UNTED24 Media Telegram Highlights
Iran Could Develop Nuclear Weapons Within Months, Says French Intelligence Chief
Iran may be capable of creating nuclear weapons in the coming months, Nicolas Lerner, head of France's foreign intelligence service, warned during a meeting in Geneva. The discussion involved Iranian and European officials and focused on Tehran's nuclear ambitions and its growing ties with Moscow, Reuters reports.
Romania's presidential election results under scrutiny; possible rerun on December 15
The first round of Romania's presidential election could be rerun on December 15 if the Constitutional Court annuls the results, according to CEC head Toni GreblΔ.
The Constitutional Court has ordered a recount of votes from the election, in which far-right candidate CΔlin Georgescu emerged victorious, citing suspicions of fraud.
Meanwhile, several other candidates have demanded an investigation into Georgescu's campaign and its funding sources.
Russian airlines report record number of accidents in 2024
The number of accidents involving Russian airlines in 2024 has reached its highest level in at least six years. @notimagain
The most significant rise was observed with Superjet 100 aircraft, accounting for 56 incidentsβthe same number as Boeing planes, even though the latter are nearly twice as common in the fleets of major Russian airlines (188 versus 93, per Rosaviatsia).
Engine issues (30%) and landing gear malfunctions (20%) were the most frequent problems, alongside failures in hydraulic systems, brakes, and navigation equipment.
Experts attribute this surge to Western sanctions, which have disrupted the supply of critical parts and equipment needed for aircraft maintenance and repair in Russia.
The DPRK has transferred more than 100 units of various types of equipment to Russia, including 170-mm self-propelled guns M-1989 and 240-mm MLRS M-1991. Additionally, North Korea has supplied at least 5 million artillery shells and 100 ballistic missiles KN-23/24.
Russia Faces Economic Strains: Labor Shortages, Declining Revenues, and Industry Struggles
β«οΈ Coal Industry in Crisis
Russia's coal regions are grappling with plummeting revenues. Kemerovo region, responsible for 60% of the country's hard coal and 80% of its coking coal, has seen income tax revenues collapse by 59%, or 2.5 times. Similar declines are reported in Buryatia and the Jewish Autonomous Region.
According to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, overall income tax revenues across regions dropped by 7% (357 billion rubles) as of November 20. Rosstat reports that half of Russian coal companies are now operating at a loss, with the sector recording a negative net financial result of 91.3 billion rubles for JanuaryβSeptember, compared to a 350-billion-ruble profit a year earlier.
The European Union's total coal embargo and reduced demand from Asian markets have led to an 11.4% drop in coal exports from January to July, totaling 112.6 million tons.
β«οΈ Labor Shortages Across Industries
The Russian industrial sector faces a severe shortage of skilled workers, exacerbated by mobilization efforts that have removed hundreds of thousands of young men from the workforce. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko estimates an additional 1.8 million workers will be needed by 2030.
By early 2024, 85% of companies reported hiring difficulties, according to a SuperJob survey. The Russian Academy of Sciences estimates the total labor shortage at five million people.
β«οΈ Shopping Centers on the Brink
The recent hike in the Central Bankβs key rate to 21% has pushed shopping center owners closer to bankruptcy. Vice President of the Union of Shopping Centers, Pavel Lyulin, warns of skyrocketing loan costs, tenant outflows, and increased tax burdens. At least 200 shopping centers are at risk of bankruptcy in 2025, analysts predict.
β«οΈ Developers at Risk
The construction industry is also in peril. Many developers transitioned to floating-rate loans, leaving them vulnerable to the Central Bank's rapid rate increases. Experts warn of potential bankruptcies among both residential and commercial real estate developers, threatening housing projects and leaving equity holders exposed.
β«οΈ Putin Dismisses Business Concerns
Despite mounting economic challenges, President Vladimir Putin remains indifferent to business grievances over the high key rate. Supporting the Central Bankβs decision to raise the rate to 21%βwith expectations of a further hike to 23% in DecemberβPutin defended the measure.
βSome experts believe a key rate of 21% is inflated given 8.5% inflation. If weβre talking about rising prices, we need to consider whether this rate is truly excessive,β he stated.
Russia now ranks second globally in terms of the real interest rate (adjusted for inflation). However, inflation remains stubbornly high at 8.6% annually, likely exceeding the Central Bank's revised forecast by year-end.
Why Russia and North Koreaβs Alliance May Pose Grave Risks to Indo-Pacific Stability https://united24media.com/world/russia-and-north-koreas-alliance-may-pose-grave-risks-to-indo-pacific-stability-4100
Majority of EU Citizens Support Military Aid to Ukraine, Poll Shows
A new survey reveals strong European backing for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression. Key findings include:
β«οΈ87% of respondents support providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the war.
β«οΈ60% approve of granting Ukraine EU candidate status.
β«οΈ58% agree with EU financing for military equipment supplies to Ukraine.
Josep Borrell, the EUβs foreign policy chief, urged member states to accelerate military assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for transparency about the costs involved. Speaking to Euronews at the end of his term, Borrell outlined key points about the challenges and responsibilities facing Europe:
β’ Russian pressure is unrelenting. Despite Ukrainian resistance, Russia continues its steady offensive.
β’ Ukraine lags in supplies. North Korea has provided Russia with significantly more support than Ukraine has received from Europe.
β’ Russia is not isolated. The BRICS summit in Kazan demonstrated that Russia maintains international alliances.
β’ Numbers matter. While Europe has pledged 1 million shells, Russia is producing 800,000 rounds monthly.
β’ Urgency is critical. Borrell criticized the EUβs slow pace, calling for immediate action instead of long-term planning.
β’ EU cannot replace U.S. aid. A reduction in U.S. support could severely impact Ukraineβs defense.
β’ Stockpiles are depleted. Former Soviet weapon stocks were crucial but are now exhausted.
β’ Daily support is essential. Weapons, supplies, and payments must reach Ukraine without interruption.
β’ Winning domestic support is vital. European governments must be honest with citizens about the costs and the stakes, ensuring public understanding and backing for continued aid.
Borrell concluded by urging member states to act decisively, emphasizing that the cost of inaction would far outweigh the financial burden of supporting Ukraine.
Angela Merkel calls for considering diplomatic solutions to end the war in Ukraine
Ukrainian freediver Kateryna Sadurska sets another world record
Sadurska reached a depth of 82 meters, surpassing her previous record by two meters. She is now the first woman in the world to dive to such a depth. Her earlier record was set during the World Freediving Championships, where she claimed gold.