Munich Security Conference 2023: An Exercise in Western Self-Delusion
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/munich-security-conference-2023-an-exercise-in-western-self-delusion-1107625453.html
February 20, 2023, 1:15 PM
Delegates from around the world assembled in Munich, Germany on February 17, 2023, to convene an eponymously named security conference that has, since its inception in 1963, operated under the motto “Peace through Dialogue.”
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NATO 'Carrier Killer' and 'Killjoy': What is Russia's Hypersonic Kinzhal Missile?
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/nato-carrier-killer-and-killjoy-what-is-russias-hypersonic-kinzhal-missile-1107618124.html
February 20, 2023, 1:02 PM
Moscow has already successfully used Kinzhal missiles in a combat situation amid the ongoing Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
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ECOWAS Maintains Sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/ecowas-maintains-sanctions-on-mali-burkina-faso-and-guinea-1107619935.html
February 20, 2023, 12:56 PM
The African Union (AU) had the last day of its 36th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on February 19, which saw the appointment of the organization's new president as well as discussions on the free trade area creation and the case of the sanctioned West African states.
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Biden's Kiev Visit Aims to Boost Approval Rating Ahead of Elections, Expert Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/bidens-kiev-visit-aims-to-boost-approval-rating-ahead-of-elections-expert-says-1107623921.html
February 20, 2023, 12:46 PM
US President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kiev earlier in the day, during which he held a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.
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Rossiya Segodnya Launches New Multimedia News Terminal in 6 Languages
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/rossiya-segodnya-launches-new-multimedia-news-terminal-in-6-languages-1107623793.html
February 20, 2023, 12:44 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - International media group Rossiya Segodnya has launched a new multimedia news terminal in Russian, English, Spanish, Arabic, Persian and Chinese that now includes exclusive real-time photo and video footage of events around the world.
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Biden Visits Kiev to Reassure Zelensky While Support for US Proxy War in Ukraine Wanes
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/biden-visits-kiev-to-reassure-zelensky-while-support-for-us-proxy-war-in-ukraine-wanes-1107621847.html
February 20, 2023, 12:31 PM
US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kiev on February 20 in what the western mainstream press characterized as a display of strong US support for Ukraine.
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Over 11,000 Ambulance Workers Striking in UK Over Low Pay
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/over-11000-ambulance-workers-striking-in-uk-over-low-pay--1107622502.html
February 20, 2023, 12:22 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Over 11,000 ambulance workers are striking across England and Wales on Monday demanding higher wages amid a record rise in the cost of living in the United Kingdom, UK trade union GMB said.
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Sunak Faces 100-Strong Backbench Rebellion Over NI Protocol Deal
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/sunak-faces-100-strong-backbench-rebellion-over-ni-protocol-deal-1107613829.html
February 20, 2023, 12:18 PM
Border checks on goods moving between Britain and Northern Ireland have sparked unrest among unionist communities — but Republicans and the Dublin government insist they are needed to honor the Good Friday Agreement.
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Zambia and Tanzania to Speed Up Crucial Oil Pipeline Modernization
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/zambia-and-tanzania-to-speed-up-crucial-oil-pipeline-modernization-1107603952.html
February 20, 2023, 12:15 PM
Tazama oil pipeline has been transporting crude from Tanzania to Zambia since 1968. Lately, Zambia stopped importing crude oil and switched to refined petroleum products instead as part of President Hakainde Hihilema's reform plans.
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France Ends Military Operations In Burkina Faso
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/france-ends-military-operations-in-burkina-faso-1107605714.html
February 20, 2023, 12:13 PM
France had been maintaining a military presence in five Sahel region countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Mauritania, and Niger – within the framework of Operation Barkhane since 2014. In August 2022, however, local authorities demanded that French troops leave Mali and just several months later, Paris put an end to the Barkhane op.
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Beijing Urges US to Stop Spreading Misinformation About China-Russia Ties
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/chinese-foreign-ministry-urges-us-to-stop-spreading-misinformation-about-china-russia-ties-1107620099.html
February 20, 2023, 12:03 PM
BEIJING (Sputnik) - It is the United States that pumps the Ukraine conflict with arms, not China, that is why Washington should stop shifting responsibility for fueling the conflict and spreading misinformation regarding military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow, the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, said on Monday.
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Prince Harry’s Legal Battle Over Police Protection in UK Now Costs British Taxpayers Over $300,000
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/prince-harrys-legal-battle-over-police-protection-in-uk-now-costs-british-taxpayers-over-300000-1107607648.html
February 20, 2023, 11:47 AM
The Metropolitan Police Service, which protects members of the Royal Family around the world, stopped providing security for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle after they stepped down from all royal duties in 2021.
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Russian Exporters to Showcase Tomatoes, Chocolate and Wild Crab at Gulfood 2023
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/russian-exporters-to-showcase-tomatoes-chocolate-and-wild-crab-at-gulfood-2023-1107617564.html
February 20, 2023, 11:28 AM
Russian exporters brought half a ton of food technology innovations to Gulfood 2023, including tomatoes, chocolate, wild crabs. This is the the 28th edition of the world's largest food and beverage sourcing event in Dubai, the Russian Export Center (REC, part of the VEB.RF) reported.
