#SouthCaucasus #SSS of #Azerbaijan x.com/AzeriTimes/status/1994770242837311765
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 29, 2025
Category: (@mikenov) / Twitter
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Trump and Maduro spoke by phone last week to discuss a possible meeting in the United States, even as the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean intensifies. In a major development amidst escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
Key Developments
Secret Phone Call and Meeting Discussions: The two leaders held a phone conversation last week (late November 2025), a surprising diplomatic turn given years of hostility. They discussed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting in the U.S., though no firm plans have been set.
Military Escalation and Threats: The U.S. has amassed a significant military presence (including an aircraft carrier) in the Caribbean in an operation dubbed “Southern Spear,” ostensibly to combat drug trafficking.Trump announced on Saturday, November 29, 2025, that Venezuelan airspace would be shut “in its entirety”.
He also threatened land-based operations against alleged drug traffickers “very soon”. The U.S. has already conducted over 20 strikes on alleged drug boats since September, killing dozens.
Maduro has responded with strong rhetoric, brandishing Simón Bolívar’s sword at a rally and promoting military readiness exercises to defend against a potential U.S. offensive, which Caracas views as a pretext for regime change.Terrorist Designation: The U.S. State Department officially designated the “Cartel de los Soles” (which the administration claims is led by Maduro and senior government officials) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), a move that provides Washington with new options for pressure.
$50 Million Bounty: The U.S. has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction to an unprecedented $50 million on narco-terrorism charges.
Maduro’s Offers: Reports indicate that Maduro attempted to stave off pressure in recent months by offering U.S. companies a dominant stake in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, an offer Trump reportedly rejected in October.
Covert Actions: The Trump administration has authorized covert CIA operations within Venezuela.
The situation remains highly volatile, balancing potential high-level diplomacy with the real risk of direct military confrontation.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 29, 2025
The conceptual origins, parallel developments, and the present state of the Christianity and Judaism in historical context – Google Search google.com/search?q=The+conc…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 29, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: Azerbaijani opposition leader Ali Karimli (PFPA Chair) reportedly detained by State Security Service amid search at his home – linked by officials to probe into ex-official Ramiz Mehdiyev’s treason/coup charges. PFPA calls it political targeting; no formal statement… pic.twitter.com/6aoreTkzJC
— The Azeri Times (@AzeriTimes) November 29, 2025
Breaking: Trump declares air space over Venezuela closed to airliners amid tensions with Maduro https://t.co/n1KAAMyWts
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) November 29, 2025
#Pope in #Nicea 2025
Pope #LeoXIV is visiting Turkey and Lebanon to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which took place in the ancient city of Nicaea (modern-day İznik). The Pope’s trip, from November 27 to December 2, 2025, includes a stop in İznik on November 28 for a prayer service and to emphasize Christian unity. He is also meeting with Eastern Orthodox leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to foster dialogue and work toward closer communion.Pope Leo XIV’s Trip to Nicaea (İznik): The Pope’s first foreign trip as pontiff includes a visit to İznik, Turkey, to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Date: The visit to İznik occurred on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Purpose: The primary goal is to commemorate the council and promote Christian unity by highlighting the common faith and history shared by different denominations, particularly the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Ecumenical Dialogue: The Pope is meeting with other church leaders, such as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to advance dialogue and cooperation.
Legacy of the Council: The council was a pivotal event in Christian history, resulting in the Nicene Creed and decisions on Christian practice, and its anniversary is being used to strengthen ecumenical bonds today. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] pillarcatholic.com/p/how-clo…
[2] foxnews.com/world/pope-leo-x…
[3] facebook.com/EWTNVatican/pos…
[4] washingtonpost.com/world/202…
[5] vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/…
[6] vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/…– Google Search google.com/search?q=Pope+in+…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 29, 2025
Who is behind the Yermak’s resignation: CIA, GRU, MOSSAD, All of the above? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Who+is+b…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 28, 2025
share.google/aimode/A4Nshl4w…
Ukraine news
corruption scandal and ongoing, contentious international diplomacy regarding a proposed US-backed peace plan.Major news from Ukraine includes the resignation of a top presidential aide amid a significant
Top Headlines (November 28, 2025)
Political Turmoil & Corruption Scandal
Zelenskyy Aide Resigns: Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s powerful chief of staff and key peace negotiator, submitted his resignation after anti-corruption agents raided his home.
Wider Investigation: The raid is part of Ukraine’s largest corruption scandal in years, centered on an alleged $100 million kickback scheme within the state nuclear energy company, Energoatom.
International Reaction: European officials have welcomed the anti-corruption agencies’ actions as a sign of institutional strength, though analysts suggest the timing is challenging for Kyiv, as it could be used by US critics of aid to Ukraine.
