A new hemorrhagic fever, causing rapid death (within 48 hours) from symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, has killed over 50 people in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since January 21st. The outbreak, with 419 cases recorded, started in Boloko village after three children consumed a bat. Tests have ruled out known viruses like Ebola and Marburg. Concerns remain regarding zoonotic diseases stemming from the consumption of wild animals.
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The Supreme Court of Canada announced its departure from X (formerly Twitter), directing followers to its other social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This decision, affecting over 45,000 subscribers, shifts the court’s communication strategy. While the court offered no immediate explanation, its presence on X dated back to 2015. This move follows Chief Justice Wagner’s emphasis on open communication with Canadians.
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In a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected calls for a ceasefire along the current front lines, citing Russia’s constitution, which was amended to include illegally annexed Ukrainian territories. Lavrov opposes foreign peacekeeping deployments, arguing that such actions would escalate the conflict rather than de-escalate it. He further asserted that the US was not involved in discussions regarding rare earth metal extraction in occupied Ukrainian regions during a recent Saudi Arabia meeting. Lavrov stated that Russia will only discuss a resolution to the conflict by addressing its root causes. Upcoming US-Russia talks in Istanbul are planned for February 27th.
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Ukraine’s parliament unanimously passed a resolution affirming President Zelensky’s legitimacy and rejecting calls for immediate elections during martial law. The resolution, supported by 268 members, explicitly states that elections will only occur after a comprehensive and just peace is achieved, directly countering claims from Trump and Putin questioning Zelensky’s authority. This action solidifies Zelensky’s mandate to negotiate peace and potentially complicates ongoing US-Russia peace talks which excluded Ukraine. The vote underscores Ukraine’s defiance of external pressure to hold elections prematurely.
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Amidst growing concerns over the U.S.’s shifting foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is advocating for increased intelligence sharing with European partners. This shift is driven by concerns about the politicization of U.S. intelligence under the Trump administration, including controversial appointments and potential threats to intelligence-sharing agreements. Experts warn of a need for Canada to bolster its independent intelligence capabilities and forge new alliances to mitigate its reliance on the U.S. This includes proactively engaging with countries outside traditional alliances and deploying intelligence personnel internationally.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant increase in UK defense spending, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2034, to counter the perceived threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labelled a tyrant. This increase, framed as the largest since the Cold War’s end, is intended to deter further Russian aggression in Europe and protect the UK from various forms of Russian interference. The plan involves strengthening alliances with the US and other European nations, while also focusing on procuring crucial military equipment like drones and tanks to bolster UK readiness. A peacekeeping plan for Ukraine, developed with France, seeks indirect US support.
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Latvia’s foreign minister warns that Russia’s peace initiatives are aimed at weakening the U.S. and regaining control over Ukraine, objectives unmet through military means. Despite Russia’s limited territorial gains in Ukraine, Putin seeks to achieve these goals through negotiations, underscoring the need for allies to remain vigilant. Europe’s involvement in peace talks is crucial, emphasizing the need for a unified transatlantic approach that prioritizes Ukraine’s security and a lasting peace, not merely a temporary ceasefire. Latvia, along with other Baltic states, is bolstering its defense capabilities to deter further Russian aggression.
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UEFA’s president attempted to reinstate Russia in its competitions, facing significant resistance. The effort to reintegrate Russia was ultimately unsuccessful due to strong opposition. This opposition prevented Russia’s return despite UEFA’s stated desire to do so. The decision reflects the ongoing international pressure and sanctions against Russia. The attempt highlights the ongoing tension between sporting competition and geopolitical realities.
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Denmark will ban mobile phones in schools and after-school programs, following a government commission’s recommendation that children under 13 should not own smartphones or tablets. This legal change affects nearly all children aged 7-17, representing a government policy shift. The ban aims to reclaim schools as spaces for learning and reflection, unburdened by constant digital distraction. The commission’s report highlighted excessive screen time among young people and its negative impact on well-being, prompting calls for stricter regulations on children’s access to technology.
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The US’s support for a Russian-backed UN resolution, which avoided blaming Russia for the Ukraine conflict, contrasts sharply with its rejection of a European-led resolution condemning the invasion. This conflicting vote pattern, occurring on the third anniversary of the war’s start, highlights a growing rift between Washington and its European allies. The US resolution, passed in the UN Security Council, urged a swift end to hostilities but lacked condemnation of Russian aggression. This action follows President Trump’s shift towards Moscow and away from longstanding US support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker