Russian defense minister orders doubling of high-precision weapons production
The release of gas is seen bubbling on the surface of the Baltic Sea from a leak on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, on September 28, 2022, in a handout photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard. (Handout/Swedish Coast Guard/Getty Images)German magazine Der Spiegel has identified the boat that was searched by authorities in connection with the explosions that knocked out the Nordstream gas pipeline in September.The sailing vessel “Andromeda” was searched in January, according to Der Spiegel. The German general prosecutors’ office said last week that it had searched an unnamed boat that month.Der Spiegel says that the “Andromeda” was the vessel in which an unidentified six-man crew allegedly sailed to the explosion area in the Baltic Sea.According to the marine websites vesselfinder.com and marinetraffic.com, the "Andromeda" is German-flagged and measures 13 meters (42.6 feet) in length and 4 meters (13.1 feet) wide.CNN contacted the company that rents out the "Andromeda," but…
Ukraine’s older women share tales of heartbreak and resilience
Editor’s note: This story is part of As Equals, CNN's ongoing series on gender inequality. For information about how the series is funded and more, check out our FAQs. Kyiv, Ukraine (CNN) — Ukraine has a large population of older people — one in four of its residents is over the age of 60 — and most of them are women. Some lived through World War II as children, only to see their lives disrupted again in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine began. When Russia then launched its full-scale invasion last February, many of these women were unable or unwilling to leave. Of the 4.8 million Ukrainians who have registered in other European countries as refugees since the war began, most are younger women and children. Older women stayed in Ukraine and largely remain invisible to the outside world, despite their experience, wisdom, and…
Live updates: Russia’s war in Ukraine
A Leopard 2 tank is seen at the Armored Corps Training Center in Munster, Germany, on February 20. (Focke Strangmann/AFP/Getty Images/File)Ukrainian soldiers have nearly completed their training on Leopard 2 battle tanks in Munster, Germany, according to a spokesperson for the special training command of its armed forces, the Bundeswehr. The spokesperson — who is routinely not named — told CNN that with training now concluding, it would soon be feasible for Germany to deploy the Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Germany has so far vowed to supply Ukraine with 18 of the latest A6 model Leopard 2 tanks. The spokesperson said the Ukrainian soldiers were “highly motivated” and used the five-week training “more than effectively.” The spokesperson said the soldiers were trained 12 to 14 hours a day, six days a week, over the past five weeks. The spokesperson said they were trained as drivers, gunners, technicians, commanders and maintenance personnel.The soldiers were first taught how to maneuver the main battle…
Video: Retired colonel investigating war crimes vows Putin won’t escape accountability
Retired colonel investigating war crimes vows Putin won't escape accountability Col. Yevgeny "Eugene" Vindman (ret.) tells CNN's Jim Acosta that there is growing evidence of war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine and says those responsible will be held accountable. Source
Rihanna brings bold maternity style to the Oscars
Written by Taylor Nicioli, CNNDressed in a sheer, form-fitting gown, Rihanna arrived on the Oscars' champagne-colored carpet with her baby bump proudly on display — her first high-profile public appearance since last month's Super Bowl. The singer, who was nominated in the awards' best original song category, wore a leather bra and maxi skirt combo, by designer label Alaïa, layered over a mesh turtleneck. She completed the eye-catching look with pops of bright red on her lips and nails. Rihanna is nominated for Best Original Song for "Lift Me Up" as heard in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/APThe singer, who is expecting her second child with A$AP Rocky, later performed her song "Lift Me Up," from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," having changed into another belly-baring ensemble by Maison Margiela. The crystal-embellished black bra and floral pants set with golden accents was custom-made for her by the label's creative…
Aukus deal: Summit was projection of power and collaborative intent
Aukus deal: Summit was projection of power and collaborative intent - BBC News Source
Taiwan says soldier who went missing has been found in China
Taipei, Taiwan CNN — A Taiwanese soldier who went missing last week from an island near the Chinese coast has been found in mainland China, a Taiwan official said on Monday, raising the possibility of a highly unusual defection amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking to reporters, Chiu Tai-san, minister of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said China had notified Taiwan that the soldier, surnamed Chen, is currently in mainland China. Chen was reported missing on Erdan island following a roll call, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday, adding it had set up a special task force to locate him. Erdan, part of the Taipei-controlled Kinmen islands, is located less than 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the Chinese port city of Xiamen in southeastern Fujian province. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan – a self-ruling democracy the Chinese…
Trump will campaign in Iowa as decision on criminal charges against him looms
CNN — Former President Donald Trump will travel to Iowa on Monday for the first time since announcing his third White House bid as Manhattan prosecutors near a decision on whether to charge him over his alleged role in a hush money scheme and cover-up. His visit to the crucial state – which hosts the first GOP contest of the 2024 nominating calendar – comes on the heels of trips by potential and announced primary challengers, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who made his Iowa debut on Friday, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, a declared candidate who also campaigned in the state last week. DeSantis, who is seen as Trump’s chief potential rival for the Republican nod at this early stage of the campaign, doesn’t plan to make a formal announcement on his political future until May or June. But his Iowa visit, which was followed by a…
Lady Gaga wows Oscars in fresh off the runway Versace gown
Written by Oscar Holland, CNNLady Gaga took the term "fresh off the runway" to another level at the Oscars by arriving at Sunday's ceremony in a gown Gigi Hadid had debuted for Versace just three days earlier. Nominated in the best original song category for "Hold My Hand," from the box office smash hit "Top Gun: Maverick," the singer wowed in an all-black look straight from the Italian label's Fall-Winter 2023 collection. Featuring a semi-transparent tulle bustier top that showed off several of Gaga's tattoos, the gown had been unveiled at a star-studded show at Hollywood's Pacific Design Center on Thursday. Lady Gaga arrives at the 95th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday evening. Credit: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images Gigi Hadid seen wearing the same design on the runway during Versace's Fall-Winter 2023 show. Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesChoosing to skip last month's Milan Fashion Week, Donatella Versace instead sent slick, 90s-inspired black…
China’s new premier tries to reassure private sector amid widespread concerns about future
Hong Kong CNN — China’s new premier has tried to reassure the private sector in his debut press conference, as concerns grew about the country’s future policy direction with the introduction of a new cabinet loyal to leader Xi Jinping. Li Qiang, a long-time aide to Xi, officially succeeded Li Keqiang as premier over the weekend. He is tasked with reviving the world’s second-largest economy after three years of Covid restrictions and as US-China tensions escalate over a variety of areas, including technology and business. In his first press conference as the country’s No 2 official, he sought to fire up the private sector, a group that has been scarred by a years-long regulatory crackdown and has grown concerned about Beijing’s increasingly statist approach. “For a period of time last year, there were some incorrect discussions and comments in the society, which made some private entrepreneurs feel worried,” Li said…
