Live: Russia claims control of Pokrovsk, Ukraine says still holds part of city

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

Ukrainian philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko discussed the impact of international support on the morale of Ukrainians living under constant threat from Russian attacks during an interview with FRANCE 24. His comments coincided with the launch of 'Le voyage en Ukraine,' a cultural initiative in France aimed at supporting Ukraine's artistic community through a series of events featuring French artists.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in peace talks with Ukrainian negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Florida, aiming to establish a framework to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative follows Rubio's discussions with the Ukrainian delegation and is part of broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.

Donald Trump has accused Honduran officials of attempting to manipulate the presidential election results as the vote count stalls, with right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura in a technical tie. The electoral court cited technical issues for the delay, while Trump warned of severe consequences if his preferred candidate does not win.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has proposed a new travel ban on visitors from certain countries following the fatal shooting of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. This incident has reignited discussions around national security and immigration policies, echoing the hardline stance of former President Donald Trump.

The city of Pokrovsk, once a strategic stronghold in eastern Ukraine, has been devastated after an 18-month battle, with Russian forces claiming full control while Ukrainian officials assert they still hold parts of the city. This conflict has escalated significantly since the summer of 2024, marking a critical phase in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of photographs capturing significant moments, including a fallen sculpture at Lychakiv Cemetery in Ukraine and a desert storm in the Tanami Desert, Australia. These images reflect the diverse and often contrasting elements of human experience and nature.

A U.S. delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss potential peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has expressed openness to negotiations but insists that its war objectives must be met, raising concerns about the sincerity of its commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is engaged in discussions with leaders from the UK and France, emphasizing the international dimension of the conflict.