Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Google of furthering the US political agenda, criticizing YouTube for slowing down video speeds in Russia. This comes amid increasing pressure on foreign tech firms in Russia, with bans on other platforms but YouTube remains active. The Kremlin denies disrupting YouTube, blaming Google for insufficient investment, a claim Google refutes. YouTube’s removal of pro-Russian content has worsened tensions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his willingness to meet with President-elect Donald Trump anytime to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other issues. Despite claiming battlefield success, Putin admitted uncertainty about regaining the Kursk region. He addressed Russia’s economic challenges and criticized security failures following the assassination of a top military official.
Ukraine has unveiled a new laser weapon, the Tryzub, capable of shooting down aircraft from over two kilometers. This development places Ukraine among a select group of countries possessing such technology. The weapon offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional munitions, potentially providing a significant advantage in the ongoing war against Russia. While limitations exist, the Tryzub represents a notable technological advancement in military defense.
Russia accused Ukraine of using white phosphorus munitions in September, a claim denied by Ukraine, which counter-accused Russia of using prohibited chemical weapons. Separately, the US warned about Russia’s use of a new, experimental Oreshnik missile, while Russia’s claims are not independently verified.
Russia is set to introduce a free, personalized mRNA cancer vaccine in early 2025. Tailored to individual patients’ tumors, the vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells. This development comes amid a global surge in cancer cases and underscores the increasing focus on personalized cancer therapies. The vaccine’s exact applications and name remain undisclosed, but it represents a significant step in the fight against cancer.
Reports suggest several hundred North Korean troops have suffered casualties fighting in Ukraine’s Kursk region alongside Russia. The US, Ukraine, and South Korea assess that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to aid Russia’s war effort. The lack of combat experience among these troops may have contributed to the high casualty rate. This development highlights the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, adding complexity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A 29-year-old Uzbek man has been detained by Russia for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s NBC forces. The assassination, carried out via a remotely detonated explosive device, was described as a meticulously planned operation by the FSB, with the suspect allegedly recruited by Ukrainian special services.
Elon Musk and SpaceX are under federal investigation for potential breaches of national security protocols. Investigations focus on undisclosed meetings with foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin, and concerns about Musk’s transparency regarding his personal conduct and drug use. The probes could lead to stricter security measures for private firms working with the government.
Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, was killed in a Moscow explosion claimed by Ukraine’s SBU. The attack, using a scooter-borne explosive device, is considered a major escalation in the conflict. Russia vows retribution, and global commodity markets remain impacted by the ongoing war.
Russia’s parliament approved a bill potentially delisting the Taliban as a terrorist group. This follows Moscow’s efforts to improve relations with the Taliban since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The move, while not amounting to formal recognition of the Taliban government, could boost diplomatic ties and improve regional stability, though it comes amidst concerns over human rights violations under the Taliban’s rule.
