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Kirill Dmitriev, a Harvard-educated former banker with ties to President Putin, serves as a key intermediary between the Kremlin and the White House. Known for his loyalty to Putin, Dmitriev wields financial, diplomatic, and political influence, making him a crucial member of Russia's delegation in talks with the Trump administration. Despite being sanctioned by the Treasury Department, Dmitriev plays a significant role in Russia's economic and diplomatic relations with the U.S., leveraging his connections to facilitate negotiations and business deals. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union is preparing new sanctions to target the Russian "shadow fleet" that transports illicit oil, but it is uncertain if the Trump administration will join this effort. The fleet was created to bypass Western sanctions on Russian oil, allowing Moscow to sell crude to buyers in India and China. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 183 vessels used by Moscow, and the Trump administration is considering targeting more vessels. The EU is set to approve sanctions on over 70 vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, with the U.S. yet to confirm its participation in these measures. [Extracted from the article]

President Trump has engaged in talks with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky in an effort to swiftly end the war in Ukraine. Trump's administration is pushing for negotiations to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a focus on preventing further loss of life. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective, signaling a potential shift in the U.S. stance on the matter. [Extracted from the article]

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg has been tasked by President Trump to end the Ukraine war in 100 days, a challenge met with skepticism, especially by the Russians. Kellogg's role as a special envoy to Ukraine is seen as an initial move in peace talks that Trump aims to control personally, despite the complexities of negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kellogg's lack of diplomatic experience and past military background have raised doubts about his ability to influence negotiations, with concerns that he may simply follow Trump's directives without offering independent judgment. [Extracted from the article]

President Trump threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia if President Putin does not end the war in Ukraine. Trump emphasized his desire to avoid hurting Russia and expressed his love for the Russian people. Despite Trump's efforts, Putin has shown little interest in peace plans, and Russia continues its war in Ukraine. The efficacy of Trump's threats is uncertain due to existing sanctions and declining trade ties between the U.S. and Russia. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration imposed new sanctions on Russia's energy sector, targeting major oil producers, liquefied natural gas production, and elements of Russia's tanker fleet. These measures aim to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine and will cost Russia billions in lost revenues. Despite concerns about global oil prices, the U.S. is taking stronger actions as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. The sanctions target key players in Russia's energy supply chain, including Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, and are seen as a significant move that will be difficult for Russia to evade. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. has accused Sudan's Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide in a bloody civil war, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and sparking the worst famine in Sudan's history. The Treasury Department announced sanctions against RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, and affiliated companies in the United Arab Emirates. The paramilitary force, originally formed by Arab fighters known as Janjaweed, has a history of violence against non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur, with its leader Dagalo now being one of the richest individuals in Sudan due to his business empire and military activities in Yemen and Libya. [Extracted from the article]

The article from the Wall Street Journal discusses a recent vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans by a U.S. Army veteran that killed 14 people and injured over 30. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, appeared to be inspired by Islamic State propaganda and had personal issues before committing the violence. Experts have warned of an increase in Islamist attacks in the U.S. following recent events in the Middle East, and authorities are concerned about potential future attacks on public venues. The article also highlights the resurgence of jihadist movements, particularly ISIS-K, and the potential for copycat attacks by terrorist groups. [Extracted from the article]

Romania canceled its presidential election due to allegations of a Kremlin influence campaign on TikTok that propelled a pro-Russian candidate, Calin Georgescu, to the forefront. The government declassified intelligence reports accusing Moscow of orchestrating an internet scheme to boost Georgescu's candidacy. This incident reflects wider concerns in the West about Russia's unconventional tactics in influencing elections and undermining pro-Western candidates. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the complex relationship between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting their warm public rhetoric despite deeper tensions between the U.S. and Russia. Trump's efforts to make deals with Putin during his first term were hindered by allegations of collusion with Russia and disagreements on key issues like arms control and support for Ukraine. The article also touches on the escalating conflict in Ukraine, Russia's alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea, and the challenges in negotiating peace between the U.S. and Russia. [Extracted from the article]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested that the West is considering allowing Ukraine to use Western-made weaponry to strike deeper into Russian territory. This comes as Russia adds Iranian ballistic missiles to its arsenal and launches a counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Ukraine has been requesting permission to use long-range missiles to disrupt Russian offensives, but the U.S. has been hesitant due to concerns about escalation. Blinken warned that the delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia would intensify their attacks, and he emphasized that Russia had already escalated the conflict by targeting civilians and infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

