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Ukraine war: Missiles fired at Russian city Belgorod and occupied Crimea

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Russian authorities claim to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to attack a border city as the ongoing aerial conflict between the two nations escalates. They reported intercepting a dozen missiles targeting Belgorod, where 25 people lost their lives on Saturday. Ukraine has not provided a response.

This development follows Russia’s largest aerial bombardment on Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that Russia deployed around 300 missiles and 200 drones over five days. The renewed attacks began last week, prompting a Ukrainian counterattack on Belgorod that resulted in over 100 injuries.

Zelensky revealed in a broadcast that Russia fired nearly 100 strategically chosen missiles on Tuesday, and Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 10 hypersonic ballistic missiles on that day alone. Ukrainian officials reported over 130 casualties from Tuesday’s attacks, including major cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv.

In response, Russia’s air defense system intercepted 12 missiles targeting Belgorod overnight, causing one fatality and five injuries in the region. Explosions were also heard in Sevastopol, the largest city in Russian-occupied Crimea, where a missile was shot down over the port with no reported casualties or damage.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, expressed that Ukraine anticipated Russia’s recent bombardment but stressed the need for more weapons to effectively respond and send a clear message to Russia to halt its actions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to increase strikes in retaliation for Ukraine’s recent attacks on Belgorod.

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Spain’s Hermoso testifies World Cup kiss was not consensual

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Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso, a World Cup winner, has testified in a Madrid court that a kiss from former football federation president Luis Rubiales was not consensual. The incident occurred after the World Cup final last year when Rubiales allegedly grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips. The judge will now decide whether Rubiales should face trial for sexual assault and coercion. Hermoso, Spain’s top scorer, emphasized that the kiss was unexpected and non-consensual during her two-and-a-half-hour testimony, reiterating her previous statements leaked to Spanish TV. The court is examining evidence, including CCTV footage, to determine if the case should go to trial.

The kiss, which took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney after Spain’s victory over England, initially seemed consensual based on a statement attributed to Hermoso shortly after the final. However, she later claimed that she was pressured by Spanish football federation officials to endorse the statement. Rubiales, who denies the allegations, is also being investigated for possible coercion related to the pressure on Hermoso. Other figures under investigation include the coach Jorge Vilda, federation executives Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera.

Hermoso stated that she did not want the kiss and felt like a victim of assault, highlighting that, under Spanish law, a kiss without consent can be considered a form of sexual assault. Despite Rubiales asserting it was a consensual peck, he resigned as president of the Spanish football federation following the incident. An investigation was initiated, and he was prohibited from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters by an investigating judge. The case has drawn attention beyond football, making Hermoso a notable figure in discussions about equality and solidarity.

On New Year’s Eve, Hermoso expressed gratitude for the positive changes in terms of equality and solidarity and congratulated her Spain teammates for the empowerment achieved. At 33, she announced a club change, leaving Pachuca in Mexico, where she played since 2022, for Tigres UANL, the country’s most successful women’s team.

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Italian outcry as MP Pozzolo’s gun wounds man at New Year’s Eve party

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A New Year’s Eve celebration turned into a political controversy when it was revealed that a man was lightly wounded by a gunshot fired from a gun owned by Italian far-right MP Emanuele Pozzolo, a member of Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. Although Pozzolo admitted bringing the gun, he denied firing the shot, which injured a 31-year-old man in the leg.

The incident occurred in the small town of Rosazza in the northern Piedmont region, leading local prosecutors to launch an investigation. Pozzolo, 38, reportedly showed his .22 caliber mini-revolver, a weapon he has a license to own, to party guests. The gun was passed between guests and accidentally went off, hitting one person in the leg.

Andrea Delmastro, a party colleague and junior justice minister, claimed he was unaware of Pozzolo having a gun and had stepped outside when the shot was fired. The wounded man happened to be the son-in-law of a member of Delmastro’s security team.

Pozzolo invoked parliamentary immunity to avoid gunpowder residue tests on his clothes. Prime Minister Meloni’s party stated that the incident had no “political relevance” and emphasized that local authorities would investigate. Meloni has not yet responded to the incident.

Critics, including the centre-left opposition leader Elly Schlein, called for action, describing the individuals involved as “incompetents” and a danger to security. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized Brothers of Italy, calling them “inadequate, incompetent, and dangerous.”

Pozzolo, previously a member of Matteo Salvini’s League before joining Brothers of Italy, has been a vocal opponent of Covid-19 vaccines, labeling them “experimental,” and has opposed Italy’s “Green Pass” system requiring proof of immunization for access to certain venues.

In a separate incident, a 55-year-old woman was shot and killed at a New Year’s Eve celebration near Naples, with a man arrested in connection to the death.

