Polish troops will be backed by more military spending to deter any attack by Russia. Reuters
Polish troops will be backed by more military spending to deter any attack by Russia. Reuters
Polish troops will be backed by more military spending to deter any attack by Russia. Reuters
Polish troops will be backed by more military spending to deter any attack by Russia. Reuters

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Europe

Ukraine war leads to Poland doubling size of army

Warsaw sends 100 T-72 tanks and Thunderbolt missiles into Ukraine with a MiG-29 deal likely, defence sources confirm

Thomas Harding
Thomas Harding
Warsaw

April 15, 2022

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Poland is expected to double the size of its army as part of a defence overhaul, while it has discreetly sent 100 tanks to Ukraine, it has been confirmed to The National.

The country will also substantially modernise its arms, getting the latest US Patriot missile defence system, modern US Abrams tanks and potentially advanced F-35 stealth fighters, Polish defence experts said.

In addition to the T-72 tanks, Poland is sending scores of its latest Piorun Thunderbolt anti-aircraft missiles into Ukraine. The hand-held missiles can travel at 660 metres a second, attacking jets, helicopters or drones to an altitude of 4,000 metres.

In addition, the deal to export about 30 Polish MiG-29 multi-role fighters to Ukraine is likely to go ahead soon, defence sources confirmed.

Previously countries have been wary of sending offensive weaponry to Ukraine for fear of escalating the conflict, but Russia’s atrocities and devastation of towns and cities has changed that view.

“The right to escalate … is entirely appropriate,” a western official said. “Russia's conducted an illegal invasion of Ukraine, used indiscriminate force against civilians with questions over whether war crimes have been committed.”

Nato countries bordering Russia — Poland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — are urging the alliance’s forces to double in strength to deter Russian invasion with permanent bases while all announced large defence spending increases.

“That could certainly deter Russia from taking offensive action,” said Filip Bryjka, an analyst for the PISM think tank in Warsaw. “The threat from Russia is systemic and it will not disappear; so with the experiences that the Ukrainian army has seen, Poland needs to rapidly increase its defences.”

Currently America has 10,000 troops in Poland and Britain 150. While it waits for more Nato troops, the Polish government has pressed ahead with a Homeland Defence Act that will increase its professional army from 120,000 to 250,000, including 50,000 reservists.

The gravity of the Russian threat is such that Warsaw has dramatically increased defence spending from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent of GDP, heralding a rise to more than $20 billion by 2023.

Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak at a military base where Polish and US troops are training together. Getty
Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak at a military base where Polish and US troops are training together. Getty

In addition to a delivery of 250 US Abrams tanks, it is likely that F-16 fighters will arrive to support the MiG-29s.

The jets and tanks are urgently needed by Kyiv as it faces a major offensive in the east. But defence intelligence sources suggest that heavy rainfall is hindering any Russian advance while Ukraine special forces strike behind enemy lines.

Adding to the low Russian morale is the loss of the Black Sea flagship cruiser Moskva that sank on Thursday.

“We are hoping that the Ukrainians can win this war and if they get enough weaponry Russia can be defeated,” said Wojciech Kononczuk, deputy director of the Centre for Eastern Studies. “This is something which was probably unimaginable six weeks ago.”

He said that Russia was not only seeking to control Ukraine but “to establish a new international order in Europe” that would reflect the Moscow regime.

In June, Nato countries will assemble in Madrid for a key summit that will determine a new strategy to deter Russia.

Given its role in the Ukraine war, Poland has become one of the key voices, Mr Bryjka said. “Poland is now heard because we were signalling for years how Russia should be perceived, but some eastern countries ignored this. They thought that our approach was based on our historical trauma. Nato now has to change its thinking. Because of Russia the risk of a large conventional conflict in our region is higher than ever since 1991.”

Poland’s Defence Ministry told The National that it expected a “robust package of decisions” rapidly made at the summit because the war had changed “the European security environment for years to come”.

The new posture had to provide “credible deterrence across the entire eastern border of Nato” that should include “robust forward stationing”.

“We are counting on the US, UK, Germany and other allies' support for the ambitious decisions in this regard,” a spokeswoman said.

Despite increasing its defence budget by $100 billion, Germany’s hesitancy in sending arms and embargoing Russian fuel imports has infuriated Poles as well as Ukrainians.

“The Germans are the weakest link in the western response to the war,” Mr Kononczuk said. “Thank God, there is strong American and British leadership in this conflict.”

While the Poles understand decisions take longer in Germany’s coalition government there is an expectation for action. “They have a moral obligation,” Mr Bryjka said. “But currently there is huge disappointment in Germany’s practical steps.”

Other countries bordering Russia or its ally Belarus, in particular the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have also moved to shore up their defences to prepare for any attack by Russia.

Ukrainian Nicolai, 41, says goodbye to his daughter Elina, 4, and his wife Lolita, on a train bound for Poland fleeing from the war at the train station in Lviv, western Ukraine. AP Photo
Ukrainian Nicolai, 41, says goodbye to his daughter Elina, 4, and his wife Lolita, on a train bound for Poland fleeing from the war at the train station in Lviv, western Ukraine. AP Photo
A damaged Russian artillery tank is seen, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Trostianets, Sumy region, Ukraine. Reuters
A damaged Russian artillery tank is seen, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Trostianets, Sumy region, Ukraine. Reuters
Oksana Kolesnikova cries during the funeral of her son Anatoliy Kolesnikov, 30, a territorial defense soldier who was killed by Russian soldiers in Irpin, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP Photo
Oksana Kolesnikova cries during the funeral of her son Anatoliy Kolesnikov, 30, a territorial defense soldier who was killed by Russian soldiers in Irpin, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP Photo
US actor and director Liev Schreiber prepares meals in the kitchen of the 'World Central Kitchen', for war refugees from Ukraine staying in Przemysl, Poland. EPA
US actor and director Liev Schreiber prepares meals in the kitchen of the 'World Central Kitchen', for war refugees from Ukraine staying in Przemysl, Poland. EPA
A Ukrainian boy musician plays his sax to entertain citizens in a square, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Dinipro, Ukraine. Reuters
A Ukrainian boy musician plays his sax to entertain citizens in a square, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Dinipro, Ukraine. Reuters
The turret of a destroyed tank near the village of Zalissya, north-east of Kyiv. AFP
The turret of a destroyed tank near the village of Zalissya, north-east of Kyiv. AFP
An unexploded shell in a field in Teterivka, near Kyiv. Reuters
An unexploded shell in a field in Teterivka, near Kyiv. Reuters
A building damaged during fighting in Mariupol, which is holding out against the Russian invasion. AP Photo
A building damaged during fighting in Mariupol, which is holding out against the Russian invasion. AP Photo
A soldier from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic during fighting in Mariupol. AP Photo
A soldier from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic during fighting in Mariupol. AP Photo
A tank destroyed in the village of Termakhivka, Kyiv region. Reuters
A tank destroyed in the village of Termakhivka, Kyiv region. Reuters
The main station in Dnipro, central Ukraine, where a city official said the remains of more than 1,500 Russian soldiers were being kept in its morgues. AFP
The main station in Dnipro, central Ukraine, where a city official said the remains of more than 1,500 Russian soldiers were being kept in its morgues. AFP
A torn Ukrainian flag hangs in front a damaged apartment building in Mariupol. Reuters
A torn Ukrainian flag hangs in front a damaged apartment building in Mariupol. Reuters
A Ukrainian child seeking asylum in the US is driven on a bus to the border from Tijuana, Mexico. Reuters
A Ukrainian child seeking asylum in the US is driven on a bus to the border from Tijuana, Mexico. Reuters
Brothers in arms of serviceman Taras Bobanych, who was killed during the fighting with Russia, carry his portrait and coffin at his funeral in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. AFP
Brothers in arms of serviceman Taras Bobanych, who was killed during the fighting with Russia, carry his portrait and coffin at his funeral in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. AFP
From left to right; Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Latvian President Egils Levits and Estonian President Alar Karis pose for a picture before a meeting in Kyiv. Reuters
From left to right; Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Latvian President Egils Levits and Estonian President Alar Karis pose for a picture before a meeting in Kyiv. Reuters
Local residents shelter in the basement of a residential building amid shelling in Lysychansk, in the Luhansk region. AFP
Local residents shelter in the basement of a residential building amid shelling in Lysychansk, in the Luhansk region. AFP
Local residents view a destroyed car next to a multi-storey building in Lysychansk. AFP
Local residents view a destroyed car next to a multi-storey building in Lysychansk. AFP
Ukrainian artillery shells Russian troops' position on the front line near Lysychansk. AFP
Ukrainian artillery shells Russian troops' position on the front line near Lysychansk. AFP
Natalya Verbova, 49, and her son attend the funeral of her husband Andriy Verbovyi, 55, who was killed by Russian soldiers while defending Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
Natalya Verbova, 49, and her son attend the funeral of her husband Andriy Verbovyi, 55, who was killed by Russian soldiers while defending Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
The father and a friend of Anatoliy Kolesnikov, 30, who was killed by Russian soldiers in his car trying to leave Irpin, mourn his death outside the morgue in Bucha. AP
The father and a friend of Anatoliy Kolesnikov, 30, who was killed by Russian soldiers in his car trying to leave Irpin, mourn his death outside the morgue in Bucha. AP
Pedestrians walk past artwork by the LBWS street art collective on a street in Odesa. AFP
Pedestrians walk past artwork by the LBWS street art collective on a street in Odesa. AFP
Engineers inspect damage to the bridge that connects Kyiv with Irpin. AP
Engineers inspect damage to the bridge that connects Kyiv with Irpin. AP
The mark of a shell is seen on a street in Irpin. AP
The mark of a shell is seen on a street in Irpin. AP
A boy shows the shell of a bullet in Bucha. AP
A boy shows the shell of a bullet in Bucha. AP
Cemetery worker Artem, exhausted, looks at the sky while working on the grave of Andriy Verbovyi, who was killed by Russian soldiers while serving in Bucha territorial defense. AP
Cemetery worker Artem, exhausted, looks at the sky while working on the grave of Andriy Verbovyi, who was killed by Russian soldiers while serving in Bucha territorial defense. AP
Nadiya Trubchaninova, 70, with her son Oleg Trubchaninov, 46, inside the room of her son Vadym, 48, who was killed by Russian soldiers on March 30 in Bucha. AP
Nadiya Trubchaninova, 70, with her son Oleg Trubchaninov, 46, inside the room of her son Vadym, 48, who was killed by Russian soldiers on March 30 in Bucha. AP
A relative cries after the body of a civilian was exhumed from a shallow grave near his home in the village of Andriivka, in Kyiv region. AFP
A relative cries after the body of a civilian was exhumed from a shallow grave near his home in the village of Andriivka, in Kyiv region. AFP

How Nato's front line is rearming to deter Russia

Vladimir Putin saw Nato’s growing presence near Russia’s borders as a justification for invading Ukraine, but his offensive has only succeeded in redoubling defence commitments from countries along the 1,215-kilometre fault line between the two nuclear-armed camps.

The five Nato countries that border Russia — Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Norway — have all announced substantial increases in military spending since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine.

These include one-off budget jackpots granted to the military to prepare the country’s defences as well as longer-term plans to exceed the Nato target of spending 2 per cent of national income on defence.

Other countries including Britain and Denmark have increased their troop presence on Nato’s eastern flank as the alliance prepares what Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called a reset of its posture towards Russia.

Poland

2021 defence spending: 2.3 per cent of GDP ($15.4 billion)

Planned 2023 defence spending: 3.0 per cent of GDP (estimated $20.8 billion at current prices)

Poland’s aim of spending 3 per cent of GDP on defence would make it one of Nato’s most prolific spenders, with only the US and Greece having exceeded that threshold last year.

It plans to increase troop numbers and modernise equipment after fighting in western Ukraine came within less than 50 kilometres of Poland, which is already sandwiched between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

Poland this month signed a $6bn deal to buy 250 Abrams SEPv3 tanks from the US, with the first 28 scheduled to arrive this year for training and the remainder arriving by 2026.

The government in Warsaw has also proposed that defence spending should be exempt from fiscal restraints in the European Union.

Estonia

2021 defence spending: 2.2 per cent of GDP (estimated $771 million)

Planned 2023 defence spending: 2.5 per cent of GDP (estimated $955 million)

Estonia has emphasised the need to be ready to fight an invasion as soon as it happens rather than waiting for Nato allies to bail it out once an attacker has already inflicted the kind of carnage seen in Ukraine.

The Baltic country has been one of the few Nato members consistently meeting the 2 per cent spending target in recent years, beating that threshold every year since 2015.

Now aiming for 2.5 per cent, it will reinforce its anti-tank and anti-aircraft defences with a special €476m ($517m) spending increase that will also put money towards situational awareness and indirect fire weapons.

Another €86m will go on civil defence, with the police, border guards and internal security service all expected to play their part in military preparedness.

Estonian soldiers defend a dug-in position attacked by British troops posing as enemy fighters during exercises in the Baltic country. PA
Estonian soldiers defend a dug-in position attacked by British troops posing as enemy fighters during exercises in the Baltic country. PA

Lithuania

2021 defence spending: 2.0 per cent of GDP ($1.3 billion)

Planned 2023 defence spending: 2.5 per cent of GDP (estimated $1.7 billion)

A spending increase in Lithuania will include €158m ($172m) for weapons, €67m ($73m) for ammunition and €22m ($24m) for supplies such as medical equipment, communications gear and bulletproof vests.

The country also plans to speed up its procurement of multiple rocket launchers, unmanned combat drones and cybersecurity hardware.

Defence officials say they plan to sign contracts with Germany and the US to modernise Lithuania’s army which would be worth more than a billion euros ($1.09bn) each by 2027.

Another deal with domestic manufacturers will see the army acquire defensive drones that can jam the navigation and video transmission signals of an attacker’s unmanned aircraft.

Latvia

2021 defence spending: 2.2 per cent of GDP ($835 million)

Planned 2023 defence spending: 2.25 per cent of GDP (estimated $920 million)

Latvia, which like Estonia directly borders the Russian mainland, has raised its military spending target to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2025.

The extra money will be used for medium-range air defence systems, ground force mechanisation and cybersecurity, among other upgrades.

Some of the money will go on recruitment, with ministers urging citizens to consider joining the army or signing up for reservist training courses.

Norway

2021 defence spending: 1.7 per cent of GDP ($7.4 billion)

Planned 2023 defence spending: Not yet set

Norway will spend an extra 3 billion kroner ($342 million) sailing more frigates, submarines and coastguard vessels in the far northern reaches of Europe and increasing stocks of fuel and ammunition.

It says a Russian invasion might be unlikely but that the Kremlin has significant economic and security interests in the region, where it shares a 196km land border and a large maritime frontier with Norway.

Some of the extra money will be used to increase Norway’s capacity to receive allied troops and strengthen cyber defence and intelligence. There are also plans for a new civil defence system in which an emergency alert could be sent to every mobile phone in the country in 30 seconds.

Other countries

Germany is planning both a one-off $112bn spending spree to modernise the military after years of underinvestment, and a longer-term budget increase to reach the Nato 2 per cent target which the country has repeatedly missed — landing at 1.5 per cent last year.

In Denmark, ministers are aiming to increase spending to meet the Nato target although not until 2033. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced a referendum on whether to scrap Denmark’s exemption from the EU’s common security and defence policies.

Britain has not made new spending commitments since Russia invaded Ukraine but previously pledged to raise the military budget above inflation every year until at least 2024.

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On Women's Day
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Two-step truce

The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.

By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National. 

The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.

The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.

The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.

Farage on Muslim Brotherhood

Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

RESULTS

2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Masaali, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).

2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Almoreb, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Imprison, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Raahy, Adrie de Vries, Jaber Ramadhan.

4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Cross The Ocean, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m. Winner: Sa’Ada, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash.

The Al Barzakh Festival takes place on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm in the Red Theatre, NYUAD, Saadiyat Island. Tickets cost Dh105 for adults from platinumlist.net

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on this story:
While you're here
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
School uniforms report
War on waste
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
While you're here
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

More coverage from the Future Forum
The specs: Macan Turbo

Engine: Dual synchronous electric motors
Power: 639hp
Torque: 1,130Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Touring range: 591km
Price: From Dh412,500
On sale: Deliveries start in October

On Women's Day
THE BIO

Age: 33

Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill

Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.

Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?

Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in

Jumanji: The Next Level

Director: Jake Kasdan

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Nick Jonas 

Two out of five stars 

Bio

Born in Dubai in 1994
Her father is a retired Emirati police officer and her mother is originally from Kuwait
She Graduated from the American University of Sharjah in 2015 and is currently working on her Masters in Communication from the University of Sharjah.
Her favourite film is Pacific Rim, directed by Guillermo del Toro

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

World Mental Health Day
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

On the menu

First course

▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water  

▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle

Second course

▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo

▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa

Third course

▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro

▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis

Dessert

▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate

▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
 

While you're here
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company%C2%A0profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Updated: April 15, 2022, 10:23 AM`
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