How serious is Putin's threat of nuclear war? | DW News Full Broadcast Feb 29

Summary

The script covers escalating violence between Israel and Palestinians, including a deadly incident in Gaza where over 100 people were killed as Israeli troops opened fire on a crowd waiting for aid. It also discusses Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries if they send troops to Ukraine, as well as tensions around Russia's relationship with Moldova and its breakaway Transnistria region. Additionally, it examines growing protests by Polish farmers over EU regulations and agricultural imports from Ukraine, which are further straining Poland's relations with Ukraine.

Takeaways

• 😢 Over 100 people killed in Gaza after Israeli troops opened fire on crowd waiting for aid
• 😠 Israel claims most died in crush for aid, but admits troops fired at crowd believing they posed threat
• 😨 Putin warns NATO countries risk nuclear war if they send troops to Ukraine
• 😡 Putin says Russia to station more troops in west in response to NATO expansion
• 👮‍♂️ Editor of independent Russian newspaper detained and fined in Moscow
• 😵 Opposition politician killed in assault on party HQ in Chad amid election unrest
• 😒 Allies of Navalny blocked from burying him by Russian authorities
• 🌾 Polish PM won't rule out closing border to agricultural imports from Ukraine
• 😕 Authorities accuse Russia of infiltrating Polish farmers' protests
• 🦊 Scientists boost numbers of rare Arctic fox in Norway from 40 to over 500

Q & A

What conflicting reports are there about the incident in Gaza where Israeli troops opened fire?

The Gaza Health Ministry says over 100 people were killed when Israeli soldiers opened fire near a crowd waiting for aid. Israel says most died in a crush to get aid, but acknowledges troops fired at people's legs believing the crowd posed a threat.

What warnings did Putin give about Ukraine in his annual address?

Putin warned NATO countries that they risk nuclear war if they send troops to Ukraine. He said Russia has weapons that can hit targets in NATO countries.

What is happening with pro-Russian separatists in the Transnistria region of Moldova?

Pro-Russia separatists in Transnistria asked Moscow for protection, claiming discrimination by Moldova's government. This raised tensions between Moldova and Russia.

What are Polish farmers protesting?

Polish farmers have been protesting EU climate change policies and cheaper agricultural imports from Ukraine. The imports are straining relations between Poland and Ukraine.

What did Vladimir Putin announce in his annual address?

Despite facing no opposition, Putin announced social reforms and a 10 billion euro overhaul of Russia's healthcare system. But he focused mainly on threats over the war in Ukraine.

How has Russia responded to speculation it plans to annex Transnistria?

Russia's foreign ministry said NATO is trying to turn Transnistria into "a second Ukraine" against the will of most people there.

How many people were injured in the Gaza incident?

The Gaza Health Ministry said over 700 people were injured when Israeli troops opened fire near the aid convoy.

What is the situation like currently in Gaza?

The situation is described as catastrophic, with reports of infants dying of malnutrition and diarrhea. Many cannot afford basic food due to shortages.

What warning did the German Chancellor give about the war in Ukraine?

Chancellor Scholz rejected any direct NATO military involvement in Ukraine, saying it should not become a war between Russia and NATO.

Why might Putin's nuclear threats not raise the stakes much for the West?

Putin has made similar threats before without following through. Currently no NATO countries are proposing sending troops to Ukraine soon.