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North Korea May Turn Pacific Into 'Firing Range', Kim Jong-un's Sister Warns
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/north-korea-may-turn-pacific-into-firing-range-kim-jong-uns-sister-warns-1107615936.html
February 20, 2023, 11:10 AM
On the same day Kim Yo-jong delivered Pyongyang's warning, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters as part of a weapons test.
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Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Denies Reports of Enriching Uranium to 84% Purity
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/irans-atomic-energy-organization-denies-reports-of-enriching-uranium-to-84-purity-1107616125.html
February 20, 2023, 10:59 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Reports in Western media claiming that Tehran has enriched uranium to 84% distort the reality as the country has never gone beyond the enrichment level of 60%, Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman of the the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said on Monday.
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Floods, Landslides Result in 36 Dead in Brazil’s Sao Paulo State, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/floods-landslides-result-in-36-dead-in-brazils-sao-paulo-state-media-reports-1107615820.html
February 20, 2023, 10:38 AM
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Heavy rains, flooding and landslides in Brazil’s state of Sao Paulo have resulted in over 30 deaths, while more than 330 people were left without homes, Brazilian media report.
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ISS Orbit Prepared for Return of Russia's Damaged Soyuz MS-22 to Earth, Roscosmos Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/iss-orbit-prepared-for-return-of-russias-damaged-soyuz-ms-22-to-earth-roscosmos-says-1107615231.html
February 20, 2023, 10:28 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) has been prepared for the return of the faulty Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, which has suffered a coolant leak, back to Earth, Russian state space corporation Roscosmos said on Monday.
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S.Korean Ruling Party Head Calls For Development of National Nuclear Arms
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/skorean-ruling-party-head-calls-for-development-of-national-nuclear-arms-media-reports-1107615010.html
February 20, 2023, 10:22 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Seoul should consider acquiring its own nuclear capabilities to successfully deter a threat posed by Pyongyang, if the current measures are not sufficient enough to effectively respond to it, Chung Jin-suk, the leader of the South Korean ruling People Power Party (PPP), said on Monday.
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Australian Professor, Fellow Researchers Taken Hostage in Papua New Guinea, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/australian-professor-fellow-researchers-taken-hostage-in-papua-new-guinea-media-reports-1107614275.html
February 20, 2023, 9:55 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - An Australian professor and his three colleagues have been taken hostage by an armed group in Papua New Guinea demanding a ransom payment from both Papuan and Australian governments, media reported on Monday.
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Netanyahu Links Possible Normalization With Saudi Arabia to Iran 'Deterrence'
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/netanyahu-links-possible-normalization-with-saudi-arabia-to-iran-deterrence-1107612668.html
February 20, 2023, 9:49 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia would "launch a historic change in Israel's position in the Middle East," while linking this goal to "deterring" Iran.
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Erdogan, Coalition Partner to Visit Quake-Hit Areas on Monday, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/erdogan-coalition-partner-to-visit-quake-hit-areas-on-monday-media-reports-1107613090.html
February 20, 2023, 9:36 AM
ANKARA (Sputnik) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), on Monday will visit areas in southeastern Turkiye mostly affected by the devastating earthquakes, a local newspaper reported, citing sources.
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'Absurd Censorship': UK Publisher Slammed for Making Countless Changes to Roald Dahl's Books
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/absurd-censorship-uk-publisher-slammed-for-making-countless-changes-to-roald-dahls-books-1107604457.html
February 20, 2023, 9:28 AM
Roald Dahl is internationally known for penning children's classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox and many others. however, it looks like the new editions of his works have been altered.
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Bus Accident in Mexico Leaves 15 Killed, 40 Injured, Reports Say
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/bus-accident-in-mexico-leaves-15-killed-40-injured-reports-say-1107611606.html
February 20, 2023, 9:22 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A bus with migrants has overturned on a highway that connects the states of Puebla and Oaxaca in southern Mexico, killing 15 people and injuring 40 others, media reported on Monday.
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Smokeless Tobacco During Pregnancy Linked to Risk of Cot Death
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/smokeless-tobacco-during-pregnancy-linked-to-risk-of-cot-death-1107603474.html
February 20, 2023, 6:31 AM
Snus, a Nordic variant of smokeless tobacco, is commonly placed between the upper lip and gum for extended periods and contains no combustion products. Therefore it is sometimes seen as an alternative to both smoking and vaping, despite being rich in nicotine and highly addictive.
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UN Security Council to Discuss Pyongyang's Missile Launches on Monday
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/un-security-council-to-discuss-pyongyangs-missile-launches-on-monday-1107603754.html
February 20, 2023, 6:06 AM
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - An urgent meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) will be held later on Monday to discuss the latest missile tests carried out by North Korea.
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'Luxury Object': Ancient Flush Toilet, Over 2,000 Years Old, Discovered in China
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/luxury-object-ancient-flush-toilet-over-2000-years-old-discovered-in-china-1107603172.html
February 20, 2023, 6:00 AM
It took scientists months to put broken parts of the toilet together before releasing details related to the discovery that was made last year.
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Finnish MPs Getting Ready to Enter NATO Alone Despite Swedish PM's Warning
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/finnish-mps-getting-ready-to-enter-nato-alone-despite-swedish-pms-warning-1107602680.html
February 20, 2023, 5:57 AM
Previously, Turkiye's staunch opposition to Sweden's membership sparked a debate in Finland over whether it should join the alliance alone, despite the original intent of "walking the NATO path together" with Stockholm.
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Supreme Court To Consider Section 230, Law Credited With Enabling The Internet As We Know It
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/supreme-court-to-consider-section-230-law-credited-with-enabling-the-internet-as-we-know-it-1107602264.html
February 20, 2023, 4:17 AM
Originally a part of the Communications Decency Act, Section 230 was passed by Congress in 1996 while the internet was still in its infancy. It protects online platforms from lawsuits that arise due to content posted or shared by its users.
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'All Quiet On The Western Front' and 'The Banshees of Inisherin' Dominate BAFTA Awards
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/all-quiet-on-the-western-front-and-the-banshees-of-inisherin-dominate-bafta-awards-1107601215.html
February 20, 2023, 3:53 AM
The BAFTA awards have been held every year since 1949. Originally taking place at the flagship Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, the event was held at the Royal Festival Hall for the first time in 2023.
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Missiles Launched by Pyongyang on Monday Fall Outside of Japan’s Exclusive Zone
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/missiles-launched-by-pyongyang-on-monday-fall-outside-of-japans-exclusive-zone-1107599043.html
February 20, 2023, 3:38 AM
TOKYO (Sputnik) - North Korea launched several missiles on Monday, all of them landed outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone, Japanese media report.
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Germany Lost Over $106.7 Billion in 2022 Amid Russia’s Operation in Ukraine
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/germany-lost-over-1067-billion-in-2022-amid-russias-operation-in-ukraine-1107601959.html
February 20, 2023, 3:33 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Germany has lost 100 billion euros (over $106.7 billion) amid the Russian military operation in Ukraine and the related increase in electricity costs, Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), said.
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Talks on Extending Grain Deal to Enter Active Phase in Coming Days
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/talks-on-extending-grain-deal-to-enter-active-phase-in-coming-days-1107601822.html
February 20, 2023, 3:26 AM
ANKARA (Sputnik) - Active negotiations on extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative, commonly known as the grain deal, are expected to start in the coming days, a source familiar with the matter told Sputnik.
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Guterres Warns Against ‘Further Provocative Actions’ After Pyongyang’s Missile Launches
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/guterres-warns-against-further-provocative-actions-after-pyongyangs-missile-launches-1107601680.html
February 20, 2023, 3:20 AM
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the latest missile test-firing carried out by North Korea and urges Pyongyang to cease "provocative actions," Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said.
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Belarus Wants to Continue Ramping Up Exports to Russia, China This Year
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/belarus-wants-to-continue-ramping-up-exports-to-russia-china-this-year-1107601460.html
February 20, 2023, 3:05 AM
MINSK (Sputnik) - Over 60% of Belarusian exports went to the markets of Russia and China last year, and Belarus plans to continue increasing supplies to these countries in 2023, Deputy Economy Minister Dmitry Yaroshevich said.
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Chad Needs Russia's Support in Fight Against Terrorism, Foreign Miniser Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/chad-waiting-for-russias-proposals-on-fight-against-terrorism-1107601354.html
February 20, 2023, 2:57 AM
ADDIS ABABA (Sputnik) - Chad needs Russia's assistance in the fight against terrorism and is waiting for specific proposals from Moscow, Chadian Foreign Minister Mahamat Saleh Annadif told Sputnik.
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Protesters Descend On Washington, Demand NATO's Dissolution, Peace Negotiations with Russia
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/protesters-descend-on-washington-demand-natos-dissolution-peace-negotiations-with-russia-1107600002.html
February 20, 2023, 2:15 AM
Anti-war protests have a long history in the United States, with the first World War sparking the first anti-war movement which resulted in thousands of people being arrested and charged with sedition for their opposition to America’s involvement in The Great War.
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Saudi Relief Center on Syria Sanctions: Humanitarian Matters Should Be Separate From Rest
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/saudi-relief-center-on-syria-sanctions-humanitarian-matters-should-be-separate-from-rest-1107600743.html
February 20, 2023, 1:19 AM
RIYADH (Sputnik) - Humanitarian matters should be separate from any other issues, Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), said, commenting on the impact of the sanctions against Syria on the earthquake response in the country.
