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Von der Leyen Nominated for Second Term as EU Commission President

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EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission head, for a second five-year term during a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected as the EU’s next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been chosen as the next chairman of EU summits. All three candidates are from centrist, pro-EU factions.

The European Parliament will vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Von der Leyen is from Germany’s centre-right, Costa is a socialist, and Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amid geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard-right parties in the European Parliament elections.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shown resistance, stating that the plans ignore the successes of hard-right parties like her own. Meloni, who heads the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, abstained from voting for von der Leyen and voted against Costa and Kallas. Despite the ECR becoming the third largest group in the European Parliament, Meloni was not included in the nomination discussions.

Meloni expressed frustration, arguing that European voters had asked for a different direction. Without naming names, she criticized those who believe in oligarchy as the only acceptable form of democracy.

Von der Leyen will need 361 votes from the European Parliament for confirmation. Support from the centre-right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats could give her enough backing, but it will be close. Diplomats suggest that von der Leyen might seek Meloni’s support by offering Italy a powerful commission post.

Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for her nomination and highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a task that may become more complex if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.

Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, acknowledged the significant responsibility of her new role. Some critics are concerned that her firm stance on Russia could pose challenges.

Costa praised his colleagues and emphasized the importance of European unity and resilience. He will replace Belgium’s Charles Michel, and Kallas will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell.

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Emmanuel Macron flexes political muscle with boxing photos

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Emmanuel Macron, the French president, recently made headlines by releasing photos of himself vigorously boxing, showcasing his muscular physique. These images, shared on Instagram by his photographer, emerged shortly after Macron adopted a more assertive stance towards Russia in light of the Ukraine conflict. Social media quickly dubbed him “Rocky,” although some skeptics questioned whether the images had been digitally altered, comparing them to previous photos where Macron’s arms appeared slimmer.

The timing of these pictures, coming on the heels of Macron’s suggestion of potential Western military involvement in Ukraine, was seen as a deliberate message to Russia. Macron warned of the danger of allowing Ukraine to fall, emphasizing Russia’s broader territorial ambitions in Eastern Europe.

Analysts speculated that the release of the boxing photos was a strategic move by Macron to project strength and determination, akin to Vladimir Putin’s own displays of physical prowess. Gaspard Gantzer, a PR expert, suggested that Macron wanted to convey his readiness to confront challenges and defend France’s interests.

While some praised Macron’s muscular appearance and interpreted the images as a symbol of his readiness to face adversaries, others criticized them as political posturing. Opposition figures like Sandrine Rousseau expressed disdain, characterizing the photos as emblematic of the superficiality of politics.

Macron’s interest in sports, particularly boxing, is not new, with his wife, Brigitte Macron, revealing his regular training routine. However, this public display of physical strength was seen as a departure from his previous image, such as the more relaxed portrayal in a shirt with open buttons.

In essence, Macron’s release of boxing photos was interpreted as a strategic communication move amid heightened tensions, aiming to convey resolve and readiness in the face of geopolitical challenges.

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Tucker Carlson to interview Russia’s Putin

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Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has announced plans to conduct a one-on-one interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Carlson stated that he aims to provide Americans with a deeper understanding of the conflict in Ukraine, which he believes mainstream media coverage has failed to deliver. He emphasized his personal funding of the trip, highlighting his commitment to independent journalism.

This interview would mark President Putin’s first engagement with a Western journalist since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Carlson’s decision to pursue this interview underscores the significance of the conflict and the need for diverse perspectives in understanding its complexities. It also reflects a departure from traditional media channels, as Carlson intends to broadcast the interview live and unedited on his social media platform, X.

Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of such an interview, given Putin’s track record and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. However, Carlson remains steadfast in his belief that Americans deserve access to unfiltered information about the conflict. The interview is expected to spark significant interest and debate, shaping public discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.

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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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Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea

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A Ukrainian airstrike targeted a Russian warship, the Novocherkassk, at the Black Sea port of Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing damage and casualties. The attack occurred early on a Tuesday morning, with the Ukrainian Air Force claiming responsibility and stating that their warplanes had successfully destroyed the ship using guided missiles. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the large landing ship was hit, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Six buildings were damaged, and some people had to be relocated to temporary accommodation centers. The port’s transport operations were reportedly functioning normally after the area was cordoned off, and the fire caused by the attack was contained.

Footage depicting a substantial explosion at the port was shared by Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, though independent verification of the images is lacking. Satellite imagery from December 24 showed a ship at the port matching the length of the Novocherkassk. This landing ship is designed for transporting troops, weapons, and cargo to shore.

There have been previous instances of Ukrainian forces targeting the Novocherkassk. In March 2022, the ship was reportedly damaged in an attack on the occupied Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, where another amphibious assault ship, the Saratov, was sunk. Lt Gen Oleshchuk mentioned on Telegram that the Novocherkassk had met a fate similar to the Moskva, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, which sank in the Black Sea the previous year.

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian Air Force, joking about the “impressive replenishment” of the Russian Black Sea fleet. He emphasized that occupiers would find no peaceful place in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict stems from Russia’s seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, with Russian forces based in Crimea playing a significant role in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian forces in Crimea, destroying and damaging multiple navy ships in the Black Sea. Last September, a missile strike on the Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol led to the relocation of much of the Russian Black Sea fleet to Novorossiysk.

