ants

Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief who grew up in Soviet-occupied Estonia, is warning European leaders against giving Russia what it wants in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Drawing on her personal experience of Soviet rule, she argues that yielding to Moscow's demands would only embolden further aggression. Her remarks are resonating in ongoing debates over Europe's stance toward Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is trying to leave Ukrainians without internet and mobile communications, adding that Kyiv is taking measures to counter these efforts. The statement comes as Ukraine continues to face attacks on its communications infrastructure, with officials stressing that keeping Ukrainians connected remains a priority during the war.

Around 781 migrants reached the UK in ten small boats from France in a single 24-hour period, the highest daily total recorded so far this year. The figures have drawn renewed attention to Channel crossings and to the French and British authorities' efforts to stop the boats, with the high daily number likely to fuel debate over border policy on both sides.

Israel is pushing for a United States-led international force to take on the task of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Responsible Statecraft. The proposal would shift responsibility for neutralising the armed group's arsenal away from the Lebanese state and onto an American-led mission. The idea raises questions about Lebanon's sovereignty, the role of the Lebanese army, and whether Washington would accept such an open-ended security commitment.

The European Union is seeking to strengthen Operation Aspides, its naval mission protecting commercial shipping from attacks in the Red Sea. The move would boost the EU's maritime security presence along one of the world's most important trade routes, which has faced repeated disruption. Details on the scale and timing of the reinforcement remain limited.

Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out overnight strikes deep inside Russia, hitting two defense plants in the Tula and Voronezh regions, according to Ukrainian officials. The Security Service of Ukraine also reported hitting four oil depots in Russia's Krasnodar region, including facilities linked to LUKOIL-Yugnefteprodukt, Edelweiss-95, Din-Yug-Oil and Angelinskaya, in what Kyiv describes as a campaign against Russia's military and fuel infrastructure.

Ukraine has carried out strikes targeting Russia's air defense and drone infrastructure, including Pantsir-S2 systems and UAV launch sites. The attacks aim to degrade Russia's ability to intercept Ukrainian missiles and to launch drone barrages. The developments come as both sides continue long-range strikes deep into each other's territory amid the ongoing war.

A total of 781 migrants crossed the English Channel on Wednesday, the highest number recorded on a single day so far this year. Sky News reported the figure on Wednesday, citing ongoing crossings by small boats from France to the UK. The Channel migration issue continues to be one of the most politically charged topics in Britain, with numbers closely watched by campaigners and critics of government policy alike.

Iran's president has declared that the United States holds the decision on whether to end the war, putting the burden squarely on Washington. The statement came as the Russian and Iranian foreign ministers, meeting diplomatically, agreed that only a negotiated settlement could resolve the Middle East tension sparked by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The remarks underscore Tehran's positioning ahead of any potential talks and Moscow's alignment with Tehran's call for diplomacy over continued military action.

US immigration officers have reportedly been instructed to stop arresting immigrants who have no criminal record. According to a report picked up by multiple international outlets, the directive marks a shift in enforcement priorities, focusing resources on immigrants with criminal histories rather than non-criminal ones. The news has drawn attention as it suggests a change in how US authorities are carrying out immigration arrests day to day.

The Spanish coastguard has picked up 60 migrants a few kilometres off the Moroccan coast near Tarfaya and brought them to the Canary Islands. Reports say they will be transferred to mainland Spain, from where some may continue on to other European countries. The rescue adds to the ongoing flow of crossings along the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, which remains one of the main migration paths into Spain.

Coal inventories at Indian power plants have fallen to a three-year low as generators increase coal-fired output to compensate for weak hydroelectric generation. The government has ordered all captive coal plants above 50 megawatts to run at full capacity in an effort to head off a possible power shortage, raising concerns about grid reliability during periods of high electricity demand.

Washington is pressing governments worldwide to align with the United States on artificial intelligence rules and technology, framing it as a choice between democratic and authoritarian models of AI development. But analysts note that China's pitch — offering affordable AI tools, infrastructure and investment without political conditions — may be more attractive to developing countries that want the benefits of AI without being forced into a superpower rivalry.

Israeli politician and former Knesset member Einat Wilf, in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, set out a plan for a future Israeli government to disarm Hamas, arguing Palestinians must 'stop being treated like infants'. She said lasting security depends on removing Hamas's military capacity and ending international policies she views as infantilising Palestinian leadership.

The Trump administration has cancelled funding for programmes serving refugees, immigrants and other groups, a move that lawmakers argue is illegal. Critics in Congress say the cuts exceed the administration's legal authority, while the administration defends the cancellations as part of its broader immigration agenda. The decision affects organisations that rely on federal money to provide resettlement and support services.

News reports say Poland has suspended the right to claim asylum for people crossing its border with Belarus, a move tied to its long-running disputes over irregular migration on that frontier. Polish officials are now calling on other European Union countries to adopt similar measures. The reports describe the policy change and Poland's push for a wider European response, but reactions from other governments and the public are not detailed in the available coverage.

European policymakers are pushing to impose sanctions targeting Russian influence activities across the continent, aiming to act before such operations cause political damage. The effort reflects growing concern in EU capitals over Russian interference in domestic politics, elections and public debate, and signals a shift toward preventive measures rather than responding only after interference has taken effect.

US envoy claims President Trump asked Xi Jinping directly at the White House whether China would be interested in purchasing American weapons. The reported exchange, described as unusually direct, is drawing attention for what it suggests about Trump's approach to arms sales and US-China relations, with officials and analysts weighing its significance.

US President Donald Trump asked China's president whether he would be interested in buying American arms, according to comments attributed to an ambassador. The unusual, informal sales pitch to a strategic rival has drawn attention given Washington's restrictions on arms exports to China and the two countries' ongoing trade and security tensions.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who grew up in Soviet-occupied Estonia, has warned European leaders against giving Russia what it wants in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Drawing on her personal experience of Soviet rule, she argued that conceding to Moscow would only invite further aggression. The remarks have fueled debate across Europe about how firm the EU should remain toward Russia.

Reports from Gaza City show restaurants operating and serving customers, prompting questions about the scale of the claimed famine in the territory. The JNS report argues that busy eateries sit awkwardly with statements from aid agencies and officials that Gaza is experiencing mass starvation. Critics and supporters of the famine assessment continue to dispute what the restaurant activity actually proves about food availability across Gaza.

The Trump administration has cancelled federal funding for programmes serving refugees, immigrants and other groups, saying the services are no longer needed. The cuts affect organisations that provide resettlement assistance and related support. Critics are likely to challenge the move, which signals a continued sharp reduction in government spending on immigration and refugee programs.

Indian applicants for US visitor visas are facing long interview waits, with Hyderabad at around 12 months, Mumbai 11.5 months, New Delhi 10 months, Chennai 7.5 months and Kolkata 6.5 months. The figures are drawing attention as families planning travel for tourism, business or family visits face delays stretching close to a year before they can secure an interview appointment.

Senator Mark Kelly said President Trump is 'stuck' with Iran and wants to 'get back to where he was before' the war started, arguing the president did not anticipate being drawn into a prolonged conflict with Tehran. Kelly, a former Navy pilot and frequent critic of Trump's foreign policy, suggested the administration is now searching for an exit from a confrontation it did not want.