Every morning at 9 a.m., Ukraine comes to a standstill. Traffic lights turn red, and the rhythmic sound of a metronome fills the air, signaling a minute of collective reflection. Drivers step out of their vehicles, bowing their heads in silence. From cafes and schools to the front lines, Ukrainians pause to honor those who have lost their lives in Russia’s full-scale invasion. This daily ritual, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, has become a profound national tradition, uniting the country in grief and resilience. In Kyiv’s Maidan Square, a growing memorial adorned with flags, photos, and candles serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. Among the mourners are four friends holding signs that read, “Stop. Honor.” Their bond is tied to Iryna Tsybukh, a 25-year-old combat medic killed by a landmine in eastern Ukraine last year. Her death galvanized the nation and deepened the significance of the daily observance. Kateryna Datsenko, co-founder of the civic group Vshanuy, emphasizes that the ritual is not about death but about celebrating the lives and passions of the fallen. Despite escalating Russian missile and drone attacks, Ukrainians continue to gather each morning, finding strength in shared grief and solidarity. City officials have synchronized Kyiv’s traffic lights to ensure the capital joins the nationwide pause. For many, like activist Daria Kolomiec, the moment is both collective and deeply personal, a reminder of the resilience and unity that define Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Nobel economics prize goes to 3 researchers for explaining innovation-driven economic growth
STOCKHOLM (AP) — The 2023 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their pioneering contributions to understanding innovation-driven economic growth. The trio’s work has shed light on the mechanisms of ‘creative destruction,’ a concept central to economic progress, where new innovations displace older technologies and businesses. Mokyr, from Northwestern University, Aghion, affiliated with the College de France and the London School of Economics, and Howitt, from Brown University, were recognized for their efforts to quantify and explain this phenomenon. The Nobel Committee highlighted their research as essential for sustaining long-term economic growth and avoiding stagnation. Aghion, expressing his astonishment at the honor, emphasized his commitment to reinvesting the prize money into his research laboratory. He also voiced concerns about protectionist policies, particularly in the U.S., warning that such measures could hinder global growth and innovation. The laureates’ work builds on the foundational ideas of economist Joseph Schumpeter, who first articulated the concept of creative destruction in his 1942 book, ‘Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy.’ Aghion and Howitt’s 1992 mathematical model further advanced the understanding of this process. The prize, valued at 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), was split equally between Mokyr and the duo of Aghion and Howitt. The award, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968 and has since been awarded to 96 laureates, only three of whom have been women. While technically not one of the original Nobel Prizes, it is presented alongside them on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Last year’s economics prize honored researchers who explored the disparities between rich and poor nations, emphasizing the role of open societies in fostering prosperity. This year’s announcement follows last week’s Nobel honors in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace.
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Trump says he may send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine
In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. This move, described by Trump as ‘a new step of aggression,’ could dramatically enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory. The consideration follows a recent phone conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Zelensky emphasized the need for advanced military capabilities to counter Russian offensives. Tomahawk missiles, with a striking range of 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), would place Moscow within Ukraine’s reach, potentially altering the strategic dynamics of the war. However, Moscow has previously cautioned Washington against such actions, warning that it would escalate tensions and further strain U.S.-Russian relations. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, indicated that he might discuss the matter with Russia, stating, ‘Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.’ The potential deployment of these missiles comes as Ukraine faces relentless Russian attacks on its cities and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, which have caused widespread power outages. Last month, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that the U.S. president had authorized strikes deep into Russian territory, asserting that ‘there are no such things as sanctuaries’ in this conflict. Despite these developments, the Kremlin has downplayed the impact of Tomahawks, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that such weapons ‘won’t be able to change the dynamic’ of the war.
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Floods trap people in cars in Spain’s Catalonia region
Torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods in Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region, leaving numerous individuals stranded in their vehicles, according to officials. Dramatic footage circulating on social media depicts muddy torrents surging through the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara in Tarragona province, sweeping away everything in their path. Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has issued a red alert—the highest level of warning—for the coastal province. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries thus far. Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency has advised residents in Tarragona’s Ebro Delta to remain indoors, as AEMET predicts up to 180mm (7 inches) of rainfall within a 12-hour period. ‘The situation is complex, and additional rainfall is expected,’ stated Cristina Vicente, a senior official at the agency, in an interview with La Vanguardia newspaper. The severe weather has disrupted train services along the Mediterranean Corridor, with departures from Barcelona and Valencia suspended indefinitely. This flooding follows days of heavy rains and inundation in several south-eastern Spanish regions, including the Balearic Islands. The extreme conditions are attributed to Storm Alice, which has been active in the western Mediterranean.
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France’s newly re-appointed prime minister names new Cabinet in bid to quell political turmoil
In a bid to stabilize France’s political landscape, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu unveiled a new government on Sunday. The reshuffle comes as Lecornu faces mounting pressure to address pressing issues, including crafting a viable budget and restoring confidence among businesses and investors. The Cabinet features a mix of seasoned politicians from President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance and conservative allies, alongside fresh faces from outside the political arena. However, the longevity of this administration remains uncertain, given Macron’s lack of a parliamentary majority and calls from opposition leaders for new elections or his resignation. Lecornu, a 39-year-old centrist and Macron confidant, must navigate a deeply divided National Assembly, where far-right, centrist, and left-wing factions vie for influence. Key appointments include Catherine Vautrin as Defense Minister, tasked with managing France’s military support for Ukraine and addressing European security threats posed by Russia. Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez, who secured the 2024 Olympics, steps into the role of Interior Minister, while Roland Lescure takes on the critical Finance Ministry portfolio amid concerns over rising debt and poverty. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot retains his position, accompanying Macron to Egypt for an international ceremony marking the Gaza ceasefire.
