Anonymous Claims It Hacked Russian TV Services ... Plays War Footage
Russia might have an enemy on its hands that's more effective than any other adversary, and that's Anonymous ... which claims to have hijacked Vladimir Putin's regularly scheduled propaganda programming.
The notorious hacking group -- which has been involved in high-profile leaks over the years -- is taking responsibility for the mass disruption of multiple Russian TV broadcasts this weekend ... including a couple of popular streaming services and even some state media channels.
Anonymous have hacked Russian channels and show real war footage of Ukrainian cities bombed, fact Russia denies pic.twitter.com/zhxf2USZw1
— Vlad Solodovnyk (@vladsolo) March 7, 2022 @vladsolo
Instead of whatever several news networks were supposed to be playing ... reports and videos on the ground appear to show Anonymous aired real war footage from Ukraine. That's significant because most Russians don't even believe there's a war, or don't see it as Russian aggression.
The hacking would mean Putin's citizens got to see real footage of Ukrainian civilians bombed and forced to flee their homes.
MORE: The Russia Today (RT) France channel was also hacked on the Russian Express satellite. #OpRussia #Anonymous pic.twitter.com/JOF3slS0d1
— Anonymous TV 🇺🇦 (@YourAnonTV) March 6, 2022 @YourAnonTV
Reportedly, 70 percent of Russians support the invasion of Ukraine, but Russian-run TV has been blasting out the narrative that their country is fighting Nazism and saving Ukraine.
So, to disrupt that thinking ... Anonymous seems to have taken the incredible step of showing them what they're definitely not being exposed to, and hopefully it's a wake-up call. Even if it is though ... Russians face stiff penalties for protesting the war, including years of jail time.
#ANONYMOUS HAVE A MESSAGE TO VLADIMIR PUTIN. 🇺🇦#RUSSIA #UKRAINE pic.twitter.com/QDFrTSyIqJ
— World War 3 Updates | Russia vs Ukraine 2022 (@ww3daily) February 27, 2022 @ww3daily
Anonymous sent a message to Putin in late February threatening action like this, and the group claims it's followed through.
Russian officials, meanwhile, are denying Anonymous has done anything to derail their plans.
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Queen Elizabeth First In-Person Meeting Since Covid All Smiles With Justin Trudeau
Queen Elizabeth seems to have bounced back from COVID ... because she hosted Justin Trudeau for her first in-person engagement since beating the virus.
The Queen seemed in good spirits as she welcomed the Canadian PM with a smile Monday at Windsor Castle.
The two shook hands and shared a warm embrace. He's in the UK to meet with PM Boris Johnson, Netherlands PM Mark Rutte and other allies to talk about the war in Ukraine.
The queen and Trudeau have known each other since he was a child and his dad served as the Canadian PM ... so it make sense he would stop to see the longest reigning monarch.
The 95-year-old monarch tested positive for Covid-19 back in February. Her symptoms were mild ... and she even performed light duties as the virus ran its course.
BTW, Queen Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle at the start of the pandemic, back in 2020. Originally, she lived about an hour away in Buckingham Palace and visited the castle for weekend getaways. But, now she'll likely live permanently at the castle.
Nice to see the Queen's bounced back.
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Sean Penn Emotionally Recalls Meeting Zelensky During Russian Attacks
Sean Penn gets choked up remembering his face-to-face meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as war erupted ... and as Russia's invasion intensifies, he's commending Zelensky's bravery.
Speaking out for the first time since leaving war-torn Ukraine, Penn told CNN's Anderson Cooper he couldn't help but praise Zelensky for all he's doing to protect his people. He said, "I don't know if he knew that he was born for this, but it was clear I was in the presence of something ... that was new to the modern world in terms of courage and dignity and love that comes out of that man."
Penn says he met Ukraine's president before the invasion, and then again on the day it started -- amid the chaos and uncertainty, he says Zelensky showed nothing but courage ... which Penn says is also evident in all Ukrainians.
Irpin bridge amid civilian evacuation fired at by Russia.
— Oleksiy Sorokin (@mrsorokaa) March 6, 2022 @mrsorokaa
Ukrainian Territorial Defense soldier moments before the blast says “everything is bad, yesterday we evacuated kids, bodies of civilians.”pic.twitter.com/KwxizG6N1g
He described his escape to the Polish border as pure terror -- seeing thousands of families fleeing for their lives while the men were forced to stay behind and defend their country ... as the Russian shelling began.
Penn believes after seeing the nightmare first-hand, negative effects could ripple out to the rest of the world ... adding America could "plummet off a cliff" if it doesn't choose to support Ukraine.
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Elon Musk Assures Zelensky More Starlink Stations On the Way
It seems in this increasingly troubled world, all roads lead to Elon Musk, and that was evident again Saturday after he hopped on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky says Musk is providing more Starlink satellite internet stations to some of Ukraine's "destroyed cities."
Musk assured Zelensky terminals are on the way to Ukraine ... courtesy of SpaceX.
Zelensky said, "Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities."
Zelensky talking to Elon Musk through a video call and inviting him to Ukraine after the war ends. #StandWithUkraine️ #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineRussianWar #UkraineUnderAttaсk #Zelenskiy pic.twitter.com/83dLMP2V4C
— Ukraine News UK (@UkraineNewsUK) March 6, 2022 @UkraineNewsUK
And this is interesting ... Zelensky is confident about the future of Ukraine to add, "Discussed possible space projects. But I’ll talk about this after the war.”
There's been a massive number of internet outages in Ukraine, and Musk had said a few days ago he was stepping up to activate Starlink satellite internet service to the country.
The Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation had tweeted a plea to Musk a few days ago, "@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand."
Musk apparently heard the Minister loud and clear.
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George Takei Americans, Suck It Up on Higher Prices ... Do It for Ukraine!!!
George Takei thinks Americans need to be willing to tighten their belt and shoulder bloated checkout tallies in solidarity with Ukraine -- but he's kinda catching heat for the suggestion.
The 'Star Trek' actor took to Twitter Friday with his sentiment, writing ... "Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny."
Sounds innocent enough -- fact is, there is bound to be more inflation as a result of this conflict and the sanctions President Biden has imposed ... whether we like it or not.
If anything, it sounds like GT is telling folks to have a better attitude about it rather than actually proposing they act on it ... 'cause, frankly, there isn't much to do at the moment. Now, as you can imagine ... his idea is being embraced by some, but rejected by others.
George Takei (net worth $14 million) telling Americans who are struggling financially that we should be okay with paying more for gas and supplies because of a conflict that doesn't involve us is peak elitism
— Mark (@MarcassTV) March 5, 2022 @MarcassTV
The pushback ... namely, that George is a rich celebrity, and he comes off a bit tone-deaf here telling ordinary people to chip in for a good cause -- at least in his critics' eyes. Essentially, it's sounding like an elitist POV (to them) ... and talking down to "little people."
Big picture ... this convo is turning into rich vs. poor, which is a raging debate in this country -- as it seems there's a growing hatred of the 1%, whom many feel could be/should be contributing more to help society. In this case, George is on the receiving end of that.
This guy is a multimillionaire. If you’re living on a shoestring budget, you can’t afford to put screws to Putin.
— Brian Onorio (@brianonorio) March 5, 2022 @brianonorio
George Takei doesn’t care because this won’t hurt him. But he wants you to do your patriotic duty. https://t.co/h02r6bUNfm
Of course, the flip side of this is ... who the hell knows what George may already be doing and/or donating to help the cause in Ukraine? He could be pouring tons of cash and other resources toward the effort without anyone's knowledge -- and if he is, would he still be considered an opulent snob up in the ivory tower??? If we're being honest ... probably not.
More importantly, higher prices undoubtedly affect him too. Yes, it hurts some more than others, for sure, but when the economy is squeezed ... it's not really ideal for anyone.
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LINDSEY GRAHAM DRAGGED BY NAVY SEAL WHO KILLED BIN LADEN ... Over Putin Assassination Talk
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Lindsey Graham is getting dragged for saying someone in Russia should murder Putin, and by a person that knows a lot about the subject -- the Navy SEAL who shot and killed Osama bin Laden.
Robert O'Neill tells TMZ ... as a Senator, Graham shouldn't have made those comments. He notes Graham's a part of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and believes the Senator should be using those backdoor channels to get the work done instead of talking about it on news TV -- noting politicians shouldn't be worrying about ratings.
