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News Lens
07-06-2025
- Politics
- News Lens
烏克蘭無人機突襲俄機場，這是否成為戰局轉捩點？ - TNL The News Lens 關鍵評論網
烏克蘭無人機突襲俄空軍基地，「蛛網行動」重創俄戰略航空力量。烏方公布突襲影像，展現行動細節，並稱摧毀多架轟炸機和預警機。俄方則保持沉默，普京揚言將予以回應。此舉或成戰爭轉捩點，凸顯俄羅斯脆弱性。 文：保羅・亞當斯（Paul Adams），BBC外交事務記者 發自基輔 三天過去，烏克蘭仍在消化「蛛網行動」（Operation Spider's Web）帶來的全部影響——這場發生在1日的大規模突襲，直指俄羅斯的戰略航空力量。 最新消息指，美國總統川普（Donald Trump）在和俄羅斯總統普亭（Vladimir Putin）6月4日通電話後透露，普亭「非常強烈地」表示，將對烏克蘭對俄羅斯空軍基地的大規模無人機襲擊作出回應。 4日，策劃並執行此次襲擊的烏克蘭安全局（SBU）公布了更多生動的襲擊過程畫面，並首次透露這項複雜行動是如何實施的。 1日以來陸續曝光的衛星圖像，顯示奧廖尼亞、伊萬諾沃、佳吉列沃和別拉亞等空軍基地停機坪上被摧毀飛機的殘骸，也講述了這場行動前所未有的成功。 對烏克蘭觀察家而言，這場耗時一年半籌劃的行動，至今仍堪稱奇蹟。 「這可以說是我們歷史上最精彩的軍事行動之一，」烏克蘭軍事分析組織DeepState創始人羅曼・波霍爾雷（Roman Pohorlyi）對我表示。 「我們證明了自己可以強大、可以創新，無論敵人多遠，我們都能將其摧毀。」 值得注意的是，自1日以來，幾乎所有有關此行動的訊息，都是由烏克蘭安全局主動發布的。 伴隨著這場勝利的喜悅，烏方也希望將這次行動塑造成最佳範例。資訊戰的另一面是，克里姆林宮幾乎對此保持沉默。 烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基（Volodymyr Zelensky）4日在為參與此次行動的安全局官員頒發獎章後，接受媒體採訪時，再次宣稱共有41架飛機在行動中被損毀或摧毀。 「其中一半無法修復，」他表示，「部分即便能修，也需要數年時間。」 他補充說，如果此刻已有停火協議在執行，這場「蛛網行動」本來不會發生。 烏克蘭安全局公布最新四分鐘攻擊集錦畫面，透露多項關鍵細節。 畫面中，從117架參與行動的無人機視角，可以看到俄羅斯戰略轟炸機、運輸機和空中預警控制機（AWACS）被逐一鎖定獵殺。 多架被炸飛機陷入熊熊烈火。 畫面中首次出現了部分轟炸機機翼下部，顯示這些飛機已掛載巡弋飛彈——正是俄羅斯先前在空襲烏克蘭中屢次造成嚴重破壞的武器。 許多無人機由遠在烏克蘭境內的遙控飛行員操控，精準鎖定目標薄弱點，包括機翼上的油箱。 多處火球爆炸也表明，油箱當時裝滿燃油，飛機處於隨時起飛狀態。 Photo Credit: Reuters / BBC News 衛星影像顯示，6月4日俄羅斯伊爾庫茨克州別拉亞空軍基地，多架軍機被摧毀。 影片中特別關鍵的一幕，拍攝到無人機接近兩架別里耶夫A-50空中預警機。這種誕生於蘇聯時期的大型預警機，憑藉雷達系統可監測超過600公里（372英里）外的目標和威脅，被認為是這次「蛛網行動」中最重要的打擊目標。 在2022年全面入侵烏克蘭前，俄軍共有約九架A-50。去年至今，已有三架在先前無人機攻擊中被擊落或重創。 最新畫面強烈暗示，兩架停放在莫斯科東北部伊万諾沃・謝韋爾內空軍基地的A-50，其圓形雷達天線罩被無人機命中。 但由於畫面在撞擊瞬間訊號中斷，尚難以完全確認。 衛星影像雖清楚顯示多架轟炸機殘骸，但對A-50受損情況仍無法判定。 據估算，俄羅斯現役A-50數量可能已降至四架左右。 國防分析師謝爾希・庫贊（Serhii Kuzan）對記者表示：「目前要重啟A-50的生產幾乎不可能，受限於進口替代困難和生產設施遭破壞。」 「因此，每損失一架這類飛機，都會為俄羅斯帶來戰略性難題，短期內無力彌補。」 Photo Credit: Getty Images / BBC News 2020年紅場閱兵時，一架別里耶夫A-50飛越莫斯科上空。 4日早些時候，烏克蘭安全局也簡短揭露了「蛛網行動」另一矚目細節：烏方使用特別改裝的貨櫃，將武裝無人機秘密運送至俄境內靠近四座空軍基地的位置。 影片顯示，一輛卡車車廂裡裝載著類似木質移動小屋的裝置，有窗戶和門。 其中一段畫面中，屋頂艙蓋清晰可見。在攻擊開始前不久，這些艙蓋被收起或拆除，數十架無人機便從車廂內起飛。 目前尚不清楚這些影片拍攝於何時何地，但部分畫面中的路邊積雪顯示，可能拍攝於數週或數月前。 另有一段週日發布在俄羅斯Telegram頻道上的影片顯示，一名警察在襲擊後進入一個貨櫃後艙。 數秒後，貨櫃爆炸，疑似布設了陷阱裝置。 Photo Credit: SBU / BBC News 烏克蘭安全局發布圖片，顯示無人機藏於帶有可伸縮屋頂的木製貨櫃內。 這場震撼行動究竟影響幾何？ 「從軍事角度講，這確實是戰爭中的轉捩點。」航空專家阿納托利・赫拉普欽斯基（Anatolii Khrapchynskyi）告訴記者。 「我們重創了俄羅斯的形象和作戰能力。」 就在美國總統川普公開斥責烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基「毫無籌碼」三個月後，烏克蘭用行動給出了有力回應。 「烏克蘭向全世界展示，俄羅斯其實非常脆弱，根本無法守住本土。」赫拉普欽斯基說。 不過，這並不意味著俄羅斯會因此改變路線。 川普近日與俄羅斯總統普亭通話後表示，雙方討論了烏克蘭發動的攻擊。 「這是一次很好的談話，」川普在Truth Social平台發文稱，「但這不會帶來立即的和平。」 他還透露：「普亭總統非常強硬地表示，必須對最近空軍基地遭襲予以回應。」 本文經《BBC News 中文》授權轉載，原文發表於此 延伸閱讀 【加入關鍵評論網會員】每天精彩好文直送你的信箱，每週獨享編輯精選、時事精選、藝文週報等特製電子報。還可留言與作者、記者、編輯討論文章內容。立刻點擊免費加入會員！ 責任編輯：翁世航 核稿編輯：張博丞
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Hope Air marks annual day celebrating impact of free flights for patients in need
Hope Air, a charity providing free travel for low-income Canadians needing medical care, is celebrating its annual Hope Air Day today with a virtual event on Facebook at 3 p.m. Pacific time. The event highlights the importance of equitable access to healthcare, especially for patients from rural and underserved communities who must travel long distances for essential medical treatment. Hope Air's senior digital marketing coordinator, Christine Stolte, shares that the charity arranged 32,497 travel arrangements in 2024 for 5,973 patients and caregivers, including 9,127 flights and 10,652 hotel nights in British Columbia. Northern B.C. alone accounted for 50 per cent of this patient travel. While the most popular routes in British Columbia included Prince George, Terrace, and Fort St. John to Vancouver, northern B.C.'s most frequently travelled routes were Smithers, Prince Rupert, and Fort Nelson to Vancouver. Seventy three per cent of all patients who used Hope Air had household incomes below $45,000. Eighty seven per cent of these patients had no other viable travel options. 'Rural health is only as strong as the connections we build between community and care. Hope Air bridges that gap for thousands of B.C. residents each year, making timely access to specialized treatments possible for people who need it most,' said Paul Adams, executive director of BC Rural Health Network. Stolte shares that since its founding in 1986, Hope Air has arranged more than 235,980 travel support for over 25,000 patients in about 640 communities across Canada. Today's event will feature stories from patients, volunteers, and supporters who help bridge the gap between home and hospital. It will also include a live concert by country music artist Cory Marks, streamed from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Apart from free flights, the charity provides accommodations, meal vouchers, and ground transportation to Canadians who otherwise cannot afford it. Individuals in need can visit their website to learn more about accessing the available resources. Watch the event: Hope Air Day on Facebook Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
