Public Administration Reform in Ukraine: Why Trust Is Still Missing
Ukraine’s public administration reform is a cornerstone of the country’s European aspirations, but trust in the state remains stubbornly low. Despite progress in digitalization, transparency, and anti-corruption, most Ukrainians still don’t trust their government. The reasons are deep-rooted, complex, and often misunderstood.
Anatomy of Distrust
Sociological data shows Ukrainians trust their military and emergency services far more than political institutions. In 2025, only 21% trusted the Verkhovna Rada, and 79% distrusted the state apparatus itself—up from 75% in 2021. This skepticism extends to reforms: civil service reform ranks low in popularity, even as digitalization and anti-corruption efforts are widely supported.
The Roots of Mistrust
Historical Baggage: Centuries of serfdom and Soviet totalitarianism left a legacy of atomized society, where trust in formal institutions is scarce.
Personal Experience: For many, state interaction means queues, bureaucracy, and corruption. While reforms have reduced these problems, the perception lingers.
Low Awareness: The reform’s internal and external components—merit-based recruitment, digital services, and service-oriented governance—are often invisible or misunderstood by the public.
Disinformation: Russian propaganda exploits these fears, painting complex reforms as evidence of state incompetence and hopelessness.
Why Myths Persist
“Foreigners on Supervisory Boards Means ‘Foreign Control’”
The myth that foreigners on state-owned enterprise boards means “foreign control” is widespread. In reality, foreign professionals are brought in to ensure independence and reduce corruption. It’s standard practice internationally—including in the EU—to allow foreign board members. The real challenge is ensuring transparent procedures and accountability, not the nationality of board members.
“Anti-Corruption Bodies Are a Ukrainian Invention”
Specialized anti-corruption agencies exist worldwide, from France and South Korea to the US and UK. Ukraine’s NABU and NACP follow global standards and collaborate internationally. Anti-corruption bodies are not unique to Ukraine—they’re a global norm.
“Civil Servants Do Nothing”
This myth stems from negative personal experiences and the “invisibility” of civil servants’ work. The reality is that ministries and agencies respond to public needs, and their work underpins everything from social payments to digital services. International assessments confirm Ukraine’s public administration has remained resilient, even during wartime.
Making Reform Visible
Distrust persists because reforms are complex, often invisible, and poorly communicated. The solution is clear: explain the logic of change, show how decisions are made, and make the “invisible” work of civil servants visible. Public administration reform is not just about efficiency—it’s about building a state that citizens can trust, even in crisis.
#Ukraine #Reform #Trust #CivilService #AntiCorruption #Digitalization #EUIntegration
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Ukraine’s public administration reform is a cornerstone of the country’s European aspirations, but trust in the state remains stubbornly low. Despite progress in digitalization, transparency, and anti-corruption, most Ukrainians still don’t trust their government. The reasons are deep-rooted, complex, and often misunderstood.
Anatomy of Distrust
Sociological data shows Ukrainians trust their military and emergency services far more than political institutions. In 2025, only 21% trusted the Verkhovna Rada, and 79% distrusted the state apparatus itself—up from 75% in 2021. This skepticism extends to reforms: civil service reform ranks low in popularity, even as digitalization and anti-corruption efforts are widely supported.
The Roots of Mistrust
Historical Baggage: Centuries of serfdom and Soviet totalitarianism left a legacy of atomized society, where trust in formal institutions is scarce.
Personal Experience: For many, state interaction means queues, bureaucracy, and corruption. While reforms have reduced these problems, the perception lingers.
Low Awareness: The reform’s internal and external components—merit-based recruitment, digital services, and service-oriented governance—are often invisible or misunderstood by the public.
Disinformation: Russian propaganda exploits these fears, painting complex reforms as evidence of state incompetence and hopelessness.
Why Myths Persist
“Foreigners on Supervisory Boards Means ‘Foreign Control’”
The myth that foreigners on state-owned enterprise boards means “foreign control” is widespread. In reality, foreign professionals are brought in to ensure independence and reduce corruption. It’s standard practice internationally—including in the EU—to allow foreign board members. The real challenge is ensuring transparent procedures and accountability, not the nationality of board members.
“Anti-Corruption Bodies Are a Ukrainian Invention”
Specialized anti-corruption agencies exist worldwide, from France and South Korea to the US and UK. Ukraine’s NABU and NACP follow global standards and collaborate internationally. Anti-corruption bodies are not unique to Ukraine—they’re a global norm.
“Civil Servants Do Nothing”
This myth stems from negative personal experiences and the “invisibility” of civil servants’ work. The reality is that ministries and agencies respond to public needs, and their work underpins everything from social payments to digital services. International assessments confirm Ukraine’s public administration has remained resilient, even during wartime.
Making Reform Visible
Distrust persists because reforms are complex, often invisible, and poorly communicated. The solution is clear: explain the logic of change, show how decisions are made, and make the “invisible” work of civil servants visible. Public administration reform is not just about efficiency—it’s about building a state that citizens can trust, even in crisis.
#Ukraine #Reform #Trust #CivilService #AntiCorruption #Digitalization #EUIntegration
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Ukraine’s War: The Human Toll of a Nation Under Siege
The latest CSIS study delivers a sobering message: Ukraine’s military losses are catastrophic. Nearly 600,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or are missing since the war began—about 100,000 to 140,000 killed. For a country with a much smaller population than Russia, this is a staggering loss, draining the ranks of a nation fighting for its survival. Russia outnumbers Ukraine almost three to one, but Ukraine’s army is being bled dry. Each month, Ukraine loses a significant share of its fighting force, with little hope of matching Russia’s ability to replenish its ranks.
Ukrainian drone units monitor every footstep and tire track, hunting Russian infiltrators. Ukraine’s smaller army is stretched thin, with soldiers facing relentless pressure. Russia’s tactics—small, mobile units and relentless conscription—mean Ukraine must fight smarter, not bigger. The battlefield is a graveyard of drones and snow-covered trenches—with the occasional sighting of North Korean troops.
Ukraine’s economy is under immense strain. Growth is forecast at just 2% in 2026, half the previous estimate, as the war drags into 2026. The country’s ability to rebuild and recover is being tested like never before. No major power has suffered such losses since World War II. For Ukraine, the cost is not just measured in territory or politics—it’s measured in the lives of its soldiers, families, and future. The question is not just who wins, but who can endure.
