bannork

At today’s meeting in Oslo, 10 Northern European countries that are part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) decided to include Ukraine in the expanded partnership with the JEF. After the summit in Oslo, all countries issued a joint statement: "Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, and this is happening now. This meeting confirmed our close security ties, and we agreed to strengthen our joint efforts for the security and stability of Northern Europe. The JEF is a good first response to crises and strengthens NATO's defence," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Ukraine becomes part of European Joint Expeditionary Force: Why this is good news

He took the neck brace off too quickly once out of the hospital. Should have played the game longer.

In 2023, the UK exported goods and services worth £348bn to the EU, 41.2 per cent of the UK total, the equivalent US number was £179.4bn or 21.2 per cent of total exports. Goods exports to the EU remain below their pre-pandemic and Brexit levels, last year they were 18 per cent below the 2019 number in real (inflation-adjusted) terms. Brexiteers argued that exiting the EU would catalyse a flowering of trade with non-EU countries boasting whizzy fast-growing economies, such as those in South East Asia; however, exports of goods to non-EU countries in 2024 were also 14 per cent below their 2019 level in real terms. Services have done better. Sales of these to both EU and non-EU countries fell in 2020 but have since bounced back. In 2024, UK exports of services to the EU were 19 per cent above their 2019 level in real terms, exports to non-EU countries were 23 per cent higher. Voices: If the UK is to grow, Labour must look towards the real trade prize

Amid all the understandable euphoria about the UK-India free trade agreement and the Trump administration’s partial relaxation of tariffs on British exports, Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, has reminded the nation of a simple truth: that the European Union remains the closest and most valuable of all the UK’s economic relationships, and it must not be neglected. Although he did not quantify the dynamics of the evolving situation, on any realistic assessment the added value to GDP of all the UK’s post-Brexit deals to date, including with Australia and the trans-Pacific partnership (covering Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and others in the region), will be about a quarter of the permanent losses indicated by leaving the EU. But it has fallen to Sir Keir to deliver the Brexit “reset” he promised the British people at the last election: on 19 May an ambitious and perhaps historic recasting of relationships is to be unveiled at the next UK-EU summit, the detailed work of relaxing rules on trade, especially in foodstuffs, fisheries and livestock, promises to help hard-pressed British producers who have lost vital export markets in recent years. Europe remains the key to Britain’s future economic success

The British government will sanction one hundred tankers of the phantom fleet of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from the British government, this fleet has transported more than 24 billion dollars (approximately 21 billion euros) worth of goods since the beginning of the year 2024. The new measures announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) meeting in Oslo will increase pressure on the Russian economy, which is reeling from falling oil prices and the high costs of the war in Ukraine, the statement adds. The JEF is a defence cooperation group focused on Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea, led by the United Kingdom and including Estonia, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. The United Kingdom deals a new blow to the Russian economy

It's utter stupidity what both sides are proposing: one wants a king, a throwback to absolute monarchy, something Europe abolished some time ago. The other proposes the abolishment of institutions that support any questioning of the authorities' line. Fascism, authoritarianism, call it want you want, these are dangerous systems that sadly exist in China and Russia today, to be lauded by Westerners today is indeed a shameful act.

Disdain, not hate.

The Wall Street Journal's Joshua Chaffin and Zusha Elinson reported Friday that two camps within the MAGA world are emerging and will likely battle for supremacy during Trump's second term: on one side are "tech bros racing to create a new future," with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as the quintessential example, on the other side are "conservative Catholics who yearn for an imagined past," like Vice President JD Vance, who seek to upend the liberal establishment and return America to a "bygone era." According to Chaffin and Elinson, the "dark prince" of the tech wing of MAGA is Curtis Yarvin, a pro-feudalist writer, who has called for democracy to be replaced with a monarch who would rule the United States like a CEO leads a tech company, whilst the conservative Catholic faction upholds ideologies like that championed by University of Notre Dame political philosopher Patrick Deneen. Catholic theologian David Deane told the Journal that Deneen's 2023 book "Regime Change" offered a prediction that the second Trump administration would put a torch to traditionally liberal institutions like universities, the media and the non-profit sector. 'Civil war is coming to the Trump movement': Expert says MAGA could soon tear itself apart A curse on both their houses.

The European Union has officially announced its decision to allocate approximately €1.9 billion from frozen Russian assets for weapons for Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on X this Friday. "1 billion euros of this sum will be spent on the purchase of weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, a further 600 million euros will be spent on artillery and ammunition. More than 200 million euros will be spent on strengthening Ukraine's air defence, " the head of the Ukrainian government posted on X. EU directs frozen Russian assets to Ukraine's military

Urals brand oil is currently at its cheapest since the beginning of 2023; according to economists, "the most apocalyptic forecasts are beginning to come true.'' The reference price of Russian Urals oil was about $50 per barrel, representing a 15% decrease compared to March and the lowest level since earlier this year, as "The Moscow Times" highlights, Russia’s budget for 2025 presumes that a barrel of oil will cost $69.70, however, in April, the Kremlin revised its forecast to $56. This means that current oil prices at the prevailing rouble exchange rate are 17% lower than the level the government is currently using for planning budget revenues for 2025; two possible solutions are the devaluation of the rouble and amendment of the state budget, assesses Aleksandr Potawin, an analyst at the Finam portal. Russia faces financial strain as Ural oil prices plummet

The new pope is a balanced papal leader with a biblical message, but that hasn't stopped MAGA allies from being enraged about him being elected, a conservative political consultant said on Friday. Rick Wilson wrote that "MAGA hates the woke pope, they wanted a MAGA Pope, a cardinal in a red baseball cap willing to turn the Church of Rome into one more echo chamber." Where the pope is from also serves its part, Wilson said. ''The fact that Leo is an American from Chicago makes them more furious," he noted, "He understands our politics and culture in a way no other candidate for the Papacy would have, and this frightens MAGA Trad Cath types who wanted a Trump ally in the Vatican." 'MAGA is very angry': Conservative strategist says new pope is in far right's 'crosshairs'

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said you "cannot spy against an ally" after reports of US gathering intelligence on Greenland. They come after reports in US media that Washington's spy agencies have been told to focus on Greenland, including on the island's independence movement, and sentiment around US extraction of its mineral resources. On Thursday, Denmark's foreign minister summoned the US ambassador to address the reports in The Wall Street Journal; Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, did not deny the stories which Ms Frederiksen referred to as "rumours", but did condemn those responsible for leaking classified information. Denmark's PM says 'you can't spy against an ally' after claims of US gathering intelligence on Greenland

Irish Prime Minister Martin has condemned what he described as Israel’s weaponization of basic life necessities, referring to the country’s restriction on food and aid from entering the strip for almost two months. He said, ''I went to see, first hand, the impact of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel. I've condemned it from the outset when I went there to show empathy to people who have been attacked,” he said, adding that the hostages should have been released a long time ago. He said however that the war waged in response has “lost any moral compass in terms of its unacceptable impact on the civilian population and on children, and in Ireland there is this sadness now and horror and a sense of helplessness at what we see on our TV screens: young children in stretchers and hospitals, very badly injured, many families being wiped out, kids being orphaned. From a humanity point of view, it's beyond comprehension.” Irish PM says Gaza is 'hell on earth'

The Trumps are thought to have made tens of millions from cryptocurrency ventures, including the $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins they launched days before the inauguration; a new report by State Democracy Defenders Action estimates the president's crypto holdings now represent nearly 40% of his net worth, or approximately $2.9bn (£2.1bn). "Currently, people who wish to cultivate influence with the president can enrich him personally by buying cryptocurrency he owns or controls," said Senator Merkley. Senators Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren wrote to Office of Government Ethics acting director Jamieson Greer about a billion-dollar business deal involving a Trump-backed cryptocurrency company and foreign crypt firm: "The deal, if completed, would represent a staggering conflict of interest, one that may violate the Constitution and open our government to a startling degree of foreign influence and the potential for a quid pro quo that could endanger national security." US senators attempt to ban Trump's 'profoundly corrupt' crypto schemes

The Ukrainian-affiliated Atesh partisan group has claimed responsibility for sabotaging military communications infrastructure in Russia’s Moscow Oblast on the eve of the country’s Victory Day celebrations. In a statement posted to Telegram, the group said it carried out a sabotage operation in the village of Mogiltsy, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Moscow, by destroying equipment at a local transformer substation which supported both electrical and telecommunications services for several Russian military facilities in the area. The attack allegedly disrupted communications at multiple military units, including the 629th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment (Unit 51857), the 21st Separate Operational Purpose Brigade (Unit 3641), and military units 20007, 03523, and 51084. Saboteurs Strike Near Moscow Before Victory Day Parade

Trump's constant lies are enough to seriously irritate anyone. One of those is Trump's claim that the United States is "subsidizing Canada" to the tune of $200 billion a year. CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale explained that it's a little closer to $36 billion, "Even if you only count goods trade, ignore the services trade, at which the U.S. excels, about $71 billion, so, just wrong." Trump also complained that only 4% of US trade went to Canada, however, Dale said, "About 17% of U.S. exports go to Canada, Canada was the No. 1 buyer of U.S. exports in 2024. 'It's imaginary!' CNN fact-checker smacks down Trump's new 'wildly inaccurate' claims

Where are Ukraine's critical mineral deposits? Ukraine has at least thirty seven crtiical mineral deposits across the country, with Lithium, Titanium and Graphite being the most abundant. Approximately 19% (seven) of Ukraine's main critical mineral deposits are currently held in Russian-occupied territory, according to the latest frontline data from ISW in February 2025. What are Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, where are they and what does this deal with Trump involve? | The Independent

Vladimir Putin has reportedly been forced to cancel the upcoming Victory Day parade in Crimea, just days after a Ukrainian sea drone destroyed a Russian fighter jet worth €41 million. The celebration was scheduled to take place on May 9 in the city of Sevastopol, but it has now been called off due to security concerns, according to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor of the annexed region, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Throughout the war, Kyiv has dealt significant blows to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, prompting Moscow to withdraw much of its naval presence from the region. Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade ditched in Crimea

An interesting article about the minerals deal recently signed between Trump and Zelensky Mining projects are slow, high-risk and enormously expensive processes which can often take over a decade. It’s possible, however, that profits are a secondary calculation for the US, boxing out China is likely to be as – if not more – important, given Beijing’s closeness to Moscow and their deepening cooperation on natural resources, the US-Ukraine deal may prevent Russia — and, by extension, China — from accessing Ukrainian minerals. The terms of the agreement are explicit: “states and persons who have acted adversely towards Ukraine must not benefit from its reconstruction”. Zelensky just might have beat Trump at his own game

A senior Hamas official told AFP on Tuesday the group was no longer interested in truce talks with Israel after Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced a new “intensified” offensive in Gaza that will involve Israeli troops holding on to seized territory and significant displacement of the population. “There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” Basem Naim told the news agency, urging the international community “to pressure the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings” in Gaza. His comments come a day after Israel’s military said expanded operations in Gaza would include displacing “most” of its residents, and amid Israeli strikes on Yemen and Lebanon. Hamas says no sense in truce talks after Israel’s new Gaza plan, senior official says – Israel-Gaza war live

Mobile internet services in Moscow were significantly disrupted on Monday, just as military aircraft flew over the city in rehearsal for the upcoming Victory Day parade. According to HotNews.ro, Russian authorities warned citizens that similar outages could continue throughout the week due to heightened security measures. The disruptions, affecting Russia’s largest telecom providers and other online services, coincided with early morning flyovers conducted in preparation for the May 9 celebrations—a politically important holiday marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Major Internet Outages Reported in Moscow Ahead of Putin’s Victory Day Parade

World Liberty Financial, announced that its so-called “stable coin” — with Trump’s likeness all over it — will be used by the United Arab Emirates to make a $2 billion business deal with Binance, the largest crypto exchange in the world; the deal will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the Trump family. The U.S. Constitution's Emoluments Clause, Article II, Section 1, Clause 7, bars a president from receiving any compensation or other emolument from a foreign government. Meanwhile Trump is instructing the government to ease up on regulating crypto, The Securities and Exchange Commission is ending its crypto fraud investigations and The Justice Department is terminating its enforcement actions against crypto. The media needs to stop pretending about Trump's 'conflicts' | Opinion

Ukraine could seize the opportunity presented by the 9 May parade in Moscow to attack Russian military targets as Russia plans to transfer 280 air defence units to Moscow, potentially weakening the protection of other crucial military installations. Pavlo Narozhny highlights that this situation allows Ukraine to target "exposed" sites such as arsenals or military bases. '' If they relocate 280 systems of various ranges, it indicates that some areas will be vulnerable, they will withdraw these systems from other combat zones. This presents an opportune moment for us to strike purely military targets, such as arsenals, military units, and airports,'' Narozhny notes. ukraine eyes strategic gains as russia shifts air defences

You've got Nigel, a Trump wannabe until he realised how unpopular Trump is in the UK