Articles from ‘Independent News Roundup’

Treasury hit Bank of America with $1.2 billion in penalties for money laundering failures. Susan Kokinda traces the bank from Countrywide and the 1980s debt crisis to King Charles’ green finance club, and Bessent’s challenge to the IMF. Susan Kokinda opens with the more than $1.2 billion in penalties Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's Treasury imposed on Bank of America on October 13 for violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, among…

Donald Trump has accused Vladimir Zelensky of resisting efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, following criticism of Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Moscow. In France, opposition figures blame government policies for weekend unrest as protests and disorder spread across parts of Europe. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister has threatened a permanent military presence in southern Lebanon ahead of diplomatic talks in Washington, amid…

Vladimir Zelensky accuses Donald Trump of making a mistake by engaging with Russia, after the US president suggested Ukraine needs new leadership. Russia’s foreign minister claims Zelensky is unwilling to negotiate peace and is determined to remain in power. Meanwhile, widespread unrest sweeps European cities, with more than 2,000 arrests reported. France sees some of the largest demonstrations, driven by anger over the government’s handling of…

In this episode of Moscow Mules, Chay Bowes and the crew grab the popcorn for Zelensky’s latest public meltdown over the Trump-Putin “Diesel Deal”- and trust us, the PR tears are flowing. While Kiev goes completely dark and recruiters drag naked guys straight out of the shower, the Pentagon is busy flexing its muscles by planning the livestreamed execution of a paraplegic. Sanity has officially left the building, but Vladimir Putin’s ghost is…

Ukraine's latest request for European financial assistance has reopened a fundamental question about the war with Russia: how much longer can European governments sustain Kyiv's military and budgetary needs, and who ultimately carries the financial risk? With an additional €70 billion reportedly sought for 2027, divisions are emerging over the scale, accountability and repayment of Europe's commitments. INR Report: Based on RT's October 17,…

US President Donald Trump's latest White House press secretary has departed after only five days in the role, following criticism of her debut briefing and questions about her professional qualifications. The episode raises wider questions about how the administration selects its senior public representatives and communicates with the American public. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, published 16 October 2026. · Katie Zacharia's brief…

Three years after Hamas breached Israel's security defences, the political battle over who knew what, and when, has reached the courts. With Israelis preparing to vote on 27 October, allegations of ignored intelligence, altered records and delayed hostage negotiations have placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the crisis under renewed scrutiny. INR Report: Based on reporting by Charlotte Dubenskij for RT, with additional…

Protests erupt across France as soaring living costs and energy prices fuel unrest, with police and demonstrators clashing in Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg. Russia claims further advances in Ukraine, capturing two strategically important settlements and asserting that Kyiv now controls just 10% of Donetsk. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reportedly abandons the proposed Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, arguing it conflicts with US…

Ukraine has asked the European Union for another €70 billion in financial and military support, but European leaders left their Brussels summit without an agreement on the additional funding. Behind the diplomatic assurances lies a difficult question for governments already facing competing domestic priorities: how much longer can Europe finance Ukraine's war effort, and under what conditions? INR Report: Based on RT's live coverage of the EU…

Washington's reported threats to restrict intelligence, weapons support and satellite communications have exposed Ukraine's dependence on American technology and political decisions. As Trump pursues energy cooperation with Moscow, the confrontation raises questions about who controls Ukraine's military capabilities, who finances the war and how much independence Kyiv retains. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 16 October 2026, HERE. · The…