Friday, January 17, 2025
Russia launches missiles and drones at Ukraine
Sweden begins construction of massive underground nuclear vault that will last 100,000 years
"Sweden has broken ground on its ambitious $11 billion nuclear waste repository, where
highly radioactive material will rest in an underground maze of tunnels stretching 60 kilometers - longer than the New York City subway's longest line. The sprawling network, which resembles an elaborate waterpark park design minus the fun, will take a decade to build before accepting its first radioactive deposits. Nuclear waste management company SKB will oversee this complex burial, where spent fuel will be sealed in copper and iron capsules designed to safely contain radioactivity for 100,000 years. Each massive canister will be welded shut and lowered through the elaborate underground network." MS
WHO issues new warning over ‘mystery virus’ and calls for return of COVID restrictions
"The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the reinstatement of restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
continue to surge.
While hospitals in China are overwhelmed with positive cases of this respiratory illness, the number of infections is also rising in the UK, leaving other nations uncertain about how to handle the situation.
The Geneva-based organization is now urging the reintroduction of three key measures to protect populations: mask-wearing, isolation, and handwashing." MS
While hospitals in China are overwhelmed with positive cases of this respiratory illness, the number of infections is also rising in the UK, leaving other nations uncertain about how to handle the situation.
The Geneva-based organization is now urging the reintroduction of three key measures to protect populations: mask-wearing, isolation, and handwashing." MS
Red alert as Russians sneak into restricted areas of Parliament
"Russian diplomats managed to gain access to restricted areas of Parliament despite being
barred from the building.
The major security breach was revealed after MPs and peers were warned against extending invitations to officials from the country.
Anyone based at the Russian embassy in London has been banned from visiting Parliament since 2022 after Moscow sanctioned UK politicians after the invasion of Ukraine." MS
The major security breach was revealed after MPs and peers were warned against extending invitations to officials from the country.
Anyone based at the Russian embassy in London has been banned from visiting Parliament since 2022 after Moscow sanctioned UK politicians after the invasion of Ukraine." MS
Iran-Russia Partnership: Game-Changer
"The agreement on comprehensive strategic cooperation between Russia and Iran will affect
the cooperation between the two countries in the security sphere in the Middle East, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told Sputnik.
"It will undoubtedly affect [it], because Iran is a strong and influential country in the region, and Russia is a large and strong country. Therefore, it is natural that we and Russia have concentrated and will concentrate all our capabilities to maintain stability and security in the region," Jalali said." Sputnik
"It will undoubtedly affect [it], because Iran is a strong and influential country in the region, and Russia is a large and strong country. Therefore, it is natural that we and Russia have concentrated and will concentrate all our capabilities to maintain stability and security in the region," Jalali said." Sputnik
89 combat clashes
"Ukrainian forces and the Russian troops have engaged in 89 combat clashes. Battles continue across six fronts, with the heaviest fighting taking place in the Pokrovsk sector.
In the Kupiansk sector, the Russian forces attempted to storm the Ukrainian positions near Petropavlivka and Pishchany three times.
In the Lyman sector, Russians launched nine attacks on the Ukrainian positions near Kopanky, Novoserhiivka, Hrekivka, Novoplatonivka, Terniv, and Zarichne. Three clashes are ongoing.
In the Siversk sector, the Russian troops attacked the defensive positions near Verkhniokamianske and Ivano-Daryivka, with the Ukrainian forces repelling three attacks. One clash is still ongoing.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the Russian invaders launched six attacks in the areas of Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, and Hryhorivka.
In the Toretsk sector, the Russian forces carried out eight attacks near Toretsk, Krymske, Leonidivka, and Shcherbynivka, with two repelled. Fighting continues.
In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, the Russian forces have attempted 31 times to push Ukraine’s Defense Forces from their positions in the areas of Vodiane Druhe, Zelene Pole, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Uspenivka, Petropavlivka, Andriivka, Kurakhove, Dachne, and Yantarne. The defenders are holding their ground: 30 enemy attacks have already been repelled. One confrontation is still ongoing.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Russians launched ten attacks near Kostiantynivka, Velyka Novosilka, and Vremivka, three of them have been repelled. Clashes continue.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Russian forces attempted a single unsuccessful attack on the Ukrainian positions near Novodanylivka.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Russian troops made one unsuccessful attempt to storm the Ukrainian positions.
In the Kharkiv and Huliaipole sectors, no active Russian actions were reported.
In Russia’s Kursk region, the Ukrainian forces continue operations, having repelled eight Russian attacks with three ongoing clashes. The Russian forces shelled the region with 250 artillery strikes, including one from a multiple-launch rocket system."
In the Kupiansk sector, the Russian forces attempted to storm the Ukrainian positions near Petropavlivka and Pishchany three times.
In the Siversk sector, the Russian troops attacked the defensive positions near Verkhniokamianske and Ivano-Daryivka, with the Ukrainian forces repelling three attacks. One clash is still ongoing.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the Russian invaders launched six attacks in the areas of Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, and Hryhorivka.
In the Toretsk sector, the Russian forces carried out eight attacks near Toretsk, Krymske, Leonidivka, and Shcherbynivka, with two repelled. Fighting continues.
In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, the Russian forces have attempted 31 times to push Ukraine’s Defense Forces from their positions in the areas of Vodiane Druhe, Zelene Pole, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Uspenivka, Petropavlivka, Andriivka, Kurakhove, Dachne, and Yantarne. The defenders are holding their ground: 30 enemy attacks have already been repelled. One confrontation is still ongoing.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Russians launched ten attacks near Kostiantynivka, Velyka Novosilka, and Vremivka, three of them have been repelled. Clashes continue.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Russian forces attempted a single unsuccessful attack on the Ukrainian positions near Novodanylivka.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Russian troops made one unsuccessful attempt to storm the Ukrainian positions.
In the Kharkiv and Huliaipole sectors, no active Russian actions were reported.
In Russia’s Kursk region, the Ukrainian forces continue operations, having repelled eight Russian attacks with three ongoing clashes. The Russian forces shelled the region with 250 artillery strikes, including one from a multiple-launch rocket system."
Ukrin
UK and France secretly discussing troops for Ukraine
"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed
sending soldiers into Ukraine as a peacekeeping force.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky first mentioned the idea last week, and said he would discuss it with Starmer when he visits Kiev.
Starmer was in Kiev on Thursday, promising a “100-year partnership” pact with Ukraine."
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky first mentioned the idea last week, and said he would discuss it with Starmer when he visits Kiev.
Starmer was in Kiev on Thursday, promising a “100-year partnership” pact with Ukraine."
RT
Thursday, January 16, 2025
124 combat clashes at front in past day
"124 combat engagements between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded along the frontlines.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy twice attacked Ukrainian positions near Vovchansk and Tykhe.
The defenders repelled Russian attacks near Kindrashivka, Zahryzove, Topol and Petropavlivka in the Kupiansk sector, where five enemy attacks were recorded in the past day.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 16 times yesterday. They tried to break through the defenses near Kopanky, Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Makiivka, Kolodiazy, Terny and Hryhorivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy carried out six attacks in the areas of Stupochky, Chasiv Yar and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy carried out nine attacks in the Bila Hora, Toretsk and Krymske areas.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian troops repelled 56 Russian attacks in the direction of Baranivka, Myroliubivka, Promen, Novyi Trud, Shevchenkove, Udachne, Kotlynove, Petropavlivka, Staryi Terny, Yantarne, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Zelene, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Andriivka and Dachne.
Ukrainian defenders repelled five enemy attacks in the Novopavlivka sector. The most active attempts to advance were made by the Russian troops near Vremivka and Kostiantynopil.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attacked four times in the areas of Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka and Shcherbaky.
No attacks were recorded in the Siversk, Huliaipole and Prydniprovskyi sectors yesterday.
In the Kursk sector, 15 combat clashes occurred. Russian troops conducted 13 air strikes with 18 aerial guided bombs and launched 340 artillery strikes, including 15 MLRS attacks." Ukrin
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy twice attacked Ukrainian positions near Vovchansk and Tykhe.
The defenders repelled Russian attacks near Kindrashivka, Zahryzove, Topol and Petropavlivka in the Kupiansk sector, where five enemy attacks were recorded in the past day.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy carried out six attacks in the areas of Stupochky, Chasiv Yar and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy carried out nine attacks in the Bila Hora, Toretsk and Krymske areas.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian troops repelled 56 Russian attacks in the direction of Baranivka, Myroliubivka, Promen, Novyi Trud, Shevchenkove, Udachne, Kotlynove, Petropavlivka, Staryi Terny, Yantarne, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Zelene, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Andriivka and Dachne.
Ukrainian defenders repelled five enemy attacks in the Novopavlivka sector. The most active attempts to advance were made by the Russian troops near Vremivka and Kostiantynopil.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attacked four times in the areas of Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka and Shcherbaky.
No attacks were recorded in the Siversk, Huliaipole and Prydniprovskyi sectors yesterday.
In the Kursk sector, 15 combat clashes occurred. Russian troops conducted 13 air strikes with 18 aerial guided bombs and launched 340 artillery strikes, including 15 MLRS attacks." Ukrin
Trump Envoy Swayed Netanyahu More In One Meeting Than Biden Did All Year On Gaza Peace
"Even Israeli media is very clearly attributing achievement of the Gaza ceasefire deal to President-elect Donald Trump and his team. President Biden too at one point in an afternoon press conference hailing the deal acknowledged that he spoke as 'one team' with Trump on the Gaza deal. According to The Times of Israel:
"A "tense" weekend meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff led to a breakthrough in the hostage negotiations, with the top aide to US President-elect Donald Trump doing more to sway the premier in a single sit-down than outgoing President Joe Biden did all year, two Arab officials told The Times of Israel on Tuesday.
Witkoff has been in Doha for the past week to take part in the hostage negotiations, as mediators try to secure a deal before Trump’s January 20 inauguration. On Saturday, Witkoff flew to Israel for a meeting with Netanyahu at the premier’s Jerusalem office.
During the meeting, Witkoff urged Netanyahu to accept key compromises necessary for an agreement, the two Arab officials on Monday told The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity. Neither Witkoff nor Netanyahu’s office responded to requests for comment."
As expected, Biden disagrees with this assessment...Still there are reports of intensified Israeli bombing in parts of Gaza, merely hours before the deal is expected to go into effect, which will see the release of hostages and an exchange for many dozens of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, Nassim Taleb makes a great point, stating on X that
"...with Kamala there is a near-certainty of more wars coupled with a lot of bull about "peace" initiatives. With Trump (rather, Trump-Vance) there is a possibility of peace coupled with loud saber rattling." ZH
"A "tense" weekend meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff led to a breakthrough in the hostage negotiations, with the top aide to US President-elect Donald Trump doing more to sway the premier in a single sit-down than outgoing President Joe Biden did all year, two Arab officials told The Times of Israel on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Witkoff urged Netanyahu to accept key compromises necessary for an agreement, the two Arab officials on Monday told The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity. Neither Witkoff nor Netanyahu’s office responded to requests for comment."
As expected, Biden disagrees with this assessment...Still there are reports of intensified Israeli bombing in parts of Gaza, merely hours before the deal is expected to go into effect, which will see the release of hostages and an exchange for many dozens of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, Nassim Taleb makes a great point, stating on X that
"...with Kamala there is a near-certainty of more wars coupled with a lot of bull about "peace" initiatives. With Trump (rather, Trump-Vance) there is a possibility of peace coupled with loud saber rattling." ZH
Marco Rubio, Banned from China, Defends Tough Beijing Stance at Confirmation Hearing
"Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) answered concerns about his longstanding, vocal stance against the atrocities committed by communist China 
in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where he appeared following his nomination to be secretary of state.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) raised the Chinese government’s years-long acrimonious opposition to Sen. Rubio and his policies, which ultimately resulted in the country banning him from entry in 2020. Sen. Paul used his time to question the usefulness of sanctions generally, then express his hope that Sen. Rubio, as head of the State Department, would not antagonize China away from constructive engagement.
“My role now as secretary of state is to lead the diplomatic wing of the country and that will involve engaging them,” he continued, promising a “mature and prudent” approach to conversations with China.
Sen. Rubio described sanctions as one of the few peaceful alternatives “in the toolbox” of diplomacy to address malicious foreign behavior outside of military action. He cited onerous sanctions on Iran, the world’s premier state sponsor of terrorism, as an example of successful sanctions, contrary to Sen. Paul’s skepticism about their use." Breitbart
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) raised the Chinese government’s years-long acrimonious opposition to Sen. Rubio and his policies, which ultimately resulted in the country banning him from entry in 2020. Sen. Paul used his time to question the usefulness of sanctions generally, then express his hope that Sen. Rubio, as head of the State Department, would not antagonize China away from constructive engagement.
“My role now as secretary of state is to lead the diplomatic wing of the country and that will involve engaging them,” he continued, promising a “mature and prudent” approach to conversations with China.
Sen. Rubio described sanctions as one of the few peaceful alternatives “in the toolbox” of diplomacy to address malicious foreign behavior outside of military action. He cited onerous sanctions on Iran, the world’s premier state sponsor of terrorism, as an example of successful sanctions, contrary to Sen. Paul’s skepticism about their use." Breitbart
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