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Reposted

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 19m

A majority of NATO members today said they were ready to cough up for a scheme spearheaded by Donald Trump that uses allied money to buy US weapons for Ukraine.

Pressure mounts on NATO allies to go all-in on Trump arms scheme for Ukraine

A majority of NATO countries have joined the PURL scheme, and the rest are under pressure “to put your money where your mouth is.”

www.politico.eu

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Christie Wilcox @nerdychristie.bsky.social · 1h

Michael Granatosky on debunking the “rat hole”: “I hope this project reminds people that science can start anywhere—even with something as small and funny as a mark in the sidewalk.” That and more from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪

Chicago's "Rat Hole" is less rat, more Scrat CREDIT: Winslow Dumaine via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS | CC BY-SA

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Tom Clark @tom-clark.bsky.social · 3h

In one crisp para — & the 2 charts he highlights — @chrisgiles.ft.com bursts a huge number of “welfare” myths www.ft.com/content/ee67...

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H I Sutton @covertshores.bsky.social · 11h

Russia’s Submarine Problem Is Much Worse Than Many Imagine

It’s not just the tale of one unfortunate submarine, it’s a growing hole in capacity and capability www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...

Russia’s Submarine Problem Is Much Worse Than Many Imagine - Naval News

The Russian submarine Novorossiysk, an Improved Kilo-class vessel, has been forced to limp home to the Baltic after a mechanical failure in the Mediterranean. While some reports exaggerated its plight...

www.navalnews.com

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Reposted

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 1h

Slovakia will oppose efforts to bolster support for Ukraine and slash the flow of funds filling Russia’s war chest, the country’s leader declared today.

Slovak PM vows to derail key EU summit

Populist leader Robert Fico said he intends to challenge a draft joint statement from the European Council and push for measures on energy prices and carmaking.

www.politico.eu

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NOELREPORTS @noelreports.com · 3h

Denmark is donating €147 million to boost Ukraine’s combat capabilities as part of its 27th military aid package. The funds will go toward naval support for Ukraine’s fleet, tank maintenance, €53 million specifically for training and education of Ukrainian soldiers, fuel and rehabilitation support.

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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 3h

EU countries have five years to prepare for war, according to a military plan that will be presented by the European Commission tomorrow and was seen by POLITICO.

EU to be ‘ready’ for war with Russia by 2030

The European Commission aims to help the bloc prepare “for the battlefields of tomorrow.”

www.politico.eu

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UNITED24 Media @united24media.com · 3h

⚡️ Germany pledges $2.3 billion in new defense aid to Ukraine.

Germany Pledges $2.3 Billion in New Defense Aid to Ukraine, Including Patriots and IRIS-T

Germany is set to extend support to Ukraine with $2.3 billion for defense, including advanced air defense systems and military equipment.

united24media.com

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

*Again*

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Is the Patrician in The Colour of Magic definitely Vetinari? Not sure it refers to him by name and although he largely sounds like Vetinari, the physical description definitely isn't that of the later books. Likely that it *is* Vetinari and Pratchett just evolved the character, as he often did.

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Brady Africk @bradyafr.bsky.social · 1d

Here is a closer look at damage to Russia's Sukhodolnaya oil pumping station after it was struck by Ukraine earlier this month.

Ukraine has stepped up its campaign on Moscow's energy sector recently, targeting sites like this across Russia.

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NOELREPORTS @noelreports.com · 1d

The October 11 drone strike on the Russian troop and equipment hub inside the "Sigma" hypermarket in Donetsk was carried out using FP-1 drones with 60 kg warheads. The site was used by Russian forces as a logistics and deployment point.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

No, the article refers to level B2 of the framework.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Certainly seems excessive for a lot of jobs or for just living somewhere.

4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

I would guess they're in the same ballpark, but different exams covering different skills. I have A-Level English literature and DALF C1 French - which were not very similar to each other. The DELF B1/B2 French versions felt more like I imagine English as a Foreign Language to be.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Should be the same framework in both languages - I didn't find French C1 much different in approach to B2 or B1, just harder.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Well, the headline's misleading. The article itself actually refers to level B2.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

I think they did but the Independent felt that wouldn't be recognised in the headline.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Yes. The French equivalents are pretty academic, requiring essay writing etc skills and familiarity with French culture as well as good exam technique.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

France currently requires B1 if applying for nationality, I think, apparently going up to B2 soon.

4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

I've got C1 in French (next level up), which technically makes me employable in France, but not sure how much real fluency I would claim! Don't have an A-Level, so don't know how closely they compare.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and
Independent disadvantages of various options."

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain
for either party.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

"Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and
abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of
specialisation.

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4u1e.bsky.social @4u1e.bsky.social · 1d

The're using A-levels as recognisable shorthand for the European CEFR standard B2 level to which it's probably roughly equivalent:

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