Your Wednesday Briefing: How Russia Gets Chips for Its Weapons

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What Western weapons technology is reaching Russia

While Ukraine is trying to eject Russia from its land, the U.S., along with its allies, has been fighting an parallel battle in order to keep the chips required for weapon systems, drones, and tanks, out of Russian hands.

Even though the U.S., and its allies, have stopped selling chips directly to Russia. It has still been difficult to deny Russia access to these chips. Although sweeping sanctions have reduced Russia's capability to manufacture weapons, it still finds a way of obtaining many electronic components.

The sale of chips to Armenia, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian nations has soared. Documents from U.S. officials and European officials reveal that these chips are being redirected to Russia.

Russia has also received some assistance from other countries. The imports of chips into Russia are increasing, especially from China and Hong Kong.

While the U.S. As the U.S. and E.U. continue to supply weapons to Ukraine to fight against Russia, Russia is using their own technology to fight back.

Context: Russia's stockpile of electronic and weapons that it acquired before the invasion of Ukraine may be running low, which makes it even more important for it to acquire new chips.

Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky made separate trips to the frontlines in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The judge confirmed the arrest of Evan Gershkovich. He was the Wall Street Journal journalist who was arrested and charged with espionage last month.

After differences in the U.S.'s and Europe's approach to Russia and China, the Group of Seven nations concluded a three-day gathering with a display of unity.

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The cease-fire in Sudan fails

Residents of Khartoum reported gunfire and loud explosions as the hour for the cease-fire was approaching. A U.N. spokesperson said there were no signs that the fighting would abate.

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have both accused the other of violating a cease-fire. They've been fighting to control the country for the past four days. The security situation in the country has deteriorated. Many residents have been stranded without water or electricity for days, and over a dozen hospital are closed.

The E.U. The E.U. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that a diplomatic convoy from the United States was attacked in Khartoum but that all personnel were safe.

The country was under no clear control. At least 185 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured in the fighting.

There are increasing concerns that the fighting may affect other countries in the area. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi publicly addressed Egypt’s military involvement with Sudan. In a meeting of top military officials, he said that Egypt is working to ensure the safety and security of Egyptian soldiers who have been captured by R.S.F. Forces at a base of military on Saturday.

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The case for Marriage Rights in India

Yesterday, India's Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving the legalization of same-sex marriage. If the court rules in favor of gay marriages, it will greatly increase the rights of India's lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders who claim to be marginalized in society.

India's conservative Hindu nationalist government opposes same-sex marriages. In a Monday court filing, the government called same-sex unions an "urban-elitist idea far removed from social ethos in the country."

The court might not agree with those views. Nearly five years ago the court overturned a ban against consensual homosexual sex. This marked a new beginning for L.G.B.T.Q. Rights in India.

This and other decisions fueled the hope that the court could act as a counterweight socially liberal to the party led by Prime Minister NarendraModi.

What's Next: It's unclear how long it will take the court to make a decision. However, a ruling in favour of the petitioners could make India a leader in Asia for gay marriage rights, as most Asian countries still prohibit same-sex unions.

Asia Pacific

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China's economy grew 4.5 percent between January and March of this year compared to 2022. This is faster than expected, as the government has lifted the 'zero Covid" restrictions.

A fire in a Beijing hospital claimed the lives of at least 21 people.

Apple has opened its first stores in India, as India is becoming a major production hub.

After scaling Annapurna, central Nepal, an experienced climber from Northern Ireland and another from India were found dead.

Around the World

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Judge in the U.S. defamation case against Fox News announced that the case had been resolved just before the much-anticipated court trial began. According to an attorney for the company who filed the lawsuit, the settlement included a payment of $787.5 millions from Fox.

A Times investigation shows how the Mexican military was the first and most prolific users of Israeli advanced spyware.

The U.S. may soon file criminal charges against top Syrian officials in connection with the execution of Layla Shweikani (an American aid worker) in 2016.

Three other members of his party have been targeted in the latest round of violence against political opponents by President Kais Said.

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In Japan, housing can be difficult to find, especially in densely populated cities like Tokyo.

The number of akiya (or abandoned rural homes) is high. According to the latest government statistics, there are 8.5 million of these homes in the country, which represents roughly 14% of its housing stock. Officials are now trying to make akiya homes more attractive, and buyers are snapping them up.

ARTS AND IDEA

Learn to love the Kiwi accent

Pete McKenzie is a New Zealander living in New York who wrote about his struggle to be understood by Americans. Here is an excerpt from The Times Australia Letter.

Accent problems are as old immigration itself. These challenges for New Zealanders are particularly severe.

American friends find it harder to understand me than other international students, such as those from Brazil, India and Chile. One friend thought I was studying politics in New York for a whole month. Another acquaintance mistakenly thought that my name was Pip and not Pete for a week.

It's a lonely feeling. I tried to hide my identity by adopting an American accent. After a while, I began to seek out New Zealanders at coffee and movie catch-ups. Joking about our shared vocal struggles helped me feel surprisingly united.

PLAY, WATCH and EAT

What to cook

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These pink grapefruit squares are a more ritzier version of lemon squares.

Julia Lee's memoir,'Biting the Hand', follows her as she attempts to define herself as a Korean American.

What to Watch

Joaquin Phoenix portrays a terminally depressed slob who is the perfect vessel for a creepy outing in " Beau Is Afraid".

Wellness

How to begin a yoga practice even if your are reluctant.

It's Time to Play

Play the Mini Crossword and get a hint: "I'm over this" (three letters).

Wordle and the.

The Times published an article yesterday on Twitter that used the word "postrational".

The Daily is a look at how the I.R.S. The I.R.S. wants to reinvent itself.