Elon Musk is becoming a one-man rogue state – it’s time we reined him in

Elon #Musk is, more or less, a #RogueState. His intentions are self-serving and #nefarious, and his nation-state level resources allow him to flout the law with impunity.

To put it into context, if dollars were metres, Musk’s money would be enough to take him to Mars and back, while a mere millionaire could only make a round trip from Paris to Amsterdam.

He has:

• Bankrolled #elections
• Stoked #riots
• Ignored laws

e mustn’t make the mistake of playing nice with the world’s richest bully

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/20/elon-musk-is-becoming-a-one-man-rogue-state-its-time-we-reined-him-in

#corruption #authoritarian #Orwellian #tyrants #HybridWar #wealthy

Finland accelerates preparedness for war in all forms

Finnish commitment to defending their #sovereignty from an #imperialistic #Russia has long been part of the Finnish psyche, and intrinsic to how the state is run. Since #Putin's revanchist mindset materialised in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Helsinki has moved to accelerate plans for #defense.

#Finland has accelerated its preparedness for all types of war:

– #Nuclear
– Full scale invasion
– Responding to the numerous #hybrid #war attacks that Russia has stepped up since the full scale invasion of Ukraine.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/16/finland-accelerates-preparedness-for-war-in-all-forms

#RussianAggression #HybridWar

Finland accelerates preparedness for war in all forms

Finnish commitment to defending their sovereignty from an imperialistic Russia has long been part of the Finnish psyche, and intrinsic to how the state is run. Since Putin's revanchist mindset materialised in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine,...

EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns,

Proposed measures target more than a dozen individuals and three entities, including #Russian #intelligence officers and #media entrepreneurs, according to Bloomberg. The sanctions aim to counter destabilizing operations globally.

In addition, the #EU plans to #sanction around two dozen #Belarusian individuals for alleged #HumanRights violations or ties to President Alexander Lukashenko’s government, as part of a broader package expected to be approved by EU foreign ministers on Dec. 16 in Brussels.

https://kyivindependent.com/eu-to-impose-first-sanctions-on-russian-intelligence-over-disinformation-campaigns-bloomberg-reports/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression

EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports

The proposed measures target more than a dozen individuals and three entities, including Russian intelligence officers and media entrepreneurs, according to Bloomberg. The sanctions aim to counter destabilizing operations globally.

#Russian attacks on undersea cables 'most serious threat' to our infrastructure

#Russians are carrying out a program they have had for decades. It's called the Russian Undersea Research Program, which is a euphemism for a paramilitary structure, very well-funded, that is mapping out all of our #cables and our #energy #pipelines

It has so-called research ships. They have little #submarines underneath. They have unmanned, uncrewed, remotely operated vehicles they have divers and #explosives’, he tells Euronews’ Europe Conversation.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/11/28/russian-attacks-on-undersea-cables-most-serious-threat-to-our-infrastructure-nato

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #Internet #energy

NATO cyber expert says Russian interference growing across Europe

Recent interference in undersea cables in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Lithuania an example of growing cyber and hybrid interference by Russia, says NATO expert. #TheEuropeConversation

Protests erupt across Georgia in defiance of government's anti-EU stance

Mass #protests against the pro-#Russian government have broken out in major cities across #Georgia, despite police attempts to disperse demonstrators, the Georgian outlet Sova News reported on Nov. 30.

The protests were sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to postpone Georgia's accession to the #European Union until 2028.

Police reportedly used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in #Tbilisi on Nov. 29, but protests have now spread to Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, Gurjaani, and other Georgian cities.

https://kyivindependent.com/protests-erupt-across-georgia-in-defiance-of-governments-anti-eu-stance/

#RussianAggression #HybridWar

Protests erupt across Georgia in defiance of government's anti-EU stance

Protests have now spread from Tbilisi to Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, Gurjaani, and other Georgian cities, sparked by the government's decision to postpone EU accession talks.

MI6 chief says Putin is sabre-rattling with nuclear weapons and Russia is behind #sabotage in #Europe

"Our security - #British, #French, #European and #transatlantic - will be jeopardised," he said.

"We have recently uncovered a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe, even as Putin and his acolytes resort to #nuclear sabre-rattling to sow fear about the consequences of aiding #Ukraine," Moore said.

He stated that the expense of assisting Ukraine is clearly understood but added, "The cost of not doing so would be immeasurably larger. If #Putin succeeds, #China will consider the consequences, #NorthKorea will be emboldened, and #Iran will become much more dangerous."

