European leaders are set to convene an emergency meeting in Paris today to discuss the war in Ukraine and European security, according to French officials. The meeting aims to coordinate a response to the Trump administration’s initiation of talks with Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine, which appears to exclude Europe and Kyiv from the negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in recent interviews that Ukraine would “never” accept a peace agreement brokered by the U.S. and Russia without its participation in the discussions.
In related developments, three senior foreign policy aides from the Trump administration are scheduled to meet with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia later this week to explore potential resolutions to the conflict.
Concerns have been raised following comments from Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy away from Europe towards closer ties with Moscow. Analysts warn that such a shift could grant President Putin a significant victory, surpassing any gains made in Ukraine.
President Trump proposed that Ukraine cede half of its mineral resources in exchange for U.S. support, a suggestion that President Zelensky has firmly rejected due to insufficient security guarantees.
In other news, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza, which includes the displacement of Palestinian residents. Rubio is expected to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates soon, where Arab leaders are likely to seek further clarification on Trump’s Gaza plan.
Additionally, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that discussions on the second phase of the Gaza cease-fire agreement will occur this week. Netanyahu's office has indicated that the Israeli leader will convene the security cabinet today to address this phase of the agreement.
In a humanitarian context, Hamas released three more Israeli hostages on Saturday, coinciding with Israel's release of 369 Palestinian prisoners.
East Timor, recognized as Asia’s youngest and poorest nation, gained independence in 2002 after a prolonged Indonesian occupation. The economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, which are diminishing, leaving over 40 percent of its 1.4 million citizens in poverty.
Despite these challenges, East Timor has made strides as a resilient democracy, conducting competitive elections and ensuring press freedom. Life expectancy has increased, and all citizens now have access to electricity, positioning the country as a positive example for other post-conflict nations.
In other notable news, an unofficial network of searchers continues to seek thousands of missing Yazidi women and girls, who were victims of abduction and violence by the Islamic State. Many are presumed dead, but these activists remain committed to their cause.
In cultural news, the British press Tilted Axis is gaining recognition for its commitment to publishing groundbreaking literature in translation, with plans to expand into the U.S. market. Despite its small size, the press has published 42 books translated from 18 languages, earning critical acclaim.
For culinary enthusiasts, hummus is highlighted as a versatile base for pasta sauce, enhanced with lemon for added flavor.
Entertainment recommendations include five sci-fi films available for streaming and various word games such as Spelling Bee and Wordle.
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