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Queen Margrethe II: Danish monarch announces abdication live on TV

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Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has surprised the nation by announcing her abdication in a New Year TV address after 52 years on the throne. The 83-year-old monarch, the world’s only reigning queen and Europe’s longest-serving current monarch, will formally step down on January 14, passing the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Unlike the British royal tradition, there will be no formal crowning ceremony for Crown Prince Frederik, who is 55. Instead, his accession will be announced from Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen on the day. He will become King of Denmark, head of state in the constitutional monarchy, and also assume these roles in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. His Australian-born wife, Princess Mary, will take on the title of Denmark’s Queen Consort.

Queen Margrethe revealed that her decision to abdicate came after a period of reflection following back surgery in early 2023. She expressed gratitude to the Danish public for their support over the years. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also thanked the queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Queen Margrethe, a popular figure in Denmark, was not expected to abdicate, and many Danes anticipated her remaining on the throne until her death. Affectionately known as Daisy, she attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and both queens celebrated their respective jubilees in the same year.

Crown Prince Frederik, known for his environmental passion, is set to guide Denmark into the future. His wife, Princess Mary, an Australian lawyer, will become Denmark’s Queen Consort. The Danish royal family, facing challenges of modern society, has decided to streamline its members, resulting in a public rift last year when Prince Joachim’s children were stripped of their royal titles. The transition marks a moment of mixed celebration and sadness for Denmark as they bid farewell to Queen Margrethe and welcome the new era under Crown Prince Frederik’s reign.

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Austrian government launches repair scheme for electronic goods

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In Austria, the government has introduced the Repair Bonus voucher scheme to encourage people to repair rather than discard old electrical appliances. The program provides financial support of up to €200 for repairs on items such as washing machines, electric kettles, laptops, and mobile phones. Individuals, like Erik, appreciate the initiative as it helps them save money and make environmentally conscious choices.

Erik, who had previously used the Repair Bonus to fix an old CD player, is now getting his laptop repaired at a workshop in Vienna called Helferline. He mentions that the scheme makes it more convenient to decide whether to repair or replace items, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of repairing over buying new.

The Repair Bonus has proven beneficial for local businesses like Helferline, where revenues have doubled since the introduction of the scheme. Clemens Schmidgruber, the CEO of Helferline, describes it as a win-win situation for customers, businesses, and the environment. Customers can download a voucher from a government website, pay the repair shop upfront, and receive half of the costs back after three to four weeks.

Financed through the Covid Recovery Fund, the repair voucher system in Austria specifically covers electrical appliances. However, the City of Vienna operates a separate scheme that assists with repairs to old clothes, bicycles, and furniture. Markus Piringer, the co-ordinator of the Repair Network in Vienna, notes that the financial incentive provided by the Repair Bonus encourages people to choose repair over buying new items.

Piringer emphasizes the need for products to be designed for repairability and calls for efforts at the European Union level to address this issue. He suggests that changing policies and mindsets is crucial to promoting a culture of repair and sustainability. While the number of repairs has increased in Austria due to voucher schemes, Piringer warns of a shortage of technicians and craftspeople, calling for initiatives to promote repair as a viable job option.

At a bicycle shop in Vienna, the Repair Bonus has made a significant impact, attracting customers even during the typically slow winter season. Marc Warnaar, the shop owner, highlights the positive influence of the voucher scheme on their business, noting an increase in repairs and customer engagement.

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Russian influencer Ivleeva fined for hosting ‘almost naked’ party

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TV presenter and influencer Anastasia Ivleeva faced legal consequences after hosting a controversial “almost naked” party in a Moscow club during wartime Russia. The Lefortovo court in Moscow imposed a fine of 100,000 roubles (£870; $1,100) on her for organizing the event, which was deemed to have violated public order.

Ivleeva apologized twice on social media and pleaded for a second chance from the public. Despite promising to donate ticket sales proceeds to charities, she now faces a billion-rouble class action lawsuit for “moral damage” from 22 individuals. They demand she contribute the amount to a group supporting Russians fighting in Ukraine.

The party, held at Moscow’s Mutabor nightclub on December 20, featured well-known Russian celebrities dressed provocatively. The incident stirred public outrage amid the ongoing war and economic concerns, distracting from issues like rising egg prices.

Russian rapper Vacio, arrested for disorderly conduct due to his single-sock outfit, received a 15-day jail term. He was also fined twice as much as Ivleeva for promoting “non-traditional sexual relations.”

Pro-Kremlin figures expressed anger, questioning how celebrities could party during a wartime “special military operation.” Several guests faced consequences, such as canceled concerts, lost sponsorship contracts, and removal from televised events.

Prominent figures like veteran singer Lolita Milyavskaya, Dima Bilan, and Ksenia Sobchak apologized, while Philipp Kirkorov, considered Putin’s favorite singer, apologized profusely. Kirkorov hoped his “mistake” wouldn’t impact his career in Russia. Despite rumors of losing awards, he was removed from a New Year’s Eve TV film, and some scenes were reshooted.

The Kremlin distanced itself from the controversy, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov urging the public not to discuss the topic.

