Category World News

According to a new report, Russian “shadow vessels” are using false flags to deceive Russian authorities over its conflict in Ukraine.

According to a report released on Thursday by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), 113 Russian vessels flown a false flag in total over the first nine months of this year, transporting roughly 11 million tonnes of oil worth $4. 7 billion ($5.4 billion).

According to report co-author Luke Wickenden, “Russian shadow tankers sailing under false flags are now growing alarmingly frequently.”

“False-flagged vessels alone traveled through the Danish Straits to transport 1.4 billion euros ($1.6 billion) of Russian crude oil and oil products” in September.

To avoid being scrutinized, Russia’s secretive shadow fleet transports prohibited goods, particularly oil, under non-Russian flags.

Every ship operating in international waters is required to fly a flag that grants it legal authority to conduct its operations there.

Countries are able to fly their flag and grant their nationality under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Some nations offer open registries that permit the use of their flag by foreign-owned or controlled vessels, a practice that some shippers favor due to lower registration costs and regulatory burdens.

As of the end of September, CREA reported that 96 sanctioned vessels had flown a false flag at least once this year.

According to the think tank, 85 vessels have at least two flag changes registered within the United States Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or the United Kingdom, in total.

At least 10 Russian ships were registered in their fleet in September 2025, according to CREA, for a total of 162 shadow vessels, compared to the six flag registries that had not flagged a Russian ship prior to Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“We also see that shadow vessel operators are exploiting the capacity limitations of economically weak nations to use their flags and existing regulations to obtain passage rights to deliver blood oil,” said co-author Vaibhav Raghunandan, urging the EU and the UK to change their flagging policies and practices.

According to CREA, its report was based on information from the maritime safety platform Equasis, including vessel ownership and flag registry records.

It claimed to have cross-referenced the data with the global shipping industry database GSIS (Global Integrated Shipping System).

More evasive methods

The findings from the Center for a New American Security in Washington, according to Rachel Ziemba, an adjunct senior fellow at the organization.

On the back of increased pressure from the EU and China’s plans to block so-called “zombie vessels,” which use the registration numbers of retired vessels, Ziemba claimed Moscow had used “more evasive techniques.”

“There is an open question about enforcement,” Ziemba said, despite the US and the EU’s continued implementation of new sanctions on Russian oil.

Countries would need to target vessels, intermediaries, and buyers in order to significantly reduce Russia’s oil sales, she said, as sanctions enforcement becomes more difficult as a result of the growing illicit trade.

According to Ziemba, “but that comes with costs,” suggesting that China, a major buyer of Russian oil, might launch retaliations against nations that enacted tougher sanctions.

Most Thais don’t eat pork, so Bangkok, Thailand, is smothered in it, seasoned with sugar and cloves, deep fried, or served with zingy chilli mince.

However, a $3 billion market that is almost entirely fueled by domestic pig farmers may soon face fierce competition from the US’s third-largest producer, the United States, which produces hogs for the first time.

Some details have surfaced in the Thai government’s preliminary trade agreement with the US, despite the still-untold fine print.

To reduce its $45.5 billion trade deficit with Thailand, which President Donald Trump claims unfairly disadvantages US producers, Washington has a 10-item wish list of goods that it wants to import duty-free.

Pork, corn, soya beans, some fruits, and some vegetables are included in the list.

The White House revealed some of the many restrictions to its trade agreement, which set the tariff rate for Thailand’s exports to the US at 19%, shortly after Trump met Thailand’s caretaker prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia last month.

The White House cites Thailand’s commitment to “expediting access” for US meat and poultry products as well as its commitment to “address and prevent barriers to US food and agricultural products in the Thai market.”

The industry may not survive a flood of less expensive, subventioned US pork, which is fed up with ractopamine, a livestock additive that is prohibited in many nations, including Thailand, according to Thai pig farmers.

Nothing less than the kingdom’s food security is in danger, according to Worawut Siripun, Thailand’s deputy secretary-general, if US pork is allowed into the country without taxes.

