Author: DW

The Berlinale is renowned for being the most political of all three major European film festivals. In its 74th edition, it remained true to its reputation by awarding its top prize, the Golden Bear, to Mati Diop’s documentary “Dahomey,” which accompanies the restitution of 26 of the royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey from France to Benin.  “To rebuild, we must first restitute,” said the French-Senegalese filmmaker in her acceptance speech. “We are among those who refuse to forget.”   Diop had already made Cannes history with the celebrated premiere of her 2019 feature film, “Atlantics,” becoming the first Black woman…

There has been an ongoing debate in the West about whether and when to send more funds and arms to Ukraine. “Strategically, the West is still standing by Ukraine, but this year will be an important turning point, said Julia Smirnova from the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue. A specialist in disinformation, she told DW that Russia was doing its best to undermine solidarity with Ukraine with fake news and propaganda. She explained that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was one of the main targets. “Zelenskyy is the symbol of Ukraine, the symbol of Ukrainian resistance, which is why many attacks…

Two sailors are missing in the eastern Caribbean after the yacht they were on was hijacked by three escaped prisoners.The two occupants of the boat are believed to be US citizens but their whereabouts and condition are unconfirmed. The three prisoners, who have been arrested, are believed to have seized the yacht from Grenada’s capital, St George’s, and sailed 80 miles to the neighbouring island of St Vincent.The owners of the yacht haven’t been officially identified, but the non-profit Salty Dawg Sailing Association identified them as Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel.It said they are “veteran cruisers” and longtime members of…

Skip next section G7 leaders convinced ‘we can ensure Ukraine prevails’02/24/2024February 24, 2024G7 leaders convinced ‘we can ensure Ukraine prevails’G7 leaders participating in a virtual summit hosted in Rome, have promised to do what they can “to ensure Ukraine prevails in fighting for its future.” Those gathered also pledged to wear down Russia’s ability to continue its war of aggression, saying, “We will continue to raise the cost of Russia’s war, degrade Russia’s sources of revenue and impede its efforts to build its war machine.” G7 leaders promised to help Kyiv meet its financial obligations and assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy…

The Yemen-based Houthi attack last week on a UK-owned ship in the Red Sea caused a 29-kilometer (18-mile) oil spill, the US military said early Saturday. The Rubymar, a Belize-flagged vessel, was attacked on February 18, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, adding that the vessel “is anchored but slowly taking on water.” CENTCOM said that the vessel was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it suffered an “unprovoked and reckless attack” that caused “significant damage” and an “18-mile oil slick.” Fertilizer spill would worsen ‘environmental disaster’ The statement warned that the fertilizer has the potential to spill into the Red…

The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been handed over to his mother, his spokesperson has said.”Alexei’s body was given to his mother. Thank you very much to everyone who demanded this with us,” Kira Yarmysh wrote on X. Details of his funeral were yet to come, she said, adding it was unclear if the Russian authorities would “interfere” or if it would be carried out as “the family wants and Alexei deserves”.”We will provide information as it becomes available,” she said.Mr Navalny’s mother Lyudmila Navalnaya was given an ultimatum yesterday, with officials saying the Kremlin critic would…

For several decades, activists have been drawing attention to gender inequality in the art world, highlighting the fact that women artists make up just a fraction of all artists represented in museum collections and galleries. Museum curators have responded by mounting exhibitions that focus on the contributions of women artists throughout history. The latest show titled “Maestras. Women Masters 1500-1900,” a collaboration between the Arp Museum in Germany and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, gives an overview of significant women artists from the Middle Ages to Modernity. The show opens on Sunday and runs until June 16. Some of those artists are…

On February 25, Belarusians will be electing lawmakers in parliament and local councils across the country — in the first elections in Belarus since the political crisis of 2020. Voters will elect 110 lawmakers in the lower house of the parliament and 12,000 local council representatives. Regardless of how many people take part in these elections, they will be considered valid. In contrast to previous elections, there is no minimum participation rate. In summer 2020, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko was simply declared the winner of the country’s last presidential election despite widespread evidence the vote had been rigged. The decision led…

The party primaries are still going on, but barring a major upset, the 2024 US presidential race will be a repeat of 2020: Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump. That means that on election day, November 5, 2024, voters will likely choose between a 78-year-old in Trump and an 81-year-old in Biden. Should that be the case, the man inaugurated on January 20, 2025, would be the oldest person ever sworn in as president of the United States. The median age of previous US presidents at inauguration was 55, according to the Pew Research Center. Whether Biden or Trump wins, the president won’t be in his…

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s president is said to have turned down a US offer to be evacuated with the words: “I need ammunition, not a ride.”Two years on, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is still standing firm – but so too is his urgent need for weapons and ammunition, everything from bullets to fighter jets. The UK and other Western allies rushed in support for the military during the first weeks of the war, with British and American anti-tank missiles playing a key role in enabling Ukrainian troops to fend off a Russian attempt to capture the capital Kyiv.However, Western…