Why the West is making Ukraine wait for fighter planes – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. The West isn’t really saying “never” on fighter jets for Ukraine — it just wants to focus first on getting Kyiv weapons for a looming offensive. That’s the sentiment emerging in the wake of US President Joe Biden’s blunt “no” — echoed to various … Read more

Vladimir Putin is not mad, just ‘radically rational,’ says former French president – ​​POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. PARIS — Vladimir Putin is a “radically rational” leader who is betting that Western countries will grow tired of backing Ukraine and agree to a negotiated end to the conflict that will be favorable to Russia, former French President François Hollande told POLITICO. Hollande, … Read more

On Ukraine war’s front lines, troops say Russia is treating men like meat in the battle for Bakhmut

Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine — The city of Bakhmut was home to around 70,000 people before it found itself on the front line of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war to seize Ukrainian territory. Almost 12 months of war have left Bakhmut barely recognizable. Once renowned for sparkling wine, the small city has been reduced to … Read more

Brutality of Russia’s Wagner gives it lead in Ukraine war

Fierce battles in eastern Ukraine have thrown a new spotlight on Russia’s Wagner Group, a private military company led by a rogue millionaire with long-term links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Wagner has spearheaded the push to jump-start Russia’s stalemated offensive in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk province. The ferocious house-to-house fighting has produced some of the … Read more

Novak Djokovic through to Australian Open final and on course to equal Rafael Nadal’s all-time grand slam record

CNN — Novak Djokovic remains on course to win a record-equaling 22nd grand slam title after beating American Tommy Paul in straight sets in the Australian Open semifinals Friday, setting up a mouthwatering final with Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Serbian faced stiff opposition from the big-hitting Paul in his 7-5 6-1 6-2 victory to reach his … Read more

Russia strikes Ukraine’s cities hours after Western countries pledge tanks to Kyiv

CNN — Ukraine has urged the West to get military hardware into the hands of its troops as quickly as possible, as Russia fired missiles towards Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities just hours after Germany and the US announced their plans to provide modern tanks to the country. Russia launched 55 missiles at Ukraine on … Read more

Russian paramilitary firm Wagner Group sanctioned by US for alleged ongoing criminal activity

A mural praises the Russian Wagner group and its mercenaries fighting in Ukraine on March 30, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. Pierre Crom | Getty Images WASHINGTON – The Biden administration on Thursday announced a slew of fresh sanctions and additional measures targeting Russia’s private military firm, the Wagner Group, saying it is engaged in an … Read more

Russian paramilitary firm Wagner Group sanctioned by US for alleged ongoing criminal activity

A mural praises the Russian Wagner group and its mercenaries fighting in Ukraine on March 30, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. Pierre Crom | Getty Images WASHINGTON – The Biden administration on Thursday announced a slew of fresh sanctions and additional measures targeting Russia’s private military firm, the Wagner Group, saying it is engaged in an … Read more

The Cold War roots of Scholz’s tank trauma – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. In early January of 1984, an aspiring young West German socialist with a shoulder-length curly mane traveled by train to East Berlin with his comrades for an important meeting. It was a tense time in the Cold War with the arms race between the … Read more

Lavrov blames West for no Ukraine talks, defends navy drills

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Russia was willing to negotiate with Ukraine in the early months of the war, but the United States and other Western nations advised Kyiv against holding talks, Moscow’s top diplomat said Monday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks on a visit to South Africa were similar to those made last … Read more