Gong News

Russia instructs propagandists to declare "victory" in the war against Ukraine and NATO on Feb. 24, the third anniversary of its full-scale invasion. Ukrainian military intelligence claims Russia aims to sow despair among Ukrainians and discredit Ukraine among its allies. Russia Plans to Declare 'Victory' Over Ukraine The Kremlin falsely claims it is at war with NATO. Western partners provide Ukraine with weapons but avoid sending troops to prevent escalation. Russia plans to spread the narrative that "Ukraine has been betrayed" by the West. Ukraine's allies generally ignored propaganda about Zelensky's legitimacy until U.S. President Trump accused Ukraine of starting the war. This claim ignores the impossibility of holding elections during martial law. Zelensky's term has been extended under Ukrainian law. The Security Service of Ukraine warns of Russia's informational and psychological operations aimed at dividing Ukrainian society. Russian...

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are disappearing into Russian prisons, with a network of Russians and Ukrainians working to locate them. Russians and Ukrainians works together to locate thousands of Ukrainian civilians detained in Russian prisons Nadezhda Yevdokimova last saw her husband, Vlad, three years ago when Russian soldiers took him at a checkpoint in Ukraine. She received a call from a Russian prison guard who found her contact information on a paper hidden in a thread spool from Vlad's cell. The guard is part of a volunteer network in Russia who risk their lives to share information about detained Ukrainians. Lawyers and activists say Russian forces are illegally detaining Ukrainian civilians as they occupy Ukrainian territory. A Moscow lawyer calls it the biggest human rights crisis in modern Russia, with the number of victims growing significantly. A former Russian law enforcement official describes the kidnapping of civilians as a tool of terror, creating fear a...

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with Hamas leaders in Tehran. Khamenei tells Hamas they have defeated Israel and America. Acting Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya visits Tehran with two senior Hamas officials. The Hamas delegation comes to celebrate Iran's Islamic Revolution anniversary and express gratitude for Iran's support. During the meeting, Hamas leaders update Khamenei about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Al-Hayya expresses pride in meeting with Khamenei. Khamenei dismisses American threats against Iran. Hamas releases three Israeli hostages: Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy. The released hostages appear weak and underweight. Israel begins releasing Palestinian detainees as part of the exchange agreement. Article source

Can Trump deliver on his promise to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine? In 2024, Donald Trump promised to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine "in one day." However, after his election, his stance shifted, suggesting he could facilitate negotiations. While Russia, reeling from war losses, might welcome such talks, Ukraine remains hesitant, given Russia's brutal tactics. Despite Western fatigue and wavering support, Ukraine demands security guarantees, while Russia seeks an agreement to lift sanctions and secure territorial gains. Whether Trump can broker peace remains uncertain.

The nickel market in 2025 faces significant supply-demand imbalances. Nickel Market Faces Growing Challenges in 2025 While Asia, especially Indonesia and China, increases production, restrictions in Indonesia could reduce global output. This tightening supply may drive prices higher, impacting industries reliant on nickel, particularly electric vehicles. Experts warn that without an investment of $66 billion, nickel shortages could worsen. A global effort to secure critical minerals is essential to stabilize the market and meet future demand. News Source

US President Joe Biden commended Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for Egypt’s “essential and historic role” in achieving the hostage deal. Biden Praises Egypt’s Role in Hostage Deal During a phone call, Biden acknowledged Egypt’s commitment to Middle East diplomacy and conflict resolution, the White House said. The statement aims to ease tensions following reports of Egyptian frustration over being sidelined in Qatar-led negotiations. Egypt’s influence in the region remains pivotal. Source

The UN World Food Program warns of funding hesitancy for Syria’s urgent aid under new interim rulers. WFP chief Cindy McCain emphasized Syria’s hunger crisis as a national and regional security issue during a visit to Damascus. Despite progress toward a political transition, donor fatigue persists. Arab nations are urged to provide sustained aid, while sanctions relief is debated to support food production and infrastructure rebuilding. Hunger remains a critical threat. Source

Germany urged an end to PKK/YPG activities in Syria, highlighting Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns. Germany Calls for End to PKK/YPG Activities in Syria, Supports Türkiye's Security Concerns The German government recognizes the challenges posed by these groups, which Türkiye identifies as major threats to its national security. Such activities, Germany asserts, undermine peace efforts in the war-torn region and hinder pathways to stability. In recent diplomatic discussions, Germany reiterated its support for Türkiye’s security concerns. As a key NATO ally, Türkiye has long faced threats from the PKK/YPG, which it categorizes as terrorist organizations. Germany acknowledged the need to address these security issues comprehensively while balancing regional dynamics and humanitarian concerns. Berlin also emphasized the broader implications of PKK/YPG activities on Syria’s future. The involvement of these groups complicates peace negotiations and exacerbates tensions. Germany bel...

Pakistan watches warily as the Taliban, once an ally, grows closer to India. Analysts are split: some say no need for concern, others see potential strain on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. pic.twitter.com/QdpGJPdOrr — Gong News (@GongUpdates) January 13, 2025

A Frenchman detained in Iran since October 2022 has revealed his identity in an audio message aired on French radio, expressing growing exhaustion over his imprisonment.  Olivier Grondeau, 34, had previously been known only by his first name, and French authorities had not disclosed any information about his case.  His message highlighted the dire conditions he and two other French nationals face. "Exhausted" Frenchman Reveals Identity After Nearly Two Years in Iran. Grondeau, who was arrested in Shiraz, Iran, was sentenced to five years in prison for "conspiracy against the Islamic republic."  His family firmly rejects the charges, describing him as a passionate fan of Persian poetry who was visiting Iran on a tourist visa as part of a world tour. His mother confirmed his imprisonment, sharing details in an interview with France Inter. In his emotional audio message, Grondeau warned that he and the other French detainees—teacher Cecile Kohler and her partner, Jacqu...