Japanese Emperor Approves New Government
Emperor Naruhito of Japan has approved the new government proposed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who was elected by parliament. During a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Yoshimasa Hayashi retained his position as Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Tetsuo Saito remained as Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Seiichiro Murakami was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, while former Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya took on the role of Foreign Minister. The Defense Ministry was handed over to Gen Nakatani, who previously served in this role. The cabinet also includes Katsunobu Kato as Minister of Finance and Yoji Muto as Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Among the cabinet members, two women—Toshiko Abe from the House of Representatives and Junko Mihara from the House of Councillors—hold ministerial positions. Thirteen of the 20 cabinet members are serving as ministers for the first time. Prime Minister Ishiba was elected by 291 votes in parliament on October 1. Early parliamentary elections will be held on October 27, with the campaign beginning on October 15.
(Ведомости, “Император Японии утвердил состав нового правительства”, (01.10.2024))
Russia and Oman Plan Cooperation to Ease Tensions in the Middle East
Russia and the Sultanate of Oman have agreed to coordinate political and diplomatic efforts to resolve regional and international crises in the Middle East. Following a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Omani Shura Council Chairman Khalid Al Ma'awali, a statement emphasized that solutions to these crises should only be pursued through political and diplomatic means, in line with the core principles of the United Nations Charter. Both parties noted the advanced level of friendly Russia-Oman relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in political dialogue, trade, economy, and cultural fields. Oman was designated as the guest country at the 2024 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Additionally, Oman plans to open a tourism office in Russia, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to visit Russia in 2024.
Western Politicians are Crossing Russia's "Red Lines"
Director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, stated that some Western politicians are planning to violate Russia's established "red lines," noting that the provision of long-range Western weapons to Ukraine, intended for use against targets within Russia, is an indication of this intent. Naryshkin remarked that the West appears unwilling to respect Russia's boundaries in its pursuit of a strategic defeat against Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during his visit to Kyiv on October 3, announced that Ukraine’s right to attack Russia with long-range weapons would be discussed at the "Ramstein Format" (Ukraine Defense Contact Group) meeting on October 12. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in September that the use of long-range Western weapons against Russia would amount to the direct involvement of NATO and Western countries in the war and affirmed that Russia would take the necessary steps to address this threat.
(Ведомости, “Нарышкин: западные политики замыслили перейти «красные линии» России”, (03.10.2024))
Kim Jong-un Threatens Nuclear Response if North Korea is Attacked
North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un declared that the country would deploy its full military capabilities, including nuclear power, in response to any attack on its sovereignty. Speaking during his visit to a training base for the Korean People's Army Special Operations Forces, Kim warned that if adversaries rely too heavily on the U.S.-South Korea alliance and ignore North Korea’s warnings, there would be "no mercy." He emphasized that these statements are not merely rhetoric but a realistic prediction. In response to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s remarks about a military response in the event of a nuclear attack, Kim dismissed the South Korean leader as a "puppet." In 2023, North Korea enshrined its nuclear development policy in its constitution, reaffirming the need to protect itself against U.S.-led military expansion and defining nuclear weapons as a guarantee of the nation’s right to survival and development.
Iran Announces Retaliation Against Lithuania's Decision to Classify IRGC as a Terrorist Organization
Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, condemned the Lithuanian Parliament’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, announcing that Tehran would retaliate against this move. Azizi urged the Lithuanian government to adopt more responsible and balanced decisions to avoid escalating tensions, stressing that the IRGC is an integral part of Iran’s armed forces and that such a designation violates fundamental principles of international law. On October 4, Lithuania became the first country within the European Union to officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, with Emanuelis Zingeris, Chairman of Lithuania's National Security Committee, declaring that IRGC members are now banned from entering the country.
Netherlands Officially Confirms F-16 Delivery to Ukraine
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has officially confirmed for the first time that the Netherlands has sent F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In a statement on the social media platform “X” following his visits to Kyiv and Kharkiv, Brekelmans announced that the initial delivery of 24 F-16 jets has been completed, with the remaining aircraft expected to arrive in Ukraine "in the coming months." In May 2023, during the G7 summit, an agreement was reached to supply U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway pledging to deliver a total of 85 jets over four years. In early August, the arrival of the first 10 F-16s in Ukraine was reported, with plans to deliver 10 more by the end of the year. However, on August 29, one of these jets crashed in Ukraine, resulting in the pilot's death.
