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Ukraine war: Russian schoolbook urges teenagers to join the army

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A new Russian school textbook has been introduced under the guise of “Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland,” replacing a previous subject called “Fundamentals of Safe Living.” This compulsory lesson targets high school students aged 15 to 18 in both Russia and occupied territories in Ukraine. Former soldiers and individuals with pedagogical degrees are being trained to teach this subject, with the curriculum heavily influenced by the Russian government’s agenda.

The textbook, titled “The Russian Army in Defence of the Fatherland,” glorifies Russian military history, including the role of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet victories in World War Two. It also portrays Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 as a “reunification” and justifies the invasion of Ukraine with distorted facts, blaming Ukraine and NATO for initiating conflict.

Furthermore, the textbook propagates misinformation about events such as the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian casualties during the conflict. It aggressively promotes joining the Russian military, highlighting benefits such as free medical care, insurance, a decent salary, and three meals a day.

Critics argue that this indoctrination through education could lead to more young people joining the military and ultimately being casualties of war. While Russia doesn’t disclose its exact military casualties, it’s estimated that at least 1,240 soldiers under the age of 20 have died in the conflict with Ukraine.

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Denmark to start conscripting women for military service

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Denmark has announced significant reforms to its military, including extending conscription to women for the first time and increasing the standard service duration. This decision is part of a plan to bolster its defense capabilities and align with NATO targets amid heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the aim of these reforms is not to seek conflict but to prevent it. The government intends to achieve gender equality in the armed forces, with Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressing that more inclusive conscription will address defense challenges and contribute to national mobilization.

Denmark will become the third European nation, after Norway and Sweden, to mandate women’s conscription starting from 2026, alongside extending service duration for both genders from four to 11 months. These changes aim to increase the number of individuals serving in the military annually from 4,700 to 5,000, with approximately 25% being women.

With a current armed forces strength of around 20,000 personnel, Denmark, with a population of nearly six million, plans to raise its military spending from 1.4% to 2% of GDP to meet NATO’s requirements. Lawmakers have taken measures such as abolishing a public holiday to redirect funds towards defense spending.

Denmark has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing advanced weapons, financial aid, and training to Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Additionally, Finland and Sweden have recently joined NATO as the alliance strengthens its defenses in Europe amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Leonid Volkov: Navalny ally blames Putin henchmen for attack in Lithuania

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Leonid Volkov, a close ally of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was attacked outside his residence in Lithuania, sustaining injuries including a broken arm and multiple blows to his leg with a hammer. Lithuanian authorities suspect Russian involvement in organizing and executing the attack, a notion Volkov concurs with, attributing it to Putin’s regime. The incident occurred as Volkov arrived home in Vilnius.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda condemned the attack, expressing defiance against Putin, asserting that no one fears him in Lithuania. Another Navalny team member, Ivan Zhdanov, shared images of Volkov’s injuries on social media, affirming the attack’s political nature.

Volkov’s wife, Anna Biryukova, vowed to intensify their activism despite the assault. Volkov, who has been living outside Russia for safety reasons, has been a key figure in Navalny’s movement, facing politically motivated charges in Russia. Lithuanian authorities and the VSD state security department are investigating the attack, viewing it as an attempt to impede opposition efforts during Russia’s upcoming presidential elections, which lack genuine opposition candidates.

In a video statement, Volkov denounced the attack, emphasizing his determination to continue political activism. He called for peaceful protests during the election period and urged Russians to participate in a coordinated action against Putin’s regime.

Despite challenges, Volkov has ensured the continuity of Navalny’s activism from abroad, facilitating anti-corruption investigations and supporting protests in Russia. The Navalny organization has faced severe crackdowns, with many members imprisoned and the group labeled extremist in Russia. Ahead of the upcoming election, Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, echoes Volkov’s call for opposition unity, aligning with Navalny’s vision before his demise.

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Occupied Ukraine encouraged to vote in Russian election by armed men

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Moscow is orchestrating a significant effort urging residents in occupied parts of Ukraine to participate in Russia’s presidential election. The election, spanning three days for the first time, is being supplemented with early voting in regions under occupation, including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

Reports indicate coercion tactics, with pro-Russian collaborators and armed soldiers visiting households with ballot boxes to encourage voting. While Vladimir Putin’s victory seems assured, a high turnout would bolster Kremlin’s legitimacy and potentially justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Residents are pressured through various means, including home visits by electoral representatives accompanied by armed individuals, data collection, and filming. Despite resistance and attacks on election organizers, Moscow continues to promote the vote as an endorsement of Putin’s leadership, using symbols associated with the Ukraine conflict.

However, critics denounce the process as undemocratic and farcical, citing intimidation tactics, forced participation, and the absence of genuine opposition. Many residents, fearful of repercussions, reluctantly comply with the orchestrated election process.

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Oscars 2024: Zelensky hails Ukraine’s first-ever Oscar victory

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President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the historic win of Ukraine’s first-ever Oscar for the documentary “20 Days In Mariupol,” which depicts Russia’s brutal siege of the port city. Zelensky emphasized that the film reveals the truth about Russian terrorism and sheds light on the suffering endured by Mariupol’s residents during the city’s destruction.

Director Mstyslav Chernov, accepting the award for best documentary feature, expressed his honor at being Ukraine’s inaugural Oscar recipient. Despite this recognition, Chernov expressed regret, stating that he wished he had never had to make the film. He mourned the loss of Ukrainian lives due to Russia’s aggression and called for truth to prevail and the memory of Mariupol’s people to endure.

Chernov concluded his speech with the rallying cry “Slava Ukraini!” (Glory to Ukraine!), echoing the sentiment shared by millions of Ukrainians. The film’s victory is celebrated widely on Ukrainian social media, with many considering it a historic achievement. Chernov and his team risked their lives to document Mariupol’s plight, navigating Russian checkpoints to ensure their footage reached the world.

Mariupol, once a thriving port on the Sea of Azov, suffered extensive destruction at the hands of Russian forces. Despite Russia’s claim of “liberation,” the film serves as a poignant reminder of the devastation inflicted upon the city and its people.

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Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine – Hungary PM Orban

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently stated that if Donald Trump were to be re-elected as the President of the United States, he would not provide funding for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. Orban asserted that Trump has made assurances to swiftly end the conflict if elected again, albeit without offering detailed plans. According to Orban, Ukraine lacks the capacity to sustain the war without financial and military support from the United States.

Orban’s vocal support for Trump was evident during his recent visit to Florida, where he met with the former president. Notably, Orban did not arrange a meeting with the incumbent US President, Joe Biden. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly as it’s unusual for a visiting foreign leader not to meet with the current administration. Orban’s stance on Ukraine stands in contrast to many European Union leaders who advocate for providing aid to Ukraine and criticize Orban’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Concerns are growing within the international community that a potential second Trump presidency could lead to a reduction in US assistance to Ukraine and NATO. The deadlock in the US Congress over a foreign aid bill further exacerbates these worries. Influenced by Trump’s stance, Republican lawmakers are insisting on additional funding for border security before advancing the bill. Trump himself has suggested offering loans to Ukraine instead of providing aid without conditions.

Meanwhile, as Russian forces continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, the country faces acute shortages of ammunition. Ukraine heavily relies on weaponry from the US and other Western allies to counter Russia’s significant military strength. The ongoing conflict underscores the critical importance of international support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

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Five skiers found dead and one missing in Swiss Alps

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Swiss authorities have confirmed that five out of the six missing skiers have been discovered deceased in the Swiss Alps near the Tete Blanche mountain. The group, consisting of Swiss nationals aged between 21 and 58, had embarked on a ski tour from Zermatt towards Arolla along the Swiss-Italian border.

Despite efforts from search and rescue teams on both sides of the route, severe weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snowfall, have impeded the operation. Anjan Truffer, head of Zermatt’s air rescue service, mentioned that the adverse weather rendered flying impossible due to strong winds, heavy snow, and low visibility.

The group’s last recorded signal, though not verbal, provided rescuers with a general idea of their whereabouts. It’s speculated that the skiers may have succumbed to the harsh weather conditions rather than being caught in an avalanche, as they disappeared from an area with a low risk of avalanches.

The Zermatt to Arolla route, forming a part of the renowned “Haute Route,” is popular but demanding, suitable only for highly experienced skiers and can span several days.

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Ukraine criticises Pope’s ‘white flag’ comment

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Ukraine has firmly rejected Pope Francis’ suggestion for Kyiv to negotiate an end to its conflict with Russia and to “raise the white flag.” The country’s foreign minister emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to its blue and yellow flag, stating they would never raise any other flag. President Zelensky dismissed the Pope’s remarks as “virtual mediation,” while a Vatican spokesman clarified that the Pope was advocating for negotiation rather than capitulation.

The Pope’s comments, made in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI and set to air on March 20, sparked widespread criticism. President Zelensky praised Ukrainian chaplains on the frontline but did not directly address the Pope’s statement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s allegiance to its flag, while the country’s ambassador to the Vatican compared the Pope’s words to advocating talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the Pope used the metaphor of the white flag proposed by the interviewer to indicate a truce achieved through negotiation, emphasizing that negotiations are not a surrender. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has continued for over two years, with Ukraine facing defensive challenges. In the United States, a bill to provide $60 billion to Ukraine was blocked in Congress, and European countries are struggling to reach a consensus on supporting Kyiv.

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Meghan Markle: ‘We’ve forgotten our humanity’ on social media

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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, delivered a poignant keynote address at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, where she candidly criticized the toxicity prevalent on social media platforms. Revealing her own experiences of being targeted with bullying and abuse, particularly during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, Meghan highlighted the disturbing lack of humanity in certain online spaces. Despite the challenges she faced, Meghan emphasized the importance of maintaining one’s wellbeing and advocated for a shift towards more positive and empathetic interactions online.

Meghan’s appearance at SXSW underscored her commitment to addressing pressing societal issues, particularly those concerning women’s empowerment and representation. As she shared her insights on diverse representation in media and the portrayal of motherhood, Meghan reiterated the urgency of fostering a more inclusive and compassionate digital landscape. Through her advocacy and speaking engagements, Meghan continues to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for meaningful change on both local and global platforms.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny and criticism that Meghan and Prince Harry face, particularly from tabloid media, their dedication to philanthropy and social activism remains unwavering. Since relocating to California and establishing the Archewell Foundation, the couple has utilized their platform to champion causes close to their hearts, from mental health awareness to environmental conservation. While navigating the complexities of public life, Meghan and Harry continue to prioritize making a positive impact and inspiring others to do the same.

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Swedes cheer end of long wait to join Nato

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Many Swedes are expressing relief and a sense of safety now that Sweden has officially joined NATO after nearly two years of application. The decision to apply for NATO membership was prompted by concerns over Russian aggression in the region, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine.

While there is widespread support for membership, some opposition remains, primarily from the Left and Green parties, who fear being drawn into conflicts and prefer diplomatic solutions.

Despite concerns about potential conflicts, the government and military maintain that NATO membership will enhance Sweden’s security.

However, there are mixed opinions among the public, with some welcoming the decision while others worry about potential repercussions. While there hasn’t been widespread panic, there are discussions about the visible impact of NATO membership, such as increased military cooperation and the presence of foreign soldiers on Swedish soil.

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