Russians can now fly to North Korea. South Koreans still can't.
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Putin Wants Something He Can't Get
Vladimir Putin, in his own telling, is no ordinary leader. He's a lawyer on the throne. From the very beginning of his tenure, he has leaned on his legal background as part of his presidential persona. The reflex never left him. 'After all, I have a law degree,' he told a group of businessmen in May, responding to concerns that a peace deal might bring Western competitors back into Russia. 'If you give me the agreement, I'll flip through it and tell you what needs to be done.' We tend to think of a dictator as someone who tramples the law — and that's absolutely true. But for a dictator like Mr. Putin, who rose from the disciplined ranks of the security services to the presidency by following orders, it is just as important to be able to cite the law as to break it. Today, every new wave of political repression in Russia is preceded by the passage or revision of a law — so that more and more people can be punished 'according to the law,' rather than in violation of it. The endless expansion of the legal order in service of one man's power eventually calls for a higher justification. Indeed, Mr. Putin's entire political career has been a search for a source of legitimacy deeper than the law itself, a personal obsession with proving his authority. This, as much as conquest, is what drives his war on Ukraine: The aim is to turn military victory into Russia's return ticket to the club of the world's great powers. But that remains impossible without recognition from the West. And increasingly, that seems like something Mr. Putin can't get. Legitimacy is a perennial problem for dictators. However strong they may appear, they always suffer from a deficit of it. Their power, after all, is not the result of popular preference. This explains autocrats' fondness for rigged referendums and elections: A referendum was how Mr. Putin extended his tenure in 2020, and elections, held every six years, are used to provide a veneer of popular consent to his rule. Yet there's only so much succor a dictator can draw from rubber-stamping. For many dictators, credibility truly comes on the world stage. Official visits and summits, along with successful military campaigns, are proof of their legitimacy. In the early years of Mr. Putin's tenure, this worked. He held court with Western leaders and won victories in the second Chechen war. But when his decision to return to the presidency in 2012 set off major protests, he began a new fight for so-called traditional Russian values against corrosive Western influence. This shift in emphasis entailed direct confrontation with the West, with Ukraine the proving ground. The annexation of Crimea, presented as the correction of a historical injustice, soon followed, along with the incursion into eastern Ukraine. The full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, conceived as a brilliant blitzkrieg, consummated the adversarial approach. These were strikingly successful attempts to win support at home. But they were also efforts to refashion, not break, Russia's relations with the West. Even after the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the Kremlin still pursued negotiations — most notably the Minsk agreements — aiming to end diplomatic isolation and reclaim its seat at the table of major powers. Those efforts foundered and Mr. Putin chose to up the stakes. Yet even today, the Kremlin is willing to show some degree of flexibility. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
U.S. and China Extend Tariff Pause Another 90 Days
Ahead of trade talks in Stockholm that are set to begin today, The South China Morning Post reports that, according to sources close to the matter on both sides, the US and China are set to extend their tariff truced by another three months. China and the United States agreed in May to remove most of the heavy tariffs levied on each other's goods for 90 days while continuing trade negotiations. That suspension is set to expire on August 12. SCMP reports that one source said that, during the expected 90-day extension, the two nations will commit to not impose additional tariffs on each other, nor escalate the trade war by other means. People's Daily, the mouthpiece of China's ruling Communist Party, said in an editorial on Sunday that Beijing was willing to work with Washington to make "substantive progress" in resolving issues during the coming trade talks in the Swedish capital. the newspaper said. "It is willing to work with the US to take the economic and trade talks in Sweden as an opportunity to continuously enhance consensus, accumulate mutual trust, reduce misjudgments and strengthen cooperation." While analysts have welcomed the continuation of discussions, most do not expect any sweeping changes to emerge from the negotiations in Stockholm. Niklas Swanstrom, director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy, a think tank based in Stockholm, said ahead of the talks. By More Top Reads From this article on
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aldi product recalled over glass fears, new fee to watch Sydney's NYE fireworks, North Korea's message to Trump
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Tuesday. Aldi has recalled a popular freezer product over fears there could be glass inside the packaging. All packets of the Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g have been pulled nationwide. A Sydney council which manages several of the best spots to view the NYE fireworks will now charge revellers $50 to attend one of those sites on the big night. Councillors said it wasn't an easy decision but one that was needed to cover the costs of hosting thousands of people. North Korea has sent a stern message to Donald Trump about its nuclear program. Follow along as we bring you regular updates below. Trump's latest tariff declaration And sticking with Donald Trump, the US president has flagged he could double the baseline tariff on foreign imports to 20 per cent. Australia is captured by the baseline tariff regime, with a blanket 10 per cent impost slapped on most products flowing to the US despite a bilateral free-trade agreement. The baseline tariff is imposed on top of sectoral duties – taxes targeting specific industries, such as steel and aluminium. Trump floated his new tariff for 'the rest of the world' while speaking to reporters with Keir Starmer in Scotland overnight. 