Russia deploys nuclear forces in three-day maneuvers

64 thousand soldiers and more than 200 missile launchers participate in the Russian drill.

Russian nuclear maneuvers

This Tuesday, Russia began large-scale military maneuvers involving its nuclear forces, with simulated launches of ballistic and cruise missiles with atomic capabilities. The exercise lasts three days.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 64 thousand soldiers, more than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines participate. Of the latter, eight are equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. Moscow indicated that the practices focus on preparing nuclear forces for what it describes as a

“threat of aggression.”

The maneuvers include coordination with Belarus, a nation that hosts Russian nuclear weapons and where the Oreshnik missile system, intermediate range and atomic capacity, is deployed.

RelatedTrump proposes restarting nuclear tests in the United States

The deployment comes as Ukraine has stepped up its drone attacks on Russian territory. Recent bombings on the outskirts of Moscow left people dead and damaged industrial facilities, making it difficult for the Kremlin to maintain that the war does not affect the daily lives of the population.

President Vladimir Putin has reiterated since the start of the invasion in 2022 the warnings about the Russian nuclear arsenal as a deterrent so that the West does not expand its military support to kyiv. In 2024, Moscow updated its nuclear doctrine to consider any conventional aggression backed by a nuclear power as a joint attack, thus lowering the threshold for eventual use of nuclear weapons.

Trump issues tariff ultimatum to Europe over digital tax

Trump threatens a 100% tariff on European countries that tax digital services from American technology companies.

Trump’s new trade threat to Europe

Donald Trump warned this Friday that he will impose a 100% tariff on all goods imported from any European country that moves forward with a tax on digital services aimed at US technology companies.

The message, published on its Truth Social network, increases the pressure in the trade dispute with the European Union.

“Numerous European countries are discussing the imminent introduction of a digital services tax against American companies. Anyone who imposes such a tax will immediately see a 100% tariff applied to all goods exported to the United States,” Trump wrote.

The president added that this tax “will prevail over any trade agreement” reached with the country in question. The measure would come into force “with immediate effect” if any of those governments go ahead with the tax.

The threat targets nations such as France, Italy or Spain, which already evaluate or apply taxes to digital services from giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon or Apple. The issue had been left out of the recent bilateral trade agreement that reduced other tariffs. Now, it reemerges as a new focus of transatlantic tension.

Continue reading

Tsunami rescue dog: from victim of abuse to hero in Venezuela

A border collie rescued from abandonment now locates people under rubble in Venezuela.

Rescue efforts continue in Venezuela after the two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded on Wednesday. Between the devastation and the increase in victims, hope arrives on all fours.

A rescuer with a history of improvement

“Tsunami”, a nine-year-old border collie, has become a symbol of hope for Venezuelans. His exceptional sense of smell made it possible to locate a living person in the rubble.

His past, however, was different. Tsunami was rescued by the Association for the Defense of Animals (Aproa) when he was just a puppy, after suffering abuse and abandonment. The association contacted Jorge Beens, founder of the Canine Disaster Intervention Team Training Center (K-Sar Ecid), to evaluate its potential.

Beens adopted Tsunami, who completed rigorous specialized training and became certified as a search dog. In addition to his work in rescues, he has become a spokesperson for animal rights in Venezuela.

International career

Tsunami has participated in rescue missions in Syria, Türkiye and now Venezuela. His active work in locating people under rubble has touched thousands of people on social networks.

While emergency teams continue their search efforts, the story of this rescue dog reminds us that even in tragedy, solidarity and joint effort can make a difference.

Continue reading

Earthquakes in Venezuela: more than 900 dead and 51 thousand missing

Families dig with their own hands as the arrival of international aid accelerates.

Two days after the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that shook Venezuela, the death toll exceeds 920 people and the missing amount to more than 51,000. In La Guaira, the epicenter of the destruction, families dig through the rubble with basic tools, while denouncing the scarce presence of government rescue teams.

Desperation in La Guaira

Nazareth Jiménez watched neighbors try to cut concrete slabs with hammers. “My God, how do I get all the people out of there?” he murmured. He pleaded for heavy machinery: “We call on the government, on the countries of the world, to help us. There are still people alive.”

The Venezuelan government announced that it will block access to La Guaira due to disorder and traffic. Those who want to enter must request official permits, without many details. Meanwhile, dozens of rescue teams from different countries begin to arrive.

“Every person saved is a miracle,” declared Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly.

The acting president Delcy Rodríguez stated that they are working on a total response during “these critical hours for the rescue of living people.” He welcomed international aid and confirmed the militarization of La Guaira. However, residents believe that the assistance received is only a fraction of what is needed.

The first 48 to 72 hours are crucial to finding survivors. Hope fades as families continue the search on their own.

Continue reading