The death toll from unprecedented flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 1,252, with another 4,216 people still missing. The number of deaths and missing people increased sharply from the previous day as authorities continued assessing the disaster. Nearly 12,000 people have been rescued, while almost all communication towers have been restored with help from domestic and international aid. About 21,500 security personnel … Continue reading Nepal floods death toll climbs to 1,252 as rescue efforts continue

Norwegian authorities have seized a Russian vessel in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at the request of Ukraine. The seizure was ordered as part of Ukraine’s efforts to recover a $4.22 billion arbitration award against Russia over the seizure of Ukrainian energy assets following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The vessel, the Professor Molchanov, is operated by Russia’s state weather and environmental monitoring agency and … Continue reading Norway seizes a Russian vessel in remote Arctic, drawing Putin’s ire

Russian Maj. Gen. Nikolai Varpakhovich, commander of the Kremlin’s 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, was shot in the face and abdomen by an unknown gunman riding a motorcycle. The attack reportedly occurred outside his home in Probuzhdeniye, near Engels, and left him in critical condition before he was taken to a hospital. Varpakhovich oversees nuclear-capable strategic bombers and has been accused by Ukrainian authorities of … Continue reading Putin’s nuclear bomb commander shot in face and abdomen in assassination attempt

South Korea has sentenced Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han to two years in prison for political funding violations and bribery. The Seoul Central District Court found that Han was involved in giving 100 million won to a ruling-party lawmaker before the 2022 presidential election. She was also convicted over luxury gifts, including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, given to former first lady Kim … Continue reading South Korea hands jail term to Unification Church leader

Israel and Greece have signed a $3.5 billion defense agreement for Israel to build Greece a multi-layered air defense system known as the “Achilles Shield.” The system will combine Israeli-made technologies, including David’s Sling, SPYDER, BARAK MX and advanced radar systems, to protect against missiles, aircraft and drones. Greece is also purchasing a separate Drone Dome system to defend strategic sites from drone attacks. The … Continue reading Israel signs $3.5 billion air defense deal with Greece

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is winning on the battlefield in Ukraine and claimed Russian forces are continuing to make advances. He said Russian troops had captured territory in Donetsk and were putting pressure on Ukrainian forces in several areas. Putin also dismissed reports that Russia may need another military mobilization, calling such claims “utter nonsense.” He accused Ukraine’s leadership of terrorism and said … Continue reading Putin says Russia is winning on battlefield, will not negotiate with ‘terrorists’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous because of Ukraine’s expanding drone operations. He said the growing number of Ukrainian drones over Russia could effectively make the country’s airspace unusable for civilian aviation. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not intend to target civilian aircraft, but warned that airlines flying through Russian airspace must account for the increasing … Continue reading Zelenskyy warns ‘Russian airspace will effectively be closing’

Germany has officially accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. German authorities said explosive-laden drones were found near Ukrainian cargo aircraft, raising concerns about a deliberate attack on critical infrastructure. Germany described the incident as part of a broader Russian hybrid warfare campaign involving sabotage, espionage and other covert operations. In response, Berlin announced the closure of Russia’s … Continue reading Germany blames Russia for airport drone plot, shuts down consulate