In a significant development, Ukraine has suspended its Justice Minister, Herman Halushchenko, following his alleged involvement in a sprawling corruption scandal linked to the state nuclear power company, Energoatom. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on Wednesday, marking a critical step in the country’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The suspension comes on the heels of a major investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which has detained five individuals and identified seven others suspected of orchestrating a $100 million graft scheme in the energy sector. Among the accused are a prominent businessman believed to be the mastermind, a former advisor to the energy minister, and a high-ranking executive at Energoatom. Additionally, eight individuals face charges of bribery, abuse of office, and possession of disproportionate assets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly supported the investigation, urging full cooperation from officials. Halushchenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 until his appointment as justice minister in July, has not been formally charged but has vowed to defend himself in court. Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration, Liudmyla Suhak, will assume his duties as acting minister. The scandal has also implicated Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy, who is reportedly among those charged. Despite the investigation, Energoatom has assured that its operations remain unaffected.
作者： admin
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Russia makes gains in southern Ukraine as it expands front-line attacks
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian forces have reportedly captured three settlements in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhizhia region, according to Kyiv’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The advance, facilitated by dense fog, has intensified the already grueling battles between Ukrainian and Russian troops. General Syrskyi noted that the fiercest fighting remains concentrated in the besieged city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, where nearly half of all frontline clashes occurred in the past 24 hours. Additionally, combat activity has surged in the northeastern Kharkiv region, particularly around Kupiansk and Lyman.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has resulted in Moscow occupying approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. In response, the United States is set to impose new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector, a cornerstone of its economy, starting November 21. These measures aim to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire. However, international peace efforts have so far yielded no tangible results.
Meanwhile, Ukraine faces internal challenges as a corruption scandal engulfs senior government officials. Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko was suspended on Wednesday following an investigation into alleged misconduct. On the battlefield, Russia’s larger and better-equipped military has intensified its offensive, stretching Ukraine’s defenses thin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia has deployed around 170,000 troops in the Donetsk region alone.
Despite Russia’s incremental territorial gains, its war of attrition has come at a high cost in terms of casualties and equipment. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia’s siege of Pokrovsk has been slow-moving due to the widespread deployment of resources. Simultaneously, Ukraine has launched sustained long-range drone attacks on high-value Russian military assets, including a recent strike on the Stavrolen chemical plant in Budionnovsk, which produces materials critical to Russia’s military operations.
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US House set for crunch vote on ending historic government shutdown
The United States House of Representatives is set to vote on a critical budget bill on Wednesday, aiming to conclude the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. Now in its 42nd day, the shutdown has left over a million federal workers unpaid, disrupted food stamp programs for low-income Americans, and caused significant delays in air travel, particularly ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate-approved package, which would fund federal agencies for two months, is expected to face fierce opposition from top Democrats despite Republican confidence in its passage. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, emphasizing the need to reopen the country. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has also led to nearly 1,200 flight cancellations as unpaid air traffic controllers call in sick. Lawmakers are resorting to unconventional means to reach Washington for the vote, with some carpooling or even riding motorcycles. The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a procedural vote early Wednesday, setting the stage for a full chamber debate and vote later in the day. Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have vowed to oppose the bill, citing concerns over its impact on the cost of living and the lack of provisions to extend health insurance subsidies. Republicans, however, remain united in their refusal to include such measures, offering only a future vote on healthcare subsidies in December. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, with the Republican majority in the House now reduced to just five votes. The budget bill, if passed, would temporarily avert the next funding crisis, with government funding set to expire again on January 30. Both parties have faced political fallout from the shutdown, with opinion polls suggesting Republicans bear slightly more blame, while Democrats remain divided over their strategy.
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Xi meets Spanish king in Beijing
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Ador says two NewJeans members will return to record label
In a significant development within the K-pop industry, Ador, the record label representing the popular group NewJeans, has announced that members Hyein and Haerin will return to the agency. This decision follows a protracted legal battle that began last year when the five-member group accused Ador of mistreatment and manipulation, leading them to declare their departure. Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe—South Korea’s largest music label—denied these allegations and initiated a lawsuit to enforce the validity of their contract, which runs until 2029. Last month, a South Korean court ruled in favor of Ador, upholding the contract’s validity. NewJeans has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, though legal experts suggest the chances of success are slim. In a statement on X, Ador emphasized that Hyein and Haerin’s decision to return was made after careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with the agency. The label urged fans to avoid unfounded speculation regarding the members’ future. Meanwhile, the plans for the remaining members—Hanni, Danielle, and Minji—remain unclear. The dispute has cast a shadow over NewJeans’ meteoric rise since their debut in 2022, with hits like ‘Attention’ and ‘SuperShy’ dominating charts. The group’s legal troubles have forced them into a hiatus, and their rebranding attempt as NJZ was halted by a court injunction. Fans have expressed concerns that the return of only two members could signal the end of NewJeans in its current form. The deadline for filing an appeal is midnight on Wednesday, but it is uncertain whether NewJeans has taken this step. The case highlights the challenges faced by artists in the K-pop industry, where record labels often maintain strict control over their talent.
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Building China into a strong sports country
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Xi holds welcome ceremony for Spanish king
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, President Xi Jinping of China hosted a grand welcome ceremony in Beijing for King Felipe VI of Spain, who is currently on a state visit to China. The event underscored the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. The ceremony, held at the capital’s iconic venue, was marked by traditional displays of cultural exchange and mutual respect. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in Sino-Spanish relations, with both leaders expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, technology, and cultural exchange. The state visit also highlights China’s active role in fostering international partnerships and its commitment to global diplomacy. The meeting between President Xi and King Felipe VI is anticipated to pave the way for future collaborations that will benefit both countries economically and culturally.
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Myanmar military takes delivery of helicopters and aircraft from Russia and China
Myanmar’s military government has officially integrated Russian Mi-38T helicopters and Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft into its air force, signaling continued support from Moscow and Beijing despite international sanctions. The move comes as the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, intensifies its operations in the ongoing civil war. The United Nations reports that Russia and China have supplied hundreds of millions of dollars worth of equipment to the regime, defying global pressure to halt arms sales. The newly commissioned aircraft, showcased in a November 7 ceremony in Naypyitaw, are expected to enhance the military’s ability to deploy troops in challenging terrains, particularly mountainous regions. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the critical role of air power in addressing both internal and international conflicts. Analysts note that Myanmar is the first known export customer of the Mi-38T, underscoring Russia’s pivotal role in sustaining the regime. Despite losing significant territory to pro-democracy and ethnic militias, the Tatmadaw has leveraged its superior firepower and air capabilities to regain control of key areas, including strategic towns in Shan state. The military has also secured agreements with ethnic rebel groups, facilitated by Chinese mediation, to consolidate its hold on resource-rich regions. As the December 28 election approaches, the first since the 2021 coup, the military has escalated its campaign to reclaim opposition-held territories, often resulting in civilian casualties. The election, widely criticized as illegitimate, will be conducted in phases due to ongoing conflict, with voting excluded in numerous townships.
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Bagpipers claim world record with AC/DC’s ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’
In a spectacular display of musical fusion, hundreds of bagpipers gathered in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday to set a new world record by performing AC/DC’s iconic rock anthem, “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” The event, dubbed “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash,” took place at Federation Square on Swanston Street, a location immortalized in the band’s 1976 music video where they performed the same song on a flatbed truck. This historic site is just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where AC/DC is set to play their first Australian concert in a decade. Guitarist Angus Young, the sole surviving member from the 1976 lineup, is part of the current tour. The record-breaking performance featured 374 bagpipers, surpassing the previous record of 333 set in Bulgaria in 2012. Among the participants were Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, two members of the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums, who had played with AC/DC on the truck 49 years ago. Kenfield described the event as “probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” The massed pipers also treated the crowd to renditions of “Happy Birthday” and “Amazing Grace,” eliciting cheers and phone recordings from the audience. The Australian Book of Records certified the achievement, though Guinness World Records has yet to assess it. The event drew thousands of enthusiastic spectators, many clad in AC/DC merchandise, with numerous attendees heading to the band’s concert afterward. Among the fans was Keegan Kohler, a 23-year-old electrician from Ohio, who had waited since dawn to secure a prime spot at the concert. Kohler, who has followed the band’s U.S. tour, expressed his excitement for the Australian shows, anticipating a more vibrant crowd. Another dedicated fan, Stephen Scott, traveled from North Carolina to fulfill his dream of seeing AC/DC perform in their homeland, calling it a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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UK Cabinet minister denies plotting to oust embattled leader Starmer
In a striking revelation of internal discord, a senior member of the British government has dismissed rumors of a plot to remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer from office. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a prominent figure within the Labour Party, labeled such discussions as ‘self-defeating and self-destructive.’ This comes as the party grapples with plummeting poll ratings, less than 18 months after securing a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. Streeting’s comments followed reports that Starmer’s aides had preemptively addressed media speculation about a potential leadership challenge. ‘It’s totally self-defeating briefing, not least because it’s not true,’ Streeting remarked, attributing the rumors to overindulgence in reality TV drama. Despite his denial, the 42-year-old health secretary is widely regarded as a potential future leader of the party. The Labour Party’s current struggles are compounded by its lagging position behind the hard-right Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, though it remains ahead of the embattled Conservative Party. Lawmakers are particularly apprehensive about the upcoming budget statement on November 26, which is expected to include income tax hikes—a move that would break a key election promise. Since taking office in July 2024, Starmer’s government has faced significant challenges in fulfilling its pledges to revive economic growth, repair public services, and alleviate the cost-of-living crisis. Inflation remains persistently high, unemployment has risen, and the economic outlook remains subdued. Recent data revealed that the jobless rate climbed to 5% in the three months to September, the highest since 2016, excluding the pandemic years. Under Labour Party rules, a leadership challenge can be initiated with the support of 20% of MPs, currently equivalent to 81 members. While the UK’s parliamentary system permits a governing party to change its leader without triggering an early election, unelected prime ministers often face pressure to seek voter legitimacy. The Conservative Party’s recent history, with three prime ministers—Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—serving between December 2019 and July 2024, underscores the volatility of such leadership transitions.