
Ukrainian forces release video of downed Russian Mi-8 helicopter: ‘It burns beautifully’
Ukraine’s military has released a video of the burning wreckage of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter on the war’s southern frontline, saying the aircraft was shot down by paratroopers. “The Russian Mi-8 was shot down. Great work by the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade. It burns beautifully. Well done, warriors,” said Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, heading the Ukrainian armed ground forces on one of the southern Ukrainian fronts. A 12-second video of the helicopter engulfed in flames was shared by General Syrskyi on his official Telegram channel late on Sunday. The location and the time of the destruction of the Russian helicopter was not immediately clear. The Ukrainian armed forces have destroyed several of Russia’s fleet of Soviet-era Mi-8 attack helicopters during the course of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion. In August this year, a Russian Mi-8 helicopter was captured after landing in Ukraine’s Kharkiv oblast following what Kyiv described as a long-term operation by Ukrainian intelligence. It comes as fighting intensified over the weekend around the city of Avdiivka, in Ukraine’s Donbas, as well as in other sectors of the 1,000-km-long (600-mile) front. One top Ukrainian commander said clashes further north had “significantly worsened”, while another said Russian losses were mounting in the war’s southern sectors. “What is happening now along the entire length of the [line of] contact is called ‘an active defence’,” Mr Putin said. “And our troops are improving their position at almost the entire area. Quite a large area,” he said in video remarks posted to social media by a Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin. Mr Putin could be trying to temper expectations of significant Russian advances around Avdiivka, the US-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War said. “Putin’s characterisation of Russian offensive operations near Avdiivka as an ‘active defence,’ instead of ‘active combat operations’ as Russian UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya claimed on 13 October, or discussing Russian operations as an ‘offensive’ as some milbloggers have, may be an attempt to temper expectations of significant Russian advances,” the ISW said in its latest assessment. It added that while Russian operations – including intensive artillery and airstrikes – are likely intended to degrade Ukrainian forces around Avdiivka, Russian forces are unlikely to make significant breakthroughs or cut off Ukrainian forces in the settlement in the near term, and potential advances at scale would likely require a significant and protracted commitment of personnel and materiel. Read More Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin suffers serious losses in largest offensive in months Russian governor reported to police for speaking out over Putin’s ‘unnecessary’ war against Ukraine Putin's visit to Beijing underscores China’s economic and diplomatic support for Russia As the conflict in Israel rages on, the world must not forget about Ukraine
2023-10-16 16:23

Maldives country profile
Provides an overview of the Maldives, including key facts about this Indian Ocean country.
2023-10-16 16:04

DR Congo boat accident: At least 40 dead, 167 missing
The overloaded boat was sailing at night, in breach of safety regulations, officials say.
2023-10-16 15:35

Ugandan police foil ADF plot to bomb churches - Yoweri Museveni
The president says two bombs were linked to public address systems, and sent to pastors.
2023-10-16 15:10

Gaza health ministry: 2,750 Palestinians killed, 9,700 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct 7
GAZA At least 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 wounded in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza
2023-10-16 15:09

Egypt, US, Israel agree ceasefire in southern Gaza, opening of Rafah crossing at 0600 GMT - security sources
CAIRO (Reuters) -Egypt, Israel and the U.S. agreed to a ceasefire in southern Gaza beginning at 0600 GMT coinciding with
2023-10-16 14:29

Former Bank of China boss arrested on bribery charges
He is the latest banker to be prosecuted under Chinese President Xi's anti-corruption crackdown.
2023-10-16 13:19

Palestinian men stranded outside Gaza look on as their families endure horrors at home
The men in the wedding hall at the Dheisheh refugee camp in the West Bank spend most of their days and nights glued to their phones, smoking, constantly refreshing their news feeds. They look exhausted, the horrors of the last few days clearly visible on their faces.
2023-10-16 12:34

Bill Belichick Slams Tablet to Ground During Patriots' Loss to Raiders
Bill Belichick threw a tablet to the ground.
2023-10-16 07:14

Rob Page delighted with Wales response after speculation over future
Rob Page welcomed Wales putting automatic qualification for Euro 2024 in their own hands after admitting he had been “fighting fires” before the stunning 2-1 victory over Croatia. Harry Wilson, winning his 50th cap, scored twice as Wales climbed above the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in to second place in Group D. The two teams are tied on 10 points, six behind group leaders Turkey who secured qualification by beating Latvia 4-0 on Sunday. Wales are second by virtue of having a better head-to-head record against Croatia after also drawing 1-1 with them in Split in March. Wales’ win over Croatia, ranked sixth in the world and 27 places above the Dragons, came after pre-match reports that manager Page’s job could be in jeopardy. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney had said earlier in the week that a “serious review” would take place on Page’s position following the final group games against Armenia and Turkey next month. Page is currently just over 12 months into a four-year deal. Page said: “I would say it’s the best performance (of his three-year reign), I am immensely proud. “There was unnecessary noise coming into it, with me fighting fires. I didn’t need any player to speak, I see the players want to play for me. “I had a text from the chief executive today, before that, not for five weeks. “I just want to concentrate on the football, we are two games away from qualifying for another major tournament, a fourth in five. “We believe we can do it. We need to do the same (in November) as we did in this camp.” Wales had never beaten Croatia in seven previous attempts, drawing three and losing four. But Wales had the better first-half chances – Dominik Livakovic denying Wilson and Neco Williams with smart saves – and took control after the break. Wilson raced on to David Brooks’ pass to score with a splendid chip and then converted Daniel James’ cross with a glancing header. Mario Pasalic ensured home anxiety 15 minutes from time with a close-range header, but Wales held on for a famous victory. Page said: “In all aspects, how we defended against an excellent team with one of the best midfields in the world was outstanding. “We are in a transition period where we’ve lost one of the best players in the world (Gareth Bale). We are introducing young players to strengthen us and improve us. “Seven of our 11 are not starting for their club. Chris Mepham’s last game was against Latvia. Kieffer Moore isn’t playing for his club. “But when they turn up for Wales they produce a performance like that. I am really proud of them as a group. “The players are an incredible bunch and it’s in our hands now. “I understand not everyone is going to be a fan of mine, but when you have a group of players playing like that for you, it makes you immensely proud.” Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic believes the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists face a tough task to qualify automatically after successive defeats to Turkey and Wales. Dalic said: “It is going to be difficult. We understand it is not all in our hands any more. We have to believe that we are going to be able to turn this around. “We just played both games without energy, we didn’t play well, we didn’t create any chances. Our opponent was more aggressive, tougher than us and we deserved to lose.” Read More Stephen Kenny not dwelling on past as Ireland return to Faro focused on victory Wales defeat Croatia to boost Euro 2024 qualification hopes Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ England after reaching World Cup semi-final Stephen Kenny puts speculation to one side for Gibraltar clash Jos Buttler tells England to ‘let it hurt’ after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Baltimore boss John Harbaugh thrilled to end ‘heck of a week’ in London on high
2023-10-16 06:24

3 NFL quarterbacks who should be benched after Week 6
Here are the three NFL quarterbacks who may have earned themselves a spot on the bench after their performances in Week 6.
2023-10-16 06:23

France's star backs flop as they lose to South Africa in Rugby World Cup quarterfinals
France’s star backs were supposed to lead the tournament favorite past defending champion South Africa and into the Rugby World Cup semifinals
2023-10-16 06:22
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