News Trending

Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Target Certain Sites in Russia Using US Arms

By 170 0

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized Ukraine to utilize American-supplied weaponry to target specific sites within Russia, particularly in the vicinity of the Kharkiv region. This directive aims to enable Ukraine to retaliate against Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack them.

Recent advances by Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, close to the Russian border, have prompted this decision. Despite this, the United States maintains its stance against allowing the use of long-range strikes or the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) within Russian territory.

Regarding the possibility of targeting Russian aircraft, US officials stated that Ukraine has not been prohibited from defending itself against Russian planes flying over Russian soil. While the UK and some European leaders have expressed openness to relaxing restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons by Ukraine, the US has previously been hesitant due to concerns about escalation.

However, recent events have prompted a shift in this approach, as indicated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Moldova. Russian forces have taken advantage of opportunities to advance further into Ukrainian territory, particularly in Kharkiv, amid delays in the arrival of additional Western weapons to Ukraine.

Recent attacks, including the bombing of a supermarket and a residential building, have resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russian forces of targeting civilian infrastructure.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

EU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack

By 204 0

The European Union has expanded sanctions on Iranian drone and missile producers in response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel. European Council President Charles Michel stressed the significance of further isolating Iran, highlighting the need for decisive action.

These new sanctions build upon existing measures implemented by the EU, including penalties for Iran’s involvement in supplying drones to Russia. The decision to escalate sanctions was reached during a summit in Brussels, marking the first gathering of the bloc’s leaders since the attack on Israel.

In the wake of Iran’s assault, which involved a barrage of over 300 missiles and drones from multiple countries, the international community has urged restraint to prevent the situation from spiraling into a wider conflict. Despite calls for caution, Israel has not ruled out a potential response to the aggression.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of de-escalation following the summit, encouraging Israel to leverage diplomatic channels to strengthen its position in the region. Scholz’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among global leaders to mitigate tensions in the volatile Middle East.

Meanwhile, Israel has appealed to its allies to take robust action against Iran, advocating for sanctions on Tehran’s missile program and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. However, the EU and UK have not yet followed the United States in designating the IRGC as such.

In addition to EU sanctions, the United States is also considering imposing new penalties on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the potential for disrupting Iran’s terrorist financing and targeting its oil exports as areas of focus. Furthermore, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed that Iran’s missile and drone programs, alongside the IRGC and Iranian defense ministry, would be subject to forthcoming sanctions.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Thousands of children to be evacuated from Belgorod after strikes

By 259 0

Approximately 9,000 children are being evacuated from Belgorod and its surrounding areas following shelling incidents attributed to Ukraine, according to Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. The recent attacks have resulted in injuries, power outages, and casualties, with 16 people killed and 98 wounded this week alone.

In response to the attacks, schools in Belgorod were closed earlier in the week, and evacuation orders now extend to several villages in the region. The evacuation process is set to begin on Friday, with the initial group comprising 1,200 children.

Russia’s defense ministry claims to have intercepted Ukrainian shells over Belgorod and conducted strikes against alleged Ukrainian “saboteurs” near the border regions. Concurrently, Ukrainian border areas have also faced Russian attacks, necessitating evacuations.

Although Kyiv has not officially responded to the incidents in Belgorod, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt his re-election campaign through the strikes. Putin has urged the Federal Security Service to identify and punish Russian fighters supporting Ukraine’s cause, vowing retribution regardless of their location.

Earlier this month, reports emerged of Russia-based paramilitary groups crossing into Russian territory from Ukraine. Videos circulated by these groups claimed control over villages in the Belgorod and Kursk regions, although Russia’s defense ministry refuted these claims, stating that such attempts were thwarted.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Gaza Hospital Overwhelmed as Israel’s Retaliation Inflicts Hundreds of Casualties

By 385 0

On Saturday morning, there were celebrations in Gaza as Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and carried out deadly cross-border attacks. However, the situation took a grim turn the following day. Israeli shelling continued relentlessly throughout the night and into Sunday morning, driving people indoors as explosions rocked the area. Gaza was shrouded in clouds of black smoke as Israeli strikes hit 150 targets, including military positions, Hamas leaders’ homes, and banks. Among the significant targets was the Watan Tower, a vital hub for internet providers in Gaza.

The retaliatory Israeli air strikes have resulted in more than 400 casualties, severely straining Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation. Power and water supplies have been disrupted, leaving most areas without electricity. Rubble obstructed roads in Gaza City, where shops were shuttered, except for a few bakeries with long queues.

Gaza’s hospitals, ill-equipped even in peaceful times, are overwhelmed, with desperate appeals for blood donors. According to Mahmoud Shalabi of the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, the main hospital resembled a “slaughterhouse,” with an influx of casualties and overwhelmed medical staff.

Later on Sunday, the Israeli army sent SMS messages to Gaza City residents, advising them to seek shelter ahead of strikes. Over 20,000 people headed to United Nations sites in the area.

Hamas, in control of Gaza for 17 years, was seemingly prepared for such massive retaliation, having declared readiness for war with Israel. Despite the blockade, the group claims to have smuggled weapons and developed its arsenal. While some Gazans celebrated Hamas’ rocket attacks, many are apprehensive about the prolonged violence and uncertain future.

Picture courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Orthodox Cathedral in Odesa Damaged by Russian Strikes Amid Ukraine War

By 316 0

Russian missile strikes on the port city of Odesa, Ukraine, have resulted in the death of one person and injuries to 19 others, according to officials. The Transfiguration Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage-listed historic site, was severely damaged in the attacks.

Russia claimed that its targets in Odesa were linked to “terrorist acts” and blamed the cathedral attack on Ukrainian air defense. In response to the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation, stating that Russia would feel the consequences.

The constant attacks on Odesa have escalated since Russia withdrew from a significant grain deal. The cathedral’s destruction is seen as a war crime, and UNESCO has urged Russia to cease its attacks on Odesa, a designated endangered World Heritage site.

Ukraine’s southern command reported that Russia used at least five different types of missiles in the attacks. The strikes have also targeted grain supplies and infrastructure vital to the UN-backed grain deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright