US has 'no plans' to recognise Palestinian statehood, says JD Vance during UK visit
US Vice President JD Vance and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met in Kent amid disagreements over the best approach to ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Vance criticized Britain's plan to recognize a Palestinian state if a ceasefire is not reached, questioning the meaning of such a move given the lack of a functioning government. The meeting also included discussions on trade, as the US and Britain seek to maintain their "special relationship" despite political differences.
Ukraine will not give land to 'occupiers', Zelenskyy says, as Trump and Putin prepare to meet
President Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine will not give territories to the invaders, rejecting Trump's idea of a "territorial swap" with Russia.
Trump announced a meeting with Putin next week in Alaska, while Bloomberg reported that the potential deal could “freeze” the current front lines in some regions of Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Tusk said a pause in the conflict could be near, with Zelenskyy cautious but optimistic about a ceasefire.
Historic peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, after four decades of conflict
After nearly 40 years of bloody conflict over Karabakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement in Washington, leaving Russia out of the game.
The agreement includes the creation of the “Trump Route,” an international transit corridor connecting Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan region through Armenian territory, while respecting Armenia’s sovereignty.
Syrian minorities demand decentralized state after sectarian violence
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria's religious and ethnic minorities are facing widespread violence, mainly against Alawites, Druze and Christians.
At a conference in Hassakeh, about 400 representatives called for a new constitution that guarantees religious, cultural and ethnic pluralism, as well as the creation of a decentralized or federal system. Organizers stressed that only a democratic and inclusive state can ensure peace and avoid the return of tyranny.
