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DW
8 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
Historian Karl Schlögel wins German Peace Prize – DW – 07/29/2025
German author and essayist who has critiqued authoritarian regimes in East Europe from Stalin to Putin, has been honored for his commitment to peace in Europe. German historian Karl Schlögel, an expert on Russia and Ukraine, is the winner of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2025. One of Germany's most prestigious literary prizes that is bestowed annually by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association at the Frankfurt Book Fair, this year's recipient has recently focused on the historical context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "His was one of the first voices to warn of Vladimir Putin's aggressive expansionist policies and authoritarian-nationalist claims to power," read the jury's statement. "Today, Schlögel continues to affirm Ukraine's place in Europe, calling for its defence as essential to our shared future." "His enduring message is both clear and urgent," the statement continued. "Without a free Ukraine, there can be no peace in Europe." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Born in 1948 into a farming family in Bavaria, southern Germany, Karl Schlögel's fascination for Eastern Europe began when he travelled to the Soviet Union in 1966. Two years later he experienced the Prague Spring, whereby Soviet tanks brutally suppressed an uprising in the Czechoslovakia capital. By 1969, Schlögel was studying philosophy and East European History at the Free University of Berlin and went on to specialize in Stalinist Russia. The up and coming historian became an active member of the student movement and joined the Maoist Communist Party of Germany for a time before receiving his doctorate based on a study of conflicts in Soviet Union labor organizations. He continued to write extensively on Russian and East European history and culture in essays and history books for several decades. His writings soon included criticism of Russian leader, Vladimir Putin. "The only things that President Vladimir Putin has learned from the failings of the Russian Empire seem to be fear of change and a willingness to maintain order at any price," Schlögel wrote in an op-ed for DW in 2017, the 100th anniversary of the Russian revolution. When Putin's regime illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, then Ukrainian territory, the professor visited the country and refocused his research on Ukraine and cities like Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv and Kharkiv. In works such as "Terror and Dream" (2008) and "The Soviet Century" (2017), which revives the everyday life of a "lost world" behind the Iron Curtain, Schlögel has "set standards for vivid, lively historiography," said Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, Chairwoman of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. "With his narrative style, which combines observation, feeling, and understanding, he corrects prejudices and arouses curiosity," said Schmidt-Friderichs. The Peace Prize is "a surprising and great honor," said Schlögel after his triumph was announced, adding the award also recognizes the importance of Eastern European history that centers his work. He also spoke of the need for Germany to defend Ukraine. "Russia is the enemy," he said in an interview with the German Press Agency (dpa). "Russia is a state that has started a war in Europe, and Germans must prepare themselves for that." Last year, the US historian Anne Applebaum also won Peace Prize of the German Book Trade based on her support for Ukraine in the face of hostile Russian aggression. "To prevent Russia from spreading its autocratic political system, we must help Ukraine to victory," said the Polish-American historian in 2024 in her acceptance speech at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt. "At a time when democratic values and achievements are increasingly being caricatured and attacked, her work embodies an eminent and indispensable contribution to the preservation of democracy and peace," the award citation said of Applebaum. Karl Schlögel is the latest recipient of a prize that began in 1950 when the German Publishers and Booksellers Association first awarded the Peace Prize — now with prize money of 25,000 euros ($28,820) — to demonstrate its "commitment to serving international understanding between nations and cultures." The Peace Prize is presented annually at the end of the Frankfurt Book Fair and will be awarded this year on October 19. with dpaTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
22-07-2025
- Politics
Lutovinov Appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan
News from Japan World Jul 22, 2025 12:40 (JST) Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yuriy Lutovinov, former minister-counselor at the Ukrainian Embassy in Japan, as ambassador to Japan. The appointment was announced on Monday. Of the Group of Seven major powers, which have led assistance to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion of the East European country, Japan had been the only country with a vacant Ukrainian ambassador post. Former Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky left his post this spring. Lutovinov, fluent in Japanese, may take up his new post as early as September. Korsunsky became Ukrainian ambassador to Japan in 2020. He worked to secure Japan's backing in Kyiv's fight with Moscow, and focused on spreading information through X, formerly Twitter. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Metro
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Tyson Fury may be lured out of retirement for third fight with unbelievable Usyk
If they ever decide to remake classic sci-fi action thriller The Terminator then Oleksandr Usyk would be a natural for the role originally played to chilling effect by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The similarities between the cyborg assassin sent back from 2029 to kill the woman carrying the unborn baby boy who can save the world from extinction and the all-time boxing great are stunning. The relentless robot, according to the promotional poster for the iconic movie, feels no pity, no pain, no fear. It's something unstoppable. That's exactly what you see when you look into the eyes of the 38-year-old Ukrainian who demolished Daniel Dubois in five devastating rounds at Wembley on Saturday night. The British boxer was brutally taken apart, crashing to the canvas twice in the fifth round before his corner threw in the towel at the same time the fight was waved off by the referee. Usyk ripped the IBF title away from the Londoner to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for a second time and, don't forget, he also held all the belts to unify the cruiserweight division before stepping up to the ultimate level. There were more than 90,000 fans packed into the famous stadium, but such is the East European's popularity that it was anything but a partisan crowd cheering on the hometown boy. It was the second time Usyk has beaten Dubois, as he stopped him in the ninth round when they met in Poland two years ago, and he improved his record to 24 unbeaten fights as a professional. The big question is what happens next as the distance between Usyk and the realistic contenders is enormous. He's never fought in Ukraine and if he is thinking of hanging up his gloves he would surely relish the opportunity to bow out in front of an adoring following in Kiev. New Zealand's improving Joseph Parker is the boxer most likely to be next in line but the big money would be a fight against Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury, both of whom he has fought and beaten twice. The way AJ was taken apart by Dubois last year means he's some way off being ready to touch gloves with Usyk for a third time and the self-styled Gypsy King would have to come out of retirement once again – something his comments on Saturday night suggest he is more than happy to do. Bookmakers think Fury is the most likely option and have priced up that fight with the British mean machine 9/5 to triumph with Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Bet and Usyk 4/9 with the same firms to prevail. He has insisted his thoughts are currently centred around resting and spending time with his family but make no mistake: he'll be back. Greyhound fan Gerwyn Price can make a fast start to his bid for a first World Matchplay title at Blackpool when he faces Daryl Gurney in the first round at the seaside resort's beautiful Winter Gardens. Price has just retired his brilliant racer Iceman's Girl but could name his next track star something like Empress Wonder if he wins one of darts' top prizes in the glorious ballroom where the tournament is held and he's 8/1 with sponsors Betfred to be the last man standing at the oche on Sunday. More Trending After being victorious at both the Poland Darts Masters and the Baltic Sea Darts Open in recent weeks it no surprise Price is no better than 1/3 with bet365, SpreadEx and Sporting Index to defeat his Northern Ireland opponent so take the 7/1 with BetMGM and Unibet he eases into the second round with a 10-6 victory. British duo Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter prepare for their assaults on the US Open by competing in this week's Citi Open in Washington and both can make winning starts. Raducanu makes her first outing since a gallant effort in a straight sets defeat to Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon when she faced seventh seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine and is 3/1 with Betfred to win 2-1. Greece's Maria Sakkari is on the other side of the net in Boulder's first round match and is 3/4 to win outright with Bet Victor. MORE: Not Joshua or Fury – Lennox Lewis names only man who can beat Oleksandr Usyk MORE: Engine of Boeing passenger plane bursts into flames during takeoff MORE: The tragic life of Saudi 'Sleeping Prince' who never woke up from 20-year coma
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
MMA referee screams at doctors to help as former UFC star carried out of cage after sickening kick to testicles
