Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

  • Arsenal ‘looking to sell’ trio ‘not in Arteta’s plans’; Liverpool target identified as Odegaard replacement

    Arsenal ‘looking to sell’ trio ‘not in Arteta’s plans’; Liverpool target identified as Odegaard replacement

    Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard

    Premier League giants Arsenal have been backed to “cash in” on three players “not in” head coach Mikel Arteta’s “plans” in the coming months.

    The Gunners are under pressure to pick up positive results in the coming weeks as they are winless in four Premier League games. This places them 11th in the form table.

    Several Arsenal stars are underperforming and need to step up if they are to close the gap on table-toppers Liverpool, who are nine points clear of Mikel Arteta‘s side.

    Arteta will likely be looking to tinker with his squad in the upcoming transfer windows. In an interview with Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claims Arsenal are ‘ready to sell’ Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.

    “There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell,” Brown told Football Insider.

    “And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans. When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are.”

    READ: Arsenal invincible ‘wishes’ Arteta would sign Liverpool star after ‘exciting’ summer links – exclusive

    “We know there’s been interest in Saliba, for example, but I think he’s one of the last players they’d ever consider selling for any sort of money.

    “If they feel they need to raise money, they’ve got these players who they’re far more likely to turn to. That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad.

    “Sometimes the way it works is you’ve got to let some fringe players leave, raise a bit of money from them, and then refresh the squad with new backup options.

    “It seems counterproductive, but it helps to keep the squad fresh and provide new options. Especially if you don’t think they’re good enough to play a role any more, or if you’ve got better options in their positions. So first are foremost, these are the players I expect they’ll cash in on.“

    MORE ARSENAL COVERAGE ON F365…
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    👉 Arsenal ‘want to repeat Odegaard trick’ as Real Madrid jewel ‘could join’ Arteta’s side
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    Martin Odegaard’s recent injury seriously hampered Arsenal and Gunners expert Charles Watts thinks Lyon star Rayan Cherki – who is a target of Liverpool – would be a suitable replacement for the talented midfielder.

    “Lyon’s plight is a sad one. Obviously, there is an Arsenal connection there with Alexandre Lacazette and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, so you hope they come through it.” Watts said.

    “Should the worst happen and they do get punished with relegation then you would imagine some of their best players would come onto the market, with Rayan Cherki at the top of that list.

    “I’ve not been told of any Arsenal interest when it comes to Cherki, but you would think that top clubs across Europe would be open to him as a market opportunity should it arise.

    “He fits the type of profile Arsenal like to go for when it comes to new signings and there is a need to add another playmaker to the squad, as has been highlighted by Martin Odegaard’s absence.

    “So it might be one to keep an eye on. Although the rumours are right now that Liverpool could be the club to watch when it comes to Cherki.”

  • Factory that produces cargo drones and weapons arsenal hit in Russia – video

    Factory that produces cargo drones and weapons arsenal hit in Russia – video

    Ukrainian forces have attacked a plant in Belgorod Oblast, Russia, which, among other things, produces cargo drones for the Russian army. A weapons arsenal in Novgorod Oblast was also hit, said Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the National Security and Defence Council's Centre for Countering Disinformation.

    Source: Kovalenko on Telegram

    Quote from Kovalenko: "A plant of the EFKO company was attacked in Belgorod Oblast, which officially makes food products, but in fact also produces cargo drones used by the Russian army for military purposes."

    Details: Kovalenko posted a video of a fire at the plant.

    У Росії "прилетіло" у завод, який виготовляє вантажні БПЛП – Центр протидії дезінформації. Відео з Telegram-каналу керівника ЦПД Андрія Коваленка pic.twitter.com/tUyfk1QGuZ

    — Українська правда ✌️ (@ukrpravda_news) November 20, 2024

    Kovalenko also said that UAVs attacked the 13th arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate near the village of Kotovo in Novgorod Oblast, which is approximately 680 km from the border with Ukraine. This was reported earlier by Russian Telegram channels.

      google.maps

    "The 13th arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate stores shells for barrel artillery, mortar shells, missiles for Grad, Smerch and Uragan MLRS, as well as Iskander missiles, North Korean KN23 missiles, anti-aircraft missiles for S-300s and S-400s, and ammunition for the Tor system," Kovalenko said.

    In addition, Kovalenko posted a video of an explosion and fire in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast. The attack on the Yevdakovka oil and fat plant in Voronezh Oblast was reported the day before.

