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Russia-Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the future of his country rests upon the result of fighting with Russian forces in the east, including in and around the flashpoint city of Bakhmut. Zelensky’s remark comes as Bakhmut has been mostly reduced to rubble during the longest battle between Ukrainian and Russian troops. Both Kiev and Moscow have reported brutal fighting for control of the city. The Russia-Ukraine war grinds on with no sign of a ceasefire. Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to visit Russia to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin as early as next week. Xi is also likely to hold a video conference with Zelensky. Beijing has been pushing for dialogue to help settle the Ukraine conflict. It proposed a peace plan on the first anniversary of the war. 

Australia-US submarine deal

Australia has announced plans to buy five US nuclear-powered submarines as part of a western push to contain China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement, calling it the biggest single investment ever in his country’s defense capability. Albanese was speaking at an event at an American naval base in California where US President Joe Biden also hosted British premier Rishi Sunak. Biden’s national security advisor said the first deliveries of submarines to Canberra will be made in the 2030s. The deal is part of a three-way security pact signed by the US, Britain and Australia in 2021, also known as AUKUS. Biden has clarified that American submarines to Australia would be nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed.

Controversial judicial bill 

The Israeli parliament has approved one of the key elements of a controversial judicial reform bill proposed by the far-right cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The bill was passed at its first reading by 61 votes in favor and 52 against. To become law, it needs the support of Knesset members at the second and third readings. If approved, it would restrict the Supreme Court's ability to overturn laws it considered unconstitutional. The reforms would also grant the ruling coalition more powers in appointing judges. On Tuesday, protesters blocked the road leading to the prime minister’s office to show their anger at the bill. Numerous demonstrations have already taken place in the past weeks. Critics say the proposed reforms would hand over more powers to the politicians. 

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