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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.

Caracas (AFP) – More than 4,000 musicians perform in a Caracas square to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Orchestra System of Venezuela, founded by Jose Abreu who taught music in some of the country’s poorest neighbourhoods.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – Days before the iconic Rio Carnival, the party has already begun on the streets of the Brazilian city, with revellers flocking to the downtown area to enjoy music, dancing, and parading around in vibrant costumes. “We have this poetic day to live, dream, and believe life is worth it,” says Julio Barroso.

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.