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Ukraine Sends Specialist Teams to Counter Drone Threats

A Ukrainian military instructor demonstrates the operation of an interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian attack drones in the Kyiv region of Ukraine, March 11, 2026. Ukraine has deployed military and engineering units to five Middle Eastern countries —the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan —to help intercept drones and strengthen air‑defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.  The teams, composed of specialist counter‑drone personnel , are advising local forces and assisting in neutralizing Iranian-made Shahed drones , which have increasingly targeted civilian and critical infrastructure during the ongoing Iran conflict. Ukrainian officials say the mission aims to bolster regional security and pave the way for long‑term defense cooperation agreements .  President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian security council secretary Rustem Umerov emphasized that while Middle Eastern partners focus on ballistic missile threats, Ukrainian un...

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Notre Dame Cathedral Reborn: First Mass Since 2019 Fire Marks Historic Moment

 

Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic symbol of Paris, hosted its first Mass since the devastating fire of 2019 on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The event, attended by clergy, dignitaries, and guests, marked a significant milestone in the cathedral's journey from ruin to resurrection.

Archbishop Laurent Ulrich presided over the morning Mass, which included the consecration of a new bronze altar. The liturgy was a powerful symbol of Paris' resilience and the global effort to restore one of humanity's most treasured landmarks. The cathedral's restoration, fueled by nearly $1 billion in global donations, has been a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship and unyielding determination.

The evening Mass, open to the public, saw thousands gather along the Seine to witness this historic moment from afar. The cathedral's reopening is not just a religious milestone but a moment of cultural and national unity.

President Emmanuel Macron, who vowed to restore the cathedral within five years, attended the ceremonies and called the project "a jolt of hope" for France. The restoration, despite challenges such as lead contamination and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a remarkable achievement.

As the cathedral's great organ resounded with majestic melodies and its restored stained-glass windows projected dazzling patterns of color, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dame's rector, remarked, "No one alive has seen the cathedral like this. It is more than restored—it is reborn."

The path to restoration has been long and arduous, but the reopening of Notre Dame stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris and the global community that came together to rebuild this historic masterpiece.



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