Moscow is not seeking the “unconditional surrender” of Ukraine but wants it to acknowledge the realities on the ground, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the audience at SPIEF 2025, commenting on various aspects of the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s goals and potential directions for resolving the crisis. READ MORE: Putin and global leaders call for sovereignty and multipolar future at SPIEF 2025: As it happened President Putin took part in the plenary session of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) on Friday, delivering a major speech and participating in a Q&A session. Here are the key takeaways concerning the conflict in Ukraine: Kiev’s surrender Asked whether Moscow expects an “unconditional surrender” from Kiev – similar to the demand his US counterpart Donald Trump is making of Iran – the Russian president said that was not the case, reiterating Russia’s readiness to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. READ MORE: Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender – Putin “We are not seeking the surrender of Ukraine. We insist on recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground,” he said. Worsening negotiation positions Russia has consistently attempted to settle the conflict in the then-Ukrainian Donbass, which erupted after the Western-backed 2014 Maidan coup, through diplomatic means, the president said. However, those efforts were repeatedly undermined by Kiev and its backers.“At each stage, we suggested to those with whom we were in contact in Ukraine to stop and said, ‘Let’s negotiate now. Because this logic of purely military actions can result in your situation getting worse, and then we will have to conduct our negotiations from other positions, from positions that are worse for you.’ This happened several times,” Putin said. Foreign-fueled conflict Negotiations held in Istanbul in early 2022, shortly after the conflict escalated, fell apart under pressure from the same “neocolonial forces,” Putin added.“Those who are guided by old, neocolonial principles, including and above all in Europe, thought that now they would easily profit at the expense of Russia: crush it, destroy it, annihilate it, and receive some dividends from this,” he said. Ukraine’s sovereignty Russia has never denied Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent nation, Putin said. However, in the years since the Soviet Union’s collapse, the country has drifted from the principles on which it originally gained its independence. Read more Ukraine ‘didn’t exist in 12th century’, Russia’s Medinsky tells NATO boss “The grounds on which Ukraine became independent and sovereign were set out in the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine of 1991, where it is clearly written in black and white that Ukraine is a non-aligned, non-nuclear, neutral state. It would be a good idea to return to these fundamental values on which Ukraine gained its independence and sovereignty,” he said.At the same time, Putin reiterated his belief that, in a certain sense, all of Ukraine is Russian. “I have said many times that I consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people, in fact. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours,” he said. Going nuclear would be Kiev’s ‘final mistake’ Obtaining and using a nuclear device of any sort, including a crude “dirty bomb,” would be a “final mistake” for Kiev, the Russian president warned. Such an action would trigger a “mirror response” from Moscow with “catastrophic” consequences for Ukraine. READ MORE: Russia has world’s most advanced nuclear weapons – Putin “Our response will be very harsh and, most likely, catastrophic for both the neo-Nazi regime and, unfortunately, for Ukraine itself. I hope that they will never come to that,” Putin said, adding that Moscow currently has no intelligence suggesting Kiev is pursuing such a plan. Ukrainian military thinned out Kiev’s forces are suffering from severe manpower shortages, with units at only 47% of full strength on average, Putin stated. He said Ukraine’s attack on Russia’s Kursk Region last August – driven by political rather than military reasoning – worsened the situation and further stretched its forces along an expanded frontline. Read more Russia ready to hand over 3,000 more bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers – top negotiator “They got into Kursk Region. First of all, they lost 76,000 people there. It was a disaster for them,” Putin said. “In the end, as we said, we drove them out of there, but they created a threat to us... along the entire line of the state border with Ukraine, in two other neighboring regions,” he added.Kiev’s actions created an additional 1,600 km-long line of contact, he noted. “They pulled apart all their armed forces. It is hard to imagine bigger stupidity from a military point of view,” he said. Russian troops could go deeper into Ukraine Putin did not rule out the possibility of advancing further into Ukrainian territory to establish a “buffer zone” protecting Russian border areas from ongoing attacks by Kiev’s forces.Following the defeat of Ukrainian forces in Kursk, Russian troops moved into Ukraine’s Sumy Region. According to Putin, the buffer zone there is already up to 12 km deep.“We don’t have the goal of taking Sumy, but in principle, I don’t rule it out,” he said.

[Link to media]

— Where China stands on the Israel–Iran conflict

 

at 6/20/25 3:58pm

With trade routes and regional influence on the line, Beijing walks a diplomatic tightrope between Tehran and Tel Aviv Israel is once again redefining the rules of engagement. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Tel Aviv has carried out attacks on Iran with little regard for international law or global opinion. Framing these strikes as preemptive measures against Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, the Israeli government is echoing the same kind of narrative Washington used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq – claims of weapons of mass destruction that turned out to be unfounded. Beijing sees this ongoing vilification of Iran – driven by both the US and Israel – as dangerous narrative warfare that could lay the groundwork for a broader military conflict. In response, China has taken a clear and firm stance. The Foreign Ministry condemned repeated violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as actions that risk inflaming tensions across the region. Chinese officials have voiced deep concern about the fallout from the Israeli military operations, calling instead for diplomatic and political solutions. Escalation, they warn, serves no one. Beijing has also expressed a willingness to help de-escalate the situation. China reinforced this position at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Ambassador Fu Cong denounced what he called Israel’s “military adventurism,” linking it to the ongoing occupation of Gaza – a crisis he described as a “humanitarian disaster.” While not directly naming the US, Fu’s comments implicitly urged Washington to rein in Israeli aggression before the situation spirals further out of control. Over the weekend, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with his counterparts in both Iran and Israel. The tone of these two conversations could not have been more different. Speaking with Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Wang condemned what he called Israel’s “reckless attacks,” warning that strikes on nuclear facilities set a dangerous and unacceptable precedent. He emphasized that such actions violate both the UN Charter and basic principles of international law. In a call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Wang took a more restrained but still critical tone, urging Israel to abandon military solutions and return to diplomacy. Read more Trump says ‘chill,’ Bibi goes full thrill. So, who’s in charge of the Middle East? In this unfolding crisis, China has made its position unmistakably clear: it backs Iran’s stance and rejects any military path to resolving the nuclear issue. This aligns with Beijing’s long-held diplomatic posture – recognizing Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while firmly opposing any move toward nuclear weapons, which would violate international norms and run counter to China’s vision of a nuclear-free Middle East. Nevertheless, Iran has repeatedly asserted that it does not seek nuclear weapons. It supported the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which collapsed after the United States unilaterally withdrew under President Donald Trump. With Trump’s return to the White House, fears were growing that he would once again elevate the Iranian nuclear issue, threatening military action unless Tehran complies with US demands. China and Russia both oppose such unilateral dictate. In March, Beijing hosted a trilateral meeting of Chinese, Iranian, and Russian deputy foreign ministers to reaffirm support for a multilateral, JCPOA-based resolution and denounce illegal sanctions on Iran. In March, Beijing hosted a trilateral meeting with deputy foreign ministers from China, Iran, and Russia, reaffirming their commitment to a multilateral solution rooted in the JCPOA and denouncing illegal sanctions imposed on Iran. China’s diplomatic support is part of a broader strategic alignment with Iran. In 2021, the two countries signed a 25-year cooperation agreement covering trade, infrastructure, energy, technology, defense, education, and more – effectively exchanging long-term economic collaboration for a stable oil supply. Despite ongoing US sanctions, China remains Iran’s top trading partner and largest buyer of crude oil, purchasing as much as 90% of Iran’s exports. The two nations also conduct joint military exercises, such as the Marine Security Belt drills with Russia, launched in 2019. This partnership reflects Iran’s “Look East” strategy, first introduced by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Focused on deepening ties with China and Russia, the strategy has yielded tangible results, including joint initiatives and Iran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. Yet the relationship isn’t without friction. Unfulfilled investment promises, sanctions-related challenges, and mismatched expectations have at times strained the partnership. China seeks stable access to resources and expanded regional influence, while Iran looks for meaningful economic support and advanced technology. Read more ‘If Iran falls, we all lose’: Why Tehran’s allies see this war as civilizational Still, China’s backing of Iran is not without limits. If Tehran were to block the Strait of Hormuz – a chokepoint for over 25% of global oil and one-third of LNG shipments – China’s economic interests would be directly threatened. Likewise, a withdrawal from the NPT would challenge China’s commitment to multilateralism and the international legal order. A closer economic and military alignment between Tehran and Beijing could also strain already fraught relations with Washington, especially if it involved significant arms deals. Beijing has no appetite for open confrontation. China prefers to cast itself as a responsible global actor, committed to diplomacy and de-escalation. That image is central to its expanding footprint in the Middle East. Its role in brokering the 2023 rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia was a milestone, but its influence over Tehran remains limited. As a relatively new player in regional diplomacy, China’s interests are vulnerable not only to Israeli aggression but also to potential missteps by Iran. So far, Iran’s response has been relatively restrained – perhaps deliberately so. But that caution could be misread as weakness. Following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024, Iran’s leadership has moved slightly closer to engaging with the West. That shift was followed by a wave of Israeli operations: damaging strikes against Hezbollah and Hamas, expanded Israeli presence in Syria, and in October, a direct hit to Iran’s missile and air defense systems, potentially paving the way for future attacks. Tehran’s muted reaction to these provocations may have been an effort to avoid war – but it risks emboldening its adversaries. For both Beijing and Moscow – each navigating its own rivalry with Washington – the lesson is clear: in today’s geopolitical landscape, hesitation can be more dangerous than defiance.

