A 45-year-old man in an apparent child custody dispute was the suspected shooter at a shelter for mothers and children in northern Germany that left six dead on Monday, officials said.
The man ​had an appointment at the shelter in Stade, close to the port ​city of Hamburg, earlier on Monday before opening fire midday, they said.

Germany Shooting: shooting at German family shelter kills Six; suspected gunman in police custody

Putin reunited with his former German teacher in Moscow, greeting her with flowers and a warm hug before taking her out for dinner. The Russian president later personally escorted her to the Kremlin, showcasing a rare emotional and personal side amid global tensions.


Putin's Warm Reunion With Childhood School Teacher; Takes Her For Dinner

A chilling case has shocked Germany — a 44-year-old palliative care nurse has been sentenced to life in prison for killing ten patients and attempting to kill 27 others to avoid night shift work.
According to prosecutors, he injected elderly and terminally ill patients with lethal doses of sedatives so he wouldn’t have to care for them through the night.
The court described his actions as showing “particular severity of guilt,” barring any early release.


German Nurse Gets Life Sentence For Killing 10 Patients To Ease Workload 

The coalition government led by Olaf Scholz has been officially dismissed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Scholz and his cabinet officially received dismissal letters and papers at a ceremony held in Berlin. Scholz and his ministers will now serve as a caretaker government until the Merz-led CDU reaches a breakthrough in coalition talks with the SPD. Watch in for more details!

German President Steinmeier dismisses Scholz and his government

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured its highest-ever national election result on Sunday, with exit polls indicating support between 19.5 per cent and 20 per cent. Party leader Alice Weidel celebrated the outcome at an election night gathering in Berlin, declaring, &ldquo;We have achieved a historic result.&rdquo;
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<h2>&nbsp;A growing force in politics &nbsp;</h2>
Weidel said the anti-immigration party is now a strong part of Germany&rsquo;s political system. "Never been so strong on a national level,&rdquo; she added, highlighting the AfD&rsquo;s growing influence, as reported by AFP.
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<h2>&nbsp;AfD open to coalition with CDU &nbsp;</h2>
Weidel expressed interest in working with the centre-right CDU/CSU alliance, which won at least 28.5 per cent of the vote. &ldquo;Our hand is reaching out,&rdquo; she told the ARD TV station. However, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with AfD.
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He created controversy last month by introducing a motion that was approved with AfD votes, going against a long-standing tradition.
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<h2>AfD&rsquo;s future ambitions &nbsp;</h2>
Weidel warned that if the CDU continues to ignore AfD, her party could become even stronger. &ldquo;If they refuse to work with us, we will overtake them in the next election,&rdquo; she said, looking ahead to the future political landscape.
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(With inputs from agencies)

World | The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leader Alice Weidel celebrated the outcome at an election night gathering in Berlin, declaring, “We have achieved a historic result.”

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured its highest-ever national election result on Sunday, with exit polls indicating support between 19.5 per cent and 20 per cent. Party leader Alice Weidel celebrated the outcome at an election night gathering in Berlin, declaring, “We have achieved a historic result.” Also Read | Trump’s envoy heads to Middle East to negotiate Israel-Hamas truce extension A growing force in politics Weidel said the anti-immigration party is now a strong part of Germany’s political system. "Never been so strong on a national level,” she added, highlighting the AfD’s growing influence, as reported by AFP. Also Read | Watch | Israeli fighter jets fly over Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s funeral as thousands gather in Beirut AfD open to coalition with CDU Weidel expressed interest in working with the centre-right CDU/CSU alliance, which won at least 28.5 per cent of the vote. “Our hand is reaching out,” she told the ARD TV station. However, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with AfD. Also Read | ‘Pause any responses’: Kash Patel asks FBI employees to ignore Musk’s ‘Justify your job’ directive He created controversy last month by introducing a motion that was approved with AfD votes, going against a long-standing tradition. Also Read | Pope Francis in 'critical' condition after 'asthma-like respiratory crisis': Vatican AfD’s future ambitions Weidel warned that if the CDU continues to ignore AfD, her party could become even stronger. “If they refuse to work with us, we will overtake them in the next election,” she said, looking ahead to the future political landscape. Also Read | Donald Trump recruited by Moscow in the 1980s? Ex-KGB officer makes bold claim (With inputs from agencies)

German far-right AfD leader calls election result ‘historic’ after exit polls, Weidel calls for CDU alliance

German authorities are pressing for a 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard to face trial almost 80 years after the end of World War II. The higher regional court in Frankfurt on Tuesday said it had overturned a decision by a lower court under which the suspect had been deemed unfit to stand trial.

