International
Biden authorizes Ukraine to use US weapons in Russia but only to defend Kharkov
Joe Biden’s government has given Ukraine permission to attack inside Russia using weapons provided by the United States, but only near the Kharkov area, a US official confirmed to EFE.
“The president recently ordered his team to guarantee that Ukraine can use weapons supplied by the United States for counterattack purposes in the Kharkov region, so that Ukraine can counterattack the Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” he said.
However, the source added, the policy regarding the prohibition of the use of ATACMS ballistic missiles or long-range attacks within Russia “has not changed.”
With this decision, the Biden Administration has given in to the request of Ukraine, which has been asking Washington for weeks to make this change of policy, especially since the Russian offensive against Kharkov began this month.
Therefore, Ukraine can now use weapons provided by the United States, such as rockets and rocket launchers, to shoot down Russian missiles launched into this area against troops that are concentrated just across the Russian border. Or against Russian bombers that throw bombs into Ukrainian territory.
However, Ukraine cannot use those weapons to attack civilian infrastructure or launch long-range missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System, to achieve military targets in central Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken became the first U.S. official to publicly insinuate that Biden could change course and allow such attacks. In turn, he told journalists that US policy towards Ukraine would evolve as necessary.
The spokesman of the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, did not subsequently rule out a possible change.
Those messages came after the main allies of the United States, such as the United Kingdom and France, said that Ukraine should have the right to attack within Russia using Western weapons.
Russia accused NATO of opening a new phase of tension in its stormy relations by encouraging Ukrainian attacks against targets in Russian territory with Western weaponry, a position in which there is no unanimity in the Allied bloc.
“In recent days and weeks, NATO members, especially the United States and other European countries, have entered a new phase of escalating tensions. And they do it consciously,” Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, said at his daily press conference.
In recent days, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the green light to be given to Kiev, an appeal that was supported this week by France.
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, considers it “unfair” that Kiev cannot use Western weapons to respond to Russia, but the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, already told him this week that the F-16 fighter planes he will deliver to Kiev will not be able to be used in the neighboring country.
International
UNICEF: Over 700,000 children affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the annual refugee admissions will be limited to just 7,500 people, the lowest number since the program was created in 1980.
According to a White House statement, the new cap will prioritize mainly white South Africans and individuals who have been victims of “unjust or illegal discrimination” in their home countries.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has effectively suspended refugee admissions through an executive order, describing the program as “detrimental” to national interests.
One of the few exceptions to this policy has been the Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa, who began entering the U.S. in May. This decision followed Trump’s claim, made without evidence, that this group is facing “genocide.”
The president’s statements have strained diplomatic relations with South Africa, particularly after the country passed a law in January authorizing land expropriation without compensation.
Humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized the new immigration policy and called for its reversal.
International
Trump sets historic low refugee cap at 7,500, prioritizes white South Africans
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the annual refugee admissions will be limited to just 7,500 people, the lowest number since the program was created in 1980.
According to a White House statement, the new cap will prioritize mainly white South Africans and individuals who have been victims of “unjust or illegal discrimination” in their home countries.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has effectively suspended refugee admissions through an executive order, describing the program as “detrimental” to national interests.
One of the few exceptions to this policy has been the Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa, who began entering the U.S. in May. This decision followed Trump’s claim, made without evidence, that this group is facing “genocide.”
The president’s statements have strained diplomatic relations with South Africa, particularly after the country passed a law in January authorizing land expropriation without compensation.
Humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized the new immigration policy and called for its reversal.
International
Hurricane Melissa kills over 30, leaves thousands displaced in the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread destruction in several Caribbean countries, leaving more than thirty dead, thousands displaced, and significant material losses after striking with force this week.
In Haiti, the Civil Protection Directorate reported at least 24 fatalities, including 20 deaths on Wednesday due to a flash flood in La Digue, a municipality of Petit-Goâve, south of Port-au-Prince. Another victim was reported in Artibonite, and three others had died earlier last week.
Authorities also reported 17 people injured, 18 missing, and 1,156 families affected, with 2,399 people sheltered in emergency facilities, particularly in the southern regions, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and the southeast of the country.
UNICEF: Over 700,000 children affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean
Trump sets historic low refugee cap at 7,500, prioritizes white South Africans
Hurricane Melissa kills over 30, leaves thousands displaced in the Caribbean
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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UNICEF: Over 700,000 children affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean