Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Ukraine is definitely not losing the war with Russia, during an exclusive interview with AFP news agency. “You can’t say that we’re losing the war,” says Zelensky, “the question is whether we will win. But it is a very costly question”.
Tehran (AFP) – Skyline images of Tehran and pedestrians in the capital a day after US President Donald Trump said he was “considering” a limited strike on Iran if negotiations fail to yield a replacement for the nuclear deal with Tehran that he tore up during his first term in office.
Borodyanka (Ukraine) (AFP) – Amid the cold winter and the lack of heating and electricity, French volunteer baker Loic Nervi is on a humanitarian mission in Borodyanka in the Kyiv region. By baking and distributing fresh bread to local residents, he provides practical support and shows solidarity to people facing daily hardship. Working alone from early morning, lines of up to 300 people form to receive his freshly baked produce. For Nervi, perseverance is crucial. “It has been four years, and we must continue, we must not stop” he says.
Badaling (China) (AFP) – Lion and dragon dancers perform on the Great Wall of China, in Badaling, to entertain visitors who have come to enjoy the illuminated monument during the Year of the Horse celebrations.
New Delhi (AFP) – Speaking at an AI summit in India’s capital New Delhi, UN chief Antonio Guterres calls for “less hype, less fear” over artificial intelligence, saying that a new UN expert panel will aim to “make human control a technical reality”. Amid growing concerns about the impact on employment and misinformation, Guterres said the United Nations General Assembly has confirmed 40 members for the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which will delve into the issues related to global AI development and usage.
Pyongyang (AFP) – North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un opens a landmark Workers’ Party party congress, launching a political spectacle expected to unveil the next phase in the nation’s nuclear weapons programme. The gathering directs state efforts on everything from house building to war planning, offering potential hints about the country’s foreign policy, as well as Kim’s daughter and heir apparent, Ju Ae.
Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has criticised Benfica coach Jose Mourinho’s handling of the racism controversy involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, calling Mourinho’s comments after the midweek Champions League match a ‘huge mistake’. Vinicius accused Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during Real’s 1-0 win in Lisbon. Mourinho out at Vinicius after the match, saying that Vinicius had incited Benfica’s players with his celebration following his winning goal.
Hasakeh (Syria) (AFP) – The future is uncertain for Syrian Kurd’s all-women fighting units, known as the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Last month the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) they are a part of made a deal with Syria’s government under military pressure, ending the Kurds’ de facto autonomy in the country’s north as they are integrated with government institutions. But the deal did not mention the YPJ. Speaking at a military base in northeast Syria, Roksan Mohammed, says, “Many are asking what will become of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and their existence. We say clearly… the YPJ represents all women in Syrian society”.
London (AFP) – People in London react to the news that former prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct during his time as trade envoy. “He deserves it,” says Emma Carter, who adds that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “should have been arrested a long time ago.” Andrew’s arrest comes as UK police investigations into allegations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein files gather pace.
Buenos Aires (Argentine) (AFP) – Workers, students, and trade unionists participate in a demonstration in Buenos Aires against labor reforms. The contested reforms would make it easier to hire and fire workers in a country where job security is already hard to come by. It would also reduce severance pay, limit the right to strike, increase work hours and restrict holiday provisions. The measure was approved by the senate last week and will now come before the chamber of deputies for consideration. IMAGES
Oslo (AFP) – European Council president Antonio Costa says he wants the European Union membership accession process for Ukraine to begin “as soon as possible.” During a press conference with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, Costa says he wants to “formally open the negotiations” and “move forward on this enlargement process”.
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh who won an Oscar for best actress for her role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. “The path from Malaysia to here wasn’t a straight line… but I was fortunate to be part of stories that crossed borders and languages,” says Yeoh.