Peace Plan Diplomacy & Deadlock
US-Backed Proposal: A US-backed 28-point plan to end the war has sparked intense debate. Ukraine and the US have signaled progress in talks, with some officials saying only “minor details” remain.
Territorial Disputes: A key sticking point is the issue of territory. Reports indicate the plan may involve ceding some occupied land to Russia, which Ukraine firmly rejects, stating its land is not for sale.
Putin’s Stance: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the US plan could be a “basis” for future agreements but reiterated that the war will only stop if Ukrainian troops withdraw from territories Russia claims to have annexed.
Envoy to Moscow: US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week for further talks with Russian officials.
European Concerns: European leaders, many of whom were reportedly cut out of the initial US talks, are wary of the plan, with concerns it might “reward the aggressor” and create a “bad deal” for Ukraine.
On the Ground
Russian Attacks: Russia launched a “massive” overnight assault using drones and missiles, causing destruction and power outages and resulting in several civilian deaths.
Ukrainian Strikes: Ukraine’s military confirmed it struck a Russian oil refinery and an airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea in overnight operations.
For more in-depth reporting and continuous updates, you can follow major news outlets like The Kyiv Independent, BBC News, and Reuters.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 28, 2025
AM 11/28/2025- #news – #shooting – #terrorism
Major news stories include a deadly shooting of two U.S. National Guard members being investigated as terrorism, heavy snowfall impacting post-holiday travel, a human trafficking bust resulting in 20 arrests, and the freeing of a Palestinian American teen after nine months of Israeli detention. Other news includes duck hunters being rescued in the Mississippi River and sports headlines such as a Lakers win and a Packers victory over the Lions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
National NewsNational Guard shooting: A U.S. National Guard Specialist, Sarah Beckstrom, died after being shot along with another member in Washington; the incident is being investigated as terrorism, reports CTV News.
Human trafficking: Twenty people were arrested in an investigation into human trafficking, according to news8000.com.
Travel disruption: Heavy snowfall is impacting post-holiday travel, notes news8000.com.
Housing: HUD changes could lead to thousands of people becoming homeless in Wisconsin, reports news8000.com. [1, 2, 5, 6]International News
Israel/Palestine: A 16-year-old Palestinian American teenager has been freed after nine months in Israeli detention for allegedly throwing rocks, according to Al Jazeera.
Russia: Russia launched a large-scale drone strike on Kamianske, injuring 8 and destroying homes, reports News.az. [3, 4]Sports
NFL: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions 31-24.
NBA: Luka Dončić scored 35 points to lead the Lakers to a win over the Spurs. [2, 4]Other News
Rescues: Three duck hunters were rescued after their boat capsized in the Mississippi River near Wabasha, according to news8000.com. [1, 2]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] news8000.com/news/news-8-now…
[2] news8000.com/news/morning-ne…
[3] aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed…
[4] news.az/time/2025/11/28
[5] ctvnews.ca/video/2025/11/28/…
[6] ctvnews.ca/video/2025/11/28/…Google Search google.com/search?num=10&new…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 28, 2025
11:05 AM 11/28/2025- news –
Major news stories include a deadly shooting of two U.S. National Guard members being investigated as terrorism, heavy snowfall impacting post-holiday travel, a human trafficking bust resulting in 20 arrests, and the freeing of a Palestinian American teen after nine months of Israeli detention. Other news includes duck hunters being rescued in the Mississippi River and sports headlines such as a Lakers win and a Packers victory over the Lions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
National NewsNational Guard shooting: A U.S. National Guard Specialist, Sarah Beckstrom, died after being shot along with another member in Washington; the incident is being investigated as terrorism, reports CTV News.
Human trafficking: Twenty people were arrested in an investigation into human trafficking, according to news8000.com.
Travel disruption: Heavy snowfall is impacting post-holiday travel, notes news8000.com.
Housing: HUD changes could lead to thousands of people becoming homeless in Wisconsin, reports news8000.com. [1, 2, 5, 6]International News
Israel/Palestine: A 16-year-old Palestinian American teenager has been freed after nine months in Israeli detention for allegedly throwing rocks, according to Al Jazeera.
Russia: Russia launched a large-scale drone strike on Kamianske, injuring 8 and destroying homes, reports News.az. [3, 4]Sports
NFL: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions 31-24.
NBA: Luka Dončić scored 35 points to lead the Lakers to a win over the Spurs. [2, 4]Other News
Rescues: Three duck hunters were rescued after their boat capsized in the Mississippi River near Wabasha, according to news8000.com. [1, 2]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] news8000.com/news/news-8-now…
[2] news8000.com/news/morning-ne…
[3] aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed…
[4] news.az/time/2025/11/28
[5] ctvnews.ca/video/2025/11/28/…
[6] ctvnews.ca/video/2025/11/28/…Google Search google.com/search?num=10&new…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 28, 2025