10,000 Recruits of Wagner Group Killed in Action | Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Test

"In mid-January, in Karelia, Yevgeny Prigozhin bid farewell to a group of former prisoners who had experienced battles in Ukraine and returned to Russia. (BBC Indonesia)"

Introduction:

In this edition of Global Popularity, we bring you the top news stories making waves worldwide. The headline story highlights the shocking revelation from the boss of Wagner Group, stating that approximately 10,000 recruited prisoners lost their lives in the Ukrainian war. Additionally, we cover Iran's successful test launch of a ballistic missile with a potential range of 2,000 kilometers. Let's delve into the complete summary of the Global Popularity list, from Thursday (May 25, 2023) to Friday (May 26, 2023) morning.

1. Head of Wagner Group: 10,000 Prisoner Recruits Perish in Ukrainian War

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary group known as Wagner Group, has made a startling admission. He revealed that around 10,000 prisoners, whom he had recruited to fight in Ukraine, lost their lives on the battlefield. Last year, Prigozhin visited Russian prisons to persuade inmates to join Wagner's ranks in Ukraine. In return, they were promised amnesty upon their safe return.

2. Iran Tests Ballistic Missile with 2,000 km Range, Raising Concerns in Israel

On Thursday (May 25, 2023), Iran successfully conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile with a range potential of 2,000 kilometers. This announcement came just two days after Israel's military commander hinted at potential actions against Tehran regarding its nuclear program. Iran, known for possessing one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, claims its weaponry can reach the bases of its archrivals, Israel and the United States, in the region.

3. Day 455 Summary of Russia's Attacks on Ukraine: Belgorod Hit by Drones | Asset Nationalization in Crimea

On Wednesday (May 24, 2023), marking the 455th day of the Russo-Ukrainian war, a drone attack struck Belgorod while the wave of asset nationalization in Crimea continued. In response, Russia vowed to retaliate fiercely against all attacks within its territory.

4. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Candidacy for US Presidency in 2024

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida made a significant announcement on Wednesday (May 24, 2023), declaring his candidacy for the United States presidency in 2024. The 44-year-old pledged to lead the American people into a new era of success and fight for their freedoms. However, technical difficulties on Twitter disrupted the planned announcement event alongside Elon Musk.

5. Young Generation Reshaping Thailand's Political Landscape

Since the Siam revolution of 1932, which transformed Thailand from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy, the country's political history has revolved around two alternating poles of power: the military and dynastic politics. However, in the recent elections held on Sunday, May 14, the Thai people expressed their desire for a new political landscape. The voice of the people, expressed through the ballot box, demanded a rewriting of Thailand's political history. And it is the young generation that will write this new chapter. In the country's 28th election, the Move Forward Party, led by young individuals, emerged victorious with a total of 14.2 million votes (38.5%) and secured 152 seats.

To read more about these stories and other captivating news, continue reading here.