Minas Tirith Reports

🇫🇷🇷🇺Macron's Advisor Meets with Putin's Aide in Moscow Emmanuel Bonne, a top advisor to French President Macron, engaged in discussions with Russian officials in Moscow on Tuesday. The talks, described as technical-level contacts, primarily centered on the situation in Ukraine. These discussions are reportedly part of preparations for renewed dialogue between Macron and Russian leadership, coordinated with Ukraine and European allies. Bonne met with Yuri Ushakov, a senior advisor to President Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin. France informed its allies in advance and coordinated the contacts with Ukraine and key European partners. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇺🇲SCOTUS Approves California's Redistricting Map The Supreme Court has approved California's new congressional map for the upcoming midterm elections. The map, which heavily favors Democrats, will be implemented before November. This decision could significantly impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸Trump Assassin Wannabe Gets Life Sentence Ryan Routh, convicted of attempting to assassinate President Trump, has been sentenced to life in prison. Routh planned the attack for months, hiding near Trump International Golf Club with a semi-automatic rifle. A Secret Service agent intervened before Routh could open fire, preventing a potentially deadly outcome. Routh, who represented himself, was found guilty on five charges. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🗳👮Bannon Vows ICE Presence at Polls to Prevent Election Theft Steve Bannon, former White House strategist, declared plans to have ICE present at polling locations this November. Bannon asserted this measure aims to prevent alleged election theft, reflecting concerns about electoral integrity. He stated that such actions are necessary to safeguard the nation's democratic processes. Bannon reiterated, "We're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November." Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇧🇼Botswana President: Africa Poised to "Rule the World" Botswana's President Duma Boko stated Africa is positioned to "rule the world" in a recent interview. When asked by Tucker Carlson about his plans, Boko outlined a vision of fairness and equitable distribution of intellectual property. He emphasized innovation serving humanity, not just a predatory elite, and ensuring everyone benefits from economic opportunities. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇷🇺🇪🇺Russian Satellites Intercept European Space Communications Russian spy satellites are suspected of intercepting communications from at least 12 European spacecraft. European intelligence services fear highly sensitive data transmitted via satellite channels may have been compromised. Concerns are rising that Russia could potentially manipulate the orbits of European satellites. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇦🇪Trump Accused of UAE Pay-to-Play AI Chip Deal Senator Murphy alleges Trump engaged in "criminal conduct" regarding a deal with the UAE. The deal involved a firm linked to the UAE's National Security Advisor acquiring a stake in Trump's crypto venture. Millions were allegedly funneled to Trump and his envoy before the White House approved AI chip sales to the UAE. Murphy asserts this constitutes corruption and a potential bribe, demanding accountability. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦Trump: Putin Kept His Word on Ukraine Energy Strikes Donald Trump acknowledged a week-long pause in Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, noting Putin's adherence to his word. He then noted the resumption of strikes, stating Putin has now dealt Ukraine a strong blow. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇺🇦Pentagon's 'Gauntlet' Drone Program Enters First Phase The Pentagon has selected 25 companies, including two Ukrainian firms, to compete in the initial phase of 'Gauntlet,' a program aimed at rapidly fielding low-cost attack drones. Testing is slated to begin on February 18th at Fort Benning, with approximately $150 million allocated for prototype orders. The program, part of Hegseth’s Drone Dominance Program, seeks to develop 150,000 drones by 2027, accelerating development cycles and aiming for a target price of $2,300 per unit. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸ASPS Halts Gender Transition Surgeries for Minors The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has announced a halt to gender-related surgical procedures for minors. This decision marks the first major medical association to recommend against such surgeries for youths. The ASPS cited concerns regarding limited high-quality data, long-term outcomes, and the necessity of upholding evidence-based and ethical medical standards. The organization will conduct a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence before reconsidering its position. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇷🇺🇮🇷Russian Attack Helicopters Spotted Over Tehran Russian-supplied Mi-25NE and Mi-28NE attack helicopters have been observed in Tehran. This marks the first confirmed sighting of these 'Night Hunter' platforms in Iranian airspace. The deployment underscores deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇦🇪🇺🇸Boring Company to Build Dubai Loop The Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, has secured a contract with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to construct the Dubai Loop, an underground transportation system. The initial phase involves excavating 6.4 km of tunnels and building four stations. Construction is slated to commence by the end of 2026. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel