A video verified by ABC News reveals the abandoned garage of the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, showcasing ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s luxury car collection, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins. Assad fled to Moscow after rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, captured Damascus. The city is declared “free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” with rebels looting the palace. Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Assad political asylum, though his exact location remains undisclosed. Noah Prescott 12/12/2024 12:36 am
In May 2016, Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia’s military success in Syria with a concert in Palmyra, highlighting Russia’s influence in the Middle East. However, following a rapid militant-led offensive that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian media downplayed the events and Russia’s role in Syria. Major Russian outlets focused on other topics, and officials, including Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, remained silent on Assad’s ouster, despite Russia’s significant involvement in Syria over the past decade. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
Vladimir Putin aimed to restore Russia’s global power status, marked by military intervention in Syria, showcasing its influence. However, the fall of Assad’s government, a key ally, undermines Russia’s ambitions, posing strategic setbacks. Syria hosts crucial Russian military bases, vital for projecting power in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Russia’s involvement in Syria and Ukraine bolstered its image as a counterweight to the West. Yet, maintaining military campaigns in both regions, especially after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, presents significant challenges for Moscow. Ava Sinclair 08/12/2024 7:30 pm
With Bashar al-Assad’s regime toppled in Syria, President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump announced Assad’s departure on Truth Social, noting Russia’s shift in focus to Ukraine, where significant Russian casualties have occurred. Trump emphasized the need for immediate negotiations to prevent further damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed openness to talks. Trump claimed he could end the Ukraine war swiftly, though experts remain skeptical, especially as Russia has recently gained territory. Noah Prescott 08/12/2024 4:00 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a budget increasing 2025 military spending to record levels, with 32.5% allocated for national defense, totaling over $145 billion. This comes amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s largest conflict since WWII. Meanwhile, new EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, visited Kyiv, pledging continued support for Ukraine. Costa emphasized the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine since the war’s onset, amid uncertainties about future U.S. support under a new administration. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened Ukraine with potential hypersonic missile strikes on Kyiv, citing Ukraine’s use of Western missiles on Russian territory. He claimed the U.S. and European allies are directly involved in the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned Putin’s escalation, accusing him of pressuring the U.S. to accept Russian terms. Despite nearly three years of conflict, Russia has not targeted Kyiv’s government buildings. Putin’s threats follow the U.S. and U.K.’s decision to allow their weapons to be used inside Russia, prompting a severe response. Penelope Kingsley 28/11/2024 9:30 pm
In her memoir “Freedom,” former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflects on her interactions with global leaders, notably Vladimir Putin’s “power games,” including being kept waiting and his use of a dog despite her fear. Merkel discusses her tenure’s major challenges, such as the financial crisis and refugee influx, and questions if she could have prevented Brexit. She describes her political career with dry wit, maintaining her “never explain, never complain” approach. Merkel also recalls Putin’s self-righteousness and his stance against foreign influence in Russia. Ava Sinclair 27/11/2024 9:00 pm
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will continue testing and mass-producing the hypersonic ballistic missile fired at Ukraine, claiming it cannot be intercepted. The missile, named “Oreshnik,” was launched at Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and is discussing new air defense systems with allies. The missile, reportedly carrying multiple warheads, may be the first of its kind used in war. NATO and Ukraine plan to hold talks following this development, as the conflict enters a decisive phase. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 2:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transitioning is legal. He also approved legislation outlawing material that discourages having children. These measures follow laws suppressing sexual minorities and promoting traditional values. The adoption ban affects at least 15 countries, including Australia, Argentina, and Canada. Other laws impose fines for promoting child-free lifestyles, seen as Western efforts to weaken Russia. Putin advocates traditional values and large families, amid declining population. Russia previously banned gender-transition procedures and LGBTQ+ information distribution. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 2:00 am
President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s readiness to use new Oreshnik missiles, claiming they are unstoppable and promising further tests. This follows a missile strike on Dnipro, escalating tensions as Ukraine fired US and British missiles into Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged global leaders to respond and requested advanced air defense systems. The Oreshnik missile, flying at hypersonic speeds, poses a significant challenge to Ukraine’s defenses. Global leaders, including Poland’s Donald Tusk and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, warned of escalating conflict risks, while North Korea’s Kim Jong Un highlighted nuclear war threats. Ava Sinclair 23/11/2024 1:30 am
