Witkoff in Moscow for talks as Putin claims to have taken key Ukrainian city

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking. This announcement has raised concerns about the implications for U.S. credibility and influence in Central America, especially in light of ongoing political tensions in Honduras.

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.

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 Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which critically injured two members of the National Guard. This decision has left many asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status and future in the U.S.

An industrial boom in Monterrey, Mexico, which has strong ties to the US, is leading to severe air pollution as factories emit toxic heavy metals, posing significant health risks to local residents. Research by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab highlights the alarming situation in this manufacturing hub that primarily exports goods to the US.

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.