Breaking News: A Nation in Mourning: Kenya’s Political Titan Raila Odinga Passes Away at 80

By Ruzeki | Shadoww News | October 15, 2025 

Kenya is grappling with a profound national loss following the announcement of the passing of Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister and a towering figure in the country's politics for over three decades. He was 80 years old. 

Fmr. PM Raila Odinga 

The veteran opposition leader died on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Koothattukulam, Kerala, India. According to reports from Indian authorities and hospital officials, the former Prime Minister suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during his morning walk and could not be revived despite being rushed to the hospital. He was in India for Ayurvedic treatment and was accompanied by his daughter and other family members at the time of his passing. 

A Political Journey Like No Other 

Affectionately known as "Baba" and "Agwambo" by his supporters, Raila Odinga's life was a defining thread in the fabric of modern Kenyan history. 

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, he was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President. His own political career was marked by relentless struggle and resilience. After studying mechanical engineering in the former East Germany, he returned to Kenya, where his activism for multi-party democracy in the 1980s led to repeated arrests and detentions without trial. 

His formal entry into electoral politics came in 1992 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Langata constituency, a position he would hold for over two decades. He made his first presidential bid in 1997, and would go on to contest the presidency four more times, though the ultimate prize eluded him. 

The Architect of Modern Kenya 

Despite never becoming president, Raila Odinga's legacy is inextricably linked to Kenya's most significant democratic achievements. 

✓ Champion of Multi-Party Democracy: His activism in the 1990s was crucial in the fight to end the one-party state, ushering in a new era of political pluralism. 

✓ The 2010 Constitution: He was a relentless fighter for a new constitution, and his efforts were instrumental in the passage of the landmark 2010 constitution that redefined Kenya's governance. 

✓ A Leader for Peace and Conflict: His most defining political moment came after the violently disputed 2007 presidential election. The ensuing crisis claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. In a pivotal moment for the nation, an internationally-mediated peace process led to a power-sharing agreement, with Odinga taking the newly created role of Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, steering the country toward stability and reconciliation. 

A Complex and Enduring Legacy 

Raila Odinga was a polarizing yet inescapable force in Kenyan public life. To his millions of supporters, he was the unwavering "people's president," a symbol of resistance and the pursuit of social justice. His critics, however, often pointed to his fiery political style and his role in deeply contested elections. 

In his later years, his stature as an elder statesman grew. Just months before his death, he was dispatched by President William Ruto to mediate a crisis in South Sudan, a testament to his diplomatic clout even among political rivals. He had also recently pursued continental leadership, though his bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson ended in a loss earlier in 2025. 

A Nation's Grief and an Uncertain Future 

News of his passing has thrown Kenya into a period of national mourning, with an outpouring of grief from all corners of the country. Leaders from across the political spectrum have issued condolences, highlighting his immense contribution to the nation. 

His passing marks not just the end of a personal journey, but the closing of a major chapter in Kenya's political history. It creates a significant void in the opposition and leaves his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), facing an immediate leadership vacuum and questions of succession. 

As Kenya comes to terms with this monumental loss, the nation reflects on the life of a man who, for better or worse, shaped its destiny for generations. The focus now turns to honoring his memory and navigating a future without one of its most formidable sons. 

Funeral arrangements and official tributes are expected to be announced in the coming days. 

Ruzeki's condolence message: 

"The BREAKING NEWS of Raila Odinga's passing (whether in India or Nairobi) is a seismic loss for Kenya and Africa. 

In this moment of profound grief, let us remember that every emotion is valid. It is okay to be shattered, to be angry, to feel a void that seems impossible to fill. It is okay to gather in the streets he walked, to peacefully demonstrate the passion he inspired, to cry the tears of a people mourning a father. 

Love him or disagree with him, he was undeniably a giant who shaped Kenya. He was a man of conviction, a fighter, and a Kenyan we will all miss. 

On behalf of Shadoww News, may his family, supporters, and all of Kenya find strength. 

May Raila Amollo Odinga rest eternally amongst the GREATEST OF MEN." 

Tensions Soar as India and Pakistan Exchange Strikes Following Pahalgam Deadly Attack

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
May 7, 2025 
 

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A tit-for-tat strikes represent the most serious flare-up in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbors  

New Delhi/Islamabad — India launched airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Tuesday morning, in response to a militant assault in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The Indian government described the operation as a "precision retaliation" targeting militant infrastructure. 

“At 0400 hours, Indian Air Force jets struck carefully selected militant launch pads across the border. This is a measured response to the unprovoked killing of innocent lives in Pahalgam,” said Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in a press briefing. 

The strikes reportedly resulted in seven deaths, including at least two children, according to Pakistani officials. 

In a swift retaliation, Pakistan launched a barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles into Indian territory, earlier Wednesday. The Pakistani military stated the response was “necessary to uphold national sovereignty." 

“We will not allow any violation of our airspace or aggression against our people to go unanswered,” said Pakistani Army spokesperson Major General Ahmed Niazi. 

Artillery exchanges have also erupted along the Line of Control in Kashmir, with both sides reporting civilian displacements and damage to infrastructure. 

Residents in border villages are bracing for further escalation. “We heard explosions all night. We’re scared for our children,” said Farah Bano, a resident of Kupwara in Indian-administered Kashmir. 

