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Russia continued its massive missile and drone strikes on Ukraine on Tuesday, killing at least six people on what is the second day of the deadly assault. Earlier on Monday, scores of missiles and drones killed four people, injured more than a dozen, and damaged energy facilities.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia continues missile and drone strikes on Ukraine for second day

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, Zelensky said the success of the plan would depend on President Biden and on whether the US would give Ukraine "what is in this plan or not, [and] whether we will be free to use this plan, or not".</p>

<p>He acknowledged that the plan might seem overly ambitious to some but emphasised its significance for Ukraine. He also mentioned that he intends to share the plan with both US presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-test-fired-first-domestically-produced-ballistic-missile-president-zelensky-753770">Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: Zelensky</a></p>

<p>Notably, a number of Ukrainian troops made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region in early August, and Russia has so far seemingly been unable to repel them.</p>

<p>Ukraine's&nbsp;top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Kyiv&nbsp;now controls 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements.</p>

<p>Gen Syrskyi further said Ukraine had no aim of holding on to the territory and that one motivation for the incursion was to distract Russian&nbsp;forces away from their own offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russia is trying to capture the town of Pokrovsk, which is an important hub and home to a key railway station.</p>

<p>President Zelensky also revealed that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Ukraine has already used some ballistic missiles against Russia that were provided by the US, it has been working to develop the domestic production of military hardware to diminish its dependency on Western aid.</p>

<p>However, for now, Ukraine mostly relies on military supplies from abroad to fight Russia and repel its attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid the ongoing war with Russia.</p>

<p><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2806}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukrainian-drone-hits-russian-high-rise-building-resembling-911-attack-visuals-753370"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2806}">Also read:&nbsp;Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals</strong></a></p>

<p>For the past two nights, Russia has pummelled Ukraine with a barrage of drone and missile attacks which have left several people dead and caused blackouts in various areas of the country.</p>

<p>These attacks demonstrate that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, President Zelensky noted, stating, "When they seek peace talks, they don't launch 230 air strikes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, Russia has indicated that it is unwilling to engage in any peace negotiations with Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September. Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, Zelensky said the success of the plan would depend on President Biden and on whether the US would give Ukraine "what is in this plan or not, [and] whether we will be free to use this plan, or not". He acknowledged that the plan might seem overly ambitious to some but emphasised its significance for Ukraine. He also mentioned that he intends to share the plan with both US presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Also read: Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: Zelensky Notably, a number of Ukrainian troops made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region in early August, and Russia has so far seemingly been unable to repel them. Ukraine's top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Kyiv now controls 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements. Gen Syrskyi further said Ukraine had no aim of holding on to the territory and that one motivation for the incursion was to distract Russian forces away from their own offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russia is trying to capture the town of Pokrovsk, which is an important hub and home to a key railway station. President Zelensky also revealed that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While Ukraine has already used some ballistic missiles against Russia that were provided by the US, it has been working to develop the domestic production of military hardware to diminish its dependency on Western aid. However, for now, Ukraine mostly relies on military supplies from abroad to fight Russia and repel its attacks. For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid the ongoing war with Russia. Also read: Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals For the past two nights, Russia has pummelled Ukraine with a barrage of drone and missile attacks which have left several people dead and caused blackouts in various areas of the country. These attacks demonstrate that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, President Zelensky noted, stating, "When they seek peace talks, they don't launch 230 air strikes." However, since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, Russia has indicated that it is unwilling to engage in any peace negotiations with Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky claims Russian incursion is part of victory plan

<p>Moscow on Wednesday (Aug 28) rejected Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, saying it would continue with&nbsp;its&nbsp;“special military operation” in the eastern European country. Zelensky earlier said he would present his peace plan to United States&nbsp;President Joe Biden as well as his two potential successors: Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump.</p>

<p>The Kremlin in response said they would end their operation in Ukraine only after achieving all goals.</p>

<p>“This is not the first time that we have heard such statements from representatives of the Kyiv regime. We are aware of the nature of this Kyiv regime,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reports Wednesday.</p>

<p>“We are continuing our special military operation and will achieve all of our goals,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky on Kursk invasion</strong></h2>

<p>Referring to Ukraine’s three-week-old incursion into Russia’s Kursk, Zelensky said it was part of a wider plan to force his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to come to the peace table. He added that the wider plan also included efforts on the economic and diplomatic front.</p>

<p>To further boost the offensive, the Ukrainian president&nbsp;is said to have asked Washington DC to allow his forces to use long-range US-supplied arms to strike deep inside Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjtj4uK9peIAxUS-TgGHUtwM18QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-against-pm-modi-zelensky-addresses-his-criticism-of-modi-putin-hug-while-speaking-to-wion-753015" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/not-against-pm-modi-zelensky-addresses-his-criticism-of-modi-putin-hug-while-speaking-to-wion-753015&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtj4uK9peIAxUS-TgGHUtwM18QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>The incursion began on August 6, catching Moscow off guard and forcing it to scramble its troops to stall the advance. Meanwhile, Putin’s forces are also pressing ahead with their own offensive in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia on PM Modi’s peace call</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin also said it supported Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi’s call for peace and the urgent need for a settlement. Modi and Putin talked over the phone on Tuesday where the former “reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjtj4uK9peIAxUS-TgGHUtwM18QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-speaks-to-russias-putin-days-after-visiting-ukraine-reiterates-committment-to-peace-753675" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-speaks-to-russias-putin-days-after-visiting-ukraine-reiterates-committment-to-peace-753675&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtj4uK9peIAxUS-TgGHUtwM18QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">PM Modi speaks to Putin days after visiting Ukraine, reiterates commitment to peace</a></strong></p>

<p>Peskov also said that Russia supported India’s view on the need for a peaceful settlement, but said it was “more than obvious” that there was no basis for talks right now.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Moscow on Wednesday (Aug 28) rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, saying it would continue with its “special military operation” in the eastern European country.

Moscow on Wednesday (Aug 28) rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, saying it would continue with its “special military operation” in the eastern European country. Zelensky earlier said he would present his peace plan to United States President Joe Biden as well as his two potential successors: Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump. The Kremlin in response said they would end their operation in Ukraine only after achieving all goals. “This is not the first time that we have heard such statements from representatives of the Kyiv regime. We are aware of the nature of this Kyiv regime,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reports Wednesday. “We are continuing our special military operation and will achieve all of our goals,” he added. Zelensky on Kursk invasion Referring to Ukraine’s three-week-old incursion into Russia’s Kursk, Zelensky said it was part of a wider plan to force his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to come to the peace table. He added that the wider plan also included efforts on the economic and diplomatic front. To further boost the offensive, the Ukrainian president is said to have asked Washington DC to allow his forces to use long-range US-supplied arms to strike deep inside Russia. Also read: ‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION The incursion began on August 6, catching Moscow off guard and forcing it to scramble its troops to stall the advance. Meanwhile, Putin’s forces are also pressing ahead with their own offensive in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Russia on PM Modi’s peace call The Kremlin also said it supported Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for peace and the urgent need for a settlement. Modi and Putin talked over the phone on Tuesday where the former “reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict." Also read: PM Modi speaks to Putin days after visiting Ukraine, reiterates commitment to peace Peskov also said that Russia supported India’s view on the need for a peaceful settlement, but said it was “more than obvious” that there was no basis for talks right now. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No basis for talks,’ Russia responds to Modi’s call for peace, rejects Zelensky’s proposal

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan met in Beijing on Tuesday, as the world's two biggest economies hope to maintain their relations.

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<p>The Swiss Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday convicted two executives at an oil exploration company of fraud after they had been accused of embezzling over $1.8 billion from Malaysia's state investment fund 1MDB.</p>

<p>The verdict was the latest episode in the 1MDB scandal, a complex tale of international corruption that has buffeted a slew of financial institutions and individuals across the globe since allegations of wrongdoing first surfaced in 2015.</p>

<p>Prosecutors alleged that Swiss-British national Patrick Mahony and Swiss-Saudi Tarek Obaid had helped to set up a joint venture with 1MDB by creating the impression that their company, PetroSaudi, was backed by the Saudi government.</p>

<p>This was not, in fact, the case, but the accused managed to persuade 1MDB's board into signing up to the scheme in 2009 before going on to defraud the fund, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>According to the indictment, the two executives defrauded the wealth fund of $1.8 billion to enrich themselves, with Obaid getting at least $805 million and Mahony at least $37 million.</p>