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/11/29/7486899/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #freedom

MI6 chief says Putin is sabre-rattling with nuclear weapons and Russia is behind sabotage in Europe

Russia is conducting a “staggeringly reckless campaign” of sabotage in Europe, as well as increasing nuclear sabre-rattling to deter other countries from helping Ukraine.

'Honestly, go fuck yourself' — Ukrainians react to Joe Rogan’s rant on Ukraine

#Rogan, one of the world's most popular #podcasters, has sparked outrage in Ukraine, after claiming that Kyiv and its Western allies, rather than Russia, "are about to start World War III."

Despite the long-running nuclear rhetoric emanating from the #Kremlin, and the fact Moscow launched the full-scale #invasion of #Ukraine in the first place, Rogan pinned all the blame for the escalation of international tensions on Biden and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

https://kyivindependent.com/honestly-go-f-k-yourself-ukrainians-react-to-joe-rogans-rant-on-ukraine/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine

'Honestly, go f**k yourself' — Ukrainians react to Joe Rogan’s rant on Ukraine

Joe Rogan, one of the world's most popular podcasters, has sparked outrage in Ukraine, after claiming that Kyiv and its Western allies, rather than Russia, "are about to start World War III." In an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience last Friday,...

'You're repeating Russian #propaganda,' Ukrainian boxing champion Klitschko responds to Joe #Rogan

"You talk about sending American weapons to Ukraine, which you believe will lead to World War III. #Putin’s Russia is in trouble, so Putin wants to scare you and people like you.

His war was supposed to last three days. It lasted three years thanks to the heroism and sacrifice of Ukrainians," Klitschko said in the video.

https://kyivindependent.com/joe-rogan-klitschko/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #StandWithUkkraine

'You're repeating Russian propaganda,' Ukrainian boxing champion Klitschko responds to Joe Rogan

"You talk about sending American weapons to Ukraine, which you believe will lead to the Third World War. Putin’s Russia is in trouble, so Putin wants to scare you and people like you," Ukrainian former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko said.

'Pure fiction' — Kremlin denies Putin and Trump discussed Ukraine by phone after election victory

Which liar to believe?

The Kremlin has denied reports that President-elect Donald Trump spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Nov. 7, branding the claim " pure fiction."

Washington Post (WP) citing sources familiar with the matter, reported on Nov. 10 that the call took place, claiming Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine, and highlighted Washington’s significant military presence in Europe.

Speaking on Nov. 11, #Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports.

"This is the most vivid example of the quality of the information that is now published, sometimes even in fairly respected publications," he told Interfax.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, this is just false information."

https://kyivindependent.com/pure-fiction-kremlin-denies-putin-and-trump-spoke-by-phone-after-election-victory/

#Trump #Putin #disinformation #propaganda #Liars #HybridWar #InformationWarfare #fiction

'Pure fiction' — Kremlin denies Putin and Trump discussed Ukraine by phone after election victory

A report had claimed Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine.

How Kompromat Works

How State-Sponsored Blackmail Works in Russia

The art of #kompromat

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/01/kompromat-trump-dossier/512891/

#Russia #blackmail #corruption #HybridWar #putin #trump

How Blackmail Works in Russia

The art of kompromat

How Russia attempted to steal Moldovan election, referendum, and what comes next

Although #Russian #interference has taken many forms in #Moldova since its independence in 1991, the election and referendum results on Sunday shocked many pro-European Moldovans.

Despite opinion polls showing clear support for entrenching the desire for EU accession into the country's constitution, the success of the EU referendum came down to the wire, with the support of the large Moldovan diaspora securing a 50.38% victory margin.

The "yes" vote won by a mere 11,000 votes.

Moldovan authorities, the EU, and U.S. officials, as well as independent observers, blamed an unprecedented attack on the country's democracy from #criminal networks and #political groups tied to Russia.

https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-tried-to-influence-moldovan-elections-and-referendum-what-it-means-going-forward/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #elections

How Russia attempted to steal Moldovan election, referendum, and what comes next

Although Russian interference has taken many forms in Moldova since its independence in 1991, the election and referendum results on Sunday shocked many pro-European Moldovans. Despite opinion polls showing clear support for entrenching the...

#Russian army after war may be stronger than it is today – NATO top general

At the end of the war in Ukraine, whatever it looks like, the Russian army will be stronger than it is today

"The Russian armed forces are learning, they are improving, they are applying the experience gained at war," Cavoli said.

He called on NATO to quickly prepare for this threat, because Russia will be an enemy with serious military potential and "clear intentions".

New defence plans, as well as the increased obligations for individual #NATO members that result from them, should be implemented fast.

"When I say fast, I mean we have to be faster than the Russians," the general said.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/10/20/7480538/

#RussianAggression #HybridWar #threats #invasion

Russian army after war may be stronger than it is today – NATO top general

General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, believes that regardless of how the war in Ukraine ends, the Russian army will be stronger than it is now.

US offers $10 million reward for information on Russian media organization accused of election interference

United States is providing a reward of up to $10 million for information that helps prevent or disrupts foreign election interference linked to the Russian state-sponsored Rybar media organization, the U.S. State Department announced. Rybar and its employees are accused of using social media to meddle in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The established bounty comes as the U.S. continues to crackdown on Russian election #interference.

On Sept. 4, amid the presidential election campaign period, the U.S. announced sanctions against high-profile Russian propagandists like Margarita Simonyan and seized 32 internet domains linked to Kremlin propaganda campaigns.

#Rybar LLC, founded by the now deceased founder of Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is a state-funded Russian media organization that is contracted by Russian state-owned arms manufacturer #Rostec, according to the State Department's Rewards for Justice program.

https://kyivindependent.com/us-offers-10-million-reward-for-information-on-russian-media-organization-accused-of-election-interference/

#HybridWar #RussianAggression #Election2024 #elections #disinformation #RussianPropaganda

US offers $10 million reward for information on Russian media organization accused of election interference

The United States is providing a reward of up to $10 million for information that helps prevent or disrupts foreign election interference linked to the Russian state-sponsored Rybar media organization, the U.S. State Department announced. Rybar...

Russia could attack NATO by 2030, German intelligence chief says

Kahl's comments were the latest in a series of increasingly dire warnings from Western leaders and defense officials about the threat emanating from #Russia and #Europe's current lack of preparedness.

Russia's determination to use #covert and hybrid measures against the West has reached a "level previously unseen," Kahl said, adding that they are being used "without any scruples."

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-could-attack-nato-by-2030-german-intelligence-chief-says/

#RussianAggression #HybridWar #Germany

Russia could attack NATO by 2030, German intelligence chief says

Moscow's ultimate goals are to "push the U.S. out of Europe," roll back NATO boundaries to the 1990s, and create a "Russian sphere of influence" that will cement a "new world order," said German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl.

Moscow & Tehran are behind spike in terror plots, #MI5 spy chief says

The #UK is facing an uptick of #assassination attempts on its soil by #Russia and #Iran, the head of the domestic intelligence agency Ken McCallum said in a rare public speech given on Tuesday.

McCallum called the increase in assassination attempts "staggering," saying that the number of state-threat investigations undertaken by the MI5 had risen by 48% in the past year.

He added that Russia and Iran often recruited #criminals, from international drug traffickers to "low-level crooks," to carry out attacks on their behalf.

https://www.euronews.com/2024/10/08/moscow-and-tehran-are-behind-spike-in-terror-plots-mi5-spy-chief-says

#StopRussianAggression #RussianTerroristState #HybridWar

Russia and Iran are behind spike in terror plots, MI5 spy chief says

The UK's domestic intelligence agency head said that the number of state-threat investigations undertaken by his agency had risen by 48% over the past year with Iran, Russia and China to blame.

Russian disinformation 'more sophisticated' in election lead-up

According to him, Russia is using artificial intelligence and funding companies in the U.S., including an unnamed Tennessee-based company, identified by the media as #far-right propaganda outlet #TenetMedia.

“It's not just about #Russian #bots, #trolls, and fake personas in social networks, although that's part of it too, but they've become much more sophisticated," Kirby said.

He claimed there is “no doubt” the Kremlin is using propaganda and disinformation to “sow discord” among the U.S. population. He urged citizens to take the threats seriously.

https://kyivindependent.com/kirby-russian-disinformation-more-sophisticated-in-election-leadup/

#HybridWar #RussianPropaganda #Election22024 #disinformation #misinformation

Kirby: Russian disinformation 'more sophisticated' in election lead-up

According to U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, there is “no doubt” the Kremlin is using propaganda and disinformation to “sow discord” among the U.S. population.