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- Putin and Lukashenko joke about competing as dictators during forum
- UN chief warns Israel’s as delegates walkout during Netanyahu’s speech
- Ukrainian soldiers return with weapons, raising EU security concerns
- UK Refuels Saudi Jets to Bolster Defence Against Houthi Attacks
- Trump to address United Nations General Assembly with focus on Middle East and Ukraine
- India claims women’s cricket gold at Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs
- Family of Darius MacDougall reflects on his disappearance one year later
- Venezuelan man shot by ICE in Austin remains in detention with bullet lodged in back
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Putin and Lukashenko joke about competing as dictators during forum
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Putin and Alexander Lukashenko joke about who is the biggest dictator | News World
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko remarked on his contentious relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a youth forum in Minsk, stating, “Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and I often argue, jokingly, about which of us is the bigger dictator.” Lukashenko, who has governed Belarus since 1994, claimed to be “sick” of the presidency while also referencing the negative ramifications of distancing Belarus from Russia.
The EU has implemented sanctions on Belarus, set to last until February 2027, reflecting ongoing tensions between Belarus and the European bloc. Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, stated that there are no current indications for a change in EU policy towards Belarus, emphasising the need for continued pressure on the regime.
Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, has called for the continuation of existing EU sanctions on Belarus, stating there are “no reasons why our position on Belarus should soften.” The EU sanctions are currently in place until February 2027, as pressure on the Belarusian regime is deemed necessary.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain who, if anyone, Lukashenko believes is prepared to take over leadership in Belarus.
Putin and Lukashenko joke about competing as dictators during forum
Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko jokes with Putin about being dictators (Picture: Anastasia Barashkova / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko revealed he ‘often argues’ with Russian President Vladimir Putin over who is the bigger dictator.
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, one of Russia’s neighbouring countries, since 1994, with questions raised over alleged rigged elections.
Meanwhile, Putin has been in charge of Russia since 2012, having previously served as president from 2000 to 2008.
He was also the country’s prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012, serving under President Dmitry Medvedev.
Lukashenko was speaking at a youth forum earlier this month when he made the remark about Putin, according to Novaya Gazeta.
He said: ‘They say I’m the last dictator, the last dictator in Europe. Dictator — so be it. Well, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and I often argue, jokingly, about which of us is the bigger dictator.’
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Belarus remains incredibly close with Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union (Picture: REUTERS)
Despite this, the Belarusian leader has repeatedly said he has had enough of power and wants to step down but doesn’t believe anyone else is ready to take over.
‘The only question is whether you’re able today to take the country and hold on to it,’ he said at the Youth. Belarus. Future forum in Minsk. ‘If you are, get to work tomorrow. To be honest, I can’t yet say that you are.’
According to independent outlet Zerkalo, he has claimed at least 20 times over the past six years that he is ‘sick’ of the presidency.
Lukashenko claimed he ‘became a dictator’ when he ‘stood up against the entire “civilised world”‘ over Belarus’ nuclear weapons.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, he refused to support the removal of nuclear weapons or the destruction of the country’s weapons stockpile.
He has also noted that his views on Ukraine and the construction of a nuclear power plant have added to the label.
Lukashenko has claimed to be ‘sick’ of the presidency (Picture: REUTERS)
While at the talk, Lukashenko claimed efforts to distance Belarus’ relationship with Russia could have ended badly.
Referencing the 2020 election, which resulted in mass protests, he said: ‘If it had succeeded, we would have had what is happening in Ukraine now.’
The EU currently has sanctions in force on Belarus until February 2027, with Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, advocating for them to continue.
‘We do not see any reasons why our position on Belarus should soften as Belarus is not changing its behaviour,’ he told Reuters.
‘On our side, we have to be very exact and continue what works, and that is the pressure on the regime.’
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UN chief warns Israel’s as delegates walkout during Netanyahu’s speech
2:30 pm
Get you up to speed: Mass protest at the UN; Hundreds of Delegates walkout before Netanyahu’s speech, Saudi King Salman condemns Houthis as ‘terrorist militia’ and UN chief warns Israel of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank
Bibi Netanyahu was left embarrassed as he took the stage at the UN general assembly, as 80% of the delegates walked out. Saudi airstrikes on the port city of Mokha in Yemen killed at least six people and wounded eight others. And the UN chief Guttieres warns Israel of ethnic cleansing the West Bank.
The UN refugee agency is preparing for over 10,000 potential arrivals in Djibouti due to ongoing violence in Yemen, with internal displacements expected to rise from over 130,000 to more than 230,000 in coming months. The international community, has staged a message to Israel that the genocide must stop.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern that Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank is “bulldozing the path to peace” and warned against the “spectre of ethnic cleansing.” The US did try to intervene in the walk out of delegates, however, they were unable to stop stampede of UN delegates heading to the door.
World leaders have descended on New York for this year’s UN General Assembly. The 81st High-Level Week brings together nearly 130 leaders under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” On social media arrest Netanyahu is trending.
The calls to arrest Netanyahu for War crimes have intensified
Israel has isolated it self internationally, UN chief warns Israel’s West Bank settlements raise ‘spectre of ethnic cleansing’. Using these words at the UN has shed a global spotlight on Israel in Zohran Momdami’s state, where Israel has lost 80% of its support.
The added intense pressure on Israel to stop the genocide and to arrest Netanyahu whilst he’s in New York has been a trending socially.
A game of politics is being played in the shadows as Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas was denied a visa and is unable to attend the UN assembly, coincidently the Iranian delegation was granted visas and will be the UN.
This demonstrates the depth of control the Israelis have on American politicinas and the State department.
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Scenes from New York resemble a Police State
Ukrainian soldiers return with weapons, raising EU security concerns
1:00 pm
Ukrainian soldiers return with weapons, raising EU security concerns
Weapon Concerns
EU ambassadors will discuss reported possession of weapon components by returning combatants from Ukraine, highlighting risks of military equipment entering the bloc.
EU ambassadors will discuss reported possession of weapon components by returning combatants from Ukraine, highlighting risks of military equipment entering the bloc.
Security Concerns
Authorities are emphasising the potential risk of weapons, including military components, entering the EU, highlighting a need for enhanced tracking and intelligence-sharing among member states.
Authorities are emphasising the potential risk of weapons, including military components, entering the EU, highlighting a need for enhanced tracking and intelligence-sharing among member states.
EU Concern
“Member states have reported weapon components and military equipment in the possession of returning combatants,” stated the EU Council document on security risks following the Ukraine conflict.
“Member states have reported weapon components and military equipment in the possession of returning combatants,” stated the EU Council document on security risks following the Ukraine conflict.
Exclusive: EU countries sound alarm over weapons brought back from Ukraine front line
Published on •Updated
Soldiers returning from the front line in Ukraine are bringing back weapons and military equipment, raising concerns that battlefield components could start circulating within the European Union, according to a confidential EU document seen by EU News.
The risk of firearms being diverted from the battlefield will be discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, as European authorities step up efforts to track weapons entering the bloc.
“Member states have reported weapon components and military equipment in the possession of returning combatants,” reads the EU Council document, which focuses on the war in Ukraine’s impact on EU internal security.
“While not necessarily connecting these individuals to organised smuggling activities, these detections demonstrate a potential risk of military components or other battlefield equipment being transported from Ukraine into the EU,” the document continues.
In recent months, several EU countries have pushed to bar former and current Russian combatants from entering the bloc over potential security risks, namely their involvement in sabotage and hybrid attacks on European soil.
The ban was included in the 21st sanctions package but was eventually watered down following opposition from France and Italy.
However, at an informal meeting of foreign ministers earlier this month, EU Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there was “broad support” to move forward with the visa ban, following an attempted drone attack in Leipzig in which one of the suspects reportedly entered the Schengen area on a tourist visa issued by Italy.
Meanwhile, Estonia has launched an intelligence-sharing operation with other countries on the so-called eastern flank to pool entry-refusal decisions against identified Russian combatants based on a judicial or administrative ruling.
“Foreign fighters, either volunteers or mercenaries, continue to pose a risk, as they acquire military skills and experience that could be further exploited once they withdraw from the conflict zone to engage in criminal activities or terrorism,” the document adds.
But the concern is not limited to Russian combatants. It also extends to Ukrainians returning from the frontline, particularly in member states hosting large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, such as Germany, Poland and Czechia.
At the same time, authorities in these countries point out that the security issue relates to the EU as a whole, since they are part of Schengen, and that soldiers reuniting with their families are unlikely to sell those weapons legally, EU News understands.
According to a report published in March by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, there is currently no substantial weapon inflow from Ukraine to neighbouring countries, but weapon circulation remains a “structural risk.”
Kyiv, for its part, has already established a National Firearms Focal Point that supplies Europol with lists of seized, stolen or lost firearms.
Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, is directly involved and is due to establish a dedicated Firearms Hub by the first quarter of 2027 to improve the analysis and exchange of data on seized weapons.
Ukraine is also expected to adopt a dedicated roadmap on firearms trafficking by the end of this year, following the model of one already undertaken in the Western Balkans. Specific benchmarks on the issue have even been written into Ukraine’s accession negotiations.
Frontex, the EU’s border agency, has also issued specific instructions for border guards and customs authorities on firearm diversion, with a focus on Ukraine.
“One of the most significant long-term concerns in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the proliferation and diversion of firearms and other SALW [Small Arms and Light Weapons]. So far, few weapons have been seized and few arrests made,” the document says.
UK Refuels Saudi Jets to Bolster Defence Against Houthi Attacks
12:00 pm
UK Refuels Saudi Jets to Bolster Defence Against Houthi Attacks
In a significant geopolitical shift, the United Kingdom has announced plans to assist Saudi Arabia by providing refuelling support for its military jets aimed at countering Houthi rebel attacks. This move, confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence, follows a series of drone and missile strikes by the Houthis targeting major Saudi cities, escalating tensions in the region. The UK’s involvement marks a reinvigorated commitment to Saudi Arabia amid waning support from some traditional allies. For further developments, see global conflict updates.
Economically, analysts predict that these military operations could impact oil prices, with potential fluctuations stemming from further instability in the Gulf region. As markets brace for these changes, attention will shift to upcoming discussions around energy production and security strategies at the G20 summit next month. Watch for indications of policy adjustments as Saudi Arabia navigates its security alliances in the face of regional threats.
Key developments across the world
UK to refuel Saudi jets to help counter Houthi attacks
GLOBAL SECURITY — The UK is set to provide refuelling support for Saudi airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This military assistance reflects an ongoing strategy to bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as the conflict intensifies, particularly in response to rising tensions and missile threats from the Houthis.
Trump returns to UN at a moment of anxiety about Iran, AI and the future of world body itself
DIPLOMACY — At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump highlighted escalating tensions with Iran while addressing concerns over artificial intelligence. His statements reflect a broader context of uncertainty surrounding international relations and global governance issues as world leaders gather for discussions.
World leaders gather for United Nations General Assembly
DIPLOMACY — The UN General Assembly is convening as world leaders address pressing global issues. The assembly offers a platform for nations to negotiate and advocate for resolutions amid an atmosphere of heightened international tensions.
UN latest: General Assembly braced for Iran showdown – as Donald Trump says he’s ready to meet Iranian President Pezeshkian
DIPLOMACY — The upcoming UN General Assembly is anticipated to feature intense discussions regarding Iran amidst contentious geopolitical dynamics. Trump’s announcement of readiness to meet with Iranian President underscores ongoing discord and diplomatic complexities.
Messy, troubled, unpredictable: Diplomats describe a world in turmoil as UN opens annual meeting
DIPLOMACY — Diplomats are expressing concerns about the disarray in global affairs as the UN convenes, pointing to increased instability. This atmosphere reflects broader challenges facing international cooperation and collective action amid competing national interests.
What to watch — Monitor developments from the UN General Assembly for potential resolutions on international tensions, particularly concerning Iran and the Middle East.
Further reading from global news sources
Al Jazeera
UK to refuel Saudi jets to help counter Houthi attacks
BBC News
UK to help refuel Saudi jets countering Houthi attacks
Financial Times
UK to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in its fight with Houthi rebels
The Guardian
Trump’s bizarre social media blitz leaves world guessing ahead of UN address
AP News
Trump returns to UN at a moment of anxiety about Iran, AI and the future of world body itself
Trump to address United Nations General Assembly with focus on Middle East and Ukraine
11:01 am
Media Lens: Trump to address United Nations General Assembly with focus on Middle East and Ukraine
The United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York City. Donald Trump is set to address the assembly amidst discussions on various global issues.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
The United Nations General Assembly convened in New York City, highlighting global issues such as conflict, health crises, and climate change. Notable figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, were set to address the assembly, focusing on pressing topics like the ongoing conflict in Iran.
