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In a surprising turn of events, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has voiced his support for a second term for Donald Trump, claiming it could be a "big win for the world" and "just what the world needs." This endorsement comes amid concerns and warnings from British diplomats about potential security risks if Trump were to be re-elected. Johnson, known for his bold statements and unapologetic style, dismissed the widespread apprehension in Britain as a "caterwauling orgy" and mocked various institutions, including the Church of England, the BBC, and what he referred to as "much of the UK establishment." He accused critics of Trump of succumbing to an "orgy of nose-holding abhorrence" and suggested that their reactions were exaggerated. Despite acknowledging Trump's role in inciting the Capitol riot, Johnson defended him by asserting that he is not a "would-be dictator." He argued that Trump's "sheer unpredictability is a major deterrent to the enemies of the West," downplaying concerns raised by former top diplomats regarding potential security risks. In a column for the Daily Mail, Johnson criticized the "hysterics" surrounding Trump's potential re-election, particularly those who have been vocal about their worries regarding Trump's stance on Ukraine and NATO. Johnson, however, expressed confidence that Trump would not betray Ukraine, pointing to the former president's record of supplying Kyiv with Javelin anti-tank weapons. The former UK leader suggested that the world needs a leader "whose willingness to use force and sheer unpredictability is a major deterrent to the enemies of the West." Despite Trump's hesitancy on certain international matters, Johnson insisted that a Trump presidency could be a "big win for the world" if he supports Ukraine. As the debate over Trump's potential return to the political arena continues, Johnson's endorsement adds a controversial perspective to the ongoing discussions about the future of global leadership. 23.01.24 Source

Nikki Haley intensified her critique of Donald J. Trump during the final stretch of her New Hampshire presidential campaign, delivering forceful attacks on his honesty, mental acuity, and relationships with dictators. The former governor of South Carolina aimed to distinguish herself from Trump as she faces an uphill battle ahead of the primary on Tuesday. Haley, once viewed as Trump's formidable opponent, finds herself in an underdog position, struggling to gain momentum against the former president. Trump's sizable rallies contrast with Haley's smaller-scale events, leading to concerns among her supporters about the upcoming primary results. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe/NBC10 Boston tracking poll on Saturday showed Trump leading Haley by double digits. In her campaign speeches, Haley questioned Trump's mental fitness, referencing instances where he confused her with Nancy Pelosi at a recent rally. She emphasized the choice between a candidate fit for the presidency and the potential consequences of electing someone who may not be mentally prepared for the role. While Haley has often treated Trump gently in her earlier campaign speeches, her recent remarks reflect a more aggressive tone, touching on Trump's associations with dictators and his praise for authoritarian leaders. She accused him of having a "bromance with Putin," praising Xi Jinping after China's role in the Covid-19 pandemic, and engaging in friendly exchanges with Kim Jong Un. As the New Hampshire primary approaches, Haley aims to position herself as an alternative to Trump, hoping for an upset win that could propel her back to her home state of South Carolina. Despite the challenges, Haley's campaign seeks to resonate with independent voters who desire a shift away from the political status quo. The outcome on Tuesday will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the Republican presidential race. 22.01.24 Source Source (No Paywall)

An explosion at the Ust-Luga gas export terminal near St Petersburg in Russia has been attributed to a coordinated drone attack by Ukrainian forces. The blast, which resulted in a large fire at the Novatek terminal, did not cause any reported injuries. Ukrainian officials claim that the attack was part of a "special operation" by the SBU security service, employing drones that successfully hit their target. The incident marks another development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where both sides have utilized drones for various purposes. The Ust-Luga terminal suspension of operations following the fire was attributed to "external influence," as announced by Novatek, the gas producer. The Ukrainian authorities suggest that the plant was providing fuel for Russian military operations in Ukraine, and the attack is deemed to have significant implications for logistical support to the Russian military. Footage published by Russian media outlets, including Fontanka.ru, showed tankers near the affected area, while eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions before the fire. The incident prompted a "high alert regime" in the region, according to regional governor Alexander Drozdenko. Reports indicate that flights in and out of St Petersburg were grounded before the explosions. This drone attack follows a series of incidents targeting energy infrastructure in the conflict, including a fire at an oil depot in Bryansk, southwest Russia, and an attack on a major oil loading terminal in St Petersburg. Russia's defence ministry reported shooting down three Ukrainian drones in Smolensk Region near the border with Ukraine. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, both nations have engaged in targeting each other's energy infrastructure. The latest drone attack on the Ust-Luga terminal raises concerns about the intensification of hostilities and the economic impact on Russia, a major exporter of fuel from the terminal. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing military operations and the international community closely monitoring developments in the region. 22.01.24 Source

IDF releases video of Khan Younis tunnel where 20 hostages were held Israel has unveiled images that purportedly depict cells within a tunnel where 20 hostages were confined. Drawings created by a child hostage were discovered in a holding area consisting of five narrow rooms enclosed by metal bars, featuring toilets and mattresses, according to military spokesperson Daniel Hagari. The area was found at the terminus of a kilometer-long, booby-trapped tunnel, which has since been demolished. Hagari noted that the tunnel's entrance was situated in the residence of a Hamas member in the southern city of Khan Younis. Israeli soldiers entered the tunnel, engaging in a battle that resulted in the elimination of the terrorists, as stated by Mr. Hagari. Based on gathered testimonies, Hagari conveyed that around 20 hostages were kept in this tunnel at different times, enduring harsh conditions without daylight, in air with limited oxygen, and oppressive humidity that impeded breathing. Some hostages were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce, while others remain held in Gaza. 22.01.24 Source & Source

YouTube Cracks Down on Channels Promoting Andrew Tate's 'Real World' Scheme Amid Exploitation Allegations YouTube has taken decisive action by removing multiple popular channels associated with Andrew Tate's "online business academy" amid accusations of exploiting young fans. The focal point of the ban is Tate's scheme, "The Real World," with one channel boasting over 600,000 subscribers banned for promoting it. Despite YouTube's previous claims of terminating channels affiliated with Tate, one channel had amassed over 450 million views since December 2022. Other "The Real World" channels, including one with 264,000 subscribers and nearly 300 million views, and another with 50,000 subscribers, were also removed. Recent reports raised serious concerns about Tate's $49-a-month program, which purports to help teenage boys achieve financial success. Critics, as reported by Vice, contend that the scheme exploits young Tate fans for their money and labor, recruiting them through social media ads. The longevity of the scheme is attributed to lax moderation policies on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, despite previous claims of banning such content. In response to the removal of channels, a YouTube spokesperson stated that they terminated the channels "for violating our Terms of Service, which prohibit prominently featuring content from a previously terminated user." The spokesperson emphasized that reopening or using another channel after termination violates their terms, and one of the banned channels was specifically cited for violating YouTube's policies on spam, deceptive practices, and scams. Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are currently awaiting trial on accusations of forming a criminal gang to exploit women, with both vehemently denying the allegations. The recent crackdown on channels promoting Tate's scheme underscores platforms' increasing scrutiny of content that may exploit or deceive users. 22.01.24 Source

Escalating Tensions: The Complex Web of Regional Conflicts Involving Iranian Allies The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to be fraught with tension as Iranian allies in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon make strategic moves, triggering a delicate balancing act between the United States and Iran. Since the onset of the Gaza war, Iranian allies in Iraq and Syria have launched approximately 140 rocket and drone attacks against American troops. Notably, a severe attack occurred on January 20th when a volley of "multiple ballistic missiles and rockets" targeted the Al Asad base in western Iraq, causing injuries to an undisclosed number of Americans and Iraqis. While Patriot air-defense batteries intercepted most of the missiles, some struck the base, intensifying pressure on President Biden to consider stronger actions against Iran itself. This dilemma poses challenges for the administration, as any retaliation risks the prospect of a new war in an election year. Simultaneously, in Yemen, the U.S. launched its seventh raid against the Houthi militia, a key Iranian ally controlling a significant portion of the country. The strikes aimed to curb Houthi missile attacks on ships navigating the Bab al-Mandab strait. Despite claiming to support Palestinians, the Houthis' targeting appears erratic, raising concerns about potential Iranian involvement in aiding their identification of ships and weapon operation. President Biden concedes that these strikes may not halt the Houthi activities. However, reports suggest that the Biden administration is contemplating a "sustained military campaign" in Yemen, highlighting internal divisions over the approach. In Lebanon, Hizbullah, Iran's longstanding ally, a Shia militia, and political party, has engaged in periodic clashes with Israeli forces. While expressing support for Hamas, Hizbullah has refrained from fully committing to a war against Israel. The Biden administration's diplomatic efforts have so far deterred Israel from launching a preemptive assault on Hizbullah. However, Israel has indicated potential action if Hizbullah forces persist in firing near the border. This delicate dance between the United States and Iran underscores the challenges of maintaining equilibrium in the face of proxy conflicts. Iran's support for its allies within the "axis of resistance" seeks to weaken Israel, displace American influence, and discredit Arab states that have normalized relations with Israel. In response, the U.S. has engaged in measured retaliation, avoiding direct confrontation. Yet, the fragile equilibrium may be unsustainable, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region. 22.01.24 Source

Alec Baldwin faces a second charge in connection to the tragic death of producer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust. The indictment, filed in New Mexico, alleges involuntary manslaughter, stemming from the incident in October 2021 when a prop gun discharged, resulting in Hutchins' death and injuring the film's director, Joel Souza. Initially, a similar charge against Baldwin was dismissed last April, with prosecutors suggesting the gun might have been modified and malfunctioned. However, a recent analysis contradicts this, asserting that the trigger had to be pulled or depressed to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the firearm. Baldwin, 65, maintains that he did not pull the trigger but only pulled back the hammer before the gun fired. In response to the indictment, Baldwin's lawyers stated that they "look forward to our day in court." The actor has consistently denied pulling the trigger and has emphasized the knowledge of those present on the set. FBI analysis indicates that certain guns may discharge without trigger manipulation if force is applied to an uncocked hammer, but investigators found it fired only when the trigger was pulled while fully cocked or when struck with a mallet. Baldwin's recounting of the incident on The Chris Cuomo Project podcast in 2022 emphasized the perspectives of those present on the film set. His previous charge was criticized as a "terrible miscarriage of justice" by his lawyer. 22.01.24 Source

Civilians in the West should prepare for conflict with Russia, NATO official says In a startling development, a prominent NATO official has issued a stern warning, advising civilians in the Western world to brace themselves for the possibility of conflict with Russia. Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, who chairs the NATO military committee, emphasized that while armed forces are gearing up for the prospect of war, it is imperative for citizens to be prepared for a conflict that could significantly alter their lives. Admiral Bauer stressed, "We have to realize it's not a given that we are in peace. And that's why we [NATO forces] are preparing for a conflict with Russia." He further highlighted the broader scope of the discussion, encompassing not only military readiness but also the industrial base and the role that ordinary people play in such scenarios. The admiral commended Sweden for urging its population to prepare for war, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the unpredictability of the future. "It starts there," Admiral Bauer remarked, emphasizing the need for a collective realization that not everything is foreseeable, and the next two decades may not unfold as smoothly as anticipated. This cautionary message precedes the launch of NATO's most extensive exercise since the Cold War era. The Steadfast Defender exercise aims to simulate the repelling of a potential invasion by Russian forces, involving a massive deployment of approximately 90,000 troops. Among them, 20,000 troops from the United Kingdom are set to participate in the exercise scheduled to run through May. As geopolitical tensions escalate, the warning from Admiral Bauer serves as a stark reminder of the shifting global landscape and the need for comprehensive preparedness at both military and civilian levels. The upcoming NATO exercise underscores the alliance's commitment to readiness and response capabilities in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. 22.01.24 Source

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Faces Scrutiny Over Hospitalization Secrecy Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has returned home after a lengthy hospitalization, but he finds himself in the midst of a Republican-led inquiry over the secrecy surrounding his illness. Lawmakers from both the House and Senate are pressing for transparency regarding Austin's decision to keep his diagnosis, stemming from an infection following December prostate cancer surgery, undisclosed even when he entered intensive care. Despite demands for information, defense officials have been elusive about why Austin's top aides kept the President and others uninformed. GOP lawmakers have sought an in-person briefing or hearing with Austin, but responses from the Pentagon have been evasive. House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers publicly urged Austin to testify next month on the "decisions made to withhold information from the President, Congress, and the American people." Rogers, who initiated a formal inquiry into the secrecy, expressed disappointment with the responses received so far, noting a lack of full transparency promised by Austin. In a letter to Austin, Rogers stated, "When you and I last spoke, you promised full transparency. While you did respond to some of my questions, a concerning number of questions were not addressed." Austin, along with Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, responded to several questions in letters sent on Jan. 9. Austin emphasized that there were no gaps in authorities or risks to command-and-control during his stay at Walter Reed. He reassured that he and the Deputy Secretary of Defense were fully prepared to support the President throughout his care at Walter Reed. Austin's response outlined the general timeline of events surrounding his hospitalization and when specific individuals were informed of his condition. As the inquiry unfolds, questions linger about the decision-making process and the need for transparency in communicating the health status of high-ranking government officials. 22.01.24 Source

The Gaza conflict has reached a devastating milestone, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 25,000 casualties during Israel's ongoing offensive. In the past 24 hours alone, 178 lives were lost, marking one of the deadliest days in the war. As the violence persists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again rejected the idea of creating a Palestinian state, emphasizing the deep-rooted differences in perspectives on a two-state solution. Israel's offensive was triggered by an October 7 attack in which Hamas fighters killed 1,300 people in southern Israel and took over 240 hostages. Hamas. Israel's military operation is currently concentrated in southern Gaza, with a focus on the city of Khan Younis, where the military believes top Hamas commanders are located. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently discovered a tunnel measuring 830m (2,700ft), equipped with booby-traps and blast doors. IDF footage revealed what seemed to be a tunnel with cells and mattresses, where around 20 hostages, including children, were believed to have been held at various points. However, none were found during the tunnel's discovery. Renewed attacks in the north of the Gaza Strip targeted Israeli soldiers, with Hamas reportedly seizing an opening around the town of Jabalia as Israel moved troops and tanks south. Despite Israel's military superiority, significant resistance persists across Gaza more than three months into the conflict. US intelligence agencies estimate that Israel has killed 20-30% of Hamas fighters, falling short of Netanyahu's goal of "completely destroying" the group. The classified report also indicates that Hamas still possesses sufficient munitions to sustain strikes against Israel and its forces for months, raising concerns about the potential for a prolonged war with repercussions for Israel's military and political landscape. The apparent slow progress, the absence of captured or killed top Hamas commanders, and the collective trauma over the Israeli hostages still missing are fueling anti-government sentiment in Israel. Simultaneously, a relatively small anti-war movement is demonstrating, expressing horror at the intense and destructive military campaign in Gaza. While most Israelis have rallied around their flag, a recent poll indicates that only 15% of the public believes Prime Minister Netanyahu should stay in office once the war concludes. The disagreement between Netanyahu and Israel's Western allies on the issue of a Palestinian state further complicates the situation. Netanyahu's rejection of a future Palestinian state, emphasized in a post on X (formerly Twitter), clashes with international sentiments. 22.01.24 Source

In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of his 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday, endorsing former President Donald Trump in a video posted on a digital platform. DeSantis, initially considered a formidable opponent to Trump, faced challenges and missteps early in his campaign. DeSantis' decision to step aside and throw his support behind Trump provides a significant boost to the former president's prospects, especially in the upcoming New Hampshire contest, where Trump aims to solidify his lead in the GOP primary, competing against former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. Despite campaigning aggressively in Iowa, DeSantis secured a second-place finish, trailing Trump by a significant margin of about 30 percentage points. In a 4-minute video message, DeSantis acknowledged the preferences of a majority of Republican primary voters, stating, "It is clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance." While noting past disagreements with Trump, DeSantis emphasized that Trump's leadership surpasses the current incumbent, Joe Biden. He took a parting shot at Haley, characterizing her as representative of the "old Republican guard of yesteryear" and advocating for a departure from such "warmed-over corporatism." Nikki Haley responded to DeSantis' exit by telling voters in New Hampshire that they wish him well, acknowledging that it's now a two-person race. DeSantis had launched his presidential campaign in May, positioning himself as a champion of the "anti-woke" agenda and emphasizing Florida's legislative accomplishments. Despite his success in winning re-election as governor in 2022, his campaign faced challenges from the start, marked by a glitchy Twitter Spaces launch event, internal shakeups, tensions with a Super PAC, and a decline in poll numbers. The governor's departure from the race reshapes the GOP landscape, and Trump, with DeSantis' endorsement, gains momentum as a dominant force in the Republican primary. 22.01.24 Source

In a world where women’s sports is being trans-formed, The Daily Wire calls foul with the most triggering comedy of the year. A once-great coach is on a hilarious journey back to victory by reuniting his former high school championship basketball team, but this time, he’s challenging them to play like girls. The Daily Wire