Military analysts warn that the tit-for-tat strikes represent the most serious flare-up in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who are sworn enemies. 

“This is a critical moment. Both countries need to pull back and re-establish communication channels. A full-scale conflict would be catastrophic not just for the region but globally,” said Arvind Menon, a South Asia security expert based in Delhi. 

The international community has called for restraint, with the United Nations urging both nations to de-escalate and return to diplomatic dialogue. 

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We shall update you whenever new information is available. 

Billion Ways to Die: A man Dies in India After Friend Pumps Hot Air Into His Anus For Fun

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 

March 29, 2024  

According to the authorities, 24-year-old Yogish died after his friend Murali (25) pumped hot air into his rectum as part of a prank. 

There's a thousand ways to die, but in India, there is a billion ways to die.

An Indian man died of colon burst after his friend put the nozzle of an electric blow-dryer for vehicles into his rectum and inflated it just for fun. Very unusual and wiard incident.

According to the police, 24-year-old Yogish died after his friend Murali (25) pumped really hot air into his rectum playfully. 

This unusual incident took place on March 25 in Bengaluru, India when Yogish visited the CNS bike Service Centre where his friend Murali worked. 

Local news outlets reported that Murali was employed at the service centre, where his friend Yogesh went to get his two-wheeler washed and perhaps get some hot air blows for his anus. 

According to the police statements, after the motorbike wash was done, both friends commenced playing with a powerful electric blow-dryer used to dry vehicles. 

The two friends started to have some fun. Murali first used the blow-dryer on Yogesh’s face, then his back, and finally filled his rectum with hot air. We can't tell how hot the air was, but we'll update you once we get a correct figure. 

As the warm-hot filtered air entered Yogish’s anus, his abdomen expanded like a balloon and the guy collapsed. 

As Yogish collapsed, Murali rushed him to the hospital, on arrival doctors said due to the high pressure of the blow-dyer, there was massive damage to Yogish’s intestines. Therefore, Yogish needed an emergency operation. 

However, Yogish failed to respond to the treatment and died at a local hospital on Wednesday morning. It is unclear if his friend will be charged for murder. 

May Yogish rest in a warm and a peaceful place.

New World Order: BRICS bloc welcomes six new members

By Ruzeki, Shadow News.

Summary

• BRICS adds Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE. 
• Expansion boost BRICS global strength. 
• Group leaves door open to further expansion, especially for the Global South. 
• BRICS bloc makes 27 percent of the global economy and 46 percent of the world population. 

Johannesburg, Aug 24 - The BRICS bloc of major emerging economies agreed on Thursday to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in a move aimed at accelerating its push to reshuffle a world order it sees as outdated. 

In deciding in favour of an expansion, the bloc's first in 13 years, BRICS leaders left the door open to future expansion as dozens more countries voiced desires to join a grouping they hope can level the global playing field. 

The BRICS group makes decisions by consensus. On Thursday, it agreed on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process. 

The expansion adds economic muscle to BRICS, whose current core members are China, the world's second largest economy, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. 

The expansion of the group is part of its plan to build dominance and reshape global governance into a multipolar world order that puts voices of the Global South at the centre of the world agenda. 

According to the Chinese President Xi Jinping, the membership expansion was historic. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing nations. 

BRICS was originally BRIC, an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, the bloc was founded as an informal four-nation club in 2009 and added South Africa a year later in its only previous expansion. 

The six new members will formally become members on January 1, 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said when he named the countries during a three-day XV BRICS summit he is hosting in Johannesburg. 

According to President Ramaphosa, BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous. He confirmed that the five core BRICS members had consensus on the first phase of the expansion process and other phases will follow. 

Friends and Allies lead candidates 

The countries invited to join reflect individual BRICS members' desires to bring allies into the bloc. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had vocally lobbied for neighbour Argentina's inclusion while Egypt has close commercial ties with Russia and India. 

The entry of oil superpowers Saudi Arabia and UAE highlights their drift away from the United States' orbit and ambition to become global heavyweights in their own right. 

Russia and Iran have found common cause in their shared struggle against the U.S.-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation, with their economic ties deepening in the wake of Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine. 

On Thursday, the Russian President Vladimir Putin said BRICS is not competing with anyone. President Putin is attending the summit remotely due to an international warrant for alleged war crimes. He's being represented by the world's most vocal diplomat FM Lavrov. 

Mr Putin acknowledged that the process of the emerging of a new world order still has fierce opponent. He believes the de-dollarization is irreversible. 

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi celebrated his country's BRICS invitation with a swipe at Washington, saying on Iranian television network that the expansion "shows that the unilateral approach is on the way to decay". 

Beijing is close to Ethiopia and the country's inclusion also speaks to South Africa's desire to amplify Africa's voice in global affairs. 

More than 40 countries had expressed desire in joining BRICS, and 23 formally applied to join the bloc. 

Some 50 other heads of state and leaders attended the XV BRICS Summit in South Africa, which concluded on Thursday. 

Ambitions and Results 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the Thursday's expansion announcement, reflecting the bloc's growing influence. He echoed BRICS' long-standing calls for reforms of the U.N. Security Council, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other global governance structures. 

BRICS is now home to 46% of the world's population and 27 percent of global gross domestic product. 

Bloc heavyweight China has long called for an expansion of BRICS as it seeks to challenge Western dominance, a strategy shared by Russia. 

Other BRICS members support fostering the creation of a multi-polar global order. But Brazil and India have both also been forging closer ties with the West. 

For 80 years, the United States dollar has dominated all other currencies. But BRICS is tired of the West’s looming presence over global governance and finance. The bloc is determined to take it down.  

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday in a virtual address to the BRICS summit, that the process of de-dollarisation is “irreversible” and “gaining pace". 

The US weaponises the dollar in the Russian and Iran sanctions, there is increasing desire by other developing countries to seek alternative currencies for trade, investment, and reserves, as well as developing alternative multilateral clearance systems outside of SWIFT. 

De-dollarization of the World Economy is underway and it is gaining momentum!

By Ruzeki, Shadow News 

08 June 2023, Nairobi 

• One of the most intriguing financial trends of 2023 is the de-dollarization movement led by Russia, Brazil, India, China, Africa, Saudi Arabia and Iran. This is an effort to reduce the role of the U.S. dollar in international trade. 

• Rivalry with China, fallout from Russia-Ukraine war and the recent wrangling in Washington over the U.S. debt ceiling have put the dollar's status as the world's dominant currency under fresh scrutiny. 

• Russia's sanctions-imposed exile from global financial systems last year also fuelled speculation that non-U.S. allies would diversify away from dollars. 

• De-dollarization, which is the decline of the United States dollar as the world’s dominant reserved currency, is underway, and it’s gaining momentum all over the world. 

For over 100 years, the U.S. dollar has been the world reserve currency, which means it has been the dominant foreign currency held by central banks to carry out international transactions and settle international debt. 

However, in the last 20 years, the dollar’s dominance in countries’ reserves has decreased from 70% to 58%, according to the International Monetary Fund. 

This trend has been accelerating since 2022, when the U.S. and its NATO allies froze Russia’s dollar reserve as a response of the country’s special operation in Ukraine. 

Since then, several countries have been looking for alternatives to the U.S. dollar. Some are discussing the creation of new currencies for international trade, while others are buying an increasing amount of gold to diversify their reserve. 

In 1931, amid the Great Depression, the US dollar replaced the Great British pound as the world’s preferred reserve currency. 

During world war I & II, the United States supplied the allies with the majority of their weapons and munitions. Most allies paid for the weapons with gold, meaning that by the end of the World War II, the US possessed most of the world’s gold. 

This was set in stone in 1944 when 44 countries agreed on the Bretton Wood system. The international delegation agreed to peg the world’s currencies to the dollar rather than to gold since the dollar was itself linked to gold. The US dollar was now the world’s official reserve currency. 

Some economists expect de-dollarization to occur as emerging economies in the Global South grow and seek to diversify the composition of their reserve currencies. 

In 2021, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that “the US dollar’s share of global reserves has declined”. 

There are economic, political, and strategic reasons most countries want to shift away from the dollar. Since the end of the Cold War, the US has been the world’s sole superpower, meaning that the world order has been unipolar. 

However, some states like China and Russia would prefer the world to be multipolar, wherein there would exist multiple poles of world power. De-dollarization would assist in the transition from unipolarity to multipolarity. 

Another incentive for countries to diversify the composition of their reserve currencies, particularly those with poor bilateral relations with the US, is that the US can wield the preponderance of its currency as a geopolitical weapon. 

Sanctions imposed by Washington can be especially potent because of the centrality of the dollar in international finance. Even US allies like Saudi Arabia are wary of US sanctions since their culture could make them a target for Washington’s ire. 

One approach to de-dollarization is Local Currency Trade (LCT), whereby states conduct trade with one another using their own currencies. The currencies are converted based on exchange rates. 

Earlier this year, China and Brazil announced that they would engage in LCT, as opposed to using the dollar. The BRICS bloc of countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa- is developing a new currency to compete with the US dollar. Moscow and Beijing are aggressively leading the charge toward de-dollarization. 

Other countries that have already started trading in their local currencies include United Arabs Emirates, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Venezuela, Kenya, Malaysia, Egypt, India, Argentina, Turkey, Zambia, Algeria, Morocco, Afghanistan, and others in the global south. 

It is argued with this major development, the value of the dollar is going to lose its sheen very soon. Increased investment in BRICS countries would lead to an increase in spending and economic development. Consequently, it is predicted that if the BRICS nations follow forward with their plan and create a new currency, it might help stabilise their economies. 

For more updates on geopolitics, follow Ruzeki on Twitter. 

Additionally, consider donating to us via Ruzeki PayPal 🔗

Rishi Sunak appointed as the new UK Prime Minister

By Ruzeki, Shadow News

Rishi Sunak on Tuesday became Britain’s third prime minister this year and the first person of colour to lead the former imperial power, vowing to overcome a ‘profound’ economic crisis he blamed on the ‘mistakes’ of his predecessor Liz Truss’s calamitous 49-day tenure. 

In his first speech as Prime Minister outside the 10 Downing Street shortly after his appointment by King Charles III, Rishi Sunak highlighted the economic challenges, threats of covid and the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Mr. Sunak vowed to place economic stability and confidence at the heart of his government agenda. He promised to unite the country, fix the economic crisis and unstintingly support the Ukraine. 

Rishi Sunak became the ruling Conservatives’ new leader on Monday October 24th, after triumphing over rival contender Penny Mordaunt, who failed to secure enough nominations from the Conservative MPs. 

It had become a two-way fight after Ex-PM Boris Johnson dramatically bolded out of the race late on Sunday 23rd October. 

The world leaders and supporters offered their congratulations. 

Rishi Sunak appointed the UK PM

King Charles III and PM Rishi Sunak at the Buckingham Palace.

Referendums: Russia-Occupied regions of Ukraine (Eastern Donetsk, Luhansk, the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) vote on joining Russia.

By Ruzeki, Shadow News

Updated 2130 EAT September 23, 2022 

The eastern Donetsk, Luhansk, the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine begun voting Friday Sept. 23, 2022 on whether to become part of Russia, in referendums that Kyiv and the west have dismissed as 'sham'. 

Four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine are voting in referendums on joining Russia (23-27 Sept 2022)

This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a mandatory troop mobilization of about 300,000 reservists, which also sparked resounding condemnation from the West. 

The mobilization comes after Ukrainian forces seized back most of the northeastern Kharkiv region in a huge counter-offensive that has seen Kyiv retaking hundreds of villages under Russian control for months. 

The four regions' integration into Russia, which for most political and security analysts is already a foregone conclusion, would represent a major new escalation of the Russia - Ukraine conflict. 

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a UN Security Council session on Thursday, that U.S. will not allow President Putin to get away with war crimes as he lashed out against today's referendums as "sham".  

Today's referendums are reminiscent of a similar sort in 2014, which saw the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine annexed by Russia. The official result from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea was a 97 percent vote for integration of the region into the Russian Federation with an 86 percent voter turnout. 

Referendums to join Russia is currently underway in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions on Sept. 23-27.

Ballots in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions are having this question: "Are you in favor of secession from Ukraine, formation of an independent state by the region and its joining the Russian Federation as a subject of the Russian Federation?" 

The voting process in the four regions is untraditional given the short deadlines and the lack of technical equipment. It was decided not to hold electronic voting and use the traditional paper ballots. 

A billboard in Kherson region encouraging residents to turn out and vote

In addition, Referendum officials are going door-to-door for the first four days to collect votes, and then polling stations would be open on the final day, that is on Tuesday, for residents to cast ballots and the results of these referendums will be announced on the same day. 

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#UNGA77 General Debate Live, theme: A watershed moment; transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.

LIVE COVERAGE: Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto will make his inaugural address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday night (around 9.00PM EAT) in New York City, USA.

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2022

By Ruzeki   

Shadow News  

Join us LIVE for the 77th United Nations General Assembly debate!  

From 20 - 26 September 2022, more than 100 world leaders, thousands of diplomats and advocates come together to deliver statements and tackle global challenges. 

The theme “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges” has been proposed for the general debate at the seventy-seventh session, pursuant to resolution 58/126 (annex).

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, will introduce the annual report (A/77/1) on the activities of the Organization at the opening of the general debate. UN General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

The UN General Assembly (UNGA77) underway in New York, US.

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Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto will make his inaugural address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday night in New York City, USA. 

Dr Ruto is expected to take the stage at around 9.00 PM EAT to deliver Kenya’s national statement.

In his first address to the United Nations, Dr Ruto will seek to promote Kenya’s Foreign Policy at the multilateral system, including enhancing participation in the quest for realisation of Sustainable Development Goals and global leadership in emerging issues such as climate change and the drought crisis sweeping the horn of Africa.

President William Ruto with Martin Kimani, Kenya’s Ambassador & Permanent Representative to the UN in New York and other Kenyan delegation during the opening of the 77th UN General Assembly

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Scheduled Speakers: His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President, Islamic Republic of Iran His Excellency Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President, Mongolia His Excellency Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda His Excellency Šefik Džaferović, Chair of the Presidency, Bosnia and Herzegovina His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President, Republic of Suriname His Excellency Joseph R.Biden, Jr., President, United States of America His Excellency Egils Levits, President, Republic of Latvia His Excellency Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, Constitutional President, Republic of Ecuador His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President, Republic of Zambia His Excellency Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President, Republic of Madagascar His Excellency Mohamed Younis Menfi, President of the Presidential Council, State of Libya Her Excellency Maia Sandu, President, Republic of Moldova His Excellency Hage Geingob, President, Republic of Namibia His Excellency Borut Pahor, President, Republic of Slovenia His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Republic of Kenya His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President, Gabonese Republic His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana Her Excellency Katalin Novák, President, Hungary His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President, Republic of Sierra Leone His Excellency Alar Karis, President, Republic of Estonia His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President, Republic of Ghana His Excellency José Maria Pereira Neves, President, Republic of Cabo Verde His Majesty King Mswati III, Head of State, Kingdom of Eswatini His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President, Ukraine His Excellency Aleksandar Vučić, President, Republic of Serbia His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince, Monaco His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin, President, Commonwealth of Dominica Her Excellency Elizabeth Truss, Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland His Excellency Mohammad Najib Azmi Mikati, President of the Council of Ministers, Lebanese Republic Cuba Czechia South Africa Dominican Republic Costa Rica

