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Ukraine war: Russia halts grain deal after ‘massive’ Black Sea Fleet attack

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Russia has said that it will no longer take part in the international agreement, which permits Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports. The accusation that Ukraine had launched a “massive” drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea, came hours earlier.

The foreign minister of Ukraine claimed that Russia was “using a false pretext.” Russia also accused British troops of taking part in the attack on Saturday and the blowing up of gas pipelines last month without offering any supporting evidence. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) responded by claiming that Russia was “peddling false accusations of an epic scale.”

Drones deployed in the attack on Saturday, according to the Russian defence ministry, targeted ships involved in the grain exchange. One vessel, according to the report, experienced minimal damage.

The Russian side is unable to guarantee the safety of civilian dry cargo ships taking part in the “Black Sea Initiative” and suspends its execution as of today for an extended period, according to a statement released by the Russian foreign ministry hours later.

The move, according to the statement, was “related to operations by the Ukrainian military forces, which were led by British specialists,” and these actions “were intended… against Russian ships that ensured the running of the abovementioned humanitarian corridor.”

However, Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, claimed that Russia was obstructing the grain corridor under “a bogus pretext.” He claimed that Ukraine had “warned of Russian’s attempts to destroy” the agreement. The UN, which mediated the agreement with Turkey, was in contact with Moscow, according to a UN spokeswoman.

It went on to say that it was “essential that all parties refrain from any action that would threaten the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” which it described as a crucial humanitarian initiative aimed at enhancing access to food for millions of people worldwide.

The accord made it possible for Ukraine to resume grain exports to the Black Sea, which had been halted after Russia invaded the nation.

The UN secretary general personally negotiated it, and it was hailed as a significant diplomatic triumph that lessened a severe world food crisis.

But Russia has protested that the arrangement may not be renewed because its own exports are still being hampered.

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Piet Mondrian artwork displayed upside down for 75 years

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According to an art historian, a Piet Mondrian abstract painting has been hanging upside down in different galleries for 75 years.  Despite the recent discovery, the painting, titled New York City I, will still be exhibited backwards to protect it from damage.

The 1941 image was first displayed in 1945 at the MoMA in New York. Since 1980, it has hung in Düsseldorf at the North Rhine-Westphalia state art collection.  The long-standing mistake was discovered by curator Susanne Meyer-Büser early this year when researching the museum’s new exhibition on the artist, but she cautioned that if it were placed the correct way at this time, it might fall apart.

New York City I is an adhesive-tape version of the similarly named New York City painting by the same artist.

The similarly called New York City, which is on exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, shows a thickening of lines towards the top rather than the bottom, which appears to support this notion.

Furthermore, the identical painting is visible hanging on an easel the wrong way up in a picture of the prominent Dutchman’s workshop that was shot a few days after his passing. In June 1944, the picture appeared in the American lifestyle publication Town and Country.

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Russia to ban sharing LGBT ‘propaganda’ with adults as well as children

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The contentious Russian ban on disseminating alleged “homosexual propaganda” appears to be expanding to include all adults. With this change, a 2013 regulation that made it illegal to tell minors about being LGBT has been made much stricter.

For encouraging what Russia refers to as “non-traditional sexual interactions,” those found guilty face significant fines. The Russian State Duma passed the extension’s initial approval with a unanimous majority.

Officials had earlier this week lobbied members of Russia’s lower house of parliament to approve the extension, framing it as a component of a larger conflict with the West over civilizational norms and connecting it to the decision to invade Ukraine.

Information about “non-traditional lifestyles” or “the rejection of family values” would be viewed legally on par with pornography, the encouragement of violence, or igniting racial, ethnic, or religious tensions under the plan.

Additionally, it outlaws “promotion of paedophilia,” which the Russian government frequently equates with homosexuality.

The additions also forbid any information that could “lead minors to desire to change their sex,” a reference to transgender individuals.

Infractions of the ban are punishable by fines ranging from 50,000 roubles (£705; $815) to 400,000 roubles, and non-Russians who do so risk being expelled from the nation.

Although the proposal has widespread support, it must first be approved by the Federation Council, the Russian parliament’s upper house, before Vladimir Putin can sign it into law.

One of the law’s leading supporters claimed on Monday that the sharing of information about LGBT individuals with Russians was a part of a “hybrid war” being fought by the West against the nation. Politicians in the Duma heard this argument.

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Mercedes-Benz becomes latest Western company to pull out of Russia

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Mercedes is the most recent foreign corporation to leave Russia in the wake of the February invasion of Ukraine. Early in March, the German company halted producing in and importing from the nation.

However, it has now announced that it will leave the Russian market and sell stock in its subsidiaries to a regional investor. Nissan, a Japanese company, left Russia earlier this month after Toyota and Renault did the same.

Nissan handed over its business to a state-owned organisation for a small amount, reportedly less than £1, at a loss of $700 million (£600 million).

Mercedes’ departure from Russia, according to Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm, is not anticipated to have a materially negative impact on the company’s earnings.

The choice was made after major Western businesses, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola, left Russia earlier this year. In the early stages of the war, deliveries from other automakers, such as Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors, Aston Martin, and Rolls-Royce, were all stopped.

Mercedes was in line with other businesses when it stopped exports and suspended operations in Russia earlier this year, but many other automakers subsequently swiftly withdrew from the nation entirely, according to James Baggott, editor-in-chief of the industry website Car Dealer Magazine.

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Giorgia Meloni: Italy’s new PM takes aim at migrant boats in debut speech

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Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s new far-right leader, emphasised her goal to stop migrant boats from crossing the Mediterranean in her first speech to MPs. She reiterated her campaign promise to stop boats leaving North Africa for Italy, saying, “We must end illicit departures and human trafficking.”

Italy has always served as a hub for unauthorised immigrants travelling to Europe. This year, more than 77,000 people have attempted the extremely risky crossing into Italy, placing stress on nearby communities. The Brothers of Italy party is led by Ms. Meloni, 45, who was elected as leader of a right-wing alliance.

She addressed the lower house of parliament, “We do not seek in any way to dispute the right to asylum for individuals escaping wars and persecutions. In terms of immigration, what we want to accomplish is make it impossible for people traffickers to choose who gets into Italy.

She referred to herself as a “underdog” and acknowledged the responsibility of becoming the first female leader of her nation while paying thanks to the many Italian women who had come before her in “breaking this ultimate glass ceiling.”

She was greeted with a standing ovation and cries of “Giorgia, Giorgia”.

Even though the Meloni government was only sworn in on Saturday, it has already reverted to a stance taken in 2018–19 by one of its parties, the far-right League.

Matteo Piantedosi, the new interior minister, threatened to restrict ports to two rescue boats carrying hundreds of migrants just before the prime minister spoke, claiming that the Ocean Viking and Humanity1 were breaking the law.

Mr. Piantedosi was instrumental in the prior policy that forbade migrant-carrying rescue boats from arriving in Italian ports. That ultimately led to the League’s leader, Matteo Salvini, facing charges of kidnapping and obstructing the arrival of the rescue vessel Open Arms transporting 147 migrants in Sicily in 2019.

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Krasovsky: Russia bans ‘burn Ukrainian kids’ TV presenter

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After Anton Krasovsky called for the burning and drowning of Ukrainian children, the Russian state channel RT suspended and denounced him. He has since apologised after his comments on television sparked outrage on social media.

Krasovsky was addressing science fiction author Sergei Lukyanenko, who claimed that in 1980, he had overheard children in western Ukraine saying, “Ukraine is invaded by Muscovites.” RT News has a strong pro-Kremlin stance.

Just drown those kids, Krasovsky said in the interview while grinning. He added that they could also be burned after being forced into shelters.

He also made light of the rape of Ukrainian grandparents by Russian soldiers.

Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, referred to Krasovsky’s remarks as “wild and disgusting.”

The station has been charged with encouraging a genocide by Ukraine. Pundits and presenters who vehemently support the conflict against Ukraine and push for additional military aggression have received a lot of airtime on Russian state television. They frequently reject proof of Russian atrocities by asserting that it is “fabricated” Ukrainian evidence, following the Kremlin’s stance.

The investigation into Krasovsky’s remarks is currently being conducted by Russia’s Investigative Committee, which deals with major offences; however, it is not yet known which laws, if any, he may have broken.

“Well, it happens: you’re on air, you get carried away, and you can’t stop,” Krasovsky said in his Monday apology. “I’m terribly humiliated,” he remarked.

When he advocated LGBT rights and denounced Russia’s statute prohibiting gay awareness campaigns that target kids, Krasovsky rose to fame on a global scale. Supporters of the measure assert that it is a response to “homosexual propaganda.”

Krasovsky has been in charge of RT’s Russian-language programming for the previous two years. Because of his ardent support for President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, he is subject to EU sanctions.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a well-known anti-Kremlin activist in London, voiced contempt for RT’s position. As he tweeted: “Margarita Simonyan refuses to work with Anton Krasovsky, who advocates for the murder of Ukrainian children. Margarita Simonyan, however, is unwilling to work with Putin since he murders Ukrainian children “.

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Dietrich Mateschitz: Red Bull co-owner & energy drink giant dies aged 78

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Dietrich Mateschitz, a co-owner of Red Bull and a prominent figure in the energy drink industry, passed away at the age of 78. Mateschitz was the impetus behind the creation of the energy drink that rose to the top of the global market.

He established a Formula 1 team that has grown to be one of the sport’s dominant forces using the riches that resulted from that. Red Bull’s team manager Christian Horner expressed his sadness, saying, “What a terrific man. “What he accomplished and what he did for so many people, all across the world, in many sports, is unparalleled.”

Moments after Mateschitz’s passing was reported, Horner told Sky Sports that his squad was committed to “give our best for him” in qualifying and Sunday’s race at the US Grand Prix.

“So many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for the chances he gave us, his vision, his courage, and his example of never giving up on your aspirations. “He demonstrated that you can make a difference by doing it here in Formula 1. Simply said, we are deeply appreciative.

When Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago, Horner noted that Mateschitz was “luckily” able to witness the Dutch driver secure his second consecutive world championship.

It is not believed that Mateschitz’s passing poses a threat to Red Bull or its affiliated squad Alpha Tauri’s future.

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed his “deep sadness” and described Mateschitz as “a widely regarded and much-loved member of the Formula 1 family.”

The Italian said, “He was a man who helped alter our sport and developed the Red Bull brand, which is renowned all over the globe. He was an extraordinary visionary entrepreneur.”While travelling in Thailand, Austrian Mateschitz, a salesman for Procter & Gamble, came upon Krating Daeng, the beverage that would eventually become Red Bull.

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Spain lifts final Covid rules for UK travellers

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After travel restrictions were lifted, Brits visiting Spain can now enter the nation without needing to show proof of their Covid or vaccination status.  Previously, individuals had to demonstrate that they had recently recovered, had a negative Covid test, or were fully immunised.

As families get ready to go for half-term vacations, the number of Covid restrictions that remain has decreased. Travel agents claimed that a “last barrier” had been lifted for vacations.

Prior to Spain, the most popular destination for British tourists travelling abroad, other European nations like France, Italy, and Greece relaxed their regulations. People entering from outside the European Union will no longer be subject to controls, the Spanish Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday. This change will take effect on Friday.

Restrictions have been a hurdle, particularly for those who were not immunised, according to Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the travel agent network Advantage Travel Partnership.

“We saw other destinations benefit from an overall boost in demand over the summer,” she added. “We saw destinations where restrictions were loosened earlier in the year, such as Greece.”

Spain’s action, according to Ms. Lo Bue-Said, is “excellent news” and “better late than never.”

It’s not the first time Spain has slowed down in easing its Covid regulations.

The requirement for children over the age of 12 to be double vaccinated to enter the Spanish mainland was only scrapped just before the February half-term, after tourism businesses warned that it was driving families to book trips to other countries instead.

Many countries around the world including the US still have Covid entry rules in place.

Despite the challenges caused by rising living costs on households, travel companies have continued to report good demand for bookings, with Heathrow Airport predicting a busy Christmas.

Due to “increasing economic headwinds, a new wave of Covid, and the rising situation in Ukraine,” it said, there is still uncertainty about the winter. The travel sector experienced a challenging summer as demand for foreign travel surged once again, while businesses struggled to keep up due to personnel shortages.

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Ukraine war: Zelensky accuses Russia of plot to blow up dam

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has charged that Russia is planning to blow up a dam at a hydroelectric plant in southern Ukraine, causing a “large-scale calamity.”

In his nocturnal speech, he claimed that, in accordance with Ukrainian information, Russian forces had mined the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper river.

Russian forces are in control of the dam, but Ukrainian forces are closing closer.

Ukraine has already been charged by Russia with launching missiles at the Kakhovka dam.

In the partially occupied Kherson region, the dam gives Russia access to one of the few surviving Dnieper river crossings.

Authorities in Kherson that were imposed by Russia have denied Ukraine’s claims that a plot to demolish the building has been made. They attributed a strike on the Antonivskiy crossing, another crucial bridge, to Ukrainian forces.

This week, Russia began withdrawing its proxies in Kherson, but it also announced that 50–60,000 civilians would follow, a move that Kyiv authorities have denounced as being equivalent to forced deportations.

In Kherson city and the hydroelectric dam, according to Gen Sergei Surovikin, Russia’s new military commander, Ukrainian forces may be preparing to use “prohibited tactics of warfare,” which would necessitate the “evacuation” of civilians.

An independent US think tank called the Institute for the Study of War has claimed that Russia is “likely continuing to prepare for a false flag attack” on the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant by setting up “information conditions” for Russian forces to blow up the dam after they withdraw from western Kherson and then accuse Ukraine of flooding the river and nearby settlements.

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Liz Truss Resigns As UK Prime Minister After Tax-Cut Plan Backfires

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After a brief and turbulent term as prime minister of the UK, Liz Truss announced a big package of unfunded tax cuts before largely rolling most of them back in the face of a market crash.


Truss, 47, left her position after only 45 days in office, being history’s shortest-serving British prime minister. She assumed office in early September with promises of a full-court press for growth, but the financial markets found her programme intolerable as the value of the pound and gilts plummeted due to worries about how she would finance her economic goals.

After 12 and a half years in power, her departure severely damages the current Conservative Party, which is currently polling more than 30 points behind Labour. In fewer than seven years since the 2016 Brexit referendum, which ushered in an era of unprecedented upheaval in British politics, her successor will become the party’s fifth premier.

Truss stated that she will continue serving as prime minister until the party selects her replacement, which is expected to happen within a week.

Regardless of who it is, they will have a difficult job rebuilding the Tory party’s economy and reputation in time for the mandatory general election in January 2025. After Brexit, Truss’s position is practically assured. In the near future, Britain will face increasing borrowing rates, slow growth, and tax hikes and spending cuts.

“It’s a shambles and a disgrace,” veteran Tory MP Charles Walker told the BBC on Oct. 19. “The damage they have done to our party is extraordinary.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who was recently promoted from the back benches after Truss fired Kwasi Kwarteng in an effort to calm the markets, and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who finished second to Truss in this summer’s leadership election, are likely candidates for the top position. It’s also likely that Tom Tugendhat, Penny Mordaunt, and Kemi Badenoch will be in the running this summer. Suella Braverman, the former home secretary who was fired on October 19, might potentially be considered.

Truss’ lack of political sense and understanding of economic reality ultimately proved to be his downfall.

The ultimate humiliation occurred on Wednesday night as the beleaguered prime leader attempted to herd her furious MPs into the House of Commons voting lobbies for a vote that could have made or broken her government. Braverman’s dismissal earlier that day for a security violation for which she ordinarily would have received only a warning had already alienated a significant portion of the party’s right wing.

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