Haiti sets August 2026 date for first general elections in a decade

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by Jared Kushner, has returned to the Kremlin to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine after a week of intense negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. This follows productive talks held in Florida with Ukrainian officials, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic efforts.

In Nigeria, approximately 50,000 volunteer vigilantes have emerged to protect rural communities amid a significant absence of security forces. These local brigades, exemplified by individuals like Makailu in Niger State, actively patrol and defend villages against increasing bandit attacks and ongoing security challenges.

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.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the necessity for increased support from the United States and Europe in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the peace plan. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the conflict and potential resolutions.

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.

Guinea-Bissau's electoral commission announced that it cannot certify the results of the recent elections due to armed men destroying most of the vote count. This turmoil follows a military takeover that occurred just before provisional results were to be released, resulting in the deposition of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was seeking re-election.

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.

Pope Leo XIV, during the second day of his visit to Lebanon, emphasized the importance of coexistence and unity among the country's diverse religious communities, speaking at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, a historic site symbolizing the civil war divide. He highlighted Lebanon as a testament that fear and prejudice do not prevail.