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Scheduled Speakers:

His Excellency Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President, Federative Republic of Brazil His Excellency Macky Sall, President, Republic of Senegal His Excellency Gabriel Boric Font, President, Republic of Chile His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan His Excellency Gustavo Petro Urrego, President, Republic of Colombia His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President, Republic of Türkiye His Excellency Sadyr Zhaparov, President, Kyrgyz Republic His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President, Republic of Kazakhstan His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir, State of Qatar His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President, Republic of Korea His Excellency Mario Abdo Benítez, President, Republic of Paraguay His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President, Republic of Finland His Excellency Ignazio Cassis, President, Swiss Confederation Her Excellency Zuzana Čaputová, President, Slovak Republic His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President, French Republic Her Excellency Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, President, Republic of Honduras His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, President, Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Gitanas Nausėda, President, Republic of Lithuania His Excellency Klaus Werner Iohannis, President, Romania His Excellency Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, Constitutional President, Plurinational State of Bolivia His Excellency Pedro Castillo Terrones, President, Republic of Peru His Excellency David Kabua, President, Republic of the Marshall Islands His Excellency Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President, Republic of Costa Rica His Excellency Wavel Ramkalawan, President, Republic of Seychelles His Excellency Alberto Fernández, President, Argentine Republic His Excellency Andrzej Duda, President, Republic of Poland His Excellency Alejandro Giammattei Falla, President, Republic of Guatemala His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President, Democratic Republic of the Congo His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera, Head of State, Central African Republic His Excellency Nayib Armando Bukele, President, Republic of El Salvador His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister, Japan His Excellency Olaf Scholz, Chancellor, Federal Republic of Germany His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government, Kingdom of Morocco His Excellency Mario Draghi, President of the Council of Ministers, Republic of Italy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Support Shadow News Watch LIVE the debate of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in the Original Language Spoken: https://webtv.un.org

The Russia-India-China (RIC) trio showcases a substantial global influence...

What is RIC: RIC is the acronym coined to associate three major emerging economies: Russia, India and China. The RIC trio is known for its significant influence on world affairs.

By Ruzeki, Shadow News 

In Editing...

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jingpin...

What you need to know about Monkeypox virus and how to protect yourself

Monkeypox is a poxvirus, which originates in wild animals like rodents and primates, and occasionally spreads to people through close physical contact with bodily fluids. 

Here're recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to PROTECT yourself against  the monkeypox virus. 

1. Avoid contact with infected people. 

2. Wear a face mask when in contact with someone with symptoms. 

3. Use condoms. 

4. Avoid contact with animals that could be carrying the virus.

5. Practice good hand hygiene. 

6. Use PPE when caring for patients. 

7. Only eat meat that has been cooked throughly.

Chinese and Russian nuclear bombers fly over Sea of Japan as Biden visits Tokyo.

Chinese and Russian strategic bombers flew over the Sea of Japan as President Joe Biden attended a Quad summit in Tokyo, in a joint exercise the Japanese government denounced it as “unacceptable”. 

The nuclear-capable bombers conducted a joint flight on Tuesday that began over the Sea of Japan as the US president was meeting his counterparts from Japan, Australia and India, Japanese and US officials said. 

Moscow said the 13-hour flight was carried out “strictly in accordance with the provisions of international law” and was not directed against third countries. But Nobuo Kishi, Japan’s defence minister, condemned the exercise as “provocative” and “unacceptable. 

Latest Updates on Ukraine-Russia War!

By Ruzeki, Shadow News 

In a speech marking Russia's Victory Day on Monday, President Vladimir Putin sought to link his country's struggle against Nazi Germany in World War Two with his invasion of Ukraine and baselessly claimed the West had given him no choice.

Putin said the intervention in Ukraine was necessary as the West was creating "threats next to our borders" and "preparing for the invasion of our land." 

He also said the West didn't want to hear Russia's proposals for dialogue.

"NATO countries did not want to hear us," Putin said, adding that that means "they had very different plans and we could see that."

"Russia gave a preemptive rebuff to aggression -- it was a forced and sovereign decision," he said.

Putin told troops that "today you are defending what your grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought for."

He also addressed the soldiers of Donbas" who "together with Russian soldiers" are fighting for the "motherland." Donbas, a sprawling heartland region that blankets much of eastern Ukraine, has been the front line of Ukraine's conflict with Russia since 2014.

Fighting has intensified in the region in recent weeks as Putin refocused his war strategy following stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces.

"I address the servicemen of Donbas," Putin said in the speech. "You are fighting for the motherland, for its future, so that lessons of World War Two are not forgotten," he said, adding, "there is no place in history for the punitive divisions of Nazis."

"We bow our heads in the memory of our comrades in arms who died in the just struggle for Russia," he said. 

After those remarks, a moment of silence followed.  

What you need to know: 

● US First Lady Jill Biden made an unannounced trip on Sunday to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, where she met with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska at a converted school, which is now used as temporary housing for displaced citizens. 

● Ukraine has accused Russia of dropping a bomb on a school in Luhansk region where 90 people were taking shelter. It is feared that sixty people are dead. 

● The Ukrainian government said that all women, children and elderly people have been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 300 civilians have been rescued. 

