Experts give their verdict after Alexei Navalny, Putin's biggest opponent, dies in prison

Artists spray-paint portraits of Alexei Navalny behind a Soviet monument in Vienna

Austrian graffiti duo Joel Gamnou painted the portraits, receiving mostly positive feedback from the public, although criticism arose from certain groups alleging political misuse of the wall.

Russia Vetoes UN Resolution to Prevent Nukes in Space

Russia Vetoes UN Resolution , to Prevent Nukes in Space. The resolution was sponsored by Japan and the United States. It called on all nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear weapons "or other weapons of mass destruction in space," 'The Guardian' reports. . A 1967 international treaty already bans such weapons in space. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, vetoed the resolution, calling it "absolutely absurd and politicized," as well as a "dirty spectacle.". China abstained from voting, while the rest of the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. . Today’s veto begs the question: Why? Why, if you are following the rules, would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., via 'The Guardian'. Russia and China would rather establish an amendment calling on all nations "to prevent for all time the placement of weapons in outer space, and the threat of use of force in outer spaces.". We want a ban on the placement of weapons of any kind in outer space, not just WMDs [weapons of mass destruction]. But you don’t want that. And let me ask you that very same question. Why?, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, via 'The Guardian'. Nebenzia went on to say, "if we recall that the U.S. and their allies announced some time ago plans to place weapons … in outer space.". The U.S.-Japan resolution was announced in March after it was determined that Russia was in possession of "a 'troubling' anti-satellite weapon capability," 'The Guardian' reports. However, earlier this year, Putin said, , "Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against and are now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space."

Senate Passes $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package

Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package. On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted 79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. . Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. A provision to ban TikTok after the election if ByteDance refuses to sell the platform is also included. The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.". A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement. Today’s action is overdue, but our work does not end here. Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement