Category: World

Donald Tusk suggests creating a "maritime police" to protect the Baltic Sea from Russian threats. The initiative comes after the recent damage to an underwater telecommunications cable between Finland and Germany.

The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, said in the middle that he wanted to launch the program "Viiskovo-morskoy politi", so that he could protect the Baltic Sea from the Russian floods. About such an initiative, Tusk stated that there was a serious sabotage on the last minute's water telecommunications cable. Pro tse UNN povidomly iz posilannyam on Politico.

Speaking to reporters in Warsaw ahead of a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders in Sweden, Tusk said the initiative would be "a joint venture between countries in the Baltic Sea that feel equally threatened by Russia.

"If Europe is united, then Russia is a technological, financial and economic dwarf in relation to Europe," he added. "But if Europe is divided, then Russia poses a threat to each European country individually.

Addition

On November 18, it was reportedthat the C-Lion1 telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Rostock stopped working.

Sweden is currently investigating damage to two data cables in the Baltic Sea, investigating the involvement of the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3. Germany considers the incident an act of hybrid warfare.

Moscow, which stepped up a hybrid warfare campaign in Europe after a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, called the suggestion that Russia was involved in cable breakage "ridiculous." Beijing also denies any involvement.

for Reference

Nine countries-Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany and Poland – border the Baltic Sea. The Russian Navy is based in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.

A Vienna court has dismissed a long-standing request from representatives of the Russian Federation to remove the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDSC) from its premises in the heart of the Austrian capital.

Source: UDSC CEO Dmytro Moskalenko

Details: "We've upheld our right to use the building and did not cede the property, to which we are entitled, to Russia. The decision is truly historic because Russia has never been denied. This is a loud slap in the face to the Putin regime," he wrote.

In 1975, the USSR Embassy in Austria acquired a building and a plot of land in the centre of Vienna. The property was purchased with funds from the Danube Shipping Company, which utilised the premises for its operations.

A few years later, another building was constructed next to the old one, which housed the shipping company's headquarters in Austria.

After Ukraine declared its independence, the property remained under the control of the Danube Shipping Company despite the USSR being formally listed as the owner. Today, the site and buildings, located in Vienna's most expensive district, are valued at tens of millions of euros.

The Russians changed the owner of the building from the USSR to the Russian Federation in 2008. They argued that "the former republics allegedly renounced the external obligations of the USSR, and therefore, Russia is the only heir to the Soviet empire".

Even before the full-scale war, representatives of the UDSP had lost several court cases. However, in 2022, a new team from the Ukrainian state-owned company entered the legal battle for the property. Following the court's decision, the property remains under UDSP's control.

"This is the first case where a European court has recognised Ukraine as a co-owner of foreign property, and thousands of such assets are around. The ruling marks a significant first step towards securing other real estate assets abroad, as Ukraine continues its battle for international recognition of ownership," Moskalenko said.

Background: The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company has rejected a proposal from a Russian travel company to transfer its passenger fleet to them on a time charter.

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Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden have released new guidelines for public emergency response. Sweden emphasizes the threat of military conflict and calls on citizens to be prepared for defense.

Against the backdrop of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the deteriorating security situation in the Baltic region, the Scandinavian countries have updated instructions on how to act in emergency situations. Finland, Denmark and Norway are more focused on emergencies. In Sweden, the probability of a military conflict is taken into account.

Passes UNN with reference to DW and Connery.

Details

What if comfort and safety suddenly stop?

The National Emergency Management Agencies of Denmark, Norway and Finland have issued a clear guide on how to deal with possible emergencies.

Tips relate to drinking water, food, medicine, hygiene, providing heat and light, and access to information.

Swedes do not rule out military action

In Sweden, pamphlets emphasize the possibility of a military conflict: "in case of crisis or war." The population is reminded of unstable times when armed conflicts and terrorist attacks, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns are taking place on the European continent.

To counter these threats, we must be united. Whichever country is under attack, everyone should contribute to protecting Sweden's independence and our democracy, the brochure says.

Mikael Frissell, head of the Civil Defense Department of the Swedish Defense Ministry, stressed in a press release that everyone needs to increase their resistance to various crises and, ultimately, to war.

Help

Sweden, which suspended compulsory conscription in 2010, returned it in 2017. In Finland and Norway, universal military service has existed for several decades.

How do residents of countries react and talk about it

David Fermm, a student at the University of Gothenburg, and Ludwig Karlberg, who works for one of the startups in Stockholm, believe that in Sweden people do not think about preparing for war.