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Presidential candidate calls for Irish unity preparation
In a heated presidential debate broadcast by RTÉ, the two candidates vying for the Irish presidency, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, addressed critical issues such as Irish unity, neutrality, and foreign policy. Connolly, backed by a coalition of left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, urged the Irish government to prepare for a united Ireland, citing the Good Friday Agreement and Article 3 of the Irish Constitution as foundational frameworks. She emphasized the need for a green paper and cross-party collaboration to outline steps toward unity, lamenting the lack of progress thus far. Connolly also pledged to make her first presidential visit to Northern Ireland if elected. Humphreys, representing the Fine Gael party, stressed the importance of building trust across communities in Northern Ireland, drawing on her personal experiences and relationships across the border. She highlighted the persistent divisions despite the peace process and expressed her commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding. The debate also saw the candidates clash over the government’s proposal to remove the ‘triple lock’ mechanism, which currently requires UN approval, government decision, and parliamentary vote for deploying Irish troops abroad. Connolly argued for a referendum to protect Ireland’s neutrality, while Humphreys supported the government’s stance, questioning the need for foreign powers to veto Irish peacekeeping missions. Both candidates reaffirmed their commitment to Ireland’s neutrality, though they differed on the specifics of its implementation.
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Portugal holds municipal elections with attention on Lisbon after streetcar crash
LISBON, Portugal — Voters in Portugal headed to the polls on Sunday for local elections, with the mayoral race in Lisbon drawing significant attention following a tragic streetcar accident last month. The contest pits incumbent Mayor Carlos Moedas, leading a right-of-center coalition, against left-of-center candidate Alexandra Leitão, a law professor, for a four-year term. The September 3 crash, which claimed 16 lives—including 11 tourists—sparked public outrage, though Moedas has denied responsibility and declined to resign. The streetcar service, operated by Carris, falls under the oversight of the Lisbon City Council. However, many voters emphasized that their decisions were shaped more by pressing urban issues such as housing affordability, waste management, and the strain of tourism on the city’s infrastructure. José Rosa, a 72-year-old resident, lamented the chaotic traffic and garbage accumulation, stressing the need for proactive governance. Sandra Almeida, another voter, highlighted the housing crisis, stating that locals are being priced out of their own city. While the streetcar crash remains under investigation, with officials probing potential maintenance failures, Moedas has dismissed any political accountability, calling it a mechanical issue. Despite the tragedy, some voters, like Ana Btelho, saw the incident as a reflection of poor leadership. Moedas, a rising star in Portugal’s center-right Social Democratic Party, is seen as a potential future prime minister, with his tenure as mayor often viewed as a steppingstone to higher office.
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Russia attacks Ukraine’s power grid as Moscow worries over US Tomahawk missiles
Russia has escalated its assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, launching a series of drone and missile strikes overnight into Sunday. This marks a continuation of its strategy to destabilize Ukraine’s power grid ahead of the harsh winter months. The attacks targeted critical energy facilities across multiple regions, including Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv, leaving two employees of Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, wounded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, labeling them as “aerial terror” and revealing that Russia had deployed over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and approximately 1,360 glide bombs in the past week alone. Zelenskyy also emphasized the need for stricter sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, stating that such measures are crucial to cutting off funding for the war. In a separate development, Zelenskyy reported a “very productive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which they discussed bolstering Ukraine’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities. The conversation also touched on potential U.S. military aid, including the provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles, a topic that has drawn “extreme concern” from the Kremlin. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed skepticism about the U.S. delivering such weapons, suggesting that Trump’s rhetoric might not translate into immediate action. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s energy sector remains a focal point of the conflict, with Russian strikes causing widespread damage and blackouts. Ukrainian officials have described the recent attacks as among the largest concentrated strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure. As winter approaches, Russia’s strategy appears aimed at undermining public morale by disrupting essential services. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting or jamming 103 of 118 Russian drones launched overnight, while Russia claimed to have shot down 32 Ukrainian drones over its territory.
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Nuns escape fire at historic Italian monastery
A devastating fire has ravaged the historic Bernaga Monastery in Italy, a site of immense cultural and religious significance. Dramatic drone footage captured the blaze as it consumed the centuries-old structure, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Miraculously, the nuns residing at the monastery managed to escape unharmed, a testament to their swift response and the efforts of emergency responders. The monastery, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual heritage, has long been a symbol of faith and history in the region. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire, which has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a cherished landmark. Efforts to assess the damage and plan for potential restoration are already underway, as locals and historians alike hope to preserve the legacy of this iconic site.
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Estonia closes road through Russian territory due to presence of Russian troops
Estonia has temporarily restricted access to a crucial road that traverses a small section of Russian territory, following reports of an unusual presence of Russian soldiers in the area. The decision, announced by Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board on Friday, was prompted by the observation of a larger-than-normal Russian military unit moving near the border. The road in question, known as the Saatse Boot, is a boot-shaped enclave of Russian land that extends into southeastern Estonia. While Estonians and other nationals are typically permitted to drive through this area without special authorization, stopping is strictly prohibited. The closure aims to safeguard public safety and prevent potential incidents. Interior Minister Igor Taro confirmed on Saturday that the Russian soldiers had since departed, describing the situation as calm but emphasizing that the road would remain closed at least until Tuesday. He reiterated that there is no immediate threat of war, a stance supported by the Estonian Defense Forces. This incident follows heightened tensions in the region, including recent unauthorized incursions by Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace and drone violations in Poland, both of which have raised concerns among NATO members on the eastern flank.