<p>Obaid was sentenced to seven years in prison by the court, while Mahony received a sentence of six years.</p>

<p>Lawyers for the two men who had denied wrongdoing could not immediately be reached for comment.</p>

<p>Prosecutors said the two men created the fraudulent scheme with fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, an adviser to former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, who is already in prison over his role in the multi-billion dollar scandal.</p>

<p>Initially extracting $1 billion from 1MDB so it could buy a stake in their venture, the accused took a further $830 million from the fund between 2010 and 2011 as part of an Islamic loan that followed on from their tie-up, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>Between September 2009 and at least July 2015, the accused arranged for bank accounts to be opened in Switzerland to help launder the millions, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>They used the money to buy real estate in Switzerland and London, jewellery and private equity, as well as to develop the PetroSaudi business from which they received a sizeable income, and to maintain "a lavish lifestyle", prosecutors said.</p>

<p>1MDB earlier this year filed a lawsuit against Mahony seeking the return of the $1.83 billion.</p>

<p>Malaysian and U.S. investigators estimate a total of $4.5 billion was siphoned away from 1MDB following its inception in 2009, implicating figures ranging from Razak, Goldman Sachs staff, and high-level officials elsewhere.</p>

<p><em>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&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Swiss Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday convicted two executives at an oil exploration company of fraud after they had been accused of embezzling over $1.8 billion from Malaysia's state investment fund 1MDB.

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday convicted two executives at an oil exploration company of fraud after they had been accused of embezzling over $1.8 billion from Malaysia's state investment fund 1MDB. The verdict was the latest episode in the 1MDB scandal, a complex tale of international corruption that has buffeted a slew of financial institutions and individuals across the globe since allegations of wrongdoing first surfaced in 2015. Prosecutors alleged that Swiss-British national Patrick Mahony and Swiss-Saudi Tarek Obaid had helped to set up a joint venture with 1MDB by creating the impression that their company, PetroSaudi, was backed by the Saudi government. This was not, in fact, the case, but the accused managed to persuade 1MDB's board into signing up to the scheme in 2009 before going on to defraud the fund, prosecutors said. According to the indictment, the two executives defrauded the wealth fund of $1.8 billion to enrich themselves, with Obaid getting at least $805 million and Mahony at least $37 million. Obaid was sentenced to seven years in prison by the court, while Mahony received a sentence of six years. Lawyers for the two men who had denied wrongdoing could not immediately be reached for comment. Prosecutors said the two men created the fraudulent scheme with fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, an adviser to former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, who is already in prison over his role in the multi-billion dollar scandal. Initially extracting $1 billion from 1MDB so it could buy a stake in their venture, the accused took a further $830 million from the fund between 2010 and 2011 as part of an Islamic loan that followed on from their tie-up, prosecutors said. Between September 2009 and at least July 2015, the accused arranged for bank accounts to be opened in Switzerland to help launder the millions, prosecutors said. They used the money to buy real estate in Switzerland and London, jewellery and private equity, as well as to develop the PetroSaudi business from which they received a sizeable income, and to maintain "a lavish lifestyle", prosecutors said. 1MDB earlier this year filed a lawsuit against Mahony seeking the return of the $1.83 billion. Malaysian and U.S. investigators estimate a total of $4.5 billion was siphoned away from 1MDB following its inception in 2009, implicating figures ranging from Razak, Goldman Sachs staff, and high-level officials elsewhere. 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.

Swiss court convicts two executives over $1.8 billion 1MDB fraud

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<p>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Aug 28) met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to ‘reset ties’ and discuss a new cooperation treaty that would bring the two nations closer on clean energy, technology, defence, and irregular migration.</p>

<p>The Downing Street described the effort as a “once in a generation opportunity” to “turn a corner on Brexit.” It stated that the full agreement was yet to be finalised.</p>

<p>A joint declaration released after the meeting said the two leaders want to take German-UK ties to “the next level.” It said that the deal, which could be finalised “by early next year”, will need to be "in full accordance with Germany’s membership of the EU, and the UK’s relationship with the EU".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK PM Keir Starmer in Germany, visit to focus on defence and trade talks</strong></p>

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<p>The joint declaration stated that a new defence agreement will also be struck, which acts as a “key pillar” of the overall treaty.</p>

<p>“The focus was on the bilateral treaty that we want to develop and the most substantive part of that in the end turned out to be the illegal migration joint work that we can do together, which is obviously important to me,” said PM Keir Starmer.</p>

<p>However, the PM warned that the treaty has 'nothing to do with' youth mobility. “The treaty is a bilateral treaty. That’s got nothing to do with youth mobility or anything like that. That’s to do with trade, defence, the economy, illegal migration, etc,” said Starmer while talking to media.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi89uWV7JeIAxU6RmwGHaK1Ix8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/britain-on-health-alert-people-asked-to-stay-inside-as-corrosive-gas-fills-skies-in-uk-753149" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/britain-on-health-alert-people-asked-to-stay-inside-as-corrosive-gas-fills-skies-in-uk-753149&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi89uWV7JeIAxU6RmwGHaK1Ix8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Britain on health alert, asks people to stay inside as corrosive gas fills skies in UK</a></strong></p>

<p>The UK leader also clarified that the deal will not end up reversing Brexit.</p>

<p>"That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union. But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges,” he stated.</p>

<p>The duo also discussed Ukraine in their talks, with Starmer saying they were committed to stand with Ukraine. He also mentioned Gaza war and talked about Israel's right to defend itself, the release of hostages and a permanent ceasefire.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Aug 28) met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to ‘reset ties’ and discuss a new cooperation treaty that would bring the two nations closer on clean energy, technology, defence, and irregular migration.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Aug 28) met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to ‘reset ties’ and discuss a new cooperation treaty that would bring the two nations closer on clean energy, technology, defence, and irregular migration. The Downing Street described the effort as a “once in a generation opportunity” to “turn a corner on Brexit.” It stated that the full agreement was yet to be finalised. A joint declaration released after the meeting said the two leaders want to take German-UK ties to “the next level.” It said that the deal, which could be finalised “by early next year”, will need to be "in full accordance with Germany’s membership of the EU, and the UK’s relationship with the EU". Watch: UK PM Keir Starmer in Germany, visit to focus on defence and trade talks × The joint declaration stated that a new defence agreement will also be struck, which acts as a “key pillar” of the overall treaty. “The focus was on the bilateral treaty that we want to develop and the most substantive part of that in the end turned out to be the illegal migration joint work that we can do together, which is obviously important to me,” said PM Keir Starmer. However, the PM warned that the treaty has 'nothing to do with' youth mobility. “The treaty is a bilateral treaty. That’s got nothing to do with youth mobility or anything like that. That’s to do with trade, defence, the economy, illegal migration, etc,” said Starmer while talking to media. Also read: Britain on health alert, asks people to stay inside as corrosive gas fills skies in UK The UK leader also clarified that the deal will not end up reversing Brexit. "That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union. But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges,” he stated. The duo also discussed Ukraine in their talks, with Starmer saying they were committed to stand with Ukraine. He also mentioned Gaza war and talked about Israel's right to defend itself, the release of hostages and a permanent ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

UK’s Starmer, Germany’s Scholz announce treaty to reset ties but won’t reverse Brexit

<p>The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.</p>

<h2><strong>Houthi attacks and regional tensions</strong></h2>

<p>The Houthis, a Yemen-based group aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the assault, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea as part of their broader conflict.</p>

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<p>According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the attack on the Sounion was due to a violation of their ban on entry to “occupied Palestine.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This incident marks the third attack this month on vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers. Despite the onboard fire being extinguished by the crew, the vessel remains severely impacted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-military-tinder-ad-warns-iran-and-its-proxies-in-lebanon-753934">US's military Tinder ad warns Iran and its proxies in Lebanon</a></p>

<p>Pentagon spokesman Air Force maj gen Patrick Ryder condemned the attack as "reckless acts of terrorism. He said, “These are simply reckless acts of terrorism which continue to destabilise global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Houthis’ own backyard,”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US Military and environmental concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Ryder added that the US military is collaborating with regional partners to assist the vessel and address potential environmental impacts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-chances-of-renewed-nuclear-talks-with-iran-far-away-after-tehran-opens-door-for-negotiations-753920">US says chances of renewed nuclear talks with Iran 'far away' after Tehran opens door for negotiations</a></p>

