Media Information Literacy, Study notes of English

Download Media Information Literacy and more Study notes English in PDF only on Docsity! The Observer Putin dealt bitter blow as blast cripples key bridge to Crimea An explosion has crippled the heavily guarded bridge connecting Crimea to the Russian mainland, a hated symbol of Russian occupation and key logistics link for Russian troops in southern Ukraine, in the latest heavy blow to Vladimir Putin after weeks of military humiliation. The Kerch bridge was a personal prestige project for the Russian president, and the hit came the day after his 70th birthday. The blast destroyed the road into Crimea and left the railway link in flames. Ukraine did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, which Russia said was carried out by a truck bomb. But one senior Ukrainian official posted a “happy birthday” message with images of destruction, and the country’s post office revealed – within hours – designs for a commemorative stamp, showing the bridge ablaze, raising questions about whether the explosion had been anticipated. The leader of President Zelenskiy’s political party also suggested the attack was a consequence of Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea. “Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode,” wrote David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People party, on Telegram. Moscow had claimed the Kerch crossing was virtually untouchable – protected by layers of defences from trained military dolphins to the latest missile systems – making the attack particularly damaging. If it was planned in Kyiv, it would be the latest sign of Ukrainian military confidence on the ground, even as Russia claims more Ukrainian territory on paper. No serious military analyst is suggesting that Ukraine is close to being in a position to regain Crimea, but the idea feels much less fanciful than it did a year ago. The blast on the strategic bridge linking Crimea with Russia occurred at about 6am local time (3am GMT) However, Russia has threatened retaliation for any attack on the bridge. Celebrations in Ukraine about the damage – which is likely to make it harder for supplies and reinforcements to reach occupying troops in the south – were mixed with concern about a possible escalation. On Friday, Ukrainian officials also warned about a crisis at the Zaporizhizhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, where weeks of fighting have repeatedly damaged power lines that run cooling systems for reactors. Overnight shelling once again cut power to the plant, and Petro Kotin, head of the state nuclear company Energoatom, warned that the plant had only limited diesel to fuel emergency backup generators. “Right now we are working on logistics to supply more fuel for these generators,” Kotin told BBC World News. “If [the generators] run out of fuel, after that they will stop, and after that there will be a disaster … there will be a melting of the active core and a release of radioactivity from there.” … we have a small favour to ask. Millions are turning to the Guardian for open, independent, quality news every day, and readers in 180 countries around the world now support us financially. We believe everyone deserves access to information that’s grounded in science and truth, and analysis rooted in authority and integrity. That’s why we made a different choice: to keep our reporting open for all readers, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. This means more people can be better informed, united, and inspired to take meaningful action. In these perilous times, a truth-seeking global news organisation like the Guardian is essential. We have no shareholders or billionaire owner, meaning our journalism is free from commercial and political influence – this makes us different. When it’s never been more important, our independence allows us to fearlessly investigate, challenge and expose those in power. Support the Guardian from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you