Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, with a key agenda: securing U.S. leniency for Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil. This meeting underscores Orbán’s strategic pivot toward Moscow over the past decade, a shift that has perplexed many of his former allies and critics. Orbán, once a vocal critic of Russian influence during the Cold War, has emerged as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s staunchest supporters within the European Union, maintaining warm ties with the Kremlin despite its ongoing war in Ukraine. His alignment with Trump’s MAGA movement has further solidified his image as a conservative nationalist, even as Hungary’s democratic institutions face erosion. However, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth year, Orbán faces mounting pressure from both Brussels and Washington to sever Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil, a critical revenue stream for Moscow’s war efforts. Last month, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft, potentially exposing Hungary to secondary sanctions. Orbán, however, is banking on his personal rapport with Trump to secure an exemption, arguing that Hungary has no viable alternatives to Russian crude and that cutting off supplies would trigger economic collapse. Critics dispute this claim, pointing to alternative pipelines like the Adria, which delivers non-Russian oil to Hungary. Despite Hungary’s increased reliance on Russian oil—rising from 61% pre-war to 86%—Orbán’s critics accuse him of prioritizing political alliances over energy diversification. The meeting also raises questions about Orbán’s broader geopolitical strategy, as he seeks to position Hungary as a mediator in potential U.S.-Russia peace talks. While a proposed Trump-Putin summit in Budapest was scrapped, Hungarian officials remain hopeful for future negotiations. Orbán’s adversarial stance toward Ukraine and his reluctance to support EU sanctions against Moscow have further isolated him within Europe, leaving him increasingly reliant on Trump’s support.
作者： admin
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Miss Universe contestants stage walkout after organiser berates Miss Mexico
In a dramatic turn of events at the Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony on Tuesday, contestants staged a collective walkout following what they described as disrespectful behavior by organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil. The incident unfolded after Itsaragrisil reportedly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during the event. Bosch later expressed her dismay, stating that the organizer’s conduct was ‘not respectful’ and failed to uphold the dignity expected of such a prestigious competition. The walkout, which saw multiple contestants leaving the venue in solidarity with Bosch, has sparked widespread discussion about professionalism and respect within the pageant industry. Organizers have yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident, but the episode has already cast a shadow over the upcoming Miss Universe finals. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of participants in high-profile beauty pageants and raises questions about the standards of conduct expected from event organizers.
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Being Premier League’s only black manager ‘a privilege’ – Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo, the first black manager to permanently lead four different Premier League teams, has expressed his pride and honor in his groundbreaking role. Appointed by West Ham in September, Nuno rejects the notion that his position is a burden, instead viewing it as a privilege. He remains optimistic about the future, believing that talented black managers will soon join the ranks of Premier League coaches. Nuno attributes his success to a combination of talent, hard work, and luck, while acknowledging the under-representation of ethnic minority coaches in top-tier football. Despite calls for proactive measures like the ‘Rooney Rule,’ Nuno does not believe discrimination is a factor in managerial recruitment. However, critics like Delroy Corinaldi of the Black Footballers Partnership argue that systemic bias persists. Only 11 black coaches have held managerial roles in the Premier League era, with Chris Hughton emphasizing the importance of visible role models like Nuno and Darren Moore. Deji Davies, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, highlights the disparity between the high percentage of black players and the lack of black representation in leadership roles. The FA and Premier League have introduced initiatives to improve diversity, but progress remains slow. Nuno, born in Sao Tome and Principe, also aspires to contribute to football development in his homeland, reflecting on his humble beginnings and the privilege of his current position. As West Ham’s manager, his immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, but he remains committed to fostering diversity and sharing his expertise in the long term.
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A top New Zealand ex-police official pleads guilty to viewing child sexual abuse material at work
In a shocking development, Jevon McSkimming, the former Deputy Police Commissioner of New Zealand, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material and other illegal content during his tenure. The 52-year-old, who resigned in May 2024 following an internal investigation, admitted to using his work devices to access hundreds of explicit images, including real, artificially generated, and cartoon depictions of child abuse, as well as illegal sexual content involving animals. The investigation revealed that about a third of his internet searches during work hours over four and a half years were pornographic in nature. McSkimming, a police officer since 1996, was suspended on full pay in December 2024 after admitting to colleagues that he had bypassed police system blocks to access such material. The case has prompted an independent review of police technology security measures, with recommendations to enhance monitoring of staff internet use and content filtering. McSkimming, who remained silent during the Wellington District Court hearing, faces up to 10 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in December. New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers condemned McSkimming’s actions as disgraceful and contrary to the core values of the police force.
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Dozens of swastikas painted in human blood daubed on property across German city
In a disturbing incident that has shaken the central German town of Hanau, police are investigating the appearance of swastikas painted with human blood on nearly 50 cars, mailboxes, and building facades. The offensive symbols were discovered late Wednesday night, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. A special test confirmed that the substance used was human blood, though the source of the blood and the perpetrators remain unknown. Police spokesman Thomas Leipold stated that the motive behind the act is unclear, and it is uncertain whether specific targets were chosen or if the swastikas were applied randomly. The display of Nazi emblems, including the swastika, is illegal in Germany, and authorities are treating the case as property damage and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The swastika, a symbol of hate associated with the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, continues to be used by white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups to incite fear and division. The incident has evoked painful memories for Hanau, which was the site of a racially motivated mass shooting in 2020 that claimed nine lives. Mayor Claus Kaminsky expressed deep shock and condemnation, vowing that such symbols have no place in the city and will not be tolerated.
