News Trending

Central Volga Region Storm Claims 10 Lives with High Winds

By 567 0

A severe storm struck central Russia, resulting in the death of at least 10 people and injuring 76 others, as reported by the Emergencies Ministry. Among the victims were eight individuals, including three children, who were killed when trees fell on their unregistered campsite in the Mari El region.

The storm impacted eight regions, leaving nearly 100,000 people without electricity and causing damage to almost 50 buildings. The Emergencies Ministry advised the public to avoid certain activities like being near trees, unstable structures, countryside walks, and swimming.

The incident occurred near Lake Yalchik, a popular tourist destination in the Mari Chodra national park, situated north of the Volga river and over 600 km east of Moscow. Pictures released by the ministry depicted extensive damage to cars and tents amid fallen trees. The storm caught several hundred people who were camping on the lake’s shores off guard. In response to the incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Call for Russia to Renew Ukraine Grain Deal at Africa Summit

By 599 0

Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to renew the grain export deal with Ukraine during a summit hosted by Russia.

Al-Sisi emphasized the importance of reviving the deal and finding a swift solution to supply the poorest African countries with grain. Russia had withdrawn from the agreement and subsequently bombed Ukrainian Black Sea ports. In response, Putin blamed the West for failing to fulfill its obligations under the deal and offered to provide Russian grain for free to six African countries.

These countries include Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea, except Somalia, which is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. The summit also saw African leaders urging Putin to consider a peace plan proposed by them to end the war caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The plan calls for recognizing the sovereignty of both Russia and Ukraine, conducting urgent peace talks, and ensuring uninterrupted grain exports. The blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports following the invasion caused a significant amount of grain to be trapped, leading to a surge in world food prices and potential shortages in Middle Eastern and African nations that heavily relied on food imports from Ukraine.

The grain export deal was initially brokered by Turkey and the UN in July 2022, allowing cargo ships to access a designated corridor in the Black Sea for transportation. Ukraine is a major global supplier of crops such as sunflower oil, barley, maize, and wheat.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Kim Jong Un displays missiles to Russian defense chief Shoigu in North Korea

By 499 0

On Wednesday, Kim Jong Un showcased North Korea’s latest weaponry to Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a visit to Pyongyang. The Russian delegation, along with Chinese officials, was invited to attend the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the Korean War armistice, which typically includes massive military parades.

Among the weapons displayed was the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was successfully tested in April. It is believed to be North Korea’s first ICBM using solid propellants, making it quicker to launch than liquid-fueled ones. Additionally, two new drone designs were shown, with one resembling a primary offensive strike drone used by the US Air Force, according to NK News.

During the visit, discussions between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu covered matters of mutual concern in the fields of national defense and international security.

This marks the first time Kim Jong Un has welcomed foreign guests since the Covid pandemic began, indicating a possible loosening of Covid restrictions in North Korea. The visit by Chinese and Russian envoys to the Victory Day parade suggests a potential reconnection of diplomatic ties after the country had sealed itself off from trade and diplomatic interactions in early 2020, even with its main economic and political partners, Russia, and China.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Russia attacks grain stores at River Danube ports

By 561 0

According to local officials, Russian drones have targeted and destroyed grain storage facilities at Ukrainian ports along the River Danube, which are situated just across the river from NATO-member Romania. The River Danube serves as a crucial export route for Kyiv, especially after Russia withdrew from a deal that allowed Ukraine to ship wheat, corn, and other products via the Black Sea.

One such attack occurred in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, where a grain depot was destroyed. The attacks have caused significant damage, with more than 60,000 tonnes of grain being destroyed in the past week. This has resulted in an 8% increase in grain prices in global markets since Russia pulled out of the grain deal on 17 July.

The collapse of the deal has also led to Russia resuming its targeting of port locations in Ukraine, which had been suspended during the deal. Odesa’s head, Oleh Kiper, reported that the infrastructure in the Danube ports of Reni and Izmail was attacked for four hours using Iranian-made drones. Multiple warehouses and storage tanks were destroyed in the attacks.

The situation has raised concerns for regional security and has been condemned by Romanian President Klaus Yohannis, as the attacks occurred very close to Romanian territory. The River Danube, as well as road and rail routes from Ukraine to neighboring countries like Poland and Romania, have been developed as alternative export channels since the Russian invasion. However, these routes have been able to handle only a fraction of Ukraine’s export needs and are more expensive compared to sea transport.

Ukraine’s status as Europe’s breadbasket makes it the world’s seventh-largest wheat exporter, with 71% of its land being used for agriculture. In response to the attacks on Ukraine’s grain exports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia can replace Ukrainian grain for countries in Africa on a commercial or free-of-charge basis. This comes ahead of a Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Threat to Ships in Ukraine Conflict Causes Soaring Wheat Prices

By 557 0

Wheat prices on the global markets have experienced a sharp rise following Russia’s declaration that it would consider ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential military targets. This decision came after Moscow withdrew from a UN agreement that guaranteed safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea. In recent nights, Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine’s grain facilities in cities like Odesa. The White House has accused Russia of planning to attack civilian ships and then falsely blaming Ukraine for it. As a result of these developments, European stock exchange wheat prices surged by 8.2% to €253.75 per tonne, with corn prices also rising by 5.4%. US wheat futures recorded their highest daily increase since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, jumping 8.5%. President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to return to the international grain agreement if certain demands, including the lifting of sanctions on Russian grain and fertiliser sales, are met.

Amid these escalating tensions, Russian air strikes continued in Black Sea coastal cities for three consecutive nights, leading to civilian casualties. The attacks have targeted grain export infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes for essential food supplies. Ukraine’s options for exporting grain by rail are limited, with rail capacity smaller than shipping volumes, and some EU countries in Eastern Europe blocking Ukrainian grain to protect their own farmers.

Analysts have warned that Russia’s threatened escalation could disrupt waterborne grain shipments from the Black Sea, impacting both Russian and Ukrainian exports. Some Ukrainian officials have called on the UK, US, France, and Turkey to provide military convoys and air defenses to protect grain ships heading to Odesa.

The situation has raised concerns about potential impacts on global food security and inflation, particularly in developing countries, leading to social instability, food shortages, and increased migration. Critics accuse Russia of using food supplies as a political tool in its conflict with Ukraine.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russia formally withdraws from the grain contract with Ukraine

By 553 0

Russia has informed the United Nations, Turkey, and Ukraine that it will not extend a crucial grain deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the agreements had effectively ended on Monday. The deal permitted cargo ships to pass through the Black Sea from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. However, Russia stated that it would reconsider the agreement if certain conditions were met.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the deal, claiming that the export of Russian food and fertilizers had not been fulfilled. He specifically mentioned that grain had not been supplied to poorer nations, which was a condition of the agreement. Russia also complained about Western sanctions limiting its agricultural exports and repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the deal.

On Monday, the Russian foreign ministry reiterated these concerns, accusing the West of “open sabotage” and prioritizing commercial interests over humanitarian goals. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his belief that Putin still wanted to continue the agreement and stated that they would discuss its renewal during their upcoming meeting.

The grain deal is significant because Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of sunflower, maize, wheat, and barley. Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian ports were blockaded, trapping 20 million tonnes of grain and causing a sharp increase in global food prices. The blockade also posed a threat to food supplies in Middle Eastern and African countries heavily reliant on Ukrainian grain.

Nikolay Gorbachev, the president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, mentioned that alternative methods of exporting grain had been identified, including through Danube River ports. However, he acknowledged that these ports would be less efficient, leading to reduced grain exports and increased transportation costs.

Western leaders swiftly criticized Russia’s decision, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemning it as a “cynical move” and emphasizing the EU’s efforts to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.

Russia’s announcement coincided with Ukraine claiming responsibility for an attack on a bridge in Crimea that resulted in the deaths of two civilians. Peskov stated that Russia’s decision to let the deal expire was unrelated to the attack, as President Putin had already declared the position before the incident.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russia seizes control of Danone and Carlsberg operations

By 507 0

The Russian government, under the order of President Vladimir Putin, has taken control of the Russian subsidiaries of Danone, a yoghurt maker, and Carlsberg, a beer company. This action is a result of new rules implemented earlier in the year, allowing Russia to seize assets of companies from “unfriendly” countries. Many companies had halted their operations in Russia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Danone and Carlsberg were in the process of selling their Russian operations when this order was issued.

The order places the shares of Danone Russia and Carlsberg’s Baltika Breweries under the control of the Russian property agency, Rosimushchestvo. Danone, based in France, stated that it is currently investigating the situation and is preparing to take necessary measures to protect its rights as a shareholder and ensure business continuity. Carlsberg stated that it has not received official information from Russian authorities regarding the consequences of the presidential decree on Baltika Breweries. The company had completed the process of separating its Russian unit from the rest of the company and had signed an agreement to sell Baltika Breweries, but the prospects for the sales process are now highly uncertain.

In April, President Putin signed an order granting Russia temporary control over foreign assets in response to actions by the US and other countries that Russia considered “unfriendly and contrary to international law.” As a result, the Russian units of two energy companies, Uniper from Germany and Fortum from Finland, were also brought under state control.