Donald Trump has filed a motion for a mistrial in a New York court, alleging the judge overseeing the $250m fraud case is biased.Trump’s lawyers are asking the New York judge Arthur Engoron for a mistrial given “bias” and “improper co-judging” on the bench. “In this case the evidence of apparent and actual bias is tangible and overwhelming,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in the motion. “Only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law.” The fraud case brought by New York attorney general, Letitia James, accuses the Trump Organization of falsely inflating the value of its properties in order to obtain favorable loans. Trump’s lawyers are still waiting to hear back on an appeal of Engoron’s pre-trial summary judgment, which found Trump guilty of fraud and revoked his New York business licenses, essentially ending his ability to conduct business in the state. Because this is a bench trial with no jury, Engoron is the sole presider of the case. Given that Engoron is the one who will rule on the mistrial, which is blatantly criticizing his conduct on the court, he will likely strike down the motion. Trump’s lawyers have implied they would file the mistrial for weeks as high-profile testimony from the Trump family and his former ally Michael Cohen got under way. Engoron, in a single week, fined Trump a total of $15,000 for violating his gag order ruling that he cannot speak publicly about court staff, particularly Engoron’s principal law clerk Allison Greenfield. Trump was first fined $5,000 after he failed to remove a social media post from a campaign website where he made fun of Greenfield, calling her the “girlfriend” of Democratic senator Chuck Schumer. Trump later made vague comments about the “very partisan person sitting alongside” Engoron. Trump said he was referring to Michael Cohen, but the judge disagreed and fined Trump $10,000. Greenfield is frequently mentioned in the motion for a mistrial, with Trump’s lawyers complaining that Engoron is allowing “improper co-judging”. The motion includes pictures of Greenfield sitting next to Engoron on the bench. “Before the court rules on most issues, the court either pauses to consult with her on the bench or receives from her contemporaneous written notes,” Trump’s lawyers wrote. FULL STORY

Stricter measures to deal with a large number of migrants arriving in Germany have been agreed by the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and state leaders, as NGOs criticised Italy’s plans to create centres in Albania to accommodate asylum seekers. After a marathon session of talks in Berlin that continued into the early hours of Tuesday, Scholz said the measures would help speed up asylum procedures, restrict social benefits for migrants, and provide more federal funding for local communities. A bleary-eyed Scholz said the decisions amounted to a “historic moment” for the country, even as members of the Greens, part of the coalition government, said that cutting social benefits equated to letting asylum seekers live in poverty. “This will simply increase social tensions and make integration even more difficult,” Julian Pahlke, the Green party’s migration expert, told Die Zeit. Migration has once again become an explosive political challenge for Germany’s leaders, with the government feeling pressure from within its own ranks and from the opposition to curb the numbers of people arriving, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan and Turkey. Between January and September this year asylum applications rose by about 73% compared with the same period last year, to more than 250,000, according to official statistics. This is separate to the more than 1 million Ukrainians who have arrived since the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022, who are not required to apply for asylum. Entering the fraught debate, Scholz called the change a “transition to a breathing system” and said the new measures would mean that “with rising numbers, there is more money, with falling numbers there is less”. FULL STORY

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews becomes the first batsman ever in international cricket to be TIMED OUT... as he wasn't ready to face his first ball two minutes after the last fall of wicket He is the first batsman in 146 years of international cricket to be given timed out His helmet broke when he was at the crease and he couldn't get another in time Angelo Mathews pleaded with the umpires but they upheld Bangladesh's appeal The World Cup descended into acrimony as Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first player in 146 years of international cricket to be given 'timed out'. Mathews was about to take strike in the 25th over of his side's match against Bangladesh in Delhi when he stepped away to fiddle with the chinstrap of his helmet. That persuaded Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan to appeal to the umpires on the grounds that Mathews had contravened Law 40.1.1, which says the striker has to be 'ready to receive the ball' within three minutes of the previous wicket - though that drops to two minutes in the World Cup playing regulations. FULL STORY

