International

Anniversary of Sergei Lavrov: Two decades at the head of Russian diplomacy between lights and shadows

Veteran Russian diplomat Sergei Lavrov celebrates two decades in office this Saturday, a period in which he has faced numerous challenges and has been the face of Russia’s foreign policy. Now 74, Lavrov has played a crucial role on the international stage, although his reputation as a diplomat has been questioned in the West due to his alignment with Kremlin policies.

From his beginnings in the Soviet embassy in Sri Lanka in the 1970s to his leadership in Russian diplomacy, Lavrov has proven himself to be a talented and cultured diplomat. However, his image has suffered significant deterioration, especially due to his role in the crisis in Ukraine, where he has been accused of subordinating himself to Russian interests without seeking diplomatic compromises.

Throughout his career, Lavrov has maintained a strong stance defending Russia’s interests, but his role in recent events, such as the military intervention in Ukraine, has generated controversy and criticism. Despite this, he remains a key figure in Russian foreign policy, seeking to strengthen ties with non-Western countries and promote a multipolar world order.

International

Zelenski urges global action after russian ballistic missile strike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski called on the international community Thursday to “respond” to Russia’s ballistic missile strike on Ukraine, which he said has heightened the “escalation and brutality” of the conflict.

“The world must react. So far, there has been no strong response,” Zelenski lamented in a social media statement.

“We must act. We must pressure. We must push Russia towards real peace, which is only achievable through strength,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Thursday that Russia had launched a new type of hypersonic ballistic missile against Ukraine in its “non-nuclear configuration.”

International

Elon Musk plans sweeping cuts to U.S. bureaucracy and spending

Elon Musk has pledged massive cuts to government programs, subsidies, and bureaucracy in his anticipated role as a “State Efficiency” leader, according to an article published Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal.

The billionaire entrepreneur plans to target hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending, including funds for public broadcasting and Planned Parenthood. Musk called government bureaucracy an “existential threat” to American democracy.

Teaming up with fellow businessman and Trump ally Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk aims to streamline federal regulations and implement significant administrative and cost reductions.

“We are entrepreneurs, not politicians. We will serve as external volunteers, not federal officials or employees,” Musk and Ramaswamy stated in the article.

International

Putin warns of escalation, suggests strikes on western weapon suppliers

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the conflict in Ukraine is taking on the characteristics of a “global war,” warning that Russia might target Western nations supplying Ukraine with weapons used in attacks on Russian territory.

These remarks come after a day of heightened tensions, during which Russia launched a state-of-the-art medium-range missile designed to carry a nuclear warhead. However, this particular missile was loaded with conventional explosives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the missile strike, calling it the action of a “deranged neighbor” using Ukraine as a “military testing ground.”

Earlier, Ukraine accused Russia of attacking the central-eastern city of Dnipro with a missile exhibiting “all the characteristics” of an intercontinental missile, an unprecedented development in the ongoing conflict.