Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the mass production of the hypersonic “Oreshnik” missile that it fired at Ukraine. The president also claimed that the missile is immune to interception by air defences. The missile, capable of carrying multiple warheads, was tested on Ukraine’s Dnipro, intensifying the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the strike and initiated talks for advanced air defence systems. NATO plans to meet next week to address this escalating threat. This development follows the U.S. authorization for Ukraine to target Russian territories, marking a critical phase in the ongoing war.
BRAZIL’S ALLEGED COUP PLOT POST-2022 ELECTIONS
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others have been indicted in an alleged coup plot to prevent President Lula da Silva from assuming office after the 2022 presidential elections, where Lula beat Bolsonaro by a thin margin. Federal police claim Bolsonaro had “full knowledge” of the plan, which involved military personnel and potential assassinations of political leaders. Bolsonaro denies the allegations, while the Attorney General reviews the case for a potential trial next year. This follows earlier riots in Brasilia by Bolsonaro supporters rejecting the election results.
ALLEGED MISTREATMENT OF IRANIAN STUDENTS IN RUSSIA
Tehran has condemned the arrest and alleged beating of two Iranian students by Kazan police in Russia, calling the treatment “inhumane and unprofessional.” The students, visiting a visa extension centre at Kazan Federal University, were released following interventions by the Iranian consulate. Iranian officials, including Ambassador Kazem Jalali, continuously followed up with the incident and demanded explanations and accountability from Russian authorities. Kazan police claim the arrests followed a physical altercation among students, while the local Investigative Committee alleges violence against law enforcement by the detainees.
CHINA DISCOVERS GOLD RESERVE WORTH $82 BILLION
Geologists have uncovered over 1,000 tonnes of gold in the Wangu gold mine, Hunan province, valued at approximately $82.8 billion. Located in Pingjiang County, the deposits include more than 40 gold veins found under 2,000 meters. The total gold resources in the mine’s core area have been reported to 300.2 tonnes. This discovery significantly bolsters China’s mineral exploration strategy under its 2021-2025 plan. Despite a recent dip in gold demand and prices, this reserve highlights China’s focus on securing strategic resources. Authorities have invested heavily in exploration, reinforcing China’s position as a global mineral powerhouse.
HUNGARY PM INVITES NETANYAHU, DEFYING ICC ARREST WARRANT
Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán has invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to visit despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu and ex-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of using “starvation as a method of warfare.” Orbán criticized the warrant as “impudent” and “political.” Netanyahu expressed gratitude, praising Hungary’s “moral clarity.” While ICC member nations must enforce arrest warrants, enforcement mechanisms are limited. The EU and UK emphasized their obligation to comply, whereas Israel dismissed the charges as “antisemitic.” The incident underlines deep divisions in global responses to ICC rulings.