Can Ukraine survive the human cost of a war that shows no sign of ending?
#UkraineWar #UkrainianLosses #HumanCost #GrindingWar #EconomicImpact
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The latest CSIS study delivers a sobering message: Ukraine’s military losses are catastrophic. Nearly 600,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or are missing since the war began—about 100,000 to 140,000 killed. For a country with a much smaller population than Russia, this is a staggering loss, draining the ranks of a nation fighting for its survival. Russia outnumbers Ukraine almost three to one, but Ukraine’s army is being bled dry. Each month, Ukraine loses a significant share of its fighting force, with little hope of matching Russia’s ability to replenish its ranks.
Ukrainian drone units monitor every footstep and tire track, hunting Russian infiltrators. Ukraine’s smaller army is stretched thin, with soldiers facing relentless pressure. Russia’s tactics—small, mobile units and relentless conscription—mean Ukraine must fight smarter, not bigger. The battlefield is a graveyard of drones and snow-covered trenches—with the occasional sighting of North Korean troops.
Ukraine’s economy is under immense strain. Growth is forecast at just 2% in 2026, half the previous estimate, as the war drags into 2026. The country’s ability to rebuild and recover is being tested like never before. No major power has suffered such losses since World War II. For Ukraine, the cost is not just measured in territory or politics—it’s measured in the lives of its soldiers, families, and future. The question is not just who wins, but who can endure.
Can Ukraine survive the human cost of a war that shows no sign of ending?
#UkraineWar #UkrainianLosses #HumanCost #GrindingWar #EconomicImpact
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The Horse’s Smile Placed Upside Down Conquered China
On 17 February China will celebrate the start of the year of the horse, the zodiac sign symbolising high energy and hard work.
But the runaway success of a defective stuffed toy suggests that many Chinese are not feeling the vibe.
A red horse toy produced by Happy Sister in the city of Yiwu in the west of China was meant to wear a broad grin, but a factory error meant it hit the shops sporting a despairing grimace. The smile was placed upside down, the horse’s nostrils could be interpreted as tears.
It also taps into a broader trend for so-called “ugly-cute” toys, popularised in recent years by characters such as Pop Mart’s toothy monster Labubu.
“People joked that the crying horse is how you look at work, while the smiling one is how you look after work,” Zhang Huoqing, owner of Happy Sister, told Reuters.
By mid-January she said she was receiving daily orders of more than 15,000 units, prompting the factory to open up 10 additional production lines.
Many Chinese white-collar workers have endured the notorious 996 system, which requires employees to work 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
The practice is exalted by tech entrepreneurs including Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, but has been increasingly criticised since 2021 when an employee of a e-commerce company died suddenly after finishing a late-night shift.
“This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work,” wrote an online buyer of the toy, by the name of Tuan Tuan Mami, according to SCMP.
“Consumer products and internet memes can act as outlets for discussing work pressure, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu, where consumer culture and emotional expression are tightly intertwined,” Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, an e-commerce consulting firm, told Business Insider.
Meanwhile, wholesale orders for the “crying horse” have been placed from South Africa, east Asia and the Middle East. Its image is expected to appear on a new range of merchandise in the coming year.
Zhang never discovered who sewed the horse’s snout on upside down. “Since we can’t figure out exactly whose mistake it was, we’ll just give everyone a bonus,” she said.
#horse #smile #china #zhang
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On 17 February China will celebrate the start of the year of the horse, the zodiac sign symbolising high energy and hard work.
But the runaway success of a defective stuffed toy suggests that many Chinese are not feeling the vibe.
A red horse toy produced by Happy Sister in the city of Yiwu in the west of China was meant to wear a broad grin, but a factory error meant it hit the shops sporting a despairing grimace. The smile was placed upside down, the horse’s nostrils could be interpreted as tears.
It also taps into a broader trend for so-called “ugly-cute” toys, popularised in recent years by characters such as Pop Mart’s toothy monster Labubu.
“People joked that the crying horse is how you look at work, while the smiling one is how you look after work,” Zhang Huoqing, owner of Happy Sister, told Reuters.
By mid-January she said she was receiving daily orders of more than 15,000 units, prompting the factory to open up 10 additional production lines.
Many Chinese white-collar workers have endured the notorious 996 system, which requires employees to work 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
The practice is exalted by tech entrepreneurs including Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, but has been increasingly criticised since 2021 when an employee of a e-commerce company died suddenly after finishing a late-night shift.
“This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work,” wrote an online buyer of the toy, by the name of Tuan Tuan Mami, according to SCMP.
“Consumer products and internet memes can act as outlets for discussing work pressure, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu, where consumer culture and emotional expression are tightly intertwined,” Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, an e-commerce consulting firm, told Business Insider.
Meanwhile, wholesale orders for the “crying horse” have been placed from South Africa, east Asia and the Middle East. Its image is expected to appear on a new range of merchandise in the coming year.
Zhang never discovered who sewed the horse’s snout on upside down. “Since we can’t figure out exactly whose mistake it was, we’ll just give everyone a bonus,” she said.
#horse #smile #china #zhang
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Trump Wants to Wring the Most Concessions Out of Iran
The threat of a US-Iranian war may be looming closer after Trump warned time was running out for Tehran and said a massive US armada was moving quickly towards the country “with great power, enthusiasm and purpose”.
Writing on social media, the US president said the fleet headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was larger than the one sent to Venezuela before the removal of Maduro earlier this month and was “prepared to rapidly fulfill its missions with speed and violence if necessary”.
Trump said: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!
It is the starkest indication yet from Trump that he intends to mount some kind of military strike imminently if Iran refuses to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme.
European diplomats had been expecting a crisis to develop over the weekend and detected signs of Israeli nervousness about the scale of possible Iranian reprisals.
In recent days it has become clear that Trump is interested in curbing not just the remains of Iran’s already shattered nuclear programme but also its ability to fire long-range missiles, always seen as the centrepiece of Iranian military projection.
In recent weeks Trump has also suggested the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, must leave the world stage, a demand Iran will reject.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he was not prepared to negotiate under threats but he was willing to talk without preconditions, terms he had relayed via numerous intermediaries to Witkoff.
