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Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War as Russian Strike in Kharkiv Kills Seven

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Donald Trump at the White House today, with discussions expected to focus on possible ceasefire arrangements and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. The talks come amid heightened tensions following a deadly overnight Russian missile strike on the eastern city of Kharkiv, which killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens more. Trump’s Remarks Ahead of Talks Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Trump said he believed Zelenskyy had the ability to “end the war,” though he did not clarify whether he envisioned concessions to Russia as part of a potential settlement. He reiterated his stance that the U.S. would not pursue new business or diplomatic openings with Moscow until the conflict was “settled,” suggesting a possible shift in tone while maintaining pressure on the Kremlin. European Support for Zelenskyy Ahead of the White House meeting, several European leaders pledged continued backing for Ukraine. Officials in Brussels and Berlin emphasized that any negotiations should not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Zelenskyy is expected to present a renewed appeal for sustained U.S. military and financial aid, particularly as concerns grow over battlefield losses and Russia’s intensified air campaign. Kharkiv Under Fire In the early hours of this morning, Russian forces launched missile strikes on residential districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Local authorities confirmed seven deaths and said rescue workers were still searching for survivors in the rubble. The strike is the latest in a series of escalations targeting civilian areas, which Kyiv has denounced as acts of terror designed to weaken public morale. What’s Next The outcome of today’s White House talks could prove pivotal. If Trump signals willingness to broker a ceasefire or peace talks, it may open a new phase in the nearly four-year conflict. However, Ukraine’s leadership continues to insist that any agreement must ensure sovereignty and security guarantees, while Russia shows no sign of backing down militarily.

News

Ukraine War Update: Zelenskyy Meets Starmer; Kremlin Confirms Trump-Putin Summit Plans

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on August 14, highlighting Britain’s continued support for Ukraine ahead of the upcoming U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska. Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and warned that further pressure could be applied to Russia if necessary. The meeting comes at a critical moment, as the Kremlin confirmed that Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold a one-on-one meeting this Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Following the private discussion, their delegations will join for broader talks, concluding with a joint press conference. This will be the first in-person meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019. It has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear Ukraine’s interests could be sidelined during negotiations. Many have stressed that any resolution to the conflict must not undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump has described the summit as a “listening exercise,” with the aim of exploring possible ceasefire arrangements. He has also indicated that economic measures could be considered if diplomatic progress stalls, while Putin has framed the talks as an opportunity to address security concerns and “reset” strained relations.

Gaza Students Take Exams for the First Time Since War Began

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Hundreds of Palestinian students in Gaza are sitting their end-of-secondary-school exams for the first time since the war began in October 2023. Despite ongoing Israeli attacks and widespread devastation, about 1,500 students are taking the crucial exams organised by Gaza’s Ministry of Education, aiming to secure a chance for university admission. The exams, conducted electronically, are part of an online initiative launched by the ministry to ensure education continues amidst the destruction of nearly all educational infrastructure in Gaza. Some students are taking the exams from home, while others are at designated centers, depending on safety conditions in their areas. Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, highlighted that for many students, these exams represent a gateway to higher education and future opportunities. “Even in a warzone, with no classrooms, no books, and barely any internet, Gaza’s students are showing up, logging in, and sitting their final exam, refusing to let war erase their future,” he said. Due to the war, many students who should have already started university have had their education delayed. The new online exam platform, the first of its kind in Gaza, was created to allow students to complete their studies despite the ongoing conflict. However, challenges such as weak internet connections, lack of devices, and unsafe conditions remain major obstacles. Morad al-Agha, exams director for the Central Gaza Governorate, confirmed that technical preparations have been made to ensure smooth administration of the exams. Students have already participated in mock tests to familiarize themselves with the system. One student, Doha Khatab, shared the struggles of digital exams: “The internet is weak, many of us do not have devices, and there is no safe space to take the test. We also lost our books in the bombardment.” To support students, some teachers have reopened damaged classrooms to offer in-person guidance. Enam Abu Slisa, a teacher, explained, “It is the first time the ministry has done this online and students are confused, so we’re trying to guide them step by step.” According to the United Nations, 95 percent of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving more than 660,000 children out of school. Many former school buildings are now shelters for displaced families and are still vulnerable to Israeli airstrikes. A recent report presented to the UN Human Rights Council accuses Israeli forces of systematically targeting education infrastructure in Gaza, actions described as potential war crimes.

