Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could use nuclear weapons if attacked with conventional arms, revising the country’s nuclear doctrine. In a Security Council meeting, Putin stated that an attack by a non-nuclear power with nuclear support would be seen as a “joint attack on Russia.” The revisions lower the threshold for nuclear use, amid Western allies considering longer-range weapons for Ukraine. Putin cited new global threats for the changes. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and his chief of staff dismissed Putin’s remarks as nuclear blackmail. The revised doctrine details conditions for nuclear use, including massive air attacks. Ava Sinclair 26/09/2024 10:30 am
Iwao Hakamata, the world’s longest-serving death row prisoner, was declared innocent after over five decades. Wrongfully sentenced to death in 1968 for a family murder, Hakamata’s conviction was based on a forced confession and dubious evidence. New information and a DNA test on blood-stained trousers led to his release and a retrial. The Tokyo High Court acquitted the 88-year-old, highlighting flaws in Japan’s justice system and fueling calls to abolish the death penalty. Despite his acquittal, Hakamata’s fragile mental state means he may not fully grasp the news. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 7:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a new nuclear threat, stating that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be seen as a joint attack. At a Russian Security Council meeting, he revealed an updated nuclear doctrine, allowing nuclear weapon use if Russia faces aggression from a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear state. This follows Ukraine’s requests for more military support from the U.S. and allies. Analysts view these threats as impractical, aimed at countering Western support for Ukraine. Dialogue on nuclear arms control between Moscow and Washington has stalled, with nuclear threats becoming routine. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 7:00 am
Russia has set up a weapons program in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for the Ukraine war, according to European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters. IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Almaz-Antey, has developed and tested the Garpiya-3 drone in China. Kupol informed the Russian defense ministry that it could mass-produce these drones in China. China’s foreign ministry denied knowledge of the project. Experts suggest this could be a significant development if confirmed, but caution that more information is needed. The White House expressed deep concern over the report. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 7:00 am
For many in Lebanon, U.S. warnings of potential all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah seem outdated. Elias Faouz, a Beirut architect, believes the conflict has been ongoing for a year. Unlike the 2006 war, current tensions lack international mediation, influenced by U.S. election timelines. Faouz fears radical life changes, similar to Gaza, and recently hosted friends who fled bombings in Maarakeh, taking 32 hours for a normally one-hour trip. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 7:00 am
Ă„htäri Zoo in Finland will return two giant pandas to China eight years early due to high maintenance costs and declining visitors. The pandas, Lumi and Pyry, were a gift for Finland’s 100th independence anniversary in 2017 and were supposed to stay until 2033. Challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and economic issues have strained the zoo’s finances. Despite efforts from the Chinese Embassy to assist, the zoo couldn’t sustain the costs. The pandas will enter quarantine in October before returning to China. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 3:30 am
Hurricane John, which hit western Mexico on Monday with strong winds and heavy rains, dissipated but regained tropical storm strength over the Pacific on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center warned it could become a hurricane again, issuing watches and warnings for southern and southwestern Mexico. A hurricane watch was issued from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana and Lazaro Cardenas to Punta San Telmo, while a tropical storm warning covered Punta Maldonado to Acapulco and Lazaro Cardenas to Punta San Telmo. Preparations to protect life and property were urged. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 3:30 am
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would consider an attack from a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear-armed one as a “joint attack,” hinting at potential nuclear weapon use in the Ukraine conflict. He suggested changing Russia’s nuclear use rules, amid Ukraine’s request for long-range Western missiles to target Russian military sites. Ukraine’s President Zelensky is meeting US President Biden to discuss this. Putin’s remarks were criticized as nuclear blackmail by Ukraine, while China urged calm. Putin emphasized that Russia’s nuclear arsenal is crucial for national security. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 3:30 am
Following reports that Israel allegedly caused doctored pagers to explode, killing and wounding Hezbollah members, Jews on social media shared celebratory and mocking memes. Examples included jokes about pagers offering “72 Virgins” and cartoons depicting castrated Hezbollah operatives. The humor served as a release amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and stalled ceasefire negotiations. However, some criticized the mockery as violating Jewish ethics against rejoicing over enemies’ deaths, especially as it emerged that children were also harmed in the attacks. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 3:30 am
Israel’s military chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, indicated that extensive air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah could lead to a ground invasion. He stated that the strikes aim to degrade Hezbollah and prepare for possible troop entry. Over 50 people were killed in the strikes, which targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence and weapons stores. Diplomatic efforts for a 21-day ceasefire are underway. Halevi’s remarks suggest a ground invasion may be imminent, although the US Pentagon said it did not appear so. The IDF has called up two reserve brigades for northern operations. Ava Sinclair 26/09/2024 12:00 am
