Russia-Ukraine talks: Hostage exchange agreement reached
The second round of talks between Kiev and Moscow did not bring any visible progress towards ending the Russian occupation of Ukraine, but served to clarify the positions and demands of both sides.
Ahead of Monday's meeting, Kiev and Moscow agreed to each submit a "peace memorandum" to summarize the main positions before the delegations meet.
Ukraine handed the document to Russia before the meeting, while Moscow did so only during the talks in Istanbul.
As in the first round on May 16, the talks ended with an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war. This exchange will include two categories: young soldiers aged 18–25 and prisoners of war with serious health conditions.
Romania, the most discriminatory country in the EU for LGBTQ+ rights
Romania has overtaken Poland as the most discriminatory country in the European Union for LGBTQ+ rights, according to a ranking published by the Brussels-based non-profit organization ILGA-Europe.
Since 2019, Poland has held the last place in this ranking, which is based on factors such as the number of hate crimes and the legal rights guaranteed to the LGBTQ+ community.
New data from 2024 shows that Romania has now fallen below Poland in the ranking, while Malta, Belgium and Iceland remain among the friendliest countries towards this community.
In the past, Polish political leaders have campaigned against what they call "LGBTQ+ ideology."
Etna volcano erupts with greatest force since 2021
Mount Etna in Sicily has erupted again with a force not seen since February 2021.
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said the eruption was caused by the collapse of the southeastern part of the crater, sending hot lava flowing. This is the 14th explosive episode in recent months.
According to preliminary data, the volcanic material has not passed the Lion Valley, which represents the highest point where tourists can go.
Zelensky: Russian proposal for temporary ceasefire is a tactic to buy time
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia's proposal for a temporary and limited ceasefire is a tactic to buy time and delay sanctions from the United States.
According to him, the idea of ??a ceasefire for just a few days, which would serve to collect the bodies of soldiers fallen on the battlefield, is not intended to stop the war, but is part of a diplomatic game on the part of the Kremlin.
"I think they are stupid, because, in essence, a ceasefire should serve to avoid casualties. Therefore, I really want our American partners to take steps and adopt a new package of sanctions," Zelensky said.
He added that it has now been three months since the US gave the signal for a complete ceasefire, an initiative that Ukraine has supported.