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Israeli Observers Kicked Out of African Union Summit Were Not Invited Says Chairperson
https://sputniknews.com/20230220/israeli-observers-kicked-out-of-african-union-summit-were-not-invited-says-chairperson-1107599889.html
February 20, 2023, 12:54 AM
ADDIS ABABA (Sputnik) - Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki has said that Israeli diplomats who were escorted from the opening ceremony of the Addis Ababa summit by security were not invited to the event.
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Storm in Brazil Leaves at Least 19 Dead on Carnival Weekend
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/storm-in-brazil-leaves-at-least-19-dead-on-carnival-weekend-1107598819.html
February 19, 2023, 11:03 PM
Torrential rain in Brazil has triggered flooding and landslides leaving at least 19 people dead on Sunday, according to authorities.
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Dozens of NGOs From 50 States, UN Officials Arrive in Riyadh to Discuss Humanitarian Gaps
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/dozens-of-ngos-from-50-states-un-officials-arrive-in-riyadh-to-discuss-humanitarian-gaps-1107598549.html
February 19, 2023, 10:50 PM
RIYADH (Sputnik) - Some 60 organizations from about 50 countries as well as UN representatives have arrived in Riyadh for a humanitarian conference where numerous agreements are expected to be signed and important announcements to be made, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center Supervisor-General Abdullah Al Rabeeah said on Sunday.
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African Union to Organize National Reconciliation Conference for Libya
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/african-union-to-organize-national-reconciliation-conference-for-libya-1107598384.html
February 19, 2023, 8:39 PM
Libya first fell into a decade of violence following the overthrow of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 by NATO-backed rebel forces. Since then, rival forces from foreign powers have played some role in controlling the North African country.
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'DeSanctimonious RINO': Donald Trump Bashes Ron DeSantis Ahead of Presidential Primaries
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/desanctimonious-rino-donald-trump-bashes-ron-desantis-ahead-of-presidential-primaries-1107598125.html
February 19, 2023, 7:01 PM
Having repeatedly criticized DeSantis over various issues, Trump insisted, however, that he will not use the "meatball" moniker for the Florida governor.
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Foreign Military Bases in Afghanistan May Be Turned Into Special Economic Zones
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/foreign-military-bases-in-afghanistan-may-be-turned-into-special-economic-zones-1107597850.html
February 19, 2023, 5:40 PM
The pilot plan for the former military installations is expected to be carried out in the Balkh province and in the country's capital of Kabul.
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Death Toll From Quake in Turkiye Rises to 40,689
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/death-toll-from-quake-in-turkiye-rises-to-40689-1107597343.html
February 19, 2023, 4:23 PM
ANKARA (Sputnik) - The number of deaths in the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkiye early last week climbed to 40,689 on Sunday, the head of the disaster management authority AFAD said.
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Can't Touch This: Ronaldo Barely Escapes Collision With Saudi Pitch Invader
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/cant-touch-this-ronaldo-barely-escapes-collision-with-saudi-pitch-invader-1107597077.html
February 19, 2023, 3:55 PM
Ronaldo emerged unscathed from the ordeal while the man who charged at him was promptly apprehended by security.
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MoD: Kiev Continues to Plot Provocation to Accuse Russia of Violating Nuclear Convention
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/mod-kiev-plotting-provocation-to-accuse-russia-of-violating-nuclear-convention-ahead-of-un-session-1107596489.html
February 19, 2023, 3:03 PM
Earlier this week, the Russian military's Joint Coordination Headquarters for Humanitarian Response warned that the Kiev regime was planning a massive provocation ahead of the 11th special session of the UN General Assembly to accuse Moscow of "grossly violating" the Convention on Nuclear Safety,
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Sweden Will Decide on New Counterterrorism Law to Join NATO on March 2, Stockholm Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/sweden-will-decide-on-new-counterterrorism-law-to-join-nato-on-march-2-stockholm-says-1107596355.html
February 19, 2023, 3:01 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Swedish government would make a decision on a new counterterrorism law on March 2 as part of fulfilling the country's agreements with Turkiye to join NATO, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told British newspaper on Sunday.
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Sorry, Mulder! After Spending Millions to Investigate UFOs, US Has No Proof of Alien Contact
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/sorry-mulder-after-spending-millions-to-investigate-ufos-us-has-no-proof-of-alien-contact-1107594737.html
February 19, 2023, 2:45 PM
With the US military calling off the search for two of the three flying objects recently downed and the Canadians still looking for the third, the exact nature of these "fliers" remains somewhat of a mystery... for now.
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G For Greed, Not For Green: UK Authorities Crack Down on Business for Misleading Ecological Claims
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/g-for-greed-not-for-green-uk-authorities-crack-down-on-business-for-misleading-ecological-claims-1107594389.html
February 19, 2023, 2:28 PM
Legislation could see companies fined millions of pounds for making unproven environmental assertions to sell their products.
