EU seeks to deepen trade ties with Africa at summit in Angola

European leaders, including Swedish Prime Minister, convened in Angola to discuss renewed peace talks regarding Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for Russia to engage in negotiations while maintaining firm stances on territorial integrity. The discussions come amid ongoing military tensions and a recent drone incident in Moscow, highlighting the fragile security situation.

Recent discussions in Geneva have concluded, with FRANCE 24's correspondent Gulliver Cragg reporting that Ukrainians are determined not to accept an unjust peace. The U.S. has shown willingness to negotiate a contentious peace plan that many view as favoring Russia, raising tensions with Ukraine.

The United States has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, marking the largest buildup since the 1989 invasion of Panama, amid accusations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of drug trafficking. This escalation has resulted in 83 deaths, which the UN has classified as extrajudicial executions, as the U.S. employs a 'war on drugs' narrative to justify its actions.

US and Ukrainian officials have reported significant progress in peace talks held in Geneva, focusing on a US-backed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both sides have committed to intensive work on outstanding issues following these discussions.

Russian drone strikes targeted Kharkiv, resulting in at least four fatalities and 17 injuries, alongside significant destruction of residential areas. The attacks have incited panic among the local population, prompting authorities to prioritize civilian rescue efforts. This escalation in violence coincides with ongoing diplomatic discussions in Geneva involving US, Ukrainian, and European officials regarding a potential peace deal.

The G20 summit in South Africa marked a significant moment as it issued a joint declaration on its opening day, defying opposition from the United States, which had criticized the summit's focus on climate change and global wealth inequality. This summit was notable as the first G20 meeting held on African soil, emphasizing the leadership role of Global South countries.

Ukrainian soldiers at the front expressed anger and defiance following the public revelation of a US peace plan that requires significant territorial concessions from Ukraine. The proposed 28-point plan, which aligns closely with Russian demands, has left many soldiers feeling unsupported and disillusioned with the prospect of peace.

Russia has dismissed a European counter proposal to the 28-point US peace plan for Ukraine, labeling it as 'unconstructive' and asserting that it would not work for Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has committed to collaborating with international partners, including the US, to find compromises that would bolster Ukraine's position in the ongoing conflict.