A massive fire erupted in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in at least 36 fatalities and leaving 279 people missing. The blaze, which reached the highest severity level, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding used during renovations. Firefighters, including one who perished, battled the flames, but the intense heat and debris hampered rescue efforts. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire’s rapid spread was suspicious, and three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as authorities continue to investigate the cause.
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French authorities recently arrested three individuals suspected of spying for Russia and spreading pro-war propaganda. The arrests were part of an investigation into a French-Russian association, with one detainee allegedly posting pro-Russian posters and reporting to the association’s head. The head, under surveillance since early 2023, is suspected of seeking economic information from French executives, prompting an investigation into potential collusion with a foreign power. A fourth individual was placed under strict supervision.
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U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll delivered a pessimistic assessment to Ukrainian officials, warning of imminent defeat due to escalating Russian attacks and a dwindling ability to supply weapons. Driscoll presented a U.S.-backed peace plan, viewed as a capitulation to Moscow, encouraging immediate negotiation. This meeting exposed a rift within the Trump administration, with some officials favoring concessions to Russia and others advocating for continued pressure. While the initial peace proposal faced resistance, it was revised with Ukrainian input and now represents a living document, though its final acceptance is uncertain.
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During a parliamentary debate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that any peace agreement in Ukraine must have the explicit consent of both Ukraine and European countries to be considered legitimate. He emphasized that Europe is a sovereign player and should not be sidelined in negotiations. Merz stated that Germany will increase its financial support for Ukraine to €11.5 billion by 2026 and endorsed using frozen Russian assets to fund the country’s defense and reconstruction. The Chancellor underscored the importance of ensuring Russia does not achieve a successful outcome, highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
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In a recent interview, Colombian President Gustavo Petro alleged that the Trump administration’s pressure on Venezuela is driven by a desire to access the country’s oil reserves rather than combat drug trafficking. Petro stated that Venezuela is not a major drug producer, emphasizing that the U.S.’s focus on the country is likely rooted in oil interests. He also criticized the U.S.’s actions as imperialistic, comparing them to past interventions. The U.S. State Department responded by reaffirming its commitment to counter-drug operations, while Colombia has faced sanctions and accusations related to the drug trade, which Petro denies.
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Speaking with the BBC, Ahmed, a shopkeeper who has since fled Mali, recounted his brutal experience with Wagner forces in Nampala in August 2024. Accused of harboring connections with jihadists, Ahmed was detained, tortured through waterboarding and beatings, and repeatedly interrogated about his boss’s whereabouts. After enduring the torture, Ahmed was placed in a toilet block with other locals and subsequently taken back for another round of interrogation where he was threatened with beheading. Ultimately, he was left in a kitchen with two other men who had also been detained.
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Amidst global uncertainties and rising tensions, France is considering the reintroduction of a voluntary military service, a project that has been under review for several months. President Macron might announce this initiative, possibly as early as Thursday, emphasizing the need for a strong nation with a collective ability to respond to potential threats. The proposed service, which could involve 10,000 to 50,000 individuals annually, is seen as a way to enhance national cohesion and create a pool of mobilizable people. This plan is backed by some politicians, and it also calls for an uncertain future for the Universal National Service (SNU).
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American volunteers and veterans assisting Ukraine are expressing dismay and embarrassment over Donald Trump’s continued influence and actions regarding the war effort. A leaked 28-point peace plan, reportedly drafted by a Trump envoy, has been widely criticized as echoing Vladimir Putin’s demands and betraying Ukraine. This plan reportedly includes significant concessions that would cede territory and compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty, causing anger among those dedicated to supporting the country. Some believe that the US government is motivated by financial gain.
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In early 2022, Ukraine’s request to Elon Musk on X resulted in the swift deployment of Starlink terminals, providing crucial battlefield communication. Russia attempted to jam the signals, but SpaceX’s software updates and constellation reconfiguration thwarted their efforts. This success has prompted significant concern, particularly in Beijing, regarding the challenge of achieving electromagnetic dominance in the face of adaptable satellite systems like Starlink. A new Chinese study details the PLA’s potential strategies to neutralize such resilient communication networks.
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Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced plans to bolster defense spending with a $40 billion budget, citing “intensifying” threats from China, which views the island as its own territory. Lai stated that Xi Jinping’s regime is accelerating military preparations to take Taiwan by force, leading to a focus on achieving a “high level of combat preparedness” by 2027. This includes investment in equipment like missiles and drones, artificial intelligence, and increased cooperation with the United States. President Lai emphasized that any compromise in the face of aggression would only lead to war, and the greatest threat is giving up.
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John Q. Hosedrinker