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Energy infrastructure destroyed: Ukraine faces catastrophic winter

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Energy infrastructure destroyed: Ukraine faces catastrophic winter

Russia has directed its drones and missiles at critical infrastructure in Ukraine, and a third of all power plants have been destroyed. The question of whether electricity and heating supplies will remain stable next winter may become a matter of life or death for tens of thousands of civilians.

The order was greeted with amusement on Ukrainian social media channels: Civilians should not shoot Iranian kamikaze drones, which have been flying over cities across the country for days, from the sky on their own. The fact that people are not afraid of this new form of escalation – a targeted attack on critical energy infrastructure – should give hope. But it also shows how vulnerable the country is. On Tuesday alone, the Ukrainian General Staff recorded 87 Russian missile and air strikes in ten regions and on major cities such as Kharkiv, Odessa, Mykolaiv and Kiev. Also 43 kamikaze drones were used, 38 of which were shot down.

When air defenses fail, missiles have a devastating effect. More than 70 people have been killed and more than 240 injured since the attacks began more than a week ago. 380 buildings were damaged, including about 240 apartment buildings. Many electric and thermal power plants were closed in the Kyiv, Zaporizhia and Western Ukraine regions. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, every third power plant has now been destroyed. „This means that there are more than 1,000 towns and villages in Ukraine that are dealing with blackouts. This is of course a problem,” explains Miranda Schreurs, professor of environmental and climate policy, in an interview with ntv.de. Health care is also affected. Generators are already running in many hospitals and nursing homes „because a lot of infrastructure has failed.”

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In Kyiv, the water supply also collapsed after one of the most recent attacks. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on all residents to provide electricity and store drinking water. President Zelensky also asked his countrymen to be convinced that the energy supply would remain stable for all. Ukraine, which exported electricity abroad on a large scale before the war, fears the collapse of its vital infrastructure – shortly before the onset of winter, which can catch freezing cold in many regions, including Kyiv, with temperatures as low as to minus 15. Celsius.

Civilians face great suffering

for Andras RatchSenior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, this is a targeted strategy in war. „Russia has always been preparing for large-scale attacks on its energy infrastructure. Perhaps the attack on the Kerch bridge provided only an adequate pretext for carrying out this plan.” Russia described the latest wave of violence as revenge for the partial destruction of the prestige building in Crimea. Indeed, as a result of massive military losses on the front, Russian President Vladimir Putin is now using a new (well-known) strategy: terrorism against the civilian population in order to demoralize the enemy.

This could have serious consequences for millions of people in Ukraine. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. More than 800,000 homes have been destroyed, and many Ukrainians are living in emergency shelters or in damaged buildings – without access to electricity or fuel to run generators, for example. „If people don’t have a way to heat their homes in the winter, that could make the difference between life and death,” According to a statement issued by the World Health Organization.

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Older people in particular, who are no longer able or willing to flee war, can die of seasonal illnesses, hypothermia, strokes or heart attacks without adequate care in the cold months. In addition, there is a risk of a new movement of refugees within the country. The organization said that between two and three million people could become internally displaced „due to the challenges of winter and the recent escalation of fighting”.

Iranian drones 'an effective tool’

In order to inflict maximum suffering, Putin does not even have to put in much effort. It suits him that many cities and municipalities in Ukraine use a central central heating system to heat homes and provide hot water. Thermal power plants often supply an entire region. If the power plant is out of order for a long time, the situation can quickly become life-threatening, especially in winter. In order to achieve this, a kamikaze drone suffices when in doubt. „Not every drone reaches the finish line,” says security expert Markus Kayem in an interview with NTV. But it has proven to be a relatively effective weapon.”

For Putin, drones also have the advantage that they make up for the shortage of Russian ammunition. András Rácz believes that the fact that Russia is now also bombing Ukraine with „unknown-accurate” S-300 missiles proves that „precision-guided missiles are running out”. However, he believes it is a mistake to hope that stocks will run out at some point. „The stocks are not fully depleted yet,” says Rush. Moscow is able and willing to use all S-300 missiles against Ukraine. In addition, it appears that the regime in Tehran has already promised to supply Russia with more drones and surface-to-surface missiles on October 6.

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In view of this, Kyiv is more dependent than ever on the support of the international community. The first promises of help have already been made. Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Koninori announced Japan will support the reconstruction of the destroyed power plants. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance would send anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine „in the coming days”. The European Union also plans to impose sanctions on individuals in Iran. According to the US State Department, the US at least wants to make it more difficult to sell more drones by taking „pragmatic and aggressive” steps.

However, it is questionable whether all this is enough to protect cities and communities from the precarious living conditions of winter. “Ukrainian air defense has significant weaknesses,” says Kayem. „I was able to shoot down a lot of these drones, but full coverage wasn’t possible.” Attempts by police officers, soldiers and civilians to launch drones from the sky with pistols demonstrate the courage as well as the complete desperation of Ukrainians in the face of the constant threat. After all, projectiles fall again at some point and can cause damage.

