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Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva is again refused neutral status to compete internationally

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva is again refused neutral status to compete internationally

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has again been refused permission to compete internationally following a second round of checks after her status as a neutral athlete was revoked

Why a Russian screening of an 81-year-old Soviet-era film to a tiny audience has alarmed Taiwan

Why a Russian screening of an 81-year-old Soviet-era film to a tiny audience has alarmed Taiwan

TAIPEI, Sept 11 (Reuters) - In a small meeting room in a downtown Taipei office building, Russian officials hosted an unusual screening of an old Soviet documentary called "Smashing Militarist Japan" for some 20 Taiwanese guests.

North Korea Boosts Military and Infrastructure Spending with Ukraine War Windfall

North Korea Boosts Military and Infrastructure Spending with Ukraine War Windfall

North Korea is significantly increasing its spending on military capabilities and domestic infrastructure projects, funded by an economic boost derived from its alliance with Russia and involvement in the Ukraine war. South Korea's National Intelligence Service estimates Pyongyang received between $7.7 billion and $14 billion in financial aid and economic value from Russia over the past three years for providing men and materiel for the conflict. This influx of funds, substantial given North Korea's 2024 GDP of $26.6 billion, is being allocated to various initiatives. These include the Regional Development 20x10 Policy, which aims to construct industrial facilities in 20 regional cities annually for a decade, and extensive rural housing projects. Additionally, a significant portion is being invested in military advancements, such as a new uranium enrichment facility at the Yongbyon Nuclear Complex, capable of producing 85 kilograms of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium annually, enough for four nuclear ...

Poland Anticipates Russian Targeting of Border Crossings Amid Escalating Attacks on Ukraine

Poland Anticipates Russian Targeting of Border Crossings Amid Escalating Attacks on Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Poland expects Russia to target its border crossings with Ukraine, similar to recent attacks on Ukrainian border crossings with Moldova and Romania. This warning follows a significant escalation in Russian aerial attacks across Ukraine, increasingly striking civilian transport, energy, industrial, and logistics infrastructure. These attacks, which utilize newer and more capable weapons, including jet-powered drones and missiles, are harder to intercept and are reaching targets farther from the front line. Russia has already struck at least five Ukrainian border crossings with Moldova and NATO member Romania since late August, with one incident involving a Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace and flying towards Romania, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble.

The Latest: Republicans gathering for 'Trump-a-palooza' convention in Dallas

The Latest: Republicans gathering for 'Trump-a-palooza' convention in Dallas

Republicans are gathering in Dallas on Wednesday for a highly unusual midterm convention, a “Trump-a-Palooza” that will put Trump at the center of this fall’s midterm elections — whether the candidates running like it or not

The Latest: Republicans prepare for Day 1 of Trump-heavy midterm convention in Dallas

The Latest: Republicans prepare for Day 1 of Trump-heavy midterm convention in Dallas

Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a two-day midterm convention with President Donald Trump at the center

BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders are meeting in New Delhi this weekend as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and U.S.-China tensions test the group's unity

Amnesty International Reports Russia's Recruitment of Foreign Nationals for Ukraine War Amounts to Human Trafficking

Amnesty International Reports Russia's Recruitment of Foreign Nationals for Ukraine War Amounts to Human Trafficking

Amnesty International has released a briefing detailing how Russia's Armed Forces are using deceptive, coercive, and exploitative practices to recruit foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine, often amounting to human trafficking. The report, based on interviews with individuals from various countries including Sri Lanka, Cuba, and Egypt, highlights how economically vulnerable foreign nationals are lured under false pretenses, frequently promised civilian jobs or expedited Russian citizenship, only to be deployed to the front lines with minimal training. Recruiters exploit irregular immigration statuses or criminal charges, presenting military enlistment as an alternative to detention or deportation. Many recruits reported having their passports and mobile phones confiscated, restricted movement, and unfulfilled promises of lucrative salaries. Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, stated that the level of exploitation and coercion aligns with the definition of human trafficking under the...

Kremlin Promotes Ukraine War Veterans to Key Government and Political Roles

Kremlin Promotes Ukraine War Veterans to Key Government and Political Roles

The Kremlin is actively integrating Ukraine war veterans into various levels of government and political structures, cultivating a new 'proto-elite' to fill future vacancies and reinforce Russia's militarized course. This initiative, spearheaded by programs like 'Time of Heroes,' has led to thousands of veterans, both actual and nominal, securing political or government positions. This marks a significant shift in Russian cadre policy, moving away from a preference for technocrats towards individuals whose political credentials are derived from their involvement in the war. President Putin has explicitly stated his intention to draw a 'genuine elite' from contract soldiers and mobilized servicemen who fought in Ukraine, preparing them for civilian posts across education, state-owned enterprises, business, and state and municipal administration. This strategy aims to replace parts of the older elite and staff the state for a prolonged period of active conflict. The integration process involves federal and r...

Zelenskiy says US envoys presented 'decent ideas' for peace talks

Zelenskiy says US envoys presented 'decent ideas' for peace talks

By Olena Harmash KYIV, Sept 8 (Reuters) - U.S. peace negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner presented several "decent ideas" during talks on how to end the war with Russia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday.

Russia and North Korea open the first road across their shared border

Russia and North Korea open the first road across their shared border

Russia and North Korea have opened their first road bridge for car traffic, enhancing their growing ties

Russia and North Korea Inaugurate First Cross-Border Road Bridge, Raising Concerns Over Military Transfers

Russia and North Korea Inaugurate First Cross-Border Road Bridge, Raising Concerns Over Military Transfers

Russia and North Korea have officially opened their first cross-border road bridge, the Tumen River Motor Bridge, connecting Rason in North Korea to Khasan in Russia. This 0.6-mile, two-lane bridge runs parallel to the existing railway-only Friendship Bridge, which previously served as the sole land link between the two nations. Both Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Prime Minister Pak Thae Song hailed the opening as a 'historical event' and a 'new symbol of friendship,' emphasizing revitalized 'personnel exchange, tourism and commodity circulation' and reinforced economic cooperation. However, experts, including Nazar Myhun of the Ukrainian human rights group Truth Hounds, express concerns that the bridge could facilitate the covert transport of troops and military equipment, potentially violating UN resolutions against North Korea's nuclear program. Road transport offers greater secrecy compared to rail, making monitoring more difficult.