G7 summit opens in Canada with a focus on trade, wars — and not riling Trump
As world leaders gather in Canada for the G7 summit amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and trade friction driven by US tariffs.
TOPIC
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe by area, after Russia. It shares borders with Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the south. Ukraine covers an area of 603,628 square kilometres. As of 2021, with a population of 41.6 million, it is the eighth-most populous country in Europe. The capital and largest city of Ukraine is Kyiv.
The territory of modern Ukraine dates back to 32,000 BC. In the 13th century, the region was ruled by various principalities, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Austria-Hungary. During the 18th century, the territory was divided between Poland and the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution, a Ukrainian national movement emerged, and on June 23, 1917, the Ukrainian People's Republic was declared, gaining international recognition. Following World War II, Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Ukraine regained its independence on August 24, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Ukraine’s then-President Viktor Yanukovych suspended the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement and opted for closer economic ties with Russia. This decision sparked massive protests, leading to Yanukovych’s removal and the establishment of a new government. These events set the stage for Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014. In 2016, Ukraine became part of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union.
Ukraine is a developing country, ranking 74th on the Human Development Index. It is one of the poorest countries in Europe, suffering from high poverty rates and severe corruption. However, due to its vast fertile farmland, Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of grain. It also maintains the third-largest military in Europe, after Russia and France.
The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, although Russian is widely spoken. According to the 2001 census, 67.5 per cent of the population declared Ukrainian as their native language, while 29.6 per cent declared Russian. Ukraine has a literacy rate of 99.4 per cent. The most popular sport in Ukraine is football.
Traditional Ukrainian cuisine includes dishes made from chicken, pork, beef, fish, and mushrooms. Ukrainians consume large quantities of potatoes, grains, and fresh, boiled, or pickled vegetables. Ukrainian specialities include Chicken Kyiv and Kyiv cake.
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Russia bombs Ukraine with missile barrage; Zelenskyy slams targetting of civilians
Russia has launched a massive attack on Ukraine, particularly targeting the eastern city of Kharkiv with missiles, drones, and guided bombs. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of intending destruction and targeting civilians. The assault reportedly involved 206 drones, two ballistic missiles, and seven other missiles. At least four people have been killed and over 60 injured in the attack, which comes days after peace talks and a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian air bases.
Russia launches massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, 6 dead, 80 injured
Russia has launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least 6 people and injuring over 80. This attack comes in retaliation to Ukraine's recent drone strikes on Russian military bases. The Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and industries, disrupting Kyiv's transport system. Despite attempts at peace talks, including efforts by former US President Donald Trump, both sides continue to escalate military actions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that around 40 missiles and 400 drones were used in the Russian attack.
Is Ukraine's drone attack Russia's 'Pearl Harbor' moment? India Today explains
In this episode of India Today Explains, Anjilee Istwal covers multiple topics, including Ukraine's drone attack on Russia, compared to Pearl Harbor for its surprise and scope, Assam's recurring flood problem and more.
Video: India trade deal on track, says US; Trump open to talks with Ukraine, Russia
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence in the India-US trade deal, saying that a favorable agreement for both countries will be reached in the "not-too-distant future." Meanwhile, the White House announced that President Donald Trump is open to an invitation from Turkey, which is hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Operation Spider's Web: Ukraine's audacious 117-drone strike on Russian airbases
Operation Spider's Web, Ukraine's most audacious attack on Russia since the war began in February 2022, involved 117 drones targeting five Russian airbases up to 4500 kilometers from the border.
What will be Russia's response to Ukraine's drone strikes? Will Putin go nuclear? Experts debate
Ukraine executed drone strikes on five Russian airbases using over 100 drones launched from within Russian territory. The attacks targeted strategic bombers and submarines up to 4,800 km from the Ukraine border. Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 40 long-range bombers in the operation, which took 18 months of planning. The strikes used commercially available drones costing around $1000 each, launched from trucks disguised as civilian vehicles. The transcript discusses recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military bases, including the destruction of strategic bomber aircraft. Experts debate whether these attacks represent a major strategic blow to Russia or are merely tactical victories with limited impact on the overall war. The role of technological innovation in warfare, particularly drones, is highlighted. The prospects for peace negotiations and the potential for Russian retaliation are also discussed.
Ukraine's daring drone strikes destroy 41 Russian jets, Zelenskyy hails Op Spider's Web
Ukraine conducted simultaneous drone strikes on multiple Russian airbases, destroying 41 jets and causing an estimated $7 billion in damages.
Russia-Ukraine peace talks resume in Turkey amid escalating tensions
The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks has commenced in Istanbul, Turkey, following Ukraine's drone strikes on Russia.
Ukraine launches massive drone attack on Russian airbases, Moscow calls it 'terror strike'
Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on multiple Russian air bases, targeting strategic bombers and causing significant damage.
Second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks to begin in Istanbul
The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks is set to begin in Istanbul. This comes a day after Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian airbases, reportedly destroying 40 jets.
Ukraine's drone attack ahead of peace talks; Rain causes havoc in Northeast India
Ahead of Istanbul peace talks, Ukraine launched a major drone strike, destroying 40 key Russian aircraft. President Zelensky confirmed the attack and affirmed Ukraine’s call for full independence and a ceasefire. Russia, meanwhile, says peace terms are ready but remains tight-lipped ahead of negotiations.
Russia-Ukraine peace talks: Drone attack casts shadow on ceasefire negotiations
Russia and Ukraine are set for peace talks in Istanbul, following a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian delegation includes representatives from various fields, while Ukraine's team comprises military intelligence personnel. Russia's key demands include Ukraine abandoning NATO plans and addressing the rights of Russian-speaking citizens. A recent drone attack by Ukraine has raised questions about the prospects of a ceasefire. The United States, attempting to mediate, has expressed frustration with both sides for escalation.