international sanctions
Georgian Ambassador's Husband Connected to Moscow Law Firm Helping Sanctioned Russian Businesses
Dec 11, 2025 03:00 pm CST
Documents reveal that Davit Kukhalashvili, husband of Georgia's new US Ambassador Tamar Taliashvili, directs DTK Partners, a Moscow-based law firm specializing in helping Russian businesses navigate international sanctions. Despite his name being removed from the firm's website, evidence shows he remained managing director until shortly after his wife's appointment, raising questions about Georgia's diplomatic positioning between Russia and Western allies.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tankers with Naval Drones in Black Sea
Nov 29, 2025 08:25 pm CST
A Russian oil tanker named Virat was struck twice by Ukrainian unmanned naval drones in the Black Sea, causing damage and disrupting Russia's sanctions-evading "shadow fleet" operations. Ukraine's security service confirmed the attack was a joint operation by the SBU and Ukrainian navy using modernized Sea Baby naval drones, targeting vessels potentially transporting oil worth $70 million.
Iran's Hostage Diplomacy: A Decades-Long Strategy to Extract Concessions from Western Nations
Nov 06, 2025 02:32 am CST
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently employed what experts call "hostage diplomacy" - detaining Western citizens to leverage concessions from adversaries. This strategic pattern continues today, with numerous Europeans and Americans detained on dubious charges while Tehran negotiates for asset unfreezing, prisoner exchanges, or other diplomatic concessions. Despite recent releases, many foreign nationals remain in Iranian custody, prompting calls for coordinated international responses beyond the current "piecemeal" approach.
North Korean Hackers Steal Billions Through Cryptocurrency Theft and Fraudulent Tech Employment
Oct 23, 2025 04:59 am CST
North Korean hackers have orchestrated sophisticated cyber operations yielding billions of dollars through cryptocurrency exchange breaches and fraudulent tech employment. According to a 138-page international report, these activities finance North Korea's nuclear program while evading international sanctions, with hackers reaching sophistication levels rivaling those of China and Russia despite the country's small size and isolation.
S Jaishankar Condemns Terrorism as Persistent Threat to Global Development at G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting
Sep 26, 2025 09:18 am CST
At the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in New York, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized terrorism as a persistent threat to global development and peace. Without directly mentioning Operation Sindoor, he advocated for decisive action against terrorism while criticizing double standards in international sanctions. Jaishankar called for multilateral reform and highlighted how ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have disproportionately affected Global South nations through increased prices of essential commodities.
Trump Urges Erdogan to Halt Russian Oil Purchases While Discussing F-35 Fighter Jet Program Reinstatement
Sep 26, 2025 03:29 am CST
During a significant White House meeting, President Donald Trump urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop purchasing Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict while hinting at possible reinstatement to the F-35 fighter jet program. This marked Erdogan's first visit since Turkey's 2019 expulsion from the program following their acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems. The two leaders addressed multiple contentious issues including Turkey's Russian energy dependence, defense cooperation, and regional conflicts in Gaza and Syria.
Trump Aide's "Don't Want To Punish India" Remark And A Crude Suggestion
Sep 25, 2025 10:33 am CST
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has urged India to reconsider its purchases of discounted Russian crude and said Washington does not intend to punish New Delhi with punitive tariffs, but aims to bring an end to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.