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Brian McDonald

@BrianMcDonaldIE • 31,338 subscribers

Irish. Long time Russia-based journalist. Interested in facts and objectivity. Not interested in ideology or wishful thinking.

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Erling Haaland’s “twin sister” is now everywhere on Russian social media. Anastasia Kostromitina, from Moscow, leaned into the joke with good comic timing and has turned the resemblance into properly viral content. Hundreds of millions of views, and counting.

Erling Haaland’s “twin sister” is now everywhere on Russian social media. Anastasia Kostromitina, from Moscow, leaned into the joke with good comic timing and has turned the resemblance into properly viral content. Hundreds of millions of views, and counting.

1,840,607 Aufrufe

Putin has arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit, just days after Trump’s China trip. He was greeted at the aircraft stairs by China’s foreign minister, a guard of honor, and children chanting welcome greetings in Chinese.

Putin has arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit, just days after Trump’s China trip. He was greeted at the aircraft stairs by China’s foreign minister, a guard of honor, and children chanting welcome greetings in Chinese.

2,605,948 Aufrufe

Former Russian porn actress Olga Mur faces up to six years in prison on pornography production and distribution charges. SHOT reports that Mur (whose real name is Olga Zubkova) has admitted guilt but claims the criminal case was prompted by a complaint from Kristina Lexi (another adult performer), the former girlfriend of late Russian rapper Pasha Technik. Mur alleges that Lexi acted out of jealousy following a personal dispute last month. She broke down in tears outside the court today.

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Former Russian porn actress Olga Mur faces up to six years in prison on pornography production and distribution charges. SHOT reports that Mur (whose real name is Olga Zubkova) has admitted guilt but claims the criminal case was prompted by a complaint from Kristina Lexi (another adult performer), the former girlfriend of late Russian rapper Pasha Technik. Mur alleges that Lexi acted out of jealousy following a personal dispute last month. She broke down in tears outside the court today.

123,853 Aufrufe

A viral track repeating just two words,“Yanis Varoufakis,” is spreading across Russia's clubland. Created by a Moscow DJ, the tune has taken off among zoomers, with critics linking its appeal to a revival of 90s/early 2000s techno. The irony is that most listeners likely have no idea who Yanis Varoufakis is, they just like the rhythm of the name.

A viral track repeating just two words,“Yanis Varoufakis,” is spreading across Russia's clubland. Created by a Moscow DJ, the tune has taken off among zoomers, with critics linking its appeal to a revival of 90s/early 2000s techno. The irony is that most listeners likely have no idea who Yanis Varoufakis is, they just like the rhythm of the name.

1,359,904 Aufrufe

Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store has responded to criticism of his decision to speak directly with Putin. “We've not set out to speak on behalf of anyone other than ourselves. Norway is a neighbour of Russia. We share a large maritime area. We need to manage fisheries and maintain good neighbourly relations that ensure our security.” Store also rejected criticism from Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, pointing out that the EU has failed to develop a common approach to Russia over the past four years.

Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store has responded to criticism of his decision to speak directly with Putin. “We've not set out to speak on behalf of anyone other than ourselves. Norway is a neighbour of Russia. We share a large maritime area. We need to manage fisheries and maintain good neighbourly relations that ensure our security.” Store also rejected criticism from Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, pointing out that the EU has failed to develop a common approach to Russia over the past four years.

68,737 Aufrufe

A meme doing the rounds in Russia shows the country mysteriously dropping from #1 to outside Europe’s top 10 for internet users. The explanation? VPNs.

A meme doing the rounds in Russia shows the country mysteriously dropping from #1 to outside Europe’s top 10 for internet users. The explanation? VPNs.

472,881 Aufrufe

In Russia's Lipetsk region, revellers have burned a giant Labubu doll as the climax of the Maslenitsa holiday festivities. Each year they burn pop-culture figures that supposedly “embody evil.” Past victims include Voldemort, Venom, Freddy Krueger and Huggy Wuggy.

In Russia's Lipetsk region, revellers have burned a giant Labubu doll as the climax of the Maslenitsa holiday festivities. Each year they burn pop-culture figures that supposedly “embody evil.” Past victims include Voldemort, Venom, Freddy Krueger and Huggy Wuggy.

636,697 Aufrufe

Russian figure skater Stepan Marishin accidentally dropped his 15-year-old partner, Albina Kamaldinova, from a lift more than two metres above the ice during the Junior Grand Prix in Yekaterinburg. The pair were forced to abandon their performance, and Kamaldinova was taken to hospital for examination.

Russian figure skater Stepan Marishin accidentally dropped his 15-year-old partner, Albina Kamaldinova, from a lift more than two metres above the ice during the Junior Grand Prix in Yekaterinburg. The pair were forced to abandon their performance, and Kamaldinova was taken to hospital for examination.

25,452 Aufrufe

Russia’s biggest song of 2025 was in neither Russian nor English. Homay by Ay Yola is sung in Bashkir, a Turkic language of the Urals, and went from obscurity to an international hit in a matter of weeks.

Russia’s biggest song of 2025 was in neither Russian nor English. Homay by Ay Yola is sung in Bashkir, a Turkic language of the Urals, and went from obscurity to an international hit in a matter of weeks.

81,647 Aufrufe

Meanwhile, Dubai seems to be deploying its most effective asset in the information war: Instagram influencers. The same glossy videos are suddenly everywhere. Different languages, but almost identical reels, boasting about how they feel safe under Sheikh Mohammed's protection.

Meanwhile, Dubai seems to be deploying its most effective asset in the information war: Instagram influencers. The same glossy videos are suddenly everywhere. Different languages, but almost identical reels, boasting about how they feel safe under Sheikh Mohammed's protection.

437,142 Aufrufe

Russian erotic content creator Sonya Marmeladova has walked free, and had her handcuffs and vibrator returned to her, after receiving a three-year suspended sentence for distributing pornography through paid Telegram channels, per Baza. The Moscow court also ordered the confiscation of $61,500 and an iPhone 16 Pro Max, but did allow her to keep a leather harness and a butt plug, in addition to the aforementioned.

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Russian erotic content creator Sonya Marmeladova has walked free, and had her handcuffs and vibrator returned to her, after receiving a three-year suspended sentence for distributing pornography through paid Telegram channels, per Baza. The Moscow court also ordered the confiscation of $61,500 and an iPhone 16 Pro Max, but did allow her to keep a leather harness and a butt plug, in addition to the aforementioned.

182,560 Aufrufe

The creators of Masha and the Bear have issued an official appeal to British MPs, after the cartoon was accused of being Kremlin “soft power” and hidden propaganda. “British deputies, there has been a terrible misunderstanding,” Masha says, in character.. “We're not soft power, and certainly not a Kremlin propaganda tool. We are just an ordinary commercial cartoon about friendship and looking out for one another. ” “Honestly, honestly.” The statement ends: “Oops. Oh well, we weren’t that bothered anyway.”

The creators of Masha and the Bear have issued an official appeal to British MPs, after the cartoon was accused of being Kremlin “soft power” and hidden propaganda. “British deputies, there has been a terrible misunderstanding,” Masha says, in character.. “We're not soft power, and certainly not a Kremlin propaganda tool. We are just an ordinary commercial cartoon about friendship and looking out for one another. ” “Honestly, honestly.” The statement ends: “Oops. Oh well, we weren’t that bothered anyway.”

205,997 Aufrufe

Putin asked how Moscow will respond if US Tomahawk missiles strike Russia: "This is an attempt at escalation, but if strikes with such weapons are carried out on Russian territory, the response will be very serious, if not downright devastating. Let them think about that"

Putin asked how Moscow will respond if US Tomahawk missiles strike Russia: "This is an attempt at escalation, but if strikes with such weapons are carried out on Russian territory, the response will be very serious, if not downright devastating. Let them think about that"

500,889 Aufrufe

Horrible video from Novorossiysk: a scooter rider hit a woman at full speed as she stepped out of a shop. She was thrown several metres, hit her head, and lost consciousness. Hospitalised. In Russia scooters are allowed on pavements, not roads. Which makes no sense to me.