● US President Joe Biden will meet virtually with the Ukrainian President and his G7 counterparts during a meeting of the G7 forum on Sunday, deliberately scheduled ahead of Russia's Victory Day. 

● Kyiv’s mayor is urging citizens to "be aware" and stay inside Sunday into Monday during the period surrounding Russia's annual Victory Day as Western officials warn Russian President Vladimir Putin could officially declare war on May 9, allowing him to step up his invasion  campaign.

DEBRIEF: How many sovereign countries has US military invaded?

 US Military Invasions and operations in Sovereign Countries, 1798 to 2022. Note: US operations in World Wars I & II have been excluded. 

1798-1800: France.

Undeclared naval war against France, US marines invaded Puerto Plata.

1801-1805: Tripoli.

War with Tripoli (Libya), called "First Barbary War".

1806: Spanish Mexico. 

US Military force invade Spanish territory in headwaters of the Rio Grande.

1806-1810: Spanish and French in Caribbean. 

US naval vessels attack French and Spanish shipping in the Caribbean.

1810: Spanish West Florida.

US Troops invade and seize Western Florida, a Spanish possession.

1812: Spanish East Florida

US Troops invade and seize Amelia Island and adjacent territories.

1812: Britain. 

War of 1812, includes US naval and land operations.

1813: Marquesas Island

US Forces seize Nukahiva and establish first US naval base in the Pacific.

1814: Spanish (East Florida)

US Troops invade and seize Pensacola in Spanish East Florida.

1814-1825: French, British and Spanish in Caribbean. 

US naval squadron engages French, British and Spanish shipping in the Caribbean.

1815: Algiers and Tripoli

US naval fleet under Captain Stephen Decatur wages "Second Barbary War" in North Africa.

1816-1819: Spanish East Florida

US Troops attack and seize Nicholls' Fort, Amelia Island and other strategic locations. Spain eventually cedes East Florida to the US.

1822-1825: Spanish Cuba and Puerto Rico

US Marines land in numerous cities in the Spanish island of Cuba and also in Spanish Puerto Rico.

1827: Greece

US Marines invade the Greek islands of Argentiere, Miconi and Andross.

1831: Falkland/Malvinas Islands. 

US naval squadrons aggress the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

1832: Sumatra, Dutch East Indies. 

US naval squadrons attack Qallah Battoo.

1833 Argentina Forces land in Buenos Aires and engage local combatants.

1835-1836: Peru. 

US Troops dispatched twice for counter-insurgency operations.

1836: Mexico. 

US Troops assist Texas war for independence.

1837: Canada

US Naval incident on the Canadian border leads to mobilization of a large force to invade Canada. War is narrowly averted.

1838: Sumatra, Dutch East Indies. 

US naval forces sent to Sumatra for punitive expedition.

1840-1841: Fiji. 

US Naval forces deployed, marines land.

1841: Samoa. 

US Naval forces deployed, marines land.

1842: Mexico. 

US Naval forces temporarily seize cities of Monterey and San Diego.

1843: China. 

US Marines invaded Canton.

1843: Ivory Coast. 

US Marines invaded the country.

1846-1848: Mexico

Full-scale war. Mexico cedes half of its territory to the US by the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo.

1849: Ottoman Empire (Turkey). 

US Naval force dispatched to Smyrna.

1852-1853: Argentina. 

US Marines land in Buenos Aires.

1854: Nicaragua. 

US Navy bombards and largely destroys city of San Juan del Norte. Marines land and set fire to the city.

1854: Japan. 

Commodore Perry and his fleet deploy at Yokohama.

1855: Uruguay. 

US Marines land in Montevideo.

1856: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Marines land for counter-insurgency campaign.

1856: China. 

US Marines deployed in Canton.

1856: Hawaii. 

US Naval forces seize small islands of Jarvis, Baker and Howland in the Hawaiian Islands.

1857: Nicaragua. 

US Marines invaded the country. 

1858: Uruguay. 

US Marines land in Montevideo.

1858: Fiji. 

US Marines invaded the country. 

1859: Paraguay. 

Large US naval force deployed.

1859: China. 

US Troops enter Shanghai.

1859: Mexico. 

US Military force enters northern area.

1860: Portuguese West Africa. 

US Troops land at Kissembo.

1860: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Troops and naval forces deployed.

1863: Japan. 

US Troops land at Shimonoseki.

1864: Japan. 

US Troops landed in Yedo.

1865: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Marines invaded the country. 

1866: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Troops invade and seize Matamoros, later withdraw.

1866: China. 

US Marines land in Newchwang.

1867: Nicaragua. 

US Marines land in Managua and Leon in Nicaragua.

1867: Formosa Island (Taiwan). 

US Marines laninvaded the country.

1867: Midway Island. 

US Naval forces seize this island in the Hawaiian Archipelago for a naval base.

1868: Japan. 

US Naval forces deployed at Osaka, Hiogo, Nagasaki, Yokohama and Negata.

1868: Uruguay. 

US Marines land at Montevideo.

1870: Colombia. 

US Marines landed.

1871: Korea. 

US Forces landed.

1873: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Marines landed.

1874: Hawaii. 

US Sailors and marines landed.

1876: Mexico. 

US Army again occupies Matamoros.

1882: British Egypt. 

US Troops land.

1885: Colombia (Panama Region). 

US Troops land in Colon and Panama City.

1885 Samoa. 

US Naval force deployed.

1887 Hawaii. 

US Navy gains right to build permanent naval base at Pearl Harbor.

1888 Haiti. 

US Troops landed.

1888 Samoa. 

US Marines landed.

1889 Samoa. 

US forces clash with German naval forces.

1890 Argentina. 

US sailors land in Buenos Aires.

1891 Chile. 

US sailors land in the major port city of Valparaiso.

1891 Haiti. 

US Marines land on US-claimed Navassa Island.

1893 Hawaii. 

US Marines and other naval forces land and overthrow the monarchy. Read More | President Cleveland's Message

1894 Nicaragua. 

US Marines land at Bluefields on the eastern coast.

1894-1895 China. 

US Marines are stationed at Tientsin and Beijing. A naval ship takes up position at Newchwang.

1894-1896 Korea Marines land and remain in Seoul.

1895 Colombia. 

US Marines are sent to the town Bocas del Toro.

1896 Nicaragua. 

US Marines land in the port of Corinto.

1898 Nicaragua. 

US Marines land at the port city of San Juan del Sur.

1898 Guam. 

US Naval forces seize Guam Island from Spain and the US holds the island permanently.

1898 Cuba. 

US Naval and land forces seize Cuba from Spain.

1898 Puerto Rico. 

US Naval and land forces seize Puerto Rico from Spain and the US holds the island permanently.

1898 Philippines. 

US Naval forces defeat the Spanish fleet and the US takes control of the country.

1899 Philippines. 

US Military units are reinforced for extensive counter-insurgency operations.

1899 Samoa. 

US Naval forces land

1899 Nicaragua. 

US Marines land at the port city of Bluefields.

1900: China. 

US forces intervene in several cities.

1901: Colombia/Panama. 

US Marines land.

1902: Colombia/Panama. 

US forces land in Bocas de Toro

1903: Colombia/Panama

With US backing, a group in northern Colombia declares independence as the state of Panama

1903: Guam. 

US Navy begins development in Apra Harbor of a permanent base installation.

1903: Honduras. 

US Marines go ashore at Puerto Cortez.

1903: Dominican Republic. 

US Marines land in Santo Domingo.

1904-1905: Korea. 

US Marines land and stay in Seoul.

1906-1909: Cuba. 

US Marines land. The US builds a major naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

1907: Nicaragua. 

US Troops seize major centers.

1907: Honduras. 

US Marines land and take up garrison in cities of Trujillo, Ceiba, Puerto Cortez, San Pedro, Laguna and Choloma.

1908: Panama. 

US Marines land and carry out operations.

1910: Nicaragua. 

US Marines land in Bluefields and Corinto.

1911: Honduras. 

US Marines intervene.

1911-1941: China. 

The US builds up its military presence in the country to a force of 5000 troops and a fleet of 44 vessels patrolling China's coast and rivers.

1912: Cuba. 

US sends army troops into combat in Havana.

1912: Panama. 

US Army troops intervene.

1912: Honduras. 

US Marines land.

1912-1933: Nicaragua. 

US Marines intervene. A 20-year occupation of the country follows.

1913: Mexico. 

US Marines land at Ciaris Estero.

1914: Dominican Republic. 

US Naval forces engage in battles in the city of Santo Domingo.

1914: Mexico

US forces seize and occupy Mexico's major port city of Veracrus from April through November.

1915-1916: Mexico. 

An expeditionary force of the US Army under Gen. John J. Pershing crosses the Texas border and penetrates several hundred miles into Mexican territory. Eventually reinforced to over 11,000 officers and men.

1914-1934 Haiti Troops land, aerial bombardment leading to a 19-year military occupation.

1916-1924 Dominican Republic Military intervention leading to 8-year occupation.

1917-1933 Cuba Landing of naval forces. Beginning of a 15-year occupation.

1918-1920 Panama Troops intervene, remain on "police duty" for over 2 years.

1918-1922 Russia Naval forces and army troops fight battles in several areas of the country during a five- year period.

1919 Yugoslavia Marines intervene in Dalmatia.

1919 Honduras Marines land.

1920 Guatemala Troops intervene.

1922 Turkey Marines engaged in operations in Smyrna (Izmir).

1922-1927 China Naval forces and troops deployed during 5-year period.

1924-1925 Honduras Troops land twice in two-year period.

1925 Panama Marines land and engage in operations.

1927-1934 China Marines and naval forces stationed throughout the country.

1932 El Salvador Naval forces intervene.

1933 Cuba Naval forces deployed.

1934 China Marines land in Foochow.

1946 Iran Troops deployed in northern province.

1946-1949 China Major US army presence of about 100,000 troops, fighting, training and advising local combatants.

1947-1949 Greece US forces wage a 3-year counterinsurgency campaign.

1948 Italy Heavy CIA involvement in national elections.

1948-1954 Philippines Commando operations, "secret" CIA war.

1950-1953 Korea Major forces engaged in war in Korean peninsula.

1953 Iran CIA overthrows government of Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh. Read More

1954 Vietnam Financial and materiel support for colonial French military operations, leads eventually to direct US military involvement.

