World News

Summary

Russia warned that U.S.-Russia relations are near collapse, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stating the Ukraine war will continue unless Kyiv abandons its NATO ambitions.

The Kremlin declined to confirm Trump's claim that he spoke with Putin, despite Trump's assertion that he expects more discussions to end the war.

Trump’s security adviser suggested economic pressure on Moscow to negotiate, while Ukraine's Zelenskyy insists on U.S. and European support before engaging with Putin.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack injured a civilian in Ukraine’s Sumy region.

Summary

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania officially disconnected from Russia’s Soviet-era power grid on Saturday, marking a major geopolitical shift.

The Baltic nations will operate independently for 24 hours before integrating with Europe’s energy system via links with Finland, Sweden, and Poland.

The move severs their last energy ties with Russia and Belarus, reducing reliance on Russian resources amid ongoing tensions.

For the three countries, as well as the rest of Europe, the move was steeped in geopolitical and symbolic significance.

Summary

The Munich Security Conference report warns that Trump’s proposed territorial acquisitions, including Greenland, Panama, and Canada, have damaged the U.S.'s global standing, making it seen as a risk rather than a stabilizing force.

The report highlights the decline of U.S.-led global leadership amid a shift toward a multipolar world, with China and Russia expanding influence.

European leaders will press U.S. officials on NATO commitments and Ukraine support.

Survey data shows U.S. risks are now perceived as greater than Russia’s in many G7 nations.

Summary

The Vatican’s Caritas Internationalis condemned the Trump administration’s decision to halt USAID funding, warning it will cause millions of deaths and widespread poverty.

Cardinal Michael Czerny criticized the move as “reckless” and urged the U.S. to uphold Christian values of aid and compassion.

The cuts impact Catholic Relief Services and other humanitarian programs, jeopardizing decades of progress.

Czerny also denounced Trump’s immigration crackdown. U.S. Catholic bishops issued a rare rebuke, calling Trump’s policies on aid, immigration, and justice harmful to the vulnerable.

Summary

Germany’s top defense official, Gen. Carsten Breuer, warned of Russia’s escalating military buildup, calling it an “imminent threat” and comparing it to a wildfire at Europe’s doorstep.

Russia is doubling its pre-war troop levels and stockpiling weapons, suggesting broader ambitions beyond Ukraine. NATO leaders stress the war’s global implications, with China, North Korea, and Iran aligning with Moscow.

As the U.S. pauses most foreign aid under Trump, European officials fear weakened Western support.

Breuer urged allies to unite financially and militarily to counter Russia’s expansionist goals.

(Brian) Adams was due to perform at the Western Australian capital’s RAC Arena on Sunday night, but the city’s water corporation said a “large blockage of fat, grease and rags” was causing wastewater overflows at nearby properties, prompting authorities to intervene.

Frontier Touring posted a statement on Monday announcing the cancellation, and that attendees will receive an automatic refund in full.

“Last night’s concert could not proceed due to an external Perth Water Corporation issue, which was unable to be fixed in time. The issue, which impacted all of Wellington Street, meant that it was deemed unsafe for patrons to enter RAC Arena.”

Summary

China is gaining global support for its claim over Taiwan, with 70 countries now endorsing its sovereignty and unification efforts—many omitting calls for peaceful resolution.

This shift follows China’s diplomatic push targeting the Global South, leveraging economic ties through infrastructure projects.

China looks to preempt Western sanctions in a Taiwan conflict by securing international legitimacy. Meanwhile, the U.S. and allies struggle to counter China’s influence.

Trump's return signals a firmer stance, but China’s diplomatic momentum complicates efforts to rally support against aggression.

The biggest child abuse trial in French history will open in Brittany this month amid anger that a surgeon was allegedly able to attack hundreds of young patients over decades, targeting some when they were under anaesthetic, in the post-surgery recovery room or in their hospital beds.

France is braced for serious questions over child protection amid harrowing testimony from a record number of alleged victims of Joël Le Scouarnec, 73, who worked as a digestive surgeon. He was employed in public and private hospitals across Brittany and the west of France, often operating on children with appendicitis.

Despite being flagged to the French authorities by the FBI in 2004 for viewing child abuse imagery on the dark web, for which he was convicted and given a four-year suspended prison sentence in France in 2005, he was never prevented from working with children and continued to gain prestigious jobs in hospitals across the country.

Summary

Support for Germany’s far-right AfD is surging among young men, driven by concerns over immigration, conservative values, and distrust of mainstream politics.

A Pew study found 26% of German men view AfD positively, compared to 11% of women.

Social media, particularly TikTok, has helped spread its message. Some young supporters reject accusations of extremism, while others openly embrace far-right views.

Analysts warn that if mainstream parties ease their opposition to the AfD, it could become Germany’s dominant right-wing party.

Summary

Donald Trump reiterated his claim that Canada would be better as the U.S.’s 51st state, citing trade imbalances and lower taxes.

He also announced new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada, despite a recent 30-day reprieve.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has not formally responded, but a government source said they await official confirmation.

Trump criticized Canada’s defense spending and border security, despite recent Canadian commitments.

Canada previously retaliated against similar tariffs in 2018 before a 2019 trade deal resolved the dispute.

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/55092743

In August 2024, I resigned over the UK government’s refusal to halt arms sales to Israel amid the bombardment of Gaza. This decision followed over a year of internal lobbying and whistleblowing. My resignation made headlines, and weeks later, the new Labour government announced it would finally suspend arms sales to Israel. While this was welcome, it came far too late. Israel has continued to commit atrocities in Gaza as the UK stands by, unwilling to act.

Summary

Tesla's European sales are plummeting, with Germany seeing a 60% drop despite strong EV growth. Similar declines hit Norway, Sweden, and France.

While some blame the Osborne effect—buyers delaying purchases for a refreshed Model Y—Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD may also be repelling customers.

Online backlash has linked Tesla to fascist imagery. In contrast, UK sales fell only 7.8%, suggesting political factors play a role.

With strong domestic EV competition in Europe, Tesla’s reputation crisis could further hurt demand.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/25815419

By Lubna Masarwa in Jerusalem
Published date: 7 February 2025 10:27 GMT

Summary

Over 200,000 people marched in Munich against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with organizers claiming 320,000 participants.

The protests, held under the slogan “democracy needs you,” warned against any party collaborating with the AfD, particularly the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), ahead of legislative elections.

Summary

Far-right leaders, including Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen, gathered in Madrid for the first summit of the "Patriots for Europe" bloc, praising Donald Trump’s return.

Hosted by Spain’s far-right Vox party, the event focused on anti-immigration rhetoric and opposition to left-wing policies.

Spain’s ruling party condemned the gathering, calling it a "coven of ultras."

Despite the bloc’s ambitions, major nationalist parties from Italy, Germany, and Poland have refused to join, highlighting divisions within Europe’s far-right movement.

Summary

Over 1,000 protesters, including Hongkongers and Uyghur activists, gathered outside the proposed Chinese "mega-embassy" site in London, fearing it could be used for surveillance and illegal detentions.

Tower Hamlets council previously rejected the plan, but Beijing resubmitted it under the new Labour government. The final decision rests with Deputy PM Angela Rayner.

Politicians like Tom Tugendhat warned approving the embassy would be a "grave mistake."

Demonstrators clashed with police, highlighting growing UK-China tensions over human rights and security concerns.

Summary

The documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin exposes how Russian schools are being used for pro-war indoctrination.

Directed by former teacher Pavel Talankin, the film captures students forced to march, study propaganda-filled history books, and attend speeches by war veterans, including ex-Wagner fighters.

Some teachers embrace nationalism, while others feel trapped. Facing mounting threats, Talankin fled Russia in 2024 with footage documenting the militarization of youth.

He hopes the film, which won a Sundance award, will reveal the extent of Putin’s ideological control over education.

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has documented at least 110 Palestinians killed by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip since the implementation of the ceasefire agreement last month.

That means at least six victims per day, including both new ones who were killed directly by the Israeli army, along with those who succumbed to their prior wounds after Israel denied them the right to travel abroad for treatment.

More than 900 others have been injured since the ceasefire, averaging 47 injuries per day, the Geneva-based organisation said.

Summary

China is rapidly surpassing the U.S. in nuclear energy, building more reactors at a faster pace and developing advanced technologies like small modular reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled units.

The U.S. struggles with costly, delayed projects, while China benefits from state-backed financing and streamlined construction.

This shift could make China the leading nuclear power producer within a decade, impacting global energy and geopolitical influence.

Meanwhile, the U.S. seeks to revive its nuclear industry, but trade restrictions and outdated infrastructure hinder progress.