Danone’s Russia operation is the largest dairy company in the country and employs around 8,000 people. The sale of the business was estimated to result in a €1 billion ($1.1 billion; £860 million) loss for Danone. Carlsberg’s subsidiary, Baltika, produces well-known beer brands in Russia and has 8,400 employees across eight plants.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russian parliament bans gender reassignment surgery for trans people

By 639 0

Russia’s lower house of parliament has passed a law that bans gender reassignment surgery and prevents individuals from changing their genders on state documents. The bill, which also needs approval from the upper house and President Vladimir Putin, was justified by the Speaker of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, as a means to protect citizens and children and preserve traditional values.

The legislation includes additional amendments such as prohibiting individuals who have undergone gender changes from adopting children and annulling marriages where one party has undergone gender reassignment. LGBT rights groups have criticized the law, stating that it will negatively impact the health and rights of transgender individuals.

Critics view the law as an infringement on basic human rights and an attempt to further discriminate against an already marginalized group. This law follows previous legislation passed last year that banned the public expression of LGBT culture and propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations. President Putin has expressed opposition to LGBT lifestyles, aligning with the Orthodox Church’s conservative social views.

Additionally, a transgender rights activist was recently arrested on charges of treason for supporting Ukraine, further raising concerns about human rights in the country.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Heightened Alert: Polish Security Patrols Increase Vigilance at Belarus Border Amid Ukraine Conflict

By 691 0

Poland has become increasingly cautious of its neighbor Belarus due to the possibility of Russian Wagner group mercenaries relocating there as part of a deal to end their mutiny. In response, Poland has fortified its border with miles of fencing, thermal cameras, and spotlights, which were initially installed after Belarus encouraged migrants to cross into Poland.

Poland is deploying extra officers as reinforcements ahead of the NATO summit, expressing concerns that the Wagner forces could instigate further trouble. The unpredictability of Belarus is seen as the biggest threat, with uncertainties surrounding the motives and preparations of the Wagner group. Despite the intended disbandment and exile of the mercenaries to Belarus, there are indications that the group is still operating within Russia.

Online contacts with Wagner revealed that recruitment was ongoing, and detailed instructions were provided to find the mercenaries’ training camp in southern Russia. However, the whereabouts and future plans of the Wagner group remain unclear. While some Belarusians express concerns about the group’s potential arrival, others see their recent mutiny as a sign of weakness within the Kremlin, fueling hopes for change.

There are doubts that Wagner will relocate to Belarus in large numbers or that their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, would settle there due to potential scrutiny from the Russian FSB security service. Polish worries and warnings about Wagner’s presence in Belarus could be influenced by domestic politics, with some suggesting it as a political tool to enhance the government’s security credentials ahead of upcoming elections.

The situation surrounding the Wagner mutineers remains shrouded in mystery, leading Poland to maintain heightened border patrols and surveillance.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Biden Stands by Choice to Provide Ukraine with Controversial Cluster Bombs

By 521 0

US President Joe Biden has defended his controversial decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine, acknowledging it as a “very difficult decision” but emphasizing the urgent need for ammunition faced by the Ukrainian forces. While Ukraine’s leader praised the move as timely, criticism has arisen from human rights groups and certain Democrats. A Moscow envoy condemned the decision as cynical. Biden, ahead of a Nato summit, stated that he had consulted with allies regarding the decision.

Cluster bombs are internationally banned by over 120 countries due to their track record of causing civilian casualties. The decision to provide them to Ukraine has raised concerns due to the risk of unexploded bombs causing harm to civilians in the long term. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged the risk and explained that the decision was postponed as long as possible. Sullivan asserted that the cluster bombs provided by the US are safer compared to those used by Russia in the conflict, with a lower rate of unexploded bombs.

The decision bypasses US law prohibiting the use, production, or transfer of cluster munitions with a failure rate exceeding 1%. Earlier in the war, when allegations of Russia’s use of cluster and vacuum bombs surfaced, the US referred to it as a potential war crime. The UN human rights office called for an immediate halt to the use of such munitions in any location. The Russian ambassador to the US criticized Biden’s decision, highlighting the risk of civilians being harmed by failed submunitions for years to come.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the military aid package worth $800 million provided by the US. He stated that it would bring Ukraine closer to victory and democracy over dictatorship. However, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the US Cluster Munition Coalition condemned the decision, citing the grave threat cluster munitions pose to civilian lives even after the conflict ends.

The response from US lawmakers on Capitol Hill has been mixed, with some Democrats considering the decision alarming and a mistake, while others, including Republican leaders, view it as a means to enhance Ukraine’s capability to counter Russian forces more effectively.

Picture Courtesy: Google/Images are subject to copyright