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Ukraine says Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is at risk

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According to Ukraine, Russia has been accused of detonating the dam. The reasoning behind this accusation is that Russia may have feared Ukraine’s potential use of the dam to facilitate troop movements in their recent counter-offensive.

The destruction of the dam is expected to have several consequences. One significant impact is on a crucial water channel that carries water from the Dnipro River to Crimea, which is currently under Russian occupation. The channel originates from Nova Khakovka and is likely to be affected by the dam’s destruction. Additionally, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, located approximately 160km upstream on the banks of the Dnipro, is also at risk.

Andryi Yermak, the head of President Zelensky’s office, stated that Russia would bear responsibility for depriving the people of Crimea of drinking water. Yermak further emphasized that Russia’s actions pose a threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP).

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 41, retires: Swedish great ends football career

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Swedish football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic, aged 41, has retired from professional football, marking the end of a remarkable career.

After AC Milan’s final game of the season, Ibrahimovic bid farewell to the San Siro crowd, having already announced his departure from the Italian club. Throughout his illustrious journey, he achieved immense success, scoring 511 goals for renowned clubs such as Paris St-Germain, Manchester United, and both Milan teams.

Ibrahimovic clinched league titles in four countries and won a total of 34 trophies, including 14 league championships. Although he fell short of a UEFA Champions League triumph, he secured the 2017 Europa League title with Manchester United.

Additionally, he is Sweden’s all-time leading scorer with 62 international goals. Ibrahimovic expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received from fans and vowed to remain a Milanista for life.

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Russia declares successful prevention of large-scale Ukrainian offensive in Ukraine war

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The Russian defense ministry claims to have successfully thwarted a major Ukrainian offensive in the Donetsk region. According to Russia, they have killed 250 Ukrainian troops and destroyed armored vehicles.

However, these claims have not been verified, and Ukraine’s military has accused Russia of spreading disinformation. While a Ukrainian counter-offensive has been anticipated, Ukraine has stated that it will not provide advance notice of its commencement. Reports of increased military activity suggest that the expected Ukrainian offensive might be underway.

Russia alleges that Ukraine launched a large-scale offensive using mechanized and tank battalions but failed to achieve its objectives. The authenticity of the video showing military vehicles under fire remains unverified. Ukraine has been preparing for a counter-offensive for months, seeking training and military equipment from Western allies. The start of the offensive will not be publicly announced to maintain secrecy.

However, it will take time for Ukraine to achieve its goal of regaining territory taken by Russia years ago. Ukraine’s ground forces commander has reported progress in their advance, while anti-government fighters claim to have captured Russian soldiers near the Ukrainian border. Russia has blamed Ukraine for recent attacks in its border areas, but Kyiv denies direct involvement. Drone attacks have been reported in Russia’s Belgorod region and the Kaluga region, near Moscow.

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Ukraine war: Girl, 2, killed and 22 injured in Dnipro after Russian strike

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A tragic incident occurred in Dnipro, Ukraine, where a two-year-old girl was killed and 22 people were injured in an alleged Russian air strike. The governor of the region, Serhiy Lysak, confirmed that among the injured were five children, three of whom were in serious condition. President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for the attack, although the Kremlin had not yet commented on the events.

Explosions were also reported in the capital city of Kyiv, where air defense systems were deployed. The entire country had been under air raid alerts. Fires broke out in a northern district of Dnipro following the alleged strike, and 17 of the injured were taken to the hospital. Reports of explosions were received from various parts of the country, including Kyiv, Sumy, Berdyansk, Melitopol, and Kropyvnitsky.

In Russia, officials claimed that two more people were killed in fresh attacks in the border region of Belgorod and blamed Ukraine for the incidents. However, Ukraine maintained that the deaths were a result of Russia’s attempt to target anti-government fighters. There have been recent incidents in the region, including a cross-border incursion, which Russia claimed resulted in the deaths of 70 attackers. Kyiv denied direct involvement and stated that Russian paramilitaries were responsible.

Regarding a potential counter-offensive against occupying Russian soldiers, a close aide of President Zelensky, Dr. Ihor Zhovkva, stated that Ukraine was not yet ready due to a lack of weaponry and ammunition. This statement appeared contradictory to President Zelensky’s previous comment indicating Ukraine’s readiness to initiate the maneuver. The inconsistent comments from Ukrainian officials may have been an intentional tactic to confuse Moscow.

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German row over jail term for woman who attacked neo-Nazis

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The sentencing of a far-left extremist involved in violent attacks against neo-Nazis has sparked controversy in German politics, drawing criticism from both the left and the right. Lina E, the convicted individual, received a prison term of five years and three months but was released pending an appeal after having been in custody since 2020. Three other men convicted with her were also handed jail sentences.

Left-wing protesters took to the streets in several cities to demonstrate against the verdicts, although a large rally in Leipzig was prohibited. The decision to release Lina E after two and a half years in custody, while keeping her second name private, angered some Germans who believe it sends a message that violence against the extreme right is acceptable.

The judge, Hans Schlüter-Staats, acknowledged that opposing right-wing extremists is a commendable motive but stressed that the use of force should be reserved for the state. He deemed Lina E’s actions to be serious criminal acts and criticized her defense lawyers’ argument that the case was politically motivated. Lina E was considered the leader of a far-left group known as the “hammer gang,” which carried out violent attacks against the extreme right using weapons such as hammers, iron bars, and baseball bats.

The group gained notoriety for their brutality, and Lina E’s partner, Johann G, is also suspected of involvement in the attacks. In one incident, they targeted a well-known neo-Nazi pub in Eisenach, assaulting its owner. In another attack, a group of people returning from a commemoration event in Dresden were beaten up, resulting in severe injuries.

Lina E was apprehended in November 2020, and her surname has not been disclosed publicly. Three male members of her gang were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 27 to 39 months. Sabine Volk, a far-right researcher, acknowledged the horrendous crimes committed by the group but highlighted a perceived power imbalance against the far left in eastern Germany, leading some to believe they must take action themselves.

The release of Lina E drew criticism from the police union and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, who considered it lenient and a failure of the rule of law. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned of an increasing willingness among the far left to resort to violence, although she maintained that right-wing extremism posed the most significant threat to German democracy.

An anti-fascist march scheduled for Leipzig, where Lina E was a student, was banned due to concerns of potential violence. The AfD has seen a rise in opinion polls as dissatisfaction with the coalition government grows, and they have benefited from a backlash against climate activist protests that disrupted traffic in major cities. Former German spy chief Hans-Georg Maassen, known for his right-wing conservative views, ridiculed Lina E’s sentence, arguing that it would embolden far-left activists to carry out further violent attacks.

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Lake Maggiore boat accident: Questions remain over spy deaths

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A boat sank on Lake Maggiore on May 28, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a former Mossad agent, two Italian intelligence officers, and a Russian woman.

The incident has sparked speculation due to the presence of technology companies in Lombardy and the transit nature of Switzerland for intelligence members. While some reports suggest it was a recreational outing, Italian news outlets indicate a secret work meeting between Italian and Israeli agents. The boat was caught in a sudden storm, causing it to capsize.

The captain and his wife, who were not involved in intelligence work, survived. The investigation will examine compliance with safety measures, maintenance, certification, and insurance of the vessel, as well as the overcrowding issue and sailing in adverse weather conditions.

The incident remains under investigation, and many details are still uncertain, leaving room for speculation.

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PGMOL Condemns Abuse Towards Europa League Final Referee Anthony Taylor

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The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has strongly denounced the abuse and criticism directed at referee Anthony Taylor following the Europa League final. The PGMOL expressed its deep concern and disappointment over the online harassment and personal attacks aimed at Taylor after the match between Villarreal and Manchester United.

In a statement, the PGMOL highlighted the importance of treating match officials with respect and dignity, emphasizing that abusive behavior towards referees is completely unacceptable. They called for an end to the online abuse and urged individuals to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue.

The PGMOL also stated that they are fully committed to supporting referees and ensuring their well-being both on and off the field. They stressed the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders in football to tackle the issue of referee abuse and create an environment of mutual respect.

Furthermore, the PGMOL called on social media platforms to take stricter measures against online abuse, including stronger identification protocols and more severe consequences for individuals responsible for such behavior.

The incident involving Anthony Taylor sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of referees and the impact of online abuse in the football community. The PGMOL’s condemnation serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of respect and civility towards match officials in the sport.

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Poland’s mission to recover valuable artwork stolen by the Nazis

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During the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War Two, numerous valuable artworks were stolen. Among them was Madonna with Child, a 16th-century painting attributed to Alessandro Turchi. Recently, the painting was discovered in Japan and returned to Polish authorities in a ceremony held in Tokyo. This is part of Poland’s ongoing effort to retrieve looted artworks, with Madonna with Child being one of the 600 successfully recovered so far. However, there are still over 66,000 war losses yet to be found. Poland has launched a campaign to seek the return of hundreds of thousands of missing artworks and cultural items, as well as reparations from Germany for the damages caused by the occupying Nazis.

Art experts anticipate that more looted artworks will be uncovered as time passes, especially as heirs attempt to sell these pieces without awareness of their history. Madonna with Child was believed to have been transferred to Germany in 1940 during the Nazi occupation, as the Nazis frequently looted art from Jewish families before their execution. The painting appeared again in the 1990s when it was sold at an auction in New York. However, the sale was halted in January last year after Polish authorities identified the artwork, and it was subsequently agreed upon by the auction house and the owner to be returned to Poland. The official handover ceremony took place in Tokyo.

The return of masterpieces like Madonna with Child helps restore pride in Poland’s art heritage and highlights the significance of Polish collections. Polish art historian Natalia Cetera stated that reclaiming these artworks showcases the country’s focus on remembering its cultural heritage and rebuilding its strength in art. There has been a shift in recent years towards recognizing cultural heritage as a common good. As looted artworks are inherited by the next generation, the unaware heirs may unknowingly sell these pieces, leading to their discovery.

Efforts to locate stolen artworks from Poland involve recording them in international databases and the work of art historians who are researching looted artworks and identifying them. The advancement of technology and online platforms used by auction houses allow for increased visibility and more eyes searching for looted objects. Furthermore, there seems to be a generational shift in attitudes toward stolen masterpieces, with some individuals willingly returning the artworks rather than facing legal issues.

The return of Madonna with Child is a source of pride for Poland, but it remains uncertain whether the passion for retrieving stolen artwork will continue with future generations. The digitization of art collections may impact the interest in physical artworks, as access to digital versions becomes more prevalent. While the successful retrieval of physical artworks is currently important, the advancement of technology might reduce the necessity of physically reclaiming artworks in the future.

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Truck driver held after spilled potatoes cause chaos on Danish bridge

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A 57-year-old truck driver has been arrested after multiple incidents of spilled potatoes occurred on a bridge connecting two Danish islands. The driver is being held on suspicion of reckless endangerment to life. The first spill occurred on the westbound side of the Storebaelt Bridge, which links the island of Copenhagen to the rest of Denmark. Shortly after, a similar incident happened on the eastbound side. The police are considering two possibilities: it was either an accident or a deliberate act.

The spilled potatoes made the roads slippery, leading to traffic congestion and prompting authorities to urge drivers to reduce their speed. Another incident of potatoes on the road was reported near the town of Kolding, which is close to the Storebaelt Bridge.

Interestingly, the potato spills coincided with the passing of a new law in the Danish parliament that imposes taxes on diesel trucks carrying heavy loads. This measure has sparked protests from truck drivers who argue that the tax will make their livelihoods unsustainable. They have peacefully blocked highways and main roads across Denmark in recent weeks. The majority of the Danish parliament contends that the tax is necessary due to the environmental unsustainability of petrol and diesel trucks. Starting in 2025, drivers of such vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons will be taxed 1.3 Danish kroner per kilometer.

A spokesperson for the protesting truck drivers distanced themselves from the potato spills, stating on Facebook that they plan to protest in a manner that can be felt without risking harm to people’s lives and well-being.

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Three people were killed in a recent missile attack on Kyiv during the Ukraine war

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In a recent nighttime missile attack on Kyiv, three individuals, including an 11-year-old girl, lost their lives, according to regional police. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in frequent missile and drone strikes targeting the Ukrainian capital.

The latest attack occurred in the Desnyanskyi and Dniprovskyi districts, leaving 11 others injured. The victims also included a 33-year-old woman and the girl’s 34-year-old mother. Initial reports suggested two children had died, but the information was later updated.

This marks the fourth attack this week, following a series of 17 strikes on Kyiv throughout May, mostly during nighttime. Photos shared by military authorities revealed rescue teams tending to the wounded and damaged buildings. In the occupied Luhansk region, Russian-backed officials claimed five deaths and 19 injuries from Ukrainian shelling at a poultry farm.

Additionally, the governor of the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, stated that two individuals were injured in an attack on Shebekino, which he attributed to Ukrainian troops.

Russia has been employing kamikaze drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles in recent weeks to target Ukraine, with Kyiv being a primary focus. Analysts believe that Moscow aims to weaken Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of an anticipated counter-offensive planned by the Ukrainian government.

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