On the 1000th day of war, Ukraine escalated its defence against Russia by firing six US-made ATACMS missiles at Bryansk, marking the first use of such weapons in the conflict. This follows President Biden’s recent authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets within Russia. While five missiles were intercepted, debris from the sixth caused a fire at a military site, though no casualties were reported. Ukrainian President Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s growing arsenal, including domestic long-range missiles. Meanwhile, Russia responded by updating its nuclear doctrine, further heightening tensions in the ongoing war.
BALTIC SEA INTERNET CABLES SEVERED; EUROPE SUSPECTS SABOTAGE
Two undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea connecting Lithuania-Sweden and Finland-Germany were severed in suspected sabotage operations. European officials are investigating potential Russian involvement, given its history of targeting critical infrastructure. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius labelled the incidents as “hybrid warfare.” Finland and Germany expressed concern over increasing threats to European security amidst Russia’s actions. The disruption aligns with Russia’s alleged strategy of escalating pressure while maintaining plausible deniability. Russia’s General Staff Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research (GUGI) unit had been spotted lurking around critical infrastructure. Repairs are underway, and the incidents have reignited discussions on safeguarding vital undersea infrastructure.
AID TRUCKS LOOTED IN GAZA
Nearly 100 aid trucks carrying food supplies for the UN and World Food Programme were looted in southern Gaza on Saturday. United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload, with aid workers injured and vehicles damaged. This comes amid worsening shortages and UN warnings of “law and order collapse” in Gaza. Civilians report critical hunger levels, while Israeli airstrikes continue, killing dozens, including 17 members of one family in Beit Lahiya. The humanitarian crisis deepens as aid agencies face escalating challenges in delivering supplies. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has described this as “one of the worst” incidents.
PUTIN UPDATES RUSSIA’S NUCLEAR DOCTRINE
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to the country’s nuclear doctrine, expanding conditions for nuclear responses. Now, attacks by non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers, or major assaults using drones or missiles, could prompt a nuclear response. Additionally, aggression against Russia’s allies, like Belarus, could meet this threshold. The revision comes after the U.S. approval for Ukraine to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles, which Russia warns signals direct Western involvement in the war. Critics view the move as heightening nuclear risks amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
G20 Draft at COP29 Draws Criticism for Ignoring Fossil Fuel Transition
The G20 draft communique at COP29 in Baku reaffirmed commitments to the Paris Agreement but omitted plans to phase out fossil fuels, sparking backlash. Activists and climate groups criticized developed nations for inaction on climate finance and fossil fuel reduction, calling it a failure of leadership. Climate groups warn this stagnation risks catastrophic global temperature rises, disproportionately impacting vulnerable nations. The draft highlighted increased investment for developing countries but lacked decisive steps for a new climate finance framework or actionable emissions reduction goals.
