Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin will help Kyiv develop new long-range weapons that can hit targets in Russian territory. Zelensky’s visit comes days after Russia launched some of its heaviest missile and drone attacks yet in its invasion of Ukraine.
Damaskus (AFP) – After decades of poverty and isolation under the Assad dynasty, exotic fruits like pineapples, kiwis and mangoes are available again in Syria’s bustling markets, making mouths water and eyes twinkle. Fruits that were once designated luxury items are now as common as potatoes or onions, cooking staples for many of the country’s population.
Moskau (AFP) – In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describes Germany’s plans to ramp up defence spending as “very worrying”, citing the world wars of the 20th century.
Rafah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Thousands of Palestinians rushed into a new aid distribution centre run by a US-backed group in southern Gaza, leading to chaotic scenes as Israel implemented a new distribution system. The UN did not take part in the scheme, accusing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation of failing to adhere to humanitarian principles.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Israeli forces confiscate equipment and detain employees as they raid the Al-Khaleej Exchange Company in Ramallah following accusations that their parent company has “connections with terrorist organisations”, according to an army closure notice.
Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool supporters and locals share their views a day after a car ploughed into a packed crowd celebrating the home team winning the Premier League title, leaving dozens injured, including children.
La Lande-de-Fronsac (France) (AFP) – An association near Bordeaux is taking on the challenge of building a Romanesque chapel, a cloister, and a Gothic cathedral-like structure using medieval techniques, all over an estimated time span of 40 years.
Beijing (AFP) – Beijing defends its international lending practices as an Australian think-tank warns in a new report that the world’s poorest nations face a “tidal wave of debt” as repayments to China hit record highs in 2025.
La Misión (Mexico) (AFP) – With traditional dances, rodeos and bonfires, Mexicans celebrate cowboy culture in the village of La Mision, just south of the US border. The two-day festival honors the area’s blend of cultures through history, from its indigenous roots to the founding of a Spanish mission in the village by Dominican missionaries in 1787. “For me, being a cowboy is like being an artist, a painter, a composer,” says Villagardo Moreno, one of the founders of the event, held annually since 1979.
Chequers (United Kingdom) (AFP) – “Liverpool stands together, and the whole country stands with Liverpool,” says British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the day after a car rammed into a crowd at Liverpool’s Premier League title parade. “Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected,” Starmer adds.
Kathmandu (AFP) – Two Nepali climbers have achieved world records this week. Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit of Everest for a record 31st time on Tuesday, and Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa climbed the same mountain four times in just 15 days. Gyalzen Sherpa received a hero’s welcome on his return to Kathmandu.
Undisclosed (AFP) – Kyiv and Moscow complete their biggest prisoner exchange since the start of Russia’s full-scale offensive in February 2022, with 1,000 captured soldiers and civilian prisoners exchanged by each side. Russia has signalled that it will send Ukraine its terms for a peace settlement after the exchange without saying what those terms would be.
