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Cuba Turns to Longtime Ally Russia Amidst Devastating Fuel Crisis

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Cuba’s current fuel crisis has prompted the country to seek assistance from its historical ally, Russia. Cuban taxi driver Jorge Lloro, who drives a Soviet-era Lada, is reminded of the strong ties between the two nations. During the Cold War, around 100,000 Lada cars were imported to Cuba as a way to circumvent the long-standing US economic embargo. Now, facing a severe fuel shortage and a grim economic outlook, Cuba’s leadership has once again turned to Russia for support.

For drivers like Jorge, maintaining their vehicles has become a constant struggle due to the scarcity and high cost of spare parts. Even obtaining petrol has become a lengthy ordeal, with long queues at petrol pumps. To manage the situation, the state has organized drivers into WhatsApp groups, assigning them numbers and notifying them when it’s their turn to fill up. However, the system has been inefficient and lacking in proper organization and infrastructure, leading to frustration among drivers.

The fuel crisis is just one of the many challenges Cuba has faced recently, including food insecurity, inflation, and electricity blackouts. These longstanding issues stem from government mismanagement and the US economic embargo, aggravated further by the collapse of the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seizing this opportunity, some Russian companies have signed agreements with Cuba to revitalize tourism infrastructure, improve agriculture, and invest in industries such as rum and steel production.

Of particular interest to Jorge and other drivers is an agreement for Russia to supply approximately 30,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This would help compensate for the reduction in oil exports from Venezuela, Cuba’s oil-rich socialist ally, which decreased from 80,000 barrels per day in 2020 to around 55,000. The Cuban state media portrays this cooperation as evidence of the enduring ties between the two nations. However, independent economist Omar Everleny believes that closer relations with Moscow offer only a short-term solution for Cuba.

While Russia’s assistance may stabilize the current crisis, Mr. Everleny points out that Russian firms will expect timely and full payment for their investments, which could potentially burden Cuban families. He warns against relying on a single benefactor, citing historical examples of dependence on Spain, the US, the Soviet Union, and Venezuela. Instead, Everleny suggests that Cuba should develop its own production strategy, with a key role for small and medium-sized Cuban businesses.

As the day outside the petrol station comes to an end, Jorge Lloro manages to fill up his Lada. However, like the Cuban Revolution itself, the country’s situation remains precarious, relying on Russian assistance while desperately needing significant reforms in the years to come.

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Russian Journalist and Lawyer Assaulted by Armed Assailants in Chechnya

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Investigative journalist Yelena Milashina and lawyer Alexander Nemov were brutally attacked by masked individuals while en route to a court in Chechnya, Russia. Milashina, who has previously received death threats from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, was traveling with Nemov to attend the court verdict of Zarema Musayeva, a critic of Kadyrov.

The assailants intercepted their car, forcefully removed the driver, and proceeded to assault Milashina and Nemov. Milashina described the incident as a kidnapping, where they were threatened at gunpoint, physically restrained, and subjected to various forms of violence, including the shaving of her head and the application of green dye to her face.

Milashina suffered a brain injury and broken fingers, while Nemov sustained injuries, including a laceration on his leg. In the past, Milashina had temporarily left Russia due to threats from Kadyrov, who has been accused of human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and involvement in the invasion of Ukraine.

Milashina’s courageous investigative reporting in Chechnya mirrors the work of Anna Politkovskaya and Natalia Estemirova, both of whom were murdered for their activism. Kadyrov’s actions and the constant threats directed towards Milashina highlight the climate of fear and danger faced by journalists in the region.

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SCO summit: Putin says sanctions making Russia stronger

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his country’s opposition to Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at the virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first international address since the recent mutiny in Russia, Putin expressed defiance towards the West, stating that Russia would counter external sanctions and pressures while continuing to develop. He emphasized the importance of trade agreements between SCO nations in local currencies, seen as a measure to mitigate the impact of sanctions. Putin also welcomed Belarus’s application to become a permanent member of the SCO. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, called for increased trade, connectivity, and tech cooperation among member states.

However, he did not directly address the war in Ukraine or China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s delicate diplomatic position as it strengthens ties with both the West and China. Instead, Modi urged SCO members to cooperate on countering cross-border terrorism, with his statements commonly interpreted as aimed at Pakistan. China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of regional peace and security and called for solidarity and mutual trust among SCO members. All members agreed on the need to maintain stability in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover.

The SCO, formed in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian countries, has gained relevance as relations with the West deteriorate for Russia and China. With around 40% of the world’s population and over 20% of global GDP, the SCO holds significant potential, and the inclusion of Iran as a full member further enhances its energy portfolio.

However, India’s ability to strike a diplomatic balance between its global partners, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, will impact the future of the SCO. Indian diplomats assert their commitment to an independent foreign policy without favoring any particular group.

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Mayors’ anti-violence rally leads to a decrease in France riots

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Following five days of violent protests in response to the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop, the riots in France appear to be calming. Sunday night witnessed a decrease in violence and a lower number of arrests.

President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the interior ministry to maintain a significant police presence on the streets. Mayors have organized rallies outside town halls to condemn the violence and looting. While the situation has improved, authorities remain cautious and are not declaring a complete return to normalcy. President Macron has requested a massive deployment of around 45,000 officers across the country to ensure a peaceful environment.

The number of arrests, cars set on fire, and damaged buildings has significantly decreased. The mayors’ association has expressed concern about the serious unrest, targeting symbols of the republic with extreme violence. One act of violence involved an attack on the home of a suburban Paris mayor, resulting in injuries to his family.

The family of Nahel has called for an end to the violence, emphasizing the need for changes in the laws regarding lethal force during traffic stops. They disapprove of a fundraising campaign for the police officer involved in Nahel’s shooting, which has attracted criticism from politicians.

President Macron will meet with mayors from affected areas to address the situation. Additionally, a fireman died while attempting to extinguish cars set ablaze in an underground car park, although there is no confirmed connection to the ongoing violence.

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The Obstacles Delaying Kyiv’s Counter-Offensive: Deadly Minefields in the Ukraine Conflict

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A Ukrainian soldier struggles through tall grass, dragging one leg behind him. Moments later, an explosion and smoke indicate another land mine has been triggered just a few meters away. Another injured soldier manages to reach the relative safety of an armored vehicle, his arms flailing as he moves, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

Last week, a Ukrainian army drone captured these live scenes in the frontlines near the city of Bakhmut in Donbas. From above, the minefield appeared as a scattered pattern of dark circles on the cratered ground.

Artyom, a 36-year-old soldier from Ukraine’s 108th Territorial Defense Brigade, expressed his fear of mines, stating that they terrify him more than anything else. He recounted an incident where two of his colleagues stepped on newly scattered anti-personnel mines, losing their legs. Artyom, a trained sapper, explained that Russian forces use rockets to plant mines in previously cleared areas liberated by Ukrainian troops.

The anticipated counterattack by Ukraine has faced delays, and soldiers stationed along different sections of the frontlines attribute part of the delay to Russian minefields. The commander of a sapper squad known as Dill confirmed that mines significantly slow down troop movements. He recently completed a de-mining mission near the village of Predtechyne and displayed deactivated Russian mines while ensuring he remained hidden from Russian drones.

Artyom, a realist about Ukraine’s counter-offensive, believed that many people in the media and society were too impatient, expecting rapid progress. He cautioned against the worst-case scenario of slow progress. As fighter jets flew overhead and artillery pounded the frontlines, one officer suggested that the patient approach of the Ukrainian forces would soon yield significant results, as long-range strikes hindered Russia’s ability to rearm and low morale among Russian troops created opportunities for breakthroughs.

Regarding the extensive minefields ahead of Ukraine’s counter-attack, Dill, the sapper squad commander, expressed quiet confidence. He stated that they were learning to improvise and find safe paths through the minefields but acknowledged the fierce nature of the enemy they were fighting.

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France shooting: Calmer night despite protests over Nahel M’s murder, minister says

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The death of a teenager shot by police at close range in France has sparked protests and unrest in various cities. However, the Interior Minister has reported a quieter night of protests with fewer arrests compared to previous nights.

The most intense clashes occurred in the southern city of Marseille. In a Paris suburb, attackers targeted the mayor’s house, injuring his wife as she attempted to flee with their children. The funeral for the teenager, Nahel M, was held with large crowds in attendance. The Interior Minister commended law enforcement for their actions, which contributed to a relatively calmer night. Around 45,000 police officers were deployed across the country for a second consecutive night.

The hope is that the security crackdown and the public’s disapproval of the violence will lead to a turning point and a decline in rioting. However, it is yet to be confirmed if this trend will continue. Clashes between police and rioters were reported in Marseille, with tear gas being used by the police. In Paris, a significant police presence deterred protesters from gathering on the Champs-Élysées.

The mayor of L’Haÿ-les-Roses denounced the attack on his home as a “murder attempt of unspeakable cowardice.” In other cities such as Lille, Lyon, Nice, and Strasbourg, clashes and vehicle fires were reported. The incident involving Nahel has reignited discussions about French policing, including a controversial firearms law from 2017 that allows officers to shoot at drivers who refuse to stop.

The issue of racism within the police force has also been raised, with the UN’s human rights office urging France to address this concern. President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the violence and criticized the exploitation of Nahel’s death to justify acts of violence.

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Macron accuses rioters of taking advantage of the teenager’s death in France shooting

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French President Emmanuel Macron has accused protesters of exploiting the fatal shooting of a teenager by police. In response to the unrest that followed the incident, Macron held a crisis meeting and announced the deployment of additional officers to control the violence. However, he refrained from declaring a state of emergency.

Macron called on parents to keep their protesting children at home and urged social media platforms to remove specific content. Over 915 arrests were made in a single night, and the government plans to deploy 45,000 police officers to prevent further violence. Macron strongly condemned the recent acts of violence and criticized the exploitation of the teenager’s death.

He also called on social media companies to take down sensitive content and provide authorities with information about individuals organizing violent activities. The protests and riots have led to significant damage to shops, streets, and public property across various cities in France. Public transport was halted in some areas, and curfews were imposed.

The capital, Paris, has been particularly affected, as the teenager lived in a suburb there. The officer who fired the fatal shot has been charged with voluntary homicide, and the incident has sparked debates about French policing and potential issues of racism within law enforcement.

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Survivors point fingers at Greek coastguard for Greece boat tragedy

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Survivors of the migrant boat tragedy off Greece’s coast accuse the Greek coastguard of causing the sinking of the overcrowded fishing vessel. The incident, which occurred on June 14, is considered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent Mediterranean history, with an estimated 750 people on board, mainly from Pakistan, Syria, and Egypt.

Of the total, 104 individuals survived, while 82 bodies have been recovered. The identities of the four survivors who spoke to the BBC have been verified through multiple sources, but they have chosen to remain anonymous for their safety.

The survivors, some of whom are being held at the Malakasa refugee reception center, alleged that the Greek coastguard was towing the boat when it sank in a deep area of the Mediterranean, approximately 80km (50 miles) off the Greek coast. The Greek authorities have denied these claims, stating that when they attempted to secure the vessel with a rope to assess the situation, some individuals on board resisted, expressing their desire to continue the journey to Italy.

The survivors reported being pressured by Greek officials not to speak to the media about the incident or to blame the Greek coastguard. The Greek authorities declined to comment, citing an ongoing official investigation into the sinking.

The German NGO Sea-Watch, which conducts rescue operations in the Mediterranean, commented that towing an old vessel with a large number of people under such conditions is a risky endeavor and likely to result in a disaster. The survivors also disputed the allegations against the nine Egyptians accused of people trafficking, stating that they were passengers, not smugglers.

The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for urgent action to prevent further deaths at sea, emphasizing the importance of search and rescue operations and the establishment of safe regular pathways in the Mediterranean. According to UNHCR figures, approximately 80,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to reach EU states this year, with an estimated 1,200 deaths or disappearances during the journey.

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EU To Lift Ban Of Food Imports From Japan Post 2011 Nuclear Accident

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A government spokesperson in Japan has expressed the country’s welcome to the European Union (EU) potentially lifting restrictions on food imports that were imposed after the 2011 nuclear accident caused by an earthquake and tsunami. According to a report in the Nikkei newspaper, the EU is in the final stages of removing all restrictions on Japanese food, although the sources for this information were not disclosed.

The bans on food imports have been in effect since the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, resulting in multiple meltdowns. The spokesperson, Mr Hirokazu Matsuno, stated during a Tokyo press conference that the Japanese government appreciates the positive steps toward lifting the restrictions. It is hoped that easing the restrictions will contribute to the reconstruction efforts in the areas devastated by the nuclear disaster.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami tragically claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 people along Japan’s Pacific coast. The meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

This news about the potential lifting of restrictions comes just before the visit of Rafael Mariano Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to Japan. During his visit, Grossi will present the findings of the IAEA’s safety review regarding Japan’s plan to release water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The Japanese government intends to release 1.3 million metric tons of water that has been exposed to radiation inside the damaged power plant after removing most of its radioactive elements.

The water to be released contains traces of tritium, an isotope that is difficult to remove from water and has primarily been used to cool the damaged reactors. The IAEA plans to establish an office at the Fukushima plant during Grossi’s visit, indicating its ongoing involvement and oversight of the situation.

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Police Officer Faces Charges in Connection with Death of Teen During Traffic Stop in France

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The French police officer has been taken into custody and charged with homicide following the fatal shooting of a teenager near Paris on Tuesday. The 17-year-old, identified as Nahel M, was shot at close range as he attempted to drive away and subsequently crashed.

The incident has triggered widespread anger, leading to violent protests throughout the country. A march led by the boy’s mother was marred by clashes, and there have been further episodes of unrest and arrests in cities such as Lille and Marseille. In response, heightened security measures, including night-time curfews in some areas, have been implemented.

Over 40,000 police officers have been deployed across France to address the escalating situation. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about police power and the relationship between authorities and marginalized communities in the country’s suburbs.

The lawyer representing Nahel’s family criticized the existing legal and judicial framework, which they argue fosters a culture of impunity for law enforcement. Meanwhile, the accused officer maintains that he acted in self-defense and within the boundaries of the law.

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