    Вибух і пожежа на заводі у Воронезькій області РФ. Відео з Telegram-каналу керівника ЦПД Андрія Коваленка pic.twitter.com/ElSYqEtKML

    — Українська правда ✌️ (@ukrpravda_news) November 20, 2024

    Background:

    • Late in the evening of 19 November, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that it had allegedly shot down 42 Ukrainian drones in less than 3 hours. Thirty-two of them allegedly attacked Russia’s Bryansk Oblast.
    • On the morning of 20 November, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that Ukrainian troops had been attacking Russia with drones since the evening and that overnight alone, Russian air defence forces allegedly shot down 44 drones.

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  • Iran warns Europe of consequences of IAEA resolution against Tehran

    Iran warns Europe of consequences of IAEA resolution against Tehran

    Iran warns Europe of consequences of IAEA resolution against Tehran

    The Iranian Foreign Minister warned European states against submitting a resolution against Tehran to the IAEA. Araqchi emphasized that such actions could seriously complicate the situation and lead to an escalation of tensions.

    Iran warns Europe against a resolution against Tehran in the IAEA. This is reported by Reuters, according to UNN.

    Details

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned European states that a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting could seriously complicate the situation. The statement was made during a telephone conversation with his French counterpart.

    According to Araqchi, the three European countries promoting this resolution should realize the possible consequences of their actions, as this could lead to further escalation of tensions. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that this position was expressed in the context of discussing the country's nuclear program in the international arena.

    Tehran also emphasizes that Iran remains open to cooperation with the IAEA, but calls for a more constructive approach from the international community.

    US warns Iran that it will not be able to deter Israel if Tehran attacks againNov 3 2024, 10:59 AM • 20400 views

  • Increasing number of Ukrainians favor peace talks, poll suggests

    Increasing number of Ukrainians favor peace talks, poll suggests

    Increasing number of Ukrainians favor peace talks, poll suggests

    As attitudes around potential future peace negotiations continue to shift in Ukraine, 52% of Ukrainians now say that they would like to see their country negotiate an end to the war "as soon as possible," according a survey published by Gallup on Nov. 19.

    The survey, released ahead of the anticipated harsh winter months amid Russian energy attacks, highlights that approximately 10% to 12% of Ukraine's population living in Russian-occupied territories were excluded from the poll.

    The poll, released on the 1,000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, indicates a progressive shift in sentiments surrounding the end of the war, with only about four in ten, 38%, respondents saying that the country should "continue fighting until it wins the war."

    In 2022, following the start of the all-out war, a record 73% of respondents believed Ukraine should continue fighting until it wins, dropping to 63% in 2023, according to Gallup's finding. The shift represents a 25 percentage point decrease year-over-year between 2023 and 2024.

    The poll, which did not ask about details regarding a timeline for negotiations, falls in contrast with another survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) released on Nov. 4 that showed that 63% of Ukrainians ready to endure the war as long as necessary.

    Among those surveyed in the Gallup poll who would be open negotiating peace as soon as possible, 52% would be open to making territorial concessions as part of a peace deal with 38% against concessions— though the specifics of the potential territorial concessions were not outlined in the survey.

    The responses to the survey likely fall in line with comments made by President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged to end Russia's war against Ukraine "within 24 hours." Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for a national security advisor, told Voice of America on Nov. 13 that Trump wants to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to end the war.

    The change in sentiment is also likely reflected in comments made by Ukrainian officials over the past year. Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko said in May that Ukraine "clearly understands" that Russia's full-scale war will end with negotiations.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky has more recently said that the country must do everything possible to end the war through diplomatic means in 2025, adding that a war would "end faster" under a Trump administration.

    Support for an immediate end to the war through negotiations is most popular among Ukraine's front-line eastern regions, with just 27% of respondents in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv oblasts saying that Kyiv should continue to fight until it wins the war — down from 63% in 2022.

    Despite Trump's insistence on quickly settling the war, 70% of respondents most trust European Union countries to play a significant role in a potential negotiated peace, with only 49% of supportive of the United States under a Trump administration having a significant role. A further 63% of respondents were in favor of having the United Kingdom play a significant role.

    The Gallup poll involved approximately 1,000 Ukrainian adults from all regions of the country and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

    From Bucha to Kursk: 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale war (Photos)One thousand days ago, at 4 a.m. Kyiv time, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the deadliest military conflict in Europe since World War II. For 1,000 days, Ukraine has been defending against the Russian military, well-equipped and superior in numbers of weapons and people deployed.…Increasing number of Ukrainians favor peace talks, poll suggestsThe Kyiv IndependentIrynka HromotskaIncreasing number of Ukrainians favor peace talks, poll suggests

  • Shelling in Kherson region: 2 people killed, 15 wounded

    Shelling in Kherson region: 2 people killed, 15 wounded

    Shelling in Kherson region: 2 people killed, 15 wounded

    Enemy shelling in Kherson region killed 2 people and wounded 15. 28 houses in 13 settlements were damaged, and a drone attack was recorded, which was shot down by air defense.

    Enemy shelling in Kherson region killed 2 people and wounded 15 others. This was reported by the head of the Kherson RMA Oleksandr Prokudin, UNN reports.

    Details

    The enemy struck at critical and social infrastructure, damaging several residential buildings, including five multi-storey buildings and 23 private homes. In addition, private cars were damaged as a result of the attacks.

    The towns and villages that came under fire were Antonivka, Veletenske, Shyroka Balka, Mykilske, Oleksandrivka, Stanislav, Novovorontsovka, Bilozerka, Tomaryne, Chervonyi Mayak, Komyshany, Novoraysk and others. Residential areas sustained the most damage.

    As a result of these attacks, two people were killed and 15 others were injured of varying severity.

    There was also a drone attack at night, during which the Air Defense Forces destroyed one drone approaching the region.

    New attacks in Kherson region: 2 people killed, 2 woundedNov 19 2024, 06:08 AM • 13728 views

  • Drone attacks on companies reported in two Russian oblasts – videos

    Drone attacks on companies reported in two Russian oblasts – videos

    Drone attacks on companies have been reported in Russia’s Voronezh and Belgorod oblasts on the evening of 19 November.

    Source: Russian Telegram channel Astra; governors of Belgorod and Voronezh oblasts

    Details: According to Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod Oblast, the wreckage of a drone fell on the territory of one of the companies, damaging the premises in Alekseevka. Media reports say it is a plant of EFKO company that produces sauces.

    У Воронезькій та Бєлгородській областях РФ повідомили про атаки дронів на підприємства. pic.twitter.com/YWtcHsVAII

    — Українська правда ✌️ (@ukrpravda_news) November 19, 2024

    In addition, an infrastructure facility and a power line were damaged, and several streets were left without electricity.

    Local authorities in Voronezh Oblast reported an attack on the Yevdakovka oil and fat plant, as a fire broke out there.

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  • Georgian police again break up protest near university in Tbilisi

    Georgian police again break up protest near university in Tbilisi

    Georgian police again break up protest near university in Tbilisi

    Georgian police forcefully dispersed peaceful protesters near Tbilisi University who were demanding new parliamentary elections. Law enforcers pushed the demonstrators off the roadway, and 16 people were detained.

    Georgian police again dispersed protesters near Tbilisi University. This is reported by Echo of the Caucasus, UNN reports.

    Details

    On the morning of November 20, Georgian police officers for the second time in recent days pushed out protesters who were holding a rally near Tbilisi State University, demanding new parliamentary elections. The rally, which was peaceful, was again stopped by force after police ordered the demonstrators to clear the roadway.

    As on the previous day, law enforcement officers demanded that the opposition leaders and their supporters stop blocking the road. After the deadline expired, hundreds of police officers arrived at the scene and pushed the protesters away.

    Recall

    Earlier, some of the protesters entered the TSU building, demanding the resignation of the rector, Jaba Samushia. In turn, the police tried to suppress the protesters' tent city, detaining 16 people, which caused criticism from NGOs, the President of Georgia and the Ombudsman

    Georgian police disperse protesters and demolish tent city in TbilisiNov 19 2024, 04:56 AM • 14715 views

  • US to announce $275 million military aid package to Ukraine, AP reports

    US to announce $275 million military aid package to Ukraine, AP reports

    US to announce $275 million military aid package to Ukraine, AP reports

    The U.S. is preparing to announce a military aid package for Ukraine worth about $275 million, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Nov. 19, citing U.S. officials.

    The latest aid package comes as the Biden administration rushes to deliver the remaining approximately $7 billion in military aid to Ukraine ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, amid concerns that a future Trump administration would halt weapons shipments before they reach Kyiv.

    Two administration officials told Politicoon Nov. 6 that the White House plans to expedite the weapons delivery ahead of the January 2025 inauguration, as Trump has previously said he would cease military aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to hold peace negotiations with Russia.

    The new aid package will include HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) ammunition, artillery shells, and Javelin surface-to-air missiles, in addition to a wide range of spare parts and equipment, according to officials.

    The new aid package, which is expected to be announced this week, will be provided under presidential drawdown authority, pulling weaponry from existing U.S. stockpiles. The U.S. most recently announced the delivery of a $425 million military aid package for Kyiv on Nov. 1.

    Despite the president's ability to deliver existing weapons stocks through presidential drawdown authority, White House officials are concerned that the delivery of the large amount of undelivered weapons may take months to reach Ukraine — well past Trump's inauguration into office.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky on Oct. 30 said the U.S. has transferred to Ukraine only about 10% of the $61 billion aid approved by Congress in April 2024.

    Of the $61 billion aid package, only $4.3 billion remains to pull existing weapons stocks, while a further $2.1 billion in funding remains to put weapons on contract with U.S. defense companies.

    The latest military aid package comes amid a significant shift in U.S. policy as President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia on Nov. 17.

    Ukraine reportedly used ATACMS to strike Russian territory for first time on Nov. 19, striking a Russian military facility in Karachev, Bryansk Oblast.

    Ukraine used ATACMS on Russian territory for first time, according to Moscow, mediaIf confirmed, this would mark the first instance of Ukraine using U.S.-made long-range missiles on Russian territory since Washington eased the restrictions last week.US to announce $275 million military aid package to Ukraine, AP reportsThe Kyiv IndependentMartin FornusekUS to announce $275 million military aid package to Ukraine, AP reports

  • Terrorist country moves old Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems to the south due to lack of equipment

    Terrorist country moves old Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems to the south due to lack of equipment

    Terrorist country moves old Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems to the south due to lack of equipment

    ATES agents detected the movement of decommissioned Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems in the Krasnodar Territory. The transportation of North Korean self-propelled artillery systems was also recorded, indicating a serious shortage of artillery in the Russian military.

    An ATES agent has detected the movement of Russian Msta-S air defense systems in the Krasnodar Territory. This was reported by the Military Movement of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars "ATESH", UNN reports .

    Details

    Since the enemy army is experiencing an acute shortage of equipment, it was decided to decommission old installations that had previously been in reserve for use on the southern front.

    In addition, the agency has repeatedly recorded the transportation of North Korean self-propelled artillery systems and informed about the preparation of the enemy military for their combat use.

    These actions point to serious problems with the supply of artillery equipment for the occupation forces, which may indicate a significant shortage of artillery at the front line.

    ATES guerrillas blow up an important railway facility in the occupied territory of ZaporizhzhiaNov 17 2024, 04:18 AM • 101177 views

  • Man City’s reason for snubbing Amorim emerges amid Guardiola ‘agreement’, ‘succession plan’ reveal

    Man City’s reason for snubbing Amorim emerges amid Guardiola ‘agreement’, ‘succession plan’ reveal

    Man City Guardiola Amorim

    According to reports, Manchester City snubbed Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim while they were “succession planning” for Pep Guardiola’s exit.

    Guardiola‘s future has been in doubt of late as his current contract is due to expire at the end of this season.

    The Man City boss has been in charge since 2016. He has helped them win the Premier League six times and the Champions League once.

    The Spaniard has been linked with several jobs in recent months as he ponders his next move but it was revealed on Tuesday night that he has ‘agreed to sign’ a new contract.

    The Athletic‘s Sam Lee revealed: ‘Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the option of an additional year.

    ‘The 53-year-old’s existing City deal was due to expire at the end of this season and, if the new terms are fulfilled, it would take Guardiola to over a decade in charge of the club.

    ‘An official announcement confirming the new contract is expected in the coming days.’

    READ: Man City ‘priority’ target prefers Man Utd after ‘speaking with Ruben Amorim’ in ‘major coup’

    The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola came at a difficult time for Man City. They are still facing alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules as their case against the Premier League is ongoing.

    City have also had to deal with director of football Txiki Begiristain announcing that he would be leaving at the end of this season.

    Guardiola is close with Begiristain and it was feared that the head coach would follow his compatriot in leaving Man City at the end of this season, but this will not be happening.

    Man City moved quickly to replace Begiristain as they have appointed Hugo Viana, who has left Sporting Lisbon to join the Premier League side.

    Viana’s move to Man City fuelled speculation surrounding Amorim being the manager chosen to replace Guardiola.

    MORE RUBEN AMORIM COVERAGE ON F365…
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    Amorim exited the Man City picture earlier this month as was appointed to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd.

    After the reveal on Tuesday evening concerning Guardiola, a report from journalist Ben Jacobs revealed why Man City did not consider Amorim a top target to replace their beloved head coach.

    Jacobs said: “City confident since October that Pep would stay. As reported, all parties have been working since then towards Pep signing in November.

    “Hugo Viana also aware of this before accepting the sporting director role. Was not under the impression from interview or talks that an imminent manager change would occur.

    “Pep was coy on his future over the summer, but #MCFC always calm he would extend.

    “Although City have succession planning in place, like all well-run clubs, there was no outreach to other managers, including Ruben Amorim, who City sources insist is not a stylistic fit. Official confirmation expected this week.”