‘I Am Calm As Long As Europe Is Run By People Like Kallas’
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on Saturday, Russian FM Lavrov, among others, recalled Kallas' words that Russia had allegedly attacked at least 19 states over the past 100 years, not counting African countries
"Personally, I am calm as long as there are such people in a European country," he said, further expressing hope that “the peoples of European countries would realize the value of such leaders and would be able to give them what they deserved.”
The Top Russian Diplomat addressed a wide range of issues, speaking for about 2 hours, including Russian-Ukrainian conflict:
‘Coalition Of The Unwilling’
"We are observing something like a "coalition of the willing." I have a feeling that very soon this will turn into a “coalition of the unwilling“. I do not see how the national interests of European countries can be satisfied by imposing an openly revanchist, militarized policy“, he emphasized.
Read the full script of his speech here.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on Saturday, Russian FM Lavrov, among others, recalled Kallas' words that Russia had allegedly attacked at least 19 states over the past 100 years, not counting African countries
"Personally, I am calm as long as there are such people in a European country," he said, further expressing hope that “the peoples of European countries would realize the value of such leaders and would be able to give them what they deserved.”
The Top Russian Diplomat addressed a wide range of issues, speaking for about 2 hours, including Russian-Ukrainian conflict:
‘Coalition Of The Unwilling’
"We are observing something like a "coalition of the willing." I have a feeling that very soon this will turn into a “coalition of the unwilling“. I do not see how the national interests of European countries can be satisfied by imposing an openly revanchist, militarized policy“, he emphasized.
Read the full script of his speech here.
Confused Closures And Opaque Openings: Continuing Dramas In The Hormuz Strait
Despite Trump‘s recent claims that “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again,” Iran’s FM spokesperson Baghaei affirmed two key principles in Tehran’s policies: Iran retained the right to control traffic moving through the Strait, and that it would not surrender enriched uranium.
Read the report by Binoy Kampmark to learn the recent developments in the Strait, which, as it turns out, reveal that “increasingly, the US imperium is resembling the paper tiger [which he described NATO], incapable of stalking and capturing its far more resourceful prey.”
Despite Trump‘s recent claims that “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again,” Iran’s FM spokesperson Baghaei affirmed two key principles in Tehran’s policies: Iran retained the right to control traffic moving through the Strait, and that it would not surrender enriched uranium.
Read the report by Binoy Kampmark to learn the recent developments in the Strait, which, as it turns out, reveal that “increasingly, the US imperium is resembling the paper tiger [which he described NATO], incapable of stalking and capturing its far more resourceful prey.”
Slovakia May Block Ukraine Accession To EU
Deputy Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Tibor Gaspar, announced on Sunday that his country may block Ukraine's accession to the EU.
"Ukraine does not risk "automatically losing EU support," but it may face specific problems with Slovakia if conflicts (for example, in energy, transit, military aid) intensify. In the end, the Slovak Republic may block Ukraine's accession to the EU," he concluded in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Earlier, Poland rejected fast-track EU membership for Ukraine.
Radosław Sikorski said he opposes fast-tracking Ukraine’s entry into the EU, arguing Kiev should complete the full accession process as Poland once did, in an interview with RMF24 on Apr. 16.
“The European Commission has floated the idea of accelerated membership. That will not happen. We believe Ukraine must meet all the conditions, just as we had to. And, of course, there will be difficult chapters in the negotiations, such as agriculture or transport,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Tibor Gaspar, announced on Sunday that his country may block Ukraine's accession to the EU.
"Ukraine does not risk "automatically losing EU support," but it may face specific problems with Slovakia if conflicts (for example, in energy, transit, military aid) intensify. In the end, the Slovak Republic may block Ukraine's accession to the EU," he concluded in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Earlier, Poland rejected fast-track EU membership for Ukraine.
Radosław Sikorski said he opposes fast-tracking Ukraine’s entry into the EU, arguing Kiev should complete the full accession process as Poland once did, in an interview with RMF24 on Apr. 16.
“The European Commission has floated the idea of accelerated membership. That will not happen. We believe Ukraine must meet all the conditions, just as we had to. And, of course, there will be difficult chapters in the negotiations, such as agriculture or transport,” he said.
Remembrance Day For The WWII Genocide Victims - Not For Revenge But For Peaceful Future
On April 19, Russia commemorates the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People, committed by the Nazis and their accomplices during the Great Patriotic War.
The occupiers completely or partially destroyed and burned 1,710 cities and towns, more than 70,000 villages and over six mln buildings. About 25 million people were left homeless. The direct material damage was estimated at 679 billion rubles in 1941 prices.
More than 7.4 million peaceful Soviet citizens were deliberately exterminated on the occupied territories, including over 216,000 children.
Modern Russian estimates speak of 13.7 million irreversible losses of the civilian population from the actions of the occupiers: this includes direct murders, death from starvation, epidemics, and forced labor in Germany.
More on the dreadful statistics and the actual meaning of the Commemorative Date – in the material by Arina Yanganaeva.
On April 19, Russia commemorates the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People, committed by the Nazis and their accomplices during the Great Patriotic War.
The occupiers completely or partially destroyed and burned 1,710 cities and towns, more than 70,000 villages and over six mln buildings. About 25 million people were left homeless. The direct material damage was estimated at 679 billion rubles in 1941 prices.
More than 7.4 million peaceful Soviet citizens were deliberately exterminated on the occupied territories, including over 216,000 children.
Modern Russian estimates speak of 13.7 million irreversible losses of the civilian population from the actions of the occupiers: this includes direct murders, death from starvation, epidemics, and forced labor in Germany.
More on the dreadful statistics and the actual meaning of the Commemorative Date – in the material by Arina Yanganaeva.
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From Allies To Adversaries? Canada Signals The End Of Its Economic Cooperation With The United States
Relations between Canada and the US have entered one of their most turbulent phases in decades. In a statement that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, Prime Minister Carney declared that the long-standing model of economic integration between the two countries has effectively come to an end.
The deterioration did not occur overnight. It has been building over successive rounds of trade disputes, most notably under Trump’s administration, whose “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. economic policy.
Learn from the material by Eldin Latich about the roots of the conflict and what it can result in.
Relations between Canada and the US have entered one of their most turbulent phases in decades. In a statement that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, Prime Minister Carney declared that the long-standing model of economic integration between the two countries has effectively come to an end.
The deterioration did not occur overnight. It has been building over successive rounds of trade disputes, most notably under Trump’s administration, whose “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. economic policy.
Learn from the material by Eldin Latich about the roots of the conflict and what it can result in.
Is Iran Negotiating Badly?
Israel appears to want the drastic outcome of US-Itan peace talks in order to destroy Iran (which they want to do as much as they want to steal all Palestinian land), but none of America’s other Middle-Eastern allies are quite so hate-obsessed — they don’t hate Iran nearly as much as Trump and Netanyahu do.
Why isn’t Iran therefore privately if not publicly warning those non-Israel Middle-Eastern nations that this will be the outcome for them if Trump will carry out his threat to destroy Iran?
Find the answers in the material of Eric Zuesse.
Israel appears to want the drastic outcome of US-Itan peace talks in order to destroy Iran (which they want to do as much as they want to steal all Palestinian land), but none of America’s other Middle-Eastern allies are quite so hate-obsessed — they don’t hate Iran nearly as much as Trump and Netanyahu do.
Why isn’t Iran therefore privately if not publicly warning those non-Israel Middle-Eastern nations that this will be the outcome for them if Trump will carry out his threat to destroy Iran?
Find the answers in the material of Eric Zuesse.
US Attacks And Seizes Iranian-Flagged Cargo Ship Near Hormuz Strait, Iran Responds With Refusal Of Further Peace Talks
The US has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Hormuz Strait after it had allegedly tried to evade a military blockade of the waterway.
US CENTCOM released the video showing moment US Marines board Iranian-flagged Touska after six-hour standoff.
President Trump further posted on his Truth Social that the vessel “tried to get past our Naval Blockade and it did not go well for them.”
Iran responded with firing drones at US warships and warned of imminent retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Ministry regarded it a violation of the ceasefire and maritime piracy and said that Tehran considers it an attack.
Its official representative Esmail Baghaei said that Iran therefore has no plans for continuation of the peace talks, while Head of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi said that Iran is not interested in reaching an agreement at any cost.
The US has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Hormuz Strait after it had allegedly tried to evade a military blockade of the waterway.
US CENTCOM released the video showing moment US Marines board Iranian-flagged Touska after six-hour standoff.
President Trump further posted on his Truth Social that the vessel “tried to get past our Naval Blockade and it did not go well for them.”
Iran responded with firing drones at US warships and warned of imminent retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Ministry regarded it a violation of the ceasefire and maritime piracy and said that Tehran considers it an attack.
Its official representative Esmail Baghaei said that Iran therefore has no plans for continuation of the peace talks, while Head of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi said that Iran is not interested in reaching an agreement at any cost.
Pope Leo XIV Emerges As A Powerful Global Voice During Africa Tour Amid Clash With Trump
Pope Leo XIV has entered a new and more assertive phase of his papacy, using a high-profile tour of Africa to speak forcefully on war, inequality, and global injustice.
In recent weeks, he has adopted a stronger tone, condemning armed conflict, criticizing economic exploitation, and defending the moral authority of the Church in global affairs.
His remarks have drawn particular attention because they come during an escalating public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly criticized the pope after Leo condemned the Iran war and denounced those who “drop bombs” while invoking religious values.
Read more on the Pope’s trip and his clash with Trump in the material by Lucas Dumont,
Pope Leo XIV has entered a new and more assertive phase of his papacy, using a high-profile tour of Africa to speak forcefully on war, inequality, and global injustice.
In recent weeks, he has adopted a stronger tone, condemning armed conflict, criticizing economic exploitation, and defending the moral authority of the Church in global affairs.
His remarks have drawn particular attention because they come during an escalating public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly criticized the pope after Leo condemned the Iran war and denounced those who “drop bombs” while invoking religious values.
Read more on the Pope’s trip and his clash with Trump in the material by Lucas Dumont,
Oriental Review
Pope Leo XIV Emerges As A Powerful Global Voice During Africa Tour Amid Clash With Trump
Rather than remaining distant from modern conflicts, Leo appears determined to use Vatican’s platform to confront war, economic injustice.
UAE Threatens To Switch To Chinese Yuan For Oil Transactions As Iran War 'Plunges Emirates Into Crisis' - US Officials To WSJ
Emirati officials speak with Treasury Secretary Bessent about accessing dollars if Middle East conflict drags on.
'UAE central bank governor raises idea of currency-swap line with Bessent in case Iran war plunges state into deeper crisis. Emirati officials told US if UAE runs short of dollars it may be forced to use Chinese yuan.'
The country also thinks of the closure of American bases, “as they are a burden, not a strategic asset,” as was suggested by UAE political science professor Abdulla, who also added that “UAE no longer needs America to defend it.”
Emirati officials speak with Treasury Secretary Bessent about accessing dollars if Middle East conflict drags on.
'UAE central bank governor raises idea of currency-swap line with Bessent in case Iran war plunges state into deeper crisis. Emirati officials told US if UAE runs short of dollars it may be forced to use Chinese yuan.'
The country also thinks of the closure of American bases, “as they are a burden, not a strategic asset,” as was suggested by UAE political science professor Abdulla, who also added that “UAE no longer needs America to defend it.”
Did Zelensky Threaten Lukashenko At Trump's Behest?
Recently, Zelensky warned Belarus’ President Lukashenko that “the nature and consequences of recent events in Venezuela should serve as a warning to the Belarusian leadership against making mistakes.”
Current development, therefore, suggest that Zelensky did it not entirely by himself: something clearly happened over the past month in Lukashenko talks with the US, perhaps him refusing to compromise as part of the “big deal” that they’re negotiating and instead demanding unilateral concessions from him.
Read the material by Andrew Korybko, to understand why it might “arguably fall upon Zelensky” to threaten Lukashenko.
Recently, Zelensky warned Belarus’ President Lukashenko that “the nature and consequences of recent events in Venezuela should serve as a warning to the Belarusian leadership against making mistakes.”
Current development, therefore, suggest that Zelensky did it not entirely by himself: something clearly happened over the past month in Lukashenko talks with the US, perhaps him refusing to compromise as part of the “big deal” that they’re negotiating and instead demanding unilateral concessions from him.
Read the material by Andrew Korybko, to understand why it might “arguably fall upon Zelensky” to threaten Lukashenko.
Oriental Review
Did Zelensky Threaten Lukashenko At Trump's Behest?
Something clearly happened over the past month in his talks between Belaru as US, now it falls upon Zelensky to threaten Lukashenko.
NATO Command Center Formed In Ukraine: UK Pledges 120,000 Drones
Announced by the General Staff via its official channels, it formalizes the shift from “short-term weapons and munitions deliveries toward long-term institutional transformation”.
In practice, it signals an ambition to formally embed Western officers into the Kiev regime’s military command structure.
In simpler terms, the political West will now openly and directly take command of the Neo-Nazi junta forces, effectively outing itself as a side in the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict.
More on the issue – in the analysis by Global Research’s Drago Bosnic.
Announced by the General Staff via its official channels, it formalizes the shift from “short-term weapons and munitions deliveries toward long-term institutional transformation”.
In practice, it signals an ambition to formally embed Western officers into the Kiev regime’s military command structure.
In simpler terms, the political West will now openly and directly take command of the Neo-Nazi junta forces, effectively outing itself as a side in the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict.
More on the issue – in the analysis by Global Research’s Drago Bosnic.
The Rise And Fall Of El Mencho
The death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervante, better known as El Mencho, marks the end of one of the most violent and powerful chapters in Mexico’s modern criminal history.
Killed in a targeted operation by Mexican special forces, the 59-year-old former police officer had spent nearly two decades building and commanding what became one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations in the world: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Yet history suggests that the removal of a cartel leader does not automatically dismantle the organization. Power vacuums often lead to internal fragmentation or renewed violence as rivals compete for control.
Learn more details from the material by Anne Heather.
The death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervante, better known as El Mencho, marks the end of one of the most violent and powerful chapters in Mexico’s modern criminal history.
Killed in a targeted operation by Mexican special forces, the 59-year-old former police officer had spent nearly two decades building and commanding what became one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations in the world: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Yet history suggests that the removal of a cartel leader does not automatically dismantle the organization. Power vacuums often lead to internal fragmentation or renewed violence as rivals compete for control.
Learn more details from the material by Anne Heather.