Ukraine: Rebel attacks on city of Mariupol condemned by the UN
Russia's end goal remains the same: to seize more territory and move the line of Russian-controlled territory deeper and deeper into Ukraine. The US and Russia remain as far apart as ever over who is to blame for the current escalation in fighting in eastern Ukraine. The weekend’s deadly rocket attacks on the government-held port city of Mariupol on Saturday have been described by the UN at an extraordinary meeting of the Security Council as a ceasefire violation and a war crime. US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, didn’t mince her words when she described the restarting of the rebel offensive in eastern Ukraine as being ‘Moscow-made’: She said: unfortunately we are back here today because Russia and the separatists have once again flouted these commitments. The targets are fresh ones, but Russia’s end goal remains the same: to seize more territory and move the line of Russian-controlled territory deeper and deeper into Ukraine.’
Greece: Markets hit by debt default fears
Greek financial markets were in turmoil on Wednesday with investors fearing the new anti-bailout government was determined to defy its international creditors. Greek five-year bond yields jumped to a record high of 13%, reflecting fears that investors may not get their money back. Share prices also fell for a third consecutive day, with the main Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), down 7.6%. The biggest losers were bank shares. In the two sessions since Sunday's election, banks have seen 23% of their value wiped off, with investors fretting that the possibility of Greece leaving the euro would see bank accounts converted back into a new Greek national currency. The sharp movements came after new Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in his first cabinet meeting that he planned to negotiate with creditors over the €240bn (£179bn; $270bn) bailout. The EU has repeatedly warned the new government to stick to its commitments. A default could force Greece out of the euro.
Armed Forces in action
Although other items take priority in the news please remember that the military is still conducting dangerous missions against the forces of IS. Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft supporting Iraqi ground forces as part of the international coalition have conducted multiple air strikes on IS terrorists in recent days as they continued to strengthen security in the area east of Mount Sinjar. Please pray for their protection. For more info: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latest-iraq-air-strikes The military also play a vital role in combatting Ebola as they combine their roles of logistics, planning, supply and medical work and training. Continuing the government’s commitment to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in west Africa, Headquarters 11 Infantry Brigade will take on a central command role. Usually based in Aldershot, they will take over from 104 Logistics Brigade who have been in Sierra Leone since September 2014.
Loneliness among elderly is a threat to public health
Britain faces a ‘major public health challenge’ caused by the impact of long-term loneliness on elderly people, two charities have warned. Entitled ‘Promising approaches to reducing loneliness and isolation in later life’, the report details the impact of chronic loneliness – feeling lonely all or most of the time – can have on the health of older people. The research uncovered that one in four (2.9million) Britons aged 65 and over feel they have no one to go to for help and support. As well as serious implications for mental health, it found that chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking, increasing the risk of dementia, high blood pressure and depression. The report claims that health service funders and commissioners are suffering from a 'knowledge gap' as they struggle to meet the growing challenge of chronic loneliness. Laura Alcock-Ferguson, director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, said the framework is being offered to those councils which wish to use it.
