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Massive Russian Strikes Cripple Ukraine’s Power Grid Ahead of Peace Talks

An employee works at a thermal power plant damaged by multiple Russian missile strikes, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Russian forces launched a sweeping overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy network, striking multiple regions just hours before planned peace discussions. The barrage targeted major cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power stations and transmission lines that millions rely on for heat and electricity during freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian officials reported widespread outages, with emergency crews working through the night to stabilize the grid. Residential areas were also hit, leaving civilians injured and prompting renewed concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The timing of the strikes has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian leaders, who argue the attacks are intended to undermine the upcoming negotiations and pressure Kyiv at the bargaining table. Despite the escalation, both sides are still expected to attend the talks, thou...

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Israel Accused of Using White Phosphorus on Residential Buildings in Lebanon

 

A global human rights group has accused Israel of using white phosphorus incendiary shells on residential buildings in at least five towns and villages in conflict-hit southern Lebanon. The report, published by Human Rights Watch (HRW), raises concerns about potential harm to civilians and violations of international law.

White phosphorus is a controversial substance that can set buildings on fire and burn human flesh down to the bone. Survivors face risks of infections and organ or respiratory failure, even from small burns. While Israel maintains that it uses white phosphorus only as a smokescreen and not to target civilians, the evidence suggests otherwise.

The HRW report includes interviews with residents in conflict-hit southern Lebanon and verifies images showing white phosphorus shells landing on residential buildings. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that at least 173 people have required medical care after exposure to white phosphorus.

This recent use of white phosphorus in Lebanon should prompt other countries to take action. HRW calls on the Lebanese government to allow the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute “grave international crimes” within Lebanon since October 2023.


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