Phantom

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said those who called the Commonwealth of Independent States a 'geopolitical phantom' and a 'myth' had made a strategic miscalculation, according to state outlet SB Belarus. His remarks come as regional cooperation continues in the post-Soviet space, with Russia signing a two-year cooperation programme with Turkmenistan's foreign ministry.

The Wall Street Journal reports that so-called 'phantom' data centers are requesting far more electricity from power grids than they actually use, distorting grid planning. The phenomenon, in which developers overstate or speculate on power needs, is drawing scrutiny from utilities and regulators as AI-driven demand forecasts pressure already stretched electricity systems.

Deva Cassel is trending in Italy after the release of the trailer and synopsis for "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra", a new screen adaptation of the classic story. The trailer gives audiences a first look at the production, and the young Italian-French model and actress is generating curiosity about her role as she continues building her film career.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Armenia's former leadership military criminals and accused current Yerevan authorities of territorial claims against Baku, speaking around a CIS summit where he also met Cambodia's prime minister. Elsewhere at the summit, Lukashenko defended the CIS against critics who called it a 'geopolitical phantom', while Lavrov, Araghchi and Bayramov spoke informally ahead of the meeting. Talk of a four-track peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues.

Japanese girl group Phantom Siita has released a music video for its song serving as the ending theme of HOTEL INHUMANS season 2. The anime's second season is airing now, and the group's involvement in its soundtrack is drawing attention from anime and music fans following the video's release.

Battlefield 6 has received a Game of the Year edition that bundles the base game, the Phantom Pack and a Battlefield Pro pass. The launch coincides with the game arriving on EA Play and the start of Season 5, which adds new maps and game modes. Players and gaming outlets are sharing details of the bundle and the new seasonal content.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, released in 1999 as the fourth film in the series, grossed over US$1.047 billion worldwide on a production budget of US$113.8 million. The film earned three Academy Award nominations and three Saturn Award nominations, winning an MTV Movie Award.

A new variety show, 'Phantom Siita no Iwakan' ('Phantom Siita's Uncanny Hall'), has launched, centered on the unconventional female idol group Phantom Siita, produced by singer Ado. The program leans into the group's signature 'eerie' or unsettling aesthetic, offering a skewed take on the idol variety format, and is drawing attention among fans of Ado and Japanese idol culture.

Ukrainian defence technology company Phantom Defense has acquired Karakurt, a developer of nets designed to entangle and bring down drones, and has absorbed its team. Alongside the deal, Phantom Defense unveiled a new counter-UAV system, releasing photos and videos of the equipment. The move highlights Ukraine's rapidly growing drone warfare industry as the country continues to develop defenses against Russian aerial attacks.