Producers will stop raising pigs and will not be able to survive. Worawut, who owns about 10,000 pigs, told Al Jazeera, “The risks are not only for farms that are facing falling pig prices.”

“Affected by these are also those who grow feed crops, as well as veterinary drug sellers, producers of animal feed, and traders of animal feed. Everyone has an impact during the production cycle.

Trump had demanded that Thailand sign a protracted ceasefire agreement before engaging in trade talks with the country.

Thailand has suspended truce talks in the weeks following Anutin’s meeting because of alleged Cambodian violations of the terms of the deal.

Farmers and livestock producers are anticipating increased competition, despite conflicting information about whether tensions with Cambodia have stifled Thailand’s trade negotiations with its biggest export market.

Thailand’s pork industry has overcome difficulties, ranging from swine flu outbreaks to illegal imports from Vietnam and China.

However, it is expensive, primarily as a result of the government’s price controls on corn and soya used to feed pigs and other livestock. The measures are intended to protect the nation’s crop farmers, a crucial voting bloc.

The country’s pig farmers have low margins, just like the majority of Thailand’s agricultural producers.

In Thailand, according to Worawut, “feed is more expensive than US, where it is less expensive,” both imported and locally produced feed materials.

Farmers who raise corn and other feed products are also getting ready for difficult times.

Thailand announced earlier this month that it would remove a 20 percent tariff and reduce its annual corn import cap, which would have previously been set at about 50 000 tonnes.

In the upcoming weeks, prime minister Anutin is expected to dissolve parliament and declare new elections.

He has vowed to run for office despite criticism that he has already lied to Washington before a comprehensive trade agreement has been agreed upon.

Trump administration officials have already made announcements regarding a deal to avoid paying taxes on US digital services companies, the sale of billions of dollars worth of US-made aircraft, and other things.

Due to the difficult economic conditions, Anutin’s bargaining position has weakened.

The National Economic and Social Development Council’s economic growth forecast for 2026 was cut to 1.2 percent on Monday, down from the region’s expected 2 percent expansion this year. This is by far the weakest performance among Southeast Asia’s leading economies, despite this year’s expected growth rate of 2%.

The main political opposition party has demanded that the government pause the negotiations and consult with local stakeholders as a third round of trade talks with the US is drew to a halt following the suspension of the Thailand-Cambodia peace deal.

Weerayut Karnchuchat, the People’s Party’s deputy leader in Thailand’s largest parliament, said, “This is a crucial moment.”

By the end of 2025, the minister of commerce has stated that negotiations will be over. That leaves roughly two months. Eight weeks of stakeholder hearings should be held, especially for those who are directly affected, such as corn farmers.

Thailand should take stock and assess whether regional rivals with full US trade agreements, such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are satisfied with the outcomes and whether Thailand is offering too much, he continued.

The return of Trump and his trade war has had a difficult year for many midsized businesses, with demand falling across numerous US-exposed supply chains.

From lightbulbs to electrical wires, orders for everything from US-exporting factories are rerouting in Thailand.

Durian farmer and middleman Tipok Lertwattanaweerakul reported seeing a reduction in his profit margins.

With Liverpool facing a third-straight defeat on Wednesday, what might have appeared to be a scuffle appears to be a full-blown crisis for Arne Slot, who has been struggling for English glory.

After PSV Eindhoven won the Champions League with a 4-1 win, Liverpool has lost nine of its previous 12 games. Before the international break and Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest, the Reds were trailing 3-0 in the Premier League to Manchester City.

Given that Liverpool won the Premier League title a few months ago, slot is under increasing pressure, and defensive errors once more led to his team’s defeat against PSV.

Ivan Perisic, 36, converted the penalty that Virgil van Dijk had received in the opening match against the Dutch champions.

Ten minutes later, Dominik Szoboszlai scored the equalizer for PSV, but Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, who has received harsh criticism from fans and pundits in recent months, completely missed the ball to give the visitors a second chance.

