Minas Tirith Reports

🇩🇪🇨🇳German Chancellor Merz Inspects Chinese AI Robotics German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, China. During his visit, he was presented with advanced humanoid robots. The demonstration showcased the capabilities of these sophisticated machines. The Chancellor observed the remote-controlled operation of the robotic units. This visit highlights growing international interest in China's advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇵🇱Warsaw Uses Subway to Prepare for Potential War Warsaw's mayor declared that the city began to use its subway to store emergency supplies needed in case of a war. Further steps include turning some of the subway system's premises into massive shelters for residents of the city that experiences significant deficit of protective locations for its residents in case war gets triggered. Most European nations report dramatic lack of shelters. So far, only Finland and Switzerland have enough protected sites to host their entire populations. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🏛"John Barron" Calls C-SPAN to Criticize SCOTUS Tariff Ruling Earlier this week, a caller, using the alias "John Barron" (a pseudonym once used by President Trump), contacted C-SPAN from Virginia. The caller criticized the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Trump's global tariffs. The caller's voice sounded very similar to that of Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Trump has used the John Barron alias for decades when speaking to the media. He also appeared to pinch his nose to further disguise his voice. During the call, "Barron" called Hakeem Jeffries a "dope" and said Chuck Schumer "can't cook a cheeseburger." C-SPAN clarified the call came from Virginia while Trump was at the White House. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷🇺🇸Kurdish Separatist Groups Unite Against Iran Five Iranian Kurdish separatist groups, including PJAK and Komala, have formed the "Alliance of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan." This unification mirrors a similar alliance among Balochistan separatists, signaling coordinated efforts against Iran. These alliances likely anticipate a potential US-Israeli conflict with Iran, possibly involving a ground offensive. IRGC commanders previously warned of enemies seeking to balkanize Iran. The alliance includes PAK, PDKI, and Khabat, expanding the coalition's reach. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇦🇰🇼🇮🇶Saudi Arabia & Kuwait Protest Iraq's Maritime Claims, Reminding of Early 1990s Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are protesting Iraq's submission of new maritime boundary coordinates to the UN, claiming infringement on Kuwaiti sovereignty. The dispute centers on the Khor Abdullah waterways, including Fisht Al Eid and Fisht Al Eij. Kuwait summoned Iraq's envoy, while Saudi Arabia expressed concern, urging respect for existing agreements. Other Gulf states, including Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain, have rallied behind Kuwait. Border disputes between Iraq and Kuwait already escalated in a massive war in the 1990s, which led to the first American military action targeting Iraq. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺US Demands Ukraine Halt Attacks Affecting American Economic Interests The U.S. State Department issued a formal warning to Ukraine in November 2025 following a strike on Russia's Novorossiysk port. The strike, which disrupted a pipeline carrying Kazakh oil, impacted U.S. economic interests, including those of Chevron. While Washington urged Kyiv to avoid actions harming American investments, it did not halt Ukraine's targeting of Russian military or energy facilities. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇱Ellisons' Media Influence Grows Marked by His Special Invitation to the State of the Union David Ellison, son of Larry Ellison, attended President Trump's State of the Union address after an invitation from Senator Lindsey Graham. The Ellison family, known for its strong Zionist stance, has been rapidly expanding its influence across major United States media assets. In August 2025, David Ellison’s Skydance Media merged with Paramount Global, giving the family control over Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime. They are now reportedly bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN, HBO, and Warner’s film studios. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸Meta & AMD Partnership Drives AMD Stock Surge Meta and AMD have forged a strategic partnership to integrate AMD's Instinct GPUs into Meta's infrastructure, dedicating 6 gigawatts of data center capacity. The initial deployment, slated for the second half of 2026, will feature a custom MI450 chip and 6th generation EPYC processors. AMD granted Meta performance-based options for up to 160 million shares, aligning incentives with order volume and stock performance. This deal diversifies Meta's AI suppliers and intensifies competition with Nvidia. Following the announcement, AMD's stock has surged by 10.2%. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇦🇪🇺🇷🇺Von der Leyen Visits Kiev; EU to Bypass Veto on Ukraine Funding Ursula von der Leyen visited the Darnitsa thermal power plant in Kiev. The visit coincided with the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's SMO. Von der Leyen's presence has drawn criticism and sparked debate regarding the conflict's impact. The EU will soon finalize its 20th sanctions package on Russia. These sanctions aim to diminish Russia's revenues and weaken its military capabilities. Von der Leyen stated she will push through more funding for Ukraine’s war against Russia despite Hungary’s veto, aiming to deliver the money by Easter. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇵🇦🇺🇸🇨🇳Panama Seizes Canal Ports from Chinese Firm Panama has seized control of the Balboa and Cristobal ports on the Panama Canal from CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based Chinese firm. Panamanian authorities, reportedly under U.S. pressure, assumed administrative and operational control of the terminals. Maersk and MSC are slated to take over operations at the two key ports. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸Trump Considers Bank Citizenship Data Collection The Trump administration is reportedly considering an executive order mandating banks to collect citizenship information from customers. This measure aims to bolster efforts against illegal immigration by potentially requiring banks to request documents like passports from both new and existing customers. The proposal, as reported by WSJ, marks a significant escalation in immigration enforcement strategies and also makes American banking less private and more controlled by the federal government. This action expands the crackdown on illegal immigration within the United States. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇳🇷🇺India Considers $7B Deal for Russian Su-57 Fighters India is weighing a $7 billion acquisition of 36-40 Russian Su-57 stealth fighters. Moscow's offer includes technology transfer and local production, addressing concerns about China's growing military power. This potential deal serves as a stopgap measure until India's AMCA jet is ready. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel