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Ukraine war: Military chiefs in Kyiv under pressure over deadly Russian strike

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Ukraine’s military leadership is facing severe backlash after a recent Russian missile strike reportedly resulted in significant Ukrainian casualties. According to Ukrainian media and Russian military bloggers, over 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during an award ceremony near the southern frontlines on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the incident was avoidable and announced the initiation of criminal proceedings.

Several Ukrainian soldiers and military experts have criticized the decision to hold the ceremony in an area vulnerable to strikes, highlighting that Russian drones routinely monitor Ukrainian troop activities to facilitate air and artillery attacks. Disturbing drone footage shared on a Russian Telegram channel purportedly captured the moment of the deadly strike, displaying bodies of Ukrainian soldiers on the ground.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the deaths and ordered a full investigation into the tragedy. The use of an Iskander-M, a Russian short-range ballistic missile, was reported by Ukraine’s Strategic Command (StratCom), resulting in civilian casualties as well. While the specific location of the attack has not been publicly disclosed by Kyiv, Ukrainian media suggests it was a village near the frontline, potentially Dymytrovo, known as Zarichne after Ukraine’s renaming in 2016.

The incident occurred during a ceremony marking Artillery Day, dedicated to honoring military personnel serving in artillery and missile units. Various social media posts, including those by Ukrainian soldier Ruslan Kahanets and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, criticized the decision to organize the event, calling for accountability and systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The sentiment among some Russian military bloggers implies that such incidents are occurring more frequently, urging Ukrainian military leaders to reassess their strategies. This recent strike has sparked anger among Ukrainian citizens, who demand punishment for those responsible for organizing the ill-fated ceremony. As investigations continue, the focus remains on establishing the truth and implementing measures to prevent such occurrences from happening again.

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Minister’s awkward EU summit kiss causes controversy

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Croatia’s foreign minister, Gordan Grlić-Radman, caused a stir when he greeted his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, with a kiss during an EU ministers meeting in Berlin on Thursday.

The act drew criticism from some Croatian media outlets, with women’s rights activist Rada Boric deeming it “highly inappropriate.” Grlić-Radman defended the gesture, stating that it was a “warm, human approach to a colleague” and acknowledging that it might have been perceived as awkward.

He apologized “to whoever took it that way.” As of now, Annalena Baerbock has not made any comments regarding the incident.

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Maersk cuts 10,000 jobs as shipping demand falls

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One of the world’s largest shipping companies, AP Moller-Maersk, has announced plans to cut an additional 3,500 jobs, following a previous reduction of 6,500 positions earlier in the year. The decision comes as a response to diminished demand and reduced freight rates. Maersk experienced a significant decline in profits, plummeting by 92% during the latest quarter.

The company highlighted the deteriorating prices for sea freight as the primary factor necessitating further job cuts. While the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in demand and shipping costs, the situation has since shifted. The resurgence of inflation and the impact of increased interest rates have dampened consumer spending, leading to decreased demand for shipping services.

Maersk’s chief executive, Vincent Clerc, acknowledged the challenging circumstances, emphasizing the need for cost-saving measures in light of the current industry landscape. Despite the drastic staff reductions, the company aims to save approximately £600m next year.

The recent announcement will bring Maersk’s global workforce below 100,000, with 2,500 of the job cuts expected to take place in the coming months, and the remainder in 2024. The company has refrained from disclosing the specific locations or job roles that will be affected.

The market response to Maersk’s latest developments was negative, with shares in the group declining by 11.1% following the announcement. The company remains cautious about its revenue and profit expectations, anticipating that both figures will likely fall at the lower end of its estimations. Additionally, Maersk warned that global economic slowdown, financial risks, and geopolitical tensions, such as strained relations between China and the US, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, could impede any anticipated improvements in the final quarter of this year and affect volumes in 2024.

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Storm Ciarán: Floods ravage Tuscany leaving five dead

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Severe flooding and strong winds have ravaged large parts of Tuscany, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving several others missing. The River Bisenzio overflowed, sweeping away cars and forcing people to seek refuge on rooftops. The impact of the storm, named Ciarán, extended beyond Italy, causing more than 12 fatalities across Western Europe. France experienced winds reaching 207 km/h (129 mph), while Belgium reported two casualties due to falling trees, including a five-year-old child.

