Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukraine’s state train company, Ukrzaliznitsiya, organizes a special “train of love” for those celebrating Valentine’s Day. Passengers get to enjoy romantic music, candles and decorations, as well as meals cooked by star chefs. Ukrainian soldiers were given the opportunity to get free tickets.
Brest (Belarus) (AFP) – “We always have to be prepared” says Vadim Lukashevich, Deputy Commander of Belarus’ Special Operations Forces, as troops undergo training exercises close to the Moscow-allied country’s border with the European Union. Despite the promises of Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, that his forces will not join Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, concerns over mobilisation have grown. The country currently hosts an unspecified number of Russia’s troops and allowed Moscow to use its territory to launch its special operation in February last year.
Tokyo (AFP) – In one of his last diary entries, Japanese teacher Yoshio Kudo lamented workdays that started early and could last until nearly midnight. Two months later, he suffered “karoshi” — death from overwork. “From when he moved to the new school in April until he died… he kept saying he was exhausted,” says his wife Sachiko. Kudo’s taxing schedule is far from an exception in Japan, where teachers work some of the longest hours in the world, saddled with tasks from cleaning and supervising school commutes to after-school clubs.
Hatay (Turkey) (AFP) – After 180 hours buried under the rubble, a Syrian woman, Abir, is now fighting for her life in a Turkish hospital. “It’s a miracle to reach a patient alive” explains Yilmaz Aydin, an emergency doctor in Hatay. Over a week on from the disaster, the chances of finding survivors like Abir are growing slim and focus in the affected region is turning to caring for the tens of thousands left injured and the millions made homeless.
Brussels (AFP) – During a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels, US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd James Austin, vows that the Ukraine Defense Contact Group “will support Ukraine’s fight for freedom over the long haul”. And “help Ukraine hold and advance during the spring counter offensive”.
Malmedy (Belgium) (AFP) – Belgium is far from being a snowsport hub, low-lying and lacking the regular snow needed. But one workshop in Malmedy, in the country’s east, has put geography and climate aside, carving a respected niche for itself in the world of high-end ski manufacture. Each pair of Pierre Gerondal’s handmade wooden skis take around 30 hours to make. “Our goal isn’t to become the biggest ski manufacturer in the world” he says, explaining that his team aims instead “to be sure that each pair of skis is made with the same care.”
Taipei (AFP) – Taiwan’s military says it will shoot down any “targets” that it deems a security threat after revealing that Chinese balloons fly frequently over the democratic self-ruled island. “If we ascertain that a target poses a high level of threat, our response will of course include shooting it down as it nears or enters our territorial space” says Huang Wen-Chi, Assistant Deputy Chief of the country’s General Staff For Intelligence.
Lisbon (AFP) – Lisbon residents are shocked by the report published by an independent commission revealing that at least 4,815 minors have been sexually abused in the Portuguese Catholic Church since 1950.
Kupiansk (Ukraine) (AFP) – In Kupiansk, eastern Ukraine, residents are torn between staying or leaving. Ukrainian military is on high alert, deploying tanks that rumble through streets where flattened buildings are pockmarked with bullet holes. Victoria Garnaya fled with her 13-year-old son in order to secure education for her children.
Auckland (AFP) – High winds and heavy rain lash New Zealand as the severe tropical storm Gabrielle swept away roads, inundated homes and left tens of thousands of residents without power. New Zealand has declared a national state of emergency and officials call it an “unprecedented weather event”. IMAGES
Washington (AFP) – “Even though we had no indications that any of these three objects were surveilling, we couldn’t rule that out,” W. House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says as questions about 3 flying objects downed by US Air Force jets intensify.
Washington (AFP) – White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tells reporters “there is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” as questions about three unidentified flying objects downed by US Air Force intensify.
