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Pashinyan announces three visits to Russia in December for talks
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced three planned visits to Russia in December for talks, scheduled for December 3, 11 and 22, reiterating that his administration does not seek to undermine Armenia’s relations with Moscow. “Our goal is not to undermine our relations with Russia. We do not want to create problems for Russia,” Pashinyan said during a discussion with experts at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin. Asked whether Russia wants to create problems for Armenia, the Prime Minister replied: “I hope that is not Russia’s intention.” Speaking about the planned contacts with Russia, he drew a parallel between his visits to European destinations in November and the visits scheduled for December. “In November, I visited France, I am visiting Ireland now, and I visited Brussels. I have been to the European Union three times. In December, I will be in Russia three times – three visits. On December 3, December 11 and December 22, I will visit Russia for talks. I hope we will be able to maintain a friendly atmosphere in our relations with the Russian Federation,” Pashinyan said. The Prime Minister reiterated that the development of Armenia’s relations with the European Union is not aimed at worsening relations with Russia.
Merab Dvalishvili released from detention center
Merab Dvalishvili was released from a detention center early Friday morning following his arrest stemming from a hotel brawl involving PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. RAF CEO & co-founder Chad Bronstein released an official statement announcing the latest development in the Dvalishvili saga. According to Ariel Helwani, Bronstein played a major role in securing Dvalishvili's freedom, working tirelessly alongside local authorities over a 48-hour window. Saba Lazishvili was also free, Helwani reported. The National News, an Abu Dhabi-based media outlet, reported later on Friday that the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court convicted 10 people linked to the incident, with eight defendants — including Usman Nurmagomedov — being sentenced to six months in prison, a fine and deportation from the country. The other two convicted were believed to be Dvalishvili Lazishvili, who were fined but did not receive jail time. Abu Dhabi police arrested eight people in response to the hotel brawl involving former Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov, among others. Video of the incident emerged online Wednesday, along with a video message showing a bloodied Dvalishvili claiming he was attacked from behind by Nurmagomedov and several other men. Both Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are slated to wrestle on RAF's card this weekend. Dvalishvili is taking on former WSOF bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes while Umar Nurmagomedov — Usman Nurmagomedov's brother — is scheduled to wrestle UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at the same event. Neither fighter was present at Thursday's RAF press conference, according to MMA Fighting, and RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein said he did not yet know the status of those matches. Bronstein did say that, regardless of whether the matches move forward, Usman Nurmagomedov would not be welcome at the event. "Obviously, Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night," Bronstein said.
Around 40 countries, including Georgia, signed a declaration on core principles of European security
Approximately 40 nations, Georgia included, have signed a declaration focused on foundational principles for European security. The states signing the document reaffirmed their strong backing for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. "They emphasize the necessity of providing robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine and, on behalf of the relevant states, reaffirm their intent to issue such guarantees to prevent any future recurrence of aggression in Europe," the declaration states. The signatory countries stress that Russia's hybrid campaigns and attempts to undermine support for Ukraine will only strengthen their dedication and resolute stance toward the country. "The signatory states note that the path to achieving peace in Ukraine must be determined together with Ukraine itself, and any issues related to European security must involve the participation of Europeans," the document highlights. The signatories underscore that Ukraine's security is an inseparable part of Euro-Atlantic security and that the future development of Europe's strategic stability will depend on the end of the war in Ukraine. **Signatory countries:** Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
RAF hopes Dvalishvili competes after hotel brawl
Real American Freestyle hopes Merab Dvalishvili will compete at its event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday despite his involvement in a hotel brawl, co-founder Chad Bronstein said, adding that the promotion was working with local authorities. Abu Dhabi police said they arrested 10 people on Thursday after a fight at the entrance to a hotel. Media reports and footage circulating online linked the incident to former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Dvalishvili and Professional Fighters League lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. "Obviously, Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night... We're hoping Merab is competing. He flew down here; he's been an unbelievable competitor at the RAF," Bronstein told reporters on Thursday. Footage widely shared on social media appeared to show Dvalishvili giving an interview in a hotel lobby when Nurmagomedov and several others approached him from behind. Nurmagomedov appeared to strike Dvalishvili across the face, triggering a brawl between the two groups. "Abu Dhabi Police arrested eight individuals involved in a fight that occurred at the entrance of a hotel following previous disputes between them," police said in a statement. "They also arrested two individuals who filmed the incident and took the necessary legal measures against them."
UK expands Russia sanctions to oil producers and shadow fleet vessels
The United Kingdom has become the first country to impose sanctions on all 10 of Russia's largest oil producers, the British government said. The latest package targets shadow fleet vessels used to transport Russian oil. They target liquefied natural gas, major coal companies, Rosneft's flagship Arctic oil and gas project Vostok Oil, and oil producer Slavneft. The measures are aimed at covering nearly every stage of Russia's oil and gas supply chain, from production and trading to distribution and shipping. The sanctions were announced as leaders gathered in Dublin for the European Political Community summit. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plan to co-host a meeting on Ukraine, where leaders will discuss next steps following the recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Burnham also plans to urge leaders from nearly 50 countries to step up pressure on Russia.
New York building collapse kills at least two, officials say
At least two people have died, and more than 17 others are injured after a building in New York City collapsed into an open construction site, officials have said. The collapse sparked a massive search-and-rescue operation, with more than 250 first responders going to the scene of the fallen three-storey building in Brooklyn. Aerial footage has shown firefighters pulling a survivor, covered in dust, out of the debris on a stretcher. She was later said to have been a pregnant woman. US media reports suggest the death toll is rising and officials say they do not know how many others are missing. An investigation is under way into what caused Wednesday afternoon's sudden collapse. Witnesses described a terrifying sound as the building came down at about 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT). "I live literally right behind the building," one woman, Emmanuella Carilus, told the New York Times. "It sounded like a big boom, and you just heard a bunch of screaming." The newspaper published images showing a crowd of fire trucks and police vehicles at the scene, and wrote that the noise of sirens had not stopped in the area. Rescuers have used search dogs, drones, axes and chainsaws to carry out their work. They say they expect the effort to last several days. The Brooklyn building was built in 1930, city records show, according to CBS, the BBC's US partner.
Georgian National University and its Rector, Gia Kavtelisvhili, have received a letter of appreciation from Central Asian University following their successful participation in the International Medical Olympiad
Georgian National University (SEU) and its Rector, Gia Kavtelisvhili, have received a letter of appreciation from Central Asian University following their successful participation in the International Medical Olympiad. The letter recognizes SEU students’ achievements in the 3rd International Medical Olympiad, held from October 29 through November 1, 2026. The Olympiad was held for the third time this year, with 102 teams from around the world. Georgia was represented by SEU React, a team from Georgian National University SEU. Switzerland, Italy, and Georgia secured the top three positions in the overall country rankings. In his letter, the Central Asian University rector emphasizes the SEU delegation's outstanding knowledge and clinical skills, demonstrating the University's exeptional educational standards. The Central Asian University also expresses its readiness to advance academic ties between the two universities. Notably, the SEU team secured fourth place at the International Medical Olympiad, earning Georgia third place in the overall country rankings. According to SEU, this international recognition further highlights SEU students' professional training, the university’s educational efforts, and Georgia’s successful participation in the international academic arena.
Apple to integrate Siri with WhatsApp, Uber, and other apps: What users can expect
Apple is testing an updated version of its Siri voice assistant with deep integration into popular third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Uber, AllTrails, Threads, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, and Facebook. This was reported by Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman in an article for MacRumors. The new Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence and an improved App Intents system, promises revolutionary voice control — but its launch is planned only for spring 2026. Here’s what users can expect, what limitations may arise, and how this will affect the Apple ecosystem.
economic
ADB approves new TA project for countries in Caucasus, Central Asia, Mongolia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance (TA) project aimed at deepening engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to the Report. The TA will provide a financial contribution to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support the second phase of the operations of its Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Development Center (CCAMTAC) located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the period 2027-2032. The nine CCAMTAC member countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The center provides technical assistance and training to its member countries in macroeconomic management, financial management, and demand-driven emerging areas. The funding source is the Technical Assistance Special Fund, from which the ADB provided $10,000 each to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, and $237,500 each to Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In total, the volume of funds directed by the ADB across all nine states reaches $1 million. This project is a continuation of the initiative implemented in 2021–2026. The first phase was dedicated to improving macroeconomic models for forecasting fiscal and monetary policy, public financial management, tax administration, foreign exchange market operations, financial regulation, and real sector statistics. In the first stage, the ADB's contribution was $800,000, with a total center budget of $45 million. It is expected that the new phase of technical assistance will contribute to building institutional capacity and improving the quality of economic management in the participating states, as well as enhancing the process of formulating economic policy measures based on evidence and global best practices.
Interview
Analytics
Georgia will become a NATO member, when allies assess that it is prepared to fulfill the obligations that come with membership, John Bass says
Ambassador John Bass, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, answered the question by Europetime. Q - „At the NATO summit held in Bucharest in 2008, allies decided that Georgia would join NATO. The decision was reaffirmed at the subsequent summits. During your tenure as U.S. ambassador to Georgia, we have repeatedly heard your comments regarding the integration of Georgia into NATO. How do your earlier assumptions and expectations align with the present dynamics and process of the country’s integration into the Alliance?” A - „I would first say that for many of us who spent time in Georgia or working with Georgians, particularly in the aftermath of the conflict in 2008 in which, yet again, Russia was attempting to determine how a neighboring country should live, dictate whether or not that country should be free to choose its own security relationships with, in this case, NATO – having been there in that period, it’s been very disturbing to see the evolution in recent years and particularly in recent months of the Georgian Dream government. And if someone were to ask straight up, as I think is implicit in the question, when will Georgia become a member of NATO, the answer is that Georgia will become a member, I think, when allies assess that it is prepared to fulfill the obligations that come with membership, including upholding principles – core principles of democratic governance, including the fundamental principle that people are free to choose their own leaders. And unfortunately, since I was ambassador in Georgia, we have not seen Georgia progress to meeting those objectives. And unfortunately, we’ve seen quite a bit of work, quite a bit of retrograde, if you will. And as the U.S. ambassador who worked quite hard to ensure that there were the conditions in place to allow Georgian Dream to compete fairly in the parliamentary elections of 2012, it is deeply disturbing to see that same group now eroding the foundations of democratic governance and society. And as a final observation, I would say it is both deeply disturbing and saddening to see the aspirations and dreams of an entire society being held hostage to the grievances of one individual: Bidzina Ivanishvili.“ John Bass was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 17, 2021, as the Under Secretary for Management. The Secretary of State designated John Bass as Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs on March 23, 2024. A career Senior Foreign Service officer, he served as Senior Advisor at the Foreign Service Institute from 2020-2021, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan 2017-2020, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey from 2014 to 2017, Executive Secretary of the State Department from 2012 to 2014, and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia from 2009 to 2012. He began his diplomatic career in 1988 and has also served in positions in U.S. missions in Iraq, Italy, Belgium, and Chad.
The United States is already implementing the Black Sea Strategy, the state department says
Europetime receives confirmation from the US State Department that the Biden administration has already begun implementing a comprehensive strategy for the Black Sea region. According to Europetime, the strategy is centered on the goal of the US administration and calls for more political and diplomatic engagement as well as other significant actions. “The United States is already implementing this strategy, and we will continue to coordinate closely with allies, partners, and civil society to advance this strategy in pursuit of shared objectives. The timeline for implementation will depend on the goal or activity. Some of our objectives, such as increased political engagement and messaging are ongoing; likewise, support for defense modernization of our Allies and partners has already begun. Our strategy provides a whole-of-government vision and framework through which we can continue current efforts, develop future initiatives and make funding requests to support implementation. What is the Black Sea Strategy? In the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the NSC was required by the U.S. Congress to develop and implement a strategy to support a Black Sea region that is secure, prosperous, interconnected, and free from malign influence, economic coercion, and threats to territorial integrity. The NSC delegated the drafting of the report to the State Department in coordination with interagency. The Black Sea Strategy encourages agencies across the United States government to work with allies and partners bilaterally and multilaterally to increase political and diplomatic engagement, ensure regional security, boost economic cooperation, provide clean and secure energy, strengthen rule of law, promote respect for human rights, combat corruption, and counter disinformation. Through this Strategy, the United States is strengthening our partnerships to promote peace and prosperity for all. The Strategy also outlines our approach to addressing the immediate and long-term repercussions brought upon the region by Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine,“ a State Department spokesperson told Europetime.
The US is exploring potential investment opportunities in infrastructure to advance strategic projects in the Trans-Caspian Corridor
The US is exploring potential investment opportunities in infrastructure to advance strategic projects in the Trans-Caspian Corridor. In response to a question from Europetime, the State Department states that in order to actually advance important projects in the Trans-Caspian Corridor, the „US is currently evaluating potential areas for infrastructure investment.“ „Generally speaking, we welcome and encourage multilateral efforts in support of regional connectivity in Central Asia and South Caucasus westward to Europe. Such efforts contribute to the creation of a more secure, resilient, and prosperous region. In close coordination with our European counterparts, the United States continues to support initiatives that enhance connectivity and diversify the economies of our Central Asian partners, including the EU Global Gateway Investors Forum, the Commercial Law Development Program’s Trans-Caspian Trade Route Coordination Platform, and USAID’s Trade Central Asia. Through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, we continue to promote regional cooperation and dialogue that helps the region address shared security and economic challenges while reaffirming the autonomy and sovereignty of our Central Asian partners. During the inaugural C5+1 Presidential Summit in September 2023, President Biden affirmed continued U.S. support through PGI to scale infrastructure investment and accelerate the economic development, energy security, and connectivity of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Through PGI, the United States is currently evaluating potential areas for infrastructure investment where the U.S. Government could contribute project advisory technical assistance, project preparation, and/or financing to tangibly move forward strategic projects in the Trans-Caspian Corridor,“ a State Department spokesperson told Europetime. Bulgarian Ambassador: After an agreement on the resumption of ferry traffic is signed, more concrete and cooperative action is needed
EEAS Spokesperson: Together with our US colleagues, we have been working on how to address the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine across the Black Sea region
Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for the foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, said that the EU and US share common interests in the Black Sea region. According to him, they cooperate to support partners in the region to bolster their resilience to increasing hybrid and cyber challenges as well. „Together with our US colleagues, we have been working on how to address the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine across the Black Sea region - both in the short and the long run. We have focused on supporting Ukraine, but also helping the region address the wider fallout of Russia’s war. We have done this in many fora, including the EU-US Security and Defence Dialogue, the UN, the G7, etc. The EU and US share common interests in the region to: (1) increase coordination with partners; (2) deepen economic ties; (3) strengthen energy security; (4) support efforts to bolster democratic resilience, including fighting false narratives and Russian state-controlled propaganda, in accordance with our shared values; (5) support partners in the region to bolster their resilience to increasing hybrid and cyber challenges. We cooperate to help accelerating Ukrainian grain exports, notably after Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the