Latest World News: Ukraine recaptured 50% of territory seized by Russia: US
Washington,UPDATED: Jul 24, 2023 07:02 IST
By Reuters: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that while Ukraine took back half of the territory originally seized by Russia during its invasion, kyiv faced “a very tough fight” to recover more.
“He’s already taken over about 50% of what was originally seized,” Blinken said in an interview with CNN on Sunday.
“It’s still the early days of the counter-offensive. It’s tough,” he said, adding, “It’s not going to be played out in the next week or two. We’re still looking at, I think, several months.”
Late last month, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reportedly said progress in the counteroffensive against Russian forces was “slower than desired”.
The Ukraine recaptured some villages in the south and the territory around the ruined city of Bakhmut in the east, but made no major breakthrough against the heavily defended Russian lines.
When asked if Ukraine would get US-made F-16 fighter jets, Blinken said he thought it would. “And the important thing is to make sure that when they do that they are properly trained, that they are able to maintain the planes and use them intelligently.”
A coalition of 11 nations will begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets in Denmark in August, and a training center will be set up in Romania.
Ukraine has long appealed over F-16s made by Lockheed Martin, but US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last month there was no final decision on whether Washington would send the plane. US officials estimated that it would take at least 18 months to train and deliver the aircraft.
The United States has given Ukraine more than $41 billion in military aid since invading Russia in February 2022.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.