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NATO Scrambles Jets Over Poland as Russia Launches Strategic Bombers Against Ukraine

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NATO Scrambles Jets Over Poland as Russia Launches Strategic Bombers Against Ukraine

Warsaw, Poland — NATO scrambled fighter jets over Poland on Tuesday as Russia deployed nuclear-capable strategic bombers and missiles in a large-scale attack on Ukraine, raising regional security concerns.

Russian Tu-95MS bombers targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, triggering air raid sirens and sending residents in Kyiv rushing to underground metro shelters. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, and across the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv. Drone strikes also caused injuries, according to local reports. 

Amid fears that Russian aircraft and missiles could approach Polish airspace, Warsaw’s Armed Forces Operational Command ordered NATO warplanes to patrol the border. 

“Due to the activity of long-range Russian aviation striking targets, particularly in western Ukraine, military aviation has begun operating in Polish airspace,” the command headquarters said in a statement. Ground-based air defenses and radar reconnaissance were also placed on high alert. 

The escalation comes just one day after a U.S. B-52 bomber flew less than 50 miles from Russia’s border in a show of force. The bomber, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons, departed from RAF Fairford in the UK and was escorted by F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets. The flight coincided with a NATO military parade in Tallinn, Estonia, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The attack on Ukraine occurred as diplomatic tensions mount between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to advocate for a peace agreement favorable to Ukraine, but recent U.S. diplomatic moves suggest a shift in policy. 

Over the past week, ceasefire negotiations have intensified, but they have taken place without Ukrainian representatives. President Donald Trump has faced criticism for allegedly sidelining Kyiv in discussions with Russia. Last week, Trump falsely labeled Zelensky “a dictator without elections,” despite Ukraine’s vote postponement due to martial law. 

Further straining U.S.-Ukraine relations, Washington sided with Moscow in two United Nations votes that avoided condemning Russia’s military campaign. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed what he described as a “more balanced” American position, stating, “The U.S. is truly working toward resolving the Ukraine conflict.” 

Zelensky, aware of Trump’s apparent opposition to his leadership, signaled over the weekend that he would step down if it facilitated Ukraine’s entry into NATO or secured other international security guarantees. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Moscow would only end hostilities under terms that “suit” Russia. 

Hours before the latest bombardment, the European Union and the United Kingdom imposed fresh sanctions on Russia. In response, Peskov accused the West of prolonging the war. 

As Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian infrastructure early Tuesday, at least two Tu-95MS bombers were reported taking off from Russia’s Olenya air base in the Arctic. Ukraine’s military reported intercepting six out of seven missiles and 133 out of 213 drones, while an additional 79 drones failed to reach their targets. 

Moscow’s defense ministry later claimed the strikes had successfully targeted Ukraine’s military airfields. One reported target was Mirhorod Air Base in Poltava, home to Ukraine’s 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on energy infrastructure forced emergency blackouts, according to Ukraine’s energy minister Herman Halushchenko. 

“In order to minimize the possible consequences for the energy system, emergency electricity restrictions have been applied,” Halushchenko stated. “As soon as security allows, we will assess the full damage.” 

In a retaliatory overnight operation, Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian oil refinery in Saratov, part of the Kremlin-affiliated Rosneft conglomerate. At least 11 explosions were reported near Engels, a Russian military hub home to strategic bombers. Russian air defenses engaged the attacks, but the extent of the damage remains unclear. 

Following Russia’s latest strikes, Polish military radar detected heightened NATO aircraft activity near the Polish-Ukrainian border. Warsaw’s Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed the deployment of F-16s and possibly U.S. and Norwegian F-35s stationed in Krzesiny. 

This marks the second time in recent weeks that NATO forces have been placed on high alert. Earlier this month, allied fighter jets were scrambled after Russia launched low-flying Kalibr missiles at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. 

“The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in the territories bordering the threatened areas,” Poland’s military command said. “Our forces remain fully prepared for an immediate response.” 

While European and Canadian leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Trump remained in Washington, hosting French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, warning that “peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine.” 

As Moscow intensifies its aerial assaults and diplomatic tensions escalate, the risk of further conflict spilling into NATO territory remains high. 

US Federal Workers Confused as Musk Stands Firm on Compliance Ultimatum

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US Federal Workers Confused as Musk Stands Firm on Compliance Ultimatum

U.S. government employees faced widespread confusion Monday following conflicting directives regarding an Elon Musk-backed mandate requiring them to summarize their weekly work via email or risk termination. 

Just 48 hours after the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued an email asking federal workers to report “what did you do last week?” the agency clarified that responses were voluntary, leaving individual departments to determine their approach. 

However, as agencies grappled with the guidance, President Donald Trump weighed in, asserting that employees who refused to comply with Musk’s directive would be fired or “sort of semi-fired.” Later Monday evening, Musk reiterated the ultimatum, offering workers a final opportunity to respond. 

The original OPM email, sent Saturday, directed recipients to submit five examples of their work over the past seven days without disclosing classified information. Employees were instructed to respond by the end of Monday. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), warned that failure to reply would be treated as a resignation. 

The directive sparked backlash, with federal worker unions and advocacy groups filing a lawsuit in California to block the mandate. Key agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Justice, and the FBI—now led by Trump appointees—advised employees to disregard the request, creating widespread uncertainty. Many federal workers received contradictory instructions from their respective agencies, leading to frustration. 

“They’re succeeding in driving us insane,” said one HHS employee, who spoke anonymously to the BBC out of fear of retaliation. 

On Monday afternoon, OPM convened a call with federal agency HR heads, stating that each agency could determine how to handle the directive, according to CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner. 

That same day, President Trump defended Musk’s mandate, calling it a “genius” move. 

“We’re trying to find out if people are working, so we’re sending a letter asking them to tell us what they did last week. If they don’t respond, it’s very possible they don’t exist or aren’t working,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “And then if you don’t answer, you’re sort of semi-fired or fired because a lot of people aren’t answering, and they don’t even exist.” 

Musk maintained that he was acting on Trump’s orders. 

“Subject to the discretion of the President, they will be given another chance,” Musk wrote on X, referring to employees who had not responded by Monday’s deadline. “Failure to respond a second time will result in termination.” 

He further criticized noncompliant employees, calling the email request “utterly trivial.” 

“The standard for passing the test was to type some words and press send! Yet so many failed even that inane test, urged on in some cases by their managers,” Musk wrote. “Have you ever witnessed such INCOMPETENCE and CONTEMPT for how YOUR TAXES are being spent?” 

Despite resistance from some agencies under Trump-appointed leadership, the White House insisted that all departments were aligned. 

“Everyone is working together as one unified team at the direction of President Trump,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “Any notion to the contrary is completely false.” 

The statement did not clarify why federal agencies issued conflicting guidance to employees. 

Putin Offers U.S. Access to Russian and Ukrainian Rare Minerals in Rare Peace Deal

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Putin Offers U.S. Access to Russian and Ukrainian Rare Minerals in Rare Peace Deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is open to allowing the United States access to rare earth minerals, including those extracted from Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

The statement follows repeated efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to secure mineral resources from Ukraine in exchange for military and economic support, a deal that is in its final stages, according to a Ukrainian official. 

During a state television interview Monday, Putin said Russia is prepared to offer access to mineral resources through joint ventures with American companies. He specifically mentioned potential mining operations in Russia’s “new territories,” referring to areas in eastern Ukraine that Russia has occupied since launching its full-scale invasion three years ago. 

Putin also proposed cooperation between Russia and the U.S. in aluminum extraction and supply, emphasizing that such a partnership could help stabilize global prices. 

Responding to Trump’s efforts to secure Ukrainian mineral deposits, Putin said Russia remains open to working with “foreign partners,” including U.S. companies, in mineral mining projects. He dismissed concerns over a potential U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal, stating that Russia possesses significantly larger reserves of such resources than Ukraine. 

“As for the new territories, it’s the same. We are ready to attract foreign partners to the so-called new, to our historical territories, which have returned to the Russian Federation,” Putin said. 

Additionally, he suggested that the U.S. and Russia could collaborate on aluminum production in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, home to one of Russia’s largest aluminum smelters operated by Rusal. 

Putin’s comments followed a cabinet meeting focused on Russia’s natural resources. 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday that the proposal presents “broad prospects” for cooperation, adding that the U.S. has a strong demand for rare earth minerals, while Russia has abundant supplies. 

Colombian Man Caught Smuggling £8,000 Worth of Cocaine Under Wig 

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Colombian Man Caught Smuggling £8,000 Worth of Cocaine Under Wig 

A Colombian man has been arrested while attempting to smuggle £8,000 worth of cocaine hidden under a wig, police said. 

Authorities at Rafael Núñez International Airport discovered the drugs when the 40-year-old suspect tried to board a flight to Amsterdam. 

Footage released by police showed officers cutting off the man’s wig, revealing 19 capsules of cocaine weighing a total of 220 grams. 

The suspect was taken into custody on charges of trafficking, manufacturing, and carrying narcotic substances, according to Colombia’s national police. 

Officials said the seizure prevented the sale of over 400 doses of cocaine, valued at more than €10,000 (£8,296) in international markets. 

Police commander Gelver Yecid Peña Araque stated that more than 450 individuals have been arrested this year for drug trafficking-related offenses. 

“We are striking decisive blows against these criminal organizations that not only control local drug trade but also incite violence and other crimes that disrupt peace,” Peña Araque said. 

Colombian authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating drug-related crime.

British Businessman Campbell Scott Found Dead in Kenya 

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British Businessman Campbell Scott Found Dead in Kenya 

NAIROBI, Kenya— Campbell Scott, a British businessman and senior director at credit scoring firm Fico, has been found dead in Kenya, eight days after he was last seen attending a conference in Nairobi. 

Scott was last spotted at the JW Marriott Hotel on February 16 before he disappeared. His employer, Fico, confirmed that Nairobi police had identified his body and launched an investigation into his death. 

“Campbell went missing last Sunday while on a business trip to Nairobi. We are not sharing further details as the investigation is in the hands of the police,” a Fico spokesperson said. 

The company expressed grief over the loss, describing Scott as a key leader in its international Scores business. Since joining Fico in 2014, he played a significant role in expanding the company’s market reach and strengthening existing partnerships. 

“We are devastated by this tragic news. We mourn his passing and will miss his humor and kindness. Our thoughts are with Campbell’s family and friends,” the statement added. 

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Scott’s death.

American Tourist Arrested After Throwing Newborn to Death  from Paris Hotel Window

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American Tourist Arrested After Throwing Newborn to Death  from Paris Hotel Window

An 18-year-old American tourist has been arrested after allegedly throwing her newborn baby from a second-floor window at a Paris hotel, authorities said.

The infant, discovered with the umbilical cord still attached, was found wrapped in a sheet outside the Ibis Style hotel in Paris’ 20th arrondissement near Place de la Nation. Emergency services rushed the baby to Robert Debre hospital following reports of the incident at 6 a.m., but the infant succumbed to injuries.

Witnesses alerted authorities after hearing screams. The woman, who was traveling through Europe with a group of young adults, was taken to a hospital for medical treatment following the delivery.

“She was also taken into custody on site. The possibility of a denial of pregnancy is being considered,” the Paris prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

Investigators believe the woman may have been experiencing “pregnancy denial” when she “unexpectedly” gave birth at the budget hotel.

The prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation has been opened into “homicide of a minor under 15.” Following medical treatment, including surgery related to the delivery, authorities charged the woman with child murder.

“The investigation is underway and the precise circumstances of this tragedy remain to be established,” a source close to the case told Paris Match.

Mystery Disease Outbreak in Congo: Samples Test Negative for Ebola and Marburg 

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Mystery Disease Outbreak in Congo: Samples Test Negative for Ebola and Marburg 

Health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a mystery disease in the town of Bomate, Congo, where cases emerged on Feb. 9. Samples from 13 patients have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for testing, the World Health Organization said. 

Initial results confirmed that all samples tested negative for Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever viruses, including Marburg. Some samples, however, tested positive for malaria. 

Last year, a separate flu-like illness that claimed dozens of lives in another part of Congo was ultimately linked to malaria, officials said. 

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the cause of the current outbreak remain ongoing.

Roberta Flack, Grammy-Winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer, Dies at 88 

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Roberta Flack, Grammy-Winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer, Dies at 88 

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate, emotive style made her one of the defining voices of the 1970s, died Monday at the age of 88. 

Flack passed away at home surrounded by family, publicist Elaine Schock said in a statement. In 2022, she revealed her ALS diagnosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which left her unable to sing. 

A classically trained pianist, Flack rose to fame in the early 1970s after Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film *Play Misty for Me* (1971). The song, a slow-burning ballad carried by Flack’s ethereal vocals over a delicate piano and string arrangement, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and won a Grammy for Record of the Year. 

“The record label wanted it re-recorded at a faster tempo, but he [Eastwood] said he wanted it exactly as it was,” Flack told *The Associated Press* in 2018. “Once it was in the movie, the song took off.” 

In 1973, she achieved another career-defining moment with *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, which also won Record of the Year, making Flack the first artist to win consecutive Grammys in the category. 

Flack’s artistry extended beyond the charts. A prodigy, she received a full music scholarship at age 15 to Howard University, a historically Black institution. Jazz musician Les McCann, who discovered her in the late 1960s, once wrote, “Her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known.” 

Her versatility allowed her to deliver up-tempo gospel-infused anthems akin to Aretha Franklin while maintaining a signature style—introspective, soulful, and lyrically profound. 

Beyond music, Flack was an influential presence in the civil rights movement, forging close ties with activists like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, whom she visited in prison before Davis was acquitted of murder and kidnapping charges. She also performed at Jackie Robinson’s funeral and contributed to the feminist children’s album *Free to Be… You and Me*. 

Her 1970s hits included *Feel Like Makin’ Love* and duets with longtime friend and Howard classmate Donny Hathaway, including *Where Is the Love* and *The Closer I Get to You*. Their musical partnership ended in tragedy in 1979 when Hathaway died after falling from his Manhattan hotel room while battling mental illness. 

“We were deeply connected creatively,” Flack told *Vibe* in 2022, reflecting on their million-selling 1972 album *Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway*. “He could play anything, sing anything. Our musical synergy was unlike anything I’d had before or since.” 

Flack remained a force in music through the 1980s and 1990s, scoring hits with *Tonight, I Celebrate My Love* (with Peabo Bryson) and *Set the Night to Music* (with Maxi Priest). She gained renewed recognition in 1996 when the Fugees’ Grammy-winning cover of *Killing Me Softly* introduced her music to a new generation. 

Over her career, Flack won five Grammys, including three for *Killing Me Softly*, and received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2020. 

“I love that connection to other artists because we understand music, we live music, it’s our language,” she told *Songwriter Universe* in 2020. “Through music, we understand what we are thinking and feeling.” 

Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia, the daughter of musicians. After graduating from Howard, she taught music in Washington, D.C.-area schools while performing at nightclubs, including Mr. Henry’s, a venue that became a launching pad for her career. 

She married jazz bassist Stephen Novosel, and though the marriage ended in divorce, their interracial relationship faced challenges from both families. She had a son, Bernard Wright, a singer and keyboardist who later found success in the 1980s. 

For years, Flack resided in Manhattan’s Dakota apartment building, where she lived on the same floor as John Lennon and Yoko Ono. She became close friends with Ono, who later wrote liner notes for Flack’s Beatles tribute album *Let It Be Roberta*. 

In her later years, Flack dedicated much of her time to the Roberta Flack School of Music, mentoring young musicians in New York. 

Her legacy remains woven into the fabric of soul, jazz, and R&B, her voice a timeless emblem of emotional depth and artistic mastery.

Trump Warns of Potential World War III Over Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks After Meeting Macron 

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Trump Warns of Potential World War III Over Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks After Meeting Macron 

President Donald Trump warned of a potential escalation into World War III if a peace agreement in Ukraine is not reached, following what he described as “productive” discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. 

Macron’s visit marked the first by a European leader since Trump returned to office, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two leaders shared a brief handshake outside the White House before addressing the ongoing conflict. 

Speaking at a joint news conference, Trump reiterated his longstanding claim that the war in Ukraine would “never have happened” had he been in office. He also cautioned that failure to secure a peace deal could have far-reaching consequences. 

“There will be a point where it is not going to stop at those two countries,” Trump said. “Already, there is such involvement from other countries, and it could really lead to a very big war, World War III, and we are not going to let that happen.” 

Trump emphasized the importance of securing a ceasefire as soon as possible, calling for “a permanent peace.” He stated that discussions included Russia and stressed the financial burden of the conflict, arguing that European nations should take on a greater share of the responsibility. 

“I’m also pleased that Macron agrees that the cost and burden of securing the peace must be borne by the nations of Europe, not just the United States,” Trump said. “Europe must take that central role in ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine, which they want to do.” 

Macron echoed the need for stability but emphasized that any peace agreement must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty. He stated that European nations are prepared to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine while maintaining strong deterrence measures. 

The discussions come as diplomatic efforts intensify amid ongoing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO allies. The White House has yet to provide details on whether a formal agreement is in progress. 

The Kremlin has signaled interest in negotiations but has not indicated any shift in its military stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, has called for increased Western support and security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. 

Trump’s remarks on the Ukraine war and his approach to European defense spending are expected to remain key issues in transatlantic relations as the conflict continues. 

Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Atlanta After ‘Haze’ Reported in Cabin 

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Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Atlanta After ‘Haze’ Reported in Cabin 

A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to return to Atlanta on Monday morning after the crew reported “possible smoke” in the cabin, marking the second smoke-related incident involving a Delta flight in less than a week. 

Delta Flight 876 departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 8:30 a.m., en route to Columbia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina. However, approximately 35 minutes into the flight, the aircraft turned back to Atlanta, landing at 9:04 a.m., according to FlightAware.com. 

In a statement, Delta confirmed that the crew observed a haze inside the aircraft after departure and followed safety procedures to return to the airport. 

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologize to our customers for the experience,” the airline stated. 

Upon landing, emergency slides were deployed, and Atlanta Fire Rescue assisted in deplaning all 94 passengers, along with two pilots and three flight attendants. 

Airport officials reported a moderate impact on operations due to the emergency landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it would investigate the incident. 

Monday’s emergency landing comes just two days after another Delta flight was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport while en route to Australia due to smoke detected in the galley. The FAA is also investigating that incident. 

Both events have raised concerns over smoke-related safety issues on Delta flights, prompting increased scrutiny of the airline’s procedures and aircraft maintenance.

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