Russia Set to Scrap Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Russia’s parliament is gearing up to pull out of the global treaty banning nuclear tests. The State Duma will hold the first vote next week, with a full decision expected just two days later. Leonid Slutsky, head of the Duma’s international affairs committee, revealed that all 450 lawmakers back the move.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, signed by 187 countries since 1996, aims to stop all nuclear explosions worldwide. Russia ratified it years ago but now looks set to reverse course. President Putin hinted recently that withdrawing Russia’s ratification would “mirror” the US stance. While he stopped short of promising to restart nuclear tests, he left the door wide open.
Deadly Missile Strike in Ukraine Claims 59 Lives
The death toll from a missile strike in Hroza, northeastern Ukraine, has soared to 59. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the tragic update. The missile hit a cafe packed with mourners grieving a fallen Ukrainian soldier. Victims included pensioners, medics, teachers, and local business owners.
This brutal attack is one of the deadliest civilian casualties in the 20-month conflict, highlighting the war’s devastating toll on everyday Ukrainians.
Drone Explosion Leaves Crater in Romanian Border Zone
Romanian officials found a mysterious crater near the village of Plauru, just 1.8 miles from the Ukrainian port of Izmail. Investigators suspect a drone exploded on impact, part of a drone swarm detected heading towards Ukrainian river ports. The exact origin and timing of the drone strike remain under investigation.
The incident underscores growing fears of Russia’s Ukraine war spilling into NATO territory. It comes after several attacks near Romania’s border, ratcheting up tensions in the region.
