Undisclosed Location, Donetsk Region (Ukraine) (AFP) – After three years at war, Ukrainian soldiers say what worries them most is giving up territory taken by Russia in any ceasefire deal. “So many people have already died for this damned Donbas, and to just give it to them would be extremely wrong,” says a 26th brigade serviceman with the call sign Elvis.
Berlin (AFP) – Leader of Germany’s conservative bloc Friedrich Merz says he will seek to form a coalition with the Social Democrats (SDP), the day after winning national elections. A deal with the SDP, party of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz who finished in a humbling third place, would allow Merz to keep the far-right AfD away from power. The AfD finished second with 20.8 percent of the vote, a historic result. Despite doubling its share of votes since the last election, Germany’s other parties have vowed to maintain a “firewall” deal against cooperation with the far-right party.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says Russian President Vladimir Putin is set on Ukraine’s “capitulation”, as she announces 3.5 billion euros of fresh aid to Kyiv. “The war in Ukraine remains the most central and consequential crisis for Europe’s future,” says von der Leyen.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for the “beginning of real, lasting peace” in Ukraine this year, in comments on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Dublin (AFP) – From Europe to Asia, people rally in support of Ukraine as Moscow’s assault against its neighbour enters its fourth year.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that he is ready to quit as Ukraine’s president if it means Kyiv would be admitted to the NATO military alliance.
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Stars nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson and Adrien Brody, walk the red carpet ahead of the ceremony.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praises the United Kingdom for showing “leadership” on the war with Russia in his evening address, after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged his “ironclad support” for Kyiv in a phone call. US President Donald Trump’s embrace of Kremlin talking points on Ukraine — calling President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and blaming Ukraine for Russia’s 2022 invasion — has caused alarm in Europe, reinforcing suspicions that Trump is effectively pulling the plug on decades of US support for the continent.
Rome (AFP) – People pray for Pope Francis outside Gemelli hospital in Rome, the day after the Vatican warned the 88-year-old’s condition was “critical”. The Argentine pontiff, who is being treated for double pneumonia, suffered a prolonged asthma-style attack on Saturday and required blood transfusions for a low platelet count.
Moscow (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin says his soldiers in Ukraine are defending “national interests” and vowed “unchanged” determination to strengthen the country’s armed forces on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow’s offensive on Kyiv. “Today, at the risk of their lives and with courage, they are resolutely defending their homeland, national interests and Russia’s future,” Putin says in a video released by the Kremlin.
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva blows out cake candles to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Workers’ Party (PT) in Rio de Janeiro. During his speech, he reiterates that US President Donald Trump “was not elected sheriff of the world” but to govern his country. “As for who will govern Brazil, it’s us,” says Lula in front of a cheering crowd dressed in red, the colour of the PT.
Bukavu (DR Congo) (AFP) – Hundreds of Bukavians attend a meeting to show their support for the new M23/AFC authorities in the eastern DRC. Rwanda-backed M23 fighters took control of the South Kivu provincial capital Bukavu last Sunday, weeks after capturing Goma, the capital of North Kivu and main city in the country’s east. The armed group also presents thousands of recruits which M23 leaders say have signed up to join its ranks “voluntarily”, though this cannot be independently verified.
