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Elon Musk has indicated that his SpaceX company will continue funding its Starlink internet service in Ukraine, a day after he said he couldn’t fund the project.

The world’s richest man cited the need for “good deeds” as he performed the U-turn, having earlier said he could no longer afford to keep the satellite provider running in the war-torn nation.

‘Kamikaze drones’ fly over Kyiv – live war updates

“The hell with it… even though Starlink is still losing money & other companies are getting billions of taxpayer $, we’ll just keep funding Ukraine govt for free,” he tweeted.

Musk appeared keen to win back some goodwill from Kyiv, having sparked uproar earlier this month by floating a “peace plan” which included new elections in regions illegally annexed by Vladimir Putin.

His provision of Starlink to Ukraine following February’s invasion had been welcomed, and has proved key to the battlefield successes enjoyed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s forces.

Ukrainian envoy Oksana Markarova said Starlink was “the only connection that we have” in parts of the country, and stressed it was “very important” to keep it operating.

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What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet company, priding itself on its ability to deliver superfast broadband to the world’s most challenging environments – from rural areas with notoriously patchy network coverage, to – in the case of Ukraine – an active war zone.

Operated by Musk’s SpaceX company, it is powered by thousands of satellites in the Earth’s low orbit, while receiver devices are used on the ground to make a connection and provide internet service.

The idea is that more satellites means lower latency service than other broadband firms, which traditionally use single satellites orbiting the planet. It has, however, led to complaints of light pollution and excessive space debris.

In the UK, the price of admission is a £460 hardware kit and a £75 monthly bill – a hefty premium compared to the providers you might be used to.

Average download speeds have been clocked at 106 megabytes per second by the website thinkbroadband, which would be fast enough to get the latest version of FIFA on your PlayStation in just over eight minutes.

How has Starlink been used in Ukraine?

Ukraine of course has bigger concerns than downloading video games or streaming films on Netflix.

Russia’s targeting of the country’s infrastructure has included telecommunications, and the delivery of Starlink dishes back in February has provided a lifeline to civilians and soldiers alike.

The role of Starlink’s broadband in keeping the world informed of Russia’s relentless siege of Mariupol has been reported on by the New York Times, and it has also helped restore communications in places liberated by Ukrainian troops.

However, Starlink has not proved a perfect solution. Earlier in October, the Financial Times reported “catastrophic” temporary outages in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as Ukrainian troops pushed forward.

In a move unusual for normal business but on-brand for Musk, the initial provision of Starlink was handled through communication with Ukraine’s digital minister on Twitter.

It was formalised in April, with Starlink becoming a registered internet provider in Ukraine. There are now more than 23,000 systems in operation.

Musk has since complained that the US government has not offered financial support to keep providing Starlink – but for now at least, he seems willing to foot the bill.

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Five survivors rescued day after tourist boat sank in Red Sea – as search for missing ‘intensifies’

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Five survivors rescued day after tourist boat sank in Red Sea - as search for missing 'intensifies'

Five survivors have been rescued and four bodies recovered in efforts to find people missing after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea, a local official has said.

Two British people are believed to have been among the missing.

Egyptian military forces, which are co-ordinating operations, have now rescued 37 people out of the 44 on board – including five the day after it capsized. It means seven people are still missing and rescue teams have been “intensifying efforts” to find them.

Governor of the Red Sea region Amr Hanafi said that two Belgians, one Swiss, one Finnish and one Egyptian national were rescued on Tuesday, and four bodies had been recovered – although their nationalities are unknown.

“Survivors are being provided with necessary medical care,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

The 34-metre-long tourist boat Sea Story sank on Monday south of the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam.

Among the foreign nationals on board were those from the UK, Ireland, US, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia and Spain.

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Pic: Egyptian Armed Forces
Image:
Pic: Egyptian Armed Forces

According to those on board, a “high sea wave” hit the vessel and caused it to capsize in “about five or seven minutes”, Mr Hanafi said.

Some passengers were inside the cabins, “which is why they couldn’t get out of the boat,” his statement added.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office spokesperson said on Monday: “We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Egypt and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Egypt map

The Sea Story left Port Ghalib, 40 miles (63km) north of Marsa Alam, on Sunday and was scheduled to reach its destination of Hurghada Marina on 29 November.

Officials said a distress call was received at 5.30am local time on Monday.

The boat sank 46 nautical miles off the coast of Marsa Alam.

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The Sea Story was carrying 45 people according to a statement by the Red Sea Governorate.
Pic: Dive Pro Liveaboard
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The Sea Story set sail on Sunday for a five-day trip. Pic: Dive Pro Liveaboard

The incident comes after the Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued a warning on Saturday about turbulence and high waves on the Red Sea.

The firm that operates the yacht, Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, said it has no information on the matter.

The Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), a group founded by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, praised rescue teams for their “tireless efforts”.

“The CDWS team and board members are praying that the missing passengers are found safely and hoping that they will reunite with their families and loved ones soon,” the statement on Facebook added.

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Donald Trump threatens sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office

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Donald Trump threatens sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office

Donald Trump has threatened sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on his first day in office.

The president-elect, who takes office on 20 January next year, said he would introduce a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico.

Posting on his Truth Social platform he also threatened an additional 10% tariff on goods from China on top of any he might impose as one of his first executive orders.

What Trump’s tariffs could mean for UK, EU, China and the world

If implemented, the tariffs could raise prices for ordinary American consumers on everything from petrol to cars and agricultural products.

The US is the largest importer of goods worldwide and Mexico, China and Canada are its top three suppliers according to the country’s census data.

More than 83% of exports from Mexico went to the US in 2023 and 75% of Canadian exports go to the country.

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“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Mr Trump said.

He also spoke against an influx of illegal immigrants heading into the country.

While migrant arrests reached a record high during President Joe Biden’s administration, illegal crossings fell dramatically this year as new border restrictions were introduced and Mexico stepped up enforcement.

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Mr Trump added: “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power… and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

After issuing his tariff threat, Mr Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and they were said to have discussed trade and border security.

“It was a good discussion and they will stay in touch,” a Canadian source said.

Turning to China, the president-elect said he “had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail”.

“Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America,” he wrote.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said there would be losers on all sides if there is a trade war.

“China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature,” embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu posted on X. “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war.”

It is not clear if Mr Trump will actually go through with the threats.

He won the recent election in part due to voter frustration over inflation and high prices.

Mr Trump’s nominee for treasury secretary Scott Bessent – who if confirmed, would be one of a number of officials responsible for tariffs – has said previously that tariffs are a means of negotiation.

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Conor McGregor speaks after losing civil rape case as feminist march held in Dublin

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Conor McGregor speaks after losing civil rape case as feminist march held in Dublin

Conor McGregor has spoken out after losing a civil rape case as a feminist march was held in Dublin.

The MMA fighter was accused of raping Nikita Hand, who was awarded €248,603 (£206,000) in damages on Friday after a jury at Dublin’s High Court found McGregor assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.

Nikita Ni Laimhin, who is also known as Nikita Hand, leaving the High Court in Dublin, where she is claiming civil damages against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and another man, alleging she was sexually assaulted in December 2018. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024.
Image:
Nikita Hand.
Pic: PA

Posting on social media, the 36-year-old said: “I know I made mistakes”.

It comes as hundreds of people in Dublin staged a demonstration in “utter solidarity” with Ms Hand.

Posting on X, McGregor said: “People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me.

“As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision.

“I can’t go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side.

“That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!”

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor (centre) and partner Dee Devlin leave the High Court in Dublin after the personal injury case against him. Nikita Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, alleges she was raped by McGregor in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. After deliberating for six hours and 10 minutes, the jury returned with their verdicts in the civil trial against Conor McGregor. The total amount of damages awarded to Nikita Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro. Picture date: Friday November 22, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story IRISH McGregor. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
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Conor McGregor (centre) and partner Dee Devlin leave the High Court in Dublin after he lost a civil case.
Pic: PA

Speaking outside court after the decision, an emotional Ms Hand said the two-week-long civil case had been a “nightmare” but that “justice has been served”.

“It’s something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life,” she added.

In Dublin on Monday night, a march in support of Ms Hand was organised by the socialist feminist movement group Rosa to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The demonstration in Dublin called for increased action on violence. 
Pic: PA
Image:
The demonstration in Dublin.
Pic: PA

Ruth Coppinger and Natasha O'Brien at the solidarity march.
Pic: PA
Image:
Ruth Coppinger (left) and Natasha O’Brien at the solidarity march.
Pic: PA

Participants chanted “stand with Nikita” and “no more fear, no more shaming, we reject your victim blaming” as they carried signs and banners through the capital’s streets.

Ruth Coppinger, a councillor and general election candidate, and Natasha O’Brien, who became a public figure after a soldier received a suspended sentence for assaulting her, both spoke at the event.

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Ms Coppinger said Ms Hand was “an incredibly brave woman” and that she was watching the event via a live stream.

Ms O’Brien was cheered as she said she’d been “in awe” of Ms Hand’s courage and that Ireland had let out a collective “sigh of relief” after the jury found in Ms Hand’s favour.

McGregor was accused of having “brutally raped and battered” Ms Hand.

She was taken in an ambulance to the Rotunda Hospital the following day where the paramedic who assessed her told the court she had not seen “someone so bruised” in a long time.

Following eight days of evidence, and three days of closing speeches and the judge’s instructions to the jury, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and ten minutes deliberating before returning their verdict.

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