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Fog of war: Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces

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Fog of war: Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces

Ukraine’s counteroffensive to recapture the primary main metropolis to fall to Russia, Kherson, has continued as its forces attacked command posts and Moscow’s troops retaliated with a floor assault to stymie the operation.

Ukraine’s southern command spokesperson, Natalia Humeniuk, mentioned Ukrainian troops destroyed ammunition depots and pontoon bridges to hamper the motion of Russian reserves.

Gunfire might be heard close to the town centre of Kherson, based on native media stories.

“Our successes are convincing and shortly we will disclose extra data,” mentioned Humeniuk.

Moscow has denied stories of Ukrainian navy progress and mentioned its troops routed Kyiv’s forces.

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The Ukrainian military is releasing little information on the progress of the counteroffensive it launched in the beginning of the week within the Kherson area.

It reported two hyperlinks utilized by the Russians to cross a river had been hit. The bridges are important for resupplying Russian forces to the west of the Dnieper river, on which Kherson lies.

Either side have claimed battlefield successes within the preliminary days of what Ukrainians described as a possible turning level within the struggle.

Zero gasoline flows

In the meantime, Ukraine’s basic employees on Friday mentioned Russian forces had shelled dozens of cities and cities together with Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis – within the north and the Donetsk area within the east.

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Since Russia’s February invasion, greater than seven million individuals have fled Ukraine, 1000’s have been killed, and cities diminished to rubble in what Kyiv and the West name Russia’s “unprovoked struggle of aggression”.

Moscow calls its actions a “particular navy operation” to halt NATO’s growth in surrounding international locations, rid Ukraine of nationalists and defend Russian-speaking communities.

The developments on Saturday got here as Moscow and Kyiv traded blame over actions on the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear energy plant, the place United Nations inspectors arrived on Thursday on a mission to assist avert a radiation disaster as the ability has repeatedly been attacked.

Vladimir Rogov, a pro-Russian official within the Zaporizhia area, mentioned Ukrainian forces shelled Europe’s largest nuclear plant a number of occasions, and the primary energy line to the station was downed, forcing it to make use of reserve energy sources, as occurred final week.

Russian vitality large Gazprom, in the meantime, has delayed resuming gasoline deliveries, a transfer deepening Europe’s issues securing gas for winter with dwelling prices already surging.

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Nord Stream 1, which runs beneath the Baltic Sea to provide Germany and others, was set to restart working after a three-day halt for upkeep on Saturday, however the pipeline operator reported zero flows hours later.

Moscow has blamed sanctions, imposed by the West after Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, for hampering routine operations and upkeep of Nord Stream 1.

‘Most critical scenario’

A UN inspection staff, led by Worldwide Atomic Power Company (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, braved intense shelling to achieve the Zaporizhzhia plant.

“This isn’t the primary time that an IAEA staff has gone right into a scenario of armed hostilities,” mentioned Tariq Rauf, the organisation’s former head of verification and safety, noting the IAEA despatched inspectors to Iraq in 2003 and to the previous Soviet Republic, Georgia, throughout combating.

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“However this example in Zaporizhzhia, I believe it’s essentially the most critical scenario the place the IAEA has despatched individuals in ever, so it’s unprecedented.”

Grossi, after returning to Ukrainian-held territory, mentioned the bodily integrity of the plant had been violated a number of occasions. A report was anticipated early subsequent week and two IAEA specialists are staying on on the plant for the long run.

“There have been moments when hearth was apparent – heavy machine weapons, artillery, mortars at two or 3 times have been actually very regarding, I might say, for all of us,” Grossi mentioned of his staff’s journey by way of an energetic struggle zone to achieve the plant.

‘Demilitarise the station’

The scenario is additional sophisticated by the Russian occupation of the nuclear energy station. The positioning sits on the south financial institution of an enormous reservoir on the Dnieper river, 10km (six miles) throughout the water from Ukrainian positions.

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Either side has accused the opposite of shelling close to the ability, which continues to be operated by Ukrainian employees and provides greater than one-fifth of Ukraine’s electrical energy in peacetime. Kyiv additionally accuses Russia of utilizing it to defend its weapons, which Moscow denies. Russia has to date resisted worldwide calls to tug troops out of the plant and demilitarise the realm.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the IAEA staff to go additional than inspections and report writing.

“Sadly we haven’t heard the primary factor from the IAEA, which is the decision for Russia to demilitarise the station,” Zelenskyy mentioned in a video.

Rafael Mariano Grossi
A Russian official exhibits IAEA chief Rafael Grossi unexploded ordnance on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear energy plant in southeastern Ukraine [Yuri Kochetkov/EPA-EFE]

Commando-style raid?

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu mentioned Ukraine was persevering with to make use of weapons from its Western allies to shell the plant. He rejected assertions by Kyiv and the West that Russia had deployed heavy weapons on the plant.

A number of cities close to the plant got here beneath Russian shelling on Thursday, a regional council mayor, Mykola Lukashuk mentioned.

Rogov, the pro-Russian official, mentioned Ukrainian forces shelled Enerhodar, the Russia-held city close to the ability station. He repeated accusations that Ukraine mounted a commando-style raid on the ability with speedboats on the river. Ukrainian officers dismissed that as a fabrication.

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Suits Star Patrick J. Adams Reveals He Quit the Show Because He Was ‘Drinking Too Much’ and ‘Miserable’

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Suits Star Patrick J. Adams Reveals He Quit the Show Because He Was ‘Drinking Too Much’ and ‘Miserable’


‘Suits’ Why Did Patrick J. Adams Leave Mike Ross Interview



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Biden announces cease-fire plan between Israel and Hezbollah ending 14 months of fighting

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Biden announces cease-fire plan between Israel and Hezbollah ending 14 months of fighting

Israel has agreed to a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah terrorists that would end nearly 14 months of fighting, President Biden announced Tuesday.

Biden, speaking from the White House Rose Garden, said that Israel and Lebanon agreed to the deal. Israel retains the right to self-defense should Hezbollah break the pact, Biden said. 

“Let’s be clear. Israel did not launch this war. The Lebanese people did not seek that war either. Nor did the United States,” Biden said. “Security for the people of Israel and Lebanon cannot be achieved only on the battlefield. And that’s why I directed my team to work with the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to forge a cease-fire, to bring a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a close.”

“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden added. “What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed. Well, I emphasize, will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again.”

THUNE THREATENS INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT WITH SANCTIONS IF IT DOESN’T DROP NETANYAHU WARRANT FOR ARREST

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza to discuss Hamas activity. 11/19/2024 (Photo provided by TPS)

In a prepared joint statement with Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, both leaders said the cease-fire would restore calm and allow residents of both countries to return to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Biden and “thanked him for the US involvement in achieving the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and for the understanding that Israel maintains freedom of action in enforcing it,” his office said. 

Netanyahu’s security Cabinet convened earlier Tuesday, when ministers had been deliberating for more than three hours over the proposed deal. The political-security cabinet approved the United States’ proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon, with 10 ministers in favor and one opposed, Netanyahu’s office said. 

At a press conference while deliberations were ongoing, Netanyahu laid out three reasons in support of the deal: to focus on the Iranian threat; provide an opportunity to refresh the Israeli forces; and separate Hamas from the northern front. 

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The conflict in Lebanon began when Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, initiated strikes into Israel’s north after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Since the back-and-forth began, Israel has killed many of Hezbollah’s leaders, in addition to degrading its infrastructure in Lebanon. 

By ending the conflict with Hezbollah, Netanyahu said Hamas would stand alone in the Gaza Strip, clearing the way for Israeli forces to recover the remaining Oct. 7 hostages. 

Biden at the Rose Garden

President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden at the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta))

Earlier, Netanyahu said he would present the agreement to the Cabinet for a vote later Tuesday. 

“How long it will be will depends on what will happen in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said. “If Hezbollah doesn’t follow the agreement, we’ll attack.” 

Under the proposed terms of an initial two-month cease-fire, Hezbollah would have been required to move its forces north of the Litani River – a significant focal point which in some places is 20 miles from the Israeli border – and Israeli forces must withdraw from southern Lebanon as well. The Lebanese armed forces are to deploy to the border region within 60 days, and a five-country committee chaired by the U.S., and including France, would monitor compliance of the terms of the deal, Reuters reported. 

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Rocket alarms began sounding Tuesday evening across Israel around the time the deal was accepted. 

“Israel: We accept your request for a ceasefire. Hezbollah: We raise you a barrage of missiles,” Eylon Levy, a former spokesman for Israel, wrote on X. 

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, backed Israel in a statement, but criticized former President Barack Obama and the Biden administration over its handling of the conflict. 

“I am deeply disturbed both by reports that Obama-Biden officials exerted enormous pressure on our Israeli allies to accept this ceasefire and by how those officials are characterizing Israel’s obligations,” Cruz said. “This pressure and these statements are further efforts to undermine Israel and constrain the incoming Trump administration.”

ISRAEL ‘MOVING FORWARD’ ON POSSIBLE HEZBOLLAH CEASE-FIRE, OFFICIAL SAYS

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Among the remaining issues was Israel’s demand to reserve the right to take military action should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal.

Israel bombs Lebanon

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

“Obama-Biden officials pressured our Israeli allies into accepting the ceasefire by withholding weapons they needed to defend themselves and counter Hezbollah, and by threatening to facilitate a further, broader, binding international arms embargo through the United Nations,” he added. “Obama-Biden officials are already trying to use Israel’s acceptance of this ceasefire to ensure that Hezbollah and other Iranian terrorist groups remain intact across Lebanon, and to limit Israel’s future freedom of action and self-defense.”

Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for constraining Israel while fighting off attacks from terrorist neighbors. 

In addition to the cease-fire, a peacekeeping mission by observers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon will also continue, according to the Israeli news agency Tazpit Press Service (TPS-IL). 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said earlier Tuesday that its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River – considered a longtime Hezbollah stronghold. 

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In a statement, the IDF said its troops had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and “raided Hezbollah strongholds, uncovering and confiscating hundreds of weapons, dismantling dozens of underground facilities, and neutralizing numerous rocket launchers that were prepared for imminent use.” 

The IDF said the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few miles from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation.

The Israeli military said troops “conducted intelligence-based raids based on terrorist infrastructure concealed in the complex terrain.” 

Israeli troops by Litani River

Israeli soldiers at the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (IDF Spokesperson/TPS-IL)

TRUMP, CONGRESS LOOKING TO PUT SUFFOCATING SANCTIONS ON ‘KANGAROO’ ICC OVER NETANYAHU ARREST WARRANT

“The soldiers raided several terrorist targets, engaged in close-quarters combat with terrorists, located and destroyed dozens of launchers, thousands of rockets and missiles, and weapons storage facilities hidden in the mountainside,” the IDF said. 

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., praised the deal, saying it would allow Israelis displaced in the north to return to their homes and ensure Israel’s security against Hezbollah. 

“As this agreement shows, when terrorists are beaten back both militarily and through dogged diplomacy, the likelihood of peace increases. Hezbollah said they would never give up as long as there was fighting in Gaza, but today’s ceasefire agreement should show Hamas they are as isolated as ever,” Schumer said in a statement. “Now, Hamas must release all the remaining hostages and come to a negotiated ceasefire. Carrying on their failed strategy will lead only to further suffering and SENSELESS bloodshed in Gaza. Hamas must recognize that there’s no future without a strong and secure state of Israel.”

“The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement also provides an enforcement mechanism to help ensure Hezbollah remains weakened and allows displaced Lebanese and Israeli civilians to return to their homes,” he added. “I applaud the Biden administration for this agreement and for continuing to work to negotiate a ceasefire and the return of all the hostages in Gaza.”

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages from southern Israel into Gaza, setting off more than a year of fighting. That escalated in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, and an Israeli ground incursion into the country’s south. Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israeli military bases, cities and towns, including some 250 projectiles on Sunday.

More than 68,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes along the Lebanese border, TPS-IL reports.

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Israeli airstrike on Beirut

A Middle East Airlines plane flies as smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. 

The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a move carried out in the final moments before any cease-fire took hold.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Group of Seven meeting in Italy, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday there were “no excuses” for Israel to refuse a cease-fire with Hezbollah, warning that without it, “Lebanon will fall apart.”

The Times of Israel reported that Minister of Defense Israel Katz met with the U.N. Special Envoy for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on Tuesday, when he said Jerusalem would have “Zero tolerance” for any violation of the truce, warning that “If you don’t do it, we will … and with great force.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Why does the vote to approve the new Commission matter?

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Why does the vote to approve the new Commission matter?

The new Commission is set to be approved by the European Parliament with a large majority, but how this majority is shaped will be worth watching.

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A positive outcome is all but guaranteed when the European Parliament votes on whether to approve President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen’s new team of commissioners in its entirety, but there are good reasons to monitor Wednesday’s vote in the Strasbourg closely.

Parliament will vote to approve the incoming Commission, having previously endorsed all 26 commissioners through a backroom deal among centrist groups: the European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe.

The new Commission requires an absolute majority of votes cast to be approved and take office in December. While this outcome seems likely, who votes for and against it remains somewhat uncertain. This is significant because it could shape and influence the parliamentary majority for the entire legislative term.

A twist in the pro-EU majority?

In July, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected with 401 votes. At that time, the vote was conducted by secret ballot, though groups had publicly declared their intentions. Beyond the three centrist groups, the Greens/EFA group also supported von der Leyen. The Left group and all right-wing political forces voted against or abstained, with a few exceptions among the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).

The result suggested a majority in the European Parliament resembling that of the previous legislature: centrist pro-EU groups, with close cooperation from the Greens.

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However, the situation now could be very different. Firstly, the new Commission lineup includes Raffaele Fitto, a vice president from the right-wing Brothers of Italy party.

While von der Leyen has emphasized collaboration with “pro-EU”, “pro-Ukraine”, and “pro-rule of law” political forces, the chair of her EPP group in Parliament, Manfred Weber, has hinted at a broader coalition. He envisaged a “broad centre in the European Parliament, from the Greens to ECR.”

“My majority, if I may say so, is becoming real. And that makes me happy because we need broader stability in the European Parliament,” Weber said during a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

Such a majority could shift EU policy significantly rightward on issues such as migration and the environment. However, it also remains to be seen how von der Leyen’s grand centrist alliance holds in the voting tomorrow.

Defections and Divisions

Spain’s centre-right Partido Popular (PP) has announced it will not support the Commission due to the inclusion of Spanish Vice President Teresa Ribera, a member of its rival centre-left PSOE (S&D) party, in the lineup, according to the Spanish press agency EFE. The PP has not clarified whether its MEPs will vote against or abstain.

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Within the Socialists, several MEPs are also dissatisfied with the new Commission’s composition. Dutch and Belgian members plan to vote against it, while other delegations may abstain, according to sources from the group. French Socialists have already declared their opposition. “We do not accept a far-right executive vice president such as Raffaele Fitto. I will vote against his inclusion in this Commission,” MEP Claire Fita told Euronews.

The deepest divisions, however, are among the Greens/EFA group on the left and the Conservatives on the right.

The Greens claim to be part of a “four-group majority” in the European Parliament and are ready to “work constructively” while opposing the far right. However, the group itself is split, as revealed during a meeting on Monday evening. Only a slim majority, led by German MEPs, supports the Commission, while French, Austrian, and Italian members plan to vote against it, according to multiple sources.

On the right, some members of the ECR group are eager to join the new majority, while others remain firmly opposed.

The Brothers of Italy, the largest delegation in the group, will vote in favour, as the new Commission includes one of its members as vice president. Other ECR delegations are expected to follow suit, according to group sources.

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However, Polish and French members will oppose the Commission, including prominent French MEP Marion Maréchal, niece of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has criticised the designated commissioners. “Beyond the lack of competence of [French commissioner] Stéphane Séjourné, we face a commissioner for energy transition known for her anti-nuclear stance, a commissioner for demography who views immigration as a solution to declining birthrates, and a commissioner for equality who champions a pro-LGBTIQ+ agenda,” she told Euronews.

As the vote will be cast openly, the new commissioners will see which MEPs they can rely on. Two thresholds will be critical for their success: the 401 votes von der Leyen secured in July and the 461 that approved the previous Commission in November 2019.

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