German authorities are pressing for a 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard to face trial almost 80 years after the end of World War II. The higher regional court in Frankfurt on Tuesday said it had overturned a decision by a lower court under which the suspect had been deemed unfit to stand trial. The suspect, named Gregor Formanek by German media, was charged last year with aiding and abetting murder in 3,322 cases while working at the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp near Berlin between July 1943 and February 1945. Also read | Chinese police detains 'bored' man for creating his fake arrest notice with $4,000 reward However, an expert determined in February that Formanek was not fit to stand trial due to his mental and physical condition and the court in Hanau, Hesse state, eventually decided not to open the proceedings against him. The Frankfurt court on Tuesday found the expert's decision had not been based on "sufficient facts". "The expert himself stated that it was not possible to interview the defendant and that the opportunity for extensive psychiatric testing was not available," it said. Germany has been scrambling to bring the last surviving former Nazi war criminals to justice since a 2011 landmark ruling paved the way for several trials. One former death camp guard, John Demjanjuk, was convicted on the basis that he served as part of Hitler's killing machine, even though there was no proof he had directly killed anyone. Watch | Vietnamese Tycoon Truong Loses Death Sentence Appeal, Needs $BN To Save Her Life × Since then, several former concentration camp workers have been found guilty of being accessories to murder on the same basis. However, with time running out, many cases have been abandoned in recent years after the accused died or was physically unable to stand trial. More than 200,000 people, including Jews, Roma, regime opponents and gay people, were detained at the Sachsenhausen camp between 1936 and 1945. Tens of thousands died there from forced labour, murder, medical experiments, hunger or disease before the camp was liberated by Soviet troops. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

100-year-old ex-Nazi camp guard could face trial in Germany

Iran has executed Iranian German National Jamshid Sharmahd who was a convict of terrorism charges. Iranian media has reported this news. Sharmahd a resident of the United States was sentenced to death in 2023 for his alleged role in a 2008 blast that claimed 14 lives. Watch in for more details!

Iran Executes Iranian-German National; German Chancellor Calls Execution 'A Scandal'

German MP Heike Heubach has made history by delivering first address in sign Language at Parliament. The 44-year-old lawmaker who is hearing imped belongs to Social Democratic party of Germany. She was applauded by her fellow lawmakers as they cheered for her in sign language. Watch to know more.

Hearing Impaired Parliamentarian Charts German History

German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network.

The men, aged 43 to 69, were suspected of being the "leading figures behind the dark web platform", police in the North Rhine-Westphalia region said in a statement.

The website was used "solely" to share pornographic images of children, chief investigator Kai-Arne Gailer told a press conference.&nbsp;

Officials did not provide an estimate for the number of victims affected but said the abusive material shared on the site exclusively depicted girls.

Police arrested the men in nationwide raids carried out at the end of September, seizing huge amounts of material.

Investigators collected 1,517 items of evidence, including laptops, computers and mobile phones, as well as 94 boxes filled with video cassettes and DVDs.

One suspect's computer contained 13.5 terabytes of data, the equivalent of 3.4 million photos, according to police.&nbsp;

Gailer said the equivalent of about 1,000 terabytes was involved.

Regional interior minister Herbert Reul said the scope of the investigation was "dizzyingly large and extensive".

The law enforcement operation was a "massive blow" against distributors of child pornography that would have a "lasting effect on the scene", Gailer said.

Police were still investigating and would now have to comb through the evidence collected, Gailer said.&nbsp;

International law enforcement authorities were also continuing investigations into suspects. "There is no continent that is not affected," Gailer said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network.

German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network. The men, aged 43 to 69, were suspected of being the "leading figures behind the dark web platform", police in the North Rhine-Westphalia region said in a statement. The website was used "solely" to share pornographic images of children, chief investigator Kai-Arne Gailer told a press conference. Officials did not provide an estimate for the number of victims affected but said the abusive material shared on the site exclusively depicted girls. Police arrested the men in nationwide raids carried out at the end of September, seizing huge amounts of material. Investigators collected 1,517 items of evidence, including laptops, computers and mobile phones, as well as 94 boxes filled with video cassettes and DVDs. One suspect's computer contained 13.5 terabytes of data, the equivalent of 3.4 million photos, according to police. Gailer said the equivalent of about 1,000 terabytes was involved. Regional interior minister Herbert Reul said the scope of the investigation was "dizzyingly large and extensive". The law enforcement operation was a "massive blow" against distributors of child pornography that would have a "lasting effect on the scene", Gailer said. Police were still investigating and would now have to comb through the evidence collected, Gailer said. International law enforcement authorities were also continuing investigations into suspects. "There is no continent that is not affected," Gailer said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German police shut down 'dizzyingly large' child pornography website with thousands of users, arrest 6

German authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of passing information on a major air freight hub to a man who is suspected of spying for China, prosecutors said Tuesday.&nbsp;The woman&nbsp;was identified only as Yaqi X.

