The US House of Representatives has approved sending $60.8 billion in foreign aid to Ukraine to help fend off Russia's invasion. In addition to aid for Ukraine, bills were passed to provide foreign aid to Israel, humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza, security assistance to Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies, and foreign policy proposals including a potential ban on TikTok. The package will now move to the US Senate for likely approval and then President Joe Biden's signature.
House lawmakers passed a $95 billion foreign aid package to counter Russian, Iranian, and Chinese aggression, with a focus on providing military assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill allocates $61 billion for Ukraine's war effort, $13 billion for Israel's military assistance, and $8 billion for Taiwan to counter China. The legislation also includes provisions for selling Russian assets to finance Ukraine's reconstruction and a measure to force TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the US.
The US House of Representatives approved a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine with $300 million aimed at bolstering border security amid Russia's invasion. The vote was 311 to 112, with 101 Republicans in favor and Speaker Mike Johnson facing opposition due to the lack of border security measures. Concerns were raised by lawmakers like Rep. Chip Roy, who criticized the aid package as prioritizing Ukraine over US border security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the approval of aid, warning of more conflict and casualties in Ukraine.
House Republicans have introduced three bills totaling $95 billion in aid, aiming to assist Ukraine against Russia, support Israel's defense efforts against Iran, and counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The aid includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. The bills specify funding for weapons, military operations, humanitarian assistance, and defense systems. President Biden supports the aid package, with key differences from the Senate bill such as providing economic assistance to Ukraine as a repayable loan. The House is expected to vote on the bills soon.
The House Rules Committee advanced a package of foreign aid bills with the support of Democrats in a rare move, overcoming opposition from a few hardline Republicans. The bills include assistance to Israel, Ukraine, allies in the Indo-Pacific, and features a TikTok ban. The successful vote paves the way for the full House to debate and vote on the legislation, which includes $26.38 billion for Israel, $60.84 billion for Ukraine, and $8.12 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific. The foreign aid package, facing criticism, is closer to passage after the bipartisan support.
Ukraine launched a barrage of drones targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with 50 drones shot down over eight Russian regions. Russian retaliation included missile attacks on Ukraine, resulting in damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties. Lawmakers in the United States will vote on a $61-billion military aid package for Ukraine. Russian forces targeted Ukraine's industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in eight deaths. Ukrainian President Zelensky is urging Western allies to accelerate weapons supply to counter Russian offensive.
A lethal Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Chernigiv resulted in 18 deaths and 77 injuries, including four children, prompting calls for allies to enhance Kyiv's air defense systems. President Zelensky sought more help from Western allies, as the US House of Representatives announced a vote on a $61 billion military aid package for Kyiv, supported by President Biden. Rescue efforts continue as buildings, vehicles, and facilities were damaged in the attack, with a policewoman among those killed. The strike has raised concerns about the West's commitment to support Ukraine in the conflict.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the REPO Act, which would allow President Joe Biden to confiscate over $6 billion of frozen Russian assets in U S banks and transfer them to a special fund for Ukraine. Most of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets are located in Germany, France, and Belgium. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson released a foreign aid package including aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Following Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the G7 countries froze all $300 billion of Russian foreign currency reserves held in banks across Europe.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, led lawmakers in the House to advance a $95 billion national security aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies towards approval in Washington on April 19, 2024.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron is set to visit Washington to push for approval of a new aid package for Ukraine, stressing the importance of supporting Ukraine's security. The $95 billion aid package has faced delays in the U.S. House of Representatives due to differing opinions within Congress. Cameron's trip follows a joint call with his French counterpart for increased funding for Ukraine, emphasizing the significance of Ukraine winning the war. The article also commemorates the Entente Cordiale between France and the UK, highlighting the need for allies to support Ukraine.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a $26 billion foreign aid bill that provides funding for Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza, polarizing right and left-wing members. The bill passed 366 to 58, with provisions prohibiting funding for the UN Relief Agency and supporting Israel's conservative government led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated, particularly between Israel and Iran. Progressives and some Republicans opposed the bill, while President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, despite backlash from the progressive left.
The House voted 316-94 to advance urgent foreign-aid bills for debate and final votes. Majority of Democrats (165) supported the measure over Republicans (151). The aid includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region to deter Chinese aggression. GOP faces division over additional aid with some threatening Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership. Johnson navigates bipartisan challenges, improving legislation to reflect Republican ideals while ensuring essential aid. Democrats show unity against GOP malcontents attempting to unseat the speaker. Speaker Johnson praised for skillfully managing a challenging situation.
Ukraine and Russia accused each other of deadly strikes on civilians, with the U.S. lawmakers preparing to vote on a $61 billion aid package for Kyiv. Ukrainian strikes targeted Russian regions with drones, hitting energy infrastructure. Russia claimed to intercept 50 Ukrainian drones, leading to a fuel depot fire. Ukrainian drones also killed two in Russia's Belgorod region. In retaliation, a Russian strategic bomber was shot down by a modified S-200 missile in Ukraine. The conflict escalated with casualties on both sides, including civilians.
The House of Representatives, led by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, is changing its legislative agenda to address the crisis in the Middle East. This shift includes considering legislation to support Israel in response to Iran's recent drone attack on Israel from Iranian soil. There are discussions on potential aid packages for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Bipartisan calls for aid to Israel have emerged, urging swift action from the House.
Republican touts important innovations to Ukraine package and suggests vote on bill could be imminent in Congress after recess The US House speaker, Mike Johnson , has raised expectations that a vote on funding for Ukraine could be imminent in the chamber, even at the risk of the Republican losing his leadership position. Johnson touted important innovations to a possible Ukraine package during an interview on Fox News Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy, and he suggested a vote on a standalone bill could come soon after Congress returns from Easter recess on 9 April. But the Louisiana Republican acknowledged forces in his party were trying to unseat him over his efforts to find a bipartisan solution to stalled US funding for Ukraines efforts to repel Russias military invasion, which began in February 2022. The far-right extremist Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to remove Johnson in March, but she stopped short of calling it for a floor vote. The White House, meanwhile, has warned that delays are costing Ukraine lives and territory because Russias president, Vladimir Putin, gains every day Congress does not pass a funding measure.
Tensions arose in the House of Representatives as conservative lawmakers confronted Speaker Mike Johnson over his $95 billion foreign aid proposal, leading to heated exchanges between different Republican factions. Lawmakers like Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, and Tim Burchett expressed opposition to Johnson's plan, which includes separate bills for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. Rep Derrick Van Orden confronted the group, including Gaetz, with verbal jabs, while Reps Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie are also considering ousting Johnson. The Republicans are divided over the significant aid package, similar in cost to the Senate's previous funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House will vote on separate bills for aid to Israel and Ukraine amid threats from the far right to oust him, with a pivotal vote expected on Friday evening. Johnson faces pressure from his party over foreign aid decisions, aiming to address global events while satisfying his caucus. GOP Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the plan, hinting at a vote on Johnson's removal. Despite possible challenges, Johnson remains focused on governing and strengthening national security with additional measures for allies in the Indo-Pacific.
Russia is targeting Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, with an intensified air campaign since late March, leading to significant power outages affecting 200,000 city residents. The energy infrastructure is being pummeled, and residents, including 79-year-old Olha Faichuk, are facing terror and evacuation due to Russian airstrikes. Rockets launched from Russia's Belgorod region are hitting Kharkiv, causing widespread damage and distress in the region.
Ukraine launched drones targeting Russian energy infrastructure in eight regions, resulting in fires at electrical substations and a fuel depot. Russian air defenses intercepted 50 drones, with casualties reported in Belgorod. The strikes were part of Ukraine's retaliatory actions in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, a pro-Kremlin journalist was killed in Zaporizhzhia during the attacks. The use of drones by Ukraine has escalated in recent months, focusing on Russian oil and gas facilities. Russia also retaliated by launching missiles at Ukraine, causing damage and casualties in Odesa and Kharkiv regions.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The invasion became the largest attack on a European country since World War II. It is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. By June 2022, Russian troops occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory. From a population of 41 million in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. Extensive environmental damage caused by the war, widely described as an ecocide, contributed to food crises worldwide.Before the invasion, Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders as Russian officials denied any plans to attack. Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist views challenging Ukraine's right to exist, and falsely claimed that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis persecuting the Russian minority. He said his goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched at a northern front from Belarus towards Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas and towards Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.Russian troops retreated from the northern front by April 2022 after encountering logistical challenges and stiff Ukrainian resistance. On the southern and southeastern fronts, Russia captured Kherson in March and Mariupol in May after a destructive siege. Russia launched a renewed offensive in the Donbas and continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front line, including the energy grid through the winter. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the south and east. Soon after, Russia announced the illegal annexation of four partly occupied regions. In November, Ukraine retook parts of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson itself. In June 2023, Ukraine launched another counteroffensive in the southeast.The invasion was met with international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal in March 2022. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states all declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, along with mass arrests of anti-war protesters in Russia, which also enacted a law enabling greater media censorship. Over 1,000 companies closed their operations in Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened investigations into possible crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of children, and genocide. The court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023, alleging responsibility for the unlawful deportation of children.
NATO has committed to providing additional air-defence systems to Ukraine following a crisis meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and defence ministers. Multiple allies have promised to send further air-defence weapons, including Patriot systems. Ukraine, facing increased Russian military pressure, urgently needs these systems to protect against airstrikes and defend its cities. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of these defenses and urged for additional weapons, artillery, vehicles, and drones for the Ukrainian armed forces to counter Russian aggression.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing rebellion from fellow Republicans over a lack of measures to address the U.S. migrant crisis in a proposed foreign aid package totaling $95.34 billion, including $60.84 billion for Ukraine, $26.38 billion for Israel, and $8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific. The package also includes provisions like banning funds for UNRWA and miscellaneous national security priorities such as a TikTok ban and the REPO Act to support Ukraine and confront Russia, China, and Iran. Johnson aims for a Saturday vote on the aid and border security bills.
Two dual German-Russian nationals, Dieter S and Alexander J, have been arrested in Bavaria on suspicion of spying for Russia. Dieter S is accused of plotting explosions and maintaining contact with Russian intelligence, while Alexander J is implicated in helping identify potential targets for attack. Germany, the second largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the US, has earmarked around 28 billion euros since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The arrests are seen as a significant investigative success in countering Russian sabotage and spy networks.
This timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine covers the period from 1 December 2023 to the present day.
House Republicans are pushing to include a bill in a foreign aid package that could result in a nationwide TikTok ban to protect Americans' data from Chinese government, facing opposition from TikTok and civil society groups, and aiming to expedite the Senate's vote. The bill, with updates like a nine-month deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok, allows a 90-day extension for progress towards a sale, addressing concerns about the initial six-month timeframe.
The US Senate approved new cybersecurity legislation that will force critical infrastructure organizations to report cyberattacks to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours. The Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act passed by unanimous consent on Tuesday after being introduced on February 8 by Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters, ranking member and chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The act combines pieces of the Cyber Incident Reporting Act , the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2021 , and the Federal Secure Cloud Improvement and Jobs Act -- all of which were authored by Peters and Portman and advanced out of committee before floundering. The 200-page act includes several measures designed to modernize the federal government's cybersecurity posture, and both Peters and Portman said the legislation was "urgently needed" in light of US support for Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia last week. Im concerned that, as our nation rightly continues to support #Ukraine during Russias illegal, unjustifiable assault, the US will face increased cyber & ransomware attacks from Russia.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas war. The first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents, cyberwarfare, and heightened political tensions. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began occupying more of the country.In early 2014, the Euromaidan protests led to the Revolution of Dignity and the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Shortly after, pro-Russian unrest erupted in eastern and southern Ukraine, while unmarked Russian troops occupied Crimea. Russia soon annexed Crimea after a highly disputed referendum. In April 2014, Russian-backed militants seized towns in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and proclaimed the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) as independent states, starting the Donbas war. The separatists received considerable but covert support from Russia, and Ukrainian attempts to fully retake separatist-held areas failed. Although Russia denied involvement, Russian troops took part in the fighting. In February 2015, Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk II agreements to end the conflict, but they were never fully implemented in the years that followed. The Donbas war settled into a violent but static conflict between Ukraine and the Russian and separatist forces, with many brief ceasefires but no lasting peace and few changes in territorial control.Beginning in 2021, Russia built up a large military presence near its border with Ukraine, including within neighbouring Belarus. Russian officials repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed irredentist views and denied Ukraine's right to exist. He criticized the enlargement of NATO and demanded that Ukraine be barred from ever joining the military alliance. Russia recognized the DPR and LPR as independent states. On 24 February 2022, Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, claiming Russia had no plans to occupy the country. The Russian invasion that followed was internationally condemned; many countries imposed sanctions against Russia and increased existing sanctions. In the face of fierce resistance, Russia abandoned an attempt to take Kyiv in early April. From August, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territories in the north-east and south. In late September, Russia declared the annexation of four partially-occupied regions, which was internationally condemned. Russia spent the winter conducting inconclusive offensives in the Donbas. In spring 2023, Russia dug into positions ahead of another Ukrainian counteroffensive, which failed to gain significant ground. The war has resulted in a refugee crisis and tens of thousands of deaths.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Russian troops are increasing pressure on Ukrainian forces, utilizing satellite-guided gliding bombs to weaken them. Despite having superior firepower, Russia may opt for smaller attacks rather than a massive ground offensive to gradually deplete Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy instructed defensive preparations, including trenches and fortifications, but slow construction progress has left areas vulnerable. Analysts suggest a continuous series of localized offensives may be Russia's strategic approach to gain terrain. Last year's Ukrainian counteroffensive failed due to entrapment in Russian minefields.
BRUSSELS Ukraine was left in a position of anxious waiting on Friday, as NATO allies vowed that a response to the countrys urgent calls for more Patriot air defense systems would come soon and as billions in long-blocked U.S. aid finally inched toward a vote in the House. NATO countries had reviewed their stores and identified additional air defense systems, including Patriot missiles, that could be sent to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after a virtual meeting of alliance defense ministers. But Stoltenberg did not announce what would be sent, or when.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that the war in Ukraine could drag on for several more years; Nobody could say whether this war might not even last five years, for example, Scholz said on Friday evening in the eastern city of Chemnitz. He defended Germany's military support for Ukraine. In addition, diplomacy must be cultivated, he added. Since the beginning of the war, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin had shown no signs of movement, he said. A dictated peace is unacceptable, emphasized Scholz: "He must not be allowed to get away with this.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is pushing member nations to supply more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine in response to President Zelenskyy's requests for Western air defense equipment. Ukraine is seeking at least seven Patriot batteries to counter the threat posed by Russia's superior air force during the ongoing conflict. Key NATO countries possessing Patriots include Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining and supplying well-equipped batteries to Ukraine to enhance its defense capabilities.
The Biden administration has secured an agreement with the World Food Programme to distribute aid from the US military-constructed pier off the coast of Gaza, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the war-torn strip. The US military will complete the pier construction next month, with the UN's involvement in the maritime corridor dependent on upholding humanitarian principles and expanding land access. The complex operation involves diplomatic coordination for aid distribution without US troops on the ground in Gaza, while a private American company eyes a similar relief mission requiring UN support.
Violence broke out in the Georgian parliament as lawmakers clashed over a bill requiring organizations accepting foreign funding to register as foreign agents, denounced as the 'Russian law' and criticized by Western nations. Georgian Dream party, advocating the bill, faced opposition punches and protests against what European countries and the US deem as incompatible with their values. The bill, viewed as a move against alleged foreign interference, has strained Georgia's relations with the West, while critics label it akin to Russian legislation suppressing dissent. Russia's unpopular backing of breakaway regions further fuels tensions in the country.
The US House is set to pass a bill requiring Chinese firm ByteDance, which owns TikTok, to divest the app and other applications within six months due to concerns about national security risks. Lawmakers fear ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government could compromise user data privacy, as Chinese laws mandate cooperation in intelligence gathering. The bill's passage in the House is the first step, with the Senate needing to approve it. President Biden has indicated he will sign it, marking a new confrontation between lawmakers and the tech industry, targeting a popular platform like TikTok.
The Israeli military warned Palestinians not to return to northern Gaza after opening fire and killing five people trying to walk back to their homes following Hamas' attack on southern Israel. Around 300,000 Palestinians in the north are on the brink of famine, amidst flattened areas and restricted aid. Defense Minister Gallant plans an invasion of Rafah, met with objections from the international community and the United States. The conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with over 33,700 Palestinians killed and 76,200 wounded in bombardments and ground offensives.
The US House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to the banning of the Chinese-owned app TikTok in the country, citing concerns about data privacy and potential foreign influence on election processes. Both Republicans and Democrats are divided on the issue, with some seeing it as a necessary step to protect national security while others argue it infringes on free speech rights. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed by President Joe Biden, TikTok would be required to sell its assets. Legal challenges are expected, and the future of the app remains uncertain.
Historic flooding in the Ural Mountains cities of Orenburg and Orsk in Russia has led to at least seven reported deaths, with authorities denying casualties. Additional evacuations have taken place in Russia's Tyumen region and northern Kazakhstan, affecting over 125,000 people. Agricultural companies in Russia have not faced significant disruptions, with the spring sowing area covering nearly 5 million hectares. President Tokayev of Kazakhstan described the floods as the worst national disaster in 80 years and ordered funds for relief efforts. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is taking measures to protect its facilities from floods in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region.
European Union leaders debated ways to increase sanctions against Iran at a summit, with French President Macron urging for expanded sanctions targeting missile and drone producers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the need for support against Russia's invasion. The leaders also called for a cease-fire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The summit focused on discussing ways to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and improve the single market, including proposals to subsidize industry in response to global economic developments.
US Congress is moving quickly to pass a bill that would require TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest its ownership stake, potentially affecting the app's 170 million American users. The bill, included in a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel, aims to address concerns about data privacy and national security related to TikTok's Chinese ownership. TikTok has opposed the bill, warning that it could lead to a ban in the US and plans to challenge it legally. Chinese Embassy officials have lobbied against the legislation, asserting that all Chinese companies should be treated fairly.
The US House approved a bill calling for the forced sale or ban of the video app TikTok in the United States, leading to a potential legal battle over its constitutionality. The legislation's opponents argue it violates users' First Amendment rights, while supporters claim a forced sale is needed to address national security risks posed by data harvesting and propaganda. The bill marks the first time a chamber of Congress has voted for the divestiture of a social media platform, owned by China's ByteDance.
Ukraine ( yoo-KRAYN; Ukrainian: Україна, romanized: Ukraina, pronounced [ʊkrɐˈjinɐ] ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast. It also borders Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest; with a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is the nation's capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odesa. Ukraine's official language is Ukrainian; Russian is also widely spoken, especially in the east and south.During the Middle Ages, Ukraine was the site of early Slavic expansion and the area later became a key centre of East Slavic culture under the state of Kievan Rus', which emerged in the 9th century. The state eventually disintegrated into rival regional powers and was ultimately destroyed by the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. The area was then contested, divided, and ruled by a variety of external powers for the next 600 years, including the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsardom of Russia. The Cossack Hetmanate emerged in central Ukraine in the 17th century marked on maps as "Ukraine, land of the Cossacks", but was partitioned between Russia and Poland, and ultimately absorbed by the Russian Empire. Ukrainian nationalism developed and, following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic was formed. The Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former empire and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union when it was formed in 1922. In the early 1930s, millions of Ukrainians died in the Holodomor, a human-made famine. The German occupation during World War II in Ukraine was devastating: 7 million Ukrainian civilians were killed, including most Ukrainian Jews.Ukraine gained independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, and declared itself neutral. A new constitution was adopted in 1996. A series of mass demonstrations, known as the Euromaidan, led to the establishment of a new government in 2014 after a revolution. Russia then unilaterally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and pro-Russian unrest culminated in a war in the Donbas between Russian-backed separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war with Russia, Ukraine has continued to seek closer ties with the United States, European Union, and NATO. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Ukraine is a unitary state and its system of government is a semi-presidential republic. A developing country, it is the poorest country in Europe by nominal GDP per capita and corruption remains a significant issue. However, due to its extensive fertile land, pre-war Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. It is a founding member of the United Nations, as well as a member of the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, and the OSCE. It is in the process of joining the European Union and has applied to join NATO.
The Israeli army has bombed dozens of targets in Gaza, leading to a humanitarian crisis according to UN Chief Antonio Guterres. Concerns of wider war in the Middle East have risen after Israel's retaliation threats against Iran. The US and Britain have imposed sanctions on Iran's military drone program amidst escalating tensions. Calls for restraint have been made while Iran warns Israel of potential regrets. Despite global focus on Iran tensions, Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, drawing attention to the fragile situation in the region.
The year-long war in Sudan between rival generals has led to over 14,000 deaths, tens of thousands wounded, looming famine, and 8.6 million displaced. Foreign supporters, flouting UN sanctions, have prolonged the conflict. Egypt and its president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, are close allies of Gen Abdel Fattah Burhan, while there are unconfirmed reports of drone purchases from Iran and support from Russia's Wagner mercenary group for the Rapid Support Forces' leader, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.
Foreign ministers from G7 countries, including Italy, UK, US, France, Germany, Japan, and Canada, criticize Israel's military offensive in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans a ground assault. The G7 ministers stress their opposition to a full-scale military operation in Rafah due to its catastrophic impact on civilians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with limited aid reaching the region amidst Israeli restrictions, risking famine and preventable deaths.
The US House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to a ban on TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells it off within six months. The bill, which received bipartisan support, would need Senate approval and President Biden's signature to become law. Concerns have been raised about TikTok's data privacy and national security implications, with accusations of Chinese government influence and spying on US users. Notable figures like Emily Ratajkowski and Elon Musk have expressed opinions on the potential ban, with Musk calling it government censorship.
US lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that would compel ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell its US operations due to concerns about data security. TikTok, immensely popular in the US with 170 million American users, especially among teenagers, has become a diplomatic issue between Washington and Beijing. The bill presents ByteDance with the choice to either sell the app or risk being banned, with potential challenges such as free speech violations and Beijing's opposition to a sale. ByteDance, while claiming not to be a Chinese firm, faces uncertainty regarding the future of its successful app.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has issued a warning stating that Chinese government-linked hackers have infiltrated US critical infrastructure under the hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon. These hackers have targeted companies in sectors like telecommunications, energy, and water, with 23 pipeline operators affected. The goal appears to be inducing panic and potentially disrupting civilian infrastructure. China's broader intent is linked to detering the US from defending Taiwan. Various cybersecurity companies have attributed Volt Typhoon to China, and efforts are being made to counter these cyber threats.
FBI Director Christopher Wray warns that Chinese government hackers are constantly trying to infiltrate U.S. critical infrastructure, including water treatment facilities and energy grids, to induce panic and potentially deal a devastating blow. The hacking campaign, known as Volt Typhoon, is aimed at civilian infrastructure to break America's will to resist. Wray highlights the threat of China in relation to critical infrastructure and the potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Chinese hackers have successfully embedded themselves in various American critical infrastructure companies, prompting concerns about safety and security.
Israel responded to Iran's mass missile and drone attack with a carefully calibrated retaliation, supported by allies like the United States, Britain, France, and key Gulf Arab states. The goal is to build a united front to counter Iran's quest for regional dominance and support the demise of the ruling mullahs in Tehran. The successful collective response in thwarting over 300 Iranian drones and missiles highlights the need for a strong anti-Iranian alliance to maintain peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Israel's focus on Isfahan province in central Iran indicates continued efforts to address Iran's actions.
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