George Galloway Predicts War if Keir Starmer Becomes UK Prime Minister

George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Great Britain, asserted that Britain would be embroiled in a full-scale war with Russia within six months if Labour’s Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister. During his party’s manifesto launch in Rochdale, Galloway, an outspoken critic of both Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, warned of a potential "Armageddon" situation, claiming that British forces would be actively deployed in a direct conflict, rather than a proxy war.

He expressed pronounced opposition to Britain's support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Galloway cited Vladimir Putin’s interview with Tucker Carlson to suggest that people have been misled about the Russian president. The manifesto promotes a referendum on NATO membership and aims for Britain to leave the alliance, advocating for new security arrangements that prioritize the protection of people over states or industries. It further condemns NATO’s actions and promises to withdraw military support from war zones, pushing for peaceful negotiations.

Japan and South Korea Alarmed Over Russia-North Korea Military Pact

Japan and South Korea have expressed concern over a newly signed military pact between Russia and North Korea. This agreement, signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, includes mutual military assistance against aggression and compliance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Putin pledged further military technical cooperation with Pyongyang and vowed to support North Korea against UN Security Council sanctions.

South Korea’s foreign ministry warned that the partnership could destabilize regional peace and violate international resolutions on military technology. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary echoed similar concerns related to security implications for their country and region. The partnership replaces a 1961 treaty between the Soviet Union and North Korea and aims to strengthen Moscow’s influence in Asia.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the increasing alignment between authoritarian regimes like North Korea, China, Iran, and Russia. The new alliance is seen as a rekindling of Cold War military ties, further isolating Russia from the international community amid ongoing conflicts.

EU Imposes 14th Sanctions Package on Russia

The European Union has agreed on its 14th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at restricting access to key technologies and revenues, including efforts against Russia’s shadow banking network. This latest move reflects heightened international efforts to curtail Russia’s economic capacities amid its assault on Ukraine.

Additional Developments

  • Ukrainian infrastructure, including a thermal power plant, suffered significant damage from Russian missile strikes.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged Zambia’s support for a peace summit’s communiqué.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin signed agreements with Vietnam during a state visit, emphasizing cooperation in education, energy, and security sectors. This visit follows his trip to North Korea, where he signed a defense pact that included mutual military assistance.
  • The visit to Vietnam reflects Russia’s attempt to counteract its international isolation post-Ukraine invasion, as Vietnam maintains a neutral stance, much to the concern of Western nations.

These unfolding geopolitical dynamics signify increasing regional tensions and alliances that have vast implications for international security and diplomacy.