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In line with German privacy rules, the woman was arrested in the eastern city of Leipzig on Monday, federal prosecutors said in a statement. She is suspected of working for a Chinese intelligence service, providing information on flights&nbsp;and freight, including military equipment and passengers.

The suspect works for a company that provides logistical services at sites, including the Leipzig/Halle Airport, prosecutors said. The airport handles both passengers and freight but is known principally as a cargo hub.

They alleged that, between August 2023 and mid-February this year, she repeatedly passed information to Jian Guo — a German national who was an aide to far-right European Parliament lawmaker Maximilian Krah and was arrested in April. The&nbsp;prosecutors said she passed&nbsp;all information on the transport of military equipment and people with connections to a German defence company, which they didn't identify.

Yaqi is in custody, pending a possible indictment, prosecutors said. Her apartment and workplace were searched. 
 
Prosecutors have said that Guo is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and of repeatedly passing on information on negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament to Beijing.&nbsp;

They allege that he also snooped on Chinese dissidents in Germany. 
 
In a separate case in April, three Germans were arrested on suspicion of spying for China and arranging to transfer information on technology with potential military uses.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

German authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of passing information on a major air freight hub to a man who is suspected of spying for China, prosecutors said Tuesday.

German authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of passing information on a major air freight hub to a man who is suspected of spying for China, prosecutors said Tuesday. The woman was identified only as Yaqi X. In line with German privacy rules, the woman was arrested in the eastern city of Leipzig on Monday, federal prosecutors said in a statement. She is suspected of working for a Chinese intelligence service, providing information on flights and freight, including military equipment and passengers. The suspect works for a company that provides logistical services at sites, including the Leipzig/Halle Airport, prosecutors said. The airport handles both passengers and freight but is known principally as a cargo hub. They alleged that, between August 2023 and mid-February this year, she repeatedly passed information to Jian Guo — a German national who was an aide to far-right European Parliament lawmaker Maximilian Krah and was arrested in April. The prosecutors said she passed all information on the transport of military equipment and people with connections to a German defence company, which they didn't identify. Yaqi is in custody, pending a possible indictment, prosecutors said. Her apartment and workplace were searched. Prosecutors have said that Guo is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and of repeatedly passing on information on negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament to Beijing. They allege that he also snooped on Chinese dissidents in Germany. In a separate case in April, three Germans were arrested on suspicion of spying for China and arranging to transfer information on technology with potential military uses. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German authorities arrest Chinese woman accused of passing airport details to spy working for China

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East".

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Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement. Flights to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14.&nbsp;

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group added.

The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines.

The Israeli army said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon after launching a ground offensive Tuesday, escalating the conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds.

Following the example of its parent company, Swiss Air said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East". Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement.

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East". Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement. Flights to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14. "We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group added. The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines. The Israeli army said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon after launching a ground offensive Tuesday, escalating the conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds. Following the example of its parent company, Swiss Air said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German airline group Lufthansa extends suspension of Beirut and Tel Aviv flights

Germany has introduced changes to its citizenship laws to ensure people with hatred towards Jews and Israel are kept away from naturalisation. German channel NDR (North German Radio and Television) has reported citing the country’s Interior Ministry that under the new law, people posting 'From the River to the Sea' on social media may also be denied citizenship.

<h2>'From the River to the Sea'</h2>

Amid increased antisemitism across Europe, Germany has introduced clause 10.1.1.1.3.1 in its citizenship law that concerns "Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist injustice and its consequences, especially for the protection of Jewish life."

The clause states that an individual who doesn’t respect Germany’s stance on providing legal guarantees and security commitment to Jews will not be offered citizenship. It means those denying or disputing the extent of the genocide of the Jews of Europe by Nazi Germany (the Holocaust) will be not offered naturalisation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiD-eXOz-qIAxXfwjgGHckCNV0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-four-killed-in-beirut-as-israel-carries-out-first-strike-on-heart-of-lebanons-capital-763028" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-four-killed-in-beirut-as-israel-carries-out-first-strike-on-heart-of-lebanons-capital-763028&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiD-eXOz-qIAxXfwjgGHckCNV0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital</a>

Now, the clause also includes anti-Israel and anti-Jew slogans and phrases, which means any person posting these statements online can be denied German citizenship.

"From the River to the Sea," possibly with the addition "Palestine will be free," "Let's go bomb Tel Aviv," "Death to Israel," and "Israel, child murderer" are some of the statements that have been identified as anti-Jew and anti-Israel under the clause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiD-eXOz-qIAxXfwjgGHckCNV0QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passed-on-the-opportunity-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-sinwar-heres-why-763156" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passed-on-the-opportunity-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-sinwar-heres-why-763156&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiD-eXOz-qIAxXfwjgGHckCNV0QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Israel passed on the opportunity to eliminate Hamas chief Sinwar. Here's why</a>

Additionally, posting maps online showing Israeli area coloured in the Palestinian flag may also draw similar measures from the government. Not just posting, but liking, reposting and commenting on such slogans may also cost an individual German citizenship.

However, the Interior Ministry has said that the context of these statements would be taken into account.

For example, if "statements such as 'From the River to the Sea' coincide with an explicit call for violent actions against the State of Israel," this should be questioned in a citizenship interview.

Earlier in March, Germany had introduced questions on the Holocaust, Judaism, and Israel to filter out people with antisemitic views in its citizenship test.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany has introduced changes to its citizenship laws to ensure people with hatred towards Jews and Israel are kept away from naturalisation. German channel NDR (North German Radio and Television) has reported citing the country’s Interior Ministry that under the new law, people posting 'From the River to the Sea' on social media may also be denied citizenship.

Germany has introduced changes to its citizenship laws to ensure people with hatred towards Jews and Israel are kept away from naturalisation. German channel NDR (North German Radio and Television) has reported citing the country’s Interior Ministry that under the new law, people posting 'From the River to the Sea' on social media may also be denied citizenship. 'From the River to the Sea' Amid increased antisemitism across Europe, Germany has introduced clause 10.1.1.1.3.1 in its citizenship law that concerns "Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist injustice and its consequences, especially for the protection of Jewish life." The clause states that an individual who doesn’t respect Germany’s stance on providing legal guarantees and security commitment to Jews will not be offered citizenship. It means those denying or disputing the extent of the genocide of the Jews of Europe by Nazi Germany (the Holocaust) will be not offered naturalisation. Also read: West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital Now, the clause also includes anti-Israel and anti-Jew slogans and phrases, which means any person posting these statements online can be denied German citizenship. "From the River to the Sea," possibly with the addition "Palestine will be free," "Let's go bomb Tel Aviv," "Death to Israel," and "Israel, child murderer" are some of the statements that have been identified as anti-Jew and anti-Israel under the clause. Also read: Israel passed on the opportunity to eliminate Hamas chief Sinwar. Here's why Additionally, posting maps online showing Israeli area coloured in the Palestinian flag may also draw similar measures from the government. Not just posting, but liking, reposting and commenting on such slogans may also cost an individual German citizenship. However, the Interior Ministry has said that the context of these statements would be taken into account. For example, if "statements such as 'From the River to the Sea' coincide with an explicit call for violent actions against the State of Israel," this should be questioned in a citizenship interview. Earlier in March, Germany had introduced questions on the Holocaust, Judaism, and Israel to filter out people with antisemitic views in its citizenship test. (With inputs from agencies)

Wishing ‘death to Israel’ will now cost individuals German citizenship: Report

Ahead of the German State elections the Granny's against the right are mobilizing in the country. Watch in for more details!

German 'Grannies against the right' protest ahead of state elections

At the beginning of his trial, a former German soldier acknowledged he had spied for Russia, claiming he did it to prevent the conflict in Ukraine from getting worse.

Trial begin in German soldier's espionage case, soldier Thomas H admits spying for Russia

At the beginning of his trial, a former German soldier acknowledged he had spied for Russia, claiming he did it to prevent the conflict in Ukraine from getting worse. "It was incorrect. "I maintain my stance," declared the accused, identified solely as Thomas H., who is at the core of multiple espionage investigations unearthed in Germany following Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

Former German army officer admits to spying for Russia as trial opens in Berlin

Germany accused Russia on Monday of leaking an intercepted recording of German military discussions about how to support Ukraine against the Kremlin's invasion in an attempt to divide Europe.

German audio leak: German defence minister calls Russian leak a 'hybrid attack'

Fears are rising among intelligence experts that the German military leaks are just the 'tip of the iceberg' as they warn that NATO secrets may have been compromised. Watch in for more details!

German leaks that left British troops at risk are 'tip of iceberg'

German military leaks jolt NATO, UK Foreign Secretary heads to Berlin

The United States accused Russia on Monday of attempting to sow mistrust among Ukraine and its allies by publishing an intercepted online call involving Germany’s air force chief and three subordinates about the war.