Horrible video from Novorossiysk: a scooter rider hit a woman at full speed as she stepped out of a shop. She was thrown several metres, hit her head, and lost consciousness. Hospitalised. In Russia scooters are allowed on pavements, not roads. Which makes no sense to me.

327,830 Aufrufe

A new viral trend in Russia is seeing people dress as medieval plague doctors and joke about the alleged outbreak in Siberia. Videos show people doing “get ready with me” routines before putting on the distinctive beaked masks, while others joke about choosing a plague-doctor costume as their essential autumn accessory. It follows the death of a 28-year-old employee of an anti-plague institute in Irkutsk.

A new viral trend in Russia is seeing people dress as medieval plague doctors and joke about the alleged outbreak in Siberia. Videos show people doing “get ready with me” routines before putting on the distinctive beaked masks, while others joke about choosing a plague-doctor costume as their essential autumn accessory. It follows the death of a 28-year-old employee of an anti-plague institute in Irkutsk.

43,294 Aufrufe

In Russia’s remote Yakutia, parts of the taiga are literally collapsing into the ground as underground ice melts. As the permafrost thaws, the soil loses stability and gives way, creating enormous sinkholes that swallow trees and entire sections of forest. The process is known as thermokarst and as temperatures gradually rise and permafrost continues to degrade, such collapses can expand dramatically and permanently reshape the landscape.

In Russia’s remote Yakutia, parts of the taiga are literally collapsing into the ground as underground ice melts. As the permafrost thaws, the soil loses stability and gives way, creating enormous sinkholes that swallow trees and entire sections of forest. The process is known as thermokarst and as temperatures gradually rise and permafrost continues to degrade, such collapses can expand dramatically and permanently reshape the landscape.

72,702 Aufrufe

Moscow State University freshmen celebrate their initiation at the spectacularly opulent Turandot restaurant. The USSR built MSU to forge a new intelligentsia, but a century after the proletariat seized the palaces, Moscow’s golden youth seem remarkably comfortable in them.

Moscow State University freshmen celebrate their initiation at the spectacularly opulent Turandot restaurant. The USSR built MSU to forge a new intelligentsia, but a century after the proletariat seized the palaces, Moscow’s golden youth seem remarkably comfortable in them.

35,725 Aufrufe

Serbian police have arrested a Turkish man after the dismembered remains of a 27-year-old Russian woman were found inside a suitcase near Belgrade, SHOT reports. The victim, Lyudmila from St. Petersburg, was last heard from on the night of July 25, when she told relatives she was heading to a nightclub in the Palilula district. According to SHOT, the 25-year-old suspect allegedly killed her, dismembered her body and later tried to dispose of the remains. He was detained at Belgrade Airport as he reportedly attempted to flee to Turkey. The suitcase was located by a police dog.

Serbian police have arrested a Turkish man after the dismembered remains of a 27-year-old Russian woman were found inside a suitcase near Belgrade, SHOT reports. The victim, Lyudmila from St. Petersburg, was last heard from on the night of July 25, when she told relatives she was heading to a nightclub in the Palilula district. According to SHOT, the 25-year-old suspect allegedly killed her, dismembered her body and later tried to dispose of the remains. He was detained at Belgrade Airport as he reportedly attempted to flee to Turkey. The suitcase was located by a police dog.

74,912 Aufrufe

Angelina Melnikova, who was originally denied a Croatian visa before the decision was reversed, has won her second gold medal at the European Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb. The Russian gymnast was visibly emotional during the medal ceremony and was unable to hold back tears. Melnikova was one of four Russian gymnasts eventually granted visas after initially being refused entry, while five other members of the Russian delegation remain unable to attend. The Russians, who have so far won more gold medals at the event than the rest of Europe combined, are competing under neutral status, meaning the Russian flag isn't displayed and their national anthem wasn't played at the medal ceremonies.

