Putin's strong statement, "hell on earth" Syria still suffers from bombs and bullets

1. Mr. Putin's strong statement

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his state-of-the-nation address to lawmakers and guests at the Manezh exhibition center in Moscow on March 1. Photo: AFP.

Russian President Putin said that the new US stance on nuclear weapons allows for a nuclear strike in response to a conventional attack, and thus, if Russia is attacked with nuclear weapons, it will not hesitate to respond in kind.

The warning was made by President Putin in his annual address to the country's parliament on March 1. In the speech, he also talked about a series of new advanced strategic weapons systems that can counter US anti-missile weapons. President Putin also mentioned the new US nuclear stance, which relaxes some regulations when the US prepares to use nuclear weapons.

2. US-North Korea tensions increase

US President Donald Trump. Photo: GOP

US President Donald Trump has announced the strongest sanctions yet against North Korea, targeting 60 companies and individuals believed to be supporting the country.

Shortly afterwards, the North Korean Foreign Ministry declared that any sanctions would be an "act of war". Pyongyang affirmed that it would punish the US in its own way.

North Korea has also accused Japan of plotting to invade the country, warning Tokyo that such plots would lead to "disaster."

3. The Olympics ended with a signal of warming inter-Korean relations.

Athletes from both Koreas march under a unified flag. Photo: AFP

The 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics ended on the afternoon of February 25, bringing positive signals in inter-Korean relations. Leader Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the sincere reception from South Korea for the North Korean delegation.

Kim Jo Yong, the younger sister of leader Kim Jong-un, handed over a letter from her brother to South Korean President Moon Yae In. Mr. Moon affirmed that the two Koreas should work together to create conditions for South Korea's visit to North Korea to become a reality soon.

4. Hell on Earth Syria still suffers from rain of bombs and bullets

"Hell on Earth" Eastern Ghouta. Photo: AP

On February 27, Russian President Putin's daily five-hour ceasefire order came into effect, but fighting continued fiercely in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. This place has been described as "hell on earth", with government airstrikes continuing, killing 500 people. On February 27 alone, the first day of the ceasefire, at least six people were killed.

5. White House Communications Director Resigns

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks. Photo: AP.

The White House said on February 28 that Hope Hicks, 29, decided to resign from her position as White House communications director one day after she participated in a nine-hour closed-door hearing at the House Intelligence Committee regarding the investigation into suspected Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.Reutersreport

Hicks approached President Donald Trump and said she wanted to leave to pursue outside opportunities, according to aides. Robert Trout, an attorney representing Hicks, declined to comment.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Hicks' decision was unrelated to the hearing. It is unclear when Hicks will formally resign, which is expected in the coming weeks.

6.Russians begin voting for president

A Russian voter in Siberia casts his ballot. Photo: Sputnik

Russian citizens in remote regions began voting on February 27 to elect a new president before the official election on March 18.

The Russian law on presidential elections stipulates that early voting may not take place more than 20 days before the official election day. Early voting allows Russian sailors and passengers on ships in foreign ports, employees at polar research stations, and Russian citizens in remote regions to vote.

Russian citizens living abroad are also allowed to vote early, but no earlier than 15 days before the official election date. This means they can vote for the president starting from March 2.

7. China proposes removing two-term limit for President

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Bloomberg/SCMP.

The South China Morning Post quoted a Xinhua News Agency report on February 25 saying that the Communist Party of China has proposed removing the provision that the President and Vice President of China "shall serve no more than two consecutive terms" from the country's Constitution.

Xinhua later published the full 4,480-word proposal in Chinese, which will be considered by China's National People's Congress (NPC) during its session next month. The proposal was dated January 26, a week after the more than 200-member Central Committee of the Communist Party of China met to discuss the constitutional amendments.

Xi Jinping, 64, was re-elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China in October last year and is expected to win a second term as President at the National People's Congress, which opens on March 5.

Peace