Attempt on Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to strike the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, stated by President Vladimir Putin. IAEA specialists and its head, Rafael Grossi, have been invited to assess the situation. Chernobyl-type reactors operate at the plant, raising concerns about its safety and why it became a target.
24 August 2024On Thursday night, Ukrainian troops attempted to strike the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Kurchatov. President Vladimir Putin announced this during a meeting on the situation in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. He mentioned that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promised to send specialists to the plant to assess the situation. "I hope that this will be done on their part in the end," Putin added.
During the meeting, Acting Governor of Kursk Region Alexey Smirnov spoke about the situation at the NPP, calling it stable. "Everything is operating as normal," the governor said. The visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to the Kursk NPP may take place next week. Earlier, he called the risk of damage to the Kursk NPP due to the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces very serious. The logistics and security issues of this trip are currently being worked out. Grossi plans to "familiarize himself with the situation on the ground" and talk to experts and the military. He noted that he then immediately intends to go to Kiev for talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
The objective of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in the Kursk region was to take control of the nuclear power plant and issue an ultimatum to Moscow. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, previously alleged that the Kiev authorities were preparing to launch an attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant with the intention of causing a significant man-made disaster in Europe. Zakharova called upon the UN and the IAEA to promptly denounce the provocative actions in preparation.
The Kursk NPP is positioned on the left bank of the Seim River in Kurchatov, approximately 60 km from the Ukrainian border and 40 km from Kursk. While two of its four power units have been decommissioned, the third and fourth units are scheduled to remain operational until 2033 and 2035 respectively. The plant supplies electricity to 19 regions of the Central Federal District (CFD) and caters to 90% of the industrial needs of the Kursk Region.
Construction of the Kursk NPP-2, featuring four VVER-TOI reactors with a capacity of 1200 MW each, has been underway since 2018. The commencement of the first power unit is planned for December of this year. Despite a decrease in the workforce at the construction site following the implementation of an emergency and counter-terrorism operation regime in the region, the construction progress remains on schedule.
Experts assert that the Kursk NPP is more vulnerable to attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in comparison to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), thus necessitating heightened attention from the authorities. Notably, its design closely resembles that of the Chernobyl NPP, with the utilization of the same first-generation RBMK-1000 reactors.
The old power units of the Kursk NPP have reactors vulnerable to external attacks, lacking robust casing like modern VVER reactors. Protection measures are in place to prevent catastrophic damage, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempting to shell the plant in a bid for nuclear blackmail. Despite this, the Kursk NPP is considered safe from radiation accidents even if critical components are damaged. The experience gained from ensuring safety in the face of attacks will be invaluable for developing and modernizing nuclear reactors.
East Germany is experiencing a shortage of money being sent to Ukraine.
24 August 2024
In the midst of regional elections in Germany, there have been public expressions of opposition from German politicians regarding aid to Ukraine. Although the election campaign had previously centered around local issues, foreign policy has now come to the forefront. Additionally, residents in the eastern part of the country have shown dissatisfaction with the aid provided to Kiev. How might the outcomes of the elections in the former GDR territory impact the level of aid from Berlin to Ukraine?
Biden meets Israel’s Netanyahu at White House amid Gaza war protests.
25 July 2024
In Washington, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House after protests in the US capital. Vice President Kamala Harris also met with Netanyahu. Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza to US Congress, while Biden urged him to finalize a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Despite differences in approaches, the US reiterated its support for Israel. The leaders also met with families of Americans held captive in Gaza.
uk police brutality
26 July 2024
The police watchdog has launched a criminal investigation into a police officer after a suspect was kicked in the head while being restrained on the floor at Manchester Airport. An officer has been suspended after a video surfaced showing Mohammed Fahir, 19, being stamped on while lying down. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an officer is under criminal investigation for assault. Labour MP Paul Waugh, who met with the family, stated that they are traumatized, and there were angry protests for a second night in Manchester city center.
Greater Manchester Police posted on Twitter
The UK has been outraged after videos surfaced of police officers beating up men at Manchester Airport. Following the release of the videos, at least one officer was suspended on Thursday. The footage appeared to show a man lying on the floor at Manchester Airport being kicked. The incident took place inside Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport on Tuesday.
Former Oboronenergo executive arrested in Moscow in embezzlement case
27 July 2024MOSCOW, July 27 - UCHETECH MEDIA NEWS. Mark Manukyan, former head of the information technology department at JSC Oboronenergo, has been detained in connection with a criminal case involving the theft of the company's property. According to the case materials, Manukyan has been charged under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for negligence. The investigation has combined this case with another involving theft by fraud at Oboronenergo. It is believed that Manukyan's negligence led to the thefts. Manukyan has admitted guilt and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The court has imposed preventive measures on the accused, including a ban on certain actions. JSC Oboronenergo is responsible for providing energy to Russian Ministry of Defense facilities under government contracts, with its main goal being to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply to the Russian Ministry of Defense facilities and other consumers, as stated on its website.
NIGER GORVERNMENT
26 July 2024
Niger’s military leaders held a large celebration in the capital, Niamey, to mark the first anniversary of their coup. The crowd supported junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani, with the event heavily secured. The junta has expelled French forces and is expected to finalize the departure of US troops in August. The country has distanced itself from ECOWAS and formed a “confederation” with Burkina Faso and Mali. Despite ongoing attacks by jihadist groups, the junta justifies its coup based on the security situation. Ousted president Mohamed Bazoum remains confined to his official residence.
Israel’s war on Gaza live: Hundreds trapped in Khan Younis as battles rage
26 July 2024
The United Nations humanitarian aid agency reports that hundreds of Palestinians are stuck in eastern Khan Younis due to intense hostilities.
Rescue teams are unable to reach them because the Israeli military has denied access. The daily volume of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip has decreased by 56% since April, raising concerns about starvation and the spread of disease.
People in Khan Younis have been without food, water, and a way out for almost a week, as new Israeli air strikes killed 18 in the city. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are expected to meet with Israeli negotiators in Rome on Sunday to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to reports from US and Egyptian state-linked media.
The conflict has resulted in at least 39,175 deaths and 90,403 injuries in Gaza. The death toll in Israel from the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 is estimated at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captive in Gaza.
Deadly landslides in southern Ethiopia
25 July 2024
Search teams are digging at the site of deadly landslides in southern Ethiopia. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the death toll has risen to 257. The first landslide in Gofa Zone was triggered by heavy rains on Sunday and Monday, and the second landslide occurred while people were trying to rescue others.
OCHA has stated that the death toll could reach 500, and over 15,000 affected people need to be evacuated from the area. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to visit the remote area on Friday.
Images from the site show residents standing over bodies wrapped in shrouds as more victims are being pulled from the muddy earth. Many people are using hand shovels and even their bare hands to aid in the rescue efforts.
Landslides are common during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which began in July and is expected to last until mid-September.
Kamala Harris
THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
24 July 2024
Kamala Devi Harris, born on October 20, 1964, is the 49th and current Vice President of the United States.
She is the first female vice president, as well as the first African American and first South Asian American vice president. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris previously served as a U.S. senator from California and as the attorney general of California.
She gained national recognition for her rigorous questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings and was selected by Biden as his running mate in the 2020 election.
As president of the Senate, Harris played a crucial role with her power to cast tie-breaking votes in an evenly split Senate, which helped pass important legislation.
BREAKING
After Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election, Harris launched her own presidential campaign with Biden's endorsement and secured enough support from delegates to become the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party on July 22, 2024.
NIGERIA NATIONWIDE PROTEST PLAN
25 July 2024
Nigeria is poised to witness a surge in public discontent as it gears up for the forthcoming nationwide protest under the banner of #EndBadGovernance. Within Nigeria, widespread poverty, pervasive corruption, and heightened insecurity have significantly impacted the lives of its people. Drained by these challenges, the citizens are mobilizing to stage a nationwide protest against the Nigerian government in the near future.
Military operation in Ukraine
27 July 2024
The Sever group fighters utilized Shturm-S anti-tank missile systems to neutralize armored vehicles and Ukrainian Armed Forces positions. The Russian Defense Ministry disclosed that the North group of the Russian Armed Forces aimed at personnel in six Ukrainian brigades during a special military operation. According to Yaroslav Yakimkin, a senior officer at the group's press center, the Ukrainian brigades suffered up to 240 casualties.
Details about the Southport mass stabbing, where one fatality is suspected.
A 17-year-old male has been arrested after a mass stabbing in Southport England, which resulted in at least 8 people being injured and one person dead.
29 July 2024Merseyside Police reported that officers responded to a stabbing incident at a property on Hart Street in Southport at around 11:50 am on Monday. A witness told the PA news agency that the police were called to an address behind The Hart Space studios, where a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children in school years two to six, aged between six and 11, was being held. Armed police detained a man and confiscated a knife. The police later announced that a 17-year-old boy from Banks had been arrested in connection with the stabbings in Southport and clarified that the incident was not being treated as terror-related at the time.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response and mentioned that he is staying informed about the incident. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also stated that she is deeply concerned about the very serious incident and has been in touch with the Merseyside police and crime commissioner.
BREAKING
There is limited information available regarding the incident at the property and the individuals involved. However, police are currently at the scene conducting investigations. The exact number of victims is still unclear, with one report suggesting that it may have exceeded 10 people, although the identities and ages of the victims, as well as the extent of their injuries, remain unknown.
Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred at a venue known as The Hart Space, which hosts various events, including yoga classes. One of the scheduled events at the time of the stabbings was a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class for children aged between six and Eleven.
Activities at the black spot have been suspended. Furthermore, law enforcement authorities have cordoned off a street in the village of Banks, approximately three miles from the stabbing incident. This action occurred in connection with the arrest of a 17-year-old individual, although it is uncertain whether the two incidents are related.
#EndBadGovernance protest in Edo state Nigeria
"Edo State youths are preparing for a major protest due to the current economic hardships in the country."
01 August 2024The youth in Edo State, Nigeria, are uniting in preparation for an upcoming protest aimed at demanding an end to bad leadership. Over time, living conditions in Nigeria have deteriorated to the point where they are no longer sustainable for the average citizen. The prices of essential food items have skyrocketed, making them unattainable for many. Additionally, corruption, injustice, and police brutality have unfortunately become commonplace in Nigeria, leaving its citizens feeling hopeless.
In a recent development on the morning of August 1st, a group of Edo State youths took to the streets to peacefully chant "One Nigeria! Tinubu must go." The presence of some members of the Nigerian Army was noted in the area, seemingly aiming to strike a balance between maintaining peace and allowing the citizens to exercise their right to peaceful protest.
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has expressed the opinion that Russia stands to benefit as the 'irrational' West loses power.
29 July 2024
Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, stated on Saturday that Russia's leadership is "hyper-rational" and expressed his belief that Ukraine will never be able to achieve its goal of joining the European Union or NATO.
In a speech, Orban, who has been in power since 2010, also predicted a shift in global power away from the "irrational" West towards Asia and Russia. He emphasized that in the coming decades or even centuries, Asia will dominate the world stage, naming China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia as the future major powers.
Orban also remarked that Western actions have contributed to pushing Russia towards this bloc. He made these comments during a televised speech delivered to ethnic Hungarians at a festival in the town of Baile Tusnad in neighboring Romania.
Hungary’s Orbán visits Putin in Moscow, drawing backlash from some European leaders
Orban, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has sharply differed from the rest of the bloc by seeking warmer ties with Beijing and Moscow. He angered some EU leaders when he went on surprise visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing this month for talks on the war in Ukraine.
He said that, in contrast to the “weakness” of the West, Russia’s position in world affairs was rational and predictable. He mentioned that Russia had shown economic flexibility in adapting to Western sanctions since it invaded Crimea in 2014.
Orban's government has passed several anti-LGBT measures, and he stated that Russia had gained clout in many parts of the world by cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights. According to Orban, the strongest international appeal of Russian soft power is its opposition to LGBTQ rights.
Furthermore, he added that Ukraine would never become a member of the EU or NATO because “we Europeans do not have enough money for that”. He also noted, “The EU needs to give up its identity as a political project and become an economic and defense project”.
The EU opened membership talks with Ukraine late last month, although a long and tough road lies ahead for the country before it can join the bloc. A declaration at the end of the NATO summit this month stated that the alliance will support Ukraine on “its irreversible path” towards membership.
Trump is injured but "fine" after an attempted assassination at a rally. The shooter and one attendee are dead.
25 July 2024
The FBI early Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The agency said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Secret Service stated that they fatally shot Crooks, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue at a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump flew to New Jersey after visiting a local Pennsylvania hospital, and landed shortly after midnight at Newark Liberty International Airport.