[Link to media]

— Russia ready to hand over 3,000 more bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers – top negotiator

 

at 6/20/25 2:58pm

Over 6,000 remains have already been repatriated, but Kiev is delaying new exchanges, Vladimir Medinsky has said Russia is ready to transfer the remains of 3,000 more Ukrainian soldiers if Kiev agrees to accept them, Moscow’s chief negotiator for the Ukraine conflict, Vladimir Medinsky, has said. He also rejected Kiev’s claim that the body of a Russian soldier was among the remains handed over to Ukraine during a previous exchange. Moscow has repatriated a total of 6,060 sets of remains, while Kiev returned the bodies of 79 slain Russian soldiers. The exchange was agreed upon during the latest round of direct talks, hosted by Türkiye earlier this month. Medinsky’s Ukrainian counterpart, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, suggested at the time that Kiev would hand over an equal number of fallen Russian troops. The handover was jeopardized after Kiev reportedly refused to accept the first transfer, on June 7. Ukrainian officials blamed Russia for being too hasty, though the exchange proceeded the following day and more were carried over the past week. “About 3,000 [bodies] are ready for transfer, if the [Ukrainian authorities] are willing to accept them,” Medinsky stated on Friday. “Our military is ready to hand them over so that their families can finally identify and give them a Christian burial,” he added. He also responded to Kiev’s claims that Moscow had included a Russian soldier’s body among the Ukrainian remains. Medinsky pointed out that that transfer occurred during a February exchange – something that Kiev had already confirmed – and noted that Moscow is aware of the situation and “is looking into it.” Read more Russia has fulfilled Istanbul promises – top negotiator Earlier this week, Ukraine’s Interior Minister Igor Klimenko accused Russia of “deliberately complicating” the identification process, claiming that some of the remains handed over in a recent exchange had been labeled as Russian. Medinsky dismissed the allegations – amplified by Western media – as propaganda, and likened the move to Nazi Germany’s misinformation tactics. “I would ask our Ukrainian negotiating partners to restrain their Western propagandists, so they don’t make fools of themselves,” he said. In April, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky stated in an interview that Ukraine had lost up to 100,000 troops since the conflict escalated in 2022. Russian Defense Ministry estimates suggest that Kiev’s losses are much higher. On Friday, President Vladimir Putin described the Ukrainian army’s losses as “catastrophic” and that it suffered more than 76,000 casualties in Russia’s Kursk Region alone.

[Link to media]

— Moscow closely following arrest of Russian-Armenian billionaire – Kremlin

 

at 6/20/25 2:02pm

Samvel Karapetyan has been taken into custody over alleged calls to overthrow the government in Yerevan Moscow is closely monitoring the legal case against businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who was arrested in Armenia earlier this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said. The billionaire holds both Russian and Armenian citizenship. Karapetyan has been accused of calling for the overthrow of the Armenian government and is being held in pre-trial detention for two months. He has denied all the charges, while his supporters claim the case against him is politically motivated.  “Of course we’re watching. For us, he is a Russian citizen. We do not want to interfere in the internal affairs of Armenia, but we most carefully follow everything that is related to Russian citizens,” Peskov told reporters on Friday. Karapetyan was taken into custody on Tuesday hours after he voiced his support for the Armenian Apostolic Church in its standoff with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “I have always been on the side of the Armenian Church and the Armenian people. If the politicians fail, we will intervene in the campaign against the Church in our own way,” he said. Shortly after the billionaire’s remarks, Pashinyan took to Facebook vowing to retaliate and shut down the businessman’s operations in the country “for good.” Just a few hours later, Karapetyan’s residence in Yerevan was raided by police.   Read more War against Orthodoxy underway – iconic film director The case against Karapetyan has received condemnation from different figures in the Armenian diaspora and the Orthodox community.   “From the information we have, the arrest is likely related to the escalation of the conflict between the church and the government of Armenia… Freedom of speech is sacred, and persecution of a person for personal views is unacceptable unless martial law is declared,” Vikan Tosunyan, a spokesman for Lebanon’s Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, told Sputnik Arabic. The arrest of Karapetyan is a part of a broader attack on Eastern Christianity, renowned Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica has suggested, drawing parallels between the actions of Pashinyan and politicians in other countries.  “[Vladimir] Zelensky is doing this in Ukraine, they tried to do this in Montenegro, but the people there rose up, and Belgrade was able to defend the church, so we can only believe that we, the Orthodox, have protection and seek it in our brotherly Russia,” Kusturica told RIA Novosti.   In recent weeks, Pashinyan has repeatedly attacked the church, accusing it of various violations and corruption, as well as personally targeting Catholicos Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, claiming he had breached his vow of celibacy and urging him to step down. The church has firmly rejected the allegations, suggesting the prime minister himself has been acting on behalf of foreign “Armenophobic” forces.

[Link to media]

— Assad general reveals new life in central Russia

 

at 6/20/25 1:40pm

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, has found a job, is studying Russian and hopes to reunite with his family A former general in ex-Syrian President Bashar Assad’s army who found refuge in central Russia has spoken to local media. The man, who gave an interview to 66.RU on condition of anonymity, told the media outlet that he is determined to integrate into Russian society and is not considering returning to Syria. The ex-general, who asked to be identified by his call sign ‘Wolf’, recalled the overthrow of the Assad government in December. During a swift offensive by Islamist anti-government groups in Syria, he watched as many of his comrades, including senior commanders, deserted their positions en masse. “I can’t wrap my head around it. It was treason, there are no two ways about it,” Wolf told Russian reporters. After the coup, the ex-general left his wife and children in a hiding place for fear of persecution by the militants. He then managed to make it to the Russian Khmeimim Air Base along with his sister and two nephews. He explained that his children would most likely not have been able to complete the perilous trip. After being transported to Russia, he ended up in the country’s Sverdlovsk Region. Wolf, who studied in Leningrad (nowadays St. Petersburg) in the USSR, already had a good command of Russian when he arrived, but continues to master the language. Having secured temporary protection status, he found an odd job that helps keep him and his relatives afloat financially. Read more Syrian leader threatened by militants who put him in power – WaPo “I’m now waiting for the paperwork so I can start working officially at a plant or factory. I’m having my residence permit application processed,” the former commander said, adding that he was willing to take up any job ten to twelve hours a day. He added that he does not intend to return to Syria because he believes the country will be in turmoil for at least a decade to come. “Let my children live like normal people in Russia,” the former general concluded, insisting that he now feels “more like a Russian than a Syrian.” Following the armed opposition’s rise to power in late 2024, the Islamists have reportedly perpetrated several massacres of the Alawite religious minority, as well as Christians and Druze communities across Syria.

[Link to media]

— ‘This will end in World War III’: What are people expecting in Jerusalem and Tehran?

 

at 6/20/25 1:15pm

From locked shelters to sleepless nights, Israelis and Iranians describe the fear, disbelief, and strange routines of life under fire The conflict between Israel and Iran is slowly but steadily morphing into a full-scale war – one where drones give way to ballistic missiles, military targets are replaced by homes and offices, and threats of mass bloodshed drown out any hopes for negotiation. While Israeli civilians have long grown used to sirens and shelters, the recent escalation came just as abruptly for them as it did for Iranians. No one was ready. RT spoke with residents of Jerusalem and Tehran – two cities at the heart of a decades-long standoff that had remained largely bloodless, until now. They shared what it’s like to live through the airstrikes, flee their homes, and face a grim new reality no one asked for – one that may not be going away anytime soon. The day it all changed RT: How did you survive the first day of attacks?  Leila, Jerusalem (name changed): Friday began at 3 AM. First, I heard a city-wide siren, which usually sounds during attacks from Yemen. Then – a terrifying alert, not from some app, but directly from the phone’s built-in emergency system. It usually warns of earthquakes, tsunamis, or other disasters. It screams horrifically… @inon_ben_shushan ⚠️מוזמנים לעקוב לעוד עדכונים⚠️ מעכשיו, תקבלו לנייד מסר אישי באירוע חירום נרחב - אוטומטית אחרי שנים של ציפייה, פיקוד העורף סוף סוף מיישר קו עם מדינות רבות ברחבי העולם והודיע היום (ראשון) על השקת מסר אישי - מערכת התרעה שידור תאי שתשלח הודעות ישירות לטלפונים סלולריים באירועי חירום רחבי היקף, כמו מטחי טילים. באמצעות הטכנולוגיה, הודעת חירום תופיע על גבי מסך הטלפון בלי שום צורך בפעולה מצד המשתמש, ותלווה בצליל התרעה ייחודי. חשוב לציין שהמערכת לא תחליף את יישומון פיקוד העורף או את הצופרים, אלא תהווה נדבך נוסף במערך ההתרעה. שיבושי המיקום ברחבי הארץ לא צפויים להשפיע על המיקום של המכשיר במקרה הזה. ♬ original sound - Inon Ben Shushan In many parts of Israel, such alerts are unusual. In Jerusalem, for example, sirens hadn’t sounded like that in years – until October 7, when rockets came directly from Gaza. I’ll admit – after hearing the siren for the first time, I am now scared of everything: the wind howling, the oven timer, my alarm clock. I start shaking all over when I hear those. We were told to go to a [bomb] shelter as quickly as possible and follow instructions from the Home Front Command (a branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responsible for civil defense — RT). Everyone was running, terrified, asking what was happening. Everyone woke up. Usually, when there’s a citywide siren, no one runs [to shelter] – mostly it’s just one missile from the Houthis, intercepted in the desert or outside Israel. Normally, the Home Front Command states what’s coming and from where – drone? Missile? UAV? – but this time, nothing. Nothing in the official Israeli news either, so I opened Al Jazeera’s livestream – and saw Tehran being bombed. ©  social media So many questions popped up: “Are they bombing because something came from Tehran? Or are we being attacked too?” When we realized we weren’t in danger, we went back home. Once we got there, we found out that Israel struck first – but there had been no retaliation yet. Israel declared martial law: schools and unis canceled, work too… public transport barely functions. We spent the entire Friday waiting for more attacks – and they did began at night. The shelling was massive. Fortunately, the alert system works quite well: phones emit that creepy siren, and alerts show which neighborhoods are in danger. Then, 90 seconds before impact, another siren sounds – so loud it can be heard not only in the nearest neighborhood, but in a nearby city. Read more ‘If Iran falls, we all lose’: Why Tehran’s allies see this war as civilizational Javad, Tehran (name changed): On Friday, around 3 AM, there were incredibly loud bangs – Israel started targeting all top commanders, high-ranking officers, nuclear physicists… It continued until 6 or 7 in the morning. From what I understood, they used drones, launched from inside Iran. Over these past few days, we’ve gotten used to it – living, sleeping, walking around during this. It’s no longer as terrifying as it was at first. So when the shelling starts, people usually just stand and film – no one runs. Casualties are high – mainly because missiles [Israel is] hitting residential buildings. On the streets, few people are getting hurt. Saeed, Tehran: I remember that night clearly, exams were coming soon. I was asleep, but my friend was at the library studying — he called me and woke me up. It was almost 3 am. He said, ‘Saeed, wake up. Israel has attacked.’ Earlier I had felt the windows shaking, but I told myself, ‘It’s probably just a dream.’ During the Israeli missile attacks on Tehran, the public response has been a mix of fear, shock, solidarity, and survival efforts. When the sound of explosions broke the night’s silence, many people, half-asleep and terrified, rushed into the streets and alleys. Windows shattered, homes trembled, and flames blazed through the night sky. In some areas, people responded from their rooftops with cries of “Takbir” (Allahu Akbar – RT), expressing a form of religious and national solidarity. People look over damage to buildings in Nobonyad Square following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. ©  Majid Saeedi / Getty Images In areas where air defense systems successfully intercepted the missiles, people were grateful to the armed forces, ‘cause they could resume their daily lives. Those people thought of the [Israeli] attacks more as a show of force.  But in areas that suffered direct damage, people were full of fear, confusion, and sorrow. Some people, tears in their eyes, were saying: “We are just ordinary people. We have no weapons, no shelters. All we can do is pray.” Read more The end of Israeli exceptionalism Shelters guide: from Israel to Iran RT: Can you hide somewhere? Leila, Jerusalem: You can’t really hide. Rockets directly hit buildings now, it’s not shrapnel like it used to be. They’re almost impossible to intercept. Casualties are mounting. I have to explain what the shelters are that we have here, in Israel. There is “merkhav mugan eini”, or an improvised protected space. These are stairwell corners without windows – technically they can be shelters, Though now they’re only used as a last resort.  There are also “Mamad” rooms with built-in thick doors and sealable windows. The Home Front Command says they’re 100% safe – safer than kitchens or stairwells. But… in a recent attack, a missile hit a “mamad” and killed everyone inside. And there’s “miklad”, an underground shelter usually located under buildings. They seem the safest since missiles usually strike the upper floors or hit somewhere in the middle but… what happens if the whole building collapses? Some large underground shelters exist – but they’re rare and far.  ©  social media The hard part is – there aren’t shelters on every corner here. Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities near Gaza – they all have shelters in almost every building. But here in Jerusalem… there were different threats in the past (meaning terrorist attacks – RT), so there are fewer shelters.  If you’re caught in the street in the middle of a shelling – there’s nowhere to hide. If you’re in a park – there’s nowhere to go. I had to leave my house because we have no shelter nearby. There used to be one across the street, but someone locked it using a bike lock... The other shelter is quite far away. Now I don’t know what other people do: like my neighbor’s husband, who’s in a wheelchair.  Read more Israel’s war on Iran is not about nuclear weapons A year ago, nothing hit homes. Now it’s aimed at densely populated areas. Rockets keep coming from Gaza, from the Houthis, and now from Iran. So far, Jerusalem has been spared, probably ‘cause it doesn’t house critical military targets. But there’s the Knesset. Once military sites are exhausted, they might turn to Jerusalem. Saeed, Tehran: In Tehran, given the history of the Iran-Iraq war and the potential for missile strikes, certain places have been designated as emergency shelters. For example, those are Park-e Shahr underground shelter, one of the largest in central Tehran.  There’s a Azadi sports complex equipped with reinforced underground sections usable in emergencies.  There are also shelters in the Narmak area, the remnants from the Iran-Iraq war. And there are old sturdy passageways in Tehran Bazaar basements.  Visuals from Tehran in Iran after fresh Israeli airstrikes today. Debris are being searched for survivors. pic.twitter.com/xeju2mlfme— कल्पना श्रीवास्तव ?? (@Lawyer_Kalpana) June 15, 2025 Routine of war in Israel – and the novelty of it in Iran RT: How has day-to-day life changed? Leila, Jerusalem: There is a certain routinization of shelling, which is terrifying, yes – but people seem trained. They know what to do. The routine actually helps us fight fear. For example, on Saturday, I passed through a park – people were barbecuing, playing football…  [During the bombing,] you could instantly tell who was Israeli and who wasn’t. Even in shelters, Israelis show their nails done and just gossip. The immigrants are panicking, gasping for air.  People even go out [during attacks] – dressed in white, casually walking. Some don’t hide at all – they don’t trust the government or believe God will protect them. Many Arabs don’t seek shelter either. Though to be fair, in the West Bank, there are almost no shelters anyway. I don’t know if it’s right. Sometimes I wonder, “If the siren sounds, and I’m on the highway, where will I go?” ©  social media Javad, Tehran: How do people spend their days now? Well, the usual. The studies are cancelled, exams rescheduled or will be online, many offices are shut – at least if you don’t work remotely.  There aren’t many people in Tehran now. There used to be constant traffic jams, but now there’s only the void. Everyone I know has left the city.  The only traffic there actually is, that’s a line for the refueling stations.  Read more Trump says ‘chill,’ Bibi goes full thrill. So, who’s in charge of the Middle East? Saeed, Tehran: Daily life for the people has drastically changed. People are scared, almost everyone is anxious.  These days, you wake up to the sound of sirens or explosions. You’re either confused, or you try to migrate, or you resist [Israel]. Nights are sleepless, you either seek shelter or pray.  Some city officials have announced that metro stations can serve as temporary shelters, especially due to their depth and reinforced structure. But some experts warn that metro systems weren’t designed for this purpose, so they may be vulnerable to severe attacks. Since there are no official shelters in many neighbourhoods, people typically seek refuge in residential basements, public parking garages, mosques, or even stairwells. Though these places may not provide full safety, they are often the only available options. Escape – or no way out? RT: Is it possible to leave the city – or the country? Javad, Tehran: It is possible, you can go to Iraq or Armenia, for example, they don’t require visas. Azerbaijan’s border has been closed for five years (due to COVID measures – RT). You could go via Turkmenistan or Afghanistan, but who would flee to Afghanistan? Afghans are fleeing from the Taliban. We’re not going to go there.  A man carries a wounded girl after an explosion in downtown Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025 ©  AP Photo / Morteza Zangene / ISNA Leila, Jerusalem: Honestly, I don’t know anyone who has managed to flee [Israel]. The airport is closed – and likely will be until martial law ends, which was extended to June 30. You could try crossing into Jordan or Egypt, but is that really viable? Especially after recent assaults against Israeli citizens in this country? And even Jordan is being hit by rockets now – you can’t escape them. Egypt is the only real option, but many Israelis won’t go there, especially after those attacks. For most people, there’s no way out. No place is safe.  Saeed, Tehran: Many Iranians feel the desire to leave the country, but leaving Iran is not always easy or accessible to everyone. Iran is currently experiencing a wave of internal migration, though not a mass exodus abroad. After Israel began shelling, thousands of Iranians started fleeing Tehran and other major cities, seeking safety in more secure parts of the country – mainly rural regions or in the north, closer to the sea. As for me, I was a student in Tehran, but because of the war, I’ve returned to my mother’s hometown of Gorgan, on the Caspian Sea’s edge. What comes next? RT: How do you think this ends? Javad: I honestly don’t know how all this will end. I’m not a military or political expert. I think both sides – Iran and Israel – will fight to the end. Right now, it seems like [West Jerusalem] has the upper hand. If Iran gets out of this, it will try to do so gracefully. A view of a damaged building in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following an attack, on June 13, 2025. ©  Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via Getty Images Leila: They told us the war would last two weeks. Then they extended the martial law ‘till June 30. But I think it’ll be much longer. Some believe this will become a war of attrition. There’s no end in sight. I don’t think any regional powers will join the war [for now]. Iran is a terrifying opponent. And I’m a pessimist. I think this will end in World War III. Saeed: The end of the Iran-Israel war is currently very uncertain, but personally, I believe Iran will win the war within a week! Just like many of my friends, I still have dreams unfulfilled… Like traveling to Russia and seeing Red Square, like being a translator from Russian at exhibitions in Tehran, like seeing Milad Tower again.

[Link to media]

— ‘Nowhere feels safe’: Voices from Jerusalem and Tehran under fire

 

at 6/20/25 1:15pm

From locked shelters to sleepless nights, Israelis and Iranians describe the fear, disbelief, and strange routines of life under fire The conflict between Israel and Iran is slowly but steadily morphing into a full-scale war – one where drones give way to ballistic missiles, military targets are replaced by homes and offices, and threats of mass bloodshed drown out any hopes for negotiation. While Israeli civilians have long grown used to sirens and shelters, the recent escalation came just as abruptly for them as it did for Iranians. No one was ready. RT spoke with residents of Jerusalem and Tehran – two cities at the heart of a decades-long standoff that had remained largely bloodless, until now. They shared what it’s like to live through the airstrikes, flee their homes, and face a grim new reality no one asked for – one that may not be going away anytime soon. The day it all changed RT: How did you survive the first day of attacks?  Leila, Jerusalem (name changed): Friday began at 3 AM. First, I heard a city-wide siren, which usually sounds during attacks from Yemen. Then – a terrifying alert, not from some app, but directly from the phone’s built-in emergency system. It usually warns of earthquakes, tsunamis, or other disasters. It screams horrifically… @inon_ben_shushan ⚠️מוזמנים לעקוב לעוד עדכונים⚠️ מעכשיו, תקבלו לנייד מסר אישי באירוע חירום נרחב - אוטומטית אחרי שנים של ציפייה, פיקוד העורף סוף סוף מיישר קו עם מדינות רבות ברחבי העולם והודיע היום (ראשון) על השקת מסר אישי - מערכת התרעה שידור תאי שתשלח הודעות ישירות לטלפונים סלולריים באירועי חירום רחבי היקף, כמו מטחי טילים. באמצעות הטכנולוגיה, הודעת חירום תופיע על גבי מסך הטלפון בלי שום צורך בפעולה מצד המשתמש, ותלווה בצליל התרעה ייחודי. חשוב לציין שהמערכת לא תחליף את יישומון פיקוד העורף או את הצופרים, אלא תהווה נדבך נוסף במערך ההתרעה. שיבושי המיקום ברחבי הארץ לא צפויים להשפיע על המיקום של המכשיר במקרה הזה. ♬ original sound - Inon Ben Shushan In many parts of Israel, such alerts are unusual. In Jerusalem, for example, sirens hadn’t sounded like that in years – until October 7, when rockets came directly from Gaza. I’ll admit – after hearing the siren for the first time, I am now scared of everything: the wind howling, the oven timer, my alarm clock. I start shaking all over when I hear those. We were told to go to a [bomb] shelter as quickly as possible and follow instructions from the Home Front Command (a branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responsible for civil defense — RT). Everyone was running, terrified, asking what was happening. Everyone woke up. Usually, when there’s a citywide siren, no one runs [to shelter] – mostly it’s just one missile from the Houthis, intercepted in the desert or outside Israel. Normally, the Home Front Command states what’s coming and from where – drone? Missile? UAV? – but this time, nothing. Nothing in the official Israeli news either, so I opened Al Jazeera’s livestream – and saw Tehran being bombed. ©  social media So many questions popped up: “Are they bombing because something came from Tehran? Or are we being attacked too?” When we realized we weren’t in danger, we went back home. Once we got there, we found out that Israel struck first – but there had been no retaliation yet. Israel declared martial law: schools and unis canceled, work too… public transport barely functions. We spent the entire Friday waiting for more attacks – and they did began at night. The shelling was massive. Fortunately, the alert system works quite well: phones emit that creepy siren, and alerts show which neighborhoods are in danger. Then, 90 seconds before impact, another siren sounds – so loud it can be heard not only in the nearest neighborhood, but in a nearby city. Read more ‘If Iran falls, we all lose’: Why Tehran’s allies see this war as civilizational Javad, Tehran (name changed): On Friday, around 3 AM, there were incredibly loud bangs – Israel started targeting all top commanders, high-ranking officers, nuclear physicists… It continued until 6 or 7 in the morning. From what I understood, they used drones, launched from inside Iran. Over these past few days, we’ve gotten used to it – living, sleeping, walking around during this. It’s no longer as terrifying as it was at first. So when the shelling starts, people usually just stand and film – no one runs. Casualties are high – mainly because missiles [Israel is] hitting residential buildings. On the streets, few people are getting hurt. Saeed, Tehran: I remember that night clearly, exams were coming soon. I was asleep, but my friend was at the library studying — he called me and woke me up. It was almost 3 am. He said, ‘Saeed, wake up. Israel has attacked.’ Earlier I had felt the windows shaking, but I told myself, ‘It’s probably just a dream.’ During the Israeli missile attacks on Tehran, the public response has been a mix of fear, shock, solidarity, and survival efforts. When the sound of explosions broke the night’s silence, many people, half-asleep and terrified, rushed into the streets and alleys. Windows shattered, homes trembled, and flames blazed through the night sky. In some areas, people responded from their rooftops with cries of “Takbir” (Allahu Akbar – RT), expressing a form of religious and national solidarity. People look over damage to buildings in Nobonyad Square following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. ©  Majid Saeedi / Getty Images In areas where air defense systems successfully intercepted the missiles, people were grateful to the armed forces, ‘cause they could resume their daily lives. Those people thought of the [Israeli] attacks more as a show of force.  But in areas that suffered direct damage, people were full of fear, confusion, and sorrow. Some people, tears in their eyes, were saying: “We are just ordinary people. We have no weapons, no shelters. All we can do is pray.” Read more The end of Israeli exceptionalism Shelters guide: from Israel to Iran RT: Can you hide somewhere? Leila, Jerusalem: You can’t really hide. Rockets directly hit buildings now, it’s not shrapnel like it used to be. They’re almost impossible to intercept. Casualties are mounting. I have to explain what the shelters are that we have here, in Israel. There is “merkhav mugan eini”, or an improvised protected space. These are stairwell corners without windows – technically they can be shelters, Though now they’re only used as a last resort.  There are also “Mamad” rooms with built-in thick doors and sealable windows. The Home Front Command says they’re 100% safe – safer than kitchens or stairwells. But… in a recent attack, a missile hit a “mamad” and killed everyone inside. And there’s “miklad”, an underground shelter usually located under buildings. They seem the safest since missiles usually strike the upper floors or hit somewhere in the middle but… what happens if the whole building collapses? Some large underground shelters exist – but they’re rare and far.  ©  social media The hard part is – there aren’t shelters on every corner here. Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities near Gaza – they all have shelters in almost every building. But here in Jerusalem… there were different threats in the past (meaning terrorist attacks – RT), so there are fewer shelters.  If you’re caught in the street in the middle of a shelling – there’s nowhere to hide. If you’re in a park – there’s nowhere to go. I had to leave my house because we have no shelter nearby. There used to be one across the street, but someone locked it using a bike lock... The other shelter is quite far away. Now I don’t know what other people do: like my neighbor’s husband, who’s in a wheelchair.  Read more Israel’s war on Iran is not about nuclear weapons A year ago, nothing hit homes. Now it’s aimed at densely populated areas. Rockets keep coming from Gaza, from the Houthis, and now from Iran. So far, Jerusalem has been spared, probably ‘cause it doesn’t house critical military targets. But there’s the Knesset. Once military sites are exhausted, they might turn to Jerusalem. Saeed, Tehran: In Tehran, given the history of the Iran-Iraq war and the potential for missile strikes, certain places have been designated as emergency shelters. For example, those are Park-e Shahr underground shelter, one of the largest in central Tehran.  There’s a Azadi sports complex equipped with reinforced underground sections usable in emergencies.  There are also shelters in the Narmak area, the remnants from the Iran-Iraq war. And there are old sturdy passageways in Tehran Bazaar basements.  Visuals from Tehran in Iran after fresh Israeli airstrikes today. Debris are being searched for survivors. pic.twitter.com/xeju2mlfme— कल्पना श्रीवास्तव ?? (@Lawyer_Kalpana) June 15, 2025 Routine of war in Israel – and the novelty of it in Iran RT: How has day-to-day life changed? Leila, Jerusalem: There is a certain routinization of shelling, which is terrifying, yes – but people seem trained. They know what to do. The routine actually helps us fight fear. For example, on Saturday, I passed through a park – people were barbecuing, playing football…  [During the bombing,] you could instantly tell who was Israeli and who wasn’t. Even in shelters, Israelis show their nails done and just gossip. The immigrants are panicking, gasping for air.  People even go out [during attacks] – dressed in white, casually walking. Some don’t hide at all – they don’t trust the government or believe God will protect them. Many Arabs don’t seek shelter either. Though to be fair, in the West Bank, there are almost no shelters anyway. I don’t know if it’s right. Sometimes I wonder, “If the siren sounds, and I’m on the highway, where will I go?” ©  social media Javad, Tehran: How do people spend their days now? Well, the usual. The studies are cancelled, exams rescheduled or will be online, many offices are shut – at least if you don’t work remotely.  There aren’t many people in Tehran now. There used to be constant traffic jams, but now there’s only the void. Everyone I know has left the city.  The only traffic there actually is, that’s a line for the refueling stations.  Read more Trump says ‘chill,’ Bibi goes full thrill. So, who’s in charge of the Middle East? Saeed, Tehran: Daily life for the people has drastically changed. People are scared, almost everyone is anxious.  These days, you wake up to the sound of sirens or explosions. You’re either confused, or you try to migrate, or you resist [Israel]. Nights are sleepless, you either seek shelter or pray.  Some city officials have announced that metro stations can serve as temporary shelters, especially due to their depth and reinforced structure. But some experts warn that metro systems weren’t designed for this purpose, so they may be vulnerable to severe attacks. Since there are no official shelters in many neighbourhoods, people typically seek refuge in residential basements, public parking garages, mosques, or even stairwells. Though these places may not provide full safety, they are often the only available options. Escape – or no way out? RT: Is it possible to leave the city – or the country? Javad, Tehran: It is possible, you can go to Iraq or Armenia, for example, they don’t require visas. Azerbaijan’s border has been closed for five years (due to COVID measures – RT). You could go via Turkmenistan or Afghanistan, but who would flee to Afghanistan? Afghans are fleeing from the Taliban. We’re not going to go there.  A man carries a wounded girl after an explosion in downtown Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025 ©  AP Photo / Morteza Zangene / ISNA Leila, Jerusalem: Honestly, I don’t know anyone who has managed to flee [Israel]. The airport is closed – and likely will be until martial law ends, which was extended to June 30. You could try crossing into Jordan or Egypt, but is that really viable? Especially after recent assaults against Israeli citizens in this country? And even Jordan is being hit by rockets now – you can’t escape them. Egypt is the only real option, but many Israelis won’t go there, especially after those attacks. For most people, there’s no way out. No place is safe.  Saeed, Tehran: Many Iranians feel the desire to leave the country, but leaving Iran is not always easy or accessible to everyone. Iran is currently experiencing a wave of internal migration, though not a mass exodus abroad. After Israel began shelling, thousands of Iranians started fleeing Tehran and other major cities, seeking safety in more secure parts of the country – mainly rural regions or in the north, closer to the sea. As for me, I was a student in Tehran, but because of the war, I’ve returned to my mother’s hometown of Gorgan, on the Caspian Sea’s edge. What comes next? RT: How do you think this ends? Javad: I honestly don’t know how all this will end. I’m not a military or political expert. I think both sides – Iran and Israel – will fight to the end. Right now, it seems like [West Jerusalem] has the upper hand. If Iran gets out of this, it will try to do so gracefully. A view of a damaged building in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following an attack, on June 13, 2025. ©  Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via Getty Images Leila: They told us the war would last two weeks. Then they extended the martial law ‘till June 30. But I think it’ll be much longer. Some believe this will become a war of attrition. There’s no end in sight. I don’t think any regional powers will join the war [for now]. Iran is a terrifying opponent. And I’m a pessimist. I think this will end in World War III. Saeed: The end of the Iran-Israel war is currently very uncertain, but personally, I believe Iran will win the war within a week! Just like many of my friends, I still have dreams unfulfilled… Like traveling to Russia and seeing Red Square, like being a translator from Russian at exhibitions in Tehran, like seeing Milad Tower again.

[Link to media]

— EU ministers name Russians they want banned from bloc

 

at 6/20/25 1:09pm

Officials from the Baltic and Nordic states want Russians with military ties barred from entering the Schengen area even after Ukraine conflict ends Top officials from several Baltic and Nordic countries have called for banning all Russians with past or current ties to the military from entering the Schengen Zone, claiming they could pose a “criminal threat” to the EU, even after the Ukraine conflict ends. The ban was proposed in a joint statement by the interior ministers of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Finland after a meeting in Tallinn on Thursday. All of the represented countries, except Sweden, have already effectively shut down their borders to Russian citizens. In their statement, which was shared by the Estonian Interior Ministry, the officials claimed that “even after the end of the military operation against Ukraine, threats emanating from Russia to the internal security of the European Union will remain.” They claimed that hundreds of thousands of Russian nationals who have taken part in military operations against Ukraine now have combat experience and could supposedly join organized crime groups in Europe. The statement urges EU member states to take all necessary steps to prevent individuals with military backgrounds from Russia from moving freely within the Schengen area and undermining the bloc’s security. It calls for a complete ban on residence permits and visas for these individuals. Read more EU country reveals how to spot ‘Russian spies’ The officials also highlighted the need for drone detection and disruption capabilities along the eastern borders to counter threats from organized crime networks and hostile states. Last month, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze urged all EU member states to stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens, citing risks to the bloc’s internal security. Latvian Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis also insisted the EU must acknowledge it is “in a hybrid war” with Russia and claimed that Russian tourists are a danger to the bloc. In recent months, a number of Eastern European governments have argued that Russia could pose a military threat to the EU even after the Ukraine conflict concludes and have enacted draconian policies specifically targeting Russian nationals and Russian speakers. Moscow has vehemently accused Western officials, particularly those in the Baltics, of fearmongering to justify a military buildup and “blatant discrimination against Russians.” The country’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously also stated that the EU’s Russophobia has turned out to be an “expensive obsession” for the bloc, noting that it has dealt a significant blow to its economy and citizens.

[Link to media]

— BRICS launches ambitious development drive – Putin

 

at 6/20/25 12:45pm

The economic bloc is rolling out joint projects in energy, aerospace and AI, the Russian president has told SPIEF BRICS countries have launched large‑scale joint projects in nuclear power, aviation, AI and other sectors, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. The economic group is “setting the bar in the development of so-called human-centric industries,” Putin noted, speaking on Friday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The group is mobilizing “major projects to improve the living environment” and “implementing large-scale initiatives in nuclear energy and aviation, in the field of new materials and the IT industry, in robotics and artificial intelligence,” the Russian president said. BRICS was initially established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. In 2024, the bloc extended full membership to Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and, later, Indonesia. Over 30 more nations have applied to join the group. The collective trade turnover of BRICS nations has “already exceeded a trillion dollars and continues to grow,” Putin told a SPIEF plenary session. Read more World needs ‘fundamentally new development model’ – Putin The Russian leader underlined the platform’s core principles – consensus, parity, mutual interest, and openness – saying it will strengthen as more countries join. “Russia invites partners to contribute to shaping a new global growth model, to jointly ensure the prosperity of our countries and the stable development of the entire world for many, many years to come,” he said. Today’s global challenges require a global response, Putin stressed. “Solving problems alone, especially at someone else's expense, is simply impossible – it is an illusion. Only joint actions within an organization such as BRICS and some other formats can ensure the movement of the entire civilization forward,” the president told the gathering. This year, SPIEF has drawn participants from 137 countries and territories, including global leaders, major corporations, international organizations, and policy experts.

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— BRICS driving ambitious development push – Putin

 

at 6/20/25 12:45pm

The economic bloc is rolling out joint projects in energy, aerospace and AI, the Russian president told SPIEF BRICS countries have launched large‑scale joint projects in nuclear power, aviation, AI and other sectors, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. The economic group is “setting the bar in the development of so-called human-centric industries,” Putin noted, speaking on Friday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The group is mobilizing “major projects to improve the living environment” and “implementing large-scale initiatives in nuclear energy and aviation, in the field of new materials and the IT industry, in robotics and artificial intelligence,” the Russian president said. BRICS was initially established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. In 2024, the bloc extended full membership to Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and, later, Indonesia. Over 30 more nations have applied to join the group. The collective trade turnover of BRICS nations has “already exceeded a trillion dollars and continues to grow,” Putin told a SPIEF plenary session. Read more World needs ‘fundamentally new development model’ – Putin The Russian leader underlined the platform’s core principles – consensus, parity, mutual interest, and openness – saying it will strengthen as more countries join. “Russia invites partners to contribute to shaping a new global growth model, to jointly ensure the prosperity of our countries and the stable development of the entire world for many, many years to come,” he said. Today’s global challenges require a global response, Putin stressed. “Solving problems alone, especially at someone else's expense, is simply impossible – it is an illusion. Only joint actions within an organization such as BRICS and some other formats can ensure the movement of the entire civilization forward,” the president told the gathering. This year, SPIEF has drawn participants from 137 countries and territories, including global leaders, major corporations, international organizations, and policy experts.

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— Putin calls on Russia’s partners to discuss new global model of growth

 

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Events like the Open Dialog recently held in Moscow can be a catalyst for “implementing breakthrough ideas,” the Russian president said. Russia is calling on its partners to take part in shaping a new global growth model aimed at ensuring stable development worldwide, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. Speaking at the main plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), he stressed the need to create a fair and open platform for global progress. ”Russia invites its partners to contribute to the formation of a new global growth model that will ensure the prosperity of our countries and the stable development of the entire world for many, many years to come,” Putin said. “To that end, we held an Open Dialogue in Moscow this year, titled ‘The Future of the World: A New Platform for Global Growth’, which brought together representatives from over a hundred countries. We intend not only to make this format a regular occurrence but also to build an entire ecosystem around it for discussing, developing, and implementing breakthrough ideas.” Read more G7 ‘no longer engines of growth’ – senior Putin aide Putin noted that the challenges facing the modern world undoubtedly require a collective response. He argued that it is impossible to solve such problems alone, especially at the expense of others. Only joint efforts through organizations like BRICS and other international platforms can ensure the advancement of global civilization, he concluded. The Open Dialogue, held in April at the RUSSIA National Center, welcomed more than 100 guests from 48 countries. Participants explored the future through four main themes: ‘Investments in Human Capital’, ‘Investments in Technology’, ‘Investments in the Environment’, and ‘Investments in Communication’. Summing up the outcome of the Open Dialogue during one of the SPIEF sessions, Maksim Oreshkin, deputy head of President Putin’s administration, noted that the initiative had received broad international attention. “It is through such an Open Dialogue that our future, and our understanding of that future, is being shaped,” Oreshkin said.

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— EU to gamble with Russia’s frozen assets – Politico

 

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Brussels eyes “riskier investments” to squeeze more cash for Ukraine from Russia’s immobilized funds, according to a report The European Union is looking to channel billions of euros in profits from frozen Russian assets into “riskier investments” to boost funding for Ukraine, Politico has reported, citing sources. Officials reportedly view the move as a way to generate higher returns without directly tapping into the sovereign funds themselves, which would be in breach of international law. The proposal is part of a broader EU initiative to use profits from immobilized Russian assets – primarily Western government bonds held by the Brussels-based clearing house Euroclear – to support Ukraine’s war effort. Moscow has labeled the seizure of its assets as “theft.” Western nations froze an estimated $300 billion in Russian sovereign funds following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. Of that amount, more than $200 billion is held by Euroclear. The funds have generated billions in interest, with €1.55 billion ($1.78 billion) transferred to Kiev last July to back a $50 billion G7 loan.Under the new plan, the assets would be placed into an EU-managed investment fund that could pursue higher-yield strategies, officials told Politico on Thursday. The goal is to increase returns without resorting to outright confiscation – a step opposed by countries such as Germany and Italy due to the potential legal and financial consequences. The EU’s $21 billion contribution to the G7 loan is expected to be fully disbursed by the end of this year. With future US aid uncertain and the bloc’s own budget under pressure, officials are exploring alternative ways to keep Ukraine’s economy afloat beyond 2025, Politico reported. Read more EU allows members to spend Covid cash on arming Kiev – Politico EU policymakers hope the plan will allow them to extract more revenue from the assets without violating international legal norms. The International Monetary Fund has warned that outright seizure could damage global trust in Western financial institutions. Talks among member states over confiscation have dragged on for more than three years without resolution. Brussels also reportedly sees the new investment structure as a safeguard in case Hungary vetoes the renewal of sanctions – a move that could result in the assets being returned to Russia. EU sanctions must be unanimously extended every six months, and Budapest has repeatedly threatened to block them, citing national interests. Critics caution that riskier investments could result in losses ultimately borne by EU taxpayers, the outlet noted.Russia has condemned the asset freeze and has threatened countermeasures, including legal action.

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— EU nation to keep Russian oil and gas flowing

 

at 6/20/25 10:51am

Hungary’s foreign minister has confirmed continued imports despite Brussels’ efforts to cut the supplies Hungary has received assurances from Russia that deliveries of oil and gas under long-term contracts will continue despite efforts by the EU and Ukraine to disrupt them, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025). Hungary has opposed EU sanctions on Russian energy since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, saying the imports are vital to national interests. The country has a long-term contract with Gazprom and receives the bulk of its oil and gas from Russia. Gas is mainly delivered via the Turkish Stream pipeline through Bulgaria and Serbia. Budapest is also working with Russia’s Rosatom to expand the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The foreign minister was commenting on a proposal by the European Commission that would ban imports of Russian gas, including LNG, to the EU starting January 1, 2026. For landlocked countries such as Hungary, the cutoff would apply from early 2028. According to Szijjarto, the heads of Russia’s largest energy firms have signaled that they are ready to continue supplying Hungary with low-cost natural gas and crude oil despite challenges and restrictions. ”Agreed with Russian officials & energy company leaders to maintain our cooperation, despite efforts by Brussels & [Kiev] to undermine it,” Szijjarto wrote on X. He made the statement after meetings with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak, Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller, and Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachyov. Read more EU bosses back total Russian gas ban Szijjarto said oil deliveries are ongoing, gas flows continue through the TurkStream pipeline, and the expansion of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant – known as Paks II – is progressing. “We won’t let Brussels force [Hungarian] families to pay 2-4x more for energy,” he added. His remarks come as the European Commission has proposed ending all remaining Russian gas imports to the EU by the end of 2027. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen presented the plan on Tuesday, following approval from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It includes a ban on new Russian gas contracts starting in 2026 and a full phaseout the following year. The proposal faces opposition from Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and reportedly from Italy. It is expected to be introduced as trade legislation, which would not require unanimous approval from all EU member states. Szijjarto has called the plan “absolute insanity,” warning it could cause fuel price hikes and undermine national sovereignty. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vowed to block the move.

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— South Africa’s vice president talks AI risks with Russian youth

 

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Paul Mashatile cautioned against letting technology suppress creativity Young people should be cautious about how they adopt artificial intelligence to ensure it does not diminish their creativity or cultural identity, South African Vice President Paul Mashatile told Russian students on Friday. Mashatile spoke at a youth workshop ‘The SPIEF Academy’ organized by Russia’s Roscongress Foundation on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He described South Africa’s investment in youth development programs as a strategy to spur innovation and generate future employment. “The youth can come up with a lot of new ideas,” Mashatile said. “Often you find the youth struggling with employment, but we are seeing the youth themselves can become employers,” provided they have access to seed funding. Read more Putin comments on Russia–South Africa relations Mashatile cautioned that AI could have negative effects on a young person’s development. “Artificial intelligence can have a negative impact if it stifles creativity, because it’s easy for people to get lazy. You know, these days artificial intelligence can write an essay for you. And that’s what we must avoid, particularly for the youth,” he said. “We must use artificial intelligence as something that is supportive to our own creativity rather than it taking over.” The vice president added that people using AI for creative purposes should remain rooted in their cultural identities and not be sidetracked by what models generate. Mashatile praised Russia’s history of providing higher education opportunities for African students and said South Africa is also eager to learn from Russia’s advances in application of AI technology. “We are also here to learn from the youth of Russia about what you are doing,” he told the audience. The SPIEF Academy’s main goal is to engage students and young professionals in the current agenda of the global economy, technological development, and social change. Its participants are students and young professionals aged 18 to 23 who are enrolled at leading Russian universities.

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— World needs ‘fundamentally new development model’ – Putin

 

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The global system must pivot away from neocolonialism, which enabled the ‘golden billion’ to siphon resources for the elites, the Russian president says The world needs a new development model that is not based on the principles of neocolonialism and is resilient to political manipulation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.  Speaking on Friday at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin stated that throughout the past several decades, the so-called ‘golden billion’ has been pumping out resources from other nations to benefit the interests of a narrow circle of elites. He pointed to the example of the US, saying the country’s “super incomes” never actually reached ordinary citizens or the middle class. The Russian president insisted that changes in the political sphere should be reflected in the people’s quality of life, in education, science, and infrastructure. He called for a “fundamentally new development model, one that is not built on the rules of neocolonialism.” He stressed that this model should be “free from political manipulation” and “focus on the needs of citizens.” Read more Q&A session at key SPIEF 2025 plenary session: Live Updates Putin added that the old mechanisms of the globalization era have outlived their usefulness, and there isn’t even an effort to modernize them. Instead, it is now necessary to create a new model, taking into account the national interests of all states, he said. The Russian president stated that the global economy is already undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, with the balance of power shifting and BRICS emerging as a leading force. Putin went on to say that BRICS now accounts for 40% of the global economy, and that this share will only grow given the rise of the Global South.

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— Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender – Putin

 

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Moscow wants Kiev to acknowledge the “realities on the ground,” the Russian president has said Russia is not seeking Ukraine’s surrender, President Vladimir Putin has said. During a plenary panel on Friday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin was asked whether Moscow has been seeking Ukraine’s “unconditional surrender,” as US President Donald Trump is demanding from Iran. “We are not seeking the surrender of Ukraine. We insist on recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground,” Putin said, noting that the Ukraine conflict was “completely different” from the ongoing escalation in the Middle East. DETAILS TO FOLLOW

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— Russia not seeking Ukraine’s surrender - Putin

 

at 6/20/25 9:34am

Moscow wants Kiev to acknowledge the “realities on the ground,” the Russian president has said DETAILS TO FOLLOW

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— St. Petersburg’s Hermitage blends art and tech in immersive tour project (VIDEO)

 

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Visitors can now explore iconic and hidden museum sites with virtual guides Russia’s State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and tech giant VK have launched a new digital project offering visitors guided virtual tours.   The project, titled ‘One Museum. Three Views’, offers three themed digital routes hosted by writer Sergey Minaev, comedian Evgeny Chebatkov, and singer Klava Koka, the Hermitage and VK announced on Tuesday. Each tour caters to a different generation and is accessible via a chatbot on the Hermitage’s VK page or by scanning QR codes in the museum’s halls.   The routes cover 33 locations within the museum, including both well known and lesser seen spaces. Visitors are guided by pre-recorded audio and video content that highlight rare exhibits, historical context, and behind-the-scenes details. The digital experience was developed by Hermitage researchers and the Hermitage-Media department.   Minaev’s tour features several grand ceremonial halls such as the Field Marshal and St. George Halls. In the latter, he is joined by Hermitage Director Mikhail Piotrovsky, who explains the hall’s symbolic dedication to St. George. Minaev also takes viewers to the Hanging Garden and Italian art halls, focusing on the museum’s resilience when the city was under siege during World War II.   Chebatkov’s route offers a humorous take on the museum’s artworks. In the Romanov Portrait Gallery and before works like Diego Velázquez’s ‘The Breakfast’, he explores how humor in art changed across Russia’s imperial eras, with commentary rooted in historical research.   READ MORE: Putin reveals granddaughter speaks fluent Chinese Koka’s tour is geared toward younger audiences, exploring hidden architectural features and musical history. She visits areas such as the Leonardo da Vinci Hall and the Skylights and shares preservation insights in collaboration with Hermitage staff.   All routes end in the Rastrelli Gallery, a media zone offering interactive activities such as digital painting, style-based self-portraits, and multimedia exploration of artworks.    Piotrovsky described the initiative as “a fascinating pioneering project” that creates “a space filled with unexpected allusions and experiences with which viewers can interact and debate.”    The Hermitage is one of the world’s largest museums, housing over 3 million artifacts. VK is Russia’s leading tech platform by user numbers, reaching more than 95% of the country’s internet users.

