Mark Rutte says allies must do more to help Ukraine

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.

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.

Airbus has encountered a new quality issue with the metal panels on its A320 aircraft, just days after a significant software recall linked to solar flares. This latest problem adds to the company's ongoing challenges in maintaining the safety and reliability of its aircraft, leading to a nearly 6% drop in stock value in a single day.

Following a military coup in Guinea-Bissau, the electoral commission reported that armed men destroyed most of the election ballots, rendering it impossible to publish the results. This incident occurred shortly after contentious presidential elections, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

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.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is under investigation for allegedly recruiting men to fight for Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Reports indicate that she may have lured these individuals with promises of paramilitary training in Russia, raising serious concerns about her involvement in international mercenary activities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, following optimistic statements from the White House regarding potential agreements to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and adviser, is also expected to participate in these discussions.

Residents of Tehran are documenting their daily struggles as the city grapples with an unprecedented drought, characterized by dried-up lakes and recurrent water shortages. In response, authorities have organized prayers for rain, and President Massoud Pezeshkian has suggested relocating the capital, a proposal that has sparked debate among citizens.