<h2><strong>Background Of&nbsp;the Houthis</strong></h2>

<p>Led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia rebel group that has been in conflict with Yemen’s government for nearly two decades. They currently control Yemen’s northwest and its capital, Sanaa.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. Houthi attacks and regional tensions The Houthis, a Yemen-based group aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the assault, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea as part of their broader conflict. Also read | US elections: What are swing states? Will they decide fate of 2024 presidential contenders Harris and Trump? According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the attack on the Sounion was due to a violation of their ban on entry to “occupied Palestine.” This incident marks the third attack this month on vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers. Despite the onboard fire being extinguished by the crew, the vessel remains severely impacted. Also read | US's military Tinder ad warns Iran and its proxies in Lebanon Pentagon spokesman Air Force maj gen Patrick Ryder condemned the attack as "reckless acts of terrorism. He said, “These are simply reckless acts of terrorism which continue to destabilise global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Houthis’ own backyard,” US Military and environmental concerns Ryder added that the US military is collaborating with regional partners to assist the vessel and address potential environmental impacts. Also read | US says chances of renewed nuclear talks with Iran 'far away' after Tehran opens door for negotiations Background Of the Houthis Led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia rebel group that has been in conflict with Yemen’s government for nearly two decades. They currently control Yemen’s northwest and its capital, Sanaa. (With inputs from agencies)

Greek-flagged shipping tanker attacked by Houthis now leaking oil: Pentagon

<p>An environmental group is demanding a government investigation into&nbsp;American politician Robert F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr&nbsp;following revelations about an unusual incident involving a dead whale. The controversy was sparked after&nbsp;an old interview with Kennedy’s daughter, which has recently resurfaced.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>In a 2012 Town &amp; Country Magazine interview, Kick Kennedy revealed that, around 1994, her father, RFK Jr, used a chainsaw to remove the head of a dead whale that had washed ashore near their home in&nbsp;Hyannisport, Massachusetts. The whale's head was then transported back to their New York residence on the roof of their minivan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/play-badminton-together-hong-kong-encourages-horny-teens-to-play-badminton-instead-of-having-premarital-sex-754039">'Play badminton together': Hong Kong encourages horny teens to play badminton instead of having premarital sex</a></p>

<p>Kick Kennedy described the scene: “Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet.”</p>

<p>She also recounted that the family wore plastic bags&nbsp;over our heads&nbsp;with cut-out mouth holes to deal with the odour, and "people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us."</p>

<h2><strong>Call for investigation</strong></h2>

<p>The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund has urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to investigate the incident. They argue that possessing any part of a marine mammal, alive or dead, may violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.</p>

<p>Brett Hartl, national political director for the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, stated in the letter, “There are good reasons why it is illegal for any person to collect or keep parts of any endangered species."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/24-people-goes-missing-after-heavy-floods-hit-yemen-754000">Heavy floods hit Yemen, trigger landslides; 24 people go missing, several homes swept away</a></p>

<p>This call for an investigation comes shortly after RFK&nbsp;Jr&nbsp;suspended his independent presidential campaign. His campaign was marked by a series of unusual events, including his admission that he once disposed of a dead bear in New York’s Central Park.</p>

<p>After suspending his campaign, Kennedy endorsed Republican presidential candidate&nbsp;Donald Trump who reportedly offered RFK&nbsp;Jr a role on the transition team if he&nbsp;won the election.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:708,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2451}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:708,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2451}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An environmental group is demanding a government investigation into American politician Robert F Kennedy Jr following revelations about an unusual incident involving a dead whale.

An environmental group is demanding a government investigation into American politician Robert F Kennedy Jr following revelations about an unusual incident involving a dead whale. The controversy was sparked after an old interview with Kennedy’s daughter, which has recently resurfaced. What happened? In a 2012 Town & Country Magazine interview, Kick Kennedy revealed that, around 1994, her father, RFK Jr, used a chainsaw to remove the head of a dead whale that had washed ashore near their home in Hyannisport, Massachusetts. The whale's head was then transported back to their New York residence on the roof of their minivan. Also read | 'Play badminton together': Hong Kong encourages horny teens to play badminton instead of having premarital sex Kick Kennedy described the scene: “Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet.” She also recounted that the family wore plastic bags over our heads with cut-out mouth holes to deal with the odour, and "people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us." Call for investigation The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund has urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to investigate the incident. They argue that possessing any part of a marine mammal, alive or dead, may violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Brett Hartl, national political director for the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, stated in the letter, “There are good reasons why it is illegal for any person to collect or keep parts of any endangered species." Also read | Heavy floods hit Yemen, trigger landslides; 24 people go missing, several homes swept away This call for an investigation comes shortly after RFK Jr suspended his independent presidential campaign. His campaign was marked by a series of unusual events, including his admission that he once disposed of a dead bear in New York’s Central Park. After suspending his campaign, Kennedy endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump who reportedly offered RFK Jr a role on the transition team if he won the election. (With inputs from agencies)

Did RFK Jr cut off dead whale's head? Environmental group calls for investigation

Thousands of international students in Canada have been forced to hit the streets over fears that they may face deportation after key policy changes. Several provinces, including Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, have been hit hard as students vow to force the Justin Trudeau government to roll back recent changes in federal immigration policies.

Canada protest: Students protests break out across Canada

<p>Indian diplomat Digvijay Patil finished 'Ironman 140.6 European Championship'&nbsp;— the toughest single-day endurance event in the world&nbsp;— to claim the coveted 'Ironman' title. Patil, the first Indian diplomat to earn the title, finished the event in 14 hours and 22 minutes after completing a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42.2 km run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patil, an&nbsp;Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, is presently serving as Second Secretary in the Indian embassy in Kazakhstan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Posting on social media, Patil&nbsp;described completing the swimming part of the endurance event as "the first victory".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The day started in the rain. 3.8 km of battling through choppy waters with rain pouring down. Visibility was low, but swim was as the only part I was most comfortable in. Getting out of the water in 1.18 hr was the first victory," Patil wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the 180 km bike ride part, he said, "The rain didn’t let up. 180 km on slick roads, navigating through various landscapes and fighting against 1600m vertical climb. Every hill felt steeper, and slipper slopes added to the challenge.".</p>

<p>On the 42.2 km marathon, he said, "Finally, the rain stopped just as the run began. 42.2 km on tired legs, with every step feeling heavier than the last. I kept telling myself: One foot in front of the other and never stop moving."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milestone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milestone</a> 𝟏𝟖 𝐀𝐮𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭!!🏅<br />
<br />
3.8 km Swim 🏊‍♂️ +<br />
180 km Bike 🚴‍♂️ +<br />
42.2 km Run 🏃‍♂️ +<br />
<br />
= Finished the race in 14 hours 22 minutes.<br />
<br />
The toughest single day endurance event in the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IronmanFrankfurt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IronmanFrankfurt</a> <a href="https://t.co/kNrFse7Zaa">pic.twitter.com/kNrFse7Zaa</a></p>
— Digvijay Patil 🇮🇳 (@Digvijay_IFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/Digvijay_IFS/status/1825865732669755852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 2022, the 'Ironman' endurance event took place in&nbsp;Kazakhstan where Patil is currently serving as second secretary in the Indian embassy in Astana.</p>

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<p>Nearly 300 athletes from India participated in the event and they were subsequently invited to the Indian embassy's Independence Day event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the Indian athletes who participated in the Kazakhstan-held&nbsp;'Ironman' endurance event in August 2022, the Indian diplomat said, "These champions inspired and guided me. And made me remember my long-forgotten dream."</p>


Indian diplomat Digvijay Patil finished 'Ironman 140.6 European Championship' — the toughest single-day endurance event in the world — to claim the coveted 'Ironman' title.