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Laura Kuenssberg: Ukraine in ‘mortal danger’ without aid, Olena Zelenska warns

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Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, has issued a grave warning about the perilous situation facing Ukrainians if Western nations do not continue their financial support. This concern arises following the blocking of a vital $60 billion aid bill for Ukraine by Republican senators in the US. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelenska emphasized the potential life-threatening consequences if the world grows weary of the ongoing crisis, stating that Ukraine could be left to perish without sustained assistance.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the White House, which cautioned that US funds for Ukraine could soon run out. However, a deal for additional assistance has been delayed as Republicans seek compromises on unrelated domestic issues before granting approval. President Biden underscored the significance of aiding Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so would be a detrimental “gift” for President Putin, and history would harshly judge those turning their back on the cause of freedom.

Zelenska’s exclusive interview with the BBC provided insight into her deep concern over the delays in financial support, describing the situation as a “mortal danger” for her country. She expressed distress at witnessing signs of diminishing global willingness to help, emphasizing that the continued aid is a matter of life for Ukraine. The first lady’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for ongoing assistance to ensure Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression.

The United Kingdom has also played a role in urging US politicians to reach a timely agreement for Ukraine. During a visit to Washington, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized the US’s pivotal role as the “lynchpin” in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He urged the US not to inadvertently gift President Putin by blocking the financial support required for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces. The shifting attitudes within the international community raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its fight without robust and continuous support. Zelenska’s warnings are strategically crafted to underscore the critical importance of ongoing assistance for Ukraine’s survival on Europe’s eastern flank.

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Vladimir Putin feted at Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road summit

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At a global summit in Beijing, Russian leader Vladimir Putin received special treatment, alongside China’s President Xi Jinping, as the two countries solidified their alliance amid global geopolitical tensions. The event commemorated a decade of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Despite diplomatic scrutiny and an international arrest warrant issued against him, Putin’s close relationship with Xi was evident throughout the summit. The two leaders were prominent during the opening ceremony and engaged in an extended bilateral meeting.

The summit highlighted China and Russia’s mutual opposition to the Western world order, advocating for a multipolar global system. China, positioning the BRI as a means to establish a more equitable world order, emphasized principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

While the BRI has stimulated development, it has also faced criticism for fostering debt dependency and environmental degradation. The summit saw participation from various countries, particularly from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and representatives from the Afghan Taliban government.

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Macron Announces France’s Troop Withdrawal and Ambassador Recall Amid Niger Coup

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the withdrawal of France’s ambassador from Niger and the termination of all military cooperation with the country in response to a recent coup. Macron stated, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours, our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” and he declared that military cooperation is “over,” with French troops set to leave in the coming months. The military junta, which took control of Niger in July, welcomed this decision as a step toward the country’s sovereignty.

Approximately 1,500 French soldiers are stationed in the landlocked West African nation. The move comes after months of tension and protests against France’s presence in Niger, marked by regular demonstrations in the capital, Niamey. This decision has significant implications for France’s operations against Islamist militants in the broader Sahel region and its influence in the area. However, Macron emphasized that France would not allow itself to be held hostage by the coup leaders.

Macron reiterated his support for ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, currently held captive by the coup leaders, viewing him as the country’s “sole legitimate authority.” He described Bazoum as a “hostage” and suggested that the coup was motivated by his courageous reforms and political rivalries.

Niger is one of several former French colonies in West Africa where the military has recently seized power, following similar events in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad. Anti-French sentiment has been on the rise in the region, with accusations of neocolonialist policies against Paris.

Furthermore, concerns have emerged in the West regarding the growing influence of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in the Sahel region. Wagner is accused of human rights abuses and has supported some of the new military regimes.

The regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), with France’s support, has threatened military intervention in Niger to restore President Bazoum to power, but no action has been taken thus far.

Niger’s military leaders had previously demanded the departure of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte, but the French government refused to comply and did not recognize the military regime as legitimate. This announcement from Macron comes shortly after Niger’s coup leaders banned “French aircraft” from flying over the country, restricting access to Niger’s airspace for French flights.

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Poland Halts Weapon Exports to Ukraine Amidst Grain Dispute

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One of Ukraine’s steadfast supporters, Poland, has declared that it will cease its weapon supplies to its neighboring country, Ukraine, citing a diplomatic dispute regarding Ukraine’s grain exports as the primary reason. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that Poland’s current focus is on bolstering its own defense capabilities with more modern weaponry.

Poland had already provided Ukraine with significant military assistance, including 320 Soviet-era tanks and 14 MiG-29 fighter jets. However, their willingness to continue such support has dwindled, coinciding with escalating tensions between the two nations.

The recent diplomatic rift was triggered when Poland, along with Hungary and Slovakia, extended a ban on Ukrainian grain imports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments at the United Nations, characterizing their actions as political theater, added fuel to the fire. Poland viewed these remarks as unjustified, given their longstanding support for Ukraine.

In his interview, Prime Minister Morawiecki underlined that while Poland remains committed to assisting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, it could not allow its own markets to be destabilized by Ukrainian grain imports. He pointed out that Poland was already replacing its depleted military hardware, which had been significantly reduced through transfers to Ukraine, with modern Western-produced equipment.

While arms exports to Ukraine will not cease entirely, only previously agreed deliveries of ammunition and armaments, including those from existing contracts with Ukraine, will be fulfilled. This decision reflects Poland’s commitment to its own security and stability, while the future of its assistance to Ukraine remains uncertain.

The ongoing grain dispute arises from Ukraine’s need to find alternative overland routes for grain exports due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, which nearly closed the main Black Sea shipping lanes. Consequently, large quantities of grain flowed into Central Europe, leading the European Union to temporarily ban grain imports into several countries. Despite the EU lifting the ban, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have maintained it, leading to Ukraine’s WTO lawsuits against these nations. Poland has signaled its intention to uphold the ban, while also hinting at the possibility of expanding the list of banned products should Ukraine escalate the grain dispute. However, diplomatic channels remain open, with discussions ongoing to seek a mutually beneficial solution.

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