'I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15 to 20 per cent range,' Mr Trump said when pressed for a figure. Read more from NewsWire here. Woman, 102, dies in house fire It's been a tragic end for someone who has lived such a long life after a 102-year-old woman died overnight in a Melbourne house fire. Firefighters were called to the blaze on Reynard St in the city's north just before midnight where the woman was found deceased inside. She was the sole occupant. Victoria Police have confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious Should councils charge for people to view Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks? One of the great things about Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks is its accessibility to the masses, with Sydneysiders taking advantage of dozens of locations right around the city to catch a glimpse of the display. But those wanting to grab one of the best spots will now have to pay after North Sydney councillors on Monday night decided to implement 'ticketed access' to Blues Point, one of the most popular vantage points that fronts Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. Councillors said it wasn't an easy decision but due to the financial costs of running such sites, the fee was needed. It's a move several other councils have implemented for some of the most popular spots across the city. So what do you think? Should the fireworks be free to all or should the best public spots be ticketed? Have your say below. Scary reason Aldi product pulled from stores A popular food item at Aldi has been urgently pulled from shelves nationwide amid contamination fears. All packets of the Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g, which are available for purchase at Aldi stores, have been recalled as they may contain glass. The vegetable gyoza features a best-before date of March 27, 2027 and was available for purchase in Aldi stores in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. #Recall: ALDI Stores is recalling Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g due to foreign matter (glass). BEST BEFORE 27.03.2027. Sold in ALDI Stores NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA and WA. See: — NSW Food Authority (@NSWFoodAuth) July 28, 2025 Customers have been warned to not eat the food product as it may contain pieces of glass. 'Food products containing glass may cause illness/ injury if consumed,' a recall statement read. They can return the products at the Aldi store at which they were purchased, where customers will receive a full refund. 'Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,' the statement read. - NewsWire North Korea sends message to Donald Trump North Korea says the United States must accept that reality has changed since the countries' summit meetings in the past, and no future dialogue would end its nuclear program, state media KCNA reported. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who is believed to speak for his brother, said she conceded the personal relationship between Kim and US President Donald Trump "is not bad." But if Washington intended to use a personal relationship as a way to end the North's nuclear weapons program, the effort would only be the subject of "mockery," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by KCNA. "If the US fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the DPRK-US meeting will remain as a 'hope' of the US side," she said. DPRK is short for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea's capabilities as a nuclear weapons state and the geopolitical environment have radically changed since Kim and Trump held talks three times during the US president's first term, she said. "Any attempt to deny the position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state ... will be thoroughly rejected," she said. Trump previously said he has a "great relationship" with Kim, and the White House said the president remains open to engaging with the reclusive North Korean leader. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Trump's latest tariff declaration And sticking with Donald Trump, the US president has flagged he could double the baseline tariff on foreign imports to 20 per cent. Australia is captured by the baseline tariff regime, with a blanket 10 per cent impost slapped on most products flowing to the US despite a bilateral free-trade agreement. The baseline tariff is imposed on top of sectoral duties – taxes targeting specific industries, such as steel and aluminium. Trump floated his new tariff for 'the rest of the world' while speaking to reporters with Keir Starmer in Scotland overnight. 'I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15 to 20 per cent range,' Mr Trump said when pressed for a figure. Read more from NewsWire here. And sticking with Donald Trump, the US president has flagged he could double the baseline tariff on foreign imports to 20 per cent. Australia is captured by the baseline tariff regime, with a blanket 10 per cent impost slapped on most products flowing to the US despite a bilateral free-trade agreement. The baseline tariff is imposed on top of sectoral duties – taxes targeting specific industries, such as steel and aluminium. Trump floated his new tariff for 'the rest of the world' while speaking to reporters with Keir Starmer in Scotland overnight. 'I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15 to 20 per cent range,' Mr Trump said when pressed for a figure. Read more from NewsWire here. Woman, 102, dies in house fire It's been a tragic end for someone who has lived such a long life after a 102-year-old woman died overnight in a Melbourne house fire. Firefighters were called to the blaze on Reynard St in the city's north just before midnight where the woman was found deceased inside. She was the sole occupant. Victoria Police have confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious It's been a tragic end for someone who has lived such a long life after a 102-year-old woman died overnight in a Melbourne house fire. Firefighters were called to the blaze on Reynard St in the city's north just before midnight where the woman was found deceased inside. She was the sole occupant. Victoria Police have confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious Should councils charge for people to view Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks? One of the great things about Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks is its accessibility to the masses, with