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China Warns US 'Not to Add Fuel to Fire' of Ukraine Conflict
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/china-warns-us-not-to-add-fuel-to-fire-of-ukraine-conflict--1107595289.html
February 19, 2023, 2:18 PM
Beijing’s official position on the Ukraine conflict is that it supports negotiations for peace, a senior Communist Party of China officer stated at the 2023 Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
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Macron's Approval Rate Drops to Record 3-Year Low of 32% Amid Pension Reform
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/macrons-approval-rate-drops-to-record-3-year-low-of-32-amid-pension-reform-1107595146.html
February 19, 2023, 1:36 PM
PARIS (Sputnik) - The share of French people supporting the job performance of President Emmanuel Macron has dropped to a record low pre-pandemic level of 32% over the past three years against the backdrop of the upcoming controversial pension reform, a poll by the IFOP research company showed on Sunday.
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Russia's Gazprom Sees Very Big Prospects on Asian Gas Market, CEO Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/russias-gazprom-sees-very-big-prospects-on-asian-gas-market-1107594542.html
February 19, 2023, 12:58 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian energy giant Gazprom is looking to diversify its gas exports and sees the Asian market as particularly promising, its chief executive said in a TV show aired Sunday.
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Russia Slams IDF Airstrike Against Damascus as Violation of International Law by Israel
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/russia-slams-idf-airstrike-against-damascus-as-violation-of-international-law-by-israel-1107593489.html
February 19, 2023, 12:27 PM
The Syrian military said that at least five people died as a result of Israel’s airstrike on the capital Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19.
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'A Line in the Sand’: UK Army Chief May Quit in Protest Against Planned Personnel Cuts
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/a-line-in-the-sand-uk-army-chief-may-quit-in-protest-against-planned-personnel-cuts-1107592158.html
February 19, 2023, 12:12 PM
The planned reduction has come under fire from Tory backbenchers, amid reports that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is unwilling to increase defense spending.
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Japan, US Hold Joint Air Drills Over Sea of Japan After North Korea's Missile Launch
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/japan-us-hold-joint-air-drills-over-sea-of-japan-after-north-koreas-missile-launch-1107593141.html
February 19, 2023, 12:03 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Japan and the United States conducted joint air exercises over the Sea of Japan in response to North Korea's recent missile launch, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) said on Sunday.
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Calling Crimea 'Legitimate Target' for Strikes Shows US as Instigator of Tensions, Kremlin Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/calling-crimea-legitimate-target-for-strikes-shows-us-as-instigator-of-tensions-kremlin-says-1107592937.html
February 19, 2023, 11:46 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The recent statement of US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland that labeled Crimea as a legitimate target of Ukrainian strikes underscores the depth of disagreement between the United States and Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.
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Protesters Hold Rally Against Moldovan Government's Energy Policies in Kishinev
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/protesters-hold-rally-against-moldovan-governments-energy-policies-in-kishinev-1107592370.html
February 19, 2023, 11:20 AM
Protesters have been holding rallies amid concerns about soaring utility prices that they blame on the energy policy of the government.
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Taliban Deny Reports Alleging They Banned Contraception for Women
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/taliban-deny-reports-alleging-they-banned-contraception-for-women-1107591659.html
February 19, 2023, 11:03 AM
KABUL (Sputnik) - The Taliban* are not banning the sale of contraceptives to women, Afghanistan's Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman Amar told Sputnik, denying recent reports in Western media.
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German Foreign Minister May Run for Chancellor as Ruling Coalition Flounders, Media Reports
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/german-foreign-minister-may-run-for-chancellor-as-ruling-coalition-flounders-media-reports-1107591357.html
February 19, 2023, 10:32 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock would run for chancellor if the governing coalition lost voters' confidence over its handling of the conflict in Ukraine, media reported.
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Some Buildings in Citadel of Damascus Damaged in Suspected Israeli Air Strike
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/some-buildings-in-citadel-of-damascus-damaged-in-israeli-air-strike-1107591205.html
February 19, 2023, 9:49 AM
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) - Some buildings that are part of the Citadel of Damascus suffered considerable damage as a result of an Israeli air attack on the Syrian capital in the early hours of Sunday, the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums said.
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Prince Andrew Keeps Eagle Eye on Harry & Meghan's US Life, Mulling 'New Career', Report Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/prince-andrew-keeps-eagle-eye-on-harry--meghans-us-life-mulling-new-career-report-says-1107589987.html
February 19, 2023, 9:47 AM
The Duke of York has kept away from public life as a royal since being stripped of his honorary military roles and his HRH honorific after the links to Jeffrey Epstein implicated him in the late convicted pedophile's sex trafficking and abuse network.
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Africa Knows Its Enemy: Ugandan FM Lambasts 'Western Colonizers' for Attempts to Isolate Russia
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/africa-knows-its-enemy-ugandan-fm-lambasts-western-colonizers-for-attempts-to-isolate-russia-1107589040.html
February 19, 2023, 9:42 AM
In the wake of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the West has been exerting the utmost pressure internationally, compelling countries to cut ties with Moscow and threatening sanctions in a bid to isolate the largest country in the world, an attempt that seems to have yielded no fruit in the former colonies across the African continent.
