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Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) (AFP) – An IOC spokesperson says that “if we start reflecting all of those conflicts in the world on the sporting field, there will be no sport,” after Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych’s disqualification from the Winter Olympics. The athlete was disqualified after refusing to back down over his banned helmet, which depicts victims of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian fan Irina Nalivayko, in Cortina d’Ampezzo for the event, says she is “disappointed” with the decision, which she says is like “trying to erase a reality.”

Beijing (AFP) – China’s foreign ministry calls Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te a “war instigator” after he warned in an AFP interview that Beijing would target countries in the region should it seize control of the self-ruled island.

Japan (AFP) – Sparks fly in the soot-covered studio of swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki each time his apprentice hammers red-hot steel, showcasing the millennium-old craft behind Japanese swords now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. “I want people to see my swords not as products, but as works of art,” the 57-year-old tells AFP.

Taipei (AFP) – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te speaks to AFP in his first interview with an international news agency since taking office in May 2024. In a wide-ranging discussion, Lai comments on the threat posed by China, saying that “if Taiwan were to be annexed, the next countries under threat would be Japan, the Philippines, and others in the Indo-Pacific region”. He says “we want to ensure that, for China, there is never a day that is a good day to invade Taiwan.”

Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – A group of protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at riot police in front of the Argentine Congress, and the officers responded with tear gas and water cannons, as thousands of people protested against ultraliberal President Javier Milei’s labor reform being debated in the Senate. IMAGES

Venezuela (AFP) – US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is welcomed by the US charge d’affaires in Venezuela, Laura Dogu, upon his arrival for talks with acting president Delcy Rodriguez and oil industry executives on harnessing the country’s vast crude reserves. IMAGES

Monterrey (Mexico) (AFP) – A pack of robot dogs will help Mexican police tackle crime during the 2026 World Cup this summer, authorities announce during a presentation in Monterrey. The four-legged robots are designed to enter dangerous areas and broadcast live video back to security forces. The World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, is being hosted by Mexico alongside the United States and Canada.

Madrid (AFP) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez promises that, “if necessary and appropriate”, the state will “ensure that justice is done” after two train accidents that killed 47 people last month. The back-to-back disasters in January shocked the country and raised doubts about the safety of train travel in Spain, which boasts one of the world’s most extensive high-speed rail networks.

London (AFP) – Londoners react to calls for embattled premier Keir Starmer to resign for embroiling the British government in the Epstein scandal, as the leader faces the most serious crisis of his 19-month premiership. “I don’t think he should resign. Just because there’s quite a lot of turmoil in the country, and also worldwide,” says 40-year-old Aya.

Caracas (AFP) – Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, blames opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa for his rearrest just hours after being released from prison, after Guanipa demanded free elections. “Nothing had happened, they were released, they were reunited with their families,” Cabello says in a press conference. According to Cabello, Guanipa violated the conditions under which he was released.

Bryan (United States) (AFP) – Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions from US lawmakers but her attorney says she is prepared to speak if granted clemency by US President Donald Trump. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to discuss her relations with Epstein.

Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – A landmark social media trial begins in a California court that could establish a legal precedent on whether Meta or YouTube deliberately designed their platforms to lead to addiction in children and promote content which can harm mental health. Three parents from the UK who claim to have lost their children because of social media influence gather outside the court to show their support for the plaintiff. “This is a global problem, and things need to change,” says Ellen Roome, whose son committed suicide at the age of 14.