German audio leak | Explained: Contents of the big military leak

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 28) was seen listening closely to German singer Cassandra Mae Spittmann. PM Modi met the singer and her mother in Palladam, which is in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

India: PM Modi applauds German singer as she sings devotional song `Achyutam Keshavam`

Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed.

However, they reportedly denied any plans to adopt a proposal for mass deportations of immigrants discussed at the talks.

Martin Sellner, the leader of the white pride Identitarian Movement in Austria, proposed a strategy to "reverse the inward migration of foreigners" and instead eliminate migrants and asylum seekers, investigative media outlet Correctiv reported citing undercover research.

He also, as per the reports, suggested that when the AfD came into power, the biggest "problem" for the party would be the expulsion of "non-assimilated citizens".&nbsp;

The meeting held in the vicinity of Potsdam, was attended by politicians, lawyers, and doctors, as per Correctiv.

Confirming his presence at the talks, Sellner told the news agency AFP, "It was the end of November and I presented my book and the Identitarian concept of remigration there".&nbsp;

The Austrian added that his "concept targeted migrants who are not assimilated, or who culturally, economically and criminally weigh on society".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gambias-football-team-makes-emergency-landing-after-plane-loses-oxygen-679059">Gambia's football team makes emergency landing after plane loses oxygen</a>

The Identitarian movement adheres to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which posits that non-white immigrants are engaged in a conspiracy to replace Europe’s “native” white population, which the nationalist extremists seek to eliminate.

The AfD said Roland Hartwig, co-leader Alice Weidel's close aide, had put forward a social media project at the meeting.

However, the far-right said that Hartwig did not "bring Mr Sellner's ideas on migration policies" into the party, and added that it "would not change its immigration policies based on the individual ideas of a speaker at the meeting".

Watch |&nbsp;Germany's opposition leader launches new party

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&nbsp;

One of the AfD participants, according to Correctiv, claimed that the party was no longer opposed to dual citizenship, as "you can then take away the German one, and they'd still have one".

Established in the year 2013, the AfD was created as a group opposing the euro, however, it later transformed into an anti-immigration party. In the year 2017, they achieved parliamentary representation for the first time, capitalising on public dissatisfaction with a significant influx of migrants, including those escaping conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

The party's backing dwindled to approximately 10 per cent during the 2021 election.&nbsp;

However, it has subsequently made a recovery amidst the challenges faced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, including an energy crisis, significant inflation, and a struggling economy following Russia's war with Ukraine.

The ideology behind the plan discussed at the meeting took aim at "the foundations of our democracy", German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed.

Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed. However, they reportedly denied any plans to adopt a proposal for mass deportations of immigrants discussed at the talks. Martin Sellner, the leader of the white pride Identitarian Movement in Austria, proposed a strategy to "reverse the inward migration of foreigners" and instead eliminate migrants and asylum seekers, investigative media outlet Correctiv reported citing undercover research. He also, as per the reports, suggested that when the AfD came into power, the biggest "problem" for the party would be the expulsion of "non-assimilated citizens". The meeting held in the vicinity of Potsdam, was attended by politicians, lawyers, and doctors, as per Correctiv. Confirming his presence at the talks, Sellner told the news agency AFP, "It was the end of November and I presented my book and the Identitarian concept of remigration there". The Austrian added that his "concept targeted migrants who are not assimilated, or who culturally, economically and criminally weigh on society". Also read: Gambia's football team makes emergency landing after plane loses oxygen The Identitarian movement adheres to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which posits that non-white immigrants are engaged in a conspiracy to replace Europe’s “native” white population, which the nationalist extremists seek to eliminate. The AfD said Roland Hartwig, co-leader Alice Weidel's close aide, had put forward a social media project at the meeting. However, the far-right said that Hartwig did not "bring Mr Sellner's ideas on migration policies" into the party, and added that it "would not change its immigration policies based on the individual ideas of a speaker at the meeting". Watch | Germany's opposition leader launches new party × One of the AfD participants, according to Correctiv, claimed that the party was no longer opposed to dual citizenship, as "you can then take away the German one, and they'd still have one". Established in the year 2013, the AfD was created as a group opposing the euro, however, it later transformed into an anti-immigration party. In the year 2017, they achieved parliamentary representation for the first time, capitalising on public dissatisfaction with a significant influx of migrants, including those escaping conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The party's backing dwindled to approximately 10 per cent during the 2021 election. However, it has subsequently made a recovery amidst the challenges faced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, including an energy crisis, significant inflation, and a struggling economy following Russia's war with Ukraine. The ideology behind the plan discussed at the meeting took aim at "the foundations of our democracy", German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

German, Austrian extremists meet to discuss expulsion of 'non-assimilated' immigrants

Germany's high-profile opposition leader Sahra Waagen-Khnech launches a new party. The party's name is Sahra Wagenknecht alliance- reason and fairness party. It will make its electoral debut in June.

Germany's opposition leader launches new party

A 26-year-old French suspect recorded a video pledging allegiance to the Islamic State before his knife and hammer attack. The French anti-terror prosecutor said that the suspect told the police that he was angry about the situation in Gaza.

Man arrested for killing German tourist in Paris, suspect tells 'was angry about situation in Gaza'

Authorities in western Germany have appealed people to stay indoors on Tuesday (Nov 28) after intense winter weather killed two people. The authorities have warned of life-threatening danger after burst of winter weather has turned roads into hazardous stretches. This has led to several accidents and also cases in which people were trapped in their vehicles. Falling tree branches have added to the bad situation.

In the Schwaebisch Hall district in Baden-Wuerttemberg state a 71-year-old man died after a collision on a snowy road on Monday. According to the police, the man, who was driving a vehicle lost control of the vehicle as a result of which the vehicle entered the lane with oncoming traffic.

Another man, a 54-year-old driver died in an accident near Denzerheide in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Watch | Germany, France &amp; Italy reach agreement on future AI regulation | World Business Watch

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To the west of Hesse, in Rheingau-Taunus district, 100 people were evacuated from their vehicles. Seventy people were trapped on road near Linienbad.

"My urgent appeal: Be sure to stay at home on Tuesday. Please do not go for walks in the forest either: there is an acute danger to life from broken branches and falling trees," said the district's administrator in a statement.

<h2>Frigid conditions to persist</h2>

According to the German Meteorological Service DWD (Deutscher wetterdiesnt) there will be snow and sleet again in many federal states today. The weather service has said that this weather will persist for some days.

The western state of Hesse was especially hit due to snowfall and icy roads. There were power cuts as trees fell on power lines in some places, reported AP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-forcing-ukraine-to-end-war-with-russia-and-ready-to-accept-new-boundary-report-663043">US, Germany forcing Ukraine to end war with Russia and ready to accept new boundary: Report</a>

Across the state, there were reports of road accidents that caused injuries and collapse of trees due to weight of the snow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-raids-homes-of-hamas-palestinian-organisation-supporters-661956">Germany: Raids target people linked to Hamas, far-right, Palestinian groups</a>

In the state of Saxony-Anhalt, a school bus skidded into a ditch on Tuesday morning. There were 16 children on board. AP cited police who said that one child was injured.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in western Germany have appealed people to stay indoors on Tuesday (Nov 28) after intense winter weather killed two people. The authorities have warned of life-threatening danger after burst of winter weather has turned roads into hazardous stretches.

Authorities in western Germany have appealed people to stay indoors on Tuesday (Nov 28) after intense winter weather killed two people. The authorities have warned of life-threatening danger after burst of winter weather has turned roads into hazardous stretches. This has led to several accidents and also cases in which people were trapped in their vehicles. Falling tree branches have added to the bad situation. In the Schwaebisch Hall district in Baden-Wuerttemberg state a 71-year-old man died after a collision on a snowy road on Monday. According to the police, the man, who was driving a vehicle lost control of the vehicle as a result of which the vehicle entered the lane with oncoming traffic. Another man, a 54-year-old driver died in an accident near Denzerheide in Rhineland-Palatinate. Watch | Germany, France & Italy reach agreement on future AI regulation | World Business Watch × To the west of Hesse, in Rheingau-Taunus district, 100 people were evacuated from their vehicles. Seventy people were trapped on road near Linienbad. "My urgent appeal: Be sure to stay at home on Tuesday. Please do not go for walks in the forest either: there is an acute danger to life from broken branches and falling trees," said the district's administrator in a statement. Frigid conditions to persist According to the German Meteorological Service DWD (Deutscher wetterdiesnt) there will be snow and sleet again in many federal states today. The weather service has said that this weather will persist for some days. The western state of Hesse was especially hit due to snowfall and icy roads. There were power cuts as trees fell on power lines in some places, reported AP. Also Read | US, Germany forcing Ukraine to end war with Russia and ready to accept new boundary: Report Across the state, there were reports of road accidents that caused injuries and collapse of trees due to weight of the snow. Also Read | Germany: Raids target people linked to Hamas, far-right, Palestinian groups In the state of Saxony-Anhalt, a school bus skidded into a ditch on Tuesday morning. There were 16 children on board. AP cited police who said that one child was injured. (With inputs from agencies)

Stay indoors, German authorities tell people amid deadly winter as extreme weather kills two

China has registered its protest with Germany following comments by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who referred to President Xi Jinping as a "dictator." The Chinese foreign ministry termed this as both "absurd" and an "open political provocation," as per Reuters. Interestingly, China is Germany's largest trade partner.