Sydneysiders taking advantage of dozens of locations right around the city to catch a glimpse of the display. But those wanting to grab one of the best spots will now have to pay after North Sydney councillors on Monday night decided to implement 'ticketed access' to Blues Point, one of the most popular vantage points that fronts Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. Councillors said it wasn't an easy decision but due to the financial costs of running such sites, the fee was needed. It's a move several other councils have implemented for some of the most popular spots across the city. So what do you think? Should the fireworks be free to all or should the best public spots be ticketed? Have your say below. One of the great things about Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks is its accessibility to the masses, with Sydneysiders taking advantage of dozens of locations right around the city to catch a glimpse of the display. But those wanting to grab one of the best spots will now have to pay after North Sydney councillors on Monday night decided to implement 'ticketed access' to Blues Point, one of the most popular vantage points that fronts Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. Councillors said it wasn't an easy decision but due to the financial costs of running such sites, the fee was needed. It's a move several other councils have implemented for some of the most popular spots across the city. So what do you think? Should the fireworks be free to all or should the best public spots be ticketed? Have your say below. Scary reason Aldi product pulled from stores A popular food item at Aldi has been urgently pulled from shelves nationwide amid contamination fears. All packets of the Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g, which are available for purchase at Aldi stores, have been recalled as they may contain glass. The vegetable gyoza features a best-before date of March 27, 2027 and was available for purchase in Aldi stores in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. #Recall: ALDI Stores is recalling Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g due to foreign matter (glass). BEST BEFORE 27.03.2027. Sold in ALDI Stores NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA and WA. See: — NSW Food Authority (@NSWFoodAuth) July 28, 2025 Customers have been warned to not eat the food product as it may contain pieces of glass. 'Food products containing glass may cause illness/ injury if consumed,' a recall statement read. They can return the products at the Aldi store at which they were purchased, where customers will receive a full refund. 'Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,' the statement read. - NewsWire A popular food item at Aldi has been urgently pulled from shelves nationwide amid contamination fears. All packets of the Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g, which are available for purchase at Aldi stores, have been recalled as they may contain glass. The vegetable gyoza features a best-before date of March 27, 2027 and was available for purchase in Aldi stores in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. #Recall: ALDI Stores is recalling Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza 750g due to foreign matter (glass). BEST BEFORE 27.03.2027. Sold in ALDI Stores NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA and WA. See: — NSW Food Authority (@NSWFoodAuth) July 28, 2025 Customers have been warned to not eat the food product as it may contain pieces of glass. 'Food products containing glass may cause illness/ injury if consumed,' a recall statement read. They can return the products at the Aldi store at which they were purchased, where customers will receive a full refund. 'Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,' the statement read. - NewsWire North Korea sends message to Donald Trump North Korea says the United States must accept that reality has changed since the countries' summit meetings in the past, and no future dialogue would end its nuclear program, state media KCNA reported. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who is believed to speak for his brother, said she conceded the personal relationship between Kim and US President Donald Trump "is not bad." But if Washington intended to use a personal relationship as a way to end the North's nuclear weapons program, the effort would only be the subject of "mockery," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by KCNA. "If the US fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the DPRK-US meeting will remain as a 'hope' of the US side," she said. DPRK is short for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea's capabilities as a nuclear weapons state and the geopolitical environment have radically changed since Kim and Trump held talks three times during the US president's first term, she said. "Any attempt to deny the position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state ... will be thoroughly rejected," she said. Trump previously said he has a "great relationship" with Kim, and the White House said the president remains open to engaging with the reclusive North Korean leader. North Korea says the United States must accept that reality has changed since the countries' summit meetings in the past, and no future dialogue would end its nuclear program, state media KCNA reported. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who is believed to speak for his brother, said she conceded the personal relationship between Kim and US President Donald Trump "is not bad." But if Washington intended to use a personal relationship as a way to end the North's nuclear weapons program, the effort would only be the subject of "mockery," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by KCNA. "If the US fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the DPRK-US meeting will remain as a 'hope' of the US side," she said. DPRK is short for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea's capabilities as a nuclear weapons state and the geopolitical environment have radically changed since Kim and Trump held talks three times during the US president's first term, she said. "Any attempt to deny the position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state ... will be thoroughly rejected," she said. Trump previously said he has a "great relationship" with Kim, and the White House said the president remains open to engaging with the reclusive North Korean leader.
