At least 7 killed after minibus falls into ravine in southwestern China
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Ukraine Frontline Skepticism: Ukrainian Troops Question Land Concessions
Ukrainian soldiers express doubts as diplomatic talks continue over territory. On the frontline, Ukrainian troops remain skeptical about the prospect of ceding territory in ongoing diplomatic discussions. As the soldiers of the 150th reconnaissance and strike battalion gather for a simple barbecue of meat and roasted vegetables, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with US President Donald Trump, who has pledged "very good protection" for Ukraine. Amidst the evening meal, when Trump's promise is mentioned, a soldier humorously asks, "From who?" This wry comment underscores the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding US support. Despite these political developments, frontline soldiers are detached from the news, focused instead on the realities and demands of the war that persist after over three years of intense conflict. In a quiet but tense night operation, a squad of soldiers prepares a bomber drone on the fringes of a sunflower field. Equipped with 3.5kg explosives, the drone is swiftly assembled and launched from a catapult, prompting an immediate evacuation to avoid detection by Russian surveillance. This is the precarious reality soldiers face, regardless of what is discussed in meeting rooms far away. Just six miles away, the village of Dobropillia remains under Russian attack. The soldiers witness flashes of orange light and tracer bullets in the night sky, indicating ongoing combat, likely with Ukrainian forces targeting Russian drones. The previous day saw 67 Russian attacks near Dobropillia alone, resulting in multiple casualties and highlighting the intensity of the conflict. Denys Bryzhatyi, the battalion commander and a former law student, emphasizes the strategic danger of conceding Donetsk. He warns that ceding this fortified region would open new vulnerabilities in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia, which lack similar fortifications. Giving up Donetsk, he says, would be a grave loss for Ukraine's defense. New defensive structures—trenches lined with dragon’s teeth and barbed wire—mark the landscape, part of Ukraine's efforts to resist the advancing Russian forces. These are the very defenses that would be compromised if territorial concessions were made. The battalion employs advanced technology, using Airplast bomber drones capable of striking targets up to 25 miles away. Each night, the crew undertakes several missions, guided by previous reconnaissance. Daytime operations involve Vector drones, demanding meticulous setup in hidden dugouts. They provide high-quality reconnaissance footage, critical for identifying targets and adapting strategies. Troops monitor signals from Russian drones, acutely aware of the threats posed by FPV drones piloted with precision to deliver explosive payloads. Any sign of enemy drones prompts quick retreats into bunkers, underscoring the constant threat faced by these soldiers. The 150th's innovation extends to producing bomb casings and components using 3D printers. This rapid manufacture of munitions, including assembling explosives into 3D-printed tubes, enhances their combat readiness, reflecting an adaptive military strategy amid fighting. Veteran soldiers like Puma, who has survived near-fatal confrontations in 2016, continue to engage in dangerous reconnaissance operations. Despite personal risk, there is a steadfast determination to protect Ukrainian territory. Discussions of concessions appear as distractions to many on the ground. Optimus, another soldier, questions the sense in ceding land after significant sacrifices and losses. For him and others, the very idea challenges the resilience and purpose behind their continued fight. The sentiments echo a broader resolve within Ukraine's armed forces to maintain their territorial integrity against Russian aggression. Despite diplomatic efforts, the reality for these troops is clear: the fight for Ukraine's borders is far from over, and any land concessions are met with skepticism from those directly engaged in this ongoing war. Tag: Ukraine Conflict Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-20 -
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USA Trump Slammed: 'Sociopath' Over Bizarre Meeting Comments!
