World News
War in Ukraine: US urges Ukraine to consider negotiations with Russia
Sylvie Claire / November 20, 2022
The United States is increasingly calling on Ukraine to be open to peace negotiations with Russia, with a senior Pentagon official saying it will be difficult for Kiev forces to reclaim territory won by Moscow during the war.
U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley stressed Wednesday that U.S. support has not wavered, but said Kiev is in a good position to start talks as its soldiers are managing to hold out against Russia.
He said the Russians are now strengthening their grip on 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and that the front lines from the city of Kharviv to Kherson are stabilizing.
“The probability of a Ukrainian military victory, consisting of driving the Russians out of all of Ukraine, including … Crimea, the probability of this happening soon is not high, militarily speaking,” he said.
“There can be a political solution where, politically, the Russians withdraw, that’s possible,” Mark Milley added.
The White House reiterated Friday that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in a position to approve the opening of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, rejecting any notion of American pressure on Kiev.
We also said it was up to President Zelensky to say if and when he would be ready for negotiations and what form those negotiations would take,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
“No one in the United States is encouraging him, pushing him or pushing him to the negotiating table,” he said.
But earlier this month, Volodymyr Zelensky signaled that he no longer required Vladimir Putin’s departure to begin negotiations, a change of course that came after pressure from the White House.
American support for Ukraine remains strong. This week the White House asked Congress to provide an additional $38 billion in support to Kiev.
But at the same time the executive branch did not contradict the view of General Mark Milley, who said last week in New York that Ukraine had suffered 100,000 battlefield deaths and injuries – a figure close to that estimated for the Russian army – and 40,000 civilian casualties.
These numbers could rise further if Ukraine persists in fighting to try to regain its pre-2014 borders, Mark Milley further suggested.
In particular, he compared the situation to World War I, when both sides were mired in a conflict that killed a million people between August and December 1914, with a stabilized front line and an unwillingness to hold peace talks. Four years later, at the end of 1918, 20 million people had died.
“So when there is an opportunity to negotiate, when peace can be achieved, seize it,” he said.
Mark Milley’s comments have raised concerns that the U.S. wants to revisit Kiev’s goal of reclaiming all Russian-occupied land, including Crimea and Donbass, which Ukraine lost control of in 2014.
Charles Kupchan, a professor at Georgetown University, believes that the Biden administration is probably trying to ensure that the door remains open to negotiations, and that Mark Milley is simply already “looking a little more ahead. »
I don’t think it’s premature. I think it’s prudent. The Russians and Ukrainians should keep the possibility that there is a diplomatic way,” he said.
And it is also a signal to Volodymyr Zelensky, whose statements are testing the patience of some allies.
“Zelensky, understandably, is getting a little hot under the collar and saying things that allies may not like,” Kupchan said.
He adds that the White House is trying to get ahead of any pressure from European allies to end the war before Kiev is ready.
“The Biden administration wants to move slowly, to make sure the transatlantic consensus remains strong. »
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Datareportal, a leading authority in global digital insights, has released its highly anticipated “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, showcasing remarkable advancements in digital adoption across the country amidst ongoing challenges.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Internet Penetration Growth: Internet penetration in Yemen has surged by 22% from the previous year, with an estimated 10.5 million Yemenis now having access to the internet, representing 36% of the population.
2. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile devices remain the primary means of internet access, with smartphone ownership increasing by 18%, reaching a total of 9.2 million users. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile network coverage and more affordable data plans.
3. Social Media Usage: Social media usage has seen a significant uptick, with platforms like Facebook experiencing a 30% increase in active users, now totaling 7.8 million Yemenis. WhatsApp and YouTube follow closely, each with over 6 million active users.
4. E-Commerce Expansion: E-commerce has boomed, witnessing a 45% rise in online transactions compared to the previous year. The total value of e-commerce transactions in 2024 reached USD 360 million, indicating a growing preference for digital shopping experiences.
5. Digital Payments Surge: Digital payment systems have gained widespread adoption, with mobile money users growing by 55% to reach 4.3 million users. This surge in digital payments has led to a 25% decrease in cash transactions across various sectors.
While Yemen continues to face challenges, the rapid growth in digital adoption is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people,” said [SIMON KEMP], at Datareportal. “These numbers reflect the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
The report also sheds light on ongoing challenges such as intermittent power outages and internet disruptions, which hinder seamless digital integration. Additionally, the cost of digital access remains relatively high for many Yemenis, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility.
For a detailed analysis and access to the full “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, visit [Website URL].
– About Datareportal
Datareportal is a leading provider of comprehensive digital insights, empowering businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools. With a commitment to accuracy and depth, Datareportal remains at the forefront of global digital trends and transformations.
Fuad Al-Qrize ( Arabic: فؤاد الكريزي ) – Yemeni Writer
World News
Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin promises those responsible will all be “punished”, EI says four of its fighters carried out the attack
Eva Deschamps / March 23,
At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (EI).
The four perpetrators” of the attack were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, said the Russian president on Saturday March 23.
The Russian president spoke at a time of terrible tragedy in Russia. “The four perpetrators” of the attack near Moscow were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, he said in a televised speech broadcast the day after the murderous attack. “According to initial data [from investigators], on the Ukrainian side, a passage had been prepared for them to cross the border”, he continued, notes Le Monde.
The attack, which killed at least 133 people near Moscow, was in the eyes of the Kremlin leader a “bloody and barbaric act of terrorism”. “Peaceful, innocent people […] including children, teenagers and women” were killed, he continued, adding, “I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.” A national day of mourning will be observed on March 24.
“War”. In his speech, Vladimir Putin assured that “those behind these terrorists will be punished” and that they “will have no future”. On Saturday, the Kremlin announced that eleven people had been arrested, including the four suspects who carried out the attack.
Sylvie Claire / March 23,
After weeks of silence from the British royal family, cancer-stricken Princess Kate has announced that she has begun chemotherapy.
Princess Kate explains that it has taken them some time to explain the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis. She concludes her message: “But for now, I need to focus on my full recovery. I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease in any form, don’t lose faith or hide. You are not alone.
2024 Report Highlights Major Digital Growth in Yemen
A New Era of Global Communication Through Outernet
