military

Russia pounded Ukraine with 3,000 bombs in March, Zelenskiy says

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Russia pounded Ukraine with 3,000 bombs in March, Zelenskiy says

Russia significantly escalated its military attacks on Ukraine in March, launching over 3,000 guided aerial bombs, 600 drones, and 400 missiles. Additionally, Russia has intensified its air strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing further damage to an already weakened system. The use of guided air-dropped bombs has also increased, allowing Russia to efficiently target Ukrainian positions with large amounts of explosives.

Iran vows revenge on Israel after Damascus embassy attack

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Iran vows revenge on Israel after Damascus embassy attack

Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike that killed two of its generals and five other military advisers in Damascus, heightening tensions in the Middle East conflict. The attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria was one of the most significant strikes on Iranian interests in the country. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but a senior Israeli official stated that the individuals targeted had been planning attacks on Israeli and American assets. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised revenge for the attack. The attack has drawn condemnation from Russia and raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

‘Hallmarks of genocide’ in Russian crimes across Ukraine, Ukrainian prosecutor says

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‘Hallmarks of genocide’ in Russian crimes across Ukraine, Ukrainian prosecutor says

Ukraine’s top prosecutor, Andriy Kostin, stated that Russian crimes in occupied Ukrainian territories, including the Bucha massacres, exhibit genocidal behavior. Over 125,000 alleged war crimes by Russian forces have been recorded, with thousands in Bucha. Kostin believes these crimes show signs of genocide and should be tried domestically and at the International Criminal Court. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian suspects, including President Putin, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Kostin aims to prosecute these crimes up to Russia’s military and political leadership in both Ukrainian and international courts.

Russia sentences Pussy Riot activist to eight years for Ukraine ‘war fakes’

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Russia sentences Pussy Riot activist to eight years for Ukraine ‘war fakes’

Pyotr Verzilov, a Russian-Canadian activist and founder of an independent news site, was sentenced to eight years and four months in absentia for criticizing the war in Ukraine on social media.

Russian billionaires see collective wealth near $600 bln – Forbes

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Russian billionaires see collective wealth near $600 bln – Forbes

Russia’s richest people saw their fortunes increase by billion over the past year, reaching a collective wealth of 7 billion. Vagit Alekperov, former president of Lukoil, is now the wealthiest person in Russia. The total wealth of Russian billionaires had been estimated at 6 billion before the Ukraine invasion in 2021. Despite Western sanctions, which caused their total wealth to drop to 3 billion in 2022, high commodity prices and war-focused economic growth have helped in the recovery. Alekperov’s fortune rose to .6 billion, securing his top spot in Russia. Leonid Mikhelson from Novatek is in second place, with a wealth of .4 billion. Putin has praised the resilience of the Russian economy against Western sanctions, emphasizing the country’s GDP growth of 3.6% last year. However, the economy’s heavy reliance on state-funded military production for the war in Ukraine poses challenges for improving living standards in Russia. The IMF predicts a GDP growth of 2.6% for Russia this year, but foresees difficulties due to population outflows and technology shortages. Russian business people have benefited from the Western corporate exodus, with many companies selling assets cheaply or having their operations seized.

Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

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Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his regret over an Israeli airstrike that unintentionally killed seven people working for Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza. The airstrike hit a WCK convoy, killing citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry into the incident, which drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Ukrainian defence attorneys face moral dilemma in war crime trials

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Ukrainian defence attorneys face moral dilemma in war crime trials

Ukrainian lawyer Khrystyna Vrashchuk, along with over 200 attorneys, represents suspected Russian war criminals and local collaborators in Ukraine. The lawyers face a moral dilemma as they defend individuals accused of committing war crimes against Ukrainians, despite the legal requirement for representation. Vrashchuk, for instance, argued in court against a woman seeking justice for her tortured family members, feeling conflicted about her role. The lawyers must maintain professionalism and uphold the law, even in emotionally challenging cases.

Kremlin dismisses report Russia behind , ‘Havana Syndrome’

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Kremlin dismisses report Russia behind , ‘Havana Syndrome’

– The Kremlin dismissed a report linking Russian military intelligence to the “Havana syndrome” ailment affecting U.S. diplomats and spies globally.
– A Russia-focused investigative media group reported that members of a Russian military intelligence unit known as 29155 were placed at the scene of reported health incidents involving U.S. personnel.
– U.S. intelligence investigation found it was “very unlikely” a foreign adversary was responsible for the ailment.
– Symptoms of the ailment include migraines, nausea, memory lapses, and dizziness.
– The U.S. Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021 to provide payments to affected staff and their families.

Pakistan court suspends Imran Khan’s jail sentence in graft appeal

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Pakistan court suspends Imran Khan’s jail sentence in graft appeal

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan had his 14-year jail sentence suspended by a Pakistani court after winning an appeal for his conviction for graft. The charges against him and his wife included unlawfully selling state gifts worth over 140 million rupees received during his premiership. Khan remains in jail on other sentences imposed before the national polls, which also disqualified him from holding public office for 10 years. The legal cases against Khan were seen as politically motivated to keep him out of politics, according to him and his party.

US rejected Turkish demands to ‘kill’ Cyprus humanitarian corridor to Gaza

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US rejected Turkish demands to ‘kill’ Cyprus humanitarian corridor to Gaza

Ankara has been trying to derail the ‘Amaltheia’ plan by seeking to sabotage any planning involving the Republic of Cyprus, with Turkish officials making arguments against the Cyprus maritime corridor. However, Washington has supported the Cypriot initiative and ignored Ankara’s attempts to persuade Arab governments that Cyprus is involved in transferring weapons to Israel. Turkey has also resorted to providing its own humanitarian assistance to Gaza in an attempt to block the maritime corridor. Despite this, ‘Amaltheia’ has received international support. Washington is attempting a rapprochement with Ankara, with Turkish President Tayip Erdogan scheduled to visit the States on May 9th. Cyprus has proven to be a trustworthy and reliable asset in the region.