News Trending War

The conflict in Ukraine might drag on for years: Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

By 376 0

According to Nato’s head, the West must prepare to continue assisting Ukraine in a long-term conflict. The cost of conflict, according to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, is enormous, but the cost of allowing Moscow to achieve its military objectives is much higher.

His remarks came as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned that a longer-term confrontation was inevitable. Both Mr. Stoltenberg and Mr. Johnson stated that supplying more weapons would increase the likelihood of a Ukrainian victory.

“We must plan for the possibility that it will take years. We must not abandon our support for Ukraine “In an interview with the German tabloid Bild, the Nato head stated. “Even if the expenses are significant, not only in terms of military support, but also in terms of growing energy and food expenditures.” According to the head of the Western military alliance, providing Ukraine with more modern weapons will improve its chances of liberating the country’s eastern Donbas region, which is now under Russian control.

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for control of territory in Ukraine’s east for several months, with Moscow making gradual progress in recent weeks.

Boris Johnson, writing in the Sunday Times, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of engaging in a “war of attrition” and “seeking to crush Ukraine down by pure cruelty.”

He wrote, “I’m afraid we’ll have to brace ourselves for a protracted conflict.” “The most important factor is time. Everything hinges on Ukraine’s ability to improve its defence capabilities faster than Russia’s ability to renew its offensive capabilities.” The prime minister, who visited Ukraine’s capital on Friday, warned that supplies of weaponry, equipment, ammunition, and training to Kyiv needed to keep up with Moscow’s rearmament operations.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

French screen icon Jean-Louis Trintignant dies aged 91

By 423 0

Jean-Louis Trintignant, a well-known French actor who appeared in over 100 films, has died at the age of 91. Three Colors: Red, Z, The Conformist, and Amour – which won an Oscar and the Palme d’Or – starred Trintignant.

In 2003, after his daughter Marie was battered to death by her rock star boyfriend, the celebrity received widespread popular sympathy in France. His wife informed the AFP news agency that he died early Friday in the southern Gard region “surrounded by loved ones.”

Trintignant, who was born on December 11, 1930, grew up in the midst of the horrors of World War Two and was sent as a young conscript to Algeria, then a French territory.

Trintignant’s difficult childhood was supposed to explain his willingness to excel in difficult characters, such as thugs and criminals, during the course of a career that spanned more than six decades.

His first notable film role was alongside Brigitte Bardot, with whom he apparently had a brief and highly publicised romance while filming the 1956 romantic comedy And God Created Woman.

Trintignant was known for shunning the spotlight, stating in one of his final interviews with the French newspaper Nice-Matin that stardom “didn’t interest” him.

He was able to put his enthusiasm for motor racing to bear, most memorably as a driver in the 1966 film A Man and a Woman.

The death of Trintignant’s actress daughter Marie in 2003, as well as her musician boyfriend Bertrand Cantat’s murder conviction, shocked France, and Trintignant was seen sobbing at her funeral.

Trintignant had previously lost another child, Pauline, as a baby. A cancer-stricken Trintignant made his final appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 after a career that spanned more than six decades and included attempts at directing.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Ukraine moves step closer to EU membership

By 390 0

Ukraine’s attempt to join the European Union has been boosted significantly by a proposal that it be granted candidate status. However, the European Commission has stated that the government needs reform in areas such as the rule of law, oligarchs, human rights, and corruption. Ukrainians have demonstrated that they are “willing to die” for their European dreams, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The group cautioned that the country needed to make reforms in the areas of the rule of law, oligarchs, human rights, and corruption. It comes after four European politicians visited Kyiv on Thursday and publicly backed Ukraine’s membership bid. Ukraine also claims that Russia is preparing an assault on the eastern city of Slovyansk, as battle for control of Severodonetsk continues.

“Europe can construct a new history of freedom precisely because of the bravery of the Ukrainians,” Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address, “and ultimately remove the grey zone in Eastern Europe between the EU and Russia.” “Ukraine has gotten closer to the EU than at any other moment since independence,” he remarked, hinting at “positive news” on the way.

Ukraine would be the EU’s largest country by area and fifth most populous if entered. All three candidates are significantly poorer than any existing EU member, with per capita income roughly half that of Bulgaria, the poorest.

Picture Courtesy: Google/Images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Germany accuses Russian gas giant Gazprom of inflating energy prices.

By 697 0

Germany has accused Gazprom, the Russian state-owned gas company, of seeking to raise energy prices by drastically cutting supplies. Gazprom said it will limit gas exports to Germany to less than 70 million cubic metres per day, which is less than half the current rate.

It cited the need to service equipment in the Nord Stream pipeline as the reason. However, Germany’s economy minister, Robert Habeck, stated that it was a “political choice” rather than a technical one. “Clearly, it’s a plan to agitate the market and drive up prices.” On Tuesday, Gazprom said that the Nord Stream 1 gas flow would be reduced from 167 million to 100 million cubic metres per day, but on Wednesday, it was further reduced to 67 million cubic metres per day.

According to energy firm ENI, Gazprom cut its gas supplies to Italy by roughly 15% on Wednesday. Italy, like Germany, is significantly reliant on Russian gas, with 40 percent of its imports coming from Russia.

The action comes just two weeks after European Union leaders agreed to halt most Russian oil imports by the end of 2022 as retaliation for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

After refusing a demand that “unfriendly countries” pay in Russian roubles, Russian natural gas supply to Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands were already halted.

The payment demand was interpreted as an attempt by Russia to bolster the rouble after it was battered by Western sanctions. Demand for roubles was projected to rise as foreign exchange demand increased, pushing up the currency’s value.

Mr. Habeck stated that Russia’s actions demonstrated that European countries must urgently eliminate their reliance on fossil fuels. Germany halted the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in February, just as Russia began its conflict in Ukraine. The minister said he would wait to see how the decision affected the European and German gas markets, but that suppliers had always been able to get gas elsewhere.

He added, “We don’t have a supply problem in Germany either.” “Gas will almost certainly be kept indefinitely.” In the last several days and weeks, we’ve made significant progress in this area.

“However, we’ll have to wait at least two or three days to obtain a complete picture of how things are progressing right now.”

On Wednesday, the EU and Israel and Egypt inked a framework deal aimed at increasing the amount of Israeli natural gas delivered to European countries.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

EU has taken new legal action against the United Kingdom over revisions to the post-Brexit accord

By 1211 0

The EU has threatened the UK government with additional legal action over its plans to cancel elements of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland deal. On Monday, ministers unveiled a bill aimed at unilaterally altering trade, tax, and governance structures in the 2020 agreement.

Both sides agreed to the pact, but the United Kingdom claims it has disrupted trade and power-sharing in Northern Ireland. However, the EU claims that overriding aspects of the agreement would violate international law.

“There is no legal or political rationale whatsoever for unilaterally amending an agreement,” stated Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission.

Mr Sefcovic stated, “Let’s call a spade a spade, this is illegal,” adding that the UK’s decision “left us with no alternative” but to pursue legal action. The Northern Ireland Protocol is a specific agreement that allows Northern Ireland to remain in the EU’s single market for goods while also avoiding a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. The agreement insured that free trade could continue across the Irish land border, which is a sensitive topic given Northern Ireland’s history of war.

The European Commission said it would resume legal proceedings against the United Kingdom for delaying checks on some products arriving in Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom, which had been paused since March 2021.

The Commission has opened two fresh investigations into allegations that the UK failed to meet its responsibilities to share trade data and establish border inspection stations. These legal actions may result in a fine being imposed on the United Kingdom as part of a dispute resolution process overseen by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).The UK government has stated that it would prefer to work with the EU on revisions rather than acting unilaterally to repeal portions of the treaty.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

Entertainment News Trending

Philip Baker Hall, who played Jerry Seinfeld, died at the age of 90

By 375 0

Philip Baker Hall, a popular US character actor who appeared on the sitcom Seinfeld in a memorable guest role, has died at the age of 90. In a classic 1991 episode, Hall played a huffy librarian who accused Jerry Seinfeld of not returning a long-overdue library book.

The actor’s performance was so well received that he returned for the show’s finale. Hall also appeared in The Truman Show, Rush Hour, Magnolia, and Boogie Nights, all directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

In Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning film Argo, he portrayed a CIA detective, and he also appeared in Lars von Trier’s Dogville, Bruce Almighty, and The Talented Mr Ripley. Modern Family, The West Wing, and Curb Your Enthusiasm are among his other TV credits.

Holly Wolfle Hall, Hall’s widow, claimed the actor died in Glendale, California, surrounded by his family. Hall’s talent would be valued, according to the official Seinfeld Twitter account.

When he was cast in Paul Thomas Anderson’s first feature picture, Hard Eight, he began working with him. Hall was born in 1931 in Toledo, Ohio, and is survived by his wife, four kids, four grandsons, and brother.

Mark Ruffalo, who co-starred with him in the film Zodiac, tweeted: “Philip Baker Hall, rest in peace. One of the all-time greats. It’s been a pleasure to observe you. It was a pleasure to work with you on Zodiac. Kindness, compassion, humility, and remarkable talent are all qualities that stand out “.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

French election: Left surge threatens Macron majority in France

By 378 0

Following a strong challenge from a coalition of left-wing parties in National Assembly elections, French President Emmanuel Macron faces losing his outright majority. In the first round of voting on Sunday, Mr. Macron’s Ensemble (Together) and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s left-green coalition finished neck and neck.

Next week’s second round will be a challenge for the president to win 289 seats and preserve his majority. The turnout was an all-time low of 47.5 percent. Within half an hour of the initial projection, a sombre Jean-Luc Mélenchon claimed that his alliance had taken the lead: “The truth is that the presidential party is battered and lost at the end of the first round.”

He urged voters to show out in large numbers next Sunday “to definitively reject Mr Macron’s majority’s terrible ideas.” Emmanuel Macron, a centrist, won a second term in April, but he will struggle to push through changes without a majority in the Assembly. He wants to progressively raise the retirement age from 62 to 65, but Mr Mélenchon wants it to be lowered to 60.

Ensemble received 25.75 percent of the vote, just ahead of the left’s 25.66 percent, and was expected to control the National Assembly. Ensemble has 275 to 305 seats, according to TF1 pollster Ifop, with the green-left alliance having 175-205 seats. According to Ipsos for France Télévisions, Mr Macron’s alliance will win 255-295 seats in the lower house and 150-190 seats on the left.

The lowest turnout in contemporary French history. Many voters apparently decided to take advantage of the warm weather in France, which reached 27 degrees in Paris. However, the election campaign has so far been mainly dormant.

Mr Mélenchon has been an outlier, running a ferocious campaign since finishing third in the presidential race. With the motto “Mélenchon Prime Minister,” he has formed the Nupes alliance, which includes his own far-left party, France Unbowed, the Socialists, Communists, and Greens.Until 2002, the two elections were held separately, which meant that the government was sometimes led by a party other than the president’s, a practise known as cohabitation. If Mr Macron’s majority is lost, he may be forced to work with the left.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russia introduces a ‘delicious’ McDonald’s alternative

By 388 0

McDonald’s withdrew from Russia in protest of the invasion of Ukraine, selling more than 800 of its restaurants to Russian businessman Alexander Govor. The first rebranded restaurants in Moscow are reopening today. “Vkusno I Tochka,” which means “tasty and that’s it,” is the new name. The Golden Arches have been replaced with a stylized letter M made of two French fries and a dot (or perhaps a burger?) The Big Mac and McFlurry are no longer available.

Customers, on the other hand, should not notice too many differences, according to the new owners. They held a press conference in the flagship restaurant on Pushkin Square, which opened 32 years ago as the first McDonald’s in Moscow. “Our goal is for our guests to notice no difference in quality or ambience,” said Vkusno I Tochka CEO Oleg Paroyev. One male protester, however, disrupted the event by shouting, “Bring back Big Mac!” I was in the long line in 1990, and it took me three hours to get in and be served. I recall being ecstatic. McDonald’s’ arrival was a symbol of Soviet Russia’s embrace of Western ideas, culture, and cuisine.

McDonald’s announced last month that it would leave Russia due to the war’s “humanitarian crisis” and “unpredictable operating environment.” Last year, Russia and Ukraine accounted for about 9% of McDonald’s global sales.

Since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, international brands such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Levi’s, and Apple have left or suspended sales in Russia. Wide-ranging international sanctions have been imposed on Russia, disrupting its supply chains and raising unemployment.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Putin compares himself to Peter the Great, a Russian tsar from the 18th century

By 339 0

Vladimir Putin’s admiration for Peter the Great is well-known, but he now appears to have his own notions of “Greatness.”

He has openly compared himself to the Russian tsar, equating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine today with Peter’s expansionist wars three centuries ago, and admitting that his own war is a land grab in his strongest statement yet. Mr Putin’s apparent empire-building ambitions are bad news for Ukraine, and his comments have enraged other neighbours, including Estonia, which called them “completely unacceptable.”

When the remarks were made, Russia’s president was meeting with young scientists and entrepreneurs. Prior to discussing IT and tech development, he discussed politics and power, specifically the new battle for geopolitical dominance that he sees. He told his small audience that Peter the Great was a role model in that speech.

“You might think he was fighting with Sweden, seizing their lands,” Mr Putin said, referring to Peter’s Northern Wars, which he launched as he forged a new Russian Empire at the turn of the 18th century. “But he didn’t seize anything; he reclaimed it!” he argued, pointing out that Slavs had lived in the area for centuries.

Mr Putin concluded, “It appears it has fallen to us, too, to reclaim and strengthen,” with a near-smirk that made it clear he was referring to Ukraine and his goals there. He claimed that Peter’s rule was proof that Russia had grown stronger as a result of its expansion.

Mr Putin has been citing Russia’s past a lot lately, and it’s always been carefully curated to suit his current cause. He wrote a massive essay several months before launching his attack on Ukraine in which he essentially argued against the country’s historical right to exist. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Putin falsely claimed that the invasion was a “special operation” limited to the eastern Donbas region in order to “de-Nazify” Ukraine and reduce the perceived threat to Russia.

Putin is selective in his use of history. Though a ruthless autocrat, Peter the Great was a huge admirer of Western ideas, science, and culture, famously constructing St Petersburg as a “window on Europe” and travelling the continent in search of knowledge to aid Russia’s modernization.

Putin’s increasingly repressive rule gradually shut that window to the West, and the war in Ukraine has slammed it shut completely. The idea of a Russian leader visiting Holland or Greenwich in search of ideas and inspiration, as the Tsar did in the past, now seems implausible. A series of words flashed up behind them as Putin lectured the young entrepreneurs on an 18th century tsar: ‘future,’ ‘confident,’ and ‘victory.’

In the face of Western condemnation and sanctions, Russia is determined to project defiance, and Putin himself appeared relaxed rather than threatened. However, history may have taught us something else.

From the Baltics to the Black Sea, Peter the Great eventually conquered land. Russia, on the other hand, had been fighting its Great Northern War for 21 years.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russia’s new version of McDonald’s unveils logo

By 395 0

As it prepares to reopen its restaurants on Sunday, the Russian fast food chain that was formerly known as McDonald’s in the country has unveiled its new logo.

A circle and two lines appear in the new branding, which are said to represent a burger and two French fries. Although a number of options have reportedly been considered, the company has not yet revealed the name of the chain. McDonald’s announced in May that it would leave Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Russian state-owned news agency TASS, which cited Sistema PBO, the firm that manages the business previously owned by McDonald’s, the Russian chain is set to reopen 15 restaurants this weekend.

“The logo’s green background represents the high quality of products and service that our guests have come to expect,” a Sistema PBO spokesperson told TASS.

The new logo, according to social media users, still looks like a “M.” Others speculated that the new logo was inspired by Bangladesh’s flag, which has a dark green background and a red circle in shades similar to the new logo. Sistema PBO has submitted eight potential names for the new chain to Rospatent, the Russian government agency in charge of intellectual property, according to the newspaper Izvestia.

“Tot Samyi,” which means “the same,” and “Svobodnaya Kassa,” which means “available cash register,” are among the names reportedly being considered. McDonald’s, Sistema PBO, and Rospatent did not respond to requests for comment from the BBC right away.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright