AFP UK

Anseong (South Korea) (AFP) – Four people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed and six injured after a bridge collapsed at an expressway construction site in South Korea.

Istra (Russia) (AFP) – After returning from Ukraine, where Yury fought in the Russian army, the 39-year-old is trying to adapt to living at home again, but his memories still haunt him.

Buenos Aires (AFP) – Crowds gather in Buenos Aires’ Constitution Square to listen to the city’s Archbishop, Jorge Ignacio Garcia Cuerva, lead a mass for Pope Francis’ health. Pope Francis, hospitalised in critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs, was showing a “slight improvement”, the Vatican says, while cautioning that doctors would not offer a prognosis. IMAGES

Puerto Suárez (Bolivia) (AFP) – On the border with Brazil, Bolivia inaugurates a massive steel complex funded by China, aimed at reducing iron ore imports amid a severe economic crisis driven by a shortage of dollars. IMAGES

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.