Angelina Melnikova, who was originally denied a Croatian visa before the decision was reversed, has won her second gold medal at the European Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb. The Russian gymnast was visibly emotional during the medal ceremony and was unable to hold back tears. Melnikova was one of four Russian gymnasts eventually granted visas after initially being refused entry, while five other members of the Russian delegation remain unable to attend. The Russians, who have so far won more gold medals at the event than the rest of Europe combined, are competing under neutral status, meaning the Russian flag isn't displayed and their national anthem wasn't played at the medal ceremonies.

65,048 Aufrufe

Right now, Vladimir Putin is meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Kremlin. Notably, this is happening at exactly the same time Trump is launching his new “Board of Peace” in Davos.

Right now, Vladimir Putin is meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Kremlin. Notably, this is happening at exactly the same time Trump is launching his new “Board of Peace” in Davos.

166,140 Aufrufe

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Former Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin argues with Russian football blogger Seva Kryseva after Lamine Yamal’s father nearly smashed the latter’s iPhone at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. Kryseva insists he was merely trying to congratulate Yamal’s father, while Arshavin berates him for approaching the man with his phone and jokes that he could have been beaten up.

Former Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin argues with Russian football blogger Seva Kryseva after Lamine Yamal’s father nearly smashed the latter’s iPhone at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. Kryseva insists he was merely trying to congratulate Yamal’s father, while Arshavin berates him for approaching the man with his phone and jokes that he could have been beaten up.

1,870,298 Aufrufe • vor 19 Tagen

An extraordinary video as EU chiefs Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen effectively throw Kaja Kallas under the bus after a question about her claim that she'd been chosen to represent the EU in negotiations with Russia. Costa delivers a short lecture on the EU treaties, conspicuously omitting the High Representative's own responsibilities, but Von der Leyen is even more direct “we decide on who represents us, and that's what we've done today.” A very public humiliation of the EU's foreign policy chief.

An extraordinary video as EU chiefs Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen effectively throw Kaja Kallas under the bus after a question about her claim that she'd been chosen to represent the EU in negotiations with Russia. Costa delivers a short lecture on the EU treaties, conspicuously omitting the High Representative's own responsibilities, but Von der Leyen is even more direct “we decide on who represents us, and that's what we've done today.” A very public humiliation of the EU's foreign policy chief.

41,616 Aufrufe • vor 1 Tag

This legendary internet moment turns 18 this weekend. A man in a nightclub in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, complained about the music, then promptly danced his way into meme history as “Dimitri Finds Out.”

This legendary internet moment turns 18 this weekend. A man in a nightclub in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, complained about the music, then promptly danced his way into meme history as “Dimitri Finds Out.”

1,789,907 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

A female miner in Russia’s remote northern city of Vorkuta offers a glimpse of her working life deep underground. Kaleriya shows what a typical shift looks like in one of the country’s toughest working environments. Not a job for the faint-hearted.

A female miner in Russia’s remote northern city of Vorkuta offers a glimpse of her working life deep underground. Kaleriya shows what a typical shift looks like in one of the country’s toughest working environments. Not a job for the faint-hearted.

681,290 Aufrufe • vor 17 Tagen

This 65-year-old fisherman from Russia’s Far Eastern Primorye region survived a bear attack by fighting the animal off with his fists and a fishing rod, according to SHOT. Vladimir suffered serious wounds to his face, chest and arms before losing consciousness, which may have saved him. When he awoke, the bear was gone. Despite heavy bleeding, he walked half a kilometre to his car and drove himself home before being taken to hospital.

This 65-year-old fisherman from Russia’s Far Eastern Primorye region survived a bear attack by fighting the animal off with his fists and a fishing rod, according to SHOT. Vladimir suffered serious wounds to his face, chest and arms before losing consciousness, which may have saved him. When he awoke, the bear was gone. Despite heavy bleeding, he walked half a kilometre to his car and drove himself home before being taken to hospital.

978,740 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Back in 2012, an Airbus A320 took off from Moscow with snow on its wings, leaving aerodynamics to perform the de-icing. The footage caused outrage, although Aeroflot insisted it was harmless. One pundit called it an excellent way to turn a flight into a Wikipedia article.

Back in 2012, an Airbus A320 took off from Moscow with snow on its wings, leaving aerodynamics to perform the de-icing. The footage caused outrage, although Aeroflot insisted it was harmless. One pundit called it an excellent way to turn a flight into a Wikipedia article.

653,787 Aufrufe • vor 27 Tagen

A “horror” wedding video from 1995 has gone viral in Russia after a filmmaker discovered the old VHS tape and digitised it. The footage shows a modest wedding celebration held in the common room of a vocational school in the Moscow region, complete with Soviet-era posters, cheap decorations and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Yeltsin-era. The tape has been labelled “Horror Film: Wedding in Uvarka,” a joke that feels oddly appropriate given the grainy VHS quality and surreal surroundings.

A “horror” wedding video from 1995 has gone viral in Russia after a filmmaker discovered the old VHS tape and digitised it. The footage shows a modest wedding celebration held in the common room of a vocational school in the Moscow region, complete with Soviet-era posters, cheap decorations and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Yeltsin-era. The tape has been labelled “Horror Film: Wedding in Uvarka,” a joke that feels oddly appropriate given the grainy VHS quality and surreal surroundings.

2,403,586 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

A video of two women discussing the three biggest red flags in men is going viral in Russia. The entire discussion is conducted in a remarkable mixture of English, Russian and industrial quantities of profanity.

A video of two women discussing the three biggest red flags in men is going viral in Russia. The entire discussion is conducted in a remarkable mixture of English, Russian and industrial quantities of profanity.

275,656 Aufrufe • vor 14 Tagen

The Strokes used their Coachella set to show CIA coups and Gaza footage. They’ll probably never be invited back, and they knew it.

The Strokes used their Coachella set to show CIA coups and Gaza footage. They’ll probably never be invited back, and they knew it.

4,206,641 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten

Putin has mocked remarks by Estonia’s defense minister about the possibility of pre-emptive strikes on Russian territory. “The circus has left town, but the clowns have stayed behind. This is political clownery,” Putin said. “Estonia’s population is, I believe, 1.3 million people. The Russian army, just the Russian army, numbers 1.535 million. And Estonia’s 1.3 million includes everyone, from babies to the elderly.” “It is complete nonsense, utter absurdity. But unfortunately, these are the kinds of people we have to deal with today.”

Putin has mocked remarks by Estonia’s defense minister about the possibility of pre-emptive strikes on Russian territory. “The circus has left town, but the clowns have stayed behind. This is political clownery,” Putin said. “Estonia’s population is, I believe, 1.3 million people. The Russian army, just the Russian army, numbers 1.535 million. And Estonia’s 1.3 million includes everyone, from babies to the elderly.” “It is complete nonsense, utter absurdity. But unfortunately, these are the kinds of people we have to deal with today.”

692,693 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Russian media is noting that Putin appears to have received a higher-level airport reception in Beijing than Trump did last week. Putin was personally greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a serving Politburo member, whereas Trump was met by Vice President Han Zheng, who no longer sits on either the Politburo or the Communist Party’s Central Committee. Some Chinese protocol analysts explain that sending a Politburo member to the airport signals that Beijing considers the visitor an especially important guest.

Russian media is noting that Putin appears to have received a higher-level airport reception in Beijing than Trump did last week. Putin was personally greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a serving Politburo member, whereas Trump was met by Vice President Han Zheng, who no longer sits on either the Politburo or the Communist Party’s Central Committee. Some Chinese protocol analysts explain that sending a Politburo member to the airport signals that Beijing considers the visitor an especially important guest.