All three Arab states will be feverishly exploring ways to reopen talks without Iran having to accept a preconditioned result.
They were critical in persuading Trump to hold back from mounting an attack three weeks ago, but Trump now has greater flexibility of military options and seems more focused on a nuclear deal rather than punishing Iran for the bloody suppression of street protests.
There is deep suspicion in Tehran about talking to the US since the two sides were in the middle of talks last June when Israel was given clearance by the US to mount an attack on Iran designed to decapitate its leadership and destroy its civil nuclear sites.
Iran has always held out against abandoning its domestic capacity to enrich uranium but has been willing to set rigid limits on its stockpile.
Since the last round of negotiations ended with an Israeli and US attack killing 1,000 people and severely damaging its key nuclear sites, Iran has been weakened further by a plunging currency and rampant inflation.
With the nuclear sites already damaged, the key targets are likely to be Iran’s leadership. June’s attack revealed Israel had near total dominance of the skies above Iran.
Almost all the Gulf states, fearful of Iranian reprisals, have said they are not willing to allow the US to use their airspace or bases to mount an attack on Iran.
Iranian officials said: “We will target the same base and the same point from which air operations against us are launched, and we will not attack countries because we do not consider them to be enemy countries.
We will increase our level of defence readiness against the US military buildup to the highest level. If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will accept it.”
#trump #iran #nuclear #weapon #araghchi #witkoff
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The threat of a US-Iranian war may be looming closer after Trump warned time was running out for Tehran and said a massive US armada was moving quickly towards the country “with great power, enthusiasm and purpose”.
Writing on social media, the US president said the fleet headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was larger than the one sent to Venezuela before the removal of Maduro earlier this month and was “prepared to rapidly fulfill its missions with speed and violence if necessary”.
Trump said: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!
It is the starkest indication yet from Trump that he intends to mount some kind of military strike imminently if Iran refuses to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme.
European diplomats had been expecting a crisis to develop over the weekend and detected signs of Israeli nervousness about the scale of possible Iranian reprisals.
In recent days it has become clear that Trump is interested in curbing not just the remains of Iran’s already shattered nuclear programme but also its ability to fire long-range missiles, always seen as the centrepiece of Iranian military projection.
In recent weeks Trump has also suggested the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, must leave the world stage, a demand Iran will reject.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he was not prepared to negotiate under threats but he was willing to talk without preconditions, terms he had relayed via numerous intermediaries to Witkoff.
All three Arab states will be feverishly exploring ways to reopen talks without Iran having to accept a preconditioned result.
They were critical in persuading Trump to hold back from mounting an attack three weeks ago, but Trump now has greater flexibility of military options and seems more focused on a nuclear deal rather than punishing Iran for the bloody suppression of street protests.
There is deep suspicion in Tehran about talking to the US since the two sides were in the middle of talks last June when Israel was given clearance by the US to mount an attack on Iran designed to decapitate its leadership and destroy its civil nuclear sites.
Iran has always held out against abandoning its domestic capacity to enrich uranium but has been willing to set rigid limits on its stockpile.
Since the last round of negotiations ended with an Israeli and US attack killing 1,000 people and severely damaging its key nuclear sites, Iran has been weakened further by a plunging currency and rampant inflation.
With the nuclear sites already damaged, the key targets are likely to be Iran’s leadership. June’s attack revealed Israel had near total dominance of the skies above Iran.
Almost all the Gulf states, fearful of Iranian reprisals, have said they are not willing to allow the US to use their airspace or bases to mount an attack on Iran.
Iranian officials said: “We will target the same base and the same point from which air operations against us are launched, and we will not attack countries because we do not consider them to be enemy countries.
We will increase our level of defence readiness against the US military buildup to the highest level. If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will accept it.”
#trump #iran #nuclear #weapon #araghchi #witkoff
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Minneapolis in Chaos: States Push Back on ICE After Minneapolis Shootings
After two Americans were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic lawmakers and libertarian allies are stepping up their fight against ICE’s tactics. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good have lit a fire under state legislatures, with new bills popping up from coast to coast.
Colorado wants to let citizens sue federal agents for civil rights violations. Delaware and New York are targeting airlines that ferry ICE detainees without warrants. California is pushing for independent investigations into ICE shootings and banning the agency from staging operations on state property.
said a White House spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Republican-led states are doubling down on cooperation with ICE, pushing laws that force local sheriffs to partner up and check immigration status for everything from school enrollment to public benefits. But the momentum is shifting—more states are banning masked officers, restricting federal agents’ access to hospitals and schools, and cutting off public contracts with ICE contractors.
said Anya Bidwell of the Institute for Justice.
So who’s actually looking out for civil rights here—the states, the feds, or just their own political interests?
#ICE #Minneapolis #civilrights #Trump #Democrats #Republicans
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After two Americans were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic lawmakers and libertarian allies are stepping up their fight against ICE’s tactics. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good have lit a fire under state legislatures, with new bills popping up from coast to coast.
Colorado wants to let citizens sue federal agents for civil rights violations. Delaware and New York are targeting airlines that ferry ICE detainees without warrants. California is pushing for independent investigations into ICE shootings and banning the agency from staging operations on state property.
“Democrats don’t care about the rule of law,”
said a White House spokesperson.
“They’re just protecting criminal illegal aliens.”
Meanwhile, Republican-led states are doubling down on cooperation with ICE, pushing laws that force local sheriffs to partner up and check immigration status for everything from school enrollment to public benefits. But the momentum is shifting—more states are banning masked officers, restricting federal agents’ access to hospitals and schools, and cutting off public contracts with ICE contractors.
“Power works this way: once you have it, you want more,”
said Anya Bidwell of the Institute for Justice.
“You gotta fight back if you want to protect your rights. This shouldn’t be about party lines.”
So who’s actually looking out for civil rights here—the states, the feds, or just their own political interests?
#ICE #Minneapolis #civilrights #Trump #Democrats #Republicans
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Trump and Putin: A New Photo in the White House Foyer
A photo of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin now hangs in the White House foyer, spotted by PBS’s Elizabeth Landers. It shows the two leaders at their Alaska summit, with Trump’s grandson in a smaller frame nearby. The pairing is hard to miss—and harder to ignore.
