Russia and Ukraine exchange 300 prisoners in a UAE-brokered deal. Freed Russian troops receive medical care in Belarus; Ukraine remains silent. Rising POW numbers fuel concerns as Russia gains ground on the battlefield. Russia and Ukraine have conducted a large-scale prisoner exchange, with each side releasing 150 captured soldiers, according to the Russian Ministry of … Read more
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has made an unanticipated visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, becoming only the third Western leader to meet Putin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Fico, a vocal critic of the European Union’s support for Ukraine during the conflict, stated that … Read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, marking a rare acknowledgment of his country’s military losses. In a social media post, Zelensky also reported 370,000 injuries among Ukrainian forces, though he clarified that this figure included multiple injuries to some … Read more
The Syrian army command has reportedly informed its officers that President Bashar al-Assad’s rule has come to an end, as militants claim control over the capital, Damascus, according to a military officer speaking to Reuters on Sunday. The announcement follows reports that Assad has left Damascus for an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, militant groups declared they … Read more
President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed bringing the areas of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control “under the NATO umbrella” as a means of halting the ongoing “hot phase” of the war. In an extensive interview with Sky News, Zelensky was asked whether he would accept NATO membership limited to the territories currently under Ukrainian control. While he … Read more
The Israeli cabinet is set to meet to discuss the approval of a ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities with Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia. According to reports, the proposed truce would last for an initial 60 days and involve the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. In exchange, Hezbollah would vacate areas south of the Litani … Read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly criticized a recent phone call between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as opening a “Pandora’s box” that undermines international efforts to isolate the Russian leader. “This is exactly what Putin has been wanting for a long time: it is extremely important for him … Read more
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has accused Israel of committing “collective genocide” in Gaza, marking some of his most severe criticism of the country since the conflict began last year. Speaking at a gathering of Islamic leaders in Riyadh on Monday, MBS said: “The Kingdom reiterates its condemnation and absolute refusal of … Read more
Former President Donald Trump reportedly reminded Russian President Vladimir Putin of the substantial U.S. military presence in Europe during a recent phone call, emphasizing Washington’s strategic position amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This conversation marked the first direct communication between Trump and Putin since Trump’s presidential election victory. EDITOR’S PICKS Electricity Meter Costs Rise … Read more
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, where regional stability and peace are key items on the agenda. This summit, hosted at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continues efforts from last year’s gathering in Riyadh. EDITOR’S PICKS Electricity Meter … Read more
China has reiterated the call for peace talks to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. EKO HOT BLOG reports that China has instructed Russia to make efforts to peacefully settle the crisis in Ukraine in the latest call between the two nations, the Chinese foreign ministry reported. China’s newly appointed foreign minister, Qin Gang, spoke … Read more
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine have arrived in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, for peace talks. The arrival of the delegations to the Dolmabahce Palace was for talks to end the “tragedy,’’ Erdogan said. EKO HOT BLOG reports that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on Tuesday, welcomed the negotiators as they arrived at his … Read more