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Ukraine war: Russia says ammonia pipeline blast may end grain deal

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Russia has accused Ukraine of sabotaging a key ammonia pipeline and blamed them for a recent blast that damaged the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline. Moscow claims that the incident may have a negative impact on efforts to renew a grain export deal between the two countries. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied these allegations and suggested that the explosion was likely caused by Russian shelling.

The pipeline, spanning 2,500 kilometers from Togliatti in Russia to three Black Sea ports in southern and western Ukraine, used to export 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually before operations were halted due to the Russian invasion in 2022. As part of the negotiations for the grain export deal last year, Ukraine and Russia agreed to ensure the safe passage of ammonia through the pipeline. The current agreement is set to expire on July 17.

The Kremlin expressed concerns about the pipeline blast, stating that it would negatively affect discussions on renewing the grain export deal. Russian officials mentioned uncertainty about the extent of the damage and the actions Ukraine would take. The Russian foreign ministry estimated that it would take one to three months to repair the damaged section, but the Industry and Trade minister stated that Moscow has no access to the affected area.

Ukraine strongly denied any involvement in the blast and instead accused Russia of conducting the attack. President Zelensky emphasized that the explosion occurred in a “grey zone” between territories controlled by Ukraine and Russia. He drew a distinction between this incident and the blast at the Khakovka dam, labeling the latter as terrorism orchestrated by Russia.

Reports have also emerged suggesting a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. However, Ukrainian officials, including the secretary of the national security council, denied these claims and stated that any offensive action would be publicly known. US officials have indicated that while a Ukrainian counteroffensive may be in its initial stages, the main thrust of the operation has not yet begun.

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Children injured in French alpine town knife attack

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In Annecy, a town in south-eastern France, a knife attack has left several people injured, including young children, according to the country’s interior ministry.

The attack occurred in a park, carried out by an individual. Reports from French media indicate that the injured children, approximately three years old, are in critical condition.

The suspect, identified as a Syrian asylum seeker, has been arrested. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin commended the swift action of the security forces. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne is en route to Annecy to assess the situation.

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Pope Francis, 86, to have abdominal surgery

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Pope Francis is scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday afternoon. The Vatican has stated that he is expected to remain in the hospital for several days to recover from the operation.

The hernia has been causing recurrent and worsening symptoms, leading to the decision for surgical intervention. The Pope has experienced various health issues in recent years and relies on a cane and wheelchair due to a persistent knee ailment.

His medical team determined that surgery was necessary, and the procedure will involve a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anesthesia. Pope Francis carried out his regular audience earlier on Wednesday without mentioning the upcoming operation.

This follows a scheduled check-up at the same hospital the day before, as well as a previous hospitalization in March for a lung infection. In 2021, he had part of his colon removed to address a painful bowel condition, and he recently disclosed that the issue had returned.

Despite his health challenges, the Pope remains committed to his role and has dismissed any notions of resignation. He is generally regarded as having been in good health during his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church and maintains a busy schedule, with upcoming visits planned to Portugal and Mongolia in August.

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Evacuations ongoing as floodwaters in Kherson reach their peak today

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Following the breach of a dam in the Russian-occupied town of Nova Kakhovka, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the dire situation caused by the flooding. Hundreds of thousands of people are without access to drinking water, and tens of thousands remain stranded due to the floodwaters.

Evacuations are currently underway in the surrounding areas, as Kherson braces for the peak of rising water levels today. James Waterhouse, our correspondent in Kherson, reports that numerous homes have been submerged up to their rooftops. Distressed individuals in Kherson have sought refuge on rooftops and in trees, awaiting rescue.

Fortunately, the floods in Nova Kakhovka are subsiding according to local authorities. However, there are concerns regarding the impact on the vital agriculture industry in southern Ukraine, as the declining levels of the Kakhovka reservoir could have devastating consequences for irrigation.

The environmental damage caused by pollution and flooding is also a major worry, with Ukraine labeling it as one of Europe’s worst environmental disasters in decades. Nevertheless, there is currently no immediate threat to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant upriver, as it relies on the reservoir for reactor cooling.

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‘Brave Goose’ book helps children understand Ukraine war

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Nadia Sadoviak, a Ukrainian music teacher residing in Newbury, Berkshire, has created an illustrated book of poems aimed at helping children understand and cope with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. Sadoviak explained that the book provides a means for children in her homeland to navigate a situation that they can hardly comprehend.

The book features a character named “Brave Goose” portrayed in various roles such as a medic and a volunteer. Sadoviak expressed her constant concern for helping children and her continuous efforts to establish connections and foster positivity. While acknowledging the impossibility of finding positivity in the dire situation in Ukraine, she has received positive feedback regarding the book’s usefulness in aiding children in coping with their difficult circumstances.

Copies of the book have been produced in the UK, and Sadoviak intends to distribute it to as many Ukrainian children living in Berkshire as possible. She will officially launch the book at Newbury Library on June 14.

The library holds significance for this event as it has recently been granted Library of Sanctuary status for its commendable efforts in welcoming and supporting refugees and individuals seeking sanctuary, making it an appropriate venue for Sadoviak’s book launch.

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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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