UN-Türkiye-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Leaders have been unequivocal in their Joint statement following the US-EU Summit on 20th October 2023 in Washington D.C. We continue to pursue the Solidarity Lanes objectives to increase efficiency and reduce transport costs. The US collaboration with the European partners in Constanta, Romania’s largest port city on the Black Sea coast, is a good example of that. The EU has deployed a Multipurpose Maritime Operation in the Black Sea, involving the EU Agencies with Coast Guard functions (Frontex, the European Maritime Safety Agency, European Fisheries Control Agency), riparian EU Member States, and also other EU Member States. Georgian officials were invited to observe various activities in this context. Furthermore, the EU has supported capacity building, including for Georgia, through the Black and Caspian Sea I project and its current successor Black and Caspian Seas II, implemented by the European Maritime Safety Agency. Looking ahead, the EU is working on the 4th implementation report of the EU Black Sea Synergy. This stock-tacking exercise will also help us identify key trends and findings, which could factor into future EU thinking on the Black Sea cooperation. At its core there are issues of connectivity, energy, digital transformation, blue economy, environment, fisheries and maritime security, resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure,“Stano told Europetime. The US sees Georgia as a critical security partner for the Black Sea, James O’Brien says
US Embassy: The U.S. government has and will continue to expose Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic elections around the world
EXCLUSIVE The United States has become aware of a trend in Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic processes globally, according to the US Embassy in Georgia. Europetime was told in the embassy that the U.S. government has and will continue to expose Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic elections around the world. The United States on Friday released a U.S. intelligence assessment sent to more than 100 countries that found Moscow is using spies, social media and Russian state-run media to erode public faith in the integrity of democratic elections worldwide. The assessment was sent in a State Department cable dated Wednesday to more than 100 U.S. embassies in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa for distribution to their host governments. Europetime was curious as to whether there has been communication over the aforementioned matter with the Georgian side via the embassy. “The United States has become aware of a trend in Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic processes globally. It is well-documented that Russia seeks to influence the outcomes of democratic elections globally in favor of specific candidates and political parties. In response, the U.S. State Department has briefed more than 100 democracies on these Russian efforts and steps we can take in response. We also are speaking openly about these findings. The U.S. government has and will continue to expose Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic elections around the world. We are seeking to increase public awareness of and resilience to these Russian activities. It is critical that we work together, as democracies, to counter these Russian efforts. In our cable to the governments invited to the Summit for Democracy, we notified each country, privately, on whether we assess Russia had sought to degrade public confidence in elections held in their country. We are keeping these briefings confidential, even as we act transparently by sharing our general findings with the public,“ the U.S. Embassy said.
State Department: Russia is seeking to undermine democracies from within, the IC found that this Russian activity is global in scope
Russia is seeking to undermine democracies from within. The IC found that this Russian activity is global in scope, a State Department spokesperson told Europetime. „We have long known that Russia is seeking to subvert democratic processes around the world, and we are raising awareness that, as part of these efforts, Russia is pursuing operations to degrade public confidence in the integrity of elections themselves. To better understand this threat, the U.S. Intelligence Community undertook a review of Russian operations to undermine public confidence in democratic elections that took place between January 2020 and December 2022. The IC found that this Russian activity is global in scope. Russia is seeking to undermine democracies from within. In response, the U.S. State Department has briefed more than 100 democracies on these Russian efforts and steps we can take in response. We also are speaking openly about these findings. The U.S. government has and will continue to expose Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic elections around the world. We also will continue to work with other democracies to further these efforts. We are seeking to increase public awareness of and resilience to these Russian activities. „We will continue to work with our fellow democracies to advance these actions, including through new policy initiatives – like this multi-part exposure campaign,“ - a State Department spokesperson told Europetime. The United States on Friday released a U.S. intelligence assessment sent to more than 100 countries that found Moscow is using spies, social media and Russian state-run media to erode public faith in the integrity of democratic elections worldwide. The assessment was sent in a State Department cable dated Wednesday to more than 100 U.S. embassies in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa for distribution to their host governments. US Embassy: The U.S. government has and will continue to expose Russia’s efforts to undermine democratic elections around the world