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Ukraine drones hit St Petersburg gas terminal in Russia

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An explosion at a significant gas export terminal near St Petersburg in Russia has reportedly been orchestrated by Ukrainian drones, as informed by sources to BBC News. The incident, which caused a large fire at the Ust-Luga terminal, resulted in no injuries according to Russian officials. Ukrainian sources from Kyiv claim that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a “special operation” using targeted drones. Both Russia and Ukraine have utilized drones in the ongoing conflict.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia began nearly two years ago, with limited progress reported in recent months. The explosion near St Petersburg occurred at the Ust-Luga terminal of gas producer Novatek, prompting a “high alert regime” in the region. Novatek suspended operations at the terminal, attributing the fire to “external influence” without providing specific details.

According to Ukrainian sources, the fuel processed at the attacked plant supplied Russian troops in the ongoing conflict, and this strike is said to significantly complicate military logistics. The attack is also characterized as an economic blow to Russia, a major fuel exporter from the terminal.

Reports from Russia’s Fontanka.ru include video footage of tankers near the fire, revealing that two drones were observed heading towards St Petersburg before altering their course towards the Ust-Luga port. Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake with explosions, and about 150 staff were evacuated from the terminal.

The Russian defence ministry stated it shot down three Ukrainian drones in the Smolensk Region near the Ukrainian border on Saturday night, following earlier reports of downed drones in Tula and Oryol in western Russia. No casualties were reported.

Additionally, on the same day, a shelling incident in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine resulted in at least 25 deaths and 20 injuries at a busy market. Russia and Ukraine have been targeting each other’s energy infrastructure, with a recent fire at an oil depot in Bryansk, southwest Russia, blamed on a Ukrainian drone strike. This follows an attack on a major oil loading terminal in St Petersburg and Russia’s claim of capturing a village near Bakhmut, which Kyiv has not confirmed. Ukraine, facing ammunition shortages, has expressed intentions to domestically produce a million drones this year.

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Turkish quake trial for hotel collapse that killed school volleyball team

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The initial trial related to the 2023 earthquake in Turkey has commenced, concentrating on the collapse of an Adiyaman hotel that resulted in 72 fatalities. The Isias Grand hotel in Adiyaman hosted a school volleyball team from Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus and a group of tourist guides during the earthquake, with 11 individuals charged for violating construction regulations. The earthquake, occurring on February 6, claimed over 50,000 lives in Turkey and Syria, causing the collapse or severe damage of 160,000 buildings and displacing 1.5 million people.

Charges have been brought against 11 people for breaching construction rules in connection with the collapse of the Isias Grand hotel in Adiyaman during last year’s earthquake. The hotel, which housed a school volleyball team from northern Cyprus and tourist guides, was one of the numerous buildings affected by the earthquake, resulting in significant casualties. The Turkish government initiated investigations, leading to the arrest of nearly 200 individuals, including construction contractors and property owners, for their roles in the disaster.

The trial began with the prosecution focusing on the Isias Grand hotel in Adiyaman, where a tragic incident unfolded during the earthquake last year. A group of 39 individuals, including students, teachers, and parents, had chosen the hotel for a volleyball tournament. The collapse of the hotel resulted in the loss of 35 lives from the group, with only four parents surviving. The trial has prompted the families of the victims to demand severe sentences for the accused individuals and the inclusion of charges against Turkish officials responsible for licensing the hotel.

The Isias Grand hotel, operational since 2001, faced allegations of construction malpractice, including the improper use of materials and unauthorized additional floors in 2016. The indictment revealed that gravel and sand from the local river were mixed with construction materials in the hotel’s columns. Families of the victims expressed outrage, accusing the Culture and Tourism Ministry of neglecting proper inspections despite granting the hotel a four-star rating, and they insisted on accountability for those responsible.

The extensive building collapses resulting from the earthquake stirred widespread criticism of the Turkish government for encouraging a construction boom without effectively enforcing building regulations. The trial has intensified calls for accountability, with grieving families emphasizing the need to charge those responsible for the Isias Hotel’s approval and urging justice for the lives lost. If found guilty, the 11 defendants could face prison terms ranging from two years and eight months to more than 22 years.

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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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Prague shooting: Gunman dead after killing 14 at Charles University

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A tragic incident unfolded at Charles University in Prague, marking the deadliest attack in modern Czech history. A 24-year-old gunman shot and killed 14 people while injuring 25 others in the Faculty of Arts building, located in the historic center of the capital. The assailant, who was later “eliminated” by the police, was revealed to be a student at the university. The motives behind the attack were not immediately known.

The shooting commenced at approximately 15:00 local time, prompting university staff to barricade themselves in rooms for safety. Disturbing footage circulated on social media, showing individuals jumping to safety from the building’s ledges, and the sound of gunshots echoed through the air. Prime Minister Petr Fiala canceled upcoming engagements in response to the tragic events.

Police authorities disclosed that the gunman hailed from a village outside Prague, and his father was found dead earlier on the same day. The police were investigating a possible link between the gunman and two deaths in a forest near Prague the previous week. Preliminary information suggested that no police officers were injured during the university attack.

Witnesses, including a university professor and tourists, recounted the chaos and panic that ensued as people sought refuge from the gunfire. Charles University students reported barricading themselves in classrooms, receiving instructions to stay in place until the situation was under control. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed shock at the senseless violence.

Charles University, founded in 1347, is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest in Europe. The tragic incident has left the nation in mourning and raised questions about the motives behind the gunman’s actions.

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Ukraine war: Dozens wounded in missile strikes on Kyiv

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Dozens of people were injured in a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight, with 53 people, including six children, harmed, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attacks occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea for increased military aid in the US yielded little progress. Ten Russian ballistic missiles were reportedly shot down, damaging kindergarten and hospital buildings. Zelensky, who left the US prior to the strikes, vowed a response and criticized Russia for targeting residential areas. The EU is set to discuss further aid for Ukraine, and Zelensky arrived in Norway for additional support talks.

The attack on Kyiv followed the use of cruise missiles by Russia, ending a 79-day hiatus in missile attacks. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted all 10 incoming missiles. The projectiles were identified as Iskander-M ballistic missiles and S-400s, designed for air defense but also used against ground targets. A major cyberattack on Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, disrupted operations, impacting millions of people relying on air raid alerts. Additionally, the port city of Odesa faced drone attacks, causing injuries and damage.

Zelensky’s efforts to secure more military aid in the US faced challenges, with President Joe Biden warning Republicans about giving Russia a “Christmas gift” if aid was not increased. Zelensky and Biden agreed to enhance air defense systems for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a summit of European leaders discussed Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed opening accession talks, emphasizing the need for support without full membership.

Hungary has previously clashed with EU partners over its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Ukraine’s fight as crucial for Europe and urged support for its inclusion in the European family.

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Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by biggest drone attack since war began

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Kyiv experienced its most significant drone attack since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the city’s mayor. The assault, consisting of over 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted the capital from the north and east. Despite the city’s air defenses successfully intercepting 74 drones, explosions and the sound of air defenses echoed through Kyiv for more than six hours. The Shahed drones, viewed as a cost-effective alternative to Russia’s diminishing missile stocks, are slower but distinctive due to their wingspan.

The attack caused damage to buildings, including a kindergarten, and left at least five people injured, including an 11-year-old child. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strikes as an intentional act of terror, vowing to continue uniting the world against Russian aggression. The assault coincided with Ukraine’s commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, adding symbolic weight to the event.

The possibility of Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a tactic used in the past, materialized as 16,000 homes in central Kyiv lost power. While Moscow’s previous attempts to deprive Ukrainians of essential resources failed, causing authorities to rapidly repair damaged infrastructure, the impact of such strikes remains significant. Despite ongoing improvements in Ukraine’s air defenses, attacks like these continue to cause destruction, instill fear, and disrupt the lives of its residents.

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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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Israel Gaza: EU calls for ‘corridors and pauses’ for humanitarian aid

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EU leaders have urged the establishment of “corridors and pauses” to ensure the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following lengthy discussions in Brussels, the leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of safe and unimpeded access. Disagreements among member states had previously centered on the duration and structure of these pauses, with some advocating for a longer, singular cessation of hostilities.

In response to Hamas’s attack that led to significant casualties, Israel initiated airstrikes and imposed blockades on essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The health system in Gaza, operated by Hamas, has been strained to the brink, with a large number of casualties and a shortage of functioning medical facilities.

Although the aid reaching Gaza has been limited, the recent statement from the EU leaders represents a compromise among the diverse views of the 27 member states. The use of “humanitarian pauses” as brief intervals aims to allow the EU to work with regional partners to provide essential resources without being exploited by terrorist organizations, as clarified in the statement.

The decision to use the term “pauses” rather than “pause” was a result of delicate negotiations. The former was considered less likely to imply a permanent ceasefire, thereby acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense. Notably, certain member states, including Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, which holds a strong pro-Israel stance, played a significant role in shaping the statement’s wording.

While some countries expressed disappointment at the absence of a specific call for a ceasefire, there was approval for the addition of a new line supporting the organization of an international peace conference. The proposed conference aligns with the Spanish caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier call for an international peace summit to address the long-standing conflict in the region.

Given that the EU lacks military authority, its influence is primarily diplomatic, focusing on diplomatic pressure and the provision of aid. Despite the EU’s efforts, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, asserted that Israel would continue to make autonomous decisions regarding its actions in Gaza, based on its national interests.

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Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Claims 20 Lives and Refugee Numbers Soar

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A devastating explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, has claimed the lives of 20 individuals and left hundreds injured, according to local Armenian authorities.

Approximately 300 people were admitted to hospitals, with many in critical condition.

These tragic events coincide with the arrival of 13,350 refugees into Armenia from the conflict-ridden Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Nagorno-Karabakh is at the center of a long-standing dispute and is predominantly populated by around 120,000 ethnic Armenians.

The cause of the explosion in Stepanakert, the main city, remains unclear.

Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman, expressed concern on social media, reporting that the explosion had resulted in over 200 injuries, many of which were severe or extremely severe. Nagorno-Karabakh’s medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

Local authorities have confirmed the discovery of 13 unidentified bodies at the explosion site, with an additional seven individuals succumbing to their injuries in hospitals.

The seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has prompted thousands of people to flee the region, following the Armenian government’s announcement of plans to relocate those displaced by the conflict.

Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has raised concerns about ethnic cleansing in the region and expressed disappointment that the international community hasn’t acted more decisively.

Azerbaijan has stated its intention to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as equal citizens.

Refugees who have reached Goris in Armenia, near the Karabakh border, have shared their harrowing experiences, with one individual expressing a preference for death over their current situation.

Envoys from Armenia and Azerbaijan are scheduled to meet in Brussels for European Union-backed talks. These discussions mark the first diplomatic negotiations since Azerbaijan’s recent takeover of the enclave.

Both sides will be represented by their national security advisors.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region in the South Caucasus, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians for three decades.

Armenia and Russia have provided support to the enclave, with Russia maintaining a presence of hundreds of soldiers.

Last week, as Azerbaijan’s army advanced, five Russian peacekeepers were killed, along with at least 200 ethnic Armenians and dozens of Azerbaijani soldiers.

Azerbaijan’s defense ministry has reported the confiscation of additional military equipment, including rockets, artillery shells, mines, and ammunition.

Despite public assurances from Azerbaijan, concerns persist for the well-being of Nagorno-Karabakh’s residents. Only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food has been allowed since separatists agreed to a ceasefire and disarm.

Ethnic Armenian leaders emphasize that thousands are in dire need of food and shelter, many resorting to seeking refuge in basements, schools, or the open air.

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Nagorno-Karabakh Authorities Accept Azerbaijan’s Request for Disarmament

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A day after Azerbaijan initiated an offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Russia. This agreement includes the significant concession of complete disarmament by Karabakh forces. Nagorno-Karabakh, home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

Three years ago, Azerbaijan reclaimed areas in and around Karabakh and, on Tuesday, demanded an unconditional surrender. Karabakh authorities have reported at least 32 casualties, including seven civilians, and approximately 200 injuries since Azerbaijan launched what it termed “anti-terror” operations.

Azerbaijan’s leadership has announced plans to meet with Armenian representatives from Karabakh to discuss “re-integration” matters in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Karabakh’s regional capital, known as Khankendi to Azerbaijanis and Stepanakert to Armenians.

Mediated by Russian peacekeepers, enclave leaders have confirmed a comprehensive cessation of hostilities beginning at 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT). However, despite the ceasefire, loud explosions persisted in the regional capital, and minor clashes were reported by both sides. Azerbaijan claimed to have captured over 90 positions from ethnic Armenians since the conflict began.

Karabakh officials urged residents to remain in shelters and avoid heading to the local airport, which adjoins a Russian peacekeeping base. Nonetheless, a group of civilians gathered near the airport.

Russia revealed that its peacekeepers had evacuated 2,000 people from Karabakh villages since the offensive commenced. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that his government played no part in crafting the ceasefire text and insisted that Russian peacekeepers bore full responsibility for the safety of the local population. On Tuesday, he accused Azerbaijan of carrying out “ethnic cleansing” in Karabakh.

The terms of the truce require complete disarmament and disbandment of local Karabakh forces, along with a commitment for Armenian forces to withdraw, despite Yerevan’s denial of any military presence there.

Azerbaijan’s presidential envoy, Elchin Amirbekov, stated that Russian peacekeepers played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire’s implementation.

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