Flooding remains threat in Pacific north-west as Washington declares emergency

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a U.S. peace plan that would require Ukraine to concede territories to Russia, particularly in the Donetsk region, where a proposed 'free economic zone' would be established. Zelensky emphasized that the plan demands Ukraine to withdraw its troops, which he finds unacceptable.

Bushfires are currently ravaging New South Wales and Tasmania, with over 50 active fires reported, leading to the destruction of homes and at least one confirmed death. The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 41°C in Koolewong, combined with strong winds, has exacerbated the situation, making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult.

Tens of thousands of residents in western North America are under evacuation orders as heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, particularly affecting Washington state and British Columbia. Authorities continue to warn that water levels are rising, and the risk of flooding remains high following several days of intense storms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the United States has urged Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region and establish a 'free economic zone', suggesting that Russian troops may remain without further advances. This development highlights ongoing diplomatic pressures amid the conflict with Russia.

Rwanda has denied any involvement in the recent violence in South Kivu, instead blaming the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi for violating a peace agreement reached in Washington. The Rwandan government has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to the terms of the accord, as reported by FRANCE 24’s Juliette Montilly.

A recent study has revealed that northern resident killer whales, also known as orcas, are collaborating with Pacific white-sided dolphins to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia. This cooperative hunting strategy marks a significant finding in understanding the interactions between these two marine predators, suggesting that their encounters are not merely coincidental but rather a strategic partnership.

The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as confirmed by President Donald Trump. This action marks a significant escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, reflecting ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Bajun Mavalwalla, an Afghanistan war veteran, has been arrested on felony conspiracy charges following his participation in a protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Spokane, Washington. He maintains his innocence and is preparing for a jury trial, while others arrested during the same protest have opted for plea agreements to avoid lengthy prison sentences.