Baerbock made these remarks during a live interview with Fox News when discussing Russia's war on Ukraine.

She posed the question, "If Putin were to win this war, what sign would that be for other dictators in the world, like Xi, like the Chinese president?"

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, expressed China's strong disapproval.

“China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the German side’s remarks, which are extremely absurd, a serious infringement of China’s political dignity and an open political provocation," Mao said Monday (September 18).

“China has made serious inquiries to the German side through diplomatic channels,” she added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-issue-alert-over-west-nile-virus-after-new-york-city-reports-death-637133">US: States issue alert over West Nile virus after New York City reports death</a>

Baerbock is known for her vocal criticism of China.

Baerbock made headlines when she described certain aspects of a trip to China as "more than shocking".

Most notably, she expressed her view that Beijing was increasingly emerging as a systemic rival rather than a trade partner.&nbsp;

Earlier, Baerbock cautioned China over its actions towards Taiwan and said a military escalation “would be a horror scenario for the entire world.”

This is not the first instance of a world leader referring to President Xi Jinping as a "dictator."

In June, US President Joe Biden also used the same term, a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to China aimed at stabilising bilateral relations.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had also urged China not to supply weapons to aid Russia's war in Ukraine. Germany’s military intelligence agency (MAD) also earlier reported an increase in Russian and Chinese espionage activities within the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Germany-China trade ties&nbsp;</h2>

Despite political tensions and criticism, China remains Germany's top trade partner.

Bilateral trade reached a record&nbsp;last year, making China Germany's most important trading partner for the seventh consecutive year.

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Trade figures reflected this ongoing economic relationship, with goods valued at around 298 billion euros being traded between the two nations in 2022, marking a 21 percent&nbsp;increase from last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has registered its protest with Germany following comments by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who referred to President Xi Jinping as a "dictator.

China has registered its protest with Germany following comments by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who referred to President Xi Jinping as a "dictator." The Chinese foreign ministry termed this as both "absurd" and an "open political provocation," as per Reuters. Interestingly, China is Germany's largest trade partner. Baerbock made these remarks during a live interview with Fox News when discussing Russia's war on Ukraine. She posed the question, "If Putin were to win this war, what sign would that be for other dictators in the world, like Xi, like the Chinese president?" Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, expressed China's strong disapproval. “China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the German side’s remarks, which are extremely absurd, a serious infringement of China’s political dignity and an open political provocation," Mao said Monday (September 18). “China has made serious inquiries to the German side through diplomatic channels,” she added. Also Read | US: States issue alert over West Nile virus after New York City reports death Baerbock is known for her vocal criticism of China. Baerbock made headlines when she described certain aspects of a trip to China as "more than shocking". Most notably, she expressed her view that Beijing was increasingly emerging as a systemic rival rather than a trade partner. Earlier, Baerbock cautioned China over its actions towards Taiwan and said a military escalation “would be a horror scenario for the entire world.” This is not the first instance of a world leader referring to President Xi Jinping as a "dictator." In June, US President Joe Biden also used the same term, a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to China aimed at stabilising bilateral relations. Also Read | Elon Musk has his say on Mexico alien corpses saga German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had also urged China not to supply weapons to aid Russia's war in Ukraine. Germany’s military intelligence agency (MAD) also earlier reported an increase in Russian and Chinese espionage activities within the country. Germany-China trade ties Despite political tensions and criticism, China remains Germany's top trade partner. Bilateral trade reached a record last year, making China Germany's most important trading partner for the seventh consecutive year. Watch | UNGA Meet 2023: President Biden to give his inaugural speech in New York × Trade figures reflected this ongoing economic relationship, with goods valued at around 298 billion euros being traded between the two nations in 2022, marking a 21 percent increase from last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

China lodges complaint over German foreign minister's 'dictator' jibe

When you think of a circus what comes to your mind? Clowns, magicians and even animals performing tricks. That's not the case with one such circus called the German Circus Roncalli as they have replaced live animals with Holograms.