The havoc extended to other countries, with disruptions in transportation and power outages. Jersey’s residents were evacuated from their homes, and the storm caused chaos in various regions of Europe, including southern England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal.

In Tuscany, the situation was particularly dire, with Livorno, Prato, and Montemurlo being among the hardest-hit areas. Montemurlo witnessed a deluge of 200mm (7.8in) of rain in less than a day, leading to the River Bisenzio breaching its banks in multiple locations. The flooding claimed the life of an 85-year-old man who was unable to escape his submerged home. The governor of Tuscany described the rainfall as unprecedented in a century and urged people to seek safety on higher floors.

Videos captured the terrifying sight of vehicles being swept away by the floodwaters. Campi Bisenzio residents were forced to take refuge on their rooftops, while around 100 individuals sought shelter in a local shopping center. Meanwhile, the mayor of Prato lamented the devastating impact, with extensive flooding leaving vast areas underwater and the town’s Santo Stefano hospital partially inundated.

Additionally, the storm caused significant damage in Milan, leading to a second instance of flooding in a single week after the River Seveso overflowed. Veneto, in the northeast, faced similar challenges, with one person reported missing and 160mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Further east, red weather alerts were issued in Slovenia and Croatia, warning of strong cyclones, high winds, hail, and thunderstorms.

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German vice-chancellor Habeck hits out against rising antisemitism

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German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged a strong political response to the rise of antisemitism in the country. He addressed various sources of antisemitism, including Islamists, the far right, and segments of the political left, in a widely viewed video that garnered significant attention in Germany.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged in the aftermath of the 7th of October attacks in Israel, during which Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis and took more than 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, resulting in significant casualties.

Habeck’s video emphasized the need to protect Jewish communities and condemned actions such as burning the Israeli flag or supporting Hamas, which are considered crimes under German law. He called for legal consequences, including possible deportation, for those involved in such activities.

While some praised Habeck’s address as a comprehensive assessment of the situation, others criticized him for suggesting that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.

Germany’s Interior Minister announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun, citing their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda. The move was intended to facilitate interventions in gatherings of their supporters.

Antisemitic incidents have increased by 240% in Germany since the Hamas attacks, with reports of vandalism and attacks on Jewish-owned properties. Similar incidents have also been reported in neighboring Austria.

In France, a Moldovan couple was detained for spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. They claimed to have acted on behalf of a third party and are now facing expulsion. Prosecutors are investigating whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish community.

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Swiss village of Aarwangen in ding-dong over challenge to cowbells

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The soothing sound of cowbells has long been synonymous with the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, evoking images of serene pastures and majestic snow-capped peaks. However, the incessant clanging of these bells, hanging around the necks of 20 or 30 cows, has become a source of contention in various Swiss communities. Aarwangen, a quaint village nestled along the river Aare with the Bernese Alps providing a breathtaking backdrop, finds itself at the heart of this debate.

With an increasing number of modern residences sprouting up in the village’s vicinity, the traditional farmhouses and their accompanying dairy cows have become a source of disturbance for some new residents. Several families even lodged formal complaints with the village council, demanding the removal of the noisy cowbells during the night. This sparked an intense backlash from longstanding villagers and farmers, who perceived the move as an assault on their cherished heritage.

In a typical display of Swiss solidarity, a petition swiftly materialized, rallying support for the preservation of the cowbells as an integral part of the country’s cultural identity. However, this dispute reflects a broader tension between preserving tradition and adapting to contemporary lifestyles, a predicament exacerbated by the influx of immigrants and differing cultural perspectives. The upcoming public meeting in Aarwangen will determine the fate of the longstanding tradition, while the withdrawal of one complaint and the departure of the other underline the emotional intensity of the cowbell debate.

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Germany Seeks Forgiveness for Colonial Atrocities in Tanzania

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed deep regret and shame for the atrocities committed by his country during the Maji Maji rebellion in Tanzania in the early 1900s. The rebellion was incited by Germany’s oppressive policies, resulting in the death of nearly 300,000 people.

Steinmeier pledged to facilitate the identification and repatriation of the remains of the uprising’s leaders, including Chief Songea Mbano, and promised cooperation with Tanzania to return cultural artifacts. The president’s apology, while welcomed, was deemed insufficient by some Tanzanian historians who emphasized the need for accountability and justice.

