AFP UK

Tunis (AFP) – Mohamed Kilani Tbib, known as InkMan, is a calligrapher who has been creating unique works inspired by the Arabic and Latin alphabets for the past eight years. At the age of 32, the artist signed the latest design for Guerlain’s perfume called “The Bee Bottle”. This collaboration marks a springboard for the artist who has struggled to develop his art, which he practises in his studio in Tunisia’s Hammam-Lif. His objective is now to evolve abroad and to meet new people through his art.

Vladivostok (Russia) (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is “impossible” to isolate Moscow and vows to cut gas and oil deliveries to countries imposing a price cap on supplies. Speaking at an economic forum, over six months after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine, the Russian leader says the coronavirus pandemic has been replaced by other global challenges “threatening the whole world”, including “sanctions fever in the West”.

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier apologises for mocking a question about his club’s decision to travel to a game by private jet, saying he had made “a joke in bad taste”.

Prague (AFP) – IMAGES EU health ministers pose for a group photo in Prague before an informal meeting and press conference.

Montpellier (France) (AFP) – Timelapse of storm clouds forming over the city of Nimes in southern France, filmed during the night, while the French weather service warned of risks after fierce rainstorms.

Tshopo (DR Congo) (AFP) – Scientists are fighting to preserve the Congo Basin forest, a green jewel under threat from logging and farming which sequesters billions of tonnes of carbon.

Vladivostok (Russia) (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin denies that Moscow is using energy as a “weapon”, days after Russia halted natural gas deliveries via a key pipeline to Europe.

Kharkiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – A zoo employee persuades an escaped chimpanzee wandering the streets of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv to return home by offering it a rain jacket. According to local news reports, the animal known as Chichi untangled the protective fence and easily opened the locks on the enclosure, and then went for a walk in the city. Chichi was also offered some treats but what persuaded the chimp to return home was its favourite yellow rain jacket, followed by a hug from the zoo employee.

Vladivostok (Russia) (AFP) – Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday for economic talks at the Eastern Economic Forum in the city of Vladivostok.

United Nations (United States) (AFP) – The UN’s atomic watchdog calls for a “a nuclear safety and security protection zone” to be set up around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia, as the area was hit by fresh shelling. “We are playing with fire and something very, very catastrophic could take place,” warns IAEA chief Rafael Grossi during a United Nations Security Council meeting.

Jenin (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Mourners march as they accompany the body of 29-year-old Mohammed Sabaaneh during his funeral in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. Sabaaneh was killed and 16 other Palestinians were wounded when Israeli troops entered Jenin to carry out a home demolition.

Düsseldorf (Germany) (AFP) – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, are welcomed to Dusseldorf by a cheering crowd, a year before the start of the Invictus Games 2023. “I think they’re much more genuine than Kate and William,” says one fan.