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Holiday Turbulence: Flight Delays Hit Major Canadian Airports on Boxing Day

  Passengers wait in a check-in line at Vancouver International Airport after a snowstorm crippled operations during the holidays in 2022.   Travelers across Canada are facing a challenging Boxing Day as major airports report widespread delays and cancellations triggered by winter weather and heavy post‑holiday traffic. With thousands of passengers returning home or heading out for year‑end vacations, the timing couldn’t be more disruptive. Toronto Pearson, the country’s busiest airport, is experiencing the most significant impact. A mix of snow, freezing drizzle, and strong winds has slowed de‑icing operations and reduced runway capacity. Long lines at security and check‑in counters are adding to the congestion, with some travelers reporting wait times stretching beyond an hour. Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver airports are also dealing with delays, though to varying degrees. In Eastern Canada, Halifax is managing a combination of fog and residual holiday traffic, while air...

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U.S. Leverages Starlink Access in Critical Minerals Negotiations with Ukraine

In a high-stakes negotiation, U.S. officials have reportedly threatened to cut off Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite internet system, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, if Kyiv does not agree to a deal on critical minerals. Starlink has been a lifeline for Ukraine, providing crucial internet connectivity amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The issue was raised during discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The proposal demanded $500 billion in mineral wealth from Ukraine as repayment for wartime aid, without offering specific security guarantees.

During a recent meeting, U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg reiterated the threat of cutting off Starlink access if an agreement on critical minerals was not reached. The potential loss of Starlink would be a significant blow to Ukraine, which relies on the system for military operations and civilian communications.

Despite the pressure, Zelenskyy has remained firm in his stance, rejecting demands that he believes do not adequately protect Ukraine's interests. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides working towards a potential agreement.




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