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At Least 15 Dead in Massive Russian Strikes on Kyiv as Ukraine Conflict Intensifies

by Temitope Oladeji 17/6/2025 At least 15 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a large-scale Russian air assault on Kyiv in an overnight attack on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which is regarded as one of the heaviest bombardments of the Ukrainian capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion over three years ago, left widespread destruction and panic across the city. Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, reported that Russia launched 440 drones and 32 missiles targeting various parts of the country. In response, Moscow claimed its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 147 Ukrainian drones during the same period. In Kyiv, the assault lasted more than nine hours, forcing residents to shelter underground from before midnight until sunrise. A ballistic missile struck a nine-story apartment building in one of 27 city districts hit during the bombardment. Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko described the aftermath on social media, saying: “Waking up in an utter nightmare: people trapped under rubble and full buildings collapsed.” Rescue operations have been ongoing, with emergency crews still working to free survivors from debris as of the compilation of this report. The sound of explosions and gunfire from mobile air defense units echoed throughout the night while morning air raid sirens further disrupted rescue efforts, delaying emergency responses in affected areas. Russia has stepped up its aerial assault on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, employing waves of drones and decoys in a strategy designed to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses. In turn, Ukraine has continued its attacks on Russian targets, as attempts at ceasefire negotiations have failed to yield progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the latest strikes as “pure terrorism,” accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of escalating the war simply because he can do so. “It is bad when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to this,” Zelensky said. “It is the terrorists who should feel the pain, not normal, peaceful people.” In southern Ukraine, the port city of Odesa was also hit by drone strikes. One person was killed and at least 10 others were injured, according to Klymenko. Zelensky had been seeking a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in Canada to discuss Ukraine’s military and strategic needs. However, Trump cut short his presence at the summit due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, a move likely to disappoint Ukrainian officials hoping to solidify American support amid the ongoing conflict.

UK and US Sign Partial Trade Deal Reducing Car Tariffs, Steel Issues Remain Unresolved

by Temitope Oladeji 17/6/2025 President Donald Trump has approved a new trade measure that will ease some critical barriers between the United Kingdom and the United States, drawing a step forward in the two countries’ bilateral economic relations. The agreement was signed into effect on Monday, enacting key portions of a broader deal reached by both countries last month, and will reduce tariffs on British car exports to the U.S. Under the new order, up to 100,000 UK-made vehicles can now enter the U.S. market at a 10% tariff, down from the 25% rate imposed on all foreign car imports earlier this year. The agreement follows weeks of negotiations, as the UK government sought to shield its industries from the impact of recently imposed tariffs by President Trump. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a “significant day” for both countries. It is the first trade-related announcement from the White House since President Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on a range of imports earlier this year. Despite the progress on car tariffs, the agreement does not yet resolve one of the UK’s top priorities: removing tariffs on steel and aluminum. The U.S. continues to levy a 25% duty on these imports, and while Trump indicated plans for a similar system to that introduced for cars, no specifics were provided. “We’re gonna let you have that information in a little while,” Trump said when asked directly about steel tariff exemptions for the UK. He added, “The UK is very well protected. Do you know why? Because I like them.” The UK government responded by saying it will continue working toward zero tariffs on key steel products. Earlier this month, Britain narrowly avoided being included in a doubling of U.S. steel tariffs to 50% but faces a deadline of July 9 to finalize a deal or risk the higher rate being applied. One major sticking point is the U.S. requirement that imported steel must be “melted and poured” in its country of origin to qualify for tariff relief. With Tata Steel having shut down its blast furnaces in the UK last year and now relying on imported steel while transitioning to electric furnaces, this condition could pose a significant challenge. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged ongoing negotiations, saying, “We’ve still got some more work to do.” He further said, “We’re working through technical details around steel because we want to bring that 25% tariff down further.” Gareth Stace, head of the industry group UK Steel, stressed the need for clarity. “The sector badly needs clarification over the ‘melted and poured’ requirement and the level of quotas available to UK steelmakers,” he said. The agreement signed Monday also includes the removal of tariffs on certain aerospace components, another area of concern for British manufacturers. Sir Keir Starmer described the deal as a “sign of strength” in the UK–US relationship and expressed hope that further progress will follow.

Minnesota Man Accused of Killing State Lawmaker and Husband Allegedly Planned Broader Attack

by Temitope Oladeji 17/6/2025 A Minnesota man accused of fatally shooting a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband, and injuring another lawmaker and his wife, also allegedly planned two additional assassinations of state legislators in what officials described as a “truly chilling” series of planned attacks. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, appeared in federal court on Monday to face six federal charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of stalking, and two firearms-related offenses. The charges make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Boelter is accused of killing State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in the early hours of Saturday morning in the suburban part of Minneapolis. He also allegedly shot and seriously wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, during a separate attack that same morning. U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said Boelter had visited the homes of at least three state lawmakers during what authorities believe was a premeditated and larger-scale plot. “This could have been far worse,” Thompson said at a Monday press conference. “We believe he intended to carry out multiple killings.” Investigators say Boelter had researched his victims in advance, targeting them and their families. After the attacks on the Hoffmans, he allegedly attempted to confront two other lawmakers at their homes. One was away on vacation, and officials did not identify the difference. Authorities revealed that Boelter arrived at the Hoffmans’ home in disguise, driving a black vehicle outfitted with emergency lights and wearing a highly realistic silicone mask. He posed as a police officer, ringing the doorbell and shouting, “This is the police, open the door.” Surveillance footage from the Hoffmans’ front door captured the encounter. When they opened the door, Boelter reportedly shined a flashlight at them, claiming there had been a shooting reported inside. When the couple grew suspicious and tried to close the door, Boelter allegedly opened fire, shooting both multiple times before fleeing. Their daughter, Hope, immediately called 911. Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times, and John Hoffman nine times. Both remain hospitalized, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said they are expected to recover. After the Hoffman shooting, Boelter went to the home of a third lawmaker, who was not present. It was gathered that he then drove to the residence of a fourth targeted official. Authorities said a responding officer mistakenly believed Boelter was a legitimate officer sent to perform a wellness check. When questioned, Boelter reportedly remained silent and drove away, heading next to the Hortmans’ home, where he fatally shot the couple. In addition to the federal charges, Boelter faces state charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. During his court appearance in St. Paul, Boelter wore an orange jumpsuit and told the judge he could not afford a lawyer. He said he owns seven vehicles, has $20,000–$30,000 in savings, and earns roughly $540 per week. A federal public defender has been appointed to represent him. Thompson emphasized the severity of the case, noting the deliberate planning and targeting of elected officials. “This was not random. This was calculated, cold-blooded violence aimed at our public servants and their families,” he said. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Senior Iranian Military Commander Hossein Salami Killed in Israeli Strikes