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Françoise Bettencourt Meyer: L’Oréal heiress first woman to amass $100bn fortune

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Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to accumulate a wealth exceeding $100 billion, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The French beauty company, founded by her grandfather, has witnessed a remarkable surge in its stock market performance, reaching record highs in Paris. L’Oréal’s sales rebounded after the pandemic, contributing to this success. At 70, Bettencourt Meyers is now the world’s 12th richest person, though she trails behind Bernard Arnault, the founder of LVMH, who holds the second spot with a net worth of $179 billion.

As the vice-chairperson of L’Oréal’s board, Bettencourt Meyers, along with her family, owns the largest share of the company, approximately 35%. She inherited the role of L’Oréal’s heiress following her mother Liliane Bettencourt’s death in 2017. Liliane, a prominent figure as France’s richest person, faced a public dispute with Françoise, accusing a photographer and socialite of taking advantage of her. The family conflict resulted in a French court granting Françoise control over Liliane’s wealth due to her mother’s diagnosed dementia in 2011.

Known for prioritizing privacy over social events, Bettencourt Meyers engages in playing the piano for several hours daily and has authored two books—a comprehensive study of the Bible in five volumes and a genealogy of the Greek gods. Described as living within the confines of her family, she maintains a low profile compared to other wealthy individuals.

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Russian poets get jail sentences for anti-war poetry reading

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In Moscow, two Russian poets, Artyom Kamardin and Yegor Shtovba, have been handed lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in a poetry reading featuring anti-war poems. Kamardin received a seven-year sentence, while Shtovba was given five and a half years. Both poets faced charges of “inciting hatred” against Russian troops and making “appeals against state security,” despite pleading not guilty. This harsh punishment is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, where individuals expressing opposition to the government’s actions face severe consequences.

The sentencing of Kamardin and Shtovba is emblematic of a disturbing trend in Russia, where the government has intensified its efforts to stifle dissent and criticism. The poets participated in the Mayakovsky Readings, an event that took place on September 25, 2022, in Moscow, shortly after President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilization” campaign for the war in Ukraine. The charges against them are part of an alarming pattern of using state security as a pretext to suppress voices critical of the government’s actions, reflecting a broader erosion of free expression and civil liberties in the country.

The Mayakovsky Readings, a historical poetry event that has taken place since the 1950s, has become a symbol of resistance to oppressive regimes. However, in the current climate of heightened political tensions and military actions, such gatherings are increasingly deemed unsafe. The group had previously faced persecution during the Soviet era, with participants accused of anti-Soviet propaganda and sentenced to gulags. The recent suspension of the Mayakovsky Readings in October 2022 underscores the growing challenges faced by those who seek to express dissent in an increasingly restrictive environment.

The crackdown on dissent in Russia has reached alarming levels, with activists, poets, and opposition figures facing imprisonment for expressing criticism of the government’s actions, particularly in the context of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The sentences handed to Kamardin and Shtovba are part of a broader pattern of silencing voices that challenge the official narrative, raising concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Russia.

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Russian passenger plane lands on frozen river by mistake

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A Soviet-era Antonov An-24 belonging to Polar Airlines mistakenly landed on a frozen river in Russia’s Far East with 34 people on board. Fortunately, the incident, attributed to pilot error according to initial inquiries, occurred without any injuries. The aircraft, en route from Yakutsk to Zyryanka with subsequent stops, veered off the Zyryanka airport runway during its landing.

The flight, designated PI217, commenced its journey early Thursday from Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha republic. Intending to reach Zyryanka, the plane was scheduled to proceed to Srednekolymsk before returning to Yakutsk. The mishap took place not far from the airport, where the frozen River Kolyma served as an unplanned landing site.

Video footage captured by a passenger revealed the aircraft positioned nearly at the center of the frozen river in eastern Siberia, where temperatures in Zyryanka can drop to approximately -40°C during this season. Prosecutors reported that the plane touched down on a sandbank in the river, and the duration of its slide on the snow was evident from the trail left behind.

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Czech mass shooting: Gunman confessed to shooting baby in woods

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In Prague, the assailant behind the tragic shooting at a university, resulting in the loss of 14 lives, admitted to an earlier double murder in a suicide note discovered by Czech police. This revelation came as investigators found the note in the home of 24-year-old David Kozak, shedding light on his involvement in the killing of a man and his infant daughter in a wooded area near Prague on December 15. Prior to the university attack on December 21, Kozak, who was already a suspect in the double murder case, also took the life of his father, raising the total number of victims to a devastating 17.

The university attack itself, occurring on December 21, stands as the deadliest mass shooting in Czech history. Kozak, a graduate student specializing in history at the university, chose to end his own life as he was surrounded by armed police. The confession within the suicide note verified his culpability for the earlier murders, a case that was already under investigation.

While the motive behind the university attack remains undisclosed, law enforcement authorities are actively continuing their investigation into the matter. In response to this tragic event, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan has called on mayors to cancel New Year’s fireworks displays as a gesture of respect for the victims. He urged the nation to observe the occasion peacefully, considering the profound impact of the killings on those affected.

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