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Senator Graham took to Fox News on Friday, responding to the terrors developing in Ukraine ... saying "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country and the world a great service."
Now, Robert doesn't completely disagree with Graham, telling us someone on the inside should put a hit on Putin if the madness doesn't end soon. For now, he's hoping this can all end without getting messy and one of Putin's associates knocks some sense into him!
Robert says Putin is losing his mind ... and something needs to get done quickly, as innocent people die every day in Ukraine.
As for Graham, he thinks both sides of politics have people that don't know what they're talking about.
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Rep. Adam Kinzinger I'm with Graham on Taking Out Putin ... But, Don't be so Blunt
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Rep. Adam Kinzinger is on board with encouraging the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he admits America's leaders need to be very careful about how and where they say that.
The Republican congressman joined us Friday on "TMZ live," and we got his reaction to Sen. Lindsey Graham's controversial comments ... calling for Russians to kill Putin. He actually agrees with Graham about taking out Putin, but says he doesn't think the U.S. has to be the one to do it.
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Kinzinger says the whole point of seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs is to push them toward taking out Putin.
Sen. Graham came under fire Friday after publicly pushing the notion of assassination.
However, Kinzinger did acknowledge words matter, and the last thing we want to do is stir up folks in Russia to rally against the U.S.
As far as other folks within the Republican party going after Graham for his comments, Rep. Kinzinger says he respects them too and adds ... it's good for politicians in the same party to have a mind of their own.
BTW, Kinzinger also caught some flak after he said the U.S. needs to get involved and put a no-fly zone over Ukraine -- but, he seems to understand the pushback against it.
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Senator Lindsey Graham Calls for the Assassination of Putin ... Draws Fire from Both Parties
3/4/22
Senator Lindsey Graham has said out loud what lots of people have been wishing, but the reality is ... calling for the assassination of a foreign leader is a dangerous, even reckless game.
Graham appeared on Fox News Thursday and called for someone in Russia to "step up to the plate" ... "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country and the world a great service."
Graham was direct, asking, "Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military?"
Graham then doubled down in a tweet ... “Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate."
Putin has become a despised war criminal who is randomly killing innocent civilians, flirting with nuclear reactor disaster and destroying a country. He's also become extremely unstable and paranoid.
The problem -- several problems -- what Russia and the world could end up with could be even worse. Maybe more to the point ... it's dangerous for American leaders to call for the assassination of a head of state. It's hard to maintain moral high ground when we call for the violent overthrow of another government. We should've learned that from the Bay of Pigs.
Graham's remarks drew fire from both parties. Rep Ilhan Omar tweeted, "I really wish our members of Congress would cool it and regulate their remarks as the administration works to avoid WWlll."
Sen. Ted Cruz echoed the sentiment ... "This is an exceptionally bad idea. Use massive economic sanctions; BOYCOTT Russian oil & gas; and provide military aid so the Ukrainians can defend themselves," Cruz tweeted. "But we should not be calling for the assassination of heads of state."
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Michael Rapaport Zelensky Is An inspiration ... From One Jewish Comedian To Another!!!
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Michael Rapaport is commending President Zelensky for his bravery ... giving his seal of approval to a fellow Jewish man and comedian.
We got Michael in NYC on Thursday, and he had nothing but praise for the Ukrainian President -- who Rapaport believes has been a great leader through such uncertain times.
Michael tells us "[Zelensky]'s been vocal, he's been emotional ... it's been inspiring to me as a Jewish man."
As for how he'd handle a situation similar to Zelensky, Rapaport jokes he'd simply call the guy for help.
Of course, Zelensky was a very famous comedian and actor in Ukraine before becoming President, a role Rapaport believes he should keep -- because he's excelling -- and leave the entertainment biz behind.
Before Zelensky was elected into office in 2019, he starred in a show called "Servant of the People," where he filled a similar role -- a teacher that becomes president and becomes an icon of bravery. Life imitating art.
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Jon Stewart Zelensky's Got Real Balls
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Jon Stewart is blown away by what he's seeing in Ukraine ... first by Volodymyr Zelensky's remarkable leadership, and second by seeing war play out in real-time on social media.
