International

Zelensky rules out ceding Donbas region as Russians make fresh advance

Zelensky pledges to hold Donbas as Russian attacks intensify

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not make territorial concessions in the Donbas region, a stance he reiterated as Russian forces launched new assaults. Despite reports of Russian troops making recent advances in the eastern part of the country, Zelensky firmly stated that abandoning the Donbas would not bring about a lasting peace. He argued that such a move would simply provide Russia with a "springboard" for future offensives, leaving other major cities like Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv vulnerable to attack. This firm position comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are being made to…
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Fire breaks out on Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s famous dormant volcano

Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano, experiences fire

An unexpected fire erupted on Arthur’s Seat, the renowned inactive volcano overlooking Edinburgh, releasing clouds of smoke into the horizon and capturing the focus of locals, visitors, and emergency services. The flames, seen from many areas of the city, started on what was initially a peaceful day in Scotland's capital, swiftly raising alarm about the possible harm to the cherished natural feature and the well-being of people nearby.Witnesses reported seeing flames flicker along the grassy slopes before the fire spread to a wider section of the hillside. The dry conditions, a product of several rain-free days, are believed to have…
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Gaza's largest functioning hospital facing disaster, medics warn, as Israel widens offensive

As Israel prepares for war escalation, hostage families demand nationwide strike

Families of hostages held in Gaza have issued an emotional appeal for citizens across Israel to join a nationwide strike, aiming to force urgent government action for the safe return of their loved ones. Their call comes amid growing signs that Israel is preparing to intensify its military campaign, heightening fears that time is running out for those in captivity.The appeal, delivered in press conferences, interviews, and a coordinated social media push, is part of a larger grassroots movement that has steadily gained momentum since the October escalation of hostilities. Relatives of the captives say they have exhausted quieter channels…
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Trump doubles reward to M for arrest of Venezuela’s president to face U.S. drug charges

Trump raises reward to $50M for capture of Venezuela’s president on U.S. drug charges

The government of the United States has significantly increased the bounty for information leading to the capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, elevating the total offer to $50 million. This notable increase in the persistent campaign to bring the South American president to justice on drug trafficking allegations indicates a tougher stance by Washington toward the Venezuelan administration.The heightened reward follows years of U.S. inquiries accusing Maduro of participating in drug trafficking activities. American prosecutors assert that the Venezuelan leader collaborated with Colombian insurgent groups and local crime syndicates to move large shipments of cocaine to markets in North America.…
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With Zelenskyy sidelined from Ukraine war talks, Trump appears to hand Putin a diplomatic win

Trump excludes Zelenskyy from Ukraine talks, handing Putin a strategic diplomatic win

Recent advancements in diplomatic attempts concerning the Ukraine conflict have shown notable transformations in the negotiation field. The visible omission of Ukrainian leaders from some major discussions has sparked inquiries about the shifting power dynamics in global initiatives to address the enduring crisis.Observers point out that recent diplomatic activities seem to benefit Russian strategic goals, with the former U.S. President Donald Trump's latest remarks and actions seen by some experts as inadvertently bolstering Moscow's stance. This change occurs at a sensitive time in the ongoing conflict, as military operations persist on various fronts without a definitive outcome.The current scenario poses…
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France's biggest wildfire of the summer has eclipsed the size of Paris and is still spreading

Summer’s largest wildfire in France surpasses Paris’ size and keeps advancing

An uncontrolled blaze sweeping across France's Mediterranean area has now engulfed more terrain than the whole city of Paris, as firefighters grapple to manage the swiftly spreading fire. The conflagration, which ignited in the dry hills close to Saint-Tropez, has turned into the most destructive wildfire in the country this summer, ravaging more than 105 square kilometers of thick woodland and brushland—an expanse that surpasses Paris's 105 square kilometer area.Firefighting crews from across Europe have mobilized to assist their French counterparts in battling the flames, which have shown alarming resistance to containment efforts. Nearly 1,200 firefighters supported by water-dropping aircraft…
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Kremlin says Putin-Trump meeting agreed, will happen in 'coming days'

Putin-Trump meeting agreed, Kremlin announces timing in ‘coming days’

The Russian authorities have announced that President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump, with the meeting anticipated to occur in the coming week. This event highlights a pivotal moment in global affairs, happening amidst increased international strains and evolving political dynamics in both countries.Official statements from Moscow indicate the meeting was mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels, though specific details regarding the location, agenda, and duration remain undisclosed. The encounter will represent the first formal interaction between the two leaders since Trump left office in January 2021, reviving a relationship that has consistently drawn…
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US says secondary sanctions on Russia to go ahead, even though Putin-Witkoff meeting ‘went well’

US insists on secondary Russia sanctions, even after successful Putin-Witkoff meeting

El gobierno de Estados Unidos ha reiterado su intención de aplicar sanciones secundarias a las entidades rusas, indicando así la persistencia de la presión económica a pesar de los recientes contactos diplomáticos entre el presidente ruso Vladimir Putin y el empresario estadounidense Elliott Witkoff. Funcionarios de la administración subrayaron que el régimen de sanciones sigue igual, describiendo las medidas económicas como independientes de las interacciones diplomáticas individuales.This stance comes amid reports of a productive meeting between Putin and Witkoff, a New York real estate developer, which had sparked speculation about potential shifts in U.S. policy toward Russia. Senior State Department…
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Prince Harry among those criticized in spat over charity he cofounded

Prince Harry caught in charity dispute over organization he cofounded

Recent developments have brought unexpected attention to one of Prince Harry's philanthropic endeavors, as the royal finds himself at the center of a growing debate about his charitable foundation. The Duke of Sussex, known for his humanitarian work, is now facing questions from both critics and supporters about the operations and direction of the organization he helped establish.The dispute arose due to internal conflicts among the foundation's leadership team, with some former members expressing concerns about administrative choices and strategic priorities. Although the precise details of these arguments are not fully known, sources indicate they relate to conflicting perspectives on…
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UK to start returning some migrants to France within days under new deal

UK and France reach deal for migrant returns within days

The United Kingdom is set to begin transferring some migrants back to France within days, following the implementation of a recently negotiated agreement aimed at addressing irregular migration across the English Channel. This move marks a significant shift in the UK’s border and asylum strategy and reflects growing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in managing migration flows and improving border security.The agreement, reached after months of diplomatic discussions, establishes a formal framework for the return of certain individuals who have crossed the Channel from France to seek asylum in the UK. It is part of a broader…
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