Ricardo Pepi, a US forward, hit the post, and Couhaib Driouech was the one to turn the rebound.

To finish the humiliation, Driouech added a fourth in stoppage time.

Bayern loses to lead the UCL league phase at Arsenal.

With a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, Arsenal won the Champions League title game for the first time in a decade and maintain their 100% record.

After 22 minutes, Jurien Timber put Mikel Arteta’s side in front, but Lennart Karl, a Bayern student, did it again before half-time.

However, Arsenal’s impressive squad depth was demonstrated in the second half when Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli scored the goals to give them five wins from five.

Harry Kane’s prolific Bayern strikers’ quiet return to north London came as his team lost for the first time in all competitions.

Arsenal are now the only team in the competition with a maximum of 15 points, and they look all but guaranteed of making it to the last 16. Inter Milan has dropped points, making them the only team with that many.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been Europe’s standout teams this season, six points clear of the Premier League and Bundesliga, respectively, and have flawless records following four Champions League games.

Bayern and Bayern met in the quarterfinals two years ago, and Bayern won. However, Arsenal has moved up a gear and entered Wednesday’s game on an unbeaten run in all competitions.

The 15th meeting between them lacked jeopardy, but bragging rights and psychological snobs were up for grabs because both clubs’ last-16 spots already appeared secure.

Thanks to a victory that will have lasting effects throughout Europe, Arsenal came out on top with both.

Bayern, supported by a vociferous traveling army, appeared confident at first but were stunned when Arsenal scored the kind of devastatingly simple goal that has become their custom.

Manuel Neuer was denied by Bayern goalkeeper Myles Lewis-Skelly when Bukayo Saka curled in a corner and he rose to head a header into the net.

Bayern responded with another move right off the training grounds, but the lead only lasted for ten minutes.

Michael Olise, 17, who became the first player to score against Arsenal in the Champions League this season, received Joshua Kimmich’s raking pass after a protracted passing spell.

Karl showed some impressive character in the second half, when he burst into the area and shot straight at goalkeeper David Raya, who was largely in the peripheral.

Arsenal then relinquished control.

When Mikel Merino scored from a Declan Rice corner and nodded a header down, Neuer denied him, and Rice was then saved after the midfielder’s marauding run.

However, Bayern’s defense was struggling, and Arsenal’s pressure came through when Riccardo Calafiori headed in a cross from the left that fellow substitute Madueke turned in for his first goal for the club in the 69th minute.

Eight minutes later, Neuer had a moment to forget when he attempted to cut out Eberechi Eze’s pass but was unable to land a ball in the net.

Real Madrid avoids Olympiakos scare with Mbappe scoring all four goals.

Kylian Mbappe’s four goals, including the second-fastest hat-trick in Champions League history in just eight minutes, gave Real Madrid the lead in a 4-3 victory over Olympiakos.

In the 22nd minute, Mbappe beat two defenders to turn in Chiquinho’s eighth-minute lead. The Frenchman then added a fine finish to his hat-trick with another excellent finish just before the Greeks had time to recover from the double strike.

After a strong opening half, the Spaniards were successful, but the hosts cut the deficit seven minutes later with a close-range header before Mbappe’s tap-in from yet another Vinicius Jr. assist briefly restored order.

Real ended their three-game winless run with an 81st-minute header from Ayoub El Kaabi, but the Olympiacos were unable to find another goal despite intense late pressure.

Real moved up to fifth place in the league phase table with three gamedays left, with the top eight earning automatic passage to the knockout stage and 12 points from five games. The Olympiakos are 33rd in terms of points.

Tottenham made work of UCL holders PSG

With two moments of brilliance from Vitinha helping Luis Enrique’s side to victory, holders Paris St Germain twice came from behind to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 in the Champions League.

At the back, PSG appeared fragile, conceding twice due to defensive errors and exhibiting some of the same problems that caused Bayern Munich to lose 2-1 in the previous round, but they managed to turn things around at Parc des Princes with greater control and effectiveness.