A wave of drone attacks targeted Russia, including Moscow, resulting in one death, six injuries, and the temporary closure of three airports. The United States announced sanctions against Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, estimating that Russia would likely use these weapons against Ukraine in the coming weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry reported shooting down 144 drones, with half of them in the Bryansk region and the rest in Moscow and the Kursk region. These attacks are part of an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine also launching large-scale drone attacks on Russian military targets. The delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia has been denied by Iran. The sanctions imposed by the US and its European allies aim to penalize Iran for supporting Russia's war effort. The announcement fulfills a previous warning by the US and its allies to impose coordinated sanctions if Iran delivered ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has increased its nighttime bombardments, often targeting civilians, while Ukraine's interception rate of missiles and explosive drones has declined. Ukraine has been developing its own drone and missile capabilities and has urged the US to allow the use of powerful American-made missiles on Russian territory. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on U.S. President Joe Biden's efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza amid escalating tensions and a looming threat of an Iranian attack on Israel. Topics include the potential deal to end the Gaza conflict, the release of hostages by Hamas, and the uncertainty surrounding Israel and Hamas's willingness to agree to the cease-fire.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Ukraine to provide support and facilitate the delivery of $60 billion in newly approved U.S. aid. The aid is intended to help Ukraine resist a Russian offensive. However, there are concerns about whether this aid will be enough to deter the resurgent Russian military. Blinken assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of continued U.S. support and stated that some military aid had already arrived, with more on the way. The objective of Blinken's visit is to discuss how the aid will be executed to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and enable them to regain the initiative on the battlefield. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. is considering imposing sanctions on Chinese banks to deter their support of Russia's military production. China has increased its exports of commercial goods with military uses to Russia, allowing Moscow to rebuild its military capacity. U.S. officials hope that the threat of cutting off Chinese banks from the global financial system will persuade Beijing to change its behavior. However, previous threats to target banks have had limited success, as Chinese banks have found workarounds. The trade between China and Russia is seen as a strategic investment for both countries, and European allies have been hesitant to apply punitive measures against China. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: ALAN CULLISON; WALL STREET JOURNAL STAFF MOSCOW -- Smarting from diplomatic pressure and their own crumbling economies, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement yesterday that they said will restore [...]

Byline: ALAN CULLISON MOSCOW -- Russia and Ukraine, under heavy pressure from European leaders, said they reached an agreement yesterday to restore gas supplies to Europe. Western leaders remained watchful, [...]

To counteract worsening conditions within its credit market and ailing banking system, the government of Russia will lend Russian banks an additional $36 billion over a five-year term. The government had instituted a $200-billion bank bailout plan, but most of the funds so far have benefited state-owned banks, and little has been loaned to private banks. Article discusses plummeting stock prices, business closures, employee layoffs, and decreased production in Russia resulting from the international credit market crisis.

The European Union has blacklisted a number of unregulated airlines from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and former Soviet Union countries. Some nations are registering carriers without regulating them, leading to safety issues and accidents.

Presidential elections in Russia are greater than a year away, yet presidential candidates are quietly preening President Vladimir Putin and the Moscow elite. With tight control on the mass media analysts are screening public information to deduce how the political candidates are being perceived.

Andrei Lugovoi, who runs a private business that offers security services, is at the center of the investigation into the death of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko. Mr. Litvinenko was poisoned by polonium at the Pine Bar, Millenium Hotel, London, in the prescence of Mr. Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun a Moscow businessman. Mr. Lugovoi is a former Russian spy, said to be recovering from polonium poisoning in Russia, while his allegiances are being questioned by his associates.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, elected in the Orange Revolution, has nominated political rival Vicktor Yanukovych for Prime Minister. Viktor Yanukovych is perceived as being backed by Moscow and attempted to become president in 2004 by fraudulent practice. The move is expected to dampen a Western alliance with the Ukraine.

Violence erupted in Nalchik, Russia as Muslim militants attacked security services. The North Caucasus has become a breeding ground for discontent, spreading from Chechnya. Religious leaders say brutality by police has radicalized local youth.

Yuri Yekhanurov is the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Ukraine. Mr. Yekhanurov plans economic measures to grow the slowing economy, having the Ukraine a member of the World Trade Organization and building international relations with Russia and Western countries.

A nuclear arsenal warehouse has been built by the United States in Ozersk, Russia for $400 million, in accordance with nuclear nonproliferation treaties. With the rise in petroleum prices and Russian nationalism, international relations between the United States and Russia are uneasy. Loading of the warehouse is expected to begin mid-2006.

International relations between Russia and Uzbekistan have flowered, a Russian rapprochement that is seen as a victory over a wave of United States influence. Russian authorities raided a textile company and arrested workers who had come to Russia, most from Andijan, wanted in Uzbekistan for fomenting rebellion.

Mikhail Kasyanov of Russia is being investigated on criminal charges that he acquired luxury state-owned real estate through front companies on his last day in office. He is a political opponent of President Vladimir Putin and was considered a possible presidential candidate for 2008.

The Iraqi Embassy in Moscow, Russia is accused of aiding and abetting the United Nations oil-for-food kick-back scandal with Iraq, emerging as a new thorn in international relations between the United States and Russia. Iraq Embassy employees allegedly burned documents after the United States invaded Iraq. United States regulators are investigating.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has recently proposed many investment-friendly economic policies in the annual state-of-the-nation speech including an abolition of inheritance tax, an amnesty on those bringing money back into the country, a curtailed bureacracy and to rein in tax inspectors. Also he has supported a pro-democracy business privatization law. The Russian economy is growing but has been crimped by lack of confidence and politicians have expressed concern over the growing authoritarianism of Russian authorities.

The National Bolshevik Party of Russia, an avante garde movement begun by punks and shinheads, is experiencing a crackdown by Russian authorities that has merely made the group more popular. The National Bolshevik Party helped organize demonstrations against cuts in social security payments. The Party numbers approximately 15,000 and has more members in prison than any other political party in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears conciliatory in embracing the former Soviet bloc country of Kyrgzstan's new government, suggesting the Kremlin is adopting a new age attitude. As a wave of revolutions sweeps the former Soviet bloc, the United States and Europe are swaying governments to embrace the West.

Anatoly Chubais of Unified Energy Systems of Russia, the country's largest electric utility has survived an assassination attempt. Mr. Chubais was the architect for privatizations in Russia.

Former Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov goes down in a shootout with Russian troops. Hopes for a settlement of the five-year-old Chechen war are jeopardized, while the killing of one of the most-wanted men in Russia affords a propaganda opportunity for President Vladimir Putin.