Ukraine war pushes 4 million children into poverty: UN

13 Sept 06:01 Key points summarised by AI

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic fallout have plunged four million children across Eastern Europe and Central Asia into poverty, marking a 19% increase since 2021.
Russia accounts for nearly three-quarters of this increase, with 2.8 million children newly impoverished due to Western sanctions and the cost-of-living crisis, while Ukraine has the second-largest share with an additional half a million children in poverty.
This surge in child poverty significantly heightens risks for affected children, potentially leading to an additional 4,500 infant deaths and 117,000 school dropouts this year, alongside increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.