Hard Numbers: Soviet-made weapons for Ukraine, Russia in Africa, Argentina-IMF deal, porous US border wall

Hard Numbers: Soviet-made weapons for Ukraine, Russia in Africa, Argentina-IMF deal, porous US border wall
Ukraine's military fires a Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system during drills in Volyn.
Ukrainian Ground Forces Command/Handout via REUTERS

2,700: After historically reversing its ban on sending deadly weapons to countries in conflict, Germany now plans to supply 2,700 Strela missiles to Ukraine. Interestingly, the Strelas were made in the USSR and have been held in an old depot in the former East Germany, where Vladimir Putin had his last gig with the KGB.

25: US officials are worried Sudan’s ruling junta may resurrect a suspended 2020 agreement to give Russia a 25-year lease on a naval base in Port Sudan. The deal would be a major milestone in Moscow's wider push to become a major player in Africa.

40 billion: Argentina’s parliament is debating an agreement between the government and the IMF to restructure over $40 billion of debt. The agreement is expected to pass, despite the ruling Peronista party having lost its majority in the upper house, and some of its hardline MPs opposing compromise with the IMF.

3,272: Mexican smugglers penetrated new sections of the US border wall 3,272 times over the past three years, using cheap tools like angle grinders and demolition saws available at hardware stores. The US government spent $2.6 million to fix the holes from 2019 to 2021.

More from GZERO Media

October 21, 2025: The owner of this cattle feedlot in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, USA, used to fly a Trump/Vance flag. The Trump/Vance flag is no longer flying at the feedlot.

Jerry Mennenga/ZUMA Press Wire

These days, US farmers aren’t just worried about the weather jeopardizing their harvests. They’re keeping a close eye on geopolitical storms as well.

The United States is #winning. But while the short-term picture looks strong, the United States is systematically trading long-term strategic advantages for more immediate tactical gains, with the accumulating costs hiding in plain sight.

- YouTube

Who really shapes and influences the development of AI? The creators or the users? Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42 argues it’s both. “I actually do not subscribe that the creators have so much control they can program every intent into this technology so users can only just respond and be part of that design,” he explains at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Global AI Summit.

Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani getsures on stage after winning the 2025 New York City mayoral race, at an election night rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, USA, on November 4, 2025.
REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City yesterday following a social-media-first campaign that was laser-focused on affordability. His real challenge, though, has only just begun.