BBC News
04-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Driver who killed man in Bristol crash gets suspended sentence
A driver who caused the death of a 74-year-old pedestrian in a crash in Bristol last year has received a suspended Veck, 33, was driving a Peugeot 108 in Clifton on Saturday 21 December 2024 when he hit Paul Adams, who had been crossing the road, with his Adams was taken to hospital where he died during the early hours of Christmas Eve, police of College Court, Fishponds, received an 18-week suspended prison sentence at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving at an earlier hearing. He also received an 18-month driving disqualification and was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. Emergency services had been called to the crash on Whiteladies Road shortly after 11:35 GMT on 21 December showed Veck's car was stationary before he turned right from Whiteladies Road into Alma Road and crashed into Mr stopped immediately after the crash and during a police interview stated he had not seen him crossing the road. Mr Adams' family had said in tribute after his death he would be "sorely missed".They said he had lived in the Westbury-on-Trym area his entire life and had worked at Rolls Royce and Royal Mail before his Nicholas, the Avon and Somerset Police officer in the case, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Adams. "A specially trained officer has continued to provide them with support throughout our investigation."Stuart Veck admitted responsibility for what happened during the police interview and has today been sentenced accordingly."This tragic case hopefully serves as a reminder to all road users that even in traffic at low speed, just a moment's lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to choose where to live as you get older
Properties for downsizers — or rightsizers as they're becoming increasingly known — are a boom area as the UK has an ageing population and over-65s are the fastest growing demographic. But what's your best option on where to live as you get older? 'In just 10 years' time, one-in-four of us will be over 65, meaning the later living sector has the potential to expand exponentially to help meet this growing need,' says Steve Bangs, CEO at Pegasus Homes. The Older People's Housing Taskforce Report states that the UK needs to build between 30,000 and 50,000 more age-specific properties each year. Read more: How to get your children to move out Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum, says: 'The UK is on a trajectory to significantly expand its retirement housing options, with numerous developments under way and substantial investments being made. 'The traditional 'retirement options' are changing because people are living longer lives, tend to be more active in later years, and, in many cases, continue to undertake some kind of work during their retirement.' While many rightsizers find it difficult to sell up the family home, full of their possessions and memories, there is an increasing amount of choice when it comes to their next move. We spoke to seven property experts about the different later life options and who they work best for. Bungalows, with every room on a single storey, are the traditional option for retirees looking to downsize, particularly those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, demand outstripped supply years ago, so they can come with a hefty price tag and often attract plenty of interest and sell fast. 'Often sitting on large, underused plots, many have been bought up and extended upwards or knocked down and replaced with bigger dwellings by property investors and developers,' says Robin Edwards, a property buying agent at Curetons. Alternatively, if you want to maintain your independence but don't want the hassle of a big property, an urban apartment might be your bag. 'For downsizers wanting low maintenance, but also social connections, apartment-based retirement living in town and city centres is gaining hugely in popularity due to their proximity to shops, cultural activities and better healthcare,' says Edwards. Read more: Home renovation mistakes and how to avoid them With planning permissions relaxing in urban areas, post-COVID, many unused retail outlets are being converted into flats. 'I anticipate conversion of commercial buildings in town and city centres to be re-purposed for the 55+ market who want to be within walking distance of facilities and amenities,' says James Greenwood, of Stacks Property Search. 'Developers are expanding into both urban and rural lock-up-and-leave apartments with sophisticated interiors and beautiful landscaping. High-end developers are all looking to maximise on this opportunity and becoming increasingly inventive.' This desire to live in towns and cities proves that downsizing isn't just about the property itself but also its location. '[This] is a key consideration — most people want to be close to family and friends when they downsize. The majority of our buyers are local Chelsea residents who value being close to amazing cultural destinations, restaurants and shops,' says Henry Lumby, chief commercial officer at Auriens. Another huge area of growth in recent years is in retirement villages, which are popping up all over the country. These purpose-built homes can be either rented or purchased and often come with restaurants, gyms, spas, tennis courts and a clubhouse. '[A retirement village] is a fantastic option for people who are still active and independent, but who want additional peace of mind in the form of on-site support teams and 24-hour support call systems, and without the burden of maintaining the property or grounds,' says Bangs. Much has been made of the community spirit in such places and people are not just moving into a specially designed home, they are also buying access to the social elements of living somewhere that aims to replicate the cohesion historically felt in a traditional village. 'Our residents want to maintain their independence and also want to feel part of a strong community,' says Lumby. 'We run a diverse calendar of events each week that foster great connections between residents and allows them to maintain an active social life and inclusive community. We also focus heavily on promoting active ageing, with a holistic wellbeing programme run by our in-house team of expert personal trainers and nutritionists.' Of course, there are lots of different offerings and you don't have to buy into the social life if you don't want to. Read more: How higher house prices are impacting young people's finances 'Some of these places are more lifestyle-led, with a real community feel… Others are simpler and quieter, focused more on ease and safety,' says Sarah Walker of Walker Hall Estate Agents. 'But at the core, they're all self-contained homes, you have your own front door, your own kitchen, your independence, but in a setting that's designed to support you as you get older.' Sheltered housing is a step up from retirement villages — offering slightly more support to deal with any health needs. 'For those seeking a balance between independence and support, sheltered housing or independent living communities can offer private apartments with the reassurance of an on-site warden and emergency support,' says Edwards. With both retirement villages and sheltered housing, costs need to be carefully calculated. 'While it can seem expensive at first glance, when elements such as garden maintenance, insurance and lifestyle amenities are taken into account, it may not be directly comparable to a freehold property,' says Bangs. 'In addition, it's important to understand any costs should you leave the development. Some later living developers charge an exit fee, or deferred management fee, payable if you purchase your home and then decide or need to leave.' Susan Gregory, of Turners Oak Estate Agents which focuses on later life moves, adds: 'If purchasing retirement housing, make sure you know exactly what the monthly service and management charges are, and what additional fees will be due when you come to sell the property in the future.' Multi-generational living, where different generations live in the same property, has long been popular in countries such as Italy and India, and it's becoming more widespread in Britain too. With the cost of both UK housing and care increasing, generations are pooling resources and moving in together. There are several advantages — younger generations may benefit from getting a foot on the property ladder, a larger home and from the childcare that grandparents might provide, while the older generation may be able to spend more time with family and are better placed to be supported as they age. For those opting for this set-up, annexes are a good middle ground. 'You've got the option of family annexes, either converting part of a child's home or building a little flat in the garden. That way, you're nearby but still have your own space,' says Walker. If you go down this route, it's important to have open conversations with family members about the future. If you need care, are they willing to provide it or do you need to make sure there is space should you require a live-in carer? It's likely that the opportunities available for retirement living will only increase, both in terms of financing and the properties themselves. 'There are already signs of evolving options such as lifetime leases, rental options, and guaranteed resale prices as the sector continues to listen and learn from their target markets,' says Gregory. The distinction between sheltered housing and care homes is also set to become thinner — if it doesn't disappear altogether. 