US Seeks ‘Relentless Diplomacy’ To Avoid Ukraine-Russia War
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that Russia could invade Ukraine “on very short notice” but warned Moscow of tough sanctions if it did.
UK
India: Christians under attack in Karnataka state
Christians in India’s Karnataka state came under a surge of violent attacks by Hindu extremists during the Christmas period last month, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Joining other Indian states, Karnataka has passed a new anti-conversion law that has reportedly encouraged Hindu nationalists to attack believers they falsely accuse of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity.
US Fears Imminent Russian Invasion In Ukraine; US Forces On High Alert (Worthy News Exclusive)
Thousands of U.S. forces in Eastern Europe are on high alert amid an anticipated invasion by Russian forces into Ukraine, a well-informed U.S. security official told Worthy News.
Tonga Hit By “Unprecedented” Volcano Disaster; Several Killed, Says Government
Tonga says it has been hit by an “unprecedented disaster,” with the government confirming at least three deaths following an underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami.
COVID-19: Pandemic could be over this year after rapid spread of Omicron and vaccine rollout, leading public health expert says
The rapid spread of the Omicron variant, combined with the roll-out of up to 20bn doses of vaccine means the COVID-19 pandemic could be over this year, according to one of the world’s leading public health experts.
Administration says Russia could launch attack on Ukraine ‘at any point,’ as Putin thins out embassy
As reports roll in that Russia has been thinning out its presence at its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, the Biden White House is warning that it believes Russia could carry out an attack on Ukraine “at any point.”
Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Tsunami, Earthquakes, Worldwide (Worthy News In-Depth)
An underwater volcano eruption in the Pacific Ocean nation of Tonga sent ash 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) high, rattling the region and coastal areas worldwide, with tsunamis and earthquakes injuring or killing people globally.
North Korea fires third set of missiles in retaliation to US sanctions
North Korea has fired what is believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles -its third weapons launch this month, officials in South Korea have said.
US: ‘Russian Invasion In Ukraine Within Weeks’
The United States accuses Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine within weeks amid concerns inside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance about a possible new major conflict in Europe.
Britain’s Prince Andrew Loses Royal Title Over Sex Abuse Allegations
Britain’s Prince Andrew, who has come under pressure over his alleged involvement in sexual abuse of one or more girls, loses his military titles and patronages and will no longer be called His Royal Highness, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday.
UK: Christian nurse wins discrimination case against hospital which told her not to wear gold cross at work
A UK Employment Tribunal has ruled that Christian nurse Mary Onuoha was discriminated against by a government-funded hospital which forced her out of her job for wearing a small gold cross necklace, Christian Concern (CC) reports.
El Salvador Journalists Targeted With Spyware
Dozens of journalists from a leading news site in El Salvador were reportedly targeted with telephone spyware in the most extensive attack yet discovered using the Pegasus software that has been used by governments worldwide.
Russia, NATO In Tense Talks About Ukraine
Talks between the U.S.-led NATO military alliance and Russia ended Wednesday without a breakthrough on preventing a feared Russian invasion into Ukraine.
No Breakthrough In Russia-US Talks On Ukraine
With more than 100,000 Russian troops massing along Ukraine’s borders, there were no signs Monday that the United States and Russia had agreed on how to avoid a Russian invasion.
US and Russia Still Far Apart on Ukraine After Geneva Talks
Russia and the United States gave no sign of narrowing their differences on Ukraine and wider European security in talks in Geneva on Monday, as Moscow repeated demands that Washington says it cannot accept.
Sec. Blinken gives Russia two choices ahead of talks in Geneva: ‘Massive consequences’
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took a hardline stance against Russia ahead of talks in Geneva by declaring the nation needed to choose between “dialogue” and “confrontation.”
Kazakhstan Cities Lacking Food, Fuel After Unrest Kills 164 (Worthy News In-Depth)
Kazakhstan’s health ministry said Sunday, at least 164 people had been killed in protests that have rocked the nation over the past week, leading to food and fuel shortages.
Russian-led Alliance In Kazakhstan As Police Kill Dozens
A Russian-led military alliance dispatches peacekeepers to Kazakhstan after the country’s president asked for help in controlling anti-government protests, which killed dozens.
Uganda: Muslim husband murders wife and children for their faith in Christ
A Muslim man in Kayunga, Uganda is understood to have murdered his wife and two children by strangulation and hanging because his spouse and eight-year-old child received Christ following Christmas worship services last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Although Muslims are a minority in Uganda, Christians in the country have been increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks by Islamic extremists.
Biden: ‘Decisive Response If Russia Invades Ukraine’
U.S. President Joe Biden promised Ukraine that the United States and its allies would, in his words, “respond decisively” if Russia moved to invade its pro-Western neighbor. Biden made the pledge in a New Year’s phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.