(Ведомости, “Министр обороны Нидерландов подтвердил передачу F-16 Украине”, (06.10.2024))
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov Attends CIS Summit in Moscow
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has traveled to Moscow to participate in the Council of Heads of State meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Reports indicate that Japarov's plane landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, where he was greeted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. Muratbek Azymbakiev, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Kyrgyz Presidency, stated that the October 8 summit would involve significant decisions aimed at expanding cooperation among CIS member states in trade, economy, cultural, and humanitarian areas.
(Ведомости, “Президент Киргизии прибыл в Москву для участия в саммите СНГ”, (07.10.2024))
Putin's Message of Cooperation to Commonwealth of Independent States
At the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Heads of State Summit in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the economic growth, increased investment, and industrial development achieved by CIS countries. Putin emphasized the opportunities for major projects in trade, industry, and finance, stating that they would continue to work together to deepen economic integration, strengthen cooperation against security threats, and expand cultural ties. Additionally, he noted the progress in areas such as counterterrorism and humanitarian cooperation, with the city of Lachin in Azerbaijan designated as the CIS Cultural Capital for 2025. Putin also reminded attendees that Russia would hold the CIS chairmanship in 2024 and invited CIS members to the BRICS summit in Kazan. The primary goals discussed included enhancing CIS’s global influence and deepening regional cooperation.
(Ведомости, “Что говорил Владимир Путин коллегам из стран СНГ”, (08.10.2024))
Russia Warns of Growing Nuclear Threat Due to Western Policies
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department, Maria Zakharova, said that the policies of Western countries are seriously increasing the level of the global nuclear threat and emphasized that the US and NATO countries should question their provocative and dangerous course. According to Zaharova, the West's “destructive policy” could lead to a direct confrontation between the nuclear powers. On September 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, saying that Moscow could use nuclear weapons against the threat of a large-scale airstrike and defend its ally in the event of an attack on Belarus. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that this doctrinal change was a warning to the West and that new instructions would be issued soon.
(Ведомости, “МИД РФ: уровень ядерной опасности серьезно возрос из-за политики Запада”, (09.10.2024))
Nuclear Security Mission to Russian Defense Ministry
Russian President Vladimir Putin has transferred the authority to ensure security at facilities involved in the development, testing and destruction of nuclear weapons to the Ministry of Defense. According to the new decree, the Defense Ministry will oversee industrial safety at military nuclear facilities. This decision will enter into force on October 10, 2024. In addition, the doctrine, which was updated at the nuclear deterrence meeting chaired by Putin on September 25, emphasized that Russia can use nuclear weapons in the face of attacks linked to any nuclear power. In the new doctrine, large-scale attacks against Russia or its ally Belarus are also considered as a nuclear response scenario.
NATO Plans to Review Russia Policy
NATO defense ministers will meet next week to reassess relations with Russia and discuss the “NATO-Russia Founding Act” taking into account the positions of the allies. According to Politico, citing a US government source, this will be the first ministerial-level meeting after months of formal talks at the expert level. NATO's July summit in Washington agreed to develop a new engagement strategy with Russia for the 2025 summit in The Hague. However, some NATO members are concerned that the new strategy could send a destabilizing message to Russia. The situation of Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to cooperate with Russia, will also be discussed. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that it is a sovereign right to visit Russia, while in Slovakia the newly elected government of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the anti-Russian sanctions. In addition, it was announced that NATO will conduct a nuclear exercise called Steadfast Noon, which will start on October 14.
(Ведомости, “Politicо: НАТО планирует пересмотреть политику в отношении России”, (11.10.2024))
Russian Foreign Ministry: BRICS is not and will not be a Military Alliance
The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that BRICS has never been a military alliance and has no such purpose. In a statement released in response to a report by the British newspaper The Times, which suggested that NATO should be concerned about BRICS, the ministry emphasized that BRICS is not a military alliance or an international organization, but an inter-state cooperation of equal members. The ministry said that the Western media's characterization of BRICS as NATO's rival does not reflect the truth, adding that BRICS builds its relations on the principles of mutual respect, inclusiveness and global economic development, and that its activities are not directed against other states. The Times' article argued that the expansion of BRICS into“BRICS+” with new members such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran has created a bloc aiming to reduce dependence on the West and gain control over critical resources, which has caused concern in the West.
