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News & Current Events Apr 8, 2026 at 7:51 AM

Hungary and Russia struck 12-point plan for closer ties, documents show

Posted by Not_Tom_Jones

Hungary and Russia struck 12-point plan for closer ties, documents show
POLITICO
Hungary and Russia struck 12-point plan for closer ties, documents show
The cooperation agreement sheds more light on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ties to the Kremlin ahead of Sunday’s general election.
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Not_Tom_Jones Apr 8, 2026 +370
Orbán goes all in: secret deal with Moscow surfaces ahead of elections. Politico has revealed a secret agreement between Hungary and Russia, signed back in December. The 12-point plan was coordinated by Szijjártó and Lavrov. The document covers almost everything: Energy, trade, education, and culture. It also includes discussions about allowing Russian companies into projects inside Hungary and restoring trade that declined due to EU sanctions. Hungary is ready to expand Russian language education, recognize diplomas, and launch cultural and educational exchanges. All of this is seen as part of the Kremlin’s so-called soft power strategy. The information surfaced just days before the elections, where Orbán is facing a real risk of losing for the first time in years. Earlier, the Hungarian prime minister had openly flattered Putin, comparing him to a lion and himself to a mouse, promising to do everything possible to help Moscow.
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Brennenstein Apr 8, 2026 +270
>The 12-point plan was coordinated by Szijjártó and Lavrov. To the surprise of absolutely no one. Szijjártó is a russian asset. I really f****** hope that we'll get rid of these goons, there are four days left till the election, wish us luck.
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406highlander Apr 8, 2026 +87
Sincerely - good luck.
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ineyy Apr 8, 2026 +34
Considering the lack of free media in Hungary question is if more than a few people will even hear about it.
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Not_Tom_Jones Apr 8, 2026 +30
Good luck! I hope everyone goes to vote. But to be honest... When has an established autocracy ever given up power by means of a democratic process? I really hope my concern is wrong though.
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Brennenstein Apr 8, 2026 +35
Opinion polls show that we might see a record high attendance. Poland also stepped on the illiberal path, but the populist Law and Justice party lost in 2023, and things took a turn.  I understand your concerns though. We've been living in this nightmare for 16 consecutive years, and we know that Orban will rig the elections in some way. However, every single poll shows that the opposition is far ahead of Orbán's Fidesz, and there's at least 2-3 scandals every day here. Orbán lost his charm, his remaining followers are panicking, and his false flag operation near Serbia failed recently. Everything points towards his fall, unlike before.
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Not_Tom_Jones Apr 8, 2026 +11
Okay, that's at least a little encouraging, making me mildly optimistic. I'll be following along next weekend and rooting for you!
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Chaplain-Freeing Apr 8, 2026 +6
> Orbán lost his charm They're going to have to look very very hard to find it again.
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Tabbyredcat Apr 8, 2026 +5
Question: are international observers attending? I guess they are Hungary being EU, but with this guy....
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NoSong2397 Apr 8, 2026 +9
South Korea, 1987?
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digital_cucumber Apr 8, 2026 +8
Unfortunately, if anything's their bosses are good at, it's fixing elections.
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ContentsMayVary Apr 8, 2026 +14
Best of luck!
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NoSong2397 Apr 8, 2026 +4
Indeed. Good luck.
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sg19point3 Apr 8, 2026 +3
I hope you will. But remember, you are dealing with russians, and they never play by the rules, not in Olympics, not in war, not in elections. They will cheat, hack, stuff ballots, create false flags etc
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slow70 Apr 8, 2026 +2
Genuinely wishing you a tomorrow free of these crooks.
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Bunnymancer Apr 8, 2026 +26
Dear Hungary. Vote Hungary first. Not Russia first.
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alexwan12 Apr 8, 2026 +3
Reminds me of similar agreements between russia and Ukrainine in 2010. Annexation of Szabolcs county by 2030 incoming?
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buythedipnow Apr 8, 2026 +3
Explains why Vance went there to cheerlead
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UhhmericanJoe Apr 8, 2026 +3
Any word on Hungarian voters’ reaction?
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MichaelBealesBurner Apr 8, 2026 +85
Absolutely pathetic
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guvbums Apr 8, 2026 +76
My family had to flee Hungary because of Russia back in the 50's.. I just can't imagine how short the memories of the general population are in allowing this to happen.
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joedotdog Apr 8, 2026 +8
Maternal side of things here fled in the 30s...reasons and all. I'd say it's astounding at the impact of propaganda and indoctrination, but one doesn't need to look far to see it in the US.
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AdSuitable310 Apr 10, 2026 +2
What's even worse is, that the events of '56 are not completely forgotten: it is actually a national holiday, where every year memorial celebrations are held to not forget those events. And yes, even orban and his fans gather every year to reminiscence of those events, except they still can not put 2 and 2 together. I just can't anymore.
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guvbums Apr 10, 2026 +1
It's a hard road, my friend.. a hard road.
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glaringOwl Apr 8, 2026 -7
Alliances change all the time though. At the start of the 20th century, France and Russia were good allies. Great Britain and France used to hate each other for centuries before but now they're allies. Sweden and Denmark went at war with each other several times hundreds of years before that but that'd be unthinkable today. We could go on and on. My point being I don't think historic regimes and conditions should fully influence decisions made today.
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Blastoise_613 Apr 8, 2026 +11
>My point being I don't think historic regimes and conditions should fully influence decisions made today. Its barely historical that Russia has aggressively invaded Hungary's neighbour 4 years ago and continues to this day.
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daniel_22sss Apr 9, 2026 +1
Russia behaves exactly as it did 50 years ago.
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rockoutsober Apr 8, 2026 +149
The same Hungary, where Vance is currently preaching for Orban?
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--Blaise-- Apr 8, 2026 +41
Of course
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Galaghan Apr 8, 2026 +10
Well yeah that's why it's in the news now.
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RatherEnglish Apr 8, 2026 +35
2026, the year of the x-point-plans
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jjpamsterdam Apr 8, 2026 +14
I always ask myself what these Russian assets are hetting out of selling their own countries out? Probably money in some offshore bank account, but other than that? Russia has surprisingly little to offen to countries that bow to its will. Russia obviously has an abundance of natural resources but is struggling to get them to market as is, so preferential treatment on that issue seems difficult. Money for economic development is obviuosly not going to happen, given that Russia is financially strained. Defense cooperation is also difficult, since Russia is stretched in that regard as well. What in the world are the people who vote for these Russian assets even thinking that their country could ever get out of subservience to Russia that they couldn't get out of cooperation with European partners?
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merryman1 Apr 8, 2026 +6
I don't think its as much what Russia can offer individuals, but about copying the Russian social and political model into their home countries.
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bubosamobe Apr 8, 2026 +49
Whats more pathetic than orban is hungarians voting for him and the ones who just let this happen to their own country.
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -7
The European institutions have allowed this to happen too, haven’t they? What’s more, a recent documentary shows how Orbán’s party has extorted votes from rural communities through blackmail
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bubosamobe Apr 9, 2026 +1
Absolutely. But at scale the first one to fail are the local powers. Hungarians are the first to blame.
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 9, 2026 +1
I'm afraid it's more complicated than that: this documentary ( https://youtu.be/ZCwQR5HRWR8?si=tYxfMIdy6T3BKwXf) tells how Orbán's party threatened rural residents with taking their children away, or depriving them of electricity, jobs or medical care just to get their vote. Or, again, the population is kept in poverty so that their vote can be bought in exchange for food or drug addiction is facilitated so that the vote can be exchanged for drugs (I'm not Hungarian, so I ask any Hungarian to correct me if I misunderstood the documentary). I fear that the European institutions, on the other hand, acted too late in the years when Orbán was devouring Hungary from within and have shown that they were unable to protect the rights of their citizens within their borders. One might think that the European Union does not have the strength to succeed, but I believe that when we talk about institutions that demand a certain type of obedience, not being strong enough to protect their citizens within their borders is no excuse, but rather a fault. The problems of a nation are European problems and must be thoroughly resolved within a European framework (taking into account the principle of subsidiarity, of course), not telling them to fend for themselves (I don't have anything against you, it's my general position on the topic). Since I am European, Hungarians are my fellow European citizens towards whom I share those duties of fraternity that bind those who share a common project (as well as our common duties towards humanity). I don't want to abandon them, also because it would mean believing that this bond has no value. I do not want to imagine myself abandoning these fellow European citizens of mine who are already suffering.
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Serious_Instance7186 Apr 8, 2026 -85
Imagine people wanting more comfortable and cheaper life, lol
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Glittering-Yam-288 Apr 8, 2026 +58
Yeah being a Russian puppet state is neither going to be comfortable nor c****. EU is actively trying to raise living standards in the union in less developed countries like Hungary while Russia, well, take a look around at living standards in Belarus, chechnya, you name it, lol
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Serious_Instance7186 Apr 8, 2026 -8
Belarus? It’s actually a nice place to leave in.
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yonce_333 Apr 8, 2026 +29
Coming from a Russian, that’s rich. You’re practically the experts at bartering your soul for a 'c**** and easy' existence
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Serious_Instance7186 Apr 8, 2026 -2
Not a Russian
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yonce_333 Apr 8, 2026 +3
A Russified Kazakh, no difference, the same Russian worldview
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Serious_Instance7186 Apr 9, 2026 +1
No, not a fan of russia
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catperson77789 Apr 8, 2026 +12
Delusional asf
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Smartimess Apr 8, 2026 +28
The Orbán Crime Syndicate should be labeled as a foreign agent in Putin’s service and the EU must cut ties to Hungary until it is fully disbanded.
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Drenosa Apr 8, 2026 +10
Preparing for "peaceful" annexation and nothing less than that.
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dimwalker Apr 8, 2026 +9
Closer ties? For anything closer than it is already, putin would have to wear orban as a suit.
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taisui Apr 8, 2026 +110
Kick them out of EU and NATO
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betam4x Apr 8, 2026 +45
The EU has no mechanism for this, and lacks the backbone to do it anyway. This world has a problem with tolerance. Shitty behavior from any country should not be tolerated.
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W31337 Apr 8, 2026 +7
They can all vote to kick them out or ghost them.
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Wonderful-Pause1048 Apr 8, 2026 -7
Alle, richtig. Dazu gehört O aus U. Es muss ein neues Gesetz beschlossen werden.
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Mandemon90 Apr 8, 2026 +7
It's not problem of tolerance, both EU and NATO were build on idea "We stand or fall together", rather than "We stand together, and if you start to lean we throw you out"
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letir_ Apr 8, 2026 +1
What about idea of traitor who directly selling himself to enemy for money and power? Does military alliance have something to say about member who willing sell everything to enemy?
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justlurkshere Apr 8, 2026
The EU is a fair-weather union, the current shape mostly stemming from the very optimistic views from the liberal 90ies. The focus was on expansion and that tackling bad faith members was never going to be an issue.
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ChronChriss Apr 8, 2026 +7
Great idea. Let's create another enemy state right at EU borders that supports Putin. The problem is not Hungary. It's Orban and his cronies.
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Soft-Skirt Apr 8, 2026 +2
It’s better to keep them within the EU, but NATO that’s a different matter.
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026
What do you mean?
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glaringOwl Apr 8, 2026 -8
As much as you may dislike Hungary here, their place in the EU is actually good for everyone because they act as a neutral 'bridge' in the divide between EU and Russia. There are plenty of other examples of countries that "play both sides" between competing forces, like Turkey, China and India.
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HoightyToighty Apr 8, 2026 +3
> their place in the EU is actually good for everyone Right, of course, an EU member cozying up to Russia, which is attacking a European country, is really an asset to Europe. At a time when Europe needs solidarity, you believe it's best that Europe coddles its weak links.
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totallyRebb Apr 8, 2026 +5
If Orban loves Russia so much, he should just move to Moscow. They collect shady politicians there.
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HotPotatoWithCheese Apr 8, 2026 +42
The fact that these traitors can only leave the EU voluntarily based on some article introduced nearly 20 years ago is ridiculous, and it really highlights some of the downsides of rigid EU bureaucracy. They need to bring in a new law that allows for the expulsion of member states if they actively work to undermine the union.
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Neobullseye1 Apr 8, 2026 +6
"They need to bring in a new law that allows for the expulsion of member states if they actively work to undermine the union." Which would then be promptly veto'd by the same member states that are currently undermining said union. Pretty much the only way to solve that problem is for everyone else to exit the EU and immediately join a EU 2.0 which would allow for harder sanctions or even expulsions of members that act like that, but that's one hell of a legal/bureaucratic nightmare in its own right.
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LaoBa Apr 8, 2026 -1
That's not bureaucracy, that's have seen rules that cannot be just overlooked when you want to.
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yenot_of_luv Apr 8, 2026 +7
Closer than now? Orban is already pregnant with putin's baby, how much closer it can get?
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Sweet_Look_1236 Apr 8, 2026 +1
Get the baby pregnant
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redsquizza Apr 8, 2026 +5
I hope to God Orban is out of office come the election. And if he isn't the EU grows some balls and starts the process to exclude them from decisions relating to pretty much everything of importance.
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swizzcheez Apr 8, 2026 +4
It's spring and "peace" is in the air.
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Othmar25 Apr 8, 2026 +4
Eww
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visualthings Apr 8, 2026 +4
will Hungarian kids still learn about 1956? Will the Terror Museum be converted into a shopping mall?
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Heavy_Secret_203 Apr 8, 2026 +8
Come on, Hungary, go for it! Serve russians well and get your own Hungarian Transnistria/South Osetia/DPR episode in a decade. Nothing bad will ever happen! 
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Boys4Ever Apr 8, 2026 +3
Is this even allowed by NATO or at a minimum by the intent of having NATO?
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watch_out_4_snakes Apr 8, 2026 +3
Does Hungary not have its own history and culture apart from Russia?
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NickySmithFromPGH Apr 8, 2026 +2
At this point ... Hungary might accept it if Russia offers to buy them out ... just to have the closest ties possible
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PippaTulip Apr 8, 2026 +3
Why is Hungary still in the EU, living of EU subsidies?
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -4
What do you mean?
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Marsu2020 Apr 8, 2026 +4
Hungary should be excluded from EU.
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -1
What do you mean?
-1
Wonderful-Pause1048 Apr 8, 2026 +2
Oban raus ! Orban raus !
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -3
What do you mean?
-3
Ellixhirion Apr 8, 2026 +2
When will the EU suspend Hungarys membership…
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -1
What do you mean?
-1
MachoSmurf Apr 8, 2026 +2
Point 1: f*** off from the EU
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sg19point3 Apr 8, 2026 +1
Most normal people with two brain cells know this. Also, any time trump or vance supporting someone ie orcban, you know they are on the same team as russia
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PaleDeparture5630 Apr 8, 2026 +1
Stop sending them NATO money and security, and let Hungary go hungry. Let's see if Russia has what they want.
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_AnonMax_ Apr 9, 2026 +1
Kibaszott hazaárulók
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Repulsive_Bad_4924 Apr 9, 2026 +1
Mocskos kurva anyjukat, így röviden
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Meeizter Apr 8, 2026 +1
Why dont hungary get kicked out of eu and nato (not sure if they with nato)?
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Material-Garbage7074 Apr 8, 2026 -3
What do you mean?
-3
Guipel_ Apr 8, 2026 -1
Why are they still in Europe?
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twelvyy29 Apr 8, 2026 +3
I mean it would be a pretty tough assignment to remove a country from a continent. If you are asking why they are still in the EU, its because you can't really get kicked out of the EU.
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Guipel_ Apr 8, 2026 +1
😂 good one ! I think that the current situation with Hungary should help improve the membership rules … when you pursue such relationships with a geopolitical enemy of Europe and value more its interests over those of your partners inside de community, your membership status should be on hold : you still need to follow obligations yet can’t decide anything and can’t take part to discussions.
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Barbu-Genial Apr 8, 2026 -1
Et après on va nous imposer au travers d'une loi liberticide pour la France de s'empêcher de critiquer un pays et du coup ce qui se passe dans le monde... loi Yadan. Pour ceux qui sont passés à côté, voici le lien : https://petitions.assemblee-nationale.fr/initiatives/i-5158
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Organic_Wash_2205 Apr 8, 2026 -4
Is Russia playing both sides now - with the U.S? Aren’t they also aiding Iran too with weapons??? Or is that Ukraine?
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