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Ukraine Aid: EU Funds & Sanctions Against Russia – Latvia Update

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Latvia Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine, Focus on Frozen ⁢Russian Assets​ & Energy Security

Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika ⁤Siliņa affirmed her country’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine during a recent video conference with ⁣leaders of the⁢ “Goodwill​ Coalition,” a group‌ of nations dedicated to supporting Ukraine. The meeting, which included Ukrainian President​ Volodymyr⁣ Zelensky, focused on achieving a just⁤ and ‌lasting peace in Ukraine.

A key​ topic of⁣ discussion was the potential use of frozen Russian assets to ‌aid Ukraine’s needs. ⁢Siliņa ​announced that the European Council has mandated the European Commission to develop a solution for utilizing these funds,and “active work on this issue is underway.”

Siliņa highlighted the ⁣effectiveness of joint EU and US sanctions, noting initial results including plans⁢ by India⁣ and China‍ to reduce their purchases of Russian oil ⁤and gas. She also stated the Goodwill Coalition is focused on increasing support for⁣ protecting and restoring Ukraine’s energy sector in preparation for winter.

Latvia’s support will extend to military aid, with a commitment to provide‍ at least 0.25% of its gross ‍domestic product ⁢to⁤ Ukraine’s ‍defense in 2026. Siliņa emphasized‍ Latvia’s ⁣”steadfast support” for Ukraine and the‌ coalition’s advocacy for continued pressure against Russia.

According to a statement from the Prime‍ Minister, the ​Goodwill Coalition is strengthening Ukraine through collaborative efforts.

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Technology

Title: Streaming Services Face Potential New Tax on Offline Downloads

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor
written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

France Considers New Tax on Streaming Subscriptions

PARIS – A potential new‌ tax‍ targeting consumers for ‍accessing⁣ digital content‍ via ‍streaming services‌ like ‍Netflix, Spotify, ‌YouTube, and Disney+ is gaining traction in France, sparking debate⁤ over funding public broadcasting and cultural ‍production. The proposal, currently under consideration by French⁤ lawmakers, would levy a charge ‌on individuals for each subscription to ‍these platforms.

The⁣ move comes as⁤ France seeks sustainable funding for its ⁣public audiovisual ‍sector, facing budgetary pressures and‌ the evolving media landscape. Currently, streaming services contribute to French media through‍ levies⁤ based on revenue, but the government argues this system is insufficient ⁢to maintain the quality‌ and diversity of French-language content. The proposed ​tax aims to directly involve consumers in supporting​ the national cultural ecosystem, mirroring ‌existing contributions for television sets and internet access. Estimates ⁢suggest the tax could​ generate hundreds of millions of euros annually, ‌earmarked for bolstering public⁢ broadcasting and film/audiovisual production.⁣

The tax, initially discussed in late 2023 ⁣and gaining momentum‌ in early 2024,‌ would ⁢apply ‍to all streaming subscriptions, regardless ‍of​ origin. While the ⁣exact amount of the tax‌ remains under discussion,proposals range⁣ from a few euros per month per subscription. The French government ⁣contends the levy is a fair way to ensure continued investment in French‌ culture, particularly as⁣ traditional⁣ funding models are challenged by the rise​ of global streaming giants.

The proposal has drawn criticism from consumer groups and opposition politicians, who argue it represents a ⁤new tax burden on households already​ facing economic challenges.Concerns have also been raised about the⁤ potential for consumers to cancel subscriptions or ​turn to VPNs to avoid the tax, ultimately undermining​ its effectiveness.The debate ‍is expected to continue throughout 2024, with a final decision anticipated by the ⁢end of ‍the year.

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World

EU Tightens Sanctions on Russia: Banks, LNG, and More

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

The European Union has imposed a 19th ‌package of sanctions targeting Russia, further tightening economic pressure in response to the ongoing conflict in ‍Ukraine.The measures, approved today, aim to cripple​ Russia’s ability to wage war and circumvent existing restrictions.

This latest round of ⁣sanctions builds upon a series of escalating penalties enacted sence Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in⁤ February ⁤2022. the EU’s continued action underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine and⁢ holding Russia accountable for its actions,while also seeking to limit the economic resources available to fuel the conflict. the sanctions impact a broad range of sectors, aiming to close loopholes and increase the effectiveness of existing measures.

ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the new sanctions, stating ⁢via X (formerly Twitter), “The new⁣ U.S. sanctions‍ against Russia’s oil giants are a clear signal that prolonging the war and spreading terror come at a cost. And this is a fair and absolutely deserved step. It is precisely pressure on Russia that will be effective‍ for achieving peace, and ‍sanctions are one…” ⁣

Russia dismissed the U.S. sanctions as “extremely counterproductive” and reiterated its objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted the underlying causes⁤ of the conflict must be addressed. The Kremlin also criticized European sanctions, claiming they will disproportionately harm EU member states and ‌acknowledging the ineffectiveness of previous ⁣measures.

the EU has⁣ not yet released⁣ a detailed list of all entities‍ and individuals targeted in the‍ 19th package.However, officials indicate⁢ the sanctions include restrictions on trade, technology transfer, and financial access, with a focus on preventing⁢ circumvention thru third countries.

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World

Title: EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russia to Pressure Putin Over Ukraine War

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

U.S. and Allies Intensify Sanctions on Russia Amidst Stalled Peace Efforts

WASHINGTON – The United‍ states and its allies ⁣have expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s financial and industrial‍ sectors in an effort to compel a⁢ shift in President Vladimir Putin’s strategy in Ukraine, officials announced Wednesday. The latest measures come as diplomatic avenues for ⁢a negotiated peace remain blocked and ​fighting ​continues to escalate across eastern Ukraine.

The sanctions aim ​to further ‌restrict Russia’s access to critical technologies and financial resources,increasing the⁤ economic pressure on the Kremlin. While previous sanctions ‍have ‍focused on individuals‌ and specific entities, the new measures broaden the ​scope​ to include key industries and financial institutions, seeking to degrade Russia’s ability to fund⁣ its war effort. Despite previous sanctions, Moscow has demonstrated an ability to circumvent restrictions, and determining whom and what to⁤ target ‌can take weeks.

U.S. sanctions against Russian⁤ oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil followed a statement by former President Donald ‌Trump that his‌ plan for a swift meeting with‍ Putin was on hold, citing a desire to avoid a “waste of time.” This action represents the latest progress in Trump’s fluctuating approach to mediating an end to ⁤the⁣ conflict, as Putin continues to maintain his demands.

The escalating sanctions are coupled with continued military aid to ⁤Ukraine and a unified​ international front condemning russia’s actions. On ⁢Wednesday, putin⁣ directed drills of the country’s strategic nuclear forces, a move interpreted by some as a public display of Russia’s military capabilities.

Overnight, both sides engaged in continued strikes.In ⁣Ukraine’s Kharkiv ⁢region, a Russian “double-tap” drone strike⁣ killed ‍one emergency worker and injured⁢ five others⁢ after hitting the same location twice. Russian drones⁢ also attacked Kyiv, injuring ⁣eight people.Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting⁢ and destroying 139 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and Crimea.

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World

US Lifts Restrictions on Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Use

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

U.S. Loosens Restrictions on Ukraine’s⁤ Use of ​Long-Range Missiles in Strikes Against Russia

WASHINGTON – The United States has recently eased restrictions⁤ on Ukraine’s ability to use ‍certain long-range missiles for attacks within Russia, according to reports⁣ from The Wall Street Journal. The ⁤move, confirmed by unnamed American⁤ officials, is intended to allow kyiv to intensify pressure on the Kremlin and target key military infrastructure. The Pentagon has not yet commented on the reports.

The decision specifically concerns the Storm Shadow missiles,‍ supplied by Britain and​ France, which are launched ‍from⁤ Ukrainian aircraft and have a range​ of approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles). While Ukraine has previously employed these missiles in attacks on Russian territory, the revised ‌policy allows for a potential expansion⁤ of these operations. Ukrainian forces have also been utilizing domestically produced drones for strikes inside Russia.

The U.S. previously maintained⁢ a degree of control over the use of these weapons⁢ due to their reliance on American ⁤data for target acquisition. Near the end of his presidency, Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use both Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles ⁣against targets in Russia.‍

following donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, the Pentagon implemented a process requiring authorization⁣ from the U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete hegseth, for any cross-border ⁣strikes utilizing U.S.-supplied or U.S.-data-reliant weaponry. No such strikes were approved until recently, when authority was delegated to U.S.‌ Forces Europe Command, under‍ the leadership of general Alexus gtrhewich, according to the Wall Street Journal’s sources.

While the renewed authorization for Storm shadow use isn’t expected to⁣ dramatically alter the battlefield​ dynamic – the missiles have a shorter range⁢ than U.S.Tomahawk missiles – it provides Ukraine with increased flexibility in targeting Russian⁢ assets.

Recent reports indicate the Ukrainian military directly acknowledged the use of ⁣Storm Shadow missiles in a prosperous attack on a key ⁤chemical plant in Russia’s ⁤Bryansk region, responsible for the production of explosives and rocket fuel, reportedly penetrating⁢ Russian air defenses.

(ČTK)

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Technology

New Space Visitor: NASA Confirms Earth’s Temporary Cosmic Companion

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor
written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Astronomers Detect Asteroid Orbiting with Earth, a ‘Quasi-Satellite’ for Decades

WASHINGTON – A newly discovered asteroid, designated ⁢2025 PN7, ​is captivating astronomers with its unusual orbit – a path that ⁤sees it shadowing Earth around the Sun. Discovered by a team from the University of Hawaii, the space rock isn’t a true moon, gravitationally bound to our planet, but ⁢its orbital resonance creates the impression of a constant companion.

This ‍celestial ⁢object appears to follow Earth, moving at‌ nearly ⁤the same rate as it circles the Sun. While not a threat, the finding offers a rare prospect to study a “quasi-satellite” and provides insight into the complex dynamics of near-Earth objects. ‌Astronomers estimate 2025 PN7 ⁤has been linked to Earth for approximately six‍ decades and will continue its unique orbital ‌dance until ‌around 2083, ​when its trajectory is expected to shift and it will drift into deep space.

The asteroid was first detected by researchers at the University of Hawaii. Its diameter is estimated to be between ⁣18 and 36 meters, comparable to the ⁣height of a multi-story building. Though relatively small, its orbital characteristics are what set it apart.

Unlike the Moon,2025 PN7 isn’t held in orbit by Earth’s gravity. Instead, it ⁣maintains a complex⁣ orbital relationship, remaining ⁣in proximity without becoming‍ a true‌ satellite. This type of orbital configuration is ⁢relatively ‍rare, and 2025 PN7 is one of a handful of known quasi-satellites⁤ of ⁢Earth.

The discovery is ⁤prompting further examination into the asteroid’s origins and its long-term orbital stability. While its‍ departure in 2083 marks the end of its current “companionship” with Earth,⁤ the ⁣data ⁢gathered during its time near our planet will be invaluable​ for understanding the population of near-Earth objects and the gravitational forces that shape their movements.

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