During this session, world leaders gathered to exchange views and propose solutions, aiming for collective action on critical international matters. The discussions were anticipated to cover vital areas such as geopolitical stability and cooperative strategies for global challenges.
Status quo
The United Nations General Assembly convenes annually in New York City, bringing together representatives from its 193 member states. This year, the assembly is particularly significant as it involves discussions on pressing global issues such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The assembly provides a platform for leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to address these challenges and outline their countries’ positions.
Confirmed facts
- Donald Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly.
- The United Nations General Assembly is being held in New York City.
- Current global issues, including the Iran war and Middle East conflicts, are on the agenda.
- This event has been reported by multiple sources including NBC News, CNN, and The New York Times.
Preconceptions
- NBC News prioritizes the significance of Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly by contextualizing it alongside the ongoing conflict in Iran, emphasizing the geopolitical implications of the speech.
- CNN focuses on providing live updates directly related to Trump’s speech, suggesting a tempo of immediacy and ongoing coverage that may reduce broader context regarding the event’s global impact.
- The Guardian highlights the agenda of the address, specifically mentioning the Middle East and Ukraine, thereby emphasizing the broader international issues at stake, while not delving deeply into domestic reactions.
- The New York Times contextualizes Trump’s speech within current tumultuous global events, which suggests an emphasis on the stability and reactions of international politics as a whole, while reducing focus on the specifics of the speech content.
Elisions
- Comparison of coverage on President Trump’s UNGA address shows ABC and NBC focus on domestic impacts, while CNN prioritizes the geopolitical implications.
- Only The Guardian mentions specific refugee crises among topics likely to be addressed by Trump, which CNN and NBC omit.
- The New York Times emphasizes historical context in Trump’s UN speeches, contrasted with CNN’s live updates that lack deeper analytical perspectives.
One story, four angles
CNN – Live updates: Trump to speak at United Nations General Assembly
Publication: CNN | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: The focus is immediately on Trump’s imminent address at the UNGA, emphasizing the significance of his speech against a backdrop of ongoing international issues.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** CNN highlights an urgency with “Trump to speak” versus NBC’s more elongated title “Trump to address the United Nations General Assembly.”
– **Specific example:** The dynamic language of “live updates” suggests immediate and in-depth coverage in CNN’s title.
– **Placement:** CNN’s title appears first on the page, indicating its prioritization of breaking news.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on Trump’s speech as a primary event | Language: Use of “live updates” implies ongoing relevance | Omission: Less context on the broader agenda beyond Iran war and UN discussions.
Assessment: Readers are led to believe that Trump’s speech is a crucial live event worth immediate attention.
The Guardian – Trump set to address UNGA with Middle East and Ukraine on agenda – US politics live
Publication: The Guardian | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Medium
Expand
Espresso Shot: The focus here is on the geopolitical implications of Trump’s address, hinting at broader discussions on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** Emphasizes a “live” political context for Trump’s address, contrasting CNN’s focused mention of the event.
– **Specific example:** The phrase “Middle East and Ukraine on agenda” clearly outlines the critical topics at stake, unlike CNN’s title.
– **Placement:** The title suggests an analysis of events in a broader political spectrum, indicating significance beyond just Trump’s speech.
Bias: Selection: Highlights geopolitical impacts | Language: “on agenda” suggests importance | Omission: Less emphasis on the immediate atmosphere surrounding the speech itself.
Assessment: Readers perceive Trump’s speech as a pivotal moment affecting international relations, with urgent, broad implications.
The New York Times – Trump’s U.N. Speech Comes at a Time of Tumult
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (9/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: This title positions Trump’s speech within an atmosphere of chaos, prompting the reader to consider the tumultuous context surrounding his address.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** New York Times emphasizes “tumult” as a backdrop, enhancing the urgency and gravity over CNN’s neutral language.
– **Specific example:** The language choice of “tumult” frames the state of affairs as dire, contrasting The Guardian’s more factual presentation.
– **Placement:** The title evokes a stark impression of urgency and importance, placing the focus on potential instability.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on negative contexts surrounding Trump | Language: “tumult” carries an accusatory tone | Omission: Less mention of specific agenda items compared to other outlets.
Assessment: Readers are led to believe Trump’s address is significantly overshadowed by a chaotic political climate.
In comparing the coverage of Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, CNN adopts a more neutral stance, highlighting the significance of the speech amid global tensions without overt alarmism. Conversely, NBC News employs a more escalatory framing, emphasizing the ongoing conflict with Iran and potential international repercussions, suggesting a more urgent tone. The New York Times reflects on the tumultuous context surrounding the speech but maintains a balanced approach, while The Guardian focuses on the broader geopolitical agenda, hinting at underlying tensions more strongly than CNN. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
NBC News
Trump to address the United Nations General Assembly as Iran war rumbles on
CNN
Live updates: Trump to speak at United Nations General Assembly
The Guardian
Trump set to address UNGA with Middle East and Ukraine on agenda – US politics live
The New York Times
India claims women’s cricket gold at Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs
10:27 am
Get you up to speed: India defeat Sri Lanka by 147 runs as Mandhana shines in Asian Games final
India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s cricket final at the Asian Games, held at Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya on 22 September 2026. Smriti Mandhana scored 79 runs, leading India to a total of 216-3, while Sri Lanka was bowled out for 69 runs.
India’s total of 216-3 is now the highest ever for a women’s team in Asian Games history. The final took place on 22 September 2026 at Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya, Japan.
India’s victory in the women’s cricket final has drawn praise from sports officials, highlighting the significance of the achievement as the country retains its gold medal. The Indian team plans to build on this success with targeted training and preparation for upcoming international competitions.
What remains unclear — The specifics of India’s future plans for women’s cricket following their Asian Games victory have not been disclosed.
India claims women’s cricket gold at Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs
Sport|CricketIndia defeat Sri Lanka by 147 runs as Mandhana shines in Asian Games final
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 69 runs, 10 less than Mandhana’s belligerent match-winning innings as India retained gold.
Published On 22 Sep 202622 Sep 2026
Smriti Mandhana’s whirlwind innings of 79 runs helped India crush Sri Lanka by 147 runs and win a second consecutive women’s cricket gold at the Asian Games.
India smashed 216-3 off their 20 overs, the highest women’s total in Asian Games history, with 18 fours and 13 sixes in the final on Tuesday.
Richa Ghosh and Bharti Fulmali plundered 25 off the final over from the hapless Mithali Ayodhya, who did not help her cause by conceding eight wides.
Sri Lanka were never in the hunt, and captain Chamari Athapaththu’s 29 was their only innings of note as they were skittled for 69 in 15.4 overs and had to settle for silver.
Opening batter Mandhana hit seven sixes and five fours in a 45-ball knock that sent the ball to all parts of the Korogi Athletic Park ground in Nagoya.
Smriti Mandhana hits a six [David Gray/AFP]
After India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bat, Shafali Verma, who made an unbeaten century in the semifinal, and Mandhana put on a blistering opening partnership.
The pair had raced to 99 in the 10th over when Verma had a rush of blood, playing a needless reverse sweep which she top-edged to Kawya Kavindi at point to fall for 48 off 29 balls.
Mandhana, the greatest run-scorer in women’s T20 cricket history, had reached her fifty earlier in the over and sailed on in style, clubbing anything loose to the boundary.
Harmanpreet joined her, and the pair took the score to 141 before the captain holed out to long-off for 19.
Mandhana, looking to accelerate further in the latter overs, skied an attempted six and was out in the 17th over with the score on 163.
Ghosh clattered 49 off 22 balls with three sixes and six fours to take India past 200 in the final over.
Mandhana scored 79 off 45 balls [Mark Baker/AP]
Earlier, some late-order hitting by Pakistan captain Fatima Sana set up a 31-run win over Bangladesh in the bronze medal match.
Sana came in with her side rocking at 67-5 in the 12th over but plundered 45 off 30 balls, including three fours and three sixes, and was out off the last ball of the 20 overs after seeing Pakistan to 145-8.
Her 67-run partnership with Aliya Riaz (25) for the sixth wicket proved the turning point, and Bangladesh could only muster 114-7 in reply.
Indian players celebrate after winning [Mark Baker/AP]
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