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Russia’s warships enter the Black Sea as Ukraine crisis intensifies
Russian warships have been seen sailing towards the Black Sea, in a new development in the crisis happening on the border with Ukraine
The Russian warships that have sailed towards the Black Sea have struck alarm among officials from the United States and much of Europe.
Those security officials have continued to warn that the final capabilities for a large-scale assault on Ukraine appeared to be falling into place.
Reports state that on a day of frantic shuttle diplomacy by French President Emmanuel Macron, who hopped among capitals trying to avert a conflict, Russian officials gave little sign that the French leader’s initiatives had changed their calculations.
Heated next few days
Officials from the US and Europe have stated that they were closely watching what unfolds over the next 12 days, eyeing it with increasing concern.
They are fearing that Russian military exercises scheduled to start on Thursday could provide cover for a sudden strike against Ukraine.
Officials also fear that the February 20 conclusion of the Olympic Games in Beijing could clear away a potential diplomatic barrier for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who may fear upstaging Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It was hoped that French President Macron would be able to cool off tensions
Mr Macron had cast himself as the key European interlocutor hopeful he could de-escalate rising tensions between Russia and neighbouring Ukraine.
Macron arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday, prepared to compromise with Ukraine officials to hopefully encourage a diplomatic path forward.
The French President’s arrival into Ukraine followed a meeting he had over dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he had walked into, hopeful that he could be the mediator between two hot head nations.
According to a statement by the Kremlin, Macron and Putin’s conversation got underway by discussing trade between France and Russia which fell during the pandemic by 15 percent.
Mr Putin acknowledged Macon’s concerns regarding the rise in tensions on the Ukraine border, following Moscow’s heavy troop presence.
But the Russian President remained firm on his stance regarding Ukraine’s alliance with NATO, and according to journalist Denis Kazakiewicz, the meeting failed at its main objectives with the Kremlin more “aggressive” following the dinner.
News
How Gen Alpha are positioned to shape the future of education
Future of education: how Generation Alpha and engaged parents are shaping schools amid challenges and rapid change
Future of education: how Generation Alpha and engaged parents are shaping schools amid challenges and rapid change
– Future education involves increased parental engagement and adapting to technological changes for younger generations.
– Barriers to involvement include time constraints and poor communication from schools, impacting family-school relationships.
News
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing immediately
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
– Trump ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, risking global tensions and retaliation from other nations.
– Proliferation concerns are rising as nuclear states modernise arsenals and the New START Treaty nears expiration.
The potential for worldwide radioactive fallout remains high, even for underground tests. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by 187 states, prohibits such testing, yet the US remains a signatory without ratification, bound not to violate the treaty’s intent.
Nuclear weapon testing, once crucial for understanding weapon effects and military planning, has diminished. Since World War II, nuclear tests have largely focused on developing new designs. Significant environmental and health concerns led to a moratorium on atmospheric testing in the early 1960s and the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963.
Many countries, including the US, stopped explosive testing in the 1990s. Technological advancements allowed nations to develop nuclear weapons without the need for actual explosions.
Proliferation Risks
Nuclear proliferation continues, with all nine nuclear-armed states investing heavily in modernising their arsenals. This raises concerns about lowered thresholds for using such weapons.
Recent conflicts involving nuclear threats have escalated, and the number of nuclear weapons operationally available has begun to rise again. Russia has tested advanced nuclear weapons, while China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities.
The New START Treaty, which confines the nuclear capabilities of the US and Russia, is set to expire soon, with no successor treaty negotiations underway.
The Doomsday Clock has moved closer to midnight this year, highlighting the heightened dangers facing the world today.
News
US–China trade talks are a handshake, not a deal
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Presidents Trump and Xi extend their tariff truce in an informal meeting, with US cuts and Chinese promises on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX cautions this is unofficial and deeper issues between the two super powers remain.
#USChina #TradeTruce #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #Soybeans #RareEarths #UnofficialDeal #TickerNews
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