Russia’s relationship with North Korea goes back decades. Now, there are reports that Russia is getting military assistance from North Korea amid the war in Ukraine. Yet, both governments deny it.
Disinformation is being privatized around the world. This new industry is built on a dangerous combination of cheap labor, high-tech algorithms and emotional national narratives.
North Korea launches at least one ballistic missile into the ocean. Also, Russia suspends its permanent mission to NATO. And, US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad resigns and is set to be replaced by his deputy.
Top of The World: Global pressure and criticism have been growing on the Ethiopian government over its blockade of the country’s northern Tigray region, which has reduced aid deliveries to 10% of what is needed. And, North Korea has launched its fourth weapon in recent weeks, test-firing a new anti-aircraft missile. Also, Australia plans to gradually reopen all its borders by November, after 18 months of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
North and South Korea tested ballistic missiles hours apart Wednesday in a display of military might that is sure to exacerbate tensions between the rivals.
Top of The World: The Taliban are increasingly under scrutiny over their promises of a different governance. And, North Korean officials said the country had successfully tested long-range cruise missiles over the weekend. Also, Peruvian officials are debating what to do with the body of Abimael Guzmán, the leader of the brutal Shining Path insurgency who died on Saturday.
Top of The World: The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has rejected a ceasefire, calling it a “sick joke.” And, dozens of people have died in western Canada amid a scorching heat wave that has set record high temperatures. Also, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un admonished top officials at a specially-convened Politburo meeting for failures in COVID-19 prevention tactics that have caused a “great crisis” in the country.
Top of The World: More than 350 doctors and medical workers in Indonesia have contracted COVID-19, despite being vaccinated. And, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered his government to prepare for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States. Also, a new report by the UN refugee agency UNHCR shows that millions of people were displaced around the world in 2020.
Top of the World: Officials close to the negotiations between Israel and Hamas say a ceasefire could be announced in the next 24 hours as hostilities continue. And South Korean President Moon Jae-in is on a four-day visit to Washington, hoping to revive stalled talks with North Korea. Also, Russia assumes the chairmanship of the eight-nation Arctic Council bloc, as the US tries to oppose Moscow’s plans to set maritime rules.
Top of The World: In her first major address as US treasury secretary, Janet Yellen said the Biden administration will work with the Group of 20 countries to set up a minimum global corporate income tax. And, North Korea is skipping the delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics due to COVID-19 concerns. Also, Greenlanders head to the polls on Tuesday in an early parliamentary election with vast geopolitical and environmental consequences.
The pandemic appears to have further cut off North Korea from the rest of the world. But now, the country is set to receive nearly 2 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine through the COVAX program.