Otabek Yusupov — tafs uz coverage of world. News, key facts and context in English, Uzbek and Russian.
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After cost-of-living protests escalated into riots and looting in major French cities, Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address that those who 'tried to overthrow the Republic' will be held accountable. More than 2,000 people were detained, and over 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured. The opposition criticized the authorities from different sides.
Otabek YusupovAccording to Bild, German courts have seen a sharp increase in lawsuits prepared with the help of artificial intelligence, in particular ChatGPT. Such documents often contain fabricated court decisions and references to non-existent legal norms. One court received a lawsuit of 4,500 pages. The workload on social courts has grown noticeably: in Baden-Württemberg, urgent cases rose by 60% over a year, disputes over social pensions by 80%, and in Bavaria pension-related lawsuits grew by 60% in the first half of 2026.
Otabek YusupovAfter the events of late July, Spain changed its protocol in the waters off Ceuta: instead of passively observing the 'innocent passage' of Moroccan vessels, patrol ships now go out to meet them. The Atalaya and Isla de León ships have been deployed, and the activity of vessels under the Moroccan flag has decreased.
Otabek YusupovUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Samarkand with his wife on Sunday evening, October 18. This is his first visit to Central Asia. On Monday, the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, a C5+1 format meeting, and the first round of the Dialogue on Expanded Strategic Partnership are scheduled. Representatives of more than 200 American companies arrived with Rubio; President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will hold talks with him.
Otabek YusupovAccording to authorities of Yemen's Marib province, the Houthi group on Sunday launched eight ballistic missiles toward the city of Marib in northeastern Yemen. The statement was published on the governorate's Facebook page. The city, home to many internally displaced persons, remains under the control of the internationally recognized government.
Otabek YusupovHungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said the 'shocking scenes' of the riots in France justify Budapest's tough migration policy. Anti-austerity protests in Paris, Lyon and Marseille were accompanied by pogroms and fires, including the burned-down town hall in Limoges. Magyar's comments drew criticism in Hungary, while Tusk and Macron took different positions.
Otabek YusupovPolice Constable Shannon Parsons was dismissed without notice and barred from future policing after a disciplinary hearing found gross misconduct: over roughly five years she accessed police records more than 2,000 times without a legitimate reason, many containing sensitive information. She claimed the searches were for work purposes, but the panel found they were carried out 'for personal benefit'.
Otabek YusupovThe Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has declared a red level of danger on the southern coast of Valencia and the north of Alicante due to the isolated depression DANA 'Adam'. Torrential rains of up to 60–90 mm per hour and 200–300 mm in 12 hours are expected, with warnings also in effect for Murcia, Almería, and the Balearic Islands.
Otabek YusupovAt around 15:00 BST on Saturday, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed on the 9th floor of the car park of the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The centre was closed for several hours, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues.
Otabek YusupovAccording to Kun.uz, Donald Trump, after Kyiv refused to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries, took a sharply anti-Ukrainian stance: the US stopped sharing intelligence, softened Graham's sanctions bill, and agreed to purchase 'diesel fuel' from Russia. The speed of Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian armed forces was reduced; Putin commented for the first time on strikes against WB warehouses and Yandex data centers, promising a response.
Otabek YusupovDonald Trump announced his 'full and unconditional' support for Benjamin Netanyahu nine days before Israel's parliamentary elections, breaking months of silence. He tied the endorsement to the joint fight against Iran and warned that if another candidate wins, the US is 'not inclined' to take on that job itself. Netanyahu thanked Trump; his main rival Gadi Eisenkot said the leader is chosen by the Israeli people. Polls show neither bloc winning a majority of 61 seats.
Otabek YusupovAfter Saturday's nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living, which escalated into riots and looting, cleanup and restoration of damaged buildings and shops began in France's three largest cities.
Otabek YusupovUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on October 17 that sanctions against Russia were not lifted — only the diesel embargo measure was suspended, and the administration was given a 60-day period to assess the situation. He rejected Zelensky's accusations of intelligence failures and refuted the claim of support for Moscow, criticizing Europe for purchases of Russian energy.
Otabek YusupovDuring the visit of the Director of the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan Muhsinkhoja Abdurakhmonov to Croatia, negotiations were held with the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), the Employers' Association (HUP), and local employers. A scheme was discussed under which Croatian employers submit their staffing needs to the agency, while candidates undergo training and selection in Uzbekistan. The first practical steps are planned in construction, welding, and transport.
Otabek YusupovAccording to an NBC News poll, 71% of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction — the highest figure of Trump's second term. The president's approval has dropped to 34%, while 51% strongly disapprove of his performance. Among registered voters, 55% prefer Democrats in Congress versus 45% for Republicans — one week before the midterm elections on November 3.
Otabek YusupovUS Vice President JD Vance, at a CBS News town hall, admitted there were 'many mistakes and many fundamental failures' in the conduct of the war with Iran, responding to the widow of a killed sergeant. According to Anadolu, at least 21 American service members have died in the war, which began in late February. Vance said the placement of troops was a mistake, tactics have been adjusted, and the US is seeking firm commitments from Iran not to rebuild its nuclear program.
Otabek YusupovUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Samarkand on October 18, 2026 to take part in a ministerial meeting of the C5+1 format with five Central Asian countries. He was accompanied by a delegation of more than 200 representatives of American business. The agenda includes trade, investment, critical minerals and security, as well as the first round of an expanded strategic dialogue with Uzbekistan.
Otabek YusupovOn the night of October 18, 2026, St. Petersburg came under the largest Ukrainian drone attack since 2022. The Petersburg Oil Terminal, the Ruchyi fuel depot and warehouses caught fire; a VK data center and an Ozon logistics center were damaged. Governor Beglov reported one dead and five injured, and Pulkovo temporarily restricted flights. The attack coincided with Zelensky's announcement of resumed strikes on Russian refineries and Moscow being accused of 76 violations of Trump's 'energy truce'.
Otabek Yusupov