US President Donald Trump makes headlines with shocking remarks to world leaders. US President Donald Trump has faced fierce criticism after a controversial exchange during a high-profile meeting at the White House. The president met with European leaders, including representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO, to discuss support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the discussions, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urged leaders to prioritise the urgent issue of abducted Ukrainian children. She emphasised that returning them to their families should be a "main priority" in their negotiations. However, President Trump’s response took an unexpected turn. He stated, “I was just thinking we're here for a different reason but we just a couple weeks ago made the largest trade deal in history. Congratulations.” This comment, which seemed to dismiss Von der Leyen’s concerns, quickly spread across social media. Critics did not hold back, branding Trump a "sociopath" and a "narcissist." Many users were outraged at his apparent lack of empathy, especially given the seriousness of the situation. One social media user commented, “He didn’t just ignore her plea; he brushed it off like small talk, like stolen children were an inconvenience interrupting his sales pitch.” Another added, “Do you think it's weird that he doesn't have the ability to focus on a conversation and always turns it around to himself instead?” Interestingly, moments before introducing the topic of Ukrainian children, Von der Leyen had herself mentioned the trade agreement with the US. Instead of engaging with her concerns, Trump swiftly changed the subject, focusing on his achievements instead. This response mirrored sentiments previously expressed by First Lady Melania Trump, who had written to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pleading for a ceasefire for the sake of Ukraine’s children. The heated reactions highlight broader concerns over President Trump’s priorities and his handling of sensitive international issues. Critics argue that this incident underscores a pattern of behaviour where economic deals overshadow humanitarian issues. While Trump’s supporters may point to the significant trade achievements, the backlash suggests that such comments risk alienating allies and detracting from the urgent humanitarian needs facing Ukraine. The gathering of world leaders was intended to strengthen global support for Ukraine amid continued tensions. However, this latest controversy has shifted the focus from unity to President Trump's contentious diplomacy. As the international community grapples with these challenges, the demand for balanced leadership that prioritises both economic and humanitarian interests is more pressing than ever. Trump’s remarks, and the ensuing backlash, serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in global diplomacy. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-20 -
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Report Swatch's 'Slanted Eye' Ad Sparks Outrage in China
Picture courtesy of Reuters Swiss watch giant Swatch faces backlash in China over controversial ad. The company swiftly removes the offending content and issues a public apology. The ad campaign for Swatch's Essentials collection featured an Asian male model making a "slanted eye" gesture, provoking widespread criticism on Chinese social media. The images were slammed for appearing to mimic racial stereotypes, sparking online fury and numerous calls for accountability from the brand. Swatch responded by sharing an apology in both Chinese and English on Weibo, as well as Instagram, acknowledging the concerns and promising to remove the material globally. "We sincerely apologise for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused," the company's statement read. Despite enquiries, Swatch Group has yet to provide additional comments. With Swatch's significant revenue dependency on China, Hong Kong, and Macau—27% of its sales last year—this controversy could spell financial repercussions, reported Reuters. The group's revenue plummeted by 14.6% to 6.74 billion Swiss francs in 2024, largely due to the ongoing economic challenges in China and diminished demand for consumer goods. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-21 -
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USA Trump Taps TikTok for Campaign, White House Opens Account
On Tuesday, the White House ventured into the TikTok phenomenon by launching its own account, sparking discussions about the app's future. With US President Donald Trump driving the charge, the venture comes as he seeks to divest the app's operations from Chinese giant ByteDance Ltd. The inaugural video showcases US President Trump and senior officials like Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, urging audiences to tag along. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that this move underscores Trump’s dedication to showcasing his triumphs across diverse platforms. Interestingly, Trump's stance on TikTok has evolved dramatically. Recently emerging as a key asset in his campaign strategy, Trump has hailed the app for rallying young voters. This marks a shift from his earlier attempts to ban the app unless ByteDance relinquished US operations, initially citing data security concerns. During Joe Biden's previous administration, legislation passed compelling a sale of TikTok’s US segment. However, Trump has delayed these provisions, pursuing a more favourable agreement. This development has raised questions about the legal complexities surrounding the ban on TikTok for government devices, which were regulated during Biden’s tenure. Previously, TikTok use was proscribed for officials, including White House personnel, on government gadgets. Yet, Trump’s team circumvented this with personal devices to establish a campaign presence on the app. In a twist of events in June, Trump hinted at having a potential buyer but acknowledged the need for approvals from Beijing and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump remarked on Fox News, “We have a buyer for TikTok... I think China approval is necessary.” Earlier this year, prospects of a deal appeared promising with a powerful consortium featuring Oracle Corp., Blackstone Inc., and Andreessen Horowitz at the helm. However, Trump claims his tariffs on Chinese imports have muddied these negotiations. With a looming September 17 deadline set by Trump's executive order, ByteDance is currently under pressure, despite the recurring theme of extensions. As the deadline draws closer, everyone's attention is riveted to the unfolding cross-continental dance between political manoeuvres and business interests, leaving everyone in suspense. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bloomberg, CNBC 2025-08-21 -
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Accident Brit Now Faces 10yrs in Jail After Pattaya Crash Death
If he was here on a long term visa it's a damning indictment on Thailands process that they do not require a crimal record check to obtain a visa. They ask for all sorts of nonsense which does your head in, but a basic criminal record check is something they don't ask for. Vietnam does require a criminal record check. Most countries have a equivlant process, eg to work in airports, government jobs Even India has a process. -
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Crime Condo Manager & Boyfriend Surrender After Fatal Assault
She would have been easy to catch anyway with two heads and impersonating an officer 🤔
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