The News And Times Review - NewsAndTimes.org | Links | Blog | Tweets  | Selected Articles 

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Putin Says He Hopes There Will Be No Need to Use Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from The Jewish Voice.

(AP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine had not arisen and that he hopes it will not.

In a preview of an upcoming interview with Russian state television, published on Telegram on Sunday, Putin said Russia has the strength and the means to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a “logical conclusion.”

Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Putin said: “There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”

“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,” he said.

Putin signed a revamped version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine in November 2024, spelling out the circumstances that allow him to use Moscow’s atomic arsenal, the world’s largest.

That version lowered the bar, giving him that option in response to even a conventional attack backed by a nuclear power.

Russia and Ukraine are at odds over competing ceasefire proposals.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday, in comments made public Saturday, that Moscow’s announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II is merely an attempt to create a “soft atmosphere” ahead of Russia’s annual celebrations.

Zelenskyy instead renewed calls for a more substantial 30-day pause in hostilities, as the U.S. had initially proposed. He said the proposed ceasefire could start anytime as a meaningful step toward ending the war.

Putin on Monday declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II, as the U.S. presses for a deal to end the 3-year-old war. The Kremlin said the truce, ordered on “humanitarian grounds,” will run from the start of May 8 and last through the end of May 10 to mark Moscow’s defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 — Russia’s biggest secular holiday.

A Russian drone attack overnight on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, wounded 11 people, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said Sunday. Two children were among the wounded.

spot_img

The attack woke up Valentyna Fesiuk, an 83-year-old resident of Kyiv’s Obolon district.

“I was just sleeping when the house shook. It was at 12:30. An apartment on the 12th floor caught fire,” she told The Associated Press.

The car of another resident, Viacheslav Khotab, caught fire.

“I saw my car burning. I was covered with broken glass,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything.”

The 54-year-old was frustrated with stalled peace negotiations: “They can’t agree on anything, and we are the ones who suffer the consequences.”

Daryna Kravchuk, an 18-year-old student in the district, described how “five to six minutes after the air raid was activated, we heard a strong impact, everything started shaking. … There were three strikes almost in a row after the air raid was activated.”

“It’s very scary to witness, we have been suffering from this for so long. People are just suffering all the time. … It’s still very hard to see our country constantly being destroyed,” she told the AP.

One person was killed Sunday when a Russian guided bomb hit a village close to the border in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, regional Gov. Oleh Hryhorov said.

Russia fired a total of 165 exploding drones and decoys overnight, Ukraine’s air force said. Of those, 69 were intercepted and a further 80 lost, likely having been electronically jammed. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight.

balance of natureDonate

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

More American Air Defense Is on the Way to Help Ukraine


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
.

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Trump administration to cut thousands of jobs from CIA and other spy agencies – report


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from The Guardian.

The White House plans to cut staffing at the Central Intelligence Agency by 1,200 positions while other intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency will also shed thousands of jobs, the Washington Post has reported.

A person familiar with the plan confirmed the changes to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration has told members of Congress about the planned cuts at the CIA, which will take place over several years and be accomplished in part through reduced hiring as opposed to layoffs, the Post reported on Friday. The cuts include several hundred people who had already opted for early retirement, it said.

In response to questions about the reductions, the CIA issued a statement saying its director, John Ratcliffe, was working to align the agency with Donald Trump’s national security priorities.

“These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position CIA to deliver on its mission,” the agency said in the statement.

A spokesperson for the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Gabbard’s office oversees and coordinates the work of 18 agencies that collect and analyse intelligence.

The CIA earlier this year became the first US intelligence agency to join a voluntary redundancy program initiated by Trump, who has vowed to radically downsize the federal workforce in the name of efficiency and frugality. The NSA has already offered voluntary resignations to some employees.

The CIA has said it also plans to lay off an unknown number of recently hired employees.

The Trump administration has also eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs at intelligence agencies, though a judge has temporarily blocked efforts to fire 19 employees working on DEI programs who challenged their terminations.

Trump also abruptly fired the general who led the NSA and the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, Tim Haugh.

Ratcliffe has vowed to overhaul the CIA and said he wants to boost the agency’s use of intelligence from human sources and its focus on China.

With the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

US to intervene less in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
.

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Ramzan Kadyrov Has Come Into Conflict with the Kremlin, IStories Sources Say


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from Важные истории.

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Vladimir Putin’s warlord attack dog Ramzan Kadyrov ‘preparing to flee Russia’ as he puts teenage son in cha…


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from The US Sun.

PUTIN henchman and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is “preparing to flee Russia” – as he has put his son in charge of the police.

The infamous leader of Chechnya has already made several moves to prepare for his escape – and his efforts have sparked a conflict with Kremlin cronies.

Sign up for The US Sun
newsletter

The 48-year-old dictator is a vocal supporter of Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin, and has sent tens of thousands of troops to support the bloody war in Ukraine.

He has also been accused of violating human rights, including involvement in kidnapping and torture.

But relations between Putin and Kadyrov have soured in recent months, especially after alleged secret meetings between Kadyrov and Middle Eastern officials.

Local media reported that the Chechen ruler began “unsanctioned discussions” with officials from several Middle Eastern countries about his assets and family’s future – without Moscow’s approval.

READ MORE WORLD NEWS

The FSB security service officers informed a “furious” Putin, 72, about Kadyrov’s secret negotiations.

Kadyrov has reportedly already begun transferring assets abroad, with the leader’s family recently acquiring properties in both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Chechen leader spoke with “Muslim monarchies” who he has close ties with, according to IStories.

Putin likely sees this as a betrayal, even though Kadyrov sent troops from his private army when the Russian leader faced a coup bid from now-dead Wagner private army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in June 2023.

After suffering from poor health, Kadyrov is hoping that his son will take over after him.

It is believed that the ruthless Kremlin-ally is suffering from severe kidney and pancreatic issues, as reported by Novaya Gazeta Europe.

But the brutal warlord does not trust that Putin will appoint his son as the next in line to rule Chechnya.

Ukraine brings war to Putin’s mad henchman as massive explosion rips through special forces HQ

Kadyrov has appointed his 17-year-old son, Adam, as the head of the police, Chechen state media reported on Monday.

Reports said that the teenage boy had been appointed “curator” of the Chechen interior ministry.

Kadyrov has awarded his son multiple medals and appointed the teenager to a succession of posts, building him up as crown prince and heir apparent.

When Adam was aged 16, he was put in charge of his father’s security apparatus and given a leadership role at the Vladimir Putin University of Russian Special Forces, in Chechnya.

Leading investigative journalist Andrey Kalitin said Kadyrov senior’s health is now “very poor” with “tough decisions” over the succession imminent.

Kalitin said: “The Kremlin has two or three candidates.

“Ramzan Kadyrov has one. His name is Adam, he is 17 years old, he has more than 15 awards.”

Even if Putin appointed Adam, he would need a regency-style arrangement until he is 30 under Russian laws.

The boy won his father’s backing after he assaulted a prisoner accused of burning the Quran.

Kadyrov is believed to have amassed a vast fortune as a reward for taming war-riven Chechnya since taking over from his assassinated father.

Accused of human rights abuses, Kadyrov has boasted that he has been sanctioned more than anyone by the West.

Rumours have persisted that a bloated Kadyrov has “serious” pancreatic and kidney problems, with photos being carefully edited and never showing him below the chest.

The notorious leader also has a flashy online presence – last year he flaunted his Tesla with a machine gun bolted to its roof.

The Russian Republic of Chechnya is also known for buying Ukrainian prisoners of war and using them as bargaining chips for their own gain.

They buy captives from Russian military units, and use them in negotiations to swap with Chechen captives, according to RadioFreeEurope.

Kadrov’s republic has also used POWs to get sanctions lifted.

In January 2024 Kadyrov offered to release 20 Ukrainian captives in exchange for the removal of US sanctions against his relatives and horses.

Read More on The US Sun

The speculation comes as NATO scrambled fighter jets after Putin unleashed a barrage of nuclear-capable bombers on Ukraine.

Russia struck central Kyiv as well as other location in brutal strikes which included kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles.

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Azerbaijan: The invisible hand behind Russia’s oil exports to Europe


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from The Armenian Weekly.

Photo of Ara Nazarian, PhD

Ara Nazarian is an associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by graduate degrees from Boston University, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Harvard University. He has been involved in the Armenian community for over a decade, having served in a variety of capacities at the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, Armenian National Committee of America, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

From Silk Road to strategy: Baku, Beijing align for multipolar future


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from AzerNews – News from Azerbaijan, Business, Energy, Analysis.

By Mazahir Afandiyev I AzerNEWS

At a time when the global political architecture is being
reshaped—particularly against the backdrop of the new challenges
brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution—every country seeks to
secure its national interests by participating in global processes
and managing its economic and political relations with other
states.

Although many international organizations advocate for peaceful
and dialogue-based solutions to global issues, recent experiences
show that states with economic resilience and broad
military-political capabilities have a stronger say in
international affairs. In this new multipolar world order, the
People’s Republic of China has begun to play a more critical role,
solidifying its position in certain regions and creating new
opportunities for cooperation.

In Azerbaijan’s case, the foundation of friendly and partnership
relations with China is linked to the name of National Leader
Heydar Aliyev. During his tenure as First Deputy Chairman of the
USSR Council of Ministers, Heydar Aliyev held numerous meetings
with Chinese representatives, being well-informed about China’s
dynamics and development. These contacts continued successfully
during Azerbaijan’s years of independence.

After gaining independence, mutual official visits between the
two countries’ high-ranking officials further strengthened
diplomatic ties. Heydar Aliyev’s official visits to China and
meetings with its leaders laid the groundwork for future
cooperation.

During his first official visit to China from March 7–10, 1994,
National Leader Heydar Aliyev met with President Jiang Zemin and
Prime Minister Li Peng. During this visit, a joint declaration on
the fundamentals of developing friendly relations between the two
countries was signed, along with eight agreements covering topics
such as the opening of air routes, scientific-technical and
cultural cooperation, medicine, radio and television, and
tourism.

These successfully established relations have been further
strengthened over the past 20 years under the leadership of
President Ilham Aliyev. Since 2005, President Aliyev has made
several visits to China. However, his state visit to the People’s
Republic of China from April 22–24, 2025, can be considered a
historic milestone in bilateral cooperation.

As a result of bilateral and extended meetings with the
President of China, a Joint Declaration on Establishing
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations comprising 18 clauses
was signed. This agreement opens new avenues for Azerbaijan—the
leading country of the South Caucasus—to expand future cooperation
with other states. In particular, the agreement on lifting the visa
regime between the two countries increases expectations for the
continued development of friendly and respectful relations.

As highlighted by the President in an interview with China
Global Television Network during his visit, “Azerbaijan has
signed strategic partnership declarations with many countries in
the South Caucasus region and even some European countries, but the
one with China is the strongest among them.”

In the same interview, President Ilham Aliyev touched on all
aspects of modern cooperation with China, clarifying various points
of interest related to political, economic, cultural, and
humanitarian fields for a vast audience.

It should be noted that China has succeeded in creating a new
reality in the Eurasian region and globally over the past decade.
Azerbaijan, too, aims to deepen relations globally based on mutual
respect and trust. It strives to define new directions in line with
the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while also
working to attract investment and boost capital inflows into the
country.

As the President emphasized, Azerbaijan possesses significant
logistical capabilities in the North-South and East-West
transportation corridors. The country is committed to being a
reliable energy supplier and enhancing its trade turnover. This
effort continues to deepen and diversify day by day.

Azerbaijan also joined the “Belt and Road” initiative, proposed
by China in 2013 to improve infrastructure and connectivity across
Eurasian countries. Within this initiative, a new trade corridor
has been established to transport goods directly from East to West
under favorable conditions.

Notably, Azerbaijan was the first country in the Caucasus to
support China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. In this context,
Azerbaijan plays the role of a logistics hub, junction, and bridge
in implementing the strategy.

Thus, Azerbaijan’s transportation and logistics
advantages—critical for both the ancient Silk Road and the modern
“Belt and Road” initiative—are clearly evident. The bilateral
economic-political relations established with friendly countries,
as well as Azerbaijan’s commitment, solidarity, and alliances
demonstrated in international organizations, are valuable not only
for our country and region but for the entire Eurasian
continent.

We can confidently say that the direction defined by President
Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan’s multi-vector foreign policy is aimed
at a prosperous future and reflects the intention to deepen
relations with Eurasian countries—particularly with the People’s
Republic of China—in the fields of economy, politics, culture, and
humanitarian cooperation.

Mazahir Afandiyev, the author is a member of the Azerbaijani
Parliament

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Elon Musk takes hit as Europeans ditch X in droves


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from POLITICO.

Trump-Ukraine minerals deal hits yet another late snag


Trump-Ukraine minerals deal hits yet another late snag

U.S. president has previously described such a pact as reimbursement for billions in American aid sent to help Kyiv against Russia’s full-scale invasion.


5 HRS ago


4 mins read

Von der Leyen slams Trump: We don’t punish neighbors


Von der Leyen slams Trump: We don’t punish neighbors

Commission president criticizes the American leader’s trade war, approach to other countries and targeting of universities.


Apr 29


3 mins read

Malta’s ‘golden passport’ scheme is illegal, EU top court rules


Malta’s ‘golden passport’ scheme is illegal, EU top court rules

Court of Justice of the EU says Tuesday the program was nothing short of the “commercialisation” of citizenship.


Apr 29


2 mins read

Canada’s conservative leader Pierre Poilievre loses his own seat in election collapse


Canada’s conservative leader Pierre Poilievre loses his own seat in election collapse

The remarkable campaign was upended by a backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump, which sparked a stunning liberal resurgence.


Apr 29


2 mins read

Categories
Michael Novakhov - SharedNewsLinks℠

Франция обвинила военную разведку России в кибератаках


Michael_Novakhov
shared this story
from Радио Свобода.

Во вторник Франция официально обвинила российскую военную разведку в кибератаках на страну на протяжении последнего десятилетия, включая взлом предвыборной кампании президента Эммануэля Макрона в 2017 году и атаку на телевизионную сеть TV5 Monde в 2015 году.

Об этом сообщает AFP.

“Военная разведка России (ГРУ) на протяжении нескольких лет ведёт кибератаки против Франции, используя хакерскую группу, известную под названием APT28”, — заявил министр иностранных дел Жан-Ноэль Барро в посте в социальной сети X, впервые официально возложив ответственность за эти атаки на ГРУ.

В 2017 году газета Financial Times писала, что Российская Федерация мобилизовала хакерскую группу АРТ28 (другие названия – Pawn Storm, Fancy Bear, BlueDelta). Она известна своими атаками на французскую телевизионную сеть TV5Monde, частную военную компанию США Blackwater, Минобороны Франции, Венгрии и Госдепартамент США.

Специалисты по кибербезопасности США, Британии, Израиля и Германии уже тогда заявляли, что приказы АРТ28 отдает главное разведывательное управление России.

Москва категорически отрицает свое сотрудничество с хакерами.