It’s a War: Volunteers Lead Resistance as Trump’s Deportation Raids Intensify Across LA

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

As immigration raids sweep across Los Angeles under orders from former President Donald Trump, a network of volunteer-led resistance groups is rising up to protect undocumented communities from what they call “warfare in the streets.” At 5:30 a.m. in South Central LA, a group of volunteers from Union del Barrio gather in a laundromat parking lot. Armed not with weapons, but with walkie-talkies, megaphones, and leaflets, their mission is to patrol immigrant-dense neighborhoods and warn residents about imminent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. “This is like Vietnam,” says Ron, a high school history teacher and activist. “We’re taking losses, but in the end we’re going to win. It’s a war.” The group is led by Francisco “Chavo” Romero, who each morning rallies volunteers before dispatching them into the field. On this particular morning, the streets seem calm, but elsewhere in Los Angeles, ICE agents are already conducting dawn raids. ICE Arrests Surge, Communities in Fear Since the beginning of June, more than 2,800 undocumented immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security—a dramatic spike from the 850 arrests recorded in May. The raids have prompted chaos, street protests, and rising fear in immigrant communities. Videos of ICE agents tackling individuals at car washes, construction sites, and outside homes have gone viral, fueling public outrage. In Pomona, a Latino neighborhood east of LA, Maria recounts how her husband Javier, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 40 years, was arrested at work by masked ICE agents. “I know they’re doing their job,” Maria says tearfully, “but they don’t have to do it like that—pushing people down like they’re animals.” Javier is now being held in a detention center two hours away. Their grandchildren, especially the eldest, are asking when “papa” is coming home. “I don’t know what to tell him,” Maria says. “He’s not a criminal.” Volunteers Counter ICE Tactics Union del Barrio’s resistance effort includes identifying suspicious vehicles—like white SUVs with tinted windows—suspected of being used by ICE for surveillance. Volunteers distribute flyers with legal advice and encourage people not to open their doors without a warrant. “People are scared,” says Ron, pointing at a fruit vendor who he says is the typical ICE target: vulnerable and easy to detain. Businesses Suffer, Owners Plan to Hide Workers The fear extends to the business community. Soledad, who runs a Mexican restaurant in Hollywood, says half of her undocumented staff are too afraid to show up for work. “I’ve told them: get inside the fridge, hide behind the stove—just don’t run.” Soledad works double shifts to keep her restaurant afloat amid plummeting sales and no way to cover wages. “Sometimes I cry,” she admits. “We’re desperate.” Trump’s Crackdown Fuels Tensions The White House defends the raids as targeting criminals, but activists argue the reality is far more indiscriminate. ICE agents have reportedly faced resistance—including being shot at—making their operations more perilous. Still, Trump has instructed ICE to intensify the crackdown further. Tensions have only escalated with the deployment of National Guard troops, prompting new waves of protests and confrontations on the streets. As deportation numbers climb, so too does the resolve of resistance groups like Union del Barrio. “We’re not backing down,” says Chavo. “We’re organized, we’re ready, and we’re fighting for our communities.”

Russia to Import 1 Million Indian Workers to Fill Labor Gaps Amid Ukraine War Strains

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Russia plans to bring in up to one million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to combat severe labor shortages in its industrial sectors, especially in the Sverdlovsk region, officials say. Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCPP), disclosed the initiative during a recent event, noting that the move comes amid mounting workforce gaps caused by military mobilization and declining interest in factory jobs among Russian youth. The labor plan, reportedly developed in coordination with Indian counterparts, will be facilitated by the opening of a new Indian consulate in Yekaterinburg. The recruited workforce will include both general laborers and highly skilled specialists. Besedin added that Russia is also in talks with Sri Lanka and North Korea for similar labor supply agreements, as the country scrambles to maintain productivity in key sectors while facing international sanctions and wartime disruptions. He acknowledged that while the influx could help stabilize industries, integrating the foreign workers would present cultural and operational challenges. “We must prepare for a complex adaptation process,” he said, citing differences in work ethics and practices. The mass recruitment drive highlights the growing internal strain on Russia’s economy amid its prolonged war in Ukraine, which has pulled tens of thousands of working-age men into military service and reduced the available industrial workforce.

War Powers Act in Focus as Trump Hints at Possible Strike on Iran

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, renewed attention is being drawn to the War Powers Act of 1973 amid speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump may order a military strike on Iran. Trump recently refused to rule out U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran, telling reporters: “I may do it. I may not.” While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, presidential military actions in modern times have largely sidestepped formal declarations, raising fresh questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Trump’s allies have emphasized that any decision to engage militarily would rest squarely with him, with Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating: “He is the singular guiding hand about what will be occurring from this point forward.” However, critics and anti-war advocates argue that Congress must play a decisive role in matters of war and peace, as stipulated under the Constitution. This has prompted some lawmakers to reassert congressional authority through the War Powers Act. The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973 during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities. It also limits military engagement to 60 days—plus a 30-day withdrawal period—unless Congress authorizes continued involvement. Legal experts note that while the act exists to check presidential powers, it has rarely been enforced. Previous administrations, including Trump’s, have carried out strikes abroad—such as the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020—without prior congressional approval. “Presidents have often cited national security and self-defense to bypass formal authorization,” said Ayodele Oni, a constitutional analyst. “The courts have also been reluctant to intervene in these political questions.” The last time the U.S. formally declared war was in 1942 during World War II. Since then, successive administrations have conducted military actions in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere without formal declarations of war. Should Trump move forward with military action against Iran, Congress could invoke the War Powers Act to force a withdrawal. However, enforcement would likely face political hurdles, including the possibility of a presidential veto and the challenge of securing a two-thirds override in both chambers. As diplomatic tensions rise, the debate over war powers underscores the enduring struggle between executive authority and congressional oversight in U.S. foreign policy.

Middle East

What Is Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility and Could US Weapons Destroy It?

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

The Fordow nuclear facility in Iran has once again come under global scrutiny amid heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes and speculation about potential US military involvement. As concerns grow over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, many are questioning whether the fortified site could be destroyed — and what risks it poses. What Is the Fordow Facility?Located 30km northeast of Qom, deep in Iran’s mountainous terrain, Fordow was initially constructed as a military installation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before being converted into a uranium enrichment site. The facility lies hundreds of meters underground, making it one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites. Iran formally disclosed its existence to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2009, only after Western intelligence services uncovered its secret development. Why Is It Significant?First site where uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels was found: In 2023, IAEA inspectors detected particles enriched to nearly 90% purity — the threshold for weapons-grade uranium. Capacity: Fordow is equipped to hold nearly 3,000 centrifuges, a small portion compared to Natanz (which has capacity for about 50,000), but its location deep underground makes it more defensible. Symbolic and strategic value: Fordow’s continued operation is often cited by the West as a major obstacle to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). Has Fordow Been Hit or Damaged in Recent Attacks?Following Israel’s massive strike on Iran’s Natanz facility, missiles also targeted Fordow. However, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, no visible damage was recorded at Fordow or at the Khondab heavy water reactor. This suggests Fordow remains operational, unlike Natanz, which sustained both above-ground and suspected underground damage. What Happens at Fordow?Fordow’s original role was to enrich uranium up to 20% U-235 — far above the 3.67% permitted under the JCPOA but below weapons-grade. Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran has resumed higher enrichment levels at the site. Uranium enrichment involves concentrating the fissile U-235 isotope. Weapons-grade uranium requires enrichment levels of 90% or more, which Fordow is technically capable of producing. What Did Iran Agree to Under the JCPOA?Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran agreed to: By 2017, these conditions were met — until the agreement began to collapse post-2018. Can the US Destroy Fordow With Airstrikes?Not easily. Military analysts agree that Fordow’s deep underground location makes it extremely difficult to target with conventional weapons. To neutralize it, the US would likely require: In short, Fordow is not invulnerable, but destroying it would require serious firepower and likely a coordinated air campaign, not a single strike. What’s Next?With the Israel-Iran conflict escalating and the JCPOA effectively dormant, Fordow represents both a flashpoint and a symbol of Iran’s nuclear resilience. Whether the U.S. will attempt military action there remains uncertain, but any such move would risk widening the current conflict — and dragging the world’s most volatile region into deeper chaos. Bottom line:Fordow is a hardened, operational nuclear facility, vital to Iran’s enrichment program. While not untouchable, it’s built to withstand conventional strikes, and any U.S. attempt to neutralize it would be a major military gamble with significant regional consequences.

Middle East

Israel Escalates Gaza Attacks Locks Down West Bank as Focus Shifts to Iran

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

As global attention intensifies around Israel’s military confrontation with Iran, violence against Palestinians in the occupied territories has sharply escalated, with dozens killed in recent days amid what many observers are calling a mounting humanitarian catastrophe. On Thursday alone, at least 16 Palestinians were reportedly shot dead by Israeli troops while attempting to access food aid in Gaza. This followed a grim pattern: 29 killed on Wednesday, and at least 70 more gunned down on Tuesday at an aid distribution site in Khan Younis, according to eyewitnesses and health officials. The victims, many of whom were already displaced and starving, were fired upon with drones, machine guns, and tank shells. Earlier in the week, 38 Palestinians were killed in Rafah under similar circumstances, while another 17 died on Sunday in both southern and central Gaza. The killings have occurred at locations run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a controversial new entity established by Israel and backed by the United States. Staffed by private security contractors, the GHF was launched in May 2025 to replace United Nations-led aid operations in Gaza, which Israel had previously restricted. Since its creation, GHF distribution points have reportedly become flashpoints of deadly violence. Witnesses say this marks at least the eighth major incident in which Palestinians seeking food have been fired upon. “This happens to some extent every day. It’s becoming a routine,” said Yasser al-Banna, a journalist reporting from inside Gaza. “Now that Israel has started a war with Iran, everyone here in Gaza is scared that the world is going to forget about them,” he told Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, the West Bank remains under heavy lockdown, with increased military checkpoints, curfews, and raids targeting Palestinian communities. Human rights organizations have decried what they describe as collective punishment and war crimes, urging the international community to maintain focus on the worsening conditions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. As civilian casualties continue to mount, humanitarian groups have reiterated urgent calls for a ceasefire, international investigations, and the restoration of independent aid operations in the besieged enclave.