Moscow Increasingly Worried About Rise Of Roman Catholicism In Belarus – OpEd

War in Ukraine: Two Kyiv hospitals evacuated after Belarus KGB chief sparked airstrike fears

US imposes sanctions on 3 China firms for supplying components to Pakistan | Oneindia

The United States has taken decisive action by imposing sanctions on four entities involved in procuring materials for Pakistan's ballistic missile project. This move aims to disrupt networks supporting proliferation activities, particularly those related to weapons of mass destruction. Three of the entities are based in China, while one operates out of Belarus. These companies have supplied items relevant to Pakistan's ballistic missile programs, including its efforts to develop long-range missiles. #USsanctions #China #PakistanMissileProgram #BallisticMissiles #Nonproliferation #GlobalSecurity #USChinaRelations #Sanctions #WeaponsProliferation #NationalSecurity ~PR.152~ED.101~GR.123~

Kyiv Power Stations Strike: Putin's chilling one-word warning after blackout hits 200,000 | Oneindia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his forces launched an attack that destroyed the largest power-generating plant in the Kyiv region in retaliation for assaults against his own country’s energy sector. Putin insisted that Russia was "obliged" to launch strikes on Ukrainian energy sites. The repeated attacks on civilian power stations have sparked outrage from Ukraine's allies. Speaking to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, President Putin argued that the attacks were only in response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian targets. #KyivPowerStation #PutinWarning #Blackout #KyivAttack #PowerStationStrike #Ukraine #VladimirPutin #SecurityConcerns #EnergyCrisis #InternationalNews #RussiaUkraineWar ~HT.97~PR.152~ED.194~

Russian spacecraft blasts off from Kazakhstan

The rocket was carrying NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Russian Oleg Novitsky and Marina Vasilevskaya from Belarus.

Russian Soyuz rocket with 3 astronauts blasts off to ISS, days after glitch | Oneindia

On Saturday, a Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), overcoming a setback that had led to the last-minute abort of its previous launch two days prior. NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky, and Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus embarked on their journey from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan, marking a smooth and triumphant lift-off. #RussianSoyuz #SpaceLaunch #AstronautsToISS #SpaceExploration #InternationalSpaceStation #SpaceMission #SoyuzLaunch #ISSExpedition #AstronautJourney #SpaceTravel #RocketLaunch #SpaceFlight #NASA #Roscosmos #SpaceGlitch #SpaceTechnology #OuterSpace #SpaceScience #CosmicJourney #SpaceAdventure ~PR.152~ED.101~GR.125~HT.96~

Ukraine braces for heavy battles as Putin says Russia carving out 'buffer zone''

Putin claims he isn't seeking to gain control over city of Kharkiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he has no plans to recapture the city of Kharkiv, during a visit to China on Friday. Putin clarified that Moscow's military action in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region is aimed at establishing a buffer zone.

Putin's Final Blow on Kharkiv with Renewed Russia’s Drone blitz; Ukraine’s Belgorod Retaliation

In a critical escalation on Ukraine's northeastern front, Russian troops have made significant advances in the Kharkiv region, expanding the combat zone by approximately 70 kilometers. Ukrainian Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi warned of imminent "heavy battles" as Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the establishment of a "buffer zone" to protect Russia's border regions. The offensive, which began last Friday, has strained Ukrainian defences, already stretched thin over a sprawling front. During a visit to China, Putin linked the offensive to ongoing Ukrainian shelling of Russian border areas, justifying the creation of the buffer zone. A recent Russian missile strike in Kharkiv killed two and injured 25, highlighting the conflict's toll. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian forces have stabilized the front despite losing control of 12 villages. #Putin #Kharkiv #UkraineWar #DroneBlitz #Belgorod #UkraineRetaliation #RussiaUkraineConflict #BufferZone #MilitaryOffensive #KharkivAttack #WarUpdates #EasternFront #UkrainianDefense #RussiaInvasion #ConflictZone ~HT.99~PR.152~ED.194~

China-Russia relations: 'Vladimir Putin needs Xi Jinping's support'

Putin in trade push on final day of China trip

This Day in History: Pope John Paul II Is Shot

This Day in History: , Pope John Paul II Is Shot. May 13, 1981. Mehmet Ali Agca shot Pope John Paul several times in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Agca was a Turkish terrorist and fugitive wanted for the murder of a journalist. The Pontiff was rushed to the hospital and survived the attack, asking for Catholics to pray for the would-be assassin. In a trial considered extraordinary because of its short length, Agca was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. In 1983, Pope John Paul visited Agca in prison and publicly forgave him for the shooting. In 2000, the Pope requested a pardon for Agca, which was granted. Agca was released from prison. 14 years later, Argca returned to Rome to lay white roses on John Paul's tomb

Poland's parliament votes to progress toward easing abortion restrictions

Ewa Schaedler from the Third Way party called the vote ''symbolic'' and ''a breakthrough'' for Polish women. However the subject remains divisive in the mostly Catholic country.

WATCH: Catholics in Ecuador, Venezuela and Chile take part in Good Friday processions

Catholics in Ecuador took part in the Good Friday procession in central Quito, some of them wearing the traditional purple hoods known locally as "cucuruchos."

Russians 'don't have numbers for strategic breakthrough' in Ukraine: NATO

Moscow says it will keep pushing its offensive in Ukraine, though NATO doubts Russia has the resources to make a significant breakthrough.

Putin Claims Kharkiv: Zelensky's General's Startling Admission Shakes NATO and U.S

Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kirill Budanov, has openly acknowledged the worsening situation in the country, particularly in the north, where Moscow has seized multiple villages in the Kharkiv region. With a shortage of manpower and delays in Western military aid, Ukraine's military is facing a critical situation. Budanov warned that Russia's next incursion is imminent, putting further strain on Ukrainian forces. Despite efforts to redirect troops, the frontline remains precarious, with Budanov expressing concern about the country's defense capabilities. #RussiaKharkivAttack #KharkivInvasion #RussiaAttacksKharkiv #Ukraine #Kharkiv #Frontline #Intel #Putin #Zelensky #NATO #US #Military #Defense #Security #War #Russia #Admission #Crisis ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.103~GR.124~

Putin's 1,740 Troops Killed In 24 Hours: Ukraine Makes Shocking Claims Of Massive Blow To Russia

Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine's military reports record casualties on the Russian side, with 1,740 troops lost in a day, totaling approximately 484,030 casualties since the invasion began. Equipment losses are significant, including 30 tanks and 42 armoured vehicles in 24 hours. Despite challenges in verifying figures, the war's impact is undeniable as it enters its third year, exacerbated by Russia's new offensive. Estimates vary, with the UK suggesting over 465,000 Russian casualties. Moscow remains tight-lipped on losses, while Ukraine's President cites 31,000 Ukrainian troops killed. Fluctuations in casualties occur, with a recent focus on the Kharkiv region. Urgent calls for a peaceful resolution and international intervention echo as civilians suffer amidst the conflict's brutality. #Putin #TroopsKilled #UkraineClaims #RussiaUkraineWar #WarImpact #MilitaryCasualties #RussianForces #KyivReports #ShockingClaims #MassiveBlow #ConflictUpdate #InternationalTensions #WarNews #MilitaryLosses #PutinRegime ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.155~GR.121~

Presidential run-off to take place in Lithuania with president in lead

Lithuanians voted in a presidential election on Sunday at a time when Russian gains on the battlefield in Ukraine are fuelling greater fears about Moscow’s intentions, particularly in the strategically important Baltic region.

Putin's inauguration : is his position totally assured at the top of the Kremlin ?

Cameron statement on UK arms for Ukraine 'dangerous', Kremlin says

Kremlin brands France and UK's Ukraine comments as 'dangerous'

Moscow has reacted to comments about sending troops and arms to Ukraine as dangerous, while Kyiv urges Western allies to speed up aid deliveries.

Pope Francis encourages forgiveness and love in visit to Verona

The pope also spoke of the ''genius of Shakespeare'' the playwright who set his famous Romeo and Juliet play in Verona.

Pope Francis speaks about struggles facing people of Haiti during Venice mass

The pontiff also voiced concerns about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and expressed concerns about the welfare of Rohingya, thousands of whom have fled a bloody military crackdown in Myanmar.

Pope Francis holds mass in St Mark's Square on first trip in months

Vatican Denounces Gender Theory and Surrogacy

Vatican Denounces, Gender Theory and Surrogacy. On April 8, the Vatican released a statement declaring that gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy are violations of human dignity that reject God's plan for human life. Associated Press reports that the Vatican's doctrine office released the 20-page declaration titled 'Infinite Dignity.' . The document, approved on March 25 by Pope Francis, includes a rejection of "gender theory," or the idea that a person's gender can be changed. It follows that any sex-change intervention, as a rule, risks threatening the unique dignity the person has received from the moment of conception, “Infinite Dignity” Vatican doctrine, via Associated Press. AP reports that the document has been criticized as outdated by LGBTQ+ Catholics who call its release harmful and contrary to recognizing the "infinite dignity" of all people. . While it lays out a wonderful rationale for why each human being, regardless of condition in life, must be respected, honored, and loved, it does not apply this principle to gender-diverse people, Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, via Associated Press. The Vatican document also denounces countries that criminalize homosexuality, echoing the pope's 2023 statement that "being homosexual is not a crime." . However, the document also lays out that surrogacy is also a violation of dignity of both the child and the surrogate mother. Previously, the Vatican has focused on the potential for the exploitation of poor women as surrogate mothers. . Considering this, the legitimate desire to have a child cannot be transformed into a ‘right to a child’ that fails to respect the dignity of that child as the recipient of the gift of life, “Infinite Dignity” Vatican doctrine, via Associated Press

Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during a blustery Easter Sunday Mass

Despite health concerns, the pontiff led the service in front of tens of thousands of people who had gathered in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

‘Nonsense Situation’: Zelensky Says Russian Offensive on Kharkiv Could be 'First Wave' of Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised Western countries for imposing restrictions on the use of donated arms, accusing them of being "afraid" of both a Russian and Ukrainian defeat. In a candid interview with AFP on Friday, Zelensky expressed his frustration over the conditions placed on the use of long-range weapons supplied to Kiev. “They can fire any weapons from their territory at ours. This is the biggest advantage that Russia has. We can’t do anything to their systems, which are located on the territory of Russia, with Western weapons,” Zelensky stated in the interview aired on Saturday. This restriction significantly hampers Ukraine's ability to retaliate against Russian forces effectively. #ZelenskySpeaks #KharkivOffensive #FirstWaveAttacks #UkraineUnderFire #RussianAggression #DefendUkraine #WesternSupport #MilitaryConflict #UkraineCrisis #StandWithUkraine #EasternEuropeWar #GlobalSecurity #KharkivBattles #UkraineResistance #PeaceForUkraine ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.194~GR.125~

Ukraine: New mobilisation law comes into force

'Today's Ukraine could be tomorrow's East Asia': Japan and France agree to bolster cooperation

Tokyo and Paris have agreed to enhance security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. Euronews discussed the significance of these talks for Tokyo with Maki Kobayashi, spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.