1954 Guatemala CIA overthrows the government of President Jacobo Arbenz Guzman.

1958 Lebanon US marines and army units totaling 14,000 land.

1958 Panama Clashes between US forces in Canal Zone and local citizens.

1959 Haiti Marines land.

1960 Congo CIA-backed overthrow and assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.

1960-1964 Vietnam Gradual introduction of military advisors and special forces.

1961: Cuba. 

CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion.

1962: Cuba. 

US use Nuclear threat and naval blockade. 

1962: Laos. 

CIA-backed military coup. 

1963: Ecuador.  

@CIA backs military overthrow of President Jose Maria Valesco Ibarra. 

1964: Panama. 

US military forces invaded the Canal Zone and fought the local citizens. 

1964: Brazil. 

CIA-backed military coup overthrows the government of Joao Goulart and install Gen. Castello Branco to power. 

1965-1975: Vietnam. 

Large military invasion, including air, naval and ground units numbering up to 500,000+ troops. Full-scale war, lasting for ten years. 

1965: Indonesia.  

CIA-backed army coup overthrows President Sukarno and install Gen. Suharto to power. 

1965: Congo. 

CIA backed military coup overthrows President Joseph Kasavubu and install  Joseph Mobutu to power. 

1965: Dominican Republic. 

23,000 US troops invade. 

1965-1973: Laos. 

Heavy US military invasion, which lasted for eight years. 

1966: Ghana . 

CIA-backed military coup ousts President Kwame Nkrumah. 

1966-1967: Guatemala. 

Extensive military invasion by US troops. 

1969-1975: Cambodia. 

CIA supports military coup against Prince Sihanouk, install Lon Nol to power. Intensive bombing for seven years along Vietnamese border. 

1970: Oman. 

US Military invasion.

1971-1973: Laos. 

Invasion by US forces. 

1973: Chile. 

CIA-backed military coup ousts government of President Salvador Allende and install Gen. Augusto Pinochet. 

1975: Cambodia. 

US Marines invade and engage in combat with government forces. 

1976-1992: Angola.

US Military and CIA interventions. 

1980: Iran . 

US Special operations units land in Iranian desert. Helicopter malfunction leads to aborting of planned raid. 

1981: Libya.

US Naval jets shoot down two Libyan jets in maneuvers over the Mediterranean sea. 

1981-1992: El Salvador. 

CIA and US special forces begin a long military intervention. 

1981-1990: Nicaragua. 

CIA directs exile "Contra" operations. US air units drop sea mines in harbors. 

1982-1984: Lebanon. 

US Marines land and naval forces fire on local combatants. 

1983: Grenada. 

US Military forces invade Grenada. 

1983-1989: Honduras. 

Large program of military intervention Nicaragua. 

1984: Iran . 

Two Iranian jets shot down over the Persian Gulf by the US. 

1986: Libya. 

US aircraft bomb the cities of Tripoli and Benghazi, including direct strikes at the official residence of President Muamar al Qadaffi. 

1986: Bolivia. 

US Special Forces units engage in a civil war. 

1987-1988: Iran. 

US Naval forces block Iranian shipping. Iranian Civilian airliner was shot down by a US missile cruiser. 

1989: Libya. 

US Naval aircraft shoot down two Libyan jets over Gulf of Sidra. 

1989: Philippines.

CIA and US Special Forces involved in a civil war. 

1989-1990: Panama. 

27,000 US troops as well as naval and air power used to overthrow government of President Noriega. 

1990: Liberia . 

US troops deployed. 

1990-1991: Iraq.

Major military invasion, including naval blockade, air strikes; large number of troops attack Iraqi forces Kenya occupied Kuwait. 

1991-2003: Iraq. 

Control of Iraqi airspace in north and south of the country while carrying out  periodic attacks on air and ground targets(Iraqis). 

1991: Haiti. 

CIA-backed military coup ousts President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. 

1992-1994: Somalia. 

US Special operations forces invaded the country. 

1992-1994: Yugoslavia. Major role in NATO blockade of Serbia and Montenegro. 

1993-1995: Bosnia. 

Active military invasion with air and ground forces. 

1994-1996: Haiti . 

US troops depose military rulers and restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power. 

1995: Croatia. 

Krajina Serb airfields attacked by US forces. 

1996-1997: Congo.

US Marines involved in operations in eastern region of the country. 

1997: Liberia. 

US troops deployed.

1998: Sudan. 

US Air strikes destroy country's major pharmaceutical plant. 

1998: Afghanistan. 

Attack on targets in the country. 

1998: Iraq . 

Four days of intensive air and missile strikes. 

1999: Yugoslavia.  

The US was largely involved in NATO air strikes. 

2001: Macedonia.

NATO troops shift and partially disarm Albanian rebels.

2001-2021: Afghanistan. 

Air attacks and ground operations oust Taliban government and install a puppet regime. 

And after 20 years of war, the Americans  were defeated by the Taliban and Afghanis. 

2003-present: Iraq. 

Invasion with large ground, air and naval forces ousts government of Saddam Hussein, vows to destroy WMD and establishes new government. 

Another invasion and occupation force of 150,000 troops in protracted counter-insurgency war. 

2004: Haiti. 

US Marines and CIA-backed forces invade and overthrow President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in a bloody war.