(Ведомости, “МИД России: БРИКС не был и не будет военным союзом”, (12.10.2024))
Ukrainian journalists call on Zelensky to crack down on press repression
The Ukrainian Commission on Journalistic Ethics has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to intervene to end the pressure on the press. The Commission's statement said that the Ukrainian government is interfering with the basic principles of independent media and called on President Zelensky to take urgent measures to protect press freedom. On October 9, Ukrainska Pravda published an open letter stating that the government, in particular the prime minister's office, was applying repressive methods to the press, including financial restrictions, blocking access to information and limiting opportunities to meet with officials. The following day, the newspaper accused Dmitry Litvin, Advisor to the Head of Communications, of preventing government officials from communicating with Ukrainska Pravda.
India Expels Six Canadian Diplomats in Retaliation Against Canada
India has announced that it will expel six Canadian diplomats in the country in response to Canada's decision to expel six Indian diplomats. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the crackdown on the Indian ambassador and other diplomatic representatives in Canada was unacceptable. The ministry called the Canadian government's allegations against Indian diplomats “fabricated” and said it reserved the right to take additional steps in the future. Tensions between the two countries began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that Indian intelligence may have been involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian opposition politician who was killed in Vancouver in June. However, New Delhi denied the accusations and refused to cooperate with Canada in the investigation. On October 14, Canada expelled Indian diplomatic personnel and linked them to the murder.
(Ведомости, “Индия пообещала выслать шесть канадских дипломатов”, (14.10.2024))
Erdoğan: “It would be wrong to characterize Israel as a state”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that it would be wrong to define Israel asa “state” and that Israel, which was established in 1948, has continued its policies of occupation, destruction and execution for 76 years. Speaking at the “Future of Palestine” conference, Erdoğan said that the Hamas attack on October 7 brought the Palestinian issue back to the world agenda and expressed his hope for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Stating that Turkey showed the strongest reaction to the massacres in Gaza and took concrete measures against Israel, Erdoğan announced that the amount of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza exceeded 84 thousand tons. In the clashes that started on October 7, 2023, the Israeli army launched the“Iron Swords” operation after Hamas attacked, and the death toll in Gaza was reported to be approximately 42,000. According toThe New York Times, Hamas had planned this attack in the fall of 2022 but postponed it to secure the support of Iran and Hezbollah.
(Ведомости, “Эрдоган: называть Израиль государством «было бы неправильно»”, (15.10.2024))
Briefing CIS Ambassadors on Amendments to the Migration Law
The Russian Foreign Ministry held a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries on the fight against illegal migration and amendments to Russia's migration legislation. Deputy Minister Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that migration is one of the priority areas of CIS cooperation, while Valentina Kazakova, Head of the Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, briefed on new regulations, such as increased control of Russian language skills in the field of work. On the night of October 1-2, five draft laws aimed at tightening migration policies were submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The bills, signed by more than 350 deputies led by Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, include the criminalization of the organization of illegal migration, penalties for aiding illegal entry, and a ban on the sale of fake migration documents as part of official document forgery. Volodin said the bills will be considered as a priority until December.
Zelensky's “Non-Nuclear Deterrent Package” Statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that his strategy, which he calls his “victory plan”, envisages a “non-nuclear deterrent package” against Russia and the deployment of Western missiles in Ukraine. Speaking at the Council of Europe, Zelensky said he would present the details of this plan to the US, Germany, France, the UK and Italy. Zelenski also reiterated his call for Ukraine to be invited to join NATO, saying that accession would be postponed until after the conflict. On October 16, he presented a five-point “victory plan” to the Ukrainian parliament, which includes an invitation to NATO, the strengthening of the country's defenses and the deployment of a comprehensive strategic deterrence package. The secret annexes allegedly contain details on the weapons and permits Ukraine needs for deep strikes against Russia. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov described Zelensky's plan as a “US plan to fight Russia” and said that Ukraine should recognize that its current policy is hopeless. The plan, which was presented to US President Joe Biden at the end of September, includes security guarantees, demands for modern weapons and financial support from the West.
French Farmers Resume Protests Against Local Government Policies
French farmers have resumed strikes and protests after their demands were not met following protests in 2023-2024, despite promises of support from local authorities. According toHuffPost andFrance 3, farmers are frustrated by continued bureaucratic difficulties and new regulations, particularly the ban on nitrate fertilizers. The FDSEA (The Fédération nationale des syndicats d'exploitants agricoles) and the Association of Young Farmers (AJ) are highlighting demands such as the simplification of water canal maintenance procedures and the acceleration of delayed payments of European funds. On October 18, more than 100 farmers reacted by dumping manure in front of the Prefecture of the Marne; in Dijon, farmers entered the regional assembly and demanded a direct speech. The new French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, said she would listen to farmers' demands and fulfill the previous government's promises within the budget. In January 2024, 72,000 farmers with 41,000 tractors staged a large-scale nationwide protest against low-cost agricultural imports and agricultural policies.