Indian diplomat Digvijay Patil finished 'Ironman 140.6 European Championship' — the toughest single-day endurance event in the world — to claim the coveted 'Ironman' title. Patil, the first Indian diplomat to earn the title, finished the event in 14 hours and 22 minutes after completing a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42.2 km run. Patil, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, is presently serving as Second Secretary in the Indian embassy in Kazakhstan. Posting on social media, Patil described completing the swimming part of the endurance event as "the first victory". "The day started in the rain. 3.8 km of battling through choppy waters with rain pouring down. Visibility was low, but swim was as the only part I was most comfortable in. Getting out of the water in 1.18 hr was the first victory," Patil wrote. On the 180 km bike ride part, he said, "The rain didn’t let up. 180 km on slick roads, navigating through various landscapes and fighting against 1600m vertical climb. Every hill felt steeper, and slipper slopes added to the challenge.". On the 42.2 km marathon, he said, "Finally, the rain stopped just as the run began. 42.2 km on tired legs, with every step feeling heavier than the last. I kept telling myself: One foot in front of the other and never stop moving." #Milestone 𝟏𝟖 𝐀𝐮𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭!!🏅 3.8 km Swim 🏊‍♂️ + 180 km Bike 🚴‍♂️ + 42.2 km Run 🏃‍♂️ + = Finished the race in 14 hours 22 minutes. The toughest single day endurance event in the world. #IronmanFrankfurt pic.twitter.com/kNrFse7Zaa — Digvijay Patil 🇮🇳 (@Digvijay_IFS) August 20, 2024 × In 2022, the 'Ironman' endurance event took place in Kazakhstan where Patil is currently serving as second secretary in the Indian embassy in Astana. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × Nearly 300 athletes from India participated in the event and they were subsequently invited to the Indian embassy's Independence Day event. Referring to the Indian athletes who participated in the Kazakhstan-held 'Ironman' endurance event in August 2022, the Indian diplomat said, "These champions inspired and guided me. And made me remember my long-forgotten dream."

Indian diplomat Digvijay Patil becomes 'Ironman' in Germany

The body of 32-year-old Rahanuma Sarah, who worked as the newsroom editor at private television channel GTV, was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake on Tuesday. Sarah jumped into the lake, her husband said, citing witnesses.

Sheikh Hasina's son questions circumstances of journalist's death

The Israeli Army on Wednesday said that it launched an operation in north of West Bank as Palestinian Health Ministry reported deaths of nine people in the city of Jenin. Watch WION to know more.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to present a victory plan to US president Joe Biden. He said the war with Russia will eventually end with dialogue - but Ukraine's Kursk incursion is so Kyiv can be in a strong position. Watch in for more details!

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Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei has expressed his willingness to engage in fresh negotiations with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. Watch in for more details!

Iran willing to negotiate with US over its nuclear program

The body of 32-year-old Rahanuma Sarah, who worked as the newsroom editor at private television channel GTV, was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake on Tuesday.

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Netanyahu welcomes Israeli hostage return

<p>A 29-year-old Australian man, posing as a famous YouTuber, has been convicted of blackmailing hundreds of girls online in “one of the most severe sextortion cases in the history of Australia.”</p>

<p>Muhammad Zain Ul Abideen Rasheed was sentenced to 17 years in jail by the Perth District Court on Tuesday after he pleaded&nbsp;guilty to 119 charges in December 2023.</p>

<p>Rasheed manipulated over 250 victims around the globe into performing explicit acts on camera. Two-thirds of his victims were aged under 16.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwigpqC_z5eIAxVbTGcHHQwoFqM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nudes-stolen-online-and-distributed-girl-hacks-back-gets-intruder-jailed-501829" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/nudes-stolen-online-and-distributed-girl-hacks-back-gets-intruder-jailed-501829&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigpqC_z5eIAxVbTGcHHQwoFqM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ">Nudes stolen online and distributed, girl hacks back, gets intruder jailed</a></p>

<p>"The callous disregard this man had for his victims around the world and their distress, humiliation and fear make it one of the most horrific sextortion cases prosecuted in Australia," said Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner David McLean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When announcing the sentence on Tuesday, Judge Amanda Burrows said Rasheed's offence was of such magnitude there was "no comparable case" in the country, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).</p>

<h2><strong>International investigation leads to Rasheed's conviction</strong></h2>

<p>Rasheed pretended to be a 15-year-old American internet star and would try to strike up conversations with his victims through social media. He used to contact young females with visible friend lists on social media, befriend them into trust, and then manipulate them into providing explicit content.</p>

<p>Once the victims share their sexual fantasies with Rasheed, he would start blackmailing them into leaking their chats to friends and family, in return for increasingly sexual and degrading videos.</p>