This gesture follows Germany’s acknowledgment of genocide in Namibia and financial reparations, while in a similar vein, King Charles of the United Kingdom acknowledged past violence in Kenya during the struggle for independence but stopped short of issuing a formal apology.

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Women’s Ballon d’Or: Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati wins award for first time

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Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, 25, clinched her first Women’s Ballon d’Or after a stellar year with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her contributions led Barcelona to triumph in both the Spanish top flight and the Champions League, while she played a significant role in Spain’s World Cup victory. Additionally, she was honored as UEFA’s Player of the Year in August.

Among the nominees were several English players, with goalkeeper Mary Earps placing fifth, Rachel Daly at 10th, and Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway also in the running. Second place went to Chelsea and Australia’s Sam Kerr, while Barcelona and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo secured third place, and Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona and Sweden finished fourth.

In her acceptance speech, Bonmati expressed her pride in winning the award, acknowledging the collective effort of her teammates and staff. She also commended her fellow nominees, emphasizing the responsibility of athletes as role models both on and off the field, advocating for a more inclusive and peaceful world.

Bonmati’s World Cup success with Spain was marred by controversy surrounding Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who was criticized for allegedly kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent after the final. During the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, Bonmati netted three goals, helping Spain secure victory against England in the final.

With four league titles and two Champions League titles under her belt, Bonmati continues to solidify her reputation as a key player for Barcelona. This year marked the fifth edition of the Women’s Ballon d’Or, with Bonmati’s teammate Alexia Putellas having won the prestigious award in the previous two years.

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Paris graffiti recall 1930s antisemitism, says mayor

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In recent developments in the Paris area, an unsettling series of events has unfolded, with the discovery of multiple Stars of David graffitied on buildings, invoking a chilling reminder of historical anti-Semitic sentiments. Approximately 60 Stars of David were found painted on walls in the 14th arrondissement of Paris during the course of Monday night.

The surge in anti-Semitic incidents within France has been a growing concern, with over 850 such acts reported since the Hamas attacks in Israel on 7th October, as disclosed by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Paris authorities have swiftly responded, announcing the launch of an investigation into the degradation of property exacerbated by racist intent.

Residents affected by this abhorrent act expressed their distress, one individual shared with BFMTV, “I am crying, because I am once again seeing the hate that we received when I was a child. I can’t understand it.”

In a statement, the mayoralty of the 14th arrondissement emphasized that the incidents “recall the events of the 1930s… which led to the extermination of millions of Jews.” Deputy to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Emmanuel Grégoire, pledged to remove the stars and initiate a comprehensive investigation, affirming that “antisemitism continues to kill. We will never give up the fight.”

The spread of the graffiti extended beyond the Parisian center, with similar markings discovered in suburbs such as Vanves, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Aubervilliers, and Saint-Ouen. Reports indicated that some of the stars were accompanied by inscriptions like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will win.”

Expressing condemnation and concern, various political leaders, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President Emmanuel Macron, voiced their alarm at the disturbing trend. A notable concern is the potential spillover of tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict into France. According to a poll conducted for BFMTV, 83% of French people are troubled by the sharp increase in anti-Semitic incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, Mayor Karim Bouamrane of Saint-Ouen demanded that the perpetrators of the “antisemitic and racist” graffiti be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, prosecutors have cautioned that it is still uncertain whether the stars are inherently antisemitic in nature.

Addressing the issue, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti disclosed that approximately 400 individuals had been arrested for committing anti-Semitic acts this month, underscoring the urgency to confront and counteract this disturbing trend.

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Paris police shoot woman at station after threats

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In Paris, French counter-terrorism police shot and injured an unarmed woman wearing a full veil after she allegedly threatened train passengers. The officers resorted to firing eight times when the woman didn’t comply with their instructions. The incident occurred at the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand train station in the 13th district.

The woman, reportedly heard shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest), is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the abdomen. The French government revealed that she had a prior conviction for threatening military personnel involved in Opération Sentinelle.

Authorities have initiated two investigations – one to probe the woman’s actions and the other to determine the appropriateness of the police’s use of firearms. The event comes amid heightened tensions in France stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, the Paris region has witnessed an increase in antisemitic incidents, with Stars of David found defaced on buildings in various parts of the city. Paris officials have vowed to combat antisemitism vigorously.

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