Defense Ministers of G7 Countries Support Ukraine's Path to NATO Accession
The defense ministers of the G7 countries said that Ukraine is on an irreversible path of integration, including full membership in NATO, and pledged to continue short and long-term military assistance to Ukraine. In a communiqué issued after the meeting in Naples, the ministers emphasized the importance of harmonized NATO and EU support measures for Ukraine. The ministers approved initiatives to support the training and readiness programs of the Ukrainian army, as well as to strengthen the country's defense industry. On October 9, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that an invitation to join NATO was the first item in his “victory plan” and that Russia would “lose geopolitically” if Ukraine became a NATO member. Zelensky's proposals included the deployment of a “non-nuclear deterrent package” against Russia in Ukraine and a call for air defense forces to shoot down Russian missiles. On October 19, Alexey Polishchuk of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Ukraine's NATO membership would eliminate the prospects for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict.
(Ведомости, “Министры обороны G7 поддержали «необратимый путь» Украины в НАТО”, (19.10.2024))
Brazilian leader does not go to Kazan
The decision of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to travel to Kazan for the BRICS summit for health reasons is not connected with the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin not to attend the G20 summit in Brazil, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said. Peskov said that the Kremlin did not think of any quid pro quo in this regard. On October 18, Putin announced that he would not attend the G20 summit due to the Ukraine crisis and the challenging situation in his country, but that Russia would be represented at the summit. Leaders from 36 countries have been invited to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24, with Putin describing Russia's program under the BRICS presidency as a comprehensive vision of cooperation ranging from politics to economics, culture to security.
BRICS Summit Program Announced in Kazan: Representatives from 36 Countries to Attend
The BRICS Summit, which will be held in Kazan on October 22-24, will be the first to be held in an expanded structure, including five countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), as well as Egypt, Iran, the UAE and Ethiopia, which joined this year. The opening of the Summit will start on October 22 with a luncheon of delegation leaders. On October 23, there will be narrow and broad sessions and an official welcome ceremony for the leaders of the participating countries. On the last day, October 24, the first plenary session, the second session in the “BRICS Plus” format and the press conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place. According to former Russian Ambassador to the United States Yuri Ushakov, 36 countries and six international organizations will participate in the summit, and the Russian President has scheduled about 20 bilateral meetings. Putin said that the program of Russia's BRICS presidency is aimed at comprehensive cooperation in politics, security, economy, culture and humanitarian spheres.
(Ведомости, “Опубликована программа саммита БРИКС в Казани”, (21.10.2024))
BRICS Summit Starts in Kazan
On October 22, the first day of the BRICS summit in Kazan began with bilateral meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The summit discussed the expansion of BRICS, the use of local currencies in trade and the creation of an independent payment system. Putin announced plans to add the category of “partner countries” to BRICS with South Africa. This year, in addition to the five countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Egypt, Iran, the UAE and Ethiopia also participated in the summit. The main sessions of the Summit will continue on October 23.
(Ведомости, “Как прошел первый день саммита БРИКС в Казани”, (22.10.2024))
Putin and Erdogan Meet at BRICS Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The meeting took place after Putin's narrow and wide-ranging meetings with summit members. Putin emphasized that Russia-Turkey relations are based on a constructive and long-term experience of cooperation, noting that trade volume reached $55.4 billion in 2023 and increased by 6.2% in the first eight months of this year. The two countries are implementing strategic projects in areas such as energy, tourism and industry, while Putin said they expect the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plantto be operational in 2025. During the meeting, Putin pointed out that Russia and Turkey have similar views on the solution of the crisis in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of a diplomatic path based on the two-state solution formula. Erdoğan thanked Putin for the invitation to the BRICS summit and stated that they would be pleased to see Putin in Turkey.