<p>The Western Australia Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) first launched an investigation into Rasheed's activities in September 2019.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwigpqC_z5eIAxVbTGcHHQwoFqM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAsQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-%E2%80%98the-suicide-squad%E2%80%99-actor-joel-kinnaman-alleges-sextortion-by-a-former-partner-gets-restraining-order-403641" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-%25E2%2580%2598the-suicide-squad%25E2%2580%2599-actor-joel-kinnaman-alleges-sextortion-by-a-former-partner-gets-restraining-order-403641&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigpqC_z5eIAxVbTGcHHQwoFqM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAsQAQ">‘The Suicide Squad’ actor Joel Kinnaman alleges sextortion by a former partner, gets restraining order</a></p>

<p>With a series of international investigations by AFP, Commonwealth and WA JACET, it was established that Rasheed had also been involved in misogynistic “incel” communities online. He would connect with other child sex offenders online, exchanging strategies and sharing details of children who were vulnerable to blackmail and abuse.</p>

<p>Sometimes, Rasheed forced his victims to perform sexual acts live with their pets or other children at home, with one instance being viewed by nearly 100 other people online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJ9_mzz5eIAxXzXGwGHWRIE6oQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/explained-sextortion-the-new-nigerian-prince-scam-on-snapchat-heres-how-you-can-protect-your-loved-ones-606925" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/explained-sextortion-the-new-nigerian-prince-scam-on-snapchat-heres-how-you-can-protect-your-loved-ones-606925&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ9_mzz5eIAxXzXGwGHWRIE6oQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Explained: `Sextortion`, the new `Nigerian prince` scam on Snapchat and Instagram</a></p>

<p>Many of the children being extorted told him they were suicidal - one even sent images of self-harm. But Rasheed continued his blackmail despite their "obvious distress" and "extreme fear", the judge said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). One of the victims, a Canadian girl, reported to the police that she was 13 years old.</p>

<p>Rasheed is already serving a five-year sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in his car in a Perth park.</p>

<p>He will be eligible to petition for parole in August 2033.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 29-year-old Australian man, posing as a famous YouTuber, has been convicted of blackmailing hundreds of girls online in “one of the most severe sextortion cases in the history of Australia.

A 29-year-old Australian man, posing as a famous YouTuber, has been convicted of blackmailing hundreds of girls online in “one of the most severe sextortion cases in the history of Australia.” Muhammad Zain Ul Abideen Rasheed was sentenced to 17 years in jail by the Perth District Court on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to 119 charges in December 2023. Rasheed manipulated over 250 victims around the globe into performing explicit acts on camera. Two-thirds of his victims were aged under 16. Also Read | Nudes stolen online and distributed, girl hacks back, gets intruder jailed "The callous disregard this man had for his victims around the world and their distress, humiliation and fear make it one of the most horrific sextortion cases prosecuted in Australia," said Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner David McLean. When announcing the sentence on Tuesday, Judge Amanda Burrows said Rasheed's offence was of such magnitude there was "no comparable case" in the country, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). International investigation leads to Rasheed's conviction Rasheed pretended to be a 15-year-old American internet star and would try to strike up conversations with his victims through social media. He used to contact young females with visible friend lists on social media, befriend them into trust, and then manipulate them into providing explicit content. Once the victims share their sexual fantasies with Rasheed, he would start blackmailing them into leaking their chats to friends and family, in return for increasingly sexual and degrading videos. The Western Australia Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) first launched an investigation into Rasheed's activities in September 2019. Also Read | ‘The Suicide Squad’ actor Joel Kinnaman alleges sextortion by a former partner, gets restraining order With a series of international investigations by AFP, Commonwealth and WA JACET, it was established that Rasheed had also been involved in misogynistic “incel” communities online. He would connect with other child sex offenders online, exchanging strategies and sharing details of children who were vulnerable to blackmail and abuse. Sometimes, Rasheed forced his victims to perform sexual acts live with their pets or other children at home, with one instance being viewed by nearly 100 other people online. Also Read | Explained: `Sextortion`, the new `Nigerian prince` scam on Snapchat and Instagram Many of the children being extorted told him they were suicidal - one even sent images of self-harm. But Rasheed continued his blackmail despite their "obvious distress" and "extreme fear", the judge said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). One of the victims, a Canadian girl, reported to the police that she was 13 years old. Rasheed is already serving a five-year sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in his car in a Perth park. He will be eligible to petition for parole in August 2033. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian man posing as YouTube star jailed for ‘world’s most severe sextortion’

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