June 20th, 2023

Global headlines

Nukes in Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko started taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons. “The bombs are three times more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki” Lukashenko stated. The nukes will be stored in Belarus but will still be maintained under Russian control. It is believed that Putin wants these bombs in Belarus to counter the United States housing nuclear weapons in neighboring European countries. Lukashenko is a close ally to Putin, so when the former Soviet farm boss who has lead Belarus since 1994 requested these nukes it comes at no surprise. Coupled with Lukashenko’s paranoia of Belarus being a target by the west due to suspicions of fraudulent elections, it becomes a win-win for both countries. “No one has so far fought a nuclear country, a country with nuclear weapons” stated Lukashenko. Neither Russia or Belarus is expected to use these nukes, its more for peace of mind and counter defense.

Pakistan, Oil & Yen

Pakistan paid for its first government-to-government import of Russian crude oil in Chinese Yen. This is a significant shift for Pakistan which traditionally pays for its imports in US Dollars. The recent purchase gives Moscow a new market for oil in addition to India and China as it re-directs away from western markets amidst the Ukraine conflict. Financial gains are much needed right now as the economy of Pakistan is suffering massively. As opposed to looking at this as a political move or Pakistan choosing a side in the rumbling competition of BRICS & NATO countries, it could simply just be a better deal on oil for Pakistan. But as more countries start to deal in Yen it without a doubt makes the U.S dollar look vulnerable & opens up speculation for the future of global trade.

U.S & China pledge to stabilize tense relations

The U.S secretary of state Antony Blinkin recently took a 2 day trip to Beijing & met with China’s president Xi Jinping. Although Blinkin made it clear that the two superpowers still have ‘major differences’ it is a step in the right direction, as communications between the U.S & China have been at a standstill recently. Blinkin stated upon his return that “sustained communication is the best way to ensure differences don’t turn into conflict” & that he heard the same from Chinese officials. “We both agree we need to stabilize our relationship” It seems relations are moving in the right direction, this is the first visit by a top U.S official in 5 years. Many will try to point out that relations deteriorated under former president Trump however heightened tariffs on imports & a total of 210 public actions taken against China were not with the intention of creating tension but to even the playing field between the countries in terms of trade. Both Xi Jinping and Trump liked and respected each other. Regardless of the past, this is a step forward for the world. When the U.S & China are on good terms, the rest of the world benefits.

Trending

Tate Brothers

With the end of June around the corner, Andrew & Tristan Tate will either have to be charged or released, with the legal limit someone can be held without charge is 6 months. DIICOT dismissed 5 of the 6 charges of human trafficking last week.

The covid debate reigns continues

With conflicting articles & confusing information backing up both sides of the covid argument, Joe Rogan challenges Professor Peter Hotez, a well known vaccine scientist publicly on twitter to debate Democratic Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy JR on his podcast for $100,000 over claims made by Hotez that Robert F. Kennedy JR was spreading vaccine misinformation on Rogan’s podcast recently.

Ukraine attempting to join EU

An European Union report this week will state that Ukraine has met 2 of 7 requirements to start membership negotiations. This is a highly symbolic move given Ukraine’s history. Given how much Ukraine wanting to join the west influenced Russia’s decision to invade, it begs the question how much Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders want to poke the bear in seek of EU membership.

Off the beaten path, a Voyage exclusive

After a 17 year absence, white rhino’s will make their return to the wild in the Democratic republic of the Congo. The last wild white rhino was poached in the wild in 2006. The return of the white rhino’s is a direct reflection of the Congo’s commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving bio-diversity.

Fast Facts

-A French rail operator is in court after a cat was run over by his train

-Psychedelic mushroom usage has doubled in the last 3 years

-A 3000 year old perfectly preserved sword was recently dug up in Germany

-American Airlines was fined $15,000 after a worker died from being sucked into the engine

-A federal judge has ordered Donald Trump not to share news about his case with anyone, including social media & the news