Senior Biden administration officials are frustrated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during a major NATO summit in Washington. Despite U.S. concerns about the timing, conveyed by officials including Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Modi proceeded with the visit, emphasizing India’s relationship with Russia based on “mutual trust and mutual respect.” The meeting, criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, occurred as Russian bombs killed several dozen people in Ukraine, including at a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Liam Harrington 11/07/2024 11:30 pm

An Italian court sentenced Rosalia Messina Denaro, sister of Sicilian crime boss Matteo Messina Denaro, to 14 years for mafia association. Arrested in 2023, she unintentionally helped police locate her fugitive brother through a hidden note. The note revealed his health condition, leading to his arrest in January 2023 when he sought cancer treatment. Matteo, a notorious Cosa Nostra boss, died in L’Aquila hospital’s inmates’ ward months later.

Penelope Kingsley 11/07/2024 10:01 pm

At their Washington, DC summit, NATO leaders accused China of being a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war on Ukraine, marking the alliance’s strongest criticism of Beijing over the conflict. The 38-point declaration from all 32 NATO members cites China’s “no limits” partnership with Russia, announced just before the invasion, and urges China to stop all material and political support for Russia, including dual-use materials for weapons. The communique warns that China’s actions could harm its interests and reputation.

Ava Sinclair 11/07/2024 10:01 pm

US intelligence uncovered a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, which supports Ukraine. This was part of broader Russian plans to target European defense executives aiding Ukraine. The US informed Germany, enabling its security services to protect Papperger and thwart the plot. Russia has been conducting a sabotage campaign across Europe, using local proxies for attacks to disrupt Western arms support for Ukraine. The plot highlighted Moscow’s extreme measures in its shadow war against the West. Rheinmetall is crucial for Ukraine, producing vital artillery shells and opening an armored vehicle plant in Ukraine.

Gabriel Whitaker 11/07/2024 10:00 pm

President Joe Biden announced a $225 million aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile system to enhance air defenses against Russian airstrikes. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who welcomed the aid but requested permission to use long-range missiles against deeper Russian targets. The package also includes Stinger missiles, HIMARS ammunition, and various artillery rounds. This announcement follows a series of pledges at the NATO summit to support Ukraine, including after a recent attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Penelope Kingsley 11/07/2024 10:00 pm

Kenyan President William Ruto fired nearly his entire cabinet following weeks of deadly protests over proposed tax hikes and government corruption. Despite abandoning the tax hikes, protests continue, focusing on corruption. Activists vow to persist despite the cabinet shake-up. Just six weeks earlier, Ruto was celebrated for his environmental commitments and support for Western diplomatic priorities, including deploying Kenyan police to Haiti. However, like other African leaders, Ruto faces growing anger from young citizens over government profligacy and graft amid economic hardships. Ruto called the situation an “inflection point” in a televised address.

Ava Sinclair 11/07/2024 8:30 pm

A small fire broke out Thursday in the spire of Rouen’s medieval cathedral, a major landmark in northern France under renovation. Witnesses saw smoke just after midday, recalling the 2019 Notre Dame fire. Rouen’s 12th-century Gothic cathedral, renowned for its three towers and Monet’s paintings, is the tallest church in France. Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol reported the fire on social media. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, located 120 meters high, with low risk of spreading due to the metal structure. Construction workers first noticed the fire and alerted authorities.

Noah Prescott 11/07/2024 8:30 pm

Several civilians in Gaza City reported that people were shot dead by snipers after the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order, urging Palestinians to head south amid an intensified offensive. The attacks occurred as civilians evacuated neighborhoods, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Doha. One witness saw an Israeli sniper shoot a man on a bicycle, and paramedics were unable to retrieve the body due to sniper threats. Ambulance staff were reportedly instructed not to retrieve bodies, and a woman confirmed seeing bodies in the streets near Yarmouk stadium.

Liam Harrington 11/07/2024 7:00 pm

The U.S. military has failed to re-anchor its humanitarian pier to Gaza and will soon cease operations on the project, the Pentagon announced. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder cited “technical and weather-related issues” for the failure to reconnect the pier to the shoreline. The pier and support vessels have been moved back to the Israeli port of Ashdod and will remain there until further notice. Ryder indicated that more details on the cessation process and timing will be available soon.

Ava Sinclair 11/07/2024 7:00 pm

Heavy bombardments over the last 48 hours have killed dozens in Gaza. The Israeli military has ordered all Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City and head south, citing increased offensive operations. Leaflets were dropped advising safe routes to Deir al-Balah. Despite earlier evacuation orders, many stayed due to lack of refuge. US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are in Doha for ceasefire talks with Hamas. Israel claims to target Hamas fighters but may also be pressuring Hamas in negotiations. Recent operations in Shijaiyah killed militants and destroyed tunnels. Israeli troops have advanced, causing mass Palestinian displacement.

Ava Sinclair 11/07/2024 5:30 pm