2,651,532 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

Horrifying scene in Russia's Voronezh: a drunk father reportedly lowered his underage son from a 7th-floor balcony on a rope as some kind of “stunt” while friends filmed instead of stopping him. Prosecutors say it posed a real threat to the boy’s life. Police are investigating. The child, incredibly, wasn’t physically hurt.

Horrifying scene in Russia's Voronezh: a drunk father reportedly lowered his underage son from a 7th-floor balcony on a rope as some kind of “stunt” while friends filmed instead of stopping him. Prosecutors say it posed a real threat to the boy’s life. Police are investigating. The child, incredibly, wasn’t physically hurt.

4,032,413 Aufrufe • vor 9 Monaten

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has rejected the idea that Russia needs security guarantees, declaring that nobody has ever attacked the country. Speaking in Dublin, she insisted that the EU must resist Moscow's demands for a new pan-European security architecture before the end of the Ukraine conflict. “We have one aggressor and one victim. The aggressor doesn’t have security concerns, as nobody has ever attacked them. They have attacked others.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has rejected the idea that Russia needs security guarantees, declaring that nobody has ever attacked the country. Speaking in Dublin, she insisted that the EU must resist Moscow's demands for a new pan-European security architecture before the end of the Ukraine conflict. “We have one aggressor and one victim. The aggressor doesn’t have security concerns, as nobody has ever attacked them. They have attacked others.”

19,242 Aufrufe • vor 2 Tagen

Russian TV has broadcast footage of Putin driving himself through central Moscow in a Russian Aurus SUV to pick up his former schoolteacher Vera Gurevich and bring her to a dinner at the presidential residence after Victory Day events.

Russian TV has broadcast footage of Putin driving himself through central Moscow in a Russian Aurus SUV to pick up his former schoolteacher Vera Gurevich and bring her to a dinner at the presidential residence after Victory Day events.

2,095,636 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

Porn creator Sonya Marmeladova struggled to keep a straight face as a Russian judge read out the list of sex toys to be returned to her after sentencing, this morning. “A leatherette collar resembling a choker, connected by a silver-coloured metal chain; one pink vibrator; three phallus-shaped objects in brown, beige and flesh colours respectively; one blue anal plug; and one black leather harness… shall be deemed returned.”

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Porn creator Sonya Marmeladova struggled to keep a straight face as a Russian judge read out the list of sex toys to be returned to her after sentencing, this morning. “A leatherette collar resembling a choker, connected by a silver-coloured metal chain; one pink vibrator; three phallus-shaped objects in brown, beige and flesh colours respectively; one blue anal plug; and one black leather harness… shall be deemed returned.”

1,075,823 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Those afraid of heights, look away. A base jumper in Russia’s Ingushetia lost control almost immediately after opening his parachute, was spun through the air and carried towards the rocks. Convinced he was finished, he shouted: “That’s it, I’m f*cked.” He was saved by landing in a snowdrift and escaped without injury.

Those afraid of heights, look away. A base jumper in Russia’s Ingushetia lost control almost immediately after opening his parachute, was spun through the air and carried towards the rocks. Convinced he was finished, he shouted: “That’s it, I’m f*cked.” He was saved by landing in a snowdrift and escaped without injury.

1,009,590 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Zelensky says the latest US peace proposal includes security guarantees for Ukraine modelled on NATO’s Article 5 collective defence clause, and that American envoy Steve Witkoff will present the document to Russia (tomorrow). “We have discussed security guarantees, and I’m grateful to the American side for emphasising once again that they will be strong,” Zelensky said following talks in Oslo. “We discussed NATO, Article 5 and Article 5-like guarantees. Different types of security guarantees are included in the document, which Steve will share with the Russians, and we will hear their feedback.”

Zelensky says the latest US peace proposal includes security guarantees for Ukraine modelled on NATO’s Article 5 collective defence clause, and that American envoy Steve Witkoff will present the document to Russia (tomorrow). “We have discussed security guarantees, and I’m grateful to the American side for emphasising once again that they will be strong,” Zelensky said following talks in Oslo. “We discussed NATO, Article 5 and Article 5-like guarantees. Different types of security guarantees are included in the document, which Steve will share with the Russians, and we will hear their feedback.”

