Shifts in Global Power Play theme
It seems Trump has finally figured out that when you take away his toys, Kim Jong-Un gets an invitation to tea.
Trump Announces Shift in South Korea Ties as Diplomacy with North Korea Takes Center Stage US President Donald Trump will reduce military exercises with South Korea and instead focus on North Korea. He criticizes the exercises as "unseemly and hostile" and says they send a wrong signal to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Trump believes that South Korea has not supported him in the war against Iran, making it difficult for the country to be considered a reliable ally. He wants to reestablish contact with Kim Jong-Un and points out that North Korea has been respectful and not hostile during his presidency. However, it's also possible that Trump is scaling down exercises with South Korea due to the lack of sufficient qualified weapons in the US military. The conflict with Iran has stretched out time, forcing the defense to prioritize more. It's another fact that Trump wants to reestablish contact with Kim Jong-Un, although it's unclear why. Maybe he wants to lure North Korea into a conversation or some form of diplomatic agreement. See article on SVT News.
Russian Opposition Politician Lev Shovelberg Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison Russian opposition politician Lev S shovelberg has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for expressing disrespect for the army and spreading false information about the Russian military. An image of a bloody woman in Ukraine, a portrait of President Vladimir Putin, and the text "Her blood... his hands" were part of the post that led to the accusations. Shovelberg, vice chairman of the anti-war party Yabloko, chose to stay in Russia even after the parliamentary election. The Memorial organization classifies him as a political prisoner. This is a serious development for the opposition in Russia. It's essential to note that Shovelberg has faced strong criticism and pressure despite his decision to remain in the country. Showing such sensitivity to truth and freedom cannot be right with the Russian government's eyes. Shovelberg's sentence is a strong indication of how dangerous the Russian regime can be for opposition members who have chosen to stand against them. See article on SVT News.