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“It will put us in trouble”: Pistorius warns against issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu

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“It will put us in trouble”: Pistorius warns against issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu

„It will put us in trouble”
Pistorius warns of issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu

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It remains uncertain whether the ICC will actually issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Defense Minister Pistorius shows little understanding of the prosecutor’s request. Hague’s actions put the federal government in a bind.

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the request of International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants against Israeli government leaders. Meanwhile, Khan also applied for arrest warrants against the Hamas leadership. „To be honest, I don’t really understand that these two disparate issues are being collected in one file,” the Social Democratic Party politician said during a visit to Lithuania.

Pistorius continued: “This is a decision that we must respect. However, I do not think its impact is appropriate.” On Monday, Khan applied for arrest warrants on charges of crimes against humanity against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Arrest warrants were also requested against the leader of the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, his deputy, and the Hamas Foreign Minister.

Meanwhile, Pistorius stressed: “Until now we have been talking about applying for arrest warrants and not issuing them.” Therefore, he refrains from speculating on how the federal government will react and deal with it. “I think it is clear that this will put us in a real dilemma,” the minister said.

A painstaking initiative of Patriots for Ukraine

Pistorius earlier visited Latvia and called on other allies to provide Ukraine with anti-aircraft systems. “All our partners who can provide Patriot or similar systems must do so as quickly as possible, because this is crucial for the further development of the war and, in particular, for the country’s morale, security and infrastructure,” the Social Democratic Party politician said. .

In light of new Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky recently asked the international community to provide two Patriot anti-aircraft systems to protect residents living there. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian war of aggression for two years and relies largely on Western support for military equipment.

Germany had previously launched an initiative to quickly deliver air defense systems to Ukraine. Attempts to purchase Patriot missiles from partner countries in Europe or abroad have so far been fruitless. “Germany has provided Ukraine with 25 percent of our Patriot capabilities – more than any other country in the world,” Pistorius said. Asked why other countries were hesitant about this, Pistorius said: “I have no idea.”

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The judge in Trump’s trial ripped his collar

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The judge in Trump’s trial ripped his collar

The judge in the illicit funds trial against former US President Donald Trump, on Monday Meanwhile, the New York courtroom must be evacuated. Previously, lawyer Robert Costello, who was called to stand alongside the defence, repeatedly expressed his opinion Disagreement was expressed with the decisions made by Judge Juan Merchan.

Each time Merchan agreed with the prosecutor’s objection, Costello – who was counsel for the prosecution’s key witness Michael Cohen – shook his head. He shook his head or sighed theatrically. Costello responded to another objection supported by Merchan An audible “Jeez!” (In German something like „Du meine Gute!”).

Merchan then escorted the jury out of the room and told the Trump ally on the witness stand: “I want to be in my own courtroom.” Talk about proper decencyHe refuses to comment on his decisions. „Your presence Don’t give me a sideways glance or roll your eyes„, dictated Merchan, who has a reputation for not putting up with anything. When Costello continued to frown and look at the judge with a red face, Merchan said in an audibly annoyed voice. „Are you staring at me?

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Journalists who had been covering the first criminal trial against a former US president for weeks were reluctant to comply. “The public has a right to know,” one reporter shouted. Armed officersJournalists, who were guarding the court, were then asked to leave the hall, but it appears that Trump supporters were allowed to remain.

When Merchan allowed the public and returned to the courtroom, The mood seemed less colorful. However, Costello continued to criticize him.

After the meeting, Trump spoke of an „incredible display” and called Merchan a „tyrant.”

In this case, Trump was accused of using forged business documents to cover up payments to former porn actress Stormy Daniels, thus secretly interfering in the presidential election. The former porn actress was through pay He was tricked into keeping quiet about an alleged sexual relationshipWhich, by her account, she was with the real estate mogul in 2006.

Trump denies any sexual contact with the woman. Cohen moved on $130,000 (about €120,000 in today’s money) to Stormy Daniels. According to the indictment, he later recovered the money from Trump while he was already president. Cohen’s refunds were therefore falsely declared as legal fees.

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Trump’s defense lawyers do not dispute the hush money issue, but they deny that their client was privy to its payment.

Trump describes the New York trial as well as the three other criminal charges against him as… Politically motivated maneuvers to prevent his return to the White House. The 77-year-old right-wing populist wants to run for the presidential elections next November against current President Joe Biden, against whom he was defeated in the 2020 elections. (AFP)

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Gaza War: Biden describes the request to issue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu as “outrageous”

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Gaza War: Biden describes the request to issue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu as “outrageous”

US President Joe Biden He rejected accusations against the Israeli leadership of committing genocide against the Palestinians in its fight against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“Contrary to the allegations of the International Court of Justice against Israel, this is not genocide,” Biden said on Monday (local time) in the Rose Garden of the White House during a celebration of the achievements of American Jews in the United States. “We reject that. We stand with Israel.” The US government expressed. The request to issue an arrest warrant against the Israeli leadership is “outrageous.”

South Africa has repeatedly called on the International Court of Justice to take action against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide. UN judges took emergency resolutions demanding that Israel do everything in its power to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid.

Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House on Jewish American Heritage Month

Source: AFP/Almond Ngan

The ICC prosecutor on Monday also requested an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Arrest warrants were also issued against the leader of the Islamic Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, Juhya Al-Sinwar, and other representatives of the Hamas movement.

Biden reiterated that the US government rejects the actions of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The American President said: There is no equality between Israel and Hamas.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Biden also indirectly addressed the issue of the detention of an American ammunition shipment due to Israel’s actions in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, saying: „Let me be clear: I will always ensure that Israel has everything it needs to protect itself to defend against it.” Hamas and all other enemies.”

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Biden also stressed that “my commitment to the security of the Jewish people and the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is unwavering.” The US government continues to call for a two-state solution that is safe and lasting and brings peace.

Netanyahu calls the accusations “ridiculous”

He expressed his opinion in a similar statement US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken Monday. The fact that arrest warrants have been requested for high-ranking Israeli officials alongside arrest warrants for Hamas terrorists is “shameful.” Blinken said: “We reject the public prosecutor’s link between Israel and Hamas.” He added, „Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that committed the worst massacre against Jews since the Holocaust and is still holding dozens of innocent people hostage, including Americans.”

Blinken also made clear that the US government believes the court, which is not recognized by the United States, has no jurisdiction in the case. The US Secretary of State stressed that although Israel is not a member of the International Criminal Court, it is ready to cooperate with the prosecution. But “troubling procedural issues” called into question the legitimacy and credibility of the investigation. Blinken also stated that the Attorney General’s actions could jeopardize ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.

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Chancellor Schultz and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Arrest warrant against Netanyahu

Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal CourtHe had previously requested the issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Galant, and Hamas leaders Jiya Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. He said on Monday that he believes they are all responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel in connection with the Gaza war that has been ongoing for more than seven months.

Israel strongly criticized these requests. Head of government Netanyahu He called it ridiculous and accused the prosecution of anti-Semitism. He said: “As the Prime Minister of Israel, I reject with disgust the prosecutor in The Hague’s comparison between democratic Israel and the mass murder committed by Hamas.” “No pressure or decision in any international forum will prevent us from meeting those who want to destroy us.” Netanyahu stressed that Israel will continue the war against Hamas.

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Foreign Minister Israel Katz On Monday, he spoke of the “scandalous decision.” This represents a „direct and unrestrained attack on the victims of October 7 and our 128 hostages in Gaza.” “While Hamas murderers and rapists commit crimes against humanity against our brothers and sisters, the prosecutor mentions our crimes at the same time.” Katz said, according to what was reported from his office: “The minister and the Minister of Defense next to the vile Nazi monsters of Hamas – a historical shame that will remain in the memory forever.”

He ordered the immediate establishment of a follow-up center in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where specialists would fight the decision, whose main goal was to “tie the hands of the State of Israel and deprive it of the right to self-defense.” He wanted to talk to the foreign ministers of the major countries so that they could object to the Attorney General’s decision „and declare that even in the case of arrest warrants, they will not implement them against the leaders of the State of Israel.”

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog rejected the request, calling it “more than just outrageous.” Herzog said that any attempt to compare Hamas terrorists with Israel’s democratically elected government cannot be accepted. Herzog said: “We will not forget who started this war and who raped, slaughtered, burned, mistreated and kidnapped innocent citizens and families,” referring to the Gaza war. He added: „We expect all leaders of the free world to firmly condemn and reject this move.”

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„A crime of historical proportions”

Benny GantzThe former army chief and current member of the war cabinet strongly criticized Khan’s announcement, saying Israel operates with „one of the strictest ethical rules” and has a strong judiciary capable of investigating itself. After the massacre committed by Hamas, Israel is fighting „one of the just wars in modern history.” “The prosecutor’s position in seeking arrest warrants is in itself a crime of historic proportions that will be remembered for generations to come,” Gantz said.

The opposition in Israel also condemned the proposal. Opposition leader Jair Lapid spoke of a „complete moral failure.” “We cannot accept the outrageous comparison between Netanyahu and Sinwar, between the leaders of Israel and the leaders of Hamas,” the former prime minister wrote on the X website.

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Opposition politician Merav Michaeli He described Khan’s decision as „a scandal that the State of Israel cannot and will not accept.” The Israeli leadership „cannot be placed in the same category as a vicious and cruel terrorist organization.” Meanwhile, the leader of the Social Democratic Action Party said that Israel has reached a dangerous and unprecedented level under Netanyahu’s leadership. She added: „It is dangerous for Israeli national security, and for ensuring the existence of the State of Israel.” She demanded: “Netanyahu’s destructive farce must end immediately.”

For its part, Hamas criticized the Public Prosecutor’s request to issue arrest warrants against its leaders. A statement broadcast by the Hamas movement’s Al-Aqsa satellite channel said, „His decision compares the victim to an executioner and encourages the occupation to continue its war of genocide.” The terrorist organization criticized the fact that only two arrest warrants were requested against Israeli politicians.

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