Anthony Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister to visit war-torn Ukraine
Anthony Albanese has made history, becoming the first Australian Prime Minister to visit war-torn Ukraine.
Only months into the top job, the new Prime Minister traveled to three destroyed cities surrounding the capital of Kyiv and met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
Albanese visited the city of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, which were the first victims of Russia’s war.
Irpin has a population of approximately 70,000, Bucha 37,000, and Hostomel about 17, 000.
Russia chose to attack each of the towns, early in the war with many suggesting this was a tactic to encircle the capital.
Thousands of civilians have lost their lives in these regions since the war began in February.
Albanese was surrounded by heavy security during his visit, with the Prime Minister witnessing first-hand the ‘devastating’ atrocities carried out by Russia.
Although Russia has continued to deny the attacks, Albanese says they’re “a war crime”.
During a briefing with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, the new Prime Minister says Australia will provide $100 million in military and technical might.
The package will include 14 armoured personnel carriers, 20 more Bushmaster vehicles, and drones.
Albanese also confirmed Australia will move to ban Russian gold imports.
He confirmed his country will support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to win the war.
So far, Australia has given Ukraine $285 million in military aid and $65 million in humanitarian relief.
Zelensky welcomed Albanese’s visit and show of support and compassion.
Former president delivers profane, conspiracy-laden address as Election Day nears
In a fiery rally speech, Donald Trump delivered a profane, conspiracy-laden address just two days before the election.
The former president cast doubt on election integrity, resurrecting grievances about his 2020 defeat and his prosecution after challenging those results.
At one point, Trump made shocking comments about reporters, suggesting someone would have to shoot through them to reach him on stage.
He intensified his criticism of what he called “grossly incompetent” national leaders and the American media, adding that he “shouldn’t have left” the White House.
The speech also included alarming comments referencing guns, as Trump claimed Rep. Liz Cheney wouldn’t support foreign wars if she “had nine barrels shooting at her.”
With hours to go before Election Day, Trump’s controversial statements are stirring up fierce debate across the political landscape.
Angry residents confront King Felipe and Spanish PM in flood-ravaged Valencia suburb
Hundreds of residents in Valencia protested during a visit from King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, accusing authorities of delayed alerts and response to last week’s deadly floods.
Some demonstrators, shouting “Murderers,” even threw mud at the officials, expressing frustration over lives lost in submerged garages.
King Felipe, undeterred, stayed to console grieving residents, while Sanchez quickly withdrew amid the turmoil.
Officials announced new warnings as rain threatened to hit Valencia again, intensifying fears of further damage.
Sanchez pledged an investigation into any potential negligence and called for unity in the wake of Spain’s deadliest flood disaster.
Spain mobilized thousands of troops in a massive relief effort for what experts say is a tragedy worsened by climate change.