Power and Influence Behind Conflict theme
It seems we're trading one set of puppeteers for another, as Ukraine's democratic aspirations are pulled behind the strings of both internal and external players.
Can Ukraine's Elections Become a Tool for Russia's Agenda? Ukraine's elections and risk of splitting: a divided nation Ukrainian Defense Minister Mychajlo Fedorov has demanded that the elections should take place, despite the ongoing war with Russia. He has received support from a significant portion of the population but the government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyj have refused. This is the first time a prominent Ukrainian politician has made such a request since Russia's invasion began in 2022. Fedorov argues that democracy is part of what they are fighting for today. But would this benefit Russia? SVT's foreign reporter Bert Sundström believes that Putin sees something very welcome if it creates political division in Ukraine. He says that the divisions weaken the country and it looks like a blessing for Putin's opponents. Ukraine's law prohibits elections during war, but Fedorov's call is a significant indication of how strong public opinion can be. What difficulties are there in holding elections in Ukraine? Can the appeal create divisions that would benefit Russia? See article on SVT News.
Natalie Harp: The Unseen Power Behind Trump's Throne Natalie Harp: The 35-year-old assistant always by Donald Trump's side A mysterious figure in the White House. Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old assistant, seems to be Trump's biggest fan and absolute favorite. But who is she really? Harp has been a constant presence since it was revealed that she was one of the few people allowed to accompany Trump on his secret flights home from the NATO meeting in Turkey after an "undeniable threat" involving Iran. When they left Air Force One, among others were out of foreign Minister Marco Rubio and Finance Minister Scott Bessent. Harp began her story with Trump in 2019, when she told Fox News that President Trump had "saved her life." The deeply devout Harp said she had skeletal cancer and a law passed by Trump in 2018 that gave green light to certain experimental treatments, which saved her life - a history that has been questioned. Two years later, she left the right-wing channel One America News Network for the White House. Now, she controls the flow of information both into and out of the President's office. The nickname "human scribe" was given to her because she carries a printer wherever she goes, ready to deliver selected news articles on paper to Trump as he wants it. The president dictates his many social media posts and Harp is determined to be by his side at all times. She has her desk either in or just outside the Oval Office and travels with Trump both inside and outside the USA. It's said that Harp's brother Preston Harp calls his sister "unhealthily obsessed" with President Trump, but it's unclear whether this is just a physical attraction that can be disputed. It's clear that Natalie Harp is determined to serve Trump and be by his side in serious moments.. See article on SVT News.