by Temitope Oladeji 13/6/2025 Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes early Friday, making him the highest-ranking Iranian official to die in the recent escalation between the two countries. Salami, aged 65, was a staunch hardliner known for his fierce rhetoric against Israel and the United States. Just weeks before his death, he had warned that Tehran would “open the gates of hell” if attacked by either nation. Israel launched the widescale drone and missile strikes targeting what it described as nuclear sites, ballistic missile production facilities, and senior military figures. The offensive proceeded despite warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Israel not to jeopardize ongoing negotiations over a possible nuclear agreement with Iran. Iran responded with fury, threatening both Israel and the U.S. despite Washington denying any involvement in the attack, but Tehran insisted that Washington would face severe consequences. The attack has sparked fears of broader conflict in an already volatile region. Among those also killed were Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander of the military, and several nuclear scientists, according to Iranian state media. Just a day before the strikes, Salami had reaffirmed Iran’s preparedness for military confrontation. “We are fully ready for any scenarios, situations, and circumstances,” he stated. “The enemy thinks it can fight Iran like it does the defenseless Palestinians under siege. But we are experienced and battle-hardened.” Salami joined the IRGC in 1980 during the Iran-Iraq War and steadily rose, becoming deputy commander in 2009 and taking full command in 2019. He had long been sanctioned by both the United Nations Security Council and the United States for his role in advancing Iran’s nuclear and military programs. Known for his provocative statements, Salami once claimed that Iran was “on the verge of becoming a world power” and openly welcomed the prospect of military conflict with Israel and the U.S. After an Israeli strike on Iranian assets in Syria in 2019, he vowed to “wipe the Zionist regime off the political map.” Following a 2024 Israeli attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria, which killed two generals and five other IRGC members, Salami had again warned that Iran’s forces would “punish the Zionist regime.” The animosity between Iran and Israel has deep historical roots. The two nations were allies before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ushered in a regime that made opposition to Israel a central ideological pillar. Today, Iran does not recognize Israel’s right to exist. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has frequently referred to Israel as a “cancerous tumor” that will be “uprooted and destroyed.” Israel, in turn, sees Iran as an existential threat due to its aggressive rhetoric, its nuclear ambitions, and its support for regional proxy forces such as Hezbollah, which have vowed to bring about Israel’s destruction. The death of Salami and other top Iranian figures marks a significant escalation in tensions and raises the specter of broader military conflict in the Middle East.

French Teen Charged with Murder of School Staff Member in Shocking Attack

by Temitope Oladeji 13/6/2025 A 14-year-old schoolboy has been formally charged with the murder of a teaching assistant, prosecutors announced on Thursday, as schools across France observed a nationwide minute of silence in tribute to the murdered teacher. The teenager was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly stabbing the 31-year-old school monitor identified only as Mélanie during a routine bag check at a secondary school in the eastern French town of Nogent. The victim, a mother of a young child, died from her injuries at the scene. Prosecutors in the city of Dijon confirmed the boy had been charged with the “murder of a person in a position of authority”, an offense that carries an aggravated penalty under French law. The suspect was also designated a person of interest in the assault of a gendarme during his arrest shortly after the fatal attack. Regional prosecutor Denis Devallois said the suspect admitted to being the perpetrator and stated he “intended to kill.” Investigators also believe that the teen was motivated by a desire for revenge after being disciplined days earlier for kissing his girlfriend at school. According to prosecutors, he did not specifically target Mélanie but intended to harm “any” staff member. As a minor, the boy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as opposed to life imprisonment, which applies to adults under French criminal law. The incident has sparked widespread grief and concern across France. A minute of silence was held at schools nationwide on Thursday to honor Mélanie’s memory. President Emmanuel Macron addressed the tragedy during a cabinet meeting, condemning what he described as a troubling rise in youth violence in the country. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said the president noted “a disinhibition around violence in our country,” and emphasized the urgent need for effective solutions. France has witnessed several violent incidents in schools in recent years, including attacks against teachers and students by pupils. This latest case has once again raised national alarm over safety in educational institutions and the growing aggression among young people.

U.S. Orders Partial Evacuation of Baghdad Embassy Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

