Trump says Ukraine peace deal 'closer than ever' after meeting with Zelensky
Donald Trump declared that a peace deal in Ukraine is "closer than ever" after a two-hour meeting with Zelensky in Florida, saying that the draft agreement is about 95 percent complete.
However, he acknowledged that very difficult issues remain, especially those related to territory in the Donbas region, and expressed understanding for the fact that Russia does not want a ceasefire.
For his part, Zelenskyy confirmed major progress in the talks, but stressed that security guarantees and Russia's role remain the main obstacles to reaching a final agreement.
China launches live-fire drills around Taiwan, simulating blockade of key ports
China has launched live-fire military exercises around Taiwan, simulating the blockade of major ports and attacks on naval targets.
The Chinese military surrounded the island with naval, air and missile forces, while Taiwan condemned the action as a dangerous escalation and announced that it had sent its own forces for countermeasures and defensive readiness.
The exercises come amid heightened regional tensions, following US arms sales to Taiwan and statements to strengthen the island's defenses, while Beijing continues to consider Taiwan part of China.
Netanyahu wants to meet Trump in US amid fears of Israeli regional offensives
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with Donald Trump in Florida amid concerns that Israel could launch new regional offensives, risking further escalation of the situation in the Middle East.
At the center of the talks will be the ceasefire in Gaza, where the first phase has been completed, but the implementation of the second phase is facing serious difficulties and the US administration is reportedly losing patience with the Israeli government.
The meeting comes at a delicate moment for Netanyahu, who faces international pressure, tensions with Iran and Hezbollah, as well as domestic political challenges ahead of upcoming elections.
Preliminary results of Kosovo's parliamentary elections show Prime Minister Kurti as the winner
Preliminary results show that the party of the acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has won the parliamentary elections with around 42.3% of the vote, but without achieving an absolute majority to govern alone.
The elections were held after a long political deadlock, as February's polls failed to produce a government and the country was led by an acting cabinet for nearly ten months.
Although the Vetëvendosje Movement is expected to emerge as the leading force again, the formation of the government remains uncertain and will depend on coalitions, including the crucial role of minority parties.
