THREAD: moscow
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RUSSIAN GENERAL’S Shocking Death: Bombing in Moscow Sparks Global Outcry
— A senior Russian general, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, died in a scooter bombing outside his Moscow apartment on Tuesday. The attack also took the life of his assistant as they left for work. Ukrainian officials claimed responsibility, linking it to criminal charges filed against him just a day before.
Kirillov, 54, led Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces and faced international sanctions for his role in the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine’s Security Service accused him of using banned chemical weapons and called him a “war criminal.” An anonymous official confirmed their involvement in the attack, labeling Kirillov an "entirely legitimate target.
The SBU has documented over 4,800 instances of Russia allegedly using chemical weapons since its invasion began in February 2022. In May, the U.S. State Department reported that Russia used chloropicrin gas against Ukrainian forces. Despite these allegations, Russia denies employing chemical weapons and accuses Ukraine of deploying toxic agents instead.
— Russian Drone Strike Kills Nine Civilians After Failed Ukraine Peace Talks The attack in Sumy’s Bilopillia occurred hours after Moscow and Kyiv’s talks in Turkey collapsed, heightening fears of prolonged conflict
— Ukraine and US officials initiate talks to end Moscow’s war The discussions come shortly after Russian air defenses intercepted over 300 Ukrainian drones in a single day
— Assad Granted Asylum in Russia Deposed Syrian president Bashar al Assad and his family have reportedly arrived in Moscow, securing asylum following his ousting
PUTIN’S Dark Turn: From Authoritarian to Totalitarian — The Shocking Evolution of Russia
— In the wake of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov’s assassination in February 2015, shock and anger rippled through over 50,000 Muscovites. Yet, when well-known opposition figure Alexei Navalny died behind bars in February 2024, those mourning his loss faced riot police and arrests. This change signals a chilling transformation in Vladimir Putin’s Russia — from merely tolerating dissent to brutally crushing it.
Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, arrests, trials and long prison sentences have become the norm. The Kremlin now targets not just political rivals but also human rights organizations, independent media outlets, civil society groups and LGBTQ+ activists. Oleg Orlov, co-chair of Memorial — a Russian human rights organization — has branded Russia as a “totalitarian state”.
Orlov himself was arrested and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for criticizing the military’s actions in Ukraine just one month after his damning statement. According to Memorial’s estimates, there are nearly 680 political prisoners currently held captive in Russia.
Another organization called OVD-Info reported that as of November there were over a thousand
Russia ACCUSES Ukraine of Drone Attack on Crimea Bridge
— Russia’s Anti-Terrorist Committee alleges that Ukrainian drones on the water surface led to the reported explosions on the bridge connecting Crimea with Russia. The Committee attributed the attack to Ukrainian “special services” and announced the initiation of a criminal investigation.
Despite these claims, Ukraine denies responsibility, hinting at potential Russian provocation.
NATO Pledges Pathway for Ukraine but Timing Still UNCLEAR
— NATO has stated that Ukraine can join the alliance “when allies agree and conditions are met.” President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed frustration over the absence of a concrete timeframe for his country’s entry, suggesting it might become a bargaining chip in negotiations with Russia.
Allies OUTRAGED at Biden’s Controversial Decision to Supply CLUSTER Bombs to Ukraine
— The US’s decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs has caused international unrest. On Friday, President Joe Biden acknowledged it as a “very difficult decision.” Allies such as the UK, Canada, and Spain have voiced opposition to the weapons’ use. Over 100 countries condemn cluster bombs due to the indiscriminate harm they can cause to civilians, even years after a conflict ends.
Wagner Leader REVERSES Course and Halts Advance on Moscow
— Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, has called off his troops’ advance towards Moscow. After talks with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin said his fighters would return to camps in Ukraine, avoiding “spilling Russian blood.” This reversal came hours after he had incited rebellion against the Russian army.
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Coincidence? Wagner Chief Prigozhin Presumed DEAD After Plane Crash
— Several clips have emerged on social media platforms. One particularly harrowing video showcases a plane resembling a private jet spiraling downwards. Another graphic clip displays the flaming remains of the crash, with at least one body discernible.
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