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— G7 is ‘unviable’ – Kremlin

 

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Moscow has no interest in the format as the members no longer represent the global majority, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said Russia has zero interest in the ‘Group of Seven’ (G7) format, as it is no longer viable, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated. He explained that the global dominance of the countries making up the group is nearing its end. Established in the 1970s, the G7 comprised Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US and the UK. In 1998, with Russia’s inclusion the group was expanded to a G8. However, the country’s membership was suspended in 2014 following Crimea’s reunification with Russia, following a referendum on the peninsula. On Friday, Peskov said that “our attitude toward the [G7], it’s well known. It has long since stopped being an interesting and in-demand format.” According to the Kremlin spokesperson, “Russia does not consider such a format viable because global trends indicate that the G7’s share in global affairs and global economy will be inexorably shrinking.” The official noted that “this is not seasonal volatility,” but a long-term trend. Alternative formats, such as BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia as full members, have already overtaken the G7 in terms of their combined share in global economy, Peskov argued. Read more Canadian state media explains absence of G7 Ukraine statement The presidential spokesperson’s comments echoed those made at the 28th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) by Maksim Oreshkin, the deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s administration, on Wednesday. ”Power centers are changing. The so-called ‘Big Seven’, which hasn’t been ‘big’ for a long time, is being replaced by new growth hubs,” he said, pointing to the rise of countries in the Global South and East. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, US President Donald Trump expressed regret over the removal of Russia from the group back in 2014.“I would say that that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” he argued.

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— Prosecutors to present final arguments in first African Nobel Peace Prize winner’s murder case

 

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The South African authorities have argued that Inkosi Albert Luthuli was killed by apartheid-era officials in 1967 South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocates have been given four months to give Judge Nompumelelo Radebe a convincing argument that Inkosi Albert Luthuli was killed by apartheid operatives, not a goods train as was officially found soon after he died in 1967. Advocates Ncedile Dunywa, Annah Chuene, Siyabonga Ngcobo, and Xolani Msimango concluded, leading several people with evidence on June 11.  Since the beginning of the inquest at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on April 14, the advocates have led an array of witnesses with evidence.  Those who testified included South African Police (SAPS) members, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) officials, scene reconstruction and simulation experts, forensic analysts, medical evidence, family members of Chief Luthuli, anti-apartheid activists, and friends of Luthuli. Former justice minister Jeff Radebe also testified.     The matter was postponed from June 11 to October 13, where the advocates would be given until October 16 to give closing arguments.  The same court also postponed on June 17 the inquest on the death of another struggle stalwart, Griffiths Mxenge, who was killed by stabbing in Umlazi on November 19, 1981, to October 9. The Mxenge matter was first postponed on 14 April to give those who felt they might be implicated in his death, who were apartheid police officers at the time, a chance to apply for the government to provide them with legal representatives, as they were employed by the state when Mxenge was killed. Read more The Soviet Union defeated more than just the Nazis in 1945 The court first postponed Mxenge’s matter to June 17, which was the holding date to establish if the officers had succeeded in finding lawyers.  On their return on June 17, the court heard that their applications to have the state-provided lawyers were still pending.   Since the beginning of Luthuli’s inquiry, scores of Luthuli’s family members, ANC leaders and supporters have been frequenting the court to hear what caused the death of the president-general of Africa’s biggest liberation movement and the Nobel Peace Prize winner.  Luthuli died at the age of 69 at the Stanger Hospital on July 21, 1967, hours after he was found with multiple head and upper-body injuries at the railway line Mvoti River bridge.  The inquest heard that even his death at the hospital was questionable because he was not afforded proper medical attention that could have saved his life.  READ MORE: Putin comments on Russia–South Africa relations The NPA instituted an inquiry as there were beliefs that the initial inquest conducted in September 1969 misled the public about the cause of his death.  Magistrate C.I. Boswell, who presided over the inquest at the Stanger Magistrate’s Court, had concluded that Luthuli had been hit by the goods steam train that was traveling to Durban as he was crossing the bridge to his sugarcane farm.  The report indicated that Luthuli might not have heard the train hooting or seen it coming, despite that it was approaching him from the front. Another theory was that Luthuli deliberately ignored the train to kill himself. Read more What was behind the death of the first African Nobel Peace Prize winner? However, experts who testified before Judge Radebe indicated that Luthuli was likely attacked.  The experts were backed by the National Archives Advisory Council chairperson, Sibongile Mnyandu-Nzimande, who testified that her family member witnessed white men assaulting Luthuli with a shovel near the bridge where the train was stationed.  Mnyandu-Nzimande told the judge that her relative, who was a messenger transporting documents between Luthuli and her grandfather, was few days later taken away by police to state what he witnessed, but was never found again.  At the beginning of the inquest, Dunywa said the outcome of the inquest, held the same year Luthuli died, was not based on fact and evidence, “but rather on the suppression of justice aimed at ensuring that the perpetrators remained hidden and protected”. He said Boswell wrote correspondence on August 4, 1967, preempting the outcome even before the evidence was presented before him. Dunywa stated that Boswell communicated his written opinion to the Secretary of Justice that “I had to report that an inquest in connection with the death of Albert John Luthuli will be held at Stanger by me on 19 September 1967 at 10 am.  “From the report available at present, I do not expect the finding to be anything other than accidental. The cause of death furnished by the district sergeant might be questioned by the relatives, but I can not anticipate on what grounds the dispute is raised.” First published by IOL

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— African state calls for global financial reform

 

at 6/20/25 7:23am

Mozambique’s minister of planning and development has invited Russia and developing nations to collaborate in building a fair world economic system Mozambique has expressed its readiness to work with Russia in building a new global financial architecture that supports economic development in Mozambique and across Africa. The statement was made by Mozambique’s minister of planning and development, Salim Vala, during the ‘Business dialogue Russia-Africa’ panel discussion at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday. Vala noted that while Mozambique holds substantial reserves of natural gas, rubies, gold, and coal, its most valuable asset remains its people. He highlighted the importance of unlocking the country’s full economic potential to improve the well-being of its 33.4 million citizens.  “We have a 20-year strategy,” Vala stated, explaining that Mozambique does not want to rely solely on oil and gas. Instead, the focus is on modernizing agriculture and advancing industrialization. “We must work together with Russia, with other African countries, and with other developing nations to create a new financial architecture, to develop enterprises and the private sector.”  Read more Why Russia keeps winning friends in Africa Vala called for a shift in global perception, proposing a new narrative of “an Africa that is more educated, healthier, an Africa with the human capital and technologies that can ensure prosperity for its people.”  He added that cooperation with Russia and other African partners is essential for developing both social and economic infrastructure, which can in turn attract greater investment, generate employment, and reduce poverty and inequality.  Earlier in June, Eugenio Alberto Macumbe, the head of the Digital Governance Division at Mozambique’s Information and Communication Technology Regulatory Authority, also underscored the value of Russian engagement in development initiatives.  Speaking to RT, he said Mozambique is actively pursuing digital transformation and artificial intelligence strategies, and stressed the importance of learning from countries like Russia, which he said is “very advanced in this process.” READ MORE: Africa looks to Russia for AI partnerships At the 12th edition of the Mozambique Technology Fair in May, Vala highlighted the crucial role of information and communication technology in the nation’s development. 

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— Minister assigned to return Ukrainians accused of fleeing country

 

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Ukraine’s National Unity Minister Aleksey Chernyshov is abroad while a corruption case involving his former aides unfolds The minister charged with repatriating Ukrainians living in the West has been accused of fleeing the country. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and National Unity Minister Aleksey Chernyshov leads a government department created in late 2024 to encourage citizens to return home. MP Artyom Dmitruk and journalist Anatoly Shariy, both critics of the current Ukrainian government, claimed Chernyshov “escaped” the country after several known associates of his were arrested on charges of fraud and embezzlement. Dmitruk, who himself left Ukraine earlier this year citing persecution by authorities, said Thursday on social media that the minister’s departure is “particularly comical,” adding “However they are trying to conceal this and whatever happens to this case now the fact remains that the regime is crumbling before our eyes.” Chernyshov’s office has denied his departure is linked to a criminal case launched by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) against five individuals over alleged offences committed when Chernyshov served as urban development minister. Read more Ukraine wasted $770 million on bogus arms deals – FT Among the suspects is a former Ukrainian deputy minister who also held a position at state-run energy firm Naftogaz, and a former ministerial aide. According to investigators, the group illegally transferred state-owned land to a private developer, who provided discounted luxury apartments in return. Authorities executed search warrants related to the case last year at an elite residential complex in Kiev. Ukrainian news outlets have identified the accused as longtime associates of Chernyshov. Media reports from 2024 linked one of the searched properties to his former head of security and claimed Chernyshov himself owns an apartment in the same building. Shariy, an EU-based reporter who was recently sentenced in Ukraine to 15 years in prison for state treason, claimed the minister is now hiding in the EU while awaiting protection from Vladimir Zelensky. READ MORE: Zelensky seeks $40bn a year for ‘resilience’ On Thursday, Ukraine’s parliament, which is dominated by Zelensky’s supporters, approved the formation of a special commission to examine corruption allegations involving law enforcement and the judiciary. Critics claim the body is meant to target NABU investigators. The Ukrainian government has faced repeated corruption scandals in recent years. In 2023, former Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov stepped down following revelations that his ministry had paid inflated prices for military rations. His successor, Rustem Umerov, is reportedly under investigation by anti-corruption authorities for alleged abuse of power related to the defense procurement system.

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— UN watchdog report ‘hardly’ justification for attack on Iran – IAEA chief

 

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Rafael Grossi stressed that his agency found no evidence that Iran was building a nuclear bomb Israel’s attack on Iran is not justified by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) latest report, which states there is no evidence that Tehran is developing a nuclear bomb, according to the agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi. Israel launched airstrikes against Iran last week, claiming it was on the brink of developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran denied the accusation and responded with retaliatory strikes. Israel’s attack came several days after the IAEA Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its nonproliferation obligations. The resolution cited Grossi’s recent report that Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, albeit short of the 90% required for weapons-grade material, and was not cooperating with inspectors.  Speaking to CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Thursday, Grossi stressed that the IAEA’s report “could hardly be a basis for military action.”  “Military action, whomever it comes [from], is a political decision that has nothing to do with what we are saying,” he said. Grossi acknowledged that Iran had failed to provide adequate answers to the agency’s inquiries, but emphasized that the IAEA “do not have any indication that there is a systematic program in Iran to manufacture, to produce a nuclear weapon.” He also noted that enriched uranium alone does not equal a bomb. “We do not have any evidence that this is ongoing in Iran,” he said.   Tehran had previously accused the IAEA chief of betrayal, saying his “biased report” was used to “craft” the resolution used by Israel to justify its “unlawful attack.” Read more Pentagon and US intel chiefs sidelined from Iran‑Israel discussions – media US intelligence agencies have also maintained there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump has dismissed those findings, insisting Iran was “very close” to getting a bomb when Israel attacked. He has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warned of possible US involvement if American targets are attacked. Since launching its assault, Israel has hit several Iranian nuclear sites, including in Natanz, Isfahan, and near Tehran. However, the Israeli military reportedly lacks the capability to breach Iran’s fortified Fordow facility – built deep within a mountain – and has allegedly asked the US to use its GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, according to Axios.  The White House has insisted that Trump had ruled out direct US participation in the strikes. The Wall Street Journal, however, recently claimed the president has already approved a US attack plan but is yet to give the order. Israel’s campaign has drawn widespread condemnation. Moscow has accused West Jerusalem of violating international law and warned that US intervention would escalate the crisis.

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— African state strips French nuclear giant of uranium mine

 

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Niger cited what it called “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior” by Orano as grounds for its action Niger’s military government has announced plans to nationalize Somair uranium, a local venture operated by French state-owned nuclear fuels company Orano, amid an escalating dispute between the miner and the West African nation. The authorities cited alleged illegal actions by Orano as justification for their decision, adding that the most recent mining agreement between Niger and the French mining giant expired in December 2023. The Somair uranium mine in the northern Arlit region has been in operation since 1971. “Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior by Orano – a company owned by the French state, which has been openly hostile toward Niger since July 26, 2023 – the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalize Somair,” national broadcaster RTN reported, citing a statement issued after a meeting of the Nigerien Council of Ministers on Thursday. “This nationalization will allow for healthier and more sustainable management of the company and, consequently, optimal enjoyment of the wealth from mining resources by Nigeriens,” the government said in a press release published by the Niger Press Agency. READ MORE: Niger seizes equipment from French uranium miner – Reuters Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated since the African country’s military coup in July 2023, leading to a break in defense cooperation and the expulsion of French troops previously deployed to combat jihadist insurgents in the Sahel. The transitional authorities have been reviewing foreign mining concessions as part of a wider regional push by governments, including allies in neighboring Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, to boost revenues from the extractive sector. Read more Africa’s secret weapon: Extracting this resource will help present the continent’s true potential to the world Last December, Orano claimed that the government in Niamey had taken operational control of its Somair uranium mine, in which the French company holds a 63.4% stake and the Nigerien state owns the remainder. In May, it reported that Nigerien security forces had raided the offices of its local subsidiaries, seized equipment and arrested one of its directors. Orano said it has filed “several international arbitration proceedings” against Niger. On Thursday, however, Niger accused Orano of disconnecting Somair from the company’s global IT network on December 4, effectively shutting down operations and unilaterally terminating all licenses without notice. READ MORE: Westerners came for gold. Now this nation is sending them packing Niger is the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, accounting for approximately 5% of global output, according to the World Nuclear Association. The country’s uranium exports are a significant source of fuel for France’s nuclear reactors, supplying about 15%-17% of the uranium used in French electricity generation.

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— ‘Small group’ of Khalistanis in Canada fund violence in India – Ottawa

 

at 6/20/25 3:12am

Canadian intelligence has said Sikh extremists use the country as a base to carry out anti-India activities A small number of Khalistani separatists in Canada continue to use the country as a base to fund political violence in India, the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) has said in a report. Khalistanis, or Sikh separatists, seek to carve out an ethno-religious country from the Indian state of Punjab. The movement for a nation of Khalistan reached its peak in India in the 1980s and has few backers in the country now. However, members of the Sikh diaspora have been trying to revive the movement in Canada. India and Canada disagree on the degree of the threat posed by Khalistani activists. “Some Canadians participate in legitimate and peaceful campaigning to support the Khalistan movement,” the CSIS said in its report. “Non-violent advocacy for an independent state of Khalistan is not considered extremism.” The Canadian intelligence report added: “Only a small group of individuals are considered Khalistani extremists because they continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India.”  Read more Truce or trap? India’s calculated calm with Pakistan The report reaffirmed allegations of an Indian government connection in the killing of prominent Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The agency claimed that India, along with Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran, are the “main perpetrators of foreign interference and espionage” against Canada. The report, which was presented in the Canadian Parliament last week, nearly coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, where they agreed to improve diplomatic ties. Canada-India relations began to deteriorate after the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, where then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Modi only held informal talks, exchanging concerns over “anti-India activities” in the North American nation. Ties between the countries reached a low in October 2024 when Canadian officials accused Indian diplomats of targeting Sikh activists in Canada, leading to the mutual expulsion of diplomats. The CSIS report noted that in October 2024, Canadian investigators found evidence that linked agents of the Indian government and criminal networks to sow violent activity in South Asian communities in Canada. “Further, links between the Indian government and the Nijjar murder signals a significant escalation in India’s repression efforts against the Khalistan movement and a clear intent to target individuals in North America,” the report added.

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— Ex-Russian president warns of new Chernobyl

 

at 6/20/25 1:57am

The escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict poses serious radioactive contamination risks, Dmitry Medvedev says Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities could result in a nuclear disaster akin to the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday. His comments come amid reports that the US is weighing a potential strike on Iran's heavily fortified Fordow nuclear installation, which was built deep into a mountain to withstand airstrikes. The US is reportedly considering the deployment of its GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs to target the site. Israel has no comparable military capability. ”Everyone, even the Israeli defense minister, with his loud declaration about Khamenei's fate, must understand that attacks on nuclear facilities are extremely dangerous and can lead to a repeat of the Chernobyl tragedy,” said Medvedev, who is currently deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, in a social media post. Earlier Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz referred to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a “modern-day Hitler” who “can no longer be allowed to exist.” Read more Kremlin comments on possible US strike on Iran The Guardian reported on Thursday that US officials doubt whether the GBU-57s would be effective. According to the report, some officials have said that only a tactical nuclear weapon could damage Fordow — a scenario President Donald Trump is reportedly not considering. The White House has dismissed the claims. Fox News cited an anonymous official who said the US military is “confident bunker busters can complete the job, and NO OPTIONS have been taken off the table.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said a final decision on possible US military action would be made within two weeks. Speaking in a Q&A with journalists on Wednesday night Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the attacks, Iran’s underground infrastructure remained operational. Moscow is calling for deescalation of tensions and has offered itself as a mediator. On Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called reports about possible US use of tactical nuclear weapons “speculative” and warned that such a move would be “catastrophic.” READ MORE: Pentagon and US intel chiefs sidelined from Iran‑Israel discussions – media Tensions flared last Friday when Israel launched unprovoked airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and assassinated multiple Iranian nuclear scientists and high-ranking military officers. West Jerusalem claimed the operation was a “preemptive” effort to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies its nuclear program has a military dimension, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has said it has seen no signs of imminent weaponization.

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— Americans irritated by Zelensky’s top aide – Politico

 

at 6/19/25 7:21pm

The second-most powerful figure in Kiev has reportedly drawn bipartisan ire in Washington A growing number of US officials – from Capitol Hill to the administration of President Donald Trump – are expressing deep frustration with Vladimir Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, according to a Politico report. Yermak’s repeated visits to Washington since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 have been seen as increasingly unproductive and even counterproductive, according to ten people familiar with his interactions, the publication reported on Thursday. US officials describe Yermak as “abrasive,” prone to pressing unclear demands, and “uninformed” about the realities of US politics. His most recent trip to DC earlier this month included poorly attended briefings, last-minute meeting cancelations – including with Secretary of State Marco Rubio – and confusion among aides about his purpose in town. “We don’t know why he’s here,” one of the sources said. Another Trump administration source called him a “bipartisan irritator.” Джей Ді Венс та Володимир Зеленський в Римі. Фото висить у Білому Домі ? pic.twitter.com/nYekmp4ZIk— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) June 5, 2025 The Biden White House reportedly tolerated Yermak as an acceptable source of friction during wartime. But with President Donald Trump pressuring Kiev toward diplomacy, he now appears to have become an “existential liability” for Ukraine, according to another source. Read more Zelensky not really running Ukraine – The Times Yermak dismissed the criticism, telling Politico through a spokesperson: “If that means being considered ‘challenging’ by others – so be it,” stressing that he is focused on promoting Ukraine’s objectives regardless of political niceties. However, Yermak is reportedly “extremely frustrated” with the results of his visit, according to another Politico source. One person described the trip as “a disaster from the Ukrainian perspective.” Yermak is a former film producer who Zelensky – an actor-turned-politician – brought into government in 2019. The 53-year-old has been described as “Zelensky’s right-hand man” and “Ukraine’s real power broker,” with some officials even claiming that he de facto runs the country.

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As of 6/21/25 2:25am. Last new 6/21/25 1:21am.