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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloon Incursions

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloon Incursions

Lithuania, a NATO member, has declared a national emergency due to balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The Lithuanian government has expressed concerns over national security and disruptions to civil aviation, labeling the situation as a form of hybrid warfare. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič emphasized the need for closer coordination among institutions to address the threat. The balloons are seen as a danger to human life, property, and the environment. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, with the latter being used as a staging ground for Russian military operations in Ukraine. The Lithuanian government has taken steps to involve the military in its response, and the situation will be reviewed in a month.
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Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with Sea Baby Drones Amid Sanctions

Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with Sea Baby Drones Amid Sanctions

Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea using 'Sea Baby' drones, targeting vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. These operations, conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), aim to disrupt Russia's ability to evade international sanctions and continue its oil sales. The attacks have reportedly disabled ships capable of transporting oil worth millions, thereby impacting Russia's financial resources for its war efforts. Despite multiple rounds of sanctions from Europe and the U.S., the shadow fleet continues to operate, with vessels linked to various illicit activities, including transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.
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Chernobyl Radiation Shield Damaged by Drone Strike, Raising Nuclear Safety Concerns

Chernobyl Radiation Shield Damaged by Drone Strike, Raising Nuclear Safety Concerns

A drone strike has severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site in Ukraine, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The NSC, which replaced the original Soviet-era sarcophagus, has lost its primary safety functions, including its confinement capability. The strike, attributed to Russian forces, caused a major fire in the outer cladding, although monitoring systems remain unaffected. The IAEA has emphasized the need for timely and comprehensive repairs to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety. The incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been targeted repeatedly since the conflict began.
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UN Watchdog Reports Chernobyl Radiation Shield Compromised After Drone Strike

UN Watchdog Reports Chernobyl Radiation Shield Compromised After Drone Strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the protective shield over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine has lost its primary safety functions following a drone strike earlier this year. The incident, which occurred in February, has raised concerns about the containment capabilities of the structure, which was built to prevent radioactive material from leaking. The IAEA's inspection revealed that while the drone strike caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure, there was no permanent damage to the load-bearing structures or monitoring systems. Some repairs have been made to the roof, but the IAEA emphasizes the need for timely and comprehensive restoration to ensure long-term nuclear safety. The protective shield, constructed over the original sarcophagus built by the former Soviet Union, is crucial for containing radioactive dust and preventing further environmental contamination.
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Chernobyl Shield Compromised by Drone Strike, UN Warns of Nuclear Risks

Chernobyl Shield Compromised by Drone Strike, UN Warns of Nuclear Risks

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the protective shield at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, known as the New Safe Confinement (NSC), has been severely damaged by a drone strike. The incident, which occurred on February 14, has compromised the shield's ability to contain radioactive material from the 1986 disaster. Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out the strike, a claim that Russia denies. The NSC, completed in 2019, was designed to last 100 years and protect against environmental elements. Despite the damage, the IAEA found that the shield's load-bearing structures remain intact, though comprehensive repairs are necessary to restore its full functionality.
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Chernobyl Drone Strike Compromises Radiation Shield, Raising Safety Concerns

Chernobyl Drone Strike Compromises Radiation Shield, Raising Safety Concerns

A recent drone strike has severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The NSC, which was designed to contain radiation from the 1986 nuclear disaster, has lost its primary safety functions, including its confinement capability. The attack, attributed to a Russian drone, caused a major fire in the outer cladding of the structure. Although temporary repairs have been made, comprehensive restoration is deemed essential to prevent further degradation. The IAEA has emphasized the importance of maintaining nuclear safety and has stationed a team at the site to support restoration efforts. This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with recent strikes reported in the Poltava and Chernihiv regions.
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Chernobyl Radiation Shield Compromised After Drone Strike, UN Warns

Chernobyl Radiation Shield Compromised After Drone Strike, UN Warns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the protective shield over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor has lost its primary safety functions following a drone strike. The attack, which Ukraine attributes to Russia, has compromised the structure's ability to contain radioactive materials. While repairs are deemed essential to prevent further degradation, experts suggest that the immediate risk is low due to the containment of radioactive dust within a concrete sarcophagus. The IAEA has conducted a safety assessment and emphasized the need for timely restoration to ensure long-term safety.
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IAEA Reports Chernobyl Protective Shield Compromised After Drone Strike, Raising Safety Concerns

IAEA Reports Chernobyl Protective Shield Compromised After Drone Strike, Raising Safety Concerns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the protective shield at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site in Ukraine has been compromised following a drone strike earlier this year. The New Safe Confinement (NSC), which was severely damaged in the February attack, has lost its primary safety functions, including its ability to confine radioactive waste. Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out the strike, a claim that Russia denies. The attack caused a fire and damaged the protective cladding of the NSC, which was designed to secure the site and enable clean-up operations. The IAEA has recommended a major renovation of the structure to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety. Despite the damage, the IAEA confirmed that there was no permanent harm to the NSC's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.
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Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian Oil Depot, Causing Significant Damage

Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian Oil Depot, Causing Significant Damage

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Livny oil depot in Russia's Oryol region on December 2, resulting in the destruction of at least two fuel storage tanks. Satellite images taken on December 6 confirmed the extent of the damage, as reported by Radio Svoboda. The attack led to a significant fire at the facility, which was acknowledged by regional governor Andrei Klychkov. The Livny oil depot, capable of holding up to 2,000 cubic meters of fuel per tank, suffered a substantial loss of petroleum products. Emergency crews from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations were dispatched to manage the blaze and evaluate the damage. No injuries were reported in the incident.
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UK Armed Forces Member Dies in Ukraine Accident During Defensive Capability Test

UK Armed Forces Member Dies in Ukraine Accident During Defensive Capability Test

A member of the UK Armed Forces has died in an accident in Ukraine, as announced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The incident occurred while the service member was observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability away from the front lines. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, but the family has been informed. The UK has been a significant supporter of Ukraine since Russia's large-scale invasion in 2022, providing military assistance including tanks, artillery, and air defense capabilities. The UK MoD has been approached for further comments on the incident.
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U.S. Envoy Kellogg Indicates Ukraine Peace Deal Nearing Completion Amid Key Territorial Disputes

U.S. Envoy Kellogg Indicates Ukraine Peace Deal Nearing Completion Amid Key Territorial Disputes

U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has announced that a peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is close to being finalized. The main issues still under negotiation are the future of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control. Kellogg, who is set to step down in January, expressed optimism about resolving these issues, stating that the negotiations are in the final stages. The conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties and territorial control by Russia over 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea. The U.S. has proposed a set of draft peace proposals, which have raised concerns among Ukrainian and European officials due to perceived concessions to Russia.
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U.S. and Ukrainian Officials Continue Talks Amid Russian Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine

U.S. and Ukrainian Officials Continue Talks Amid Russian Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine

Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy facilities and infrastructure, as diplomatic talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials continue. The attack involved 653 drones and 51 missiles, leading to air raid alerts across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces managed to neutralize 585 drones and 30 missiles, but 29 locations were struck, resulting in at least eight injuries. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost off-site power, raising concerns about nuclear safety. The attacks coincide with ongoing discussions in Florida, where U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian negotiators are working on a security framework for postwar Ukraine. The talks aim to mediate a resolution to the nearly four-year-old conflict, with progress dependent on Russia's commitment to peace.