A REFEREE screamed for help from a doctor after a former UFC star crumpled in agony from a kick to the testicles. Stricken Alexander Romanov had to be carried from the cage on a stretcher after just his second Professional Fighters League (PFL) match. 5 Alexander Romanov was in agony after the low kick 5 Romanov crashed to the floor during the first round 5 Valentin Moldavsky appeared distressed at his opponent's fate The Moldovan, aka King Kong, was once a top UFC heavyweight prospect. But the 34-year-old switched to a different Mixed Martial Art earlier this year. And he was closing in on a PFL heavyweight title shot when a sickening blow sent him reeling. Romanov was taking on Russian Valentin Moldavsky, 33, in Chicago. READ MORE ON MMA TOP GUN Meet Ilia Topuria, the high school dropout set to replace McGregor as UFC kingpin And his eye-watering fate came as early as the opening round. Romanov struggled to seriously trouble Moldavsky, despite landing a few of his renowned slam takedowns. And when the younger man got up, he put on enough pressure to leave King Kong tiring. But little more than 30 seconds were left in the first of the three five-minute rounds when the distressing moment arrived. 5 'King Kong' Romanov could do little but suffer desperately BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The pair were grasping each other on the ropes when Romanov delivered a knee to his opponent. Moldavsky returned the blow in kind - but accidentally went too low. Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford in another twist as UFC boss Dana White says he IS promoting super-fight Romanov instantly slumped to the floor, holding his groin - while his rival protested his innocence. The ref yelled for medical aid as Romanov was in obvious agony and fight fans looked on worried. Meanwhile, Moldavsky sunk to his knees, with his head down - apparently in rueful reflection The cage-side doctor dashed over to treat the stricken giant. And the doc soon confirmed the inevitable - that Romanov would be unable to continue. The 18st 13lbs wrestler was then taken away on a stretcher. It meant the bout - a PFL heavyweight tournament semi-final - was ruled a "no contest". Romanov had dazzled when winning his only other PFL fight in May, beating 40-year-old American Timothy May by submission. It left the East European well placed for a title shot - until a badly placed knee in his very next fight.
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
MMA referee screams at doctors to help as former UFC star carried out of cage after sickening kick to testicles
A REFEREE screamed for help from a doctor after a former UFC star crumpled in agony from a kick to the testicles. Stricken Alexander Romanov had to be carried from the cage on a stretcher after just his second Professional Fighters League (PFL) match. Advertisement 5 Alexander Romanov was in agony after the low kick 5 Romanov crashed to the floor during the first round 5 Valentin Moldavsky appeared distressed at his opponent's fate The Moldovan, aka King Kong, was once a top UFC heavyweight prospect. But the 34-year-old switched to a different Mixed Martial Art earlier this year. And he was closing in on a PFL heavyweight title shot when a sickening blow sent him reeling. Romanov was taking on Russian Valentin Moldavsky, 33, in Chicago. Advertisement READ MORE ON MMA And his eye-watering fate came as early as the opening round. Romanov struggled to seriously trouble Moldavsky, despite landing a few of his renowned slam takedowns. And when the younger man got up, he put on enough pressure to leave King Kong tiring. But little more than 30 seconds were left in the first of the three five-minute rounds when the distressing moment arrived. Advertisement Most read in MMA 5 'King Kong' Romanov could do little but suffer desperately BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The pair were grasping each other on the ropes when Romanov delivered a knee to his opponent. Moldavsky returned the blow in kind - but accidentally went too low. Advertisement Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford in another twist as UFC boss Dana White says he IS promoting super-fight Romanov instantly slumped to the floor, holding his groin - while his rival protested his innocence. The ref yelled for medical aid as Romanov was in obvious agony and fight fans looked on worried. Meanwhile, Moldavsky sunk to his knees, with his head down - apparently in rueful reflection The cage-side doctor dashed over to treat the stricken giant. Advertisement And the doc soon confirmed the inevitable - that Romanov would be unable to continue. The 18st 13lbs wrestler was then taken away on a stretcher. It meant the bout - a PFL heavyweight tournament semi-final - was ruled a "no contest". Romanov had dazzled when winning his only other PFL fight in May, beating 40-year-old American Timothy May by submission. Advertisement It left the East European well placed for a title shot - until a badly placed knee in his very next fight. 5 There was never much doubt the fight was over at this point