PSG were forced to work after Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani twice led to a double, with France forward Vitinha scoring a hat-trick with two fine strikes and a penalty. Pacho and Fabian Ruiz also added goals with both scores.

South Africa will not be permitted to attend the Group of 20 (G20) intergovernmental forum in Miami, Florida, as President Donald Trump has announced on social media.

Trump refuted Trump’s assertions that the African nation was experiencing a “genocide” on Wednesday.

He also reiterated his earlier threat that South Africa would no longer receive US funding, which he instituted earlier this year.

According to Trump, “South Africa has shown the world that it is not a nation that merits membership anywhere.” We will immediately stop all of their payments and subsidies.

Trump’s ongoing conflict with South Africa, which he has accused of “shocking disregard” for the rights of white Afrikaners, came just as the message on Truth Social escalated.

According to experts in human rights, Trump’s claims of an Afrikaner genocide have no basis.

Trump has, however, repeatedly cited these assertions as he presses Cyril Ramaphosa’s government into power. He also attributed the inability of the media to deliver his message.

On Wednesday, Trump wrote that the South African government “refuses to acknowledge or address the horrifying Human Rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers.”

They are killing white people and randomly allowing them to rob their farms, to put it more bluntly. Worse of all, the looming closure of New York Times and Fake News Media may not publish a statement condemning this genocide.

Using the gavel while passing

Trump’s most recent comments come after a strained diplomatic incident over the weekend that highlighted how strained US-South African relations are.

The two nations have largely forged friendly relations over the past few decades.

South Africa’s second-largest single-country trading partner is the US, behind China, and US business is valued at about $ 26.2% in 2024.

However, the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, last weekend, demonstrated how dramatically the relationship had changed.

Africa as a whole enjoyed the summit for the first time the continent hosted the G20 leaders.

The Trump administration, however, decided to boycott the G20, despite the US’s usual dominance at the G20. Trump declined to attend the event, along with other top officials from Washington, D.C.

He wrote in a post on November 7 that the G20 will be held in South Africa, calling it “a total disgrace.”

As long as these human rights abuses continue, no U.S. government official will be present.

Leaders from other major world economies have traditionally gathered at the G20 to discuss technology, environmental initiatives, and shared financial growth.

The summit is scheduled for Miami the following year. The G20 summit’s host typically uses a strike to end the session before handing the little wooden hammer to officials from the following nation.

However, Ramaphosa did not give the gavel away on Sunday.

Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he had offered to send a US Embassy official to accept the gift, but that Ramaphosa’s administration had turned down the suggestion as a slight.

South Africa “refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from our U.S. Embassy, who was present at the closing ceremony,” Trump wrote in a statement. South Africa won’t therefore be invited to the 2026 G20, in my opinion.

increased tensions

Ramaphosa emphasised his desire for global harmony and efforts to combat inequality rather than addressing the US’s absence from the G20 conference.

Ramaphosa wrote on social media on Tuesday that “our G20 presidency has been rooted in the conviction that the world needs more solidarity, equality, and sustainability.”

We have reaped our shared humanity, “while some have attempted to divide and polarize nations.” We have encouraged goodwill and collaboration. We have consistently stated that our differences outweigh our common goals.

Early in Trump’s second term as president, South Africa and the US began to have hostile relations.

Trump announced that all aid and assistance to South Africa would stop in the wake of alleged human rights violations committed against white Afrikaners in an executive order on February 7.

According to government data, US assistance to South Africa totaled approximately $441.33 million as of the fiscal year 2023. The total increased by about $581 million in the fiscal year 2024, which is currently only partially reported.

Trump also directed US government agencies to assist in the resettlement of Afrikaners as “refugees” in the order issued in February.

In late October, he doubled down on that request, setting the lowest cap ever for refugee admissions in US history.

The Trump administration demanded that the majority of the 7,500 refugee slots be “allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa” and other “victims of illegal or unjust discrimination.”

Ramaphosa was a guest at the White House in May to face accusations of genocide against the leader of his nation. Some critics have compared the meeting to an “ambush.”