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US Administration Covering Up Reports on Biden's Mental Health, Ex-White House Doctor Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/us-administration-covering-up-reports-on-bidens-mental-health--ex-white-house-doctor-says-1107589205.html
February 19, 2023, 7:23 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US Congressman and former White House physician Ronny Jackson accused the US administration of concealing reports on the mental health of President Joe Biden after a recent physical examination found him "fit for duty."
--------------------
Russia, Burkina Faso to Create Joint Commission on Trade, Foreign Minister Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/russia-burkina-faso-to-create-joint-commission-on-trade-foreign-minister-says-1107588640.html
February 19, 2023, 7:18 AM
ADDIS ABABA (Sputnik) - Burkina Faso is negotiating a joint commission on economic cooperation and trade with Russia, Burkinabe Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba told Sputnik in an interview.
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Russia Boosts Production of Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/russia-boosts-production-of-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-1107588335.html
February 19, 2023, 7:13 AM
The state-of-the-art Kinzhal missile has a speed of Mach 10 and the ability to maneuver in flight, making it virtually invulnerable to enemy air and missile defense systems.
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US Fuels Ukrainian Crisis While Trying to Slander Russia, Envoy Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/us-fuels-ukrainian-crisis-while-trying-to-slander-russia-envoy-says-1107588087.html
February 19, 2023, 6:36 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Washington is trying to justify its actions aimed at exacerbating the Ukraine crisis by accusing Russia of alleged crimes in Ukraine, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said commenting on the recent remarks of US Vice President Kamala Harris.
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Number of Britons Turning to Food Banks Skyrockets Amid Cost of Living Crisis, Study Shows
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/number-of-britons-turning-to-food-banks-skyrockets-amid-cost-of-living-crisis-study-shows-1107587717.html
February 19, 2023, 6:11 AM
The cost of living crisis continues to affect the UK economy and ordinary Brits amid reports that the country’s inflation is falling for a third consecutive month; however, it remains in double digits and near its highest levels in 40 years.
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Beijing Says Washington Should 'Repair Damage' Caused Amid 'Spy Balloon' Craze
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/beijing-says-washington-should-repair-damage-caused-amid-spy-balloon-craze-1107587466.html
February 19, 2023, 5:13 AM
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China's Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi has called on Washington to change the direction of bilateral relations that have been affected by the scandal, raised in the US regarding the "balloon incident".
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Robots and Limestone Are Being Used To Save Coral Reefs
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/robots-and-limestone-are-being-used-to-save-coral-reefs-1107587245.html
February 19, 2023, 4:44 AM
The destruction and die-off of coral reefs are hurting the environment, eliminating a crucial ecosystem that promotes biodiversity. Professionals have tried breeding corals in nurseries, cross-breeding to get more resistant species, and experimenting with adding microorganisms to corals with varying degrees of success.
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Japan Increases Ammunition Storage Facilities: How Will the Public Take It?
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/japan-increases-ammunition-storage-facilities-how-will-the-public-take-it-1107542920.html
February 19, 2023, 4:02 AM
In 2023, Japan's Defense Ministry plans to launch the construction of 10 large ammunition storage facilities at the bases of land and sea units of the Self-Defense Forces, including in Oita and Aomori prefectures, Japanese media reported, citing government sources.
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Thousands Protest Against Judicial Reform Across Israel
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/thousands-protest-against-judicial-reform-across-israel---reports-1107586958.html
February 19, 2023, 3:25 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Nearly 250,000 people have participated in nationwide protests against the Israeli government's controversial judicial reform, The Jerusalem Post reports citing the organizers of the demonstrations.
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Death Toll From Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand Rises to 11
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/death-toll-from-cyclone-gabrielle-in-new-zealand-rises-to-11-1107586835.html
February 19, 2023, 3:20 AM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The death toll from the flooding and landslides in New Zealand caused by Cyclone Gabrielle has gone up to 11, according to the New Zealand Police.
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Blinken Warns Against Further Escalation of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/blinken-warns-against-further-escalation-of-israeli-palestinian-conflict--state-department-1107586526.html
February 19, 2023, 2:16 AM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price informs.
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Jimmy Carter Rejects Medical Treatment, Chooses Hospice Care
https://sputniknews.com/20230219/jimmy-carter-rejects-medical-treatment-chooses-hospice-care-1107586154.html
February 19, 2023, 2:05 AM
The 39th US president, Jimmy Carter, has refused further medical treatment and decided to spend the rest of his life at home with his family in Georgia, "receiving hospice care instead of additional medical intervention", said The Carter Center in a statement.
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Top US Navy Admiral Wanted to Use Ship to Treat COVID, Was Met With Suspicion, Emails Show
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/top-us-navy-admiral-wanted-to-use-ship-for-treating-covid-was-considered-plotting-media-reports--1107585468.html
February 18, 2023, 11:44 PM
During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York had the highest number of confirmed cases of any state in the USA. A new investigation reveals that mistrust among senior officials towards each other also contributed to the plight.
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Five Reported Dead Following Israeli Air Attack on Damascus - Videos
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/five-dead-following-air-attack-on-damascus--1107585830.html
February 18, 2023, 11:36 PM
CAIRO (Sputnik) - At least five people were killed as a result of the Israeli air attack on the Syrian capital of Damascus, which happened overnight, state media reported.
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Blinken Warns China's Wang Yi About ‘Consequences’ of Supporting Russia - State Department
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/blinken-warns-chinas-wang-yi-about-consequences-of-supporting-russia---state-department-1107585215.html
February 18, 2023, 11:01 PM
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told China's Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi that Beijing could face certain "consequences" if it helps Moscow in what concerns the "evasion" of sanctions introduced against Russia over its special military operation in Ukraine.
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Blinken Says US Not Looking for ‘New Cold War’ or Conflict With China, Discussed Balloon
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/blinken-says-us-not-looking-for-new-cold-war-or-conflict-with-china-discussed-balloon-1107585052.html
February 18, 2023, 9:58 PM
WASHINGTON, February 19 (Sputnik) - The United States understands the importance of dialogue and is not looking for a conflict with China or a "new Cold War," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told China's Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi.
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NATO's Stoltenberg Rejects Ukraine's Demands on Cluster Bombs Supply
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/natos-stoltenberg-rejects-ukraines-demands-on-cluster-bombs-supply-1107584897.html
February 18, 2023, 9:12 PM
BERLIN (Sputnik) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday rejected Ukraine's demands on the supply of cluster bombs, saying that the alliance delivered artillery and other types of weapons to Kiev and did not recommend to deploy such bombs.
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G7 FMs Reaffirm Importance of Continuing, Expanding Grain Deal
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/g7-fms-reaffirm-importance-of-continuing-expanding-grain-deal-1107584619.html
February 18, 2023, 7:40 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The G7 foreign ministers on Saturday reaffirmed the importance of continuing and expanding the Black Sea Grain Initiative and called on Moscow to accelerate inspections and operation pace to meet global demand.
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Baerbock's 'Full Circle': German Foreign Minister Says Putin Should Do '360 Degree' Turn
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/baerbocks-full-circle-german-foreign-minister-says-putin-should-do-360-degree-turn-1107584075.html
February 18, 2023, 7:07 PM
Quite a few social media users made fun of Baerbock online after she apparently failed to realize what would it mean to "change by 360 degrees."
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Amsterdam to Downsize Russian Diplomatic Mission
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/amsterdam-to-downsize-russian-diplomatic-mission-1107582646.html
February 18, 2023, 6:50 PM
PARIS (Sputnik) - The Netherlands has decided to downsize the Russian diplomatic mission in Amsterdam because Moscow allegedly sends spies instead of diplomatic workers, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said on Saturday.
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FBI Secretly Snatched Trove of Civil War-Era Gold, Treasure Hunter Claims
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/fbi-secretly-snatched-trove-of-civil-war-era-gold-treasure-hunter-claims-1107582363.html
February 18, 2023, 6:40 PM
The treasure hunter and his colleague claim to have evidence that a clandestine night dig was conducted at the site the gold might have been buried at, and that the FBI "went to some large effort to cover up that night dig.”
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Hungary's Orban Says Europe May End Up Sending Troops to Ukraine
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/hungarys-orban-says-europe-may-end-up-sending-troops-to-ukraine-1107582191.html
February 18, 2023, 5:42 PM
BUDAPEST (Sputnik) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cautioned Europe on Saturday that it could sleepwalk into a direct armed confrontation with Russia by sending increasingly deadly weapons to Ukraine.
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Nigeria's Daily Oil Production Keeps Growing, Reaches 1.6 Million Bpd, NNPC Chief Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/nigerias-daily-oil-production-keeps-growing-reaches-16-million-bpd-nnpc-chief-says-1107579701.html
February 18, 2023, 5:28 PM
Nigeria's real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to reach $574.3 billion in 2023 and continue to grow in following years, according to the International Monetary Fund. A November report by Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics says the oil sector contributes 5.66% to the country's total real GDP.
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Protest in Tel-Aviv Against Judicial Reform
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/protest-in-tel-aviv-against-judicial-reform-1107571734.html
February 18, 2023, 4:42 PM
Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin rolled out a proposed legal reform package on January 4 that would limit the authority of the High Court of Justice, as well as give the cabinet control over the selection of new judges and allow the parliament to override the court's rulings with an absolute majority.
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Seymour Hersh Says He May Write More About Nord Stream's Destruction
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/seymour-hersh-says-he-may-write-more-about-nord-streams-destruction-1107580071.html
February 18, 2023, 4:08 PM
In his bombshell expose earlier this month, Hersh claimed that the United States is directly responsible for sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline.
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Sweden, Finland Should Join NATO by Mid-July, Bloc Chief Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/sweden-finland-should-join-nato-by-mid-july--bloc-chief-says-1107581077.html
February 18, 2023, 3:48 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Saturday that he was actively working to ensure that Sweden and Finland join the bloc by the NATO summit in Lithuania, scheduled for July 11-12.
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African States Turned Down on Debt Relief & Forced to Pay 'Extortionate' Rates, UN Chief Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/african-states-turned-down-on-debt-relief--forced-to-pay-extortionate-rates-un-chief-says-1107578795.html
February 18, 2023, 3:05 PM
The 36th African Union (AU) Summit kicked off on Saturday at the headquarters of the organization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together African leaders from across the continent, as well as leading international figures. The participants are discussing various regional issues, mainly focusing on economy and persisting financial constraints.
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French Adventurer Shares Story of Sailing With Russians After Atlantic Rescue
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/french-adventurer-shares-story-of-sailing-with-russians-after-atlantic-rescue-1107580171.html
February 18, 2023, 3:01 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - French adventurer Lucas Monteu has shared his story of sailing with a Russian tanker crew after he and his companion dog Venus were stranded aboard a drifting yacht in the middle of the Atlantic.
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The Circle Closes: Bankman-Fried's Сonfidant Nears Plea Deal, Ex-FTX Head Banned From VPNs
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/the-circle-closes-bankman-frieds-sonfidant-nears-plea-deal-ex-ftx-head-banned-from-vpns-1107569917.html
February 18, 2023, 2:39 PM
Prosecutors believe that a member of Bankman-Fried's team could provide authorities with valuable information. In this case, Bankman-Fried will find it harder to prove his innocence in the face of fraud charges.
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‘Monster Missile’: Does North Korea Have ICBMs Capable of Reaching US?
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/monster-missile-does-north-korea-have-icbms-capable-of-reaching-us--1107575437.html
February 18, 2023, 2:37 PM
North Korea test-launched more missiles, including ballistics, in 2022 than any other year on record, showing determination to go ahead with such activity for months to come.
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Roscosmos Says No Damage Detected on Soyuz MS-22 Spacecraft's Radiator
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/roscosmos-says-no-damage-detected-on-soyuz-ms-22-spacecrafts-radiator-1107579437.html
February 18, 2023, 2:36 PM
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian chief designers at the Roscosmos state space corporation have inspected a radiator of the Soyuz MS-22 manned spacecraft, which is being prepared for launch, after two cases of depressurization earlier occurred at a similar spaceship, and did not detect any damage, the corporation said on Saturday.
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Japanese, South Korean Military Gauge Range of North's Latest Missile
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/japanese-south-korean-military-gauge-range-of-norths-latest-missile-1107579147.html
February 18, 2023, 2:30 PM
TOKYO/SEOUL (Sputnik) - The missile fired on Saturday from North Korea can potentially travel 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and reach the US mainland, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said.
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Footprint Left by 'Large Predator' Dinosaur From Jurassic Era Found in England
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/large-footprint-left-by-large-predator-dinosaur-from-jurassic-era-found-in-england-1107574611.html
February 18, 2023, 2:13 PM
The footprint was supposedly left by a large therapod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic age, and appears to be the one of largest tracks discovered in the area to date.
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Russian Military Accuses Ukraine of Using Toxic Munition Near Ugledar - Photos
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/russian-military-accuses-ukraine-of-using-toxic-munition-near-ugledar---photo-1107577918.html
February 18, 2023, 2:13 PM
DONETSK (Sputnik) - Ukraine's army dropped a munition carrying an unidentified toxin on the positions of the Russian military near the villages of Urozhainoye and Velikaya Novoselka in the Ugledar direction, Russian military officials told Sputnik.
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US Admits Problems Recruiting Soldiers: Is Army Now Turning to Influencers?
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/us-admits-problems-recruiting-soldiers-is-army-now-turning-to-influencers-1107469879.html
February 18, 2023, 1:54 PM
One day, Instagram influencer @haylujan surprised her followers. It turned out that she was already serving in the US Army. The post, which has since been deleted, stood out from the rest on her profile, which boasts more than 133,000 followers. After her revelations, more and more military green began to appear on Lujan's profile.
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Death Toll From Earthquakes in Turkiye Rises to 40,642
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/death-toll-from-earthquakes-in-turkiye-rises-to-40642-1107576897.html
February 18, 2023, 1:48 PM
ANKARA (Sputnik) - The death toll from powerful earthquakes in Turkiye that hit the country earlier this month has risen to 40,462 people, Yunus Sezer, the head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), said on Saturday.
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Suspension of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea From African Union to Be Reviewed, Council Says
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/suspension-of-mali-burkina-faso-guinea-from-african-union-to-be-reviewed-council-says-1107572260.html
February 18, 2023, 12:48 PM
The African Union (AU) is currently holding the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, albeit without four permanent members - Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, - whose participation in the organization was halted due to military coups over the past few years.
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Mass Peace Rally Takes Place in Munich
https://sputniknews.com/20230218/mass-peace-rally-takes-place-in-munich--1107571022.html
February 18, 2023, 12:31 PM
This comes as the 59th Munich Security Conference, the world's largest foreign policy and defense forum held annually since 1963, has entered its second day.
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