Pope Francis is urging for reforms to the United Nations — specifically to the UN Security Council — in an upcoming book, saying the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine have exposed its limitations, according to AFP.
Why it matters: In the book, Francis criticizes the UN as no longer fit for "new realities" and denounces war and the possession of nuclear weapons as immoral, saying its unconscionable states continue to produce such weapons.
To aid its effort to mobilize 300,000 conscripts for the war in Ukraine, Russia has turned to press gangs of military and police personnel to descend on civilian spaces and forcibly enlist men into the war, the Washington Post reported.
Driving the news: The press gangs have begun to make the rounds in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, seizing Russians from apartment buildings, metro stops, cafes and business offices.
Why it matters: The gathered leaders at the 20th Party congress are expected to select Chinese President Xi Jinping for a precedent-defying third term as Party leader, meaning his authoritarianism and assertive foreign policies are likely to continue for at least another five years.
Two gunmen opened fire on a group of Russian military recruits at a training ground in Belgorod, Russia, on Saturday, killing 11 people and wounding another 15, CNN reported, citing Russian state news agency TASS.
Driving the news: Russian authorities have labeled the incident an act of terrorism, and on Sunday Russia's Investigative Committee announced that it was opening a criminal investigation into the matter.
An Idaho man who volunteered to fight in Ukraine has died after suffering injuries earlier this month, the Associated Press reports.
The big picture: At least five Americans have died now during Ukraine's war with Russia. There have been at least 4,000 Americans who have volunteered to help Ukraine in the battle, according to the Washington Post.
A Russian missile strike attacked a power facility in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, on Saturday, according to Ukrainian officials.
Why it matters: The strike will immediately impact Kyiv's energy supply, putting residents in a precarious position in which energy availability may be limited.
The White House is “deeply disappointed” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he mistrusts the Biden administration, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council told Axios.
Why it matters: Since assuming office, the Biden administration has resumed sending hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the Palestinian people that was cut during the Trump administration.
An explosion in a Turkey coal mine left at least 40 dead people and nearly a dozen hospitalized, the Associated Press reports.
The big picture: Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but initial reports suggest it may have been caused by methane in the coal mines, per Reuters.
Over his 10-yeartenure, Chinese President Xi Jinping has turned the world's second-largest economy into a tool to project geopolitical power.
Why it matters: By making foreign access to the massive Chinese economy contingent upon toeing Chinese Communist Party lines, Xi has pressured companies and governments around the world to support Beijing's domestic and international political goals,while the Chinese government continues to commit human rights abuses.
