Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed a decision by the US government to support the training of Ukrainian pilots on US-made F-16 fighters. The plans to train the pilots form part of what has been touted as a “historic decision” by Zelenskyy and have been called “strategic assistance” by US officials. With Ukraine having improved its air defences and preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces, the fighter jets could prove vital in Ukraine’s battles with Moscow, as they are considered to be far more effective than the Soviet-era jets the country already possesses.
Canadian academic Marcel Schlaf wrote to The Globe and Mail newspaper calling on the country to spend over CAD14bn to develop ore resources, including the Ring of Fire deposit, so as to control the supply and value chain of metals from the get-go. “Do the feds or the province even know how much Stellantis is really worth?” asks correspondent Kevin Bishop, citing the vehicle maker's apparent weakness in EV development and market competition, suggesting it may not be viable long-term. Boudewyn van Oort of Victoria expounds that subsidies for electric vehicles are justified because, ultimately, they will replace hydrocarbons for the safety of the planet.
The US will allow Ukraine to buy F-16s after the White House overruled concerns from military officials over the risk of escalating the conflict with Russia. President Joe Biden said the jets would help Ukraine deter Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that the decision would bring peace closer, and Zelensky had already arrived at the G7 summit in Japan to hold important meetings with his allies. Military experts said the aircraft would be a significant upgrade from Ukraine’s ageing Soviet-era fleet, offering greater ability to strike targets in the air or on the ground.
Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Alexander Grushko, has warned Western countries of “colossal risks” associated with providing Ukraine with US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets. His comments follow an announcement by US President Joe Biden granting the transfer of the planes and training for Ukrainian pilots. The UK has welcomed the decision, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leading calls for Ukraine to receive the jets.
Leaders of the G7 have shown support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s “brutal” war on the country. The group’s leaders also called on Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine and adhere to the rules of the international community. The statement also offered Ukraine “unwavering support” in absence of lasting peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Japan for the summit and is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil’s ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Neither figure has supported Ukraine in the past, but they will participate in the summit.
English is predicted to be selected as the enforced common language for rail drivers across the EU from autumn 2018 following a directive known as the “Train Drivers’ Directive”. The rules, which seek to foster ties between countries and make rail journeys easier across the bloc, have caused controversy given that the UK is currently in the process of leaving the EU. Some have also argued that other languages should be selected, rather than English. Drivers in the UK have welcomed the decision, which will also improve rail links with the Continent.
The Independent has gathered some of the most eye-catching and thought-provoking images from culture, news, politics, sport, and lifestyle. The images include striking shots of the Popocatepetl Volcano in Mexico, and cattle grazing in front of the German Parliament building in Berlin, as well as photographs from events such as the closing ceremony of Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the Brussels Pride parade. Some of the images in the collection are oddly bewildering, like a raven perching on the roof of a barn in the midst of smoke from a nearby wildfire in Canada.
The possibility of Ukrainian pilots being trained on advanced F-16 fighter jets is a message to Russia that the country should not expect to succeed in an invasion of Ukraine, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday following a G7 summit. While Ukraine has not secured delivery of the planes, US President Joe Biden has signaled that Washington supports joint allied training programs for Ukrainian pilots using F-16s. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko warned that Western countries risked much by supplying F-16s to Ukraine. Training will take place in Europe and will take at least 18 months.
US President Joe Biden has publicly committed his support to Ukraine against Russia's invasion by announcing a new weapons package at the G7 summit. The announcement follows the US permitting the transfer of advanced F-16 jets to the embattled country. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, issued a whistle-stop tour of European countries last week where he secured a €2.7bn ($2.9bn) military aid package from Germany, in addition to separate commitments from France and Britain. Zelenskyy also made a surprise visit to G7 talks where he called for a peace agreement.
B.C. Holocaust survivor shares stories of harrowing history — and hope — in 2023 memoir
CBC
23-05-22 11:00
Holocaust survivor Marie Doduck has spoken about her new book "A Childhood Unspoken" to mark Jewish Heritage Month in Canada. The memoir tells the story of how Doduck survived hiding from the Nazi regime, emigrated to Canada, and became a founder of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. On encountering hostility in Vancouver after the war, Doduck and three of her siblings initially settled in Winnipeg, which served as a temporary home for many Jewish children in the aftermath of World War II, before eventually finding foster parents in Vancouver.