We got the former 'Daily Show' host Wednesday on Capitol Hill and asked him about the Russian invasion and what he's seeing from his fellow comic, who is now leading Ukraine.
Jon says comedians are usually not the most courageous bunch ... which is what makes Zelensky's strong leadership in the face of the massive Russian army so impressive.
The Russians have the military advantage, at least on paper, and are bombing the crap out of Ukraine ... and Jon says it's remarkable to see Zelensky and his people holding it together in the face of danger.
Jon also says it's unfathomable to see the real cost of war unfold on TikTok, pointing out it's a lot more intense than the old WWII footage, and offers this sobering point ... we're not that far away from the grand mistakes of the past.
Still, it's clear Jon believes Ukraine is in good hands with their entertainer-turned-president ... and Stewart tells us if he thinks another celeb president would work in the States.
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Whoopi Goldberg Pay Attention, America ... 'Take Notes' from Prez Zelensky
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Whoopi Goldberg hopes Americans never have to imagine being in a situation similar to the Russia-Ukraine war -- but if we do, we should get inspiration from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
We got Whoopi leaving Harry Belafontes 95th birthday party at The Town Hall Tuesday night in New York and asked what Americans can learn from Zelensky, and her response was simple -- keep fighting for your country!
Whoopi says what we're seeing in Ukraine is nothing short of heroics ... with Zelensky refusing to leave his people behind, and defending your homeland is something everyone can get behind.
Zelensky has been proving his bravery, since leading his country's charge to fend off Vladimir Putin's Russian forces, and gave a rousing speech to the European Parliament on Tuesday ... saying he'd fight to the death for his country.
The speech -- coming on the heels of an attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city -- received a standing ovation.
Following countless attacks on his country, Zelensky refuses to accept defeat ... urging his citizens to join him in the battle.
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President Zelensky Mr. Putin, 'You are Killing Holocaust Victims for the Second Time'
President Volodymyr Zelensky turned the tables on Putin Wednesday, telegraphing he was acting like a Nazi by bombing a sacred part of his country that has become a memorial to Ukrainian Holocaust victims.
Zelensky was incredulous over the Russians bombing Babyn Yar, the site where 33,000 Jews were killed by the Nazis in 1941. It is sacred ground in Ukraine and the bombing has further galvanized the country.
It's rich, right? Putin brazenly lied in a weak attempt to justify the invasion by saying he was doing it to rid Ukraine of Nazis, but by bombing Babyn Yar he's acted like one himself. As Zelensky said, "You are killing Holocaust victims for the second time."
Zelensky went on to observe, "Nazism is born in silence." He has been defending his country on 2 fronts -- internally against the Russians, and externally by pressuring the U.S., European allies and other countries to lend a hand.
As the Russian invasion intensified, Zelensky remains strong, speaking of what things will look like "after the victory."
He ended with 3 simple but stirring words ... "Glory to Ukraine!"
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Pres. Biden's SOTU Justice Breyer Goes Full-Blown Humble ... During Shout-Out
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer got name-dropped at President Biden's State of the Union address -- but even on his way out ... the guy was a picture of modesty, almost to the point that it was kinda funny.
Biden mentioned Breyer was retiring at one point in his speech, and took a moment to thank him for his service on the bench -- over 2 decades worth -- which got a big round of applause from just about everybody in the House Chamber ... Dems and Republicans alike.
You could tell the longtime SCOTUS servant was grateful for the shout-out, but watch what happened when JB asked him to stand ... he obliged, but almost immediately parked it again after a brief rise to his feet!
He was also doing a ton of appreciative hand gestures, mouthing "thank you" and waving to both Biden and the congress members ... like we said, very humble and meek.
Funny enough, Justice Breyer kept the deferential vibes going even the Prez had wrapped up his remarks ... sharing a quick word with him on the House floor, but then allowing Joe to shake hands with others as soon as he sensed his time with 46 was nearing an end.
Super respectful of him ... which just speaks to his character -- aka, good dude. Other Justices were on hand as well -- including Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts. JB's newest pick, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, was also mentioned.
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Bethenny Frankel Sending $16 Mil in Aid to Ukraine... Lean, Efficient Strategy Saves Lives
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Bethenny Frankel is commanding an army of her own -- hundreds of people tasked with saving Ukrainians as Russia invades their homeland, and how she does it is a remarkable lesson in efficiency.
The philanthropist and entrepreneur joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday to talk more about her Bstrong initiative, which is raising millions and sending aid to the war-torn country. Bethenny had announced her partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, pledging $10 mil in food, medical aid and other supplies.
All of that aid's being boxed up in her South Florida warehouse ... but on top of that, Bstrong continues to raise even more cash -- more than $5 million -- to help fleeing Ukrainians at the Poland border relocate. As for how she's pulling off this extraordinary humanitarian effort -- Bethenny tells us it's all about being "efficient and lean," and knowing where help is most needed.
She adds, for anyone looking to donate their cash to her initiative, your money certainly won't go to waste 'cause her team is on the ground working.
CLEAR MANDATE: REFUGEES OUT…AID IN… 🇺🇦 xo #refugeesoutaidin
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) March 1, 2022 @Bethenny
It's no surprise Bethenny's among those leading the charge ... she says she's gotten lots of training in relief efforts for natural disasters, like tropical storms in Texas, the Caribbean and the Australian wildfires. She says her history of putting on big productions, with many moving parts, has helped hone her get-it-done mindset.
So far, the Bstrong warehouse already raised more than 16 million in aid, and Bethenny says donations are coming in every 3 seconds.
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Ukraine's Zelensky Rousing Speech to European Parliament ... Amid Russian Bombing
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had fellow European leaders on their feet after pleading for entry into the EU ... this after a devastating attack on the country's second-largest city.
Zelensky beamed in to address the European Parliament Tuesday, where he spent about 3 minutes addressing what he and his people are currently fighting for -- namely, freedom and sovereignty from Russia, whose forces unleashed a missile attack on an area called Freedom Square in Kharkiv ... destroying a building and killing at least 10.
Ukraine accused Russia of terrorism and war crimes as a result, and the destruction was top of mind for Zelensky Tuesday during his speech -- one that drew applause (and perhaps even tears) from representatives of several neighboring countries, who listened attentively.
Of the many memorable lines he said, Zelensky's mention of the price of freedom Ukraine was paying to preserve its borders was one he was happily willing to pay -- even as the situation becomes more dire by the day, and Russia's military closes in.
And yet, Zelensky said he'd fight to the death, if necessary, to make sure Ukraine is maintained ... this while also reasserting his request to be allowed entry into the EU as quickly as possible -- so that Ukraine can receive even more help, including on-the-ground reinforcements if necessary.
He also said that every square in Ukraine would be known as Freedom Square in the wake of Tuesday's attack -- finally issuing one final plea to ask the EU to stand with them beyond what they're already doing ... again, by granting them a membership to the EU ASAP.
When he wrapped ... the entire room gave him a standing O and a huge round of applause. Zelensky even had the CNN translator weeping during multiple sections of his remarks.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky From Dancer To Defender ... On 'Dancing with the Stars'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become a worldwide war hero, but long before he ascended to the Presidency -- he showed some mad skills on the dance floor.
Think about it. #Putin, that all his life wanted to be seen as the 'tough guy', is getting humiliated by a former comedian who once won the #Ukrainian version of 'Dancing with the Stars'. #Zelenskyy is a Legend. Putin is definitely mad. 😆 pic.twitter.com/3U8qpQqdQr
— WallStreetPro (@wallstreetpro) February 27, 2022 @wallstreetpro
Zelensky appeared on the Ukrainian version of "Dancing with the Stars" back in 2006, and he was awesome. The video, which has gone viral, shows Zelensky in a variety of costumes with moves that would impress a pro. That's not just our opinion, it's the judge's as well, because Zelensky won!
BTW ... one of the dances features Zelensky with partner Olena Shoptenko, wearing blindfolds as they mentally counted steps, hitting their marks with perfection.
At the time he appeared on the show, Zelensky was starring in the political satire comedy, "Servant of the People." The show went off the air in 2019, the year Zelensky turned art into life and won the Presidency.
BTW ... before ascending to the Presidency, Zelensky voiced Paddington in the Ukranian version of both "Paddington" and "Paddington 2."
It's gotta rankle Putin ... knowing that a former comedian has captured the hearts and minds of the world, as he falls into dark isolation.