214,655 Aufrufe • vor 26 Tagen

Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who died in 2022, warned more than a decade ago that the US would eventually strike Iran and predicted a fallout far bigger than Washington expects (my translation): "I’m the only one making predictions while everyone else stays quiet. So ask your questions now. I’ll be gone soon, and you won’t get another chance to hear the real answers. Then in 20 years you’ll say, 'You know, Mr Zhirinovsky was already telling us back then what we should’ve done, and we didn’t listen?' "So what’s their plan? Occupy another bunch of Arab countries, finish off Syria, then hit Iran by force. What’s the trigger here? Where is the pressure on Iran really coming from? It's under the banner of 'democratisation by force,' but in reality it’s about taking control of energy resources. Because the crisis everyone talks about as being in the future is already here." "The US needs to weaken China. If Iran is attacked, oil goes to $200 a barrel. China can’t handle that. The EU can’t either. One strike on Iran weakens both Europe and China at once. But then there’s Russia. How do you weaken Russia? Iranian refugees can only go one way [and that's] north. To the south is Syria, where a pro-American regime would already be in place. To the south is Iraq, where they’ve been fighting for years and can easily stir things up again. So north it is, through Azerbaijan."

Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who died in 2022, warned more than a decade ago that the US would eventually strike Iran and predicted a fallout far bigger than Washington expects (my translation): "I’m the only one making predictions while everyone else stays quiet. So ask your questions now. I’ll be gone soon, and you won’t get another chance to hear the real answers. Then in 20 years you’ll say, 'You know, Mr Zhirinovsky was already telling us back then what we should’ve done, and we didn’t listen?' "So what’s their plan? Occupy another bunch of Arab countries, finish off Syria, then hit Iran by force. What’s the trigger here? Where is the pressure on Iran really coming from? It's under the banner of 'democratisation by force,' but in reality it’s about taking control of energy resources. Because the crisis everyone talks about as being in the future is already here." "The US needs to weaken China. If Iran is attacked, oil goes to $200 a barrel. China can’t handle that. The EU can’t either. One strike on Iran weakens both Europe and China at once. But then there’s Russia. How do you weaken Russia? Iranian refugees can only go one way [and that's] north. To the south is Syria, where a pro-American regime would already be in place. To the south is Iraq, where they’ve been fighting for years and can easily stir things up again. So north it is, through Azerbaijan."

2,395,503 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten

Former Russian porn actress Olga Mur faces up to six years in prison on pornography production and distribution charges. SHOT reports that Mur (whose real name is Olga Zubkova) has admitted guilt but claims the criminal case was prompted by a complaint from Kristina Lexi (another adult performer), the former girlfriend of late Russian rapper Pasha Technik. Mur alleges that Lexi acted out of jealousy following a personal dispute last month. She broke down in tears outside the court today.

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This media may contain sensitive content.

Former Russian porn actress Olga Mur faces up to six years in prison on pornography production and distribution charges. SHOT reports that Mur (whose real name is Olga Zubkova) has admitted guilt but claims the criminal case was prompted by a complaint from Kristina Lexi (another adult performer), the former girlfriend of late Russian rapper Pasha Technik. Mur alleges that Lexi acted out of jealousy following a personal dispute last month. She broke down in tears outside the court today.

123,853 Aufrufe • vor 18 Tagen

A surreal scene from St Petersburg: a Russian police officer briefly kept playing the VR game Beat Saber while his colleagues arrested a young Belarusian wanted back home for avoiding military conscription, 47news reports. The man was celebrating his birthday with friends. Staff say police had already come looking for him twice before.

A surreal scene from St Petersburg: a Russian police officer briefly kept playing the VR game Beat Saber while his colleagues arrested a young Belarusian wanted back home for avoiding military conscription, 47news reports. The man was celebrating his birthday with friends. Staff say police had already come looking for him twice before.

1,705,209 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten