Israel said it has no intention to enter a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, but it cannot continue the way it is. This was stated by Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon. This as France, Russia and China warned Israel against any potential invasion of Lebanon amid massive tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Watch.

NEW DELHI: Germany is actively contemplating the reintroduction of compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds as it faces increasing geopolitical pressures from an assertive Russia, detailed in leaked military documents. These discussions, reportedly reaching final stages within the German defense ministry, come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has ramped up his militaristic rhetoric and readiness, particularly highlighting the full combat readiness of Russia’s nuclear forces.
As per a Daily Mail report, defense minister Boris Pistorius, during a recent visit to the United States, expressed his conviction that Germany must reinstate some form of military conscription, an arrangement previously abandoned in 2011. Reflecting on the past decision, Pistorius labeled the discontinuation of compulsory service a “mistake,” pointing to the current heightened threat landscape which he believes necessitates a return to mandatory military enrollment for young Germans.
The proposals under consideration vary in scope and inclusivity. The primary plan would mandate a year of military service for all men reaching the age of 18, aligning with past practices. A more expansive second proposal seeks to include women in the conscription process, which would require amending the German constitution—a move that insiders believe would likely garner public support given the current security concerns.
Alternatively, a third option suggests a selective process where only certain individuals would be conscripted. In this scenario, all eligible young men would complete an online form, and selections for service would be made from this pool, allowing for a more targeted approach to building military capacity.
These developments are underscored by Putin’s aggressive stance, demonstrated in a recent speech in Moscow’s Red Square where he not only confirmed the readiness of his nuclear forces but also criticized the Western nations for their geopolitical strategies. This speech has significantly raised the stakes, suggesting the possibility of broader conflict, the Daily Mail report said.
Within Germany, these military discussions coincide with domestic policy decisions aimed at supporting the Ukrainian community in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently assured that Ukrainians who are employed and hold a residence permit in Germany can continue to stay, despite Ukraine’s efforts to conscript its nationals abroad to strengthen its defense against Russian aggression.
The reintroduction of conscription in Germany, if approved, would signal a significant shift in Nato’s preparedness and Europe’s security strategy, reflecting broader anxieties about Russian intentions and the stability of regional peace.

MOSCOW: Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has accused President Vladimir Putin of mocking Christianity by attempting to coerce his mother into agreeing to a secret funeral following his death in a penal colony. In a video released on Saturday, Navalnaya revealed that Navalny’s mother, who desires to have her son’s body returned to her, is being subjected to psychological torment by the authorities.They have even suggested burying Navalny in the Arctic prison, pressuring his mother to make a hasty decision by claiming that the body is decomposing.
Navalnaya passionately pleaded, ‘Give us my husband’s body. You tortured him while he was alive, and now you continue to torture him in death. You are disrespecting the deceased.’
Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition politician in Russia, tragically passed away on February 16 in the penal colony. Following his death, countless Russians flocked to impromptu memorials across the country, offering flowers and lighting candles.
Authorities have detained numerous individuals in an attempt to suppress any potential public display of sympathy for Putin’s strongest adversary in the upcoming presidential election, which he is expected to win. According to social media reports, officials are reluctant to return Navalny’s body to his family due to their fear of a widespread show of support for him.
Navalnaya directly accused Putin, an Orthodox Christian, of being responsible for Navalny’s demise. She stated, ‘No true Christian would ever engage in the actions that Putin is currently undertaking with Alexei’s body. What will you do with his corpse? How far will you sink in your mockery of the man you have killed?’
Putin is frequently seen participating in religious activities, such as dipping himself in ice water to celebrate the Epiphany and visiting holy sites in Russia. He has been an advocate for what he refers to as ‘traditional values,’ which he believes are essential to prevent societal degradation.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed allegations of Putin’s involvement in Navalny’s death, labeling them as ‘completely baseless and audacious accusations against the head of the Russian state.’
Musician Nadya Tolokonnikova, known for her involvement with the band Pussy Riot and her subsequent imprisonment for a protest in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral in 2012, released a video condemning Putin’s hypocrisy. Tolokonnikova, who currently resides abroad, stated, ‘We were imprisoned for supposedly disrespecting traditional values. However, no one undermines traditional Russian values more than you, Putin, your officials, and your priests who pray for the countless murders that you commit day after day, year after year. Putin, have a conscience and give this mother her son’s body.’
Tolokonnikova is one of several cultural figures who have released videos urging Russian authorities to return Navalny’s body to his family so that they can hold a proper funeral. Navalny’s mother and legal team have been attempting to retrieve his body since last week.
On Thursday, Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei’s mother, announced that investigators had allowed her to see her son’s body in the morgue in the Arctic city of Salekhard. She has filed a lawsuit at a court in Salekhard challenging the officials’ refusal to release the body. A closed-door hearing has been scheduled for March 4.
Navalny’s spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Lyudmila Navalnaya was presented with a medical certificate stating that her son died of ‘natural causes.’