Wednesday Briefing: Russia warned against NATO troops in Ukraine
Good morning. We’re covering a fraught exchange between Russia and the West, and the latest on a possible cease-fire in Gaza. Plus, Kate Winslet plays a dictator.
Russia warned against NATO troops in UkraineRussia warned yesterday that a ground intervention in Ukraine by any NATO country would lead to a direct clash between the Western military alliance and Russian forces. The response came a day after France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, made a provocative comment about the possibility of allied countries sending in troops. The Kremlin called the open discussion of NATO ground troops in Ukraine “a very important new element” and warned that “this is, of course, not in the interest of these countries.” European countries rushed to distance themselves from Macron’s comment, and the NATO chief said the alliance had no such plans. France later clarified that Macron was trying to emphasize how Europe must consider new actions to support Ukraine. The fractured messaging underscores how NATO — despite becoming more powerful with the approval of Finland and Sweden’s membership bids — is grasping for ways to support Kyiv as resolve weakens in the U.S. and as Russia advances on the battlefield. Analysis: A foreign ground intervention in Ukraine is seen as unlikely by most analysts. Since Russia’s invasion, the U.S. and most of its European allies have categorically ruled out the possibility, warning that such a step could escalate into nuclear war.
Hamas played down talk of a nearing cease-fireAfter President Biden expressed cautious optimism on Monday about the chance of a cease-fire in Gaza by next week, Hamas threw cold water on the prospect that it was close to reaching an agreement with Israel. A Hamas spokesman said that the group had yet to formally receive “any new proposals” since Israeli officials met mediators in Paris last week. Qatar, a key figure in the talks, also said negotiations hadn’t reached a breakthrough, although mediators remain optimistic. A possible offer: Israeli officials are discussing a proposal for a roughly six-week cease-fire, during which about 40 hostages could be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Some of the prisoners are serving heavy sentences for terrorism, and their release would be a concession aimed at persuading Hamas to make a deal. Officials hope to reach an agreement before Ramadan begins in less than two weeks. Other developments:
Mercury pollution is stubbornly high in tunaA team of French researchers found that mercury levels in the fish have remained virtually unchanged, despite decades of global regulations that have curbed releases of the toxic metal. That’s most likely because “legacy” mercury that has accumulated deep in the ocean is circulating into shallower depths where tuna feed, a new study suggests. The researchers predicted that even with the strictest mercury regulations, it would take another 10 to 25 years for concentrations to start falling in the ocean. Drops in mercury levels in tuna would follow only decades after that. |
