18 Jun, 2025 17:34

EU could cancel visa-free travel for Israelis – Euronews

Brussels has introduced new rules that couldplace restrictions on countries found in violation of the UN charter or international humanitarian law

Israel could face a suspension of its visa-free access to the EU’s Schengen area under new rules approved by European lawmakers, Euronews reported on Wednesday. This comes shortly after the Jewish state launched a bombing campaign against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks.

The new rules amend the visa suspension mechanisms to include violations of the UN Charter, human rights, breaches of international humanitarian law, and defiance of international court rulings. Israel is among the countries most at risk following allegations of war crimes in Gaza raised by the UN, Euronews wrote, citing sources in the European Parliament.

“This tool helps us deliver the values that have built our community,” Slovenian MEP Matjaz Nemec, the bill’s rapporteur, told the news outlet.He insisted that “no specific country is being targeted,” although European Parliament sources said Israel was a focus for several political groups pushing for the reform.

Currently, citizens from 61 countries – including Israel, the UK, Japan, and Australia – may enter the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa. So far, the EU has suspended visa-free access only once, in the case of the Republic of Vanuatu for its alleged citizenship-by-investment scheme.

Under the new rules, the European Commission can impose a one-year suspension through an implementing act, which only needs the approval of member states and can be blocked by a qualified majority. Extensions require a delegated act, which can be blocked by either the European Council or Parliament.The process can be initiated by the Commission or prompted by an EU member state.

The deal still awaits formal approval by the full European Parliament and Council before becoming EU law.

The reform follows widespread international condemnation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its recent military operation against Iran. Russia has denounced Israel’s actions against Iran as “illegal” and warned they could trigger a “nuclear catastrophe.”

Israel began bombing Iran on Friday, claiming Tehran was close to building a nuclear weapon. Iran denied the accusations and responded with drone and missile strikes.

https://www.rt.com/news/619692-eu-israel-visa-free-suspension/

18 Jun, 2025 16:09

Only a quarter of Ukrainian recruits join army willingly – MP

Mobilization figures also suggest Kiev’s efforts to attract young volunteers are falling short

Fewer than one in four Ukrainian military recruits enlist on their own initiative, with thevast majority entering service through brutal compulsory conscription, a Ukrainian lawmaker has said. Kiev previously offered younger men not subject to the draft perks for volunteering.

Ukraine’s military relies onmandatory enlistment for men aged 25 to 60, enforced by the country’s Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCR), which have been widely criticized for aggressive tactics and abuses. Some units have established offices aimed at attracting volunteers, some of whom are eligible for compulsory draft and seek better conditions, including improved training and equipment, by reporting for duty through the alternative scheme.

”The recruitment centers cover 20 to 25% of mobilization targets at most. The rest, unfortunately, the TCRs are ordered to provide,” Kamelchuk said.“The quality of their work is abysmal, because they draft everyone.”

The Ukrainian government launched a voluntary recruitment campaign earlier this yeartargeting young men aged 18-24. The initiative offered new enlistees the equivalent of $24,000 and additional perks for a year of service. The campaign ads detailed how many hamburgers or in-game purchases the military wage could buy – a strategy that drew criticism for disrespecting potential recruits.

Officials initiallyclaimed the campaign generated interestfrom as many as 10,000 individuals. However, in April, Pavel Palisa, deputy head of the presidential office overseeing mobilization, revealed thatfewer than 500 recruitshad actually signed contracts. He cited parental opposition and other concerns as deterrents.

Last week, MP Sergey Yevtushok argued thatlowering the draft age by one yearcould yield up to 100,000 additional troops. Ukrainian lawmakers are also targeting the upper end of the age bracket by debating legislation that would permit enlistment ofindividuals over 60.

Earlier this month, military fundraiser and women’s rights advocate Maria Berlinskaya suggested Ukraine could mobilize all adults for military service,including women.

Moscow has accused Kiev of waging a war “to the last Ukrainian” against Russia on behalf of Western nations.

https://www.rt.com/russia/619670-ukraine-mobilization-campaign-shortage/

(God please bring the final judgement of every lawmaker that is sending their people of every age to a certain death, only because want more money, and trying to kill Russians. There’s no other reason to do this. That picture alone is heartbreaking.)

18 Jun, 2025 15:43

Putin and UAE president discuss Iran-Israel conflict

The Russian leader has reiterated Moscow’s readiness to mediate end to hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates about the worsening situation in the Middle East, according to the Kremlin.

Tensions flared up last week after Israel launched a large-scale bombing campaign on Iran, claiming that the country is nearing the completion of a nuclear bomb. Iran dismissed the accusations and retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes.

In a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to mediate and “facilitate dialogue between the parties to the conflict,” according to the Kremlin readout.

The two leaders expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing escalation of the conflict,warning that it “threatens to have the most serious consequences for the entire region.” The statement added that both sides stressed the urgent need to halt the hostilities and step up political and diplomatic efforts to resolve contentious issues, including those related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The presidents also discussed bilateral relations, noting the high level of cooperation between Russia and the UAE in the political, trade, economic, and humanitarian spheres. They agreed to maintain contact going forward, the Kremlin said.

Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump – a long-standing ally of Israel – called on residents of Tehran to evacuate the city, while repeating the threat by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to end the conflict.

Putin has held separate phone discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Netanyahu to explore de-escalation measures.Trump later spoke with Putin on the Middle East crisis, expressing openness to Russia playing a mediating role.

https://www.rt.com/russia/619669-putin-uae-call-iran-israel/

(Personally I think Bibi devised the plan about Iran, because Trump while in the Middle Eastern countries, did not interact or talk with him in Israel. Bibi was angry that he couldn't control Trump, so devised a plan to trap him for a long time, Iran war. I think it will fail, but the guy believes in revenge if he's ever snubbed.)

Citizen Free Press

@CitizenFreePres

Former CNN International anchor Robyn Curnow has a few words for foreign snobs about Donald Trump and his well educated voters.

0:55

From Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸

1:46 PM · Jun 18, 2025

·14.7K Views

https://x.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1935393758838734886

Rapid Response 47

@RapidResponse47

.@POTUS on negotiations with Iran: "Nothing is too late. The only thing too late is Powell."

1:29

10:08 AM · Jun 18, 2025

·426.8K Views

He really is funny

https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1935338837695189018

>>23200076

Netanyahu needs to be banned from American Media, ASAP, right now. He's a sick poisonous blight of death and war. The US is not going to war with Israel or for Israel.

>>23200113

Was that a loud statement to Bibi, America First! Sure seems like it fits.

>>23200243

Walz called a hit out on her, and another guy to make it look equal, not political at all.