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Israel says Hamas returned body of dead Tanzanian hostage
Israel has confirmed that the remains of Joshua Mollel, a Tanzanian hostage killed during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, were handed over on Wednesday as part of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that forensic tests conducted at the National Centre of Forensic Medicine confirmed Mollel’s identity, and his family has been informed. Mollel, a 21-year-old agricultural intern, was killed at Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the attack, and his body was subsequently taken by Hamas fighters. His return leaves six deceased hostages—five Israelis and one Thai—still in Gaza. The Israeli government expressed its condolences to the Mollel family and reiterated its commitment to recovering all remaining hostages. Hamas’s military wing stated that Mollel’s remains were recovered in eastern Shejaiya, Gaza City, before being handed over to the Red Cross. The ceasefire deal, which began on 10 October, initially required Hamas to release 20 living and 28 deceased hostages within 72 hours. While all living Israeli hostages were released by 13 October, the recovery of deceased hostages has been slow, delaying progress on the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. Israel has accused Hamas of intentionally obstructing the recovery process, while Hamas claims the bodies are buried under rubble. The conflict, which began with the 7 October attack that killed approximately 1,200 people, has resulted in over 68,800 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
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Qilihai Wetland in North China reports record bird counts, earlier migration
The Qilihai Wetland in Tianjin, northern China, has witnessed a historic surge in bird species this autumn, with migration patterns starting earlier than usual. Conservation officials reported that the wetland, a crucial stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, has recorded 308 bird species, surpassing the previous high of 258 in 2021. This remarkable increase is attributed to an early cold snap in northern regions, which froze habitats and reduced food sources, prompting birds to migrate sooner. Among the early arrivals were oriental storks, a nationally protected species, which appeared nearly ten days earlier than in 2024. The wetland is currently at the peak of its migration season, hosting large flocks of Eurasian spoonbills, pied avocets, and black-tailed godwits. Notably, the Eurasian spoonbill population has doubled to over 3,000, setting a new record. Other rare species, such as white-naped cranes and common cranes, have also been observed in significant numbers. To support this ecological phenomenon, the reserve management has enhanced restoration efforts, implemented water level regulation, and deployed drones and smart monitoring systems for comprehensive surveillance. Over 600,000 birds are expected to pass through the wetland this season, underscoring its global importance as a migratory hub.
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Milu deer at Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve in Ningxia
The Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve, spanning an impressive 174.93 square kilometers, stands as the largest Yellow River tidal flat wetland in Ningxia, China. In a significant conservation effort, 35 milu deer were introduced to the reserve in September 2024. This initiative has proven successful, as six milu deer cubs have been born in the reserve to date. The thriving population of these rare deer highlights the effectiveness of the reserve’s ecological management and conservation strategies. A drone photograph captured on November 4, 2025, showcases the milu deer in their natural habitat, underscoring the reserve’s role in preserving biodiversity. The Qingtongxia Reservoir Wetland Nature Reserve continues to be a vital sanctuary for wildlife, contributing to the broader efforts of environmental conservation in the region.
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Ukraine says it has hit a major Russian oil refinery with long-range drones
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukrainian drones targeted a major oil refinery in Russia’s Volgograd region for the second time in nearly three months, according to a statement from Ukraine’s general staff on Thursday. The refinery, a critical facility in Russia’s Southern Federal District, processes over 15 million tons of crude annually, accounting for approximately 5.6% of the nation’s total refining capacity. While Russian officials did not confirm the attack, the local governor reported a fire at an unspecified industrial site in the region.
The strike, which occurred on Wednesday, underscores the intensifying energy warfare between the two nations. Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil infrastructure aims to disrupt Moscow’s oil export revenue, a vital source of funding for its ongoing invasion. Conversely, Russia has focused on crippling Ukraine’s power grid, leaving civilians without heat, light, and running water—a tactic Kyiv officials describe as ‘weaponizing winter.’
In addition to the Volgograd refinery, Ukrainian forces struck three fuel lubricant facilities in the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and a storage base for Russia’s Shahed drones in the Donetsk region. Meanwhile, in the Kostroma region northeast of Moscow, a Ukrainian aerial attack reportedly targeted energy infrastructure, though no casualties or power disruptions were reported. Unconfirmed media sources suggest the attack may have hit one of Russia’s largest hydroelectric power plants.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 75 drones overnight across multiple regions, including annexed Crimea. On the other side, Russia launched drone attacks on Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, injuring eight people and causing structural damage to a four-story building. The Russian military also continued its assault on Ukraine’s rail infrastructure, disrupting transportation in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the relentless attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, emphasizing the efforts of repair crews and international support to restore essential services. As the conflict nears its fourth year, diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. have failed to curb the violence, with both sides locked in a cycle of reciprocal strikes on critical infrastructure.
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Implementation of 15th Five-Year Plan to offer more opportunities for Taiwan people, businesses: spokesperson
The implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is set to create significant opportunities for individuals and enterprises from Taiwan, according to Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on November 5, 2025, Zhang emphasized that the plan, recently adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership, prioritizes the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the advancement of national reunification. Zhang highlighted the mainland’s robust economic foundation, characterized by a super-sized market, a comprehensive industrial system, and a rich talent pool, which will further enhance its resilience and potential. The mainland plans to establish demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development, foster economic collaboration, and implement policies ensuring equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots in education, employment, and daily life. Additionally, efforts will be made to jointly preserve and promote Chinese culture. Zhang also noted that 23 Taiwan enterprises are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, showcasing products across various sectors, including food, technical equipment, consumer goods, medical devices, healthcare, and service trade. She encouraged individuals from both sides of the Strait to explore business opportunities at the CIIE, which aligns with China’s commitment to expanding openness and fostering innovative trade development. Taiwan businesses are expected to benefit from the mainland’s new development pattern, leveraging the CIIE as a platform to expand sales channels and engage in extensive cooperation.