German Circus used 3D holograms instead of real animals

German lawmaker and deputy leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Beatrix von Storch was smeared with faeces during an event, she and the police said, on Saturday (August 26), reported German news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW).&nbsp;

<h2>About the attack</h2>

The alleged attack took place on Friday (August 25) at an event hall in the town of Daun in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, as per media reports. According to the police, around 80 to 85 people were participating in the AfD event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, around 120 people outside the venue held a counter-protest, said the police in a statement issued on Saturday. During this time, a man aged 35 entered the event hall and asked to take a picture with the German lawmaker. Subsequently, he proceeded to smear her with dog faeces.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-activists-in-germany-accused-of-580-offences-after-crackdown-603137">Climate activists in Germany accused of 580 offences</a>

He “briefly” resisted arrest, said the police and is currently in custody and under investigation. Officers also said they had spoken with organisers of both events before they were held in order to ensure participants’ right to assembly and freedom of speech.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the German lawmaker react to the incident?</h2>

Von Storch told the German news agency dpa that she has filed a complaint against the 35-year-old man whose name was not revealed&nbsp;by the police. “Yesterday there was another disgusting attack on me (and) the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate,” said the German lawmaker, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-appoints-boris-pistorius-as-new-defence-minister-averts-government-crisis-553579">&nbsp;Germany appoints Boris Pistorius as new defence minister, averts government crisis</a>

She added, “We fight with arguments; AfD-haters fight with feces.”&nbsp;

“No matter what despicable means they resort to, we will fight unwaveringly and now more decisively for the spiritual and moral renewal of our nation,” said von Storch, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

Von Storch (52), is known for her anti-immigration and anti-green policies. She has been the AfD’s deputy leader since 2015 and a member of the Bundestag parliament since 2017.&nbsp;

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German lawmaker and deputy leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Beatrix von Storch was smeared with faeces during an event, she and the police said, on Saturday (August 26), reported German news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW).

German lawmaker and deputy leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Beatrix von Storch was smeared with faeces during an event, she and the police said, on Saturday (August 26), reported German news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW). About the attack The alleged attack took place on Friday (August 25) at an event hall in the town of Daun in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, as per media reports. According to the police, around 80 to 85 people were participating in the AfD event. Meanwhile, around 120 people outside the venue held a counter-protest, said the police in a statement issued on Saturday. During this time, a man aged 35 entered the event hall and asked to take a picture with the German lawmaker. Subsequently, he proceeded to smear her with dog faeces. ALSO READ | Climate activists in Germany accused of 580 offences He “briefly” resisted arrest, said the police and is currently in custody and under investigation. Officers also said they had spoken with organisers of both events before they were held in order to ensure participants’ right to assembly and freedom of speech. How did the German lawmaker react to the incident? Von Storch told the German news agency dpa that she has filed a complaint against the 35-year-old man whose name was not revealed by the police. “Yesterday there was another disgusting attack on me (and) the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate,” said the German lawmaker, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). ALSO READ | Germany appoints Boris Pistorius as new defence minister, averts government crisis She added, “We fight with arguments; AfD-haters fight with feces.” “No matter what despicable means they resort to, we will fight unwaveringly and now more decisively for the spiritual and moral renewal of our nation,” said von Storch, as quoted by DW. Von Storch (52), is known for her anti-immigration and anti-green policies. She has been the AfD’s deputy leader since 2015 and a member of the Bundestag parliament since 2017. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Disgusting attack’: Man smears dog faeces on German lawmaker, detained

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to&nbsp;recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

"We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"That is more than annoying," she added.

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Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1691312170808573952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi.

She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem.

Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced.

A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps.

"For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added.

The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco".

<h2>Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment</h2>

The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300.

"We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X.

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As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024.

"With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said.

In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre.

The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip.&nbsp;

"We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future".

"It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media.

(With inputs from agencies)

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane. "We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "That is more than annoying," she added. Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2 — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) August 15, 2023 × Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi. She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem. Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced. A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps. "For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added. The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco". Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300. "We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X. Also read: Chandrayaan-3, just a week away from lunar soft-landing As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024. "With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said. In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre. The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip. "We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said. New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future". "It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

German foreign minister cancels Indo-Pacific travel after plane suffers technical snag

Germany's foreign minister and Annalena Baerbock had to axe her trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The decision was taken over repeated technical problems plaguing her government plane Baerbock had left on Sunday for the Indo-Pacific tour but her plane suffered an outage after refuelling in Abu Dhabi.

German FM Annalena Baerbock axes trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji

Germany has offered to extend the deployment of three Patriot air defence systems to Poland until the end of the year.

German Patriot Missiles to stay in Poland

Germany has offered to extend the deployment of three Patriot air defence systems to Poland until the end of the year. To understand this better watch this interview with the Senior Fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations, Charles Kupchan.

NATO increasing its footprint around Russia

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