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Washington Insists on Zelenskyy’s Public Mea Culpa Before Finalizing Mineral Extraction Agreement
The United States is willing to resume negotiations on natural resources with Ukraine, but requires Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express regret over a past incident. A White House official stated that the U.S. will not proceed with the minerals deal unless Zelenskyy issues a public apology, with the agreement aiming to support Ukraine's post-war recovery and access to its significant mineral reserves. Read the full story here
West and Russia on Collision Course as $350bn Asset Seizure Plan Sparks Diplomatic Firestorm
Tensions have arisen between France and the UK over $350bn of frozen Russian assets, with the UK proposing to seize the assets and offer them to the US to buy defence equipment, strengthening America's commitment to European defence. The proposal has been met with opposition from French President Emmanuel Macron, who fears it would breach the principle of sovereign asset immunity and deter investment in the eurozone. The UK and France have committed to leading…
US Mulls Easing Russia Sanctions as Diplomatic Tides Shift
The White House is exploring a plan for possible sanctions relief for Russia, according to sources. This development comes as the administration seeks to improve relations with Russia. The plan is still in its early stages, with officials discussing various options for easing sanctions imposed on Russia. The move is seen as an effort to normalize ties between the two nations. Read the full story here
Colombian Leader Lights the Way for Marijuana Reform
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged Congress to legalize cannabis for adult use, stating that prohibition only brings violence. He believes that empowerment of mafia organizations shows the failure of prohibition and the absence of alternative measures. He has publicly expressed support for cannabis legalization before, calling out lawmakers for perpetuating illegal drug trafficking and associated violence when a push for legalization failed in late 2023. Read the full story here
Bulgaria Cracks Down on Pro-Kremlin Lawmakers Amid Rising Tensions
The Bulgarian prosecutor's office has requested permission from parliament to arrest two MPs from the pro-Russian far-right Vazrazhdane party for vandalism against the European Commission building in Sofia. The MPs, Ivaylo Chorbov and Slavcho Krumov, are suspected of hooliganism and attempted arson, with evidence gathered against them, prompting the prosecutor's office to seek their arrest. Read the full story here
US and Russia Engage in Clandestine Diplomacy to Revive Controversial Gas Pipeline
Russian and U.S. negotiators have held secret talks on resuming gas flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, according to reports. The discussions, which reportedly involved U.S. envoy Richard Grenell, are seen as part of efforts to rebuild ties with Russia and could potentially give the U.S. control over Russian gas flows via the pipeline, with American investors expressing interest in the project. Read the full story here
Northern Ireland Plant to Deliver Critical 5,000-Unit Air Defence Missile Shipment to War-Torn Ukraine
The UK has announced a four-point roadmap to support Ukraine, which includes a deal with Thales to manufacture 5,000 air defence missiles. The contract, worth up to €1.9 billion, will create 200 new jobs and support 700 existing ones in the UK, while helping Ukraine defend against Russian aggression. Read the full story here
Prince Hisahito Embarks on Rare Royal Juggling Act: Duty and Degree
Japan's Prince Hisahito, second in line to the throne, has held a debut news conference, stating he will balance official duties with university studies and research on dragonflies. Hisahito, who turned 18 in September, will study biology at Tsukuba University, focusing on dragonflies and ways to protect insect populations in urban areas, while following the examples of his uncle, Emperor Naruhito. Read the full story here
Europe Explores Backup Satellite Options for Ukraine as Starlink Reliability Falters
The European Commission is assessing ways to help Ukraine secure satellite communications in case access to the Starlink network is restricted. The Commission's review comes amid reports that the US threatened to cut Ukraine's access to Starlink if Kyiv did not reach a deal with Washington over critical mineral resources. Read the full story here
Cairo’s Coastal Counterplan: A Bid to Outshine Hamas and Rival Trump’s Vision
Egypt has proposed an alternative plan to the United States' "Gaza Riviera" initiative, aiming to bypass Hamas and provide economic benefits to the region. The plan focuses on infrastructure development and trade in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian proposal seeks to enhance economic cooperation and stability in the region, potentially undermining Hamas' influence and control. This development may have significant implications for the future of the Gaza Strip and the Middle East peace process. Read…