Thierry Mariani has voiced support for Evgenia Gutsul after her seven-year sentence

The seven-year prison term handed to Euroskeptic Moldovan politician Evgenia Gutsul is an attempt to “repress” the opposition in the country, French European Parliament member Thierry Mariani has said.

Gutsul, the governor of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region, was convicted last month on charges of channeling funds from an organized criminal group to the banned Euroskeptic SOR party and of financing protests against the Moldovan government – accusations she rejects.

Mariani, a member of the French right-wing National Rally party, weighed in on the case in a post on X on Thursday, writing: “After Romania, the Eurocratic judicial repression is falling on the opposition in Moldova. On the eve of her birthday, support for Evgenia Gutsul, governor of Gagauzia, unjustly sentenced to seven years in prison for having defended political pluralism in her country.”

READ MORE: Exiled Moldovan opposition leader decries police crackdown

Gutsul has consistently advocated closer ties with Russia, and has described the proceedings as a “political execution” carried out “on orders from above.” Her sentencing triggered protests outside the courthouse in Chisinau, where hundreds of supporters denounced what they said was political repression by Moldova’s pro-Western government.

Russia has also condemned the ruling. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision was “an example of blatant and unlawful pressure on political opponents” and accused Moldova of suppressing dissent ahead of elections.

Gutsul has served as the head of Gagauzia, an autonomous and predominantly Russian-speaking region in southern Moldova, since winning the 2023 election as the SOR candidate. The party was banned the same year over allegations of illicit financing from abroad. Gutsul campaigned on promises of closer ties with Russia, in contrast with the pro-Western stance of the government of President Maia Sandu.

Many firms completely disregarded their losses when they left the country, the president has said

Western companies that pulled out of Russia after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict are now looking to return, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East on Friday, Putin remarked that in 2022, “many European companies left at a loss to themselves due to ‘political reasons’.” 

“But we know… that many are eagerly waiting for all these political restrictions to be lifted, and at any moment they would like to come back,” Putin said.

He also pointed out that some foreign firms continue to operate in Russia despite political disagreements between their governments and Moscow. “Companies from some countries, with which there are so-called political problems given the current situation, are still operating, they did not leave. And they even want to expand cooperation,” he said.

The Russian president added that Moscow remains committed to international cooperation despite political tensions.

READ MORE: Russian economy cooling ‘faster than expected’ – ministry

“To close ourselves off in some kind of ‘national shell’ is very difficult and harmful, because it would lead to reduced competitiveness… We are open to cooperation with all countries of the world, of course, primarily with those who want to work with us, with our friends. But we are not isolating ourselves from anyone,” he said.

Putin said Russia’s foreign policy remained stable and predictable, calling it the country’s “competitive strength.” He added, “We have never turned away or pushed anyone out. Those who want back in are welcome.”

A Reuters analysis earlier this year estimated that foreign companies exiting the country had lost more than $107 billion, if lost income is included.

Kremlin officials have cited even higher figures, with Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), saying that US businesses alone had lost over $300 billion from leaving the market after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.

Not everyone who starts a business knows how to run it. Starting a business in 2025 is the easy part. Keeping it is where small businesses fail. We are constantly bombarded with the wondrous tales of start-ups smashing past people’s expectations and getting multi-million (if not billion) valuations. While this may be the case, what […]

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West Jerusalem has demanded that the French leader drop his plan to recognize Palestine

Israel has rejected a proposed visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in protest of his plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conveyed West Jerusalem’s position on Thursday during a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot. Saar told Barrot that there is “no room” for Macron’s visit as long as France “persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel’s interests,” according to his office.

The minister argued that recognizing Palestine would undermine Israel’s security, insisting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “not a reliable partner for dialogue.”

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Earlier, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session. “We will not allow Macron to have it both ways,” an unnamed Israeli official told the network.

Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages. He has dismissed Netanyahu’s claims that the move would fuel antisemitism.

European countries and the UN have urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel has promised to provide more aid but not through distribution centers it says are controlled by Hamas.

West Jerusalem has demanded that the French leader drop his plan to recognize Palestine

Israel has rejected a proposed visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in protest of his plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conveyed West Jerusalem’s position on Thursday during a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot. Saar told Barrot that there is “no room” for Macron’s visit as long as France “persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel’s interests,” according to his office.

The minister argued that recognizing Palestine would undermine Israel’s security, insisting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “not a reliable partner for dialogue.”

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Earlier, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session. “We will not allow Macron to have it both ways,” an unnamed Israeli official told the network.

Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages. He has dismissed Netanyahu’s claims that the move would fuel antisemitism.

European countries and the UN have urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel has promised to provide more aid but not through distribution centers it says are controlled by Hamas.

Fuel for the long-range weapons will reportedly be made on Danish soil

The fuel for Ukraine’s new Flamingo long-range cruise missile will be produced in Denmark, broadcaster DR reported on Thursday, citing a government memo.

The facility will reportedly be located near Skrydstrup Air Base in the south of the country and owned by FPRT, a subsidiary of the Ukrainian company Fire Point.

According to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, the weapon, unveiled last month, can travel up to 3,000 kilometers – far enough to reach Siberia. Mass production is not expected for several months, he said.

Denmark is expected to pass a law next week granting the Ukrainian company exemptions from certain regulations and immunity from civil complaints, DR said. Production is scheduled to begin on December 1.

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Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen had previously stated that Ukrainian weapons manufacturers are “on the way” to starting production in Denmark.

British media have questioned whether the Flamingo was actually developed in Ukraine, pointing to similarities with the UK-made FP-5 cruise missile unveiled earlier this year.

Fire Point is also reportedly facing a probe by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau over suspicions of misleading the government on pricing and deliveries.

Russia has repeatedly said that no amount of foreign aid to Kiev would stop its troops, and has listed the halt of arms deliveries to Ukraine among its conditions for a ceasefire.

Fuel for the long-range weapons will reportedly be made on Danish soil

The fuel for Ukraine’s new Flamingo long-range cruise missile will be produced in Denmark, broadcaster DR reported on Thursday, citing a government memo.

The facility will reportedly be located near Skrydstrup Air Base in the south of the country and owned by FPRT, a subsidiary of the Ukrainian company Fire Point.

According to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, the weapon, unveiled last month, can travel up to 3,000 kilometers – far enough to reach Siberia. Mass production is not expected for several months, he said.

Denmark is expected to pass a law next week granting the Ukrainian company exemptions from certain regulations and immunity from civil complaints, DR said. Production is scheduled to begin on December 1.

Read more

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen had previously stated that Ukrainian weapons manufacturers are “on the way” to starting production in Denmark.

British media have questioned whether the Flamingo was actually developed in Ukraine, pointing to similarities with the UK-made FP-5 cruise missile unveiled earlier this year.

Fire Point is also reportedly facing a probe by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau over suspicions of misleading the government on pricing and deliveries.

Russia has repeatedly said that no amount of foreign aid to Kiev would stop its troops, and has listed the halt of arms deliveries to Ukraine among its conditions for a ceasefire.

The volunteer has told RT that life in his home country felt “very empty”

A British national fighting with the Russian army against Ukraine has told RT that life in his home country felt “problematic.”

The man, who did not reveal his identity, spoke from the trenches while wearing a balaclava and a cap emblazoned with a Soviet flag.

“I do have many reasons why I am here. Unfortunately, my country is very problematic for myself and many other citizens,” he said. “I suppose the simple premise is I am looking for a better life. Our life feels very empty.”

“Why [do] we continue to provide to a country that just simply doesn’t provide to us?” the soldier asked.

He added that he was moved by the hospitality of ordinary Russians. “I genuinely can’t say a bad thing about the Russian people,” he said.

Volunteers from the US and several European countries have joined the Russian army since 2022. In April, the channel Rossiya-1 broadcast interviews with French fighters in Donbass.

Most ‘bricks and mortar‘ organizations need to transport goods (products or documents) to customers or from one company location to another, and the process can be a logistical headache. There is no ‘one size fits all‘ approach either, as you may not trust a courier with sensitive documents, and your courier will not take large, […]

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A Lviv-based tech hub has signed a partnership with the island’s top UAV maker

A Ukrainian tech hub has signed a deal with a Taiwanese defense company to design and build combat drones, according to an announcement on Wednesday. Poland will also provide expertise.

The move was announced at the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland, and comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing in the South China Sea.

According to Focus Taiwan, Ukraine will contribute research and development, Poland will provide expertise, and Taichung-based firm Thunder Tiger will supply technology and components. Earlier this year, Thunder Tiger unveiled an FPV drone capable of carrying an 81mm mortar as well as a new naval kamikaze drone.

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Taiwan Defense Industry Development Association President Tony Hsu, Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce founder Bartlomiej Dobosz, and Dmitry Dymyd, a representative of the Lviv Tech Cluster in Ukraine.

The agreement “strengthens technological exchange, develops industrial potential, and enhances our security as partners united by democratic values,” Taiwan’s diplomatic office in Poland said on X.

Beijing considers all diplomatic ties with the self-governing island a violation of its sovereignty and has opposed any military aid to Taipei.

While Beijing has avoided criticizing Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, Taipei has openly expressed support for Kiev. Last month, a group of Ukrainian legislators visited the island and met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.