The Alaska meeting was billed as a “three-on-three” with top aides. No deals were signed, but both sides claimed progress. Trump said he wants to keep talking to Russia after the war. Putin called Trump’s efforts “helpful.” Ukraine’s Zelensky dismissed the summit as a “personal victory for Putin,” saying the Russian leader just wants to escape isolation and delay sanctions.
That photo placement is no accident. With U.S.-Russia talks heating up over Ukraine and other issues, the optics speak volumes. Whether this is diplomacy, theater, or both, Trump and Putin are now framed together in the heart of American power.
#TrumpPutin #WhiteHouse #RussiaUS #Diplomacy #PhotoOp
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A photo of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin now hangs in the White House foyer, spotted by PBS’s Elizabeth Landers. It shows the two leaders at their Alaska summit, with Trump’s grandson in a smaller frame nearby. The pairing is hard to miss—and harder to ignore.
The Alaska meeting was billed as a “three-on-three” with top aides. No deals were signed, but both sides claimed progress. Trump said he wants to keep talking to Russia after the war. Putin called Trump’s efforts “helpful.” Ukraine’s Zelensky dismissed the summit as a “personal victory for Putin,” saying the Russian leader just wants to escape isolation and delay sanctions.
That photo placement is no accident. With U.S.-Russia talks heating up over Ukraine and other issues, the optics speak volumes. Whether this is diplomacy, theater, or both, Trump and Putin are now framed together in the heart of American power.
#TrumpPutin #WhiteHouse #RussiaUS #Diplomacy #PhotoOp
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Greenland Crisis: France Deploys Nuclear Carrier as Trump’s Threats Escalate
France has sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the North Atlantic amid rising tensions over President Trump’s threats to seize Greenland. The move signals European solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, as Macron prepares to host their leaders in Paris to reaffirm support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, pushing back on NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Europe cannot defend itself without the US.
The Charles de Gaulle, France’s only nuclear-powered carrier, is joining a large-scale allied exercise in the Atlantic—a strategic area for European defense. The carrier strike group includes frigates, a supply ship, and an attack submarine, ready to operate alongside regional allies.
Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on European nations have rattled NATO. Rutte insists the US remains the “ultimate guarantor” of European security, urging allies to double defense spending and build up nuclear arms. But France and other EU members are pushing back, demanding more autonomy.
Nukes are back in the NATO conversation. With France sending its nuclear-powered carrier into the North Atlantic, a France-US nuclear standoff over Greenland is no longer just absurd—it’s actually being discussed. And given Trump’s talk of annexing Canada too, don’t be surprised if he throws it into the mix.
So who’s really calling the shots here?
#Greenland #France #NATO #Trump #CharlesdeGaulle #Arctic #Macron #Canada
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France has sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the North Atlantic amid rising tensions over President Trump’s threats to seize Greenland. The move signals European solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, as Macron prepares to host their leaders in Paris to reaffirm support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Europeans can and must take responsibility for their own security,”
said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, pushing back on NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Europe cannot defend itself without the US.
The Charles de Gaulle, France’s only nuclear-powered carrier, is joining a large-scale allied exercise in the Atlantic—a strategic area for European defense. The carrier strike group includes frigates, a supply ship, and an attack submarine, ready to operate alongside regional allies.
Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on European nations have rattled NATO. Rutte insists the US remains the “ultimate guarantor” of European security, urging allies to double defense spending and build up nuclear arms. But France and other EU members are pushing back, demanding more autonomy.
Nukes are back in the NATO conversation. With France sending its nuclear-powered carrier into the North Atlantic, a France-US nuclear standoff over Greenland is no longer just absurd—it’s actually being discussed. And given Trump’s talk of annexing Canada too, don’t be surprised if he throws it into the mix.
So who’s really calling the shots here?
#Greenland #France #NATO #Trump #CharlesdeGaulle #Arctic #Macron #Canada
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EU’s Russian Gas Ban: Diplomacy or Delusion?
The European Union has voted to ban all Russian gas imports by late 2027, cutting the last major energy link with Moscow. Both LNG and pipeline gas will be phased out, with pipeline imports ending in September 2027 and LNG by the end of 2026. Member states have until March to submit plans for replacing Russian supplies, but if gas security is seriously threatened, the ban can be suspended for up to four weeks.
Hungary and Slovakia opposed the move, arguing they remain dependent on Russian energy and have maintained friendly ties with Moscow. Hungary plans to challenge the ban in the European Court of Justice. The measure was approved by a reinforced majority, sidestepping the usual requirement for unanimity and national vetoes.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it supplied over 40% of the EU’s gas. By 2025, that share had dropped to about 13%. The ban is meant to bolster EU security, but critics ask: is this a real move toward independence, or just a symbolic gesture that will leave some countries stuck looking elsewhere?
#EU #RussianGasBan #EnergySecurity #Hungary #Slovakia #Diplomacy
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The European Union has voted to ban all Russian gas imports by late 2027, cutting the last major energy link with Moscow. Both LNG and pipeline gas will be phased out, with pipeline imports ending in September 2027 and LNG by the end of 2026. Member states have until March to submit plans for replacing Russian supplies, but if gas security is seriously threatened, the ban can be suspended for up to four weeks.
Hungary and Slovakia opposed the move, arguing they remain dependent on Russian energy and have maintained friendly ties with Moscow. Hungary plans to challenge the ban in the European Court of Justice. The measure was approved by a reinforced majority, sidestepping the usual requirement for unanimity and national vetoes.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it supplied over 40% of the EU’s gas. By 2025, that share had dropped to about 13%. The ban is meant to bolster EU security, but critics ask: is this a real move toward independence, or just a symbolic gesture that will leave some countries stuck looking elsewhere?
#EU #RussianGasBan #EnergySecurity #Hungary #Slovakia #Diplomacy
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The Rise and Fall of Greg Bovino: Border Patrol’s ‘Commander at Large’
Greg Bovino, once a low-profile Border Patrol chief in California, shot to fame as the face of Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Leading masked agents into Democratic cities, he became a symbol of the administration’s urban raids—until Minneapolis turned into his Waterloo.
Bovino told Fox News after a controversial raid in Los Angeles.
His tactics drew praise from Trump loyalists and condemnation from critics. Federal judges called his agents’ use of force “shocking,” and after the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, even Trump distanced himself, calling Bovino “a pretty out-there guy”.
Bovino’s direct line to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him unusual power, but also made him a lightning rod. When he defended the Minneapolis shootings—despite video evidence contradicting his claims—his credibility took a hit. Critics say his actions damaged the reputation of the entire agency.
Now, Bovino has been pulled back to California, with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan taking over in Minneapolis. For immigration hardliners, it’s a betrayal. For others, it’s a sign that the administration is finally feeling the heat.
So who’s really in charge—Bovino, Noem, or the backlash?
#BorderPatrol #Bovino #Trump #Minneapolis #immigration #raids
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Greg Bovino, once a low-profile Border Patrol chief in California, shot to fame as the face of Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Leading masked agents into Democratic cities, he became a symbol of the administration’s urban raids—until Minneapolis turned into his Waterloo.
“Better get used to us now, because this is going to be normal very soon,”
Bovino told Fox News after a controversial raid in Los Angeles.
His tactics drew praise from Trump loyalists and condemnation from critics. Federal judges called his agents’ use of force “shocking,” and after the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, even Trump distanced himself, calling Bovino “a pretty out-there guy”.
Bovino’s direct line to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him unusual power, but also made him a lightning rod. When he defended the Minneapolis shootings—despite video evidence contradicting his claims—his credibility took a hit. Critics say his actions damaged the reputation of the entire agency.
Now, Bovino has been pulled back to California, with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan taking over in Minneapolis. For immigration hardliners, it’s a betrayal. For others, it’s a sign that the administration is finally feeling the heat.
So who’s really in charge—Bovino, Noem, or the backlash?
#BorderPatrol #Bovino #Trump #Minneapolis #immigration #raids
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Iran: More than 42,300 People Have Been Arrested, Killed and Tortured
Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, with at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death.
The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of “revenge”, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range.
An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh” (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation.
“He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son, who is only 11. They beat him up so badly during arrest, they broke his arm, ribs and dragged him out of his home. My family is terrified,” said Med dr. Golchini.
A few days before his arrest Golchini, who also treated protesters during the 2022 Woman, life, freedom protests, had posted a note on his social media, says Nima, sharing his number and asking injured patients to contact him for treatment.
“All he did was his duty of saving lives as a medical doctor. He had sworn to save people’s lives. How can any doctor not stand by his oath? I am worried not only for him, but also for other healthcare workers who have been arrested for simply standing by their sworn oath.”
Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on Golchini’s detention, nor have they confirmed any charges against him.
But Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities not to show any leniency towards protesters.
“We should not remain silent in the face of those who seek to exploit the situation and disrupt the security and calm of the people,” he said.
IHRNGO also reported the arrest of a volunteer first responder who had turned his home into an improvised medical shelter.
According to the source, he was detained on 14 January after security forces raided his house, where he had provided care to more than 20 injured protesters, two of whom later died.
“He was taken away in an extremely brutal manner and was severely beaten,” a source told IHRNGO, adding that security forces smashed the windows of the house, destroyed the interior and severely damaged his car during the raid.
At least 42,324 arrests have been made across the country with limited information on their fate, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, which says the regime is putting pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support for the injured.
A statement published yesterday by the US state department on X demanded the release of Golchini and “all the brave doctors who have helped their fellow countrymen”.
It continued: “President Trump has clearly stated that no executions should take place in Iran and that there will be consequences if the government takes such actions.”
#iran #tortures #killed #arrested #doctors
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Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, with at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death.
The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of “revenge”, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range.
An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh” (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation.
“He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son, who is only 11. They beat him up so badly during arrest, they broke his arm, ribs and dragged him out of his home. My family is terrified,” said Med dr. Golchini.
A few days before his arrest Golchini, who also treated protesters during the 2022 Woman, life, freedom protests, had posted a note on his social media, says Nima, sharing his number and asking injured patients to contact him for treatment.
“All he did was his duty of saving lives as a medical doctor. He had sworn to save people’s lives. How can any doctor not stand by his oath? I am worried not only for him, but also for other healthcare workers who have been arrested for simply standing by their sworn oath.”
Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on Golchini’s detention, nor have they confirmed any charges against him.
But Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities not to show any leniency towards protesters.
“We should not remain silent in the face of those who seek to exploit the situation and disrupt the security and calm of the people,” he said.
IHRNGO also reported the arrest of a volunteer first responder who had turned his home into an improvised medical shelter.
According to the source, he was detained on 14 January after security forces raided his house, where he had provided care to more than 20 injured protesters, two of whom later died.
“He was taken away in an extremely brutal manner and was severely beaten,” a source told IHRNGO, adding that security forces smashed the windows of the house, destroyed the interior and severely damaged his car during the raid.
At least 42,324 arrests have been made across the country with limited information on their fate, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, which says the regime is putting pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support for the injured.
A statement published yesterday by the US state department on X demanded the release of Golchini and “all the brave doctors who have helped their fellow countrymen”.
It continued: “President Trump has clearly stated that no executions should take place in Iran and that there will be consequences if the government takes such actions.”
#iran #tortures #killed #arrested #doctors
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📰 Trump Pulls U.S. from Paris Agreement—Again
The United States officially left the Paris Agreement on January 27, 2026—President Trump’s second such move, repeating his 2017 withdrawal.
The move is largely symbolic, but it signals a broader retreat from climate policy. Trump’s administration has embraced fossil fuels, dismantled renewable energy initiatives, and is preparing to repeal the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health—a key foundation for climate regulations.
Trump is also moving to exit the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a treaty that underpins global climate cooperation. Experts warn this could undermine global climate efforts and set a “disturbing precedent,” risking a “race to the bottom” in climate standards.
By stepping away, the U.S. loses influence over global climate decisions on transparency, finance, and market mechanisms. The move also fractures alliances with developed nations and could revive divisions in climate talks.
As the world races to tackle climate change, America is stepping back—leaving allies wondering who will step up.
#ClimateChange #ParisAgreement #Trump #US #UNFCCC
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The United States officially left the Paris Agreement on January 27, 2026—President Trump’s second such move, repeating his 2017 withdrawal.