Ukraine’s president has a message for Donald Trump: Come visit if you think you will be so much help. Volodymyr Zelensky threw down part challenge, part invitation on Sunday during an interview with Meet the Press on NBC. “Former President Trump said that [in] about 24 hours, that he can manage it and finish the war,” Mr Zelesnky told NBC’s Kristin Welker, noting that President Joe Biden, his likely 2024 opponent, had already visited. “So he’s very welcome as well... I invite President Trump.” The Ukrainian leader’s words hold a double-edged meaning. The invitation primarily serves as a response to Mr Trump’s ongoing comments about the Ukraine-Russia war, which he has laid at the feet of the Biden administration to play into the narrative of a “world falling apart” under the Democratic president’s leadership. Mr Zelensky has enjoyed a strong alliance with Mr Biden, and less so with his Republican counterpart whose party has emerged as increasingly sceptical of aid packages to the US’s European ally. Secondly, the mention of Mr Biden serves to present another challenge to the former president: A play at his desire to look presidential, and as a credible alternative to the man in the White House. By reminding Mr Trump of the incumbent president’s clandestine visit to Ukraine earlier this year, the Ukrainian leader inherently suggests that Mr Trump lacks the courage to visit the war-torn country. FULL STORY

France has witnessed more than a thousand antisemitic acts since the 7 October attack by Hamas in Israel, said the country’s interior minister. Gérald Darmanin said 486 people, including 102 foreigners, have been arrested since the Israel-Hamas conflict in offences related to antisemitism. “The number of antisemitic acts has exploded,” Mr Darmanin told France 2 TV on S, warning foreigners their permits would be withdrawn for committing such acts. “Any foreigner who commits anti-Semitic acts will have their residence permit withdrawn, placed in a detention center and expelled from the national territory,” Mr Darmanin said. Israel began a bombing campaign on Gaza in the wake of an attack on southern Israel by Hamas on 7 October, in which 1,400 people were killed and 240 hostages were taken. The retaliatory Israeli military offensive ramped up over the last week, with its forces surrounding Gaza city and conducting operations inside. More than 9,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza so far, two-thirds of them women and minors, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has said. The increase in antisemitic acts in France has raised fears for the country with a Jewish population of over 500,000, the largest in Europe and the third biggest in the world after Israel and the US. Mr Darmanin said he understood the “apprehension” of French Jews and added that all means are being deployed to protect them. FULL STORY

Russia on Sunday claimed it successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear warheads from its nuclear-powered submarine Imperator Alexander III. The test comes amid soaring tensions between Russia and the West over Vladimir Putin's 20-month-long invasion of Ukraine. Moscow passed a law last week withdrawing its ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons deal – a move severely criticised by Washington. “Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the navy,” the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. The submarine fired the Bulava missile from an underwater position in Russia’s northern White Sea and hit a target in the far-eastern region of the Kamchatka peninsula, the ministry said without confirming when the test was conducted. The 12-metre-long Bulava missile has an estimated range of around 8,000km and can carry up to six nuclear warheads. The Imperator Alexander III is one of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each and are intended to serve as the core naval component of the nation’s nuclear forces. It also has modern torpedo weapons, the ministry said. Mr Putin took part in a ceremony in December setting the Imperator Alexander III afloat, according to state news agency TASS. FULL STORY

House Republicans are approaching their Biden impeachment inquiry with renewed vigor following the election of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has cautioned against rushing an investigation even as he’s previously accused the president of bribery. As Speaker, Johnson has stressed a reserved approach to impeachment, invoking the founders in calling it the “heaviest power that we have,” while saying he has no predetermined outcome. But as a prominent voice of the House Judiciary Committee, he was vocal in criticizing President Biden, at one point saying bribery is “what happened here.” House Republicans have failed to demonstrate that Biden took a bribe — an allegation that surfaced as a result of a conversation with a Ukrainian oligarch that came to the FBI in a tip the bureau was unable to verify. The White House has vigorously denied any wrongdoing by Biden and noted that even as Republicans have pored over the business dealings of his brother and son, they’ve failed to connect the president to their work overseas. But as Johnson takes the helm from a former Speaker who at times seemed reluctant to pursue the matter, he said last week the House would soon have to determine how to move forward with an investigation shared across three committees. “I do believe that very soon we are coming to a point of decision on it,” he said Thursday. FULL STORY

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has ended his tour of the Middle East admitting that his efforts to secure a sustained humanitarian pause and greater constraint in Israel’s assault on Gaza was still “a work in progress”. His comments on Monday followed a meeting with Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, in Ankara. He will now head to a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Japan where he will brief colleagues on the US approach to the crisis, and its impact on western standing. Over four days of talks, which started in Jerusalem, diplomatic progress appears if anything to have gone into reverse. Blinken was unable to persuade the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Neyanyahu, to adopt a humanitarian pause while talks on hostages stalled over the sequencing and length of the pause in hostilities required for their release. In a further bombardment on Sunday night, Israel also imposed another temporary communication blackout in Gaza, despite US requests not to do so. The number of aid trucks crossing the Egyptian border into Gaza at the Rafah crossing went down from 100 on Friday to closer to 30 in the following days. The US said Hamas – the Islamist group that runs Gaza and carried out the 7 October attacks on Israel in which 1,400 people, mainly civilians, were killed – had broken the agreement on injured civilians crossing into Egypt. The US said Hamas was trying to reserve a third of the places for its injured fighters. Blinken tried to strike an optimistic if cautious note, saying: “We know the deep concern here for the terrible toll on Palestinians – on men, women, and children in Gaza, innocent civilians – a concern that we share and that we’re working on every single day. We’ve engaged the Israelis on steps that they can take to minimise civilian casualties. We’re working very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance into Gaza.” He added: “I think you’ll see in the days ahead that assistance can expand in significant ways so that more gets to people who need it as well as making sure that people can continue to come out of Gaza.” FULL STORY

A senior Hamas leader has refused to acknowledge that his group killed civilians in Israel, claiming only conscripts were targeted. Moussa Abu Marzouk told the BBC that "women, children and civilians were exempt" from Hamas's attacks. His claims are in stark contrast to the wealth of video evidence of Hamas men shooting unarmed adults and children. Israel says more than 1,400 people were killed by Hamas in the 7 October attacks, most of them civilians. Mr Marzouk, the group's deputy political leader, who is subject to an asset freeze in the UK under counter-terrorism regulations, was interviewed on Saturday in the Gulf. He is the most senior member to speak to the BBC since the 7 October atrocities. The BBC pressed Mr Marzouk on the war on Gaza, specifically on the scores of hostages being held inside the territory. He responded that they were not able to be freed while Israel was bombing Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says 10,000 people have been killed since Israel started operations last month. "We will release them. But we need to stop the fighting," he said. Mr Marzouk recently travelled to Moscow to discuss eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens snatched on 7 October by Hamas, a proscribed terror organisation in many countries including the UK and US. He said Hamas members in Gaza had "looked for and found two female hostages" from Russia but were unable to release them because of the conflict. They could only realistically release hostages, he said, if "the Israelis stop the fighting so we can hand them over to the Red Cross". Challenged by the BBC about the attack of 7 October, Mr Marzouk claimed that Mohamed el-Deif, the leader of Hamas's Qassam Brigades military wing, had ordered his men to spare civilians. "El-Deif clearly told his fighters 'don't kill a woman, don't kill a child and don't kill an old man'," he said. Reservist soldiers were, he said, "targeted". He maintained that only "conscripts [...] or soldiers" were killed. But women, children and civilians were "exempt", he said. FULL STORY

Donald Trump repeatedly clashed with a judge and defended his family's business as he testified in a civil fraud trial in New York. During almost four hours on the witness stand, the former president disputed claims that he deceived banks and aired broad grievances with the case. The judge has already ruled the Trump Organization committed fraud and this trial will determine the penalties. Prosecutors are seeking a $250m (£202m) fine and severe business restrictions. During his highly anticipated appearance at the Manhattan federal courthouse on Monday, Mr Trump, 77, was asked about the value of various properties including his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower in New York and his golf course in Scotland. These properties are among several that prosecutors say were intentionally overvalued in company statements in order to secure better loans and insurance policies. In his testimony, Mr Trump, who is the current frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, stood by the valuations as prosecutors quizzed him on how they were reached and the financial statements at the centre of the trial. "I'm worth billions of dollars more than the financial statements," Mr Trump said, before describing the valuations as "very conservative." He said the property values were bolstered by his personal brand, something he said was never factored into financial statements. "I can look at buildings and tell you what they're worth," he said in another testy exchange. Backed into a legal corner, Trump comes out swinging The glitzy New York buildings that Trump could lose Four surprises that could upend the 2024 US election The lawsuit was brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accuses Mr Trump, along with his sons Eric and Donald Jr and other Trump Organization executives, of deliberately inflating company assets for years. All deny wrongdoing. FULL STORY