(Ведомости, “Путин встретился с президентом Турции Эрдоганом на полях саммита БРИКС”, (23.10.2024))
80% of the Peace Agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan Completed
Speaking at the “BRICS Plus” session of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan have completed 80% of the draft “Treaty on Peace and Interstate Relations”. Pashinyan stated that the two countries have agreed on mutual recognition of territorial integrity, the absence of territorial claims and the establishment of diplomatic relations. Stating that Armenia is ready to sign this agreement in October, Pashinyan said that the agreement will formalize the de facto peace situation and facilitate the resolution of all other issues. Pashinyan also stated that some fundamental issues between the two countries are inevitable, which should be regulated by new agreements in the future.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Responds to US Ambassador's Criticism
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Péter Szijjártó responded to US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman's criticism of his visits to Russia. The US Ambassador stated that Szijjártó had visited Russia 11 times in the last two and a half years, claiming that these visits were “not for peace, but for profit”. Szijjártó said on Facebook, “Hungary's foreign policy decisions are made solely in our national interests, and we should get used to that. If Hungary's interests require meeting with Russian or Belarusian officials, I will continue to do so.” Szijjártó also recalled that Russia supplies a significant amount of uranium to American nuclear power plants, adding that “it is natural that there is a strong interest in this issue”. On October 11, in an interview with the German television channel ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen), Szijjártó reiterated that “no one can dictate to Hungary which events to participate in”.
Election Results and Political Tensions in Georgia
In the parliamentary elections held in Georgia, the“Georgian Dream” (GR) party led by former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili won 54 percent of the vote and won the mandate to form the government, but failed to reach the constitutional majority. According to the Central Election Commission, GR won 89 out of 150 seats, with the remaining seats shared among opposition parties. Opposition parties said they did not recognize the election results, while Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called on people to take to the streets. Reactions from Europe and international observers have been mixed, with the potential for opposition parties to escalate the protests.
(Ведомости, “Чем закончились парламентские выборы в Грузии”, (27.10.2024))
Georgian Elections and Western Media's Reaction
As the pro-Western Georgian opposition began protests against the “rigged” election results, Western media interpreted the victory of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party as a sign of Georgia's rapprochement with Russia. The ruling party won 54% of the vote and 89 of the 150 seats in parliament. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili described the results as “Georgia's entry into Russia's dominance”, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized the election results. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) generally accepted the results, although irregularities were found during the election process. Western analyses suggest that Georgia's move away from Europe and closer to Russia could have a negative impact on its aspirations to join the European Union.
(Ведомости, “Как западные СМИ отреагировали на выборы в Грузии”, (28.10.2024))
Russia Approves Law on Minimum Wage Increase
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the law raising the minimum wage (Минимальный размер оплаты труда - МРОТ) to 22,440 rubles per month from January 1, 2025. The document on the law was published on the official portal. The law was adopted by the Duma at its third session on October 22 and approved by the Federation Council the next day. The current minimum wage is 19,242 rubles, and Natalya Kosihina, a member of the Federation Council's Social Policy Committee, said the increase would allow 4.2 million Russian citizens to have their salaries raised. On May 7, Putin set the goal of doubling the minimum wage to at least 35,000 rubles by 2030, compared to 2023. This goal is contained in his decree entitled “National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and Perspective 2036”. The minimum wage refers to the minimum amount that employees receive when they officially enter work and is taken into account in the calculation of allowances in cases such as temporary incapacity for work and childbirth.
Venezuela Recalls Ambassador for Brazil's Blocking of BRICS Membership
Venezuela has decided to recall its ambassador to Brazil after Brazil vetoed the country's application to join BRICS. This development was announced on the official website of the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry. The statement said that Venezuela is deeply disturbed that Brazilian diplomats, despite the views of other BRICS member states, have adopted a policy of blockade against Venezuela, akin to unilateral sanctions and collective punishment. Venezuela said it reserves the right to take the necessary steps in foreign policy against this behavior, which jeopardizes cooperation. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro criticized Brazil's veto at the BRICS Summit in Kazan,TASSreported on October 29. Speaking at the post-summit press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Venezuela's struggle for independence and sovereignty and stated that the positions of Russia and Brazil do not coincide on this issue.
Trump's Allies Focus on Fighting Illegal Migration
Advisers and allies of US presidential candidate and Republican Donald Trump have stepped up preparations to combat illegal immigration,The Wall Street Journal(WSJ) reports. Former White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller, known as the “architect” of Trump's immigration policies, and Trump's “America First” Republican community organization are drafting plans, instructions and regulations for the Department of Homeland Security. Trump has yet to nominate a candidate for the post. TheLos Angeles Timesreported on October 31 that Trump's claims about his immigration policies are exaggerated. While Trump claims that 21 million illegal immigrants entered the US under Democratic President Joe Biden, border security data shows only 10 million deportations, and conservative estimates in Congress and the Senate put the number at about 2 million illegal immigrants. Trump's claims that immigrants are taking jobs away from American citizens and increasing crime rates are also not borne out by statistics. Economists, citing a WSJ study published in October, say inflation, interest rates and budget deficits would be higher under a Trump presidency than under Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The US presidential elections will be held on November 5th.