As soon as the pamphlets reach the public, and as far as I understand, they haven't reached them yet, then I think there will be a little more concern. But eventually, people will calm down again. There will be no panic – suggested Fermat.

In Lappenrant, a Finnish city located near the border with Russia, the sense of threat is stronger. Marika Kessel, a local teacher, says that being prepared for the worst, such as a military conflict, is very important. But it has not yet implemented all the recommendations of the authorities regarding civil defense.

The weakening rouble has nearly driven the value of Gazprom shares down to US$1 per share.

Source: Investing.com

Details: In rouble terms, the shares of Russia's gas giant are approaching historic lows amid a general decline in the Russian market, as trading data indicates.

At its peak, a single Gazprom share was worth US$8.5, eight times higher than its current value.

Background:

• Russian gas monopoly Gazprom is planning for 2025 with the assumption that gas transit to Europe via Ukraine will cease after 31 December 2024.
• As of 27 November, the exchange rate of the RUB to the USD stands at approximately RUB 109.

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Mikhail Kavelashvili has been nominated as a presidential candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream party. For the first time, the president of Georgia will be elected not by the population, but by the Electoral College on December 14.

The candidate for the post of President from the ruling party of Georgia will be former football player of the English club "Manchester City" Mikhail Kavelashvili. This was announced by the head of the "Georgian Dream" Bidzina Ivanishvili, reports UNN with reference to "Echo of the Caucasus".

"Honesty, justice, patriotism and integrity are the qualities that distinguish Mikhail Kavelashvili. He is the best embodiment of a Georgian man by nature, if you will, by his habit. He is a wonderful husband and father of four children. Taking into account all the above, the team made a unanimous decision on the nomination of Mikhail Kavelashvili for the post of President of Georgia. I am sure that Mikhail Kavelashvili will fully restore the dignity temporarily taken away from the presidential Institute. The inauguration of the new president will take place on December 29, and from now on the blatant practices of betrayal of the country and systematic violation of the Constitution by the president of Georgia, which caused the greatest damage to the presidential institution, will remain in the past," Ivanishvili said.

Kavelashvili is reportedly one of the leaders of the power of the People Party, which formally broke away from the ruling party. He was a member of Parliament of the IX and X convocations, and became a deputy following the results of the parliamentary elections on October 26. The "power of the people" is known for its anti-Western rhetoric and support for "traditional values".

He is a veteran of football, started his sports career in Lokomotiv Tbilisi, then moved to Dynamo, where he became a six-time champion of Georgia. In 1995, he moved to the Vladikavkaz club Spartak-Alania, and in 1996-to Manchester City (28 matches, 3 goals). He also played for various clubs in Switzerland.

addition

For the first time, the president of Georgia will be elected not by the population, but by the Electoral College, in which the "Georgian Dream" will have the majority of seats.

The Russian presidential election will be held on December 14 at the parliament building, and the inauguration will be held on December 29 this year. The second round of elections (if necessary) will also be held on December 14.

Major General Christian Freuding, Head of the Planning Staff and the Special Task Force for Ukraine at Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence, believes that Germany is currently the main target of Russia’s hybrid attacks due to its leading role in supporting Ukraine.

Commenting in an interview with European Pravda on the crash near Vilnius of a cargo plane operating a flight for DHL, Freuding noted that while there is still too little information about the incident itself, it does not change the fact that hybrid warfare has become a key tool for the Kremlin. This is particularly relevant given previous "mail attacks" targeting the German logistics company.

"I will not comment on the DHL crash, as we haven’t any clue about the reason for it so far.

But we are fully aware that from a Russian perspective, in Russia‘s view, there is no peace between Western Europe or Germany and Russia. And international law no longer applies from a Russian perspective. Given that we are the strongest European supporter of Ukraine, we are a prime target for Russian hybrid offensive actions and we have to prepare for that," the German general told European Pravda.

Freuding also noted that Germany has seen signs of Russia’s intention to achieve capabilities by 2029 that could enable a renewed aggression, including against a NATO member state.

Previously: Major General Christian Freuding stated that Ukraine will receive two IRIS-T short- and medium-range air defence systems from Germany by the end of 2024.

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Tim Robbins expressed concern about the quality of modern movies on Netflix and the future of cinema. The actor believes that high-quality films will become increasingly rare in Hollywood.

Shawshank Redemption star Tim Robbins shared his thoughts on the future of cinema, writes UNN with reference to NME.

Details

American actor Tim Robbins is worried about the future of the film industry.

Tim Robbins, who became famous for his role in the film "Shawshank Redemption", began his career in 1982 and is now a "veteran" of acting. He has had roles in films such as best shooter, tropical fever, and mysterious river, among many others.

He is currently starring in the sci-fi dystopian series Apple TV+ Silo with Rebecca Ferguson. In an interview with the Guardian about the project and his career, the actor expressed concern about the future of the film industry.

Tim Robbins believes that Hollywood has a disappointing future ahead of it.

If you go to Netflix now, you can see what movies are coming out, and you tell me, what is the future of cinema? We're in big trouble.

– says the actor.

Tim Robbins added that high-quality films will still be successful and have a lasting impact, but it will be much rarer than it was before.

It's been 30 years since Shawshank Redemption

– he said.

When it came out, it received good reviews, it was nominated for an Academy Award, but no one saw it. The situation was changed by VHS and Ted Turner, who showed it on his TV channel Turner Classic Movies. This is my favorite movie. It remains at the top of IMDb as the most beloved movie of all time. So I know that high-quality movies, high-quality TV shows will continue. Whether it's a hit or not doesn't matter compared to what people will think about it in 10, 15, 20 years

recall

The 1967 Jaguar E-Type convertible, featured in all three Austin Powers films, is being sold at Mecum auction. The car has a 4.2-liter engine, a mileage of 103,000 km and recently underwent restoration.

An agreement was signed on the new administration's access to information from US federal agencies. The transition period will be carried out at private expense, without the use of government buildings and technology.

Trump's team signed a memorandum on the transfer of power with the Joe Biden administration. This is reported by USA Today, reports UNN.

Details

The agreement gives the new administration access to information from federal agencies that is necessary to prepare for taking over the government. According to the publication, the established schedule for the transfer of presidential power is designed to facilitate the transfer of control. However, the Trump team missed the September 1 and October 1 deadlines to sign planned agreements with the Office of common services and the White House.

Now, the transition period of Trump and US Vice President-elect J. D. Vance will be carried out at the expense of private funding.

The agreement also stipulates that the Trump team will not use government buildings or technologies provided by the Office of common services. This, in turn, is likely to raise security concerns, given recent attempts to hack at least one of the presidential campaigns. The terms set out by the Trump transition team largely contradict protocol and some established procedures that have been used for decades during the transfer of power.

Max Steer, president and CEO of the Public Service Partnership, which oversees the Center for the transition of presidential power, said the signing of the agreement marks "a positive step towards an effective transfer of power.

This agreement opens up direct access to federal agency information, which is crucial to the new administration's readiness to start managing from day one and is crucial to the success of the transition

Max Steer added.

recall

Earlier, UNN reported that the team of the newly elected US president is discussing the possibility of holding direct talks with the leader of the DPRK. This diplomatic move can reduce the risk of armed conflict between the two countries.

Trump's team is considering direct talks with Kim Jong-UnNov 26 2024, 09:52 PM • 10872 views

US President Joe Biden has called on Congress to provide an additional US$24 billion to strengthen military support for Ukraine.

Source: New York Post with reference to Politico.Pro

Details: According to the report, the White House Office of Management and Budget proposed to include this financial assistance in the package to avoid a funding freeze by the next presidential administration.

Out of the total amount of US$24 billion, US$8 billion is earmarked to finance US companies' contracts to supply arms to Ukraine. Another US$16 billion will be used to replenish the US military arsenal.

However, some Republicans have already expressed their disagreement with this step, criticising the request.

"Joe Biden just gave away 4.7 billion in your taxpayer dollars by unilaterally ‘forgiving’ loans to Ukraine. Congress must not give him a free gift to further sabotage President Trump’s peace negotiations on the way out the door. Any Biden funding demands should be DOA [dead on arrival]," Senator Mike Lee of Utah wrote on X (Twitter).

Joe Biden just gave away 4.7 billion in your taxpayer dollars by unilaterally “forgiving” loans to Ukraine.
Congress must not give him a free gift to further sabotage President Trump’s peace negotiations on the way out the door. Any Biden funding demands should be DOA. https://t.co/xnEu8hUA6P

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 26, 2024

Background:

• The day before, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States would provide Ukraine with everything it needs to "fight through 2025".
• On 20 November, the administration of US President Joe Biden submitted to Congress a statement of intent to cancel half of Ukraine's economic aid debt – approximately US$4.65 billion.

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