UK to bolster Ukraine air defenses with £162m missile systems and artillery amid Russian attacks; US pledges $45m in aid to Haiti amid gang violence.
The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine by providing 650 new Lightweight Multirole Missile systems, as part of a £162 million package, to bolster air defenses amidst ongoing Russian attacks. Additionally, the UK will send £300 million worth of artillery ammunition to Ukraine, reflecting a broader effort to increase defense production in Europe.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the US has pledged $45 million in aid to Haiti, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing support for a Kenya-led security mission and the importance of elections. This commitment is part of a larger $360 million package aimed at stabilizing Haiti amidst severe gang violence and political instability.
In a notable domestic development, Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty to nine counts of tax evasion, admitting to skirting $1.4 million in taxes over the past decade. Facing sentencing in December, he could spend up to 17 years in prison, coupled with substantial fines, for his financial and drug-related offenses.
Shifting gears to political pledges,
Donald Trump has announced he would strip US universities of federal support over "antisemitic propaganda" if re-elected, aiming to hold institutions accountable. He also plans to ban refugees from Gaza, targeting "pro-Hamas" protesters, while criticizing current policies toward the conflict.
On a related note, Trump has proposed appointing
Elon Musk to lead a commission for overhauling federal efficiency, promising to root out fraud and save trillions. However, this suggestion has sparked an ethics debate, with concerns about potential conflicts of interest given Musk's vast business holdings.
Finally, Super Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in southern China and Hong Kong, closing schools, canceling flights, and even shutting down the Hong Kong stock exchange. With sustained winds of 245 km/h, the storm has prompted authorities to urge residents to stay indoors and disrupted activities across the region, extending to northern Vietnamese airports.