Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine will accept no security guarantees other than full NATO membership, calling it the only effective deterrent against Russian aggression. In a letter to NATO counterparts, Sybiha criticized past agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum as ineffective and urged correcting the “strategic mistake” of not providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. The statement comes as NATO foreign ministers … Continue reading Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Vietnam’s high court upheld the death sentence for real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, 67, for orchestrating the country’s largest financial fraud, involving $12.5 billion. The court ruled the sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment if she reimburses $11 billion, three-fourths of the losses. Lan, who controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank and approved fraudulent loans, was convicted of embezzlement, bribery, and illegal bond … Continue reading Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

Tensions escalate as tit-for-tat strikes strain a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed nine in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, citing Israeli truce violations. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, warned Tuesday that Lebanon could face direct retaliation if the ceasefire collapses, ending the separation between Lebanon and Hezbollah in Israeli responses. Since the truce began, … Continue reading Israel threatens to ‘go deeper’ into Lebanon as strikes strain ceasefire

Martial law in South Korea lasted just six hours, sparking widespread outrage after President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended parliament, banned political gatherings, and ended a doctors’ strike, citing vague threats from North Korea. The National Assembly unanimously voted to lift the order, forcing Yoon to comply. His actions caused political chaos, with mass protests calling for his impeachment and accusations that he targeted domestic opponents … Continue reading South Korean president to lift martial law after own party voted against it

Two men died as Storm Bora brought torrential rains and gale-force winds to Greece, causing severe flooding and damage. Rhodes saw over 30 cm of rain, with roads impassable, bridges collapsing, and a state of emergency requested. On Lemnos, flooding destroyed roads, and residents were evacuated due to fears of a dam overflow. Thessaloniki faced power outages, railway delays, and a cargo ship collision due … Continue reading Two die as Storm Bora sweeps across Greece

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a week of intense Russian attacks involving 500 bombs, 660 drones, and 120 missiles targeting Ukraine, particularly its energy grid. Recent strikes in Kherson injured seven civilians, while earlier drone attacks killed three. Ukraine’s air force intercepted many drones, with electronic countermeasures causing failures. European leaders visited Kyiv to affirm support, while U.S. President Biden pledged $5.5 billion in aid, … Continue reading Zelenskyy says Ukraine facing Russian ‘aerial terror’ after night of drone strikes