Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes Prime Minister Narendra Modi can significantly impact the Ukraine war’s outcome. He suggests India as a potential negotiation venue and emphasizes the importance of India’s stance on Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expresses concerns about potential US election outcomes and ongoing military challenges.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of attempting to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, particularly in the north, calling it ‘ethnic cleansing’. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Qatar to discuss a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. The conflict continues with intense rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties.
France announced a €100 million aid package for Lebanon at an international conference, highlighting the urgent need for support as the country grapples with a devastating war and economic crisis. The conference aims to raise $426 million in humanitarian aid, with other nations also pledging support. However, criticism surrounds France’s diplomatic approach in the region, even as it seeks to strengthen Lebanon’s armed forces and restore its sovereignty.
A devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine is a dramatic population decline, with an estimated 8 million people leaving the country since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. This exodus, coupled with a plummeting birth rate, has brought Ukraine’s population down to approximately 35 million, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot issued a stark warning during his visit to Kyiv, stating that a Russian victory in Ukraine would lead to international chaos and a dangerous shift towards the ‘law of the strongest.’ His statement underlines France’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s defense, coming after President Zelensky’s unveiling of his ‘victory plan’ and calls for increased Western support. The news also highlights concerns over the potential escalation of the conflict with the reported involvement of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia.
Russian forces have captured the village of Zoryane in eastern Ukraine, marking another step toward the industrial hub of Kurakhove. The capture brings Russia closer to Gornyak, a town with a strategically important railway line, and could disrupt Ukraine’s coal industry. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is working to rally international support for his “victory plan,” which includes pursuing NATO membership for Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine have engaged in another prisoner swap, this time involving 95 soldiers on each side. The exchange, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, highlights continued diplomatic efforts amid ongoing hostilities. Notably, the swap included the release of prominent Ukrainian human rights activist Maksym Butkevych, who was serving a 13-year sentence for war crimes.
Russia has returned the bodies of 501 Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine, marking the largest repatriation of war dead since the invasion began in February 2022. The soldiers, primarily killed in the Donetsk region, will be identified by law enforcement and forensic experts before being handed over to their families for burial. Meanwhile, the war continues with drone attacks and international discussions on the next steps, with Ukraine seeking NATO membership as a key element of its proposed ‘victory plan’.
North Korea is reportedly sending as many as 12,000 troops to assist Russia in its war in Ukraine, with 1,500 special forces already stationed in Russia’s Far East for training. This move, confirmed by South Korean intelligence, signifies a significant escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict and raises concerns about the potential for a wider international conflict.
Israel has confirmed the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, releasing a drone video showing his final moments. The video, released by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), shows Sinwar, potentially wounded and missing his right hand, sitting in a chair before appearing to throw something at the drone. The IDF claims he was the mastermind of the October 7 attacks in Israel. While Israel considers this a major victory in the ongoing war, they have reiterated that the war will continue until all hostages are released. Hamas has yet to officially comment on Sinwar’s death.