'We're already seeing hybrid models that blur the lines between independent living and care home, often with flexible support services that can be increased as needs change,' says Edwards, who adds this will be aided by better technology. '[It] will play a greater role in enabling ageing in place, through features like smart home integration, telehealth and more advanced safety monitoring systems.' With the market in such flux, it's crucial to make sure you're up to speed with what's available, even if you aren't planning on moving for several years. 'Retirement living options are evolving all the time so try not to make assumptions based on previous experience or anecdotal information,' says Gregory. 'Get out there and explore the options, without pressure, and see it as an opportunity to explore what could be possible.' Read more: How rising house prices can impact your finances 10 home upgrades that don't need planning permission What are green mortgages and are they the future?
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to choose where to live as you get older
Properties for downsizers — or rightsizers as they're becoming increasingly known — are a boom area as the UK has an ageing population and over-65s are the fastest growing demographic. 'In just 10 years' time, one-in-four of us will be over 65, meaning the later living sector has the potential to expand exponentially to help meet this growing need,' says Steve Bangs, CEO at Pegasus Homes. The Older People's Housing Taskforce Report states that the UK needs to build between 30,000 and 50,000 more age-specific properties each year. 'The UK is on a trajectory to significantly expand its retirement housing options, with numerous developments underway and substantial investments being made,' says Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum. 'The traditional 'retirement options' are changing because people are living longer lives, tend to be more active in later years, and, in many cases, continue to undertake some kind of work during their retirement.' Read more: How to get your children to move out While many rightsizers find it difficult to sell up the family home, full of their possessions and memories, there is an increasing amount of choice when it comes to their next move. We spoke to seven property experts about the different later life options and who they work best for. Bungalows, with every room on a single storey, are the traditional option for retirees looking to downsize, particularly those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, demand outstripped supply years ago, so they can come with a hefty price tag and often attract plenty of interest and sell fast. 'Often sitting on large, underused plots, many have been bought up and extended upwards or knocked down and replaced with bigger dwellings by property investors and developers,' says Robin Edwards, a property buying agent at Curetons. Alternatively, if you want to maintain your independence but don't want the hassle of a big property, an urban apartment might be your bag. 'For downsizers wanting low maintenance, but also social connections, apartment-based retirement living in town and city centres is gaining hugely in popularity due to their proximity to shops, cultural activities and better healthcare,' says Edwards. Read more: Home renovation mistakes and how to avoid them With planning permissions relaxing in urban areas, post-Covid, many unused retail outlets are being converted into flats. 'I anticipate conversion of commercial buildings in town and city centres to be re-purposed for the 55+ market who want to be within walking distance of facilities and amenities,' says James Greenwood, of Stacks Property Search. 'Developers are expanding into both urban and rural lock-up-and-leave apartments with sophisticated interiors and beautiful landscaping. High-end developers are all looking to maximise on this opportunity and becoming increasingly inventive.' This desire to live in towns and cities proves that downsizing isn't just about the property itself but also its location. '[This] is a key consideration — most people want to be close to family and friends when they downsize. The majority of our buyers are local Chelsea residents who value being close to amazing cultural destinations, restaurants and shops,' says Henry Lumby, chief commercial officer at Auriens. Another huge area of growth in recent years is in retirement villages, which are popping up all over the country. These purpose-built homes can be either rented or purchased and often come with restaurants, gyms, spas, tennis courts and a clubhouse. '[A retirement village] is a fantastic option for people who are still active and independent, but who want additional peace of mind in the form of on-site support teams and 24-hour support call systems, and without the burden of maintaining the property or grounds,' says Bangs. Much has been made of the community spirit in such places and people are not just moving into a specially designed home, they are also buying access to the social elements of living somewhere that aims to replicate the cohesion historically felt in a traditional village. 