Drones war: Ukrainian and Russian forces race to develop and produce unmanned aerial vehicles
Ukraine’s shortage of artillery shells has become a decisive factor in its struggle to repel Russian advances. Russia’s new offensive outside of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine is likely to put further strain along the eastern front, where artillery units have been carefully prioritising targets and rationing shells. In an April interview, Zelenskiy said that Russia was firing shells at a ratio of 10 to one to those of Ukraine.
German juggernaut Bayern Munich appoint Vincent Kompany, with roots in DR Congo, head coach
There is no question that Bayern Munich are taking a leap of faith with Kompany. A 38-year-old head coach who has never worked at a major club anywhere, let alone one of Bayern’s size and scale; clearly it’s a risk.
Ex-Haiti PM Conille tapped to steer the island nation back to stability, root out violent gangs
Garry Conille’s naming underscores progress in Haiti’s political process and follows Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation in March after he left Haiti to seek support for the Kenyan security mission and was unable to re-enter the country.
Ukraine frontline: Physical, mental exhaustion and ever-lurking spectre of death torment soldiers
Viktor was paralysed by anxiety. What if he failed to do his job properly, what if something went wrong with his gun, what if he let down his comrades, whom he calls his “brothers” and considers his second family? He shared his concerns with his company commander. Despite a severe shortage of soldiers on the front, the commander gave Viktor a few days of rest and time to talk with a psychologist.
It’s worse than hell: Drained emotionally and materially, Ukrainian military fear being overrun by Russians
Ukraine’s soldiers talk of exhaustion, faith, personal loss and a perilous shortage of munitions as Russian forces take new ground. We travelled along the front line, where Ukrainian troops say Vladimir Putin must be beaten back. Otherwise, said one, “he’s not going to stop over here.”
Polish man sentenced to life in Congo for espionage released, flown to Europe within hours
Last week, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński said without elaborating that Majewski “is not a spy, he is a member of a travellers club” and was just following his “passion in life.” Wroński said his “behaviour was the result of a lack of knowledge of local customs.”
Netanyahu accused of invoking antisemitism to shift focus from his own problems at home
Israelis have been jarred by the global rise in antisemitism, and many view the swell of criticism against Israel as part of the rise. They see hypocrisy in the world’s intense focus on Israel’s war with Hamas while other conflicts get much less attention.
Biden administrations sticks with Israel despite Rafah killings that have been condemned worldwide
Recent deaths in Rafah have tested President Joe Biden’s promise to withhold weapons from Israel if the US ally made a major invasion of Rafah that put displaced persons there at risk.
Iran leads world in number of people executed worldwide but China’s secrecy buried truth on death penalty
The group said the spike in recorded executions was primarily driven by Iran, where authorities executed at least 853 people last year, compared to 576 in 2022. Those executed included 24 women and five people who were children at the time the crimes were accused of committing, Amnesty said, adding that the practice disproportionately affected Iran’s Baluch minority.