by Temitope Oladeji 13/6/2025 The United States is evacuating non-essential staff and their families from its embassy in Baghdad due to an escalating war between Israel and Iran, U.S. government sources have confirmed. While officials did not provide a specific trigger for the decision, CBS News, citing U.S. sources, reported that intelligence suggests Israel may be preparing to launch a military operation against Iran. The possible retaliation by Iran on American targets in Iraq is reportedly a key factor behind the evacuation order. As a precaution, the U.S. has also imposed movement restrictions on its diplomatic staff within Israel, limiting the movements of its staff mainly around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva, due to what the State Department described as “increased regional tensions.” Talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program have stalled in recent days, further contributing to the heightened state of alert. Despite the growing tension, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to proceed with scheduled talks on Sunday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, Oman, according to Axios. A U.S. State Department official revealed that the decision to reduce embassy staff was based on an ongoing assessment of risk: “We are constantly evaluating the appropriate personnel posture at our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.” Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, President Donald Trump reiterated the need for Americans to leave parts of the Middle East due to the potential for danger. “Because it could be a dangerous place, and we’ll see what happens,” he said. Trump reechoed the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, declaring, “We’re not going to allow that.” The President has long pushed for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue but has faced resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who continues to advocate for a military approach. The leaders of the two countries reportedly had a tense 40-minute phone conversation earlier this week. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) convened its Board of Governors in Vienna on Monday to review Iran’s nuclear activities. The session followed the release of an IAEA report criticizing Tehran for insufficient cooperation, particularly over unexplained traces of nuclear material found at undeclared locations. Iran dismissed the findings as biased and based on what it called “forged documents” provided by Israel. As diplomatic efforts teeter on the brink, Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that U.S. bases in the region could be targeted if talks collapse and President Trump opts for military action. In a further sign of mounting concern, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the voluntary departure of military families from several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Reuters. Testifying before Congress on Wednesday, Pentagon officials stated there were “plenty of indications” that Iran is moving closer to the capability to produce a nuclear weapon. However, Tehran maintains that its uranium enrichment program is solely for peaceful, civilian energy purposes and denies pursuing a nuclear bomb. The situation remains fluid, with regional stability hanging in the balance as diplomatic and military tensions intensify.

Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad, Killing Over 240 in One of Nation’s Worst Aviation Disasters

by Temitope Oladeji 13/6/2025 An Air India passenger jet bound for London crashed into a densely populated neighborhood of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning, killing 241 out of 242 people on board. The incident is what is now considered one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies in decades. Officials confirmed that only one person on board survived. The aircraft, identified as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1:38 p.m. local time and went down five minutes after taking off, crashing into a residential area called Meghani Nagar near the airport. The crash site was engulfed in thick black smoke as firefighters battled the burning wreckage, which had reportedly collided with the dining area of a medical college hostel. The confirmed death toll includes passengers and residents, with many of the bodies burned beyond recognition. Some victims were medical students staying in the hostel who were struck by the aircraft, according to Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police official in the city. “There is significant destruction, and sadly, most of the bodies are charred,” Chaudhary said. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik added that some individuals in nearby offices and homes were likely among the casualties. “Exact figures are still being confirmed,” he told the Associated Press. One passenger survived the crash. Identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, he was hospitalized with multiple injuries. “He was disoriented but appeared out of danger,” said Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat state, called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words,” adding, “In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement expressing grief: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.” The Indian Army is assisting in rescue and recovery efforts, helping to clear debris and treat the injured. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that emergency medical and relief services were being deployed at full capacity. Air India stated that Flight 171 was carrying 242 people, including crew members. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. However, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, reported that 244 people were aboard, with the discrepancy still under investigation. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was fully fueled for the long-haul journey to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed. Notably, this marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787, according to the Aviation Safety Network. While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, a full investigation has been launched by Indian aviation authorities. The black box flight data recorder has reportedly been recovered and will be critical to understanding what led to the tragedy. Officials have not ruled out technical failure or other factors, and updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Deadly School Shooting in Graz Leaves 10 Dead, Including Gunman

by Temitope Oladeji 10/6/2025 A tragic mass shooting unfolded Tuesday morning at a secondary school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, leaving at least 10 people dead, including the suspected shooter. According to city officials and police, this marks the country’s deadliest mass shooting outside of wartime. The attack occurred at BORG Dreierschutzengasse, a high school in Graz, the capital of Styria province. Police were called to the incident around 10 a.m. local time after gunfire was reported on the school grounds. Graz, located about 200 kilometers (124 miles) southwest of Vienna, is known for its cultural landmarks and vibrant student population. With a population exceeding 300,000, the city is home to a diverse community, including significant numbers of Croatians, Romanians, Germans, and Bosnians. Austrian news agency APA reported the death toll, citing Mayor Elke Kahr, who confirmed that the suspect was among the deceased. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that the victims included six women and three men. In addition to those killed, at least 30 others were injured. It remains unclear whether the status of the casualties was primarily students, staff, or others present at the school. Local Austrian media outlets Kurier and Salzburger Nachrichten identified the gunman as a 22-year-old former student of the school. Reports suggest he had previously been bullied. Armed with a pistol and a shotgun, he allegedly targeted two classrooms, one of which he had once attended. According to APA and Kronen Zeitung, the shooter was found dead in a school bathroom. Authorities believe he acted alone, as confirmed in a statement posted by the local police on X. Investigations are currently ongoing as Austria grapples with the shock of this unprecedented act of violence which is seen as the biggest mass shooting in the country’s history.

Israel Deports Greta Thunberg After Intercepting Gaza-Bound Aid Ship

by Temitope Oladeji 10/6/2025 Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and three others have been deported by Israel, just a day after Israeli forces seized the Madleen, a humanitarian aid vessel en route to the Gaza Strip to provide humanitarian relief to the impoverished Gaza residents. Thunberg was part of a 12-member crew attempting to deliver essential supplies to the besieged enclave. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Thunberg’s departure early Tuesday from Tel Aviv, with a flight to Sweden via France. Photos of her aboard the flight were published by the ministry. Upon landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Thunberg described the experience as a “kidnapping in international waters.” “She clearly looked very tired and was still wearing the same clothes she had on during her detention,” said one of the journalists who interviewed her at the airport. Thunberg told reporters she was “OK” but said she and her companions were treated in a “dehumanising way” by Israeli Defense Forces. Legal advocacy group Adalah, representing Thunberg, the other activists, and a journalist on board the Madleen, stated that four of the crew, Thunberg among them, agreed to deportation. The rest remain in Israeli custody and are expected to appear before a judge. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that five French nationals, including Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, were among those facing deportation. According to French lawmaker Clémence Guetté, Hassan refused to sign a document asserting she had entered Israeli territory illegally. The incident has sparked widespread protests in France and beyond. Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen early Monday morning, at approximately 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) off Gaza’s coast, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission. The ship, escorted by the Israeli navy, was taken to the port of Ashdod later that day. The Madleen was carrying humanitarian cargo, including rice and baby formula aimed at drawing attention to Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. On Tuesday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed the identities and statuses of those on board. The United Nations has warned of “catastrophic hunger” facing Gaza’s entire population. Nearly two years of war, combined with over two months of severe Israeli restrictions on aid, have pushed conditions in the enclave to dire levels.

Russia Claims New Push Into Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region in Major Escalation

by Temitope Oladeji 08/6/2025 Russia announced on Sunday that its forces had entered Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago, signaling a major escalation in the conflict amid stalled peace negotiations. The claim, if confirmed, would represent both a symbolic and strategic setback for Ukraine, which has struggled to regain momentum on the battlefield in recent months. On Sunday evening, Kyiv’s top political and military leaders had not publicly responded to Moscow’s statement. Russia’s Defense Ministry said troops from a tank unit had “reached the western border of the Donetsk People’s Republic and are continuing to develop an offensive in the Dnipropetrovsk region.” While Dnipropetrovsk is not among the Ukrainian regions Russia has formally annexed, such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, its capture would mark a significant territorial advance. Ukraine’s southern military command acknowledged intensified Russian activity near the region, stating: “Russia does not give up its intentions to enter the Dnipropetrovsk region, but our fighters are bravely and professionally holding their section of the frontline.” Despite ongoing negotiations, Russia has maintained a hardline stance, repeatedly rejecting calls from Ukraine, the European Union, and U.S. President Donald Trump for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Ongoing talks between Kyiv and Moscow have failed to produce any breakthroughs. At the last round of peace talks held in Istanbul on June 2, Russia demanded Ukraine formally recognize the annexation of the five occupied regions with an ultimatum Kyiv continues to reject. Ukrainian negotiators said Russia warned it would escalate its military campaign if its demands were unmet. The war, now in its fourth year, has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions, and turned much of eastern Ukraine into a war-torn landscape scarred by airstrikes and ground battles.

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