'Our residents want to maintain their independence and also want to feel part of a strong community,' says Lumby. 'We run a diverse calendar of events each week that foster great connections between residents and allows them to maintain an active social life and inclusive community. We also focus heavily on promoting active ageing, with a holistic wellbeing programme run by our in-house team of expert personal trainers and nutritionists.' Of course, there are lots of different offerings and you don't have to buy into the social life if you don't want to. Read more: How higher house prices are impacting young people's finances 'Some of these places are more lifestyle-led, with a real community feel… Others are simpler and quieter, focused more on ease and safety,' says Sarah Walker of Walker Hall Estate Agents. 'But at the core, they're all self-contained homes, you have your own front door, your own kitchen, your independence, but in a setting that's designed to support you as you get older.' Sheltered housing is a step up from retirement villages — offering slightly more support to deal with any health needs. 'For those seeking a balance between independence and support, sheltered housing or independent living communities can offer private apartments with the reassurance of an on-site warden and emergency support,' says Edwards. With both retirement villages and sheltered housing, costs need to be carefully calculated. 'While it can seem expensive at first glance, when elements such as garden maintenance, insurance and lifestyle amenities are taken into account, it may not be directly comparable to a freehold property,' says Bangs. 'In addition, it's important to understand any costs should you leave the development. Some later living developers charge an exit fee, or deferred management fee, payable if you purchase your home and then decide or need to leave.' Susan Gregory, of Turners Oak Estate Agents which focuses on later life moves, adds: 'If purchasing retirement housing, make sure you know exactly what the monthly service and management charges are, and what additional fees will be due when you come to sell the property in the future.' Multi-generational living, where different generations live in the same property, has long been popular in countries such as Italy and India, and it's becoming more widespread in Britain too. With the cost of both UK housing and care increasing, generations are pooling resources and moving in together. There are several advantages — younger generations may benefit from getting a foot on the property ladder, a larger home and from the childcare that grandparents might provide, while the older generation may be able to spend more time with family and are better placed to be supported as they age. For those opting for this set-up, annexes are a good middle ground. 'You've got the option of family annexes, either converting part of a child's home or building a little flat in the garden. That way, you're nearby but still have your own space,' says Walker. If you go down this route, it's important to have open conversations with family members about the future. If you need care, are they willing to provide it or do you need to make sure there is space should you require a live-in carer? It's likely that the opportunities available for retirement living will only increase, both in terms of financing and the properties themselves. 'There are already signs of evolving options such as lifetime leases, rental options, and guaranteed resale prices as the sector continues to listen and learn from their target markets,' says Gregory. The distinction between sheltered housing and care homes is also set to become thinner — if it doesn't disappear altogether. 'We're already seeing hybrid models that blur the lines between independent living and care home, often with flexible support services that can be increased as needs change,' says Edwards, who adds this will be aided by better technology. '[It] will play a greater role in enabling ageing in place, through features like smart home integration, telehealth and more advanced safety monitoring systems.' With the market in such flux, it's crucial to make sure you're up to speed with what's available, even if you aren't planning on moving for several years. 'Retirement living options are evolving all the time so try not to make assumptions based on previous experience or anecdotal information,' says Gregory. 'Get out there and explore the options, without pressure, and see it as an opportunity to explore what could be possible.' Read more: How rising house prices can impact your finances 10 home upgrades that don't need planning permission What are green mortgages and are they the future?Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
