Third Column

Independent news covering geopolitics, economics and conflicts.

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Source: https://t.co/LSza9EoWjC

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, condemning what he described as a “dangerous” loss of U.S. intelligence support and reduced Starlink functionality amid intensified Russian attacks.

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U.S. President Trump:

the Iran war will end very soon. It’s gonna end very soon. Soon as I want it to end it’ll end.

But it’s gonna end very soon. They’ll never have a nuclear weapon and oil prices will drop like a rock.

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Source: https://t.co/4PmNo9NWvn

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The U.S. military has developed new strike plans that include potentially using the “mother of all bombs” against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if Trump orders combat operations to resume, according to U.S. officials familiar with the plans.

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Source: https://t.co/xu5RKB8ZL1

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Eight U.S. states have sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT misleads users about its safety, encourages dangerous behavior and can expose children and teenagers to harmful advice, including guidance related to self-harm and violence.

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Source: https://t.co/cpfvPZjkGq

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Renewed fighting in Yemen has cut off food aid to 800,000 people, while frontline hospitals are struggling to cope with a surge in war casualties, with some admitting more than 700 wounded patients in a single week.

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Source: https://t.co/FgX1UmmUSX

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The Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on shadow fleet tankers that have transported oil and petroleum products from Russia, Iran and Venezuela, in an effort to reduce shipping costs.

The proposal comes as Washington seeks ways to ease pressure on global oil transportation and freight rates.

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Source: https://t.co/2vAVaIcwhV

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Britain will accelerate the delivery of nearly 200 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine to help counter the growing threat from Russian drones and other aerial attacks.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte:

Don't forget, for the defense of the United States, NATO is also crucial. We defend the United States from these Russian nuclear submarines ending up at the shores of the United States.

We make sure that the transatlantic is safe, the Euro-Atlantic area is safe, that the High North is safe, that Europe is safe, all in the interest of the United States.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte:

Sometimes people think I'm against the European military. I'm not against it, but not in addition to all the national militaries, because then it gets too complex.

And again, I think for sovereignty reasons it will not happen. And from the command and control structure we have in NATO, it is not necessary to have it.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:

Not a single euro that goes to Ukraine is missing from social spending or education spending in our country. Not a single euro.

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Source: https://t.co/kPYJ3dL624

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she would end France’s direct financial aid to Ukraine if elected president, arguing that France can no longer afford the expense.

She also opposes Ukraine joining the European Union and has called for reconsidering sanctions on Russia, while leaving open the possibility of continued military training and equipment support for Kyiv.

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Source: https://t.co/VpJn823Gd3

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched “Debt Demolisher,” a 90-day relief program allowing eligible small businesses and homeowners to settle outstanding city fines at reduced rates, with accrued interest waived.

The program runs through January 10, 2027, and requires participants to resolve associated violations and meet eligibility rules.