Russia vowed retaliation after Ukraine launched a significant attack using US-made ATACMS and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, along with a major drone assault. Russia claimed to have intercepted all missiles and 146 drones. Ukraine targeted deep inside Russia, hitting oil, chemical, and ammunition facilities. Moscow warned of escalating conflict, while President-elect Trump advocated for a ceasefire. The drone attack, one of the largest, hit Saratov and Engels, causing industrial damage and prompting schools to switch to remote learning. The conflict has severely strained Russia-West relations. Penelope Kingsley 15/01/2025 7:30 am
Recent attacks on underwater cables in the Baltic and South China Seas, allegedly by Russia and China, have raised concerns among officials. Maritime sabotage has increased, with three incidents since November. A Chinese ship, Yi Peng 3, reportedly severed cables between Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, and Germany. Similar incidents occurred in October, involving another Chinese ship damaging the Balticconnector pipeline. EU leaders suspect sabotage, highlighting vulnerabilities in subsea infrastructure. Beijing denies intentional wrongdoing, but such tactics aren’t new for China. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 4:00 am
Ukraine launched significant drone strikes on multiple Russian regions, marking one of Kyiv’s largest assaults on Russian territory. The attacks targeted areas like Bryansk, Saratov, and Tula, demonstrating Ukraine’s deep strike capabilities despite facing challenges at home. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported over 140 drones and long-range missiles were used, warning of repercussions. Ukraine’s military confirmed strikes on three Russian regions and Tatarstan, targeting oil storage and military facilities. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 4:00 am
Police in Karlsruhe are investigating the far-right AfD party for campaign flyers resembling “deportation tickets,” suspected of inciting racial hatred. The flyers, styled as airline tickets, suggest “remigration” and have sparked public complaints and criticism from the Left party for being xenophobic. The AfD claims the flyers target all voters, not just those with migration backgrounds. The campaign resembles a 2013 NPD initiative, though AfD denies any connection. The investigation continues amid controversy over the party’s immigration stance. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 12:30 am
Pope Francis, in his autobiography “Spera” co-written with Carlo Musso, reveals receiving a “large white box” of documents on abuse and corruption in the Catholic Church from his predecessor, Benedict XVI, after the latter’s 2013 resignation. The book, published by Mondadori, marks the first personal chronicle by a sitting pope. Francis discusses his responsibility for addressing church wrongdoings and shares personal stories from his youth in Buenos Aires, admitting to past mistakes and feeling undeserving of his public reputation. Noah Prescott 15/01/2025 12:30 am
Six more bodies were recovered from an illegal South African gold mine, where over 100 miners reportedly died since a November crackdown. Authorities sealed the mine, cutting off food and water. Eight people were rescued Tuesday, and 26 bodies were found Monday. A court ordered a rescue operation last week. Videos, unverified by CBS News, show emaciated individuals and corpses. The General Industries Workers of South Africa released a video depicting men pleading for help, highlighting the dire conditions underground. Penelope Kingsley 15/01/2025 12:30 am
In Seoul, South Korea, law enforcement officials attempted to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for the second time over his martial law declaration. Over a thousand investigators and police were involved in the operation at Yoon’s Hannam-dong residence. Yoon claims the martial law was necessary against an “anti-state” opposition. Authorities are investigating if it was an attempted rebellion. After a standoff, some officers entered the compound, but Yoon was not detained. Negotiations for his voluntary questioning are ongoing. Penelope Kingsley 15/01/2025 12:30 am
Russia’s military vowed retaliation after Ukraine attacked Russian regions with U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, and a major drone assault. Russia claimed to have intercepted all missiles and 146 drones. Ukraine targeted sites up to 1,100 km inside Russia, including oil and ammunition facilities. The conflict has escalated tensions between Moscow and the West, with President Putin warning of a global conflict. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has advocated for a ceasefire, raising questions about U.S. support for Ukraine. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 9:00 pm
Yoon’s lawyers are reportedly arguing with police outside his residence in Seoul, amid a strong police presence and protests. Yonhap reports that the arrest team warned Yoon’s legal team about potential custody if they obstruct access. Protesters chant for Yoon’s arrest, while his supporters display banners. Despite a court-issued arrest warrant, attempts to detain Yoon have been thwarted by his security team, led by Park Jong-joon. Thousands, including ruling party members, have gathered, anticipating another arrest attempt. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 9:00 pm
Pope Francis’ memoir “Hope” highlights his papacy’s focus on simplicity, humility, and openness about personal mistakes. He acknowledges past errors, including a youthful fight, and ongoing imperfections, despite the Catholic belief in papal infallibility. The memoir addresses major events, like assassination attempts, but offers few new details on scandals. Francis discusses the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s handover of related documents. He condemns war and links modern populism to 1930s Germany, emphasizing the importance of understanding history. The plight of refugees remains a personal concern for him. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 9:00 pm