The move is largely symbolic, but it signals a broader retreat from climate policy. Trump’s administration has embraced fossil fuels, dismantled renewable energy initiatives, and is preparing to repeal the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health—a key foundation for climate regulations.
Trump is also moving to exit the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a treaty that underpins global climate cooperation. Experts warn this could undermine global climate efforts and set a “disturbing precedent,” risking a “race to the bottom” in climate standards.
By stepping away, the U.S. loses influence over global climate decisions on transparency, finance, and market mechanisms. The move also fractures alliances with developed nations and could revive divisions in climate talks.
As the world races to tackle climate change, America is stepping back—leaving allies wondering who will step up.
#ClimateChange #ParisAgreement #Trump #US #UNFCCC
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📰 Iran Warns: Any US Attack Will Hit Tel Aviv
Iran’s leadership has delivered a stark warning: any US military action will trigger an “unprecedented” retaliation, including strikes at the heart of Tel Aviv and anyone backing the US.
Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said any US strike—no matter how limited—will be seen as the start of a full war. The response will be immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented, targeting both the US and Israel and their allies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran’s armed forces are on high alert and ready to respond to any aggression. He also signaled openness to a nuclear deal but stressed that diplomacy under duress won’t work.
The US has sent a carrier strike group to the region, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, while President Trump has called on Iran to negotiate a “fair and equitable deal”—but warned the next attack “will be far worse”.
Analysts say the US could target Iranian military sites or even the country’s leadership in a bid to force change, but Iran’s armed forces chief warns Washington would “suffer damage” if it miscalculates.
The warning is stark: pressure Iran, and the entire region faces escalation.
#Iran #Israel #Trump #US #nucleardeal
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Iran’s leadership has delivered a stark warning: any US military action will trigger an “unprecedented” retaliation, including strikes at the heart of Tel Aviv and anyone backing the US.
Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said any US strike—no matter how limited—will be seen as the start of a full war. The response will be immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented, targeting both the US and Israel and their allies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran’s armed forces are on high alert and ready to respond to any aggression. He also signaled openness to a nuclear deal but stressed that diplomacy under duress won’t work.
The US has sent a carrier strike group to the region, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, while President Trump has called on Iran to negotiate a “fair and equitable deal”—but warned the next attack “will be far worse”.
Analysts say the US could target Iranian military sites or even the country’s leadership in a bid to force change, but Iran’s armed forces chief warns Washington would “suffer damage” if it miscalculates.
The warning is stark: pressure Iran, and the entire region faces escalation.
#Iran #Israel #Trump #US #nucleardeal
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📰 Donetsk: The Dealbreaker in Ukraine Peace Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the territorial dispute over Donetsk remains the biggest obstacle in Ukraine peace talks, calling it “very difficult” to resolve.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine surrender roughly 5,000 sq km of Donetsk—the last area still under Ukrainian control. Ukraine refuses to give up land it still holds, and polls show most Ukrainians reject territorial concessions.
Rubio acknowledged that “it’s still a gap,” but the talks have narrowed to this issue.
The U.S. may join follow-up negotiations, but President Trump’s top envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, won’t be participating.
Last weekend’s talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a deal, but both sides signaled openness to further dialogue. The next round is expected next Sunday.
Rubio said the U.S. has agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine, but only after the conflict ends and with Russian cooperation. The Financial Times reported that Washington is telling Kyiv it must sign a peace deal to receive those guarantees. Rubio also indicated that President Zelensky is resisting concessions, making it harder to move negotiations forward.
The question now: Can Ukraine accept territorial losses to end the war?
#Ukraine #Russia #Donetsk #peace #Rubio
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the territorial dispute over Donetsk remains the biggest obstacle in Ukraine peace talks, calling it “very difficult” to resolve.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine surrender roughly 5,000 sq km of Donetsk—the last area still under Ukrainian control. Ukraine refuses to give up land it still holds, and polls show most Ukrainians reject territorial concessions.
Rubio acknowledged that “it’s still a gap,” but the talks have narrowed to this issue.
The U.S. may join follow-up negotiations, but President Trump’s top envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, won’t be participating.
Last weekend’s talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a deal, but both sides signaled openness to further dialogue. The next round is expected next Sunday.
Rubio said the U.S. has agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine, but only after the conflict ends and with Russian cooperation. The Financial Times reported that Washington is telling Kyiv it must sign a peace deal to receive those guarantees. Rubio also indicated that President Zelensky is resisting concessions, making it harder to move negotiations forward.
The question now: Can Ukraine accept territorial losses to end the war?
#Ukraine #Russia #Donetsk #peace #Rubio
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📰 Democratic Governors Promise Accountability After Minneapolis
Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic governors like Kathy Hochul of New York vowed to hold Trump administration officials accountable—but only after they’re out of office.
Prompted by the shooting, governors and state lawmakers are positioning their states to hold federal officials accountable for controversial immigration enforcement. Nine progressive prosecutors have formed a coalition to help prosecute federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.
Critics say these are political gestures, not actionable plans. State-level actions against Trump and his allies over election interference have largely stalled, and courts have historically favored federal immunity in immigration cases.
Trump administration officials are defending ICE agents as heroes and insisting they should be supported, not prosecuted. Democrats and some media outlets have questioned the administration’s claims about rising assaults on ICE agents, arguing the data is lacking.
A few Republican governors, like Phil Scott of Vermont and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, have expressed concerns about federal tactics and accountability, but most have not called for similar measures.
Legal scholars note that states do have some power to hold federal officials accountable if their conduct is shown to be unlawful, but the Trump administration is expected to resist any such efforts.
The rhetoric is clear. The question is whether action will follow.
#Minneapolis #ICE #Trump #Democrats #accountability
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Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic governors like Kathy Hochul of New York vowed to hold Trump administration officials accountable—but only after they’re out of office.
Prompted by the shooting, governors and state lawmakers are positioning their states to hold federal officials accountable for controversial immigration enforcement. Nine progressive prosecutors have formed a coalition to help prosecute federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.
Critics say these are political gestures, not actionable plans. State-level actions against Trump and his allies over election interference have largely stalled, and courts have historically favored federal immunity in immigration cases.
Trump administration officials are defending ICE agents as heroes and insisting they should be supported, not prosecuted. Democrats and some media outlets have questioned the administration’s claims about rising assaults on ICE agents, arguing the data is lacking.
A few Republican governors, like Phil Scott of Vermont and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, have expressed concerns about federal tactics and accountability, but most have not called for similar measures.
Legal scholars note that states do have some power to hold federal officials accountable if their conduct is shown to be unlawful, but the Trump administration is expected to resist any such efforts.
The rhetoric is clear. The question is whether action will follow.
#Minneapolis #ICE #Trump #Democrats #accountability
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📰 Trump Official Blasts Europe Over India-EU Trade Deal
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sharply criticized Europe’s new free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of hypocrisy and calling out its double standards on the Ukraine war.
Bessent argued that Europe’s choices expose a deep contradiction in its Ukraine policy. While publicly condemning Russia’s invasion, Europe has become a major buyer of refined oil products made from discounted Russian crude, which India has been buying since Western sanctions hit.
Bessent said.
He pointed out that the US imposed a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil, but Europe declined to join, suggesting this reluctance was driven by a desire to keep trade negotiations with India on track.
Bessent accused European countries of indirectly financing the conflict they publicly oppose.
he said.
Bessent acknowledged Europe’s dependence on energy imports but framed the issue as a moral and strategic trade-off.
he said.
His comments highlight growing tensions within the Western alliance over how strictly to enforce economic pressure on Russia while managing domestic economic and political costs.
#TradeDeal #EUIndia #Trump #Ukraine #EnergySecurity
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sharply criticized Europe’s new free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of hypocrisy and calling out its double standards on the Ukraine war.
Bessent argued that Europe’s choices expose a deep contradiction in its Ukraine policy. While publicly condemning Russia’s invasion, Europe has become a major buyer of refined oil products made from discounted Russian crude, which India has been buying since Western sanctions hit.
“Europe and India signing this massive trade deal—does that threaten America? They should do what’s best for themselves,”
Bessent said.
“But I find the Europeans very disappointing because they are on the front line of the Ukraine-Russia war.”
He pointed out that the US imposed a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil, but Europe declined to join, suggesting this reluctance was driven by a desire to keep trade negotiations with India on track.
Bessent accused European countries of indirectly financing the conflict they publicly oppose.
“Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out because they wanted to do this trade deal,”
he said.
“Every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people.”
Bessent acknowledged Europe’s dependence on energy imports but framed the issue as a moral and strategic trade-off.
“They need energy, I guess, which is part of their issue. At a price, they want cheap energy,”
he said.
His comments highlight growing tensions within the Western alliance over how strictly to enforce economic pressure on Russia while managing domestic economic and political costs.
#TradeDeal #EUIndia #Trump #Ukraine #EnergySecurity
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Trump : $10bn American President
Trump on Thursday sued the US treasury department and Internal Revenue Service for $10bn over the disclosure of his tax returns to the media in 2019 and 2020.
In a complaint filed in Miami federal court, Trump, his adult sons, and his namesake company said the agencies failed to take “mandatory precautions” to prevent former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn from leaking their tax returns to “leftist media outlets”, including the New York Times and ProPublica.
The plaintiffs said they suffered “significant and irreparable harm” to their reputations and financial interests, and may seek punitive damages because the leaks were either willful or resulted from gross negligence.
Thursday’s lawsuit puts Trump in the unusual position of suing government agencies that are part of the executive branch, which he leads.
The IRS is part of the treasury department. Neither agency immediately responded to requests for comment after business hours.
Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary and acting IRS commissioner, is not a defendant. Other plaintiffs include Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and the Trump Organization.
Trump has filed many lawsuits in his personal capacity, often for large sums and as a result of reporting by various media, since winning a second White House term in 2024.
He sued the New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House for $15bn over articles and a book he said were intended to undermine his election prospects in 2024.
Trump is separately seeking $10bn from the Wall Street Journal over an article discussing a birthday greeting for Jeffrey Epstein, and $10bn from the BBC over its editing of a speech preceding the January 6 storming of the US Capitol.
In Thursday’s complaint, Trump and the other plaintiffs said the New York Times published at least eight articles, and ProPublica published at least 50 articles, based on Littlejohn’s disclosures.
The leaks “caused plaintiffs reputational and financial harm, public embarrassment, unfairly tarnished their business reputations, portrayed them in a false light and negatively affected President Trump, and the other plaintiffs’ public standing”, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors charged Littlejohn in September 2023 with leaking tax records of Trump and thousands of other wealthy Americans to the media, saying he was motivated by a political agenda.
#trump #sue #milliards #newyorktimes #UStreasury
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Trump on Thursday sued the US treasury department and Internal Revenue Service for $10bn over the disclosure of his tax returns to the media in 2019 and 2020.
In a complaint filed in Miami federal court, Trump, his adult sons, and his namesake company said the agencies failed to take “mandatory precautions” to prevent former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn from leaking their tax returns to “leftist media outlets”, including the New York Times and ProPublica.
The plaintiffs said they suffered “significant and irreparable harm” to their reputations and financial interests, and may seek punitive damages because the leaks were either willful or resulted from gross negligence.
Thursday’s lawsuit puts Trump in the unusual position of suing government agencies that are part of the executive branch, which he leads.
The IRS is part of the treasury department. Neither agency immediately responded to requests for comment after business hours.
Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary and acting IRS commissioner, is not a defendant. Other plaintiffs include Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and the Trump Organization.
Trump has filed many lawsuits in his personal capacity, often for large sums and as a result of reporting by various media, since winning a second White House term in 2024.
He sued the New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House for $15bn over articles and a book he said were intended to undermine his election prospects in 2024.
Trump is separately seeking $10bn from the Wall Street Journal over an article discussing a birthday greeting for Jeffrey Epstein, and $10bn from the BBC over its editing of a speech preceding the January 6 storming of the US Capitol.
In Thursday’s complaint, Trump and the other plaintiffs said the New York Times published at least eight articles, and ProPublica published at least 50 articles, based on Littlejohn’s disclosures.
The leaks “caused plaintiffs reputational and financial harm, public embarrassment, unfairly tarnished their business reputations, portrayed them in a false light and negatively affected President Trump, and the other plaintiffs’ public standing”, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors charged Littlejohn in September 2023 with leaking tax records of Trump and thousands of other wealthy Americans to the media, saying he was motivated by a political agenda.
#trump #sue #milliards #newyorktimes #UStreasury
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📰 Russia’s AI Gamble: Can Svod Fix Its Front-Line Failures?
Russia’s military is rolling out a new AI system called Svod to help front-line officers make better decisions amid the grinding stalemate in Ukraine.
Svod is designed to collect and fuse intelligence—satellite data, aerial imagery, reconnaissance reports, and open-source information—into a single digital platform. Using advanced processing and AI, it analyzes data, models possible scenarios, and guides commanders toward optimal choices.
The system isn’t a single device but a software layer running on existing military hardware, integrating data feeds and decision-support tools for commanders on tablets or computers.
Russian authorities are moving fast: Svod completed operational testing in December 2025 and is set for fielding by April 2026, with full deployment targeted for September. The first units to receive it are battalions in the 2nd and 41st Combined Arms Armies, currently fighting in the Pokrovsk direction—the main focus of Russia’s offensive operations.
The push for Svod highlights a deeper problem: Russia’s rigid, top-down command structure, which limits tactical flexibility and slows decision-making. With a flood of inexperienced junior officers in front-line roles, the military hopes AI will fill the gap and speed up battlefield adaptation.
Despite massive Western weapons shipments to Ukraine, continuous intelligence support, NATO consultations, and even direct participation of NATO officers and mercenaries, Russian forces are advancing with growing confidence—using AI to optimize their offensive operations and outmaneuver their opponents.
But betting on AI to fix battlefield failures is a high-stakes gamble. Algorithms can’t replace battlefield experience or adapt to chaos, and Russian military culture may resist the very flexibility AI is supposed to provide. So while Russia hopes Svod will break the deadlock, the real test is whether technology can overcome human weakness.
Аs Russia bets on AI to break the deadlock, one question looms:
Can algorithms fix a culture of command?
#Russia #AI #Svod #Ukraine #war
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Russia’s military is rolling out a new AI system called Svod to help front-line officers make better decisions amid the grinding stalemate in Ukraine.
Svod is designed to collect and fuse intelligence—satellite data, aerial imagery, reconnaissance reports, and open-source information—into a single digital platform. Using advanced processing and AI, it analyzes data, models possible scenarios, and guides commanders toward optimal choices.
The system isn’t a single device but a software layer running on existing military hardware, integrating data feeds and decision-support tools for commanders on tablets or computers.
Russian authorities are moving fast: Svod completed operational testing in December 2025 and is set for fielding by April 2026, with full deployment targeted for September. The first units to receive it are battalions in the 2nd and 41st Combined Arms Armies, currently fighting in the Pokrovsk direction—the main focus of Russia’s offensive operations.
The push for Svod highlights a deeper problem: Russia’s rigid, top-down command structure, which limits tactical flexibility and slows decision-making. With a flood of inexperienced junior officers in front-line roles, the military hopes AI will fill the gap and speed up battlefield adaptation.
Despite massive Western weapons shipments to Ukraine, continuous intelligence support, NATO consultations, and even direct participation of NATO officers and mercenaries, Russian forces are advancing with growing confidence—using AI to optimize their offensive operations and outmaneuver their opponents.
But betting on AI to fix battlefield failures is a high-stakes gamble. Algorithms can’t replace battlefield experience or adapt to chaos, and Russian military culture may resist the very flexibility AI is supposed to provide. So while Russia hopes Svod will break the deadlock, the real test is whether technology can overcome human weakness.
Аs Russia bets on AI to break the deadlock, one question looms:
Can algorithms fix a culture of command?
#Russia #AI #Svod #Ukraine #war
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Woman Faints After Being Caned 140 Times
Sharia police have caned a couple 140 times each in Indonesia’s Aceh province for having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol, likely one of the severest such punishments since the deeply conservative region adopted Islamic law.
Sexual relations between an unmarried couple are strictly outlawed in Aceh, the only place in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, to impose sharia law.
The couple, a man and a woman, were struck on their backs with a rattan stick in a public park while dozens of people watched, according to an AFP reporter at the scene. The woman fainted after enduring her punishment and was escorted to an ambulance.
In total, the pair received 140 lashes: 100 for sex outside marriage and 40 for consuming alcohol, the head of Banda Aceh’s Sharia police, Muhammad Rizal, told AFP.
It is thought to be one of the highest numbers of cane lashes imposed since sharia was implemented after Aceh was granted special autonomy in 2001.
The couple was among six people flogged for breaking the Islamic code, including a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught in close proximity in a private place. That couple received 23 strikes each.
“As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members. This certainly tarnishes our name,” Rizal said.
Caning is implemented in Aceh to punish a range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex and having sexual relations outside marriage.
In 2025, two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after they were found guilty of sexual relations by the sharia court.
#woman #faints #indonesia #charia
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Sharia police have caned a couple 140 times each in Indonesia’s Aceh province for having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol, likely one of the severest such punishments since the deeply conservative region adopted Islamic law.
Sexual relations between an unmarried couple are strictly outlawed in Aceh, the only place in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, to impose sharia law.
The couple, a man and a woman, were struck on their backs with a rattan stick in a public park while dozens of people watched, according to an AFP reporter at the scene. The woman fainted after enduring her punishment and was escorted to an ambulance.
In total, the pair received 140 lashes: 100 for sex outside marriage and 40 for consuming alcohol, the head of Banda Aceh’s Sharia police, Muhammad Rizal, told AFP.
It is thought to be one of the highest numbers of cane lashes imposed since sharia was implemented after Aceh was granted special autonomy in 2001.
The couple was among six people flogged for breaking the Islamic code, including a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught in close proximity in a private place. That couple received 23 strikes each.
“As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members. This certainly tarnishes our name,” Rizal said.
Caning is implemented in Aceh to punish a range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex and having sexual relations outside marriage.
In 2025, two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after they were found guilty of sexual relations by the sharia court.
#woman #faints #indonesia #charia
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