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UK Hosts European Ministers For Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Published

3 weeks ago

May 12, 2025

The United Kingdom on Monday hosted European ministers for “critical” talks on “repelling Russian aggression” after Ukraine’s allies demanded that Moscow accept a ceasefire.

Ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the EU joined Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London for a meeting of the so-called “Weimar+” group.

The coalition was set up in February in response to shifting US policy towards the war between Ukraine and Russia and European security in general, under President Donald Trump.

The meeting follows Saturday’s visit by the leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the UK to Kyiv, where they called for Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to allow for peace talks — a proposal they said was backed by Washington.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, renewed the calls for a ceasefire on Monday.

“If there is no ceasefire, there cannot be talks under fire,” she said in London, accusing Russia of “playing games.”

“It takes two to want peace. It takes only one to want war. And we see that Russia clearly wants war,” she added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 but did not respond to the European call for a 30-day ceasefire.

Lammy said it was time for “Putin to get serious about peace in Europe, to get serious about a ceasefire, and to get serious about talks.”

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia had fired more than 100 drones overnight, despite the calls for a ceasefire to start on Monday.

“From 11:00 pm on May 11, the enemy attacked with 108 Shaheds and other types of drones,” the air force said, adding that “as of 08:30 am, 55 drones were confirmed downed”.

– ‘Existential’ challenge –

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to meet Putin personally in Turkey but did not say whether he would still attend if Russia refused the European ceasefire proposal.

Trump said direct talks were needed to determine whether peace was possible.

“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders and the U.S. will know where everything stands and can proceed accordingly.”

The London meeting, where Lammy is expected to announce further sanctions targeting those backing Russia’s invasion, will be the sixth gathering of the Weimar+ group and the first hosted by the UK.

The talks would cover “repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security,” said the UK Foreign Office.

They will focus on “both our joint efforts to strengthen European security and securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” it added.

Lammy was joined by his German, Spanish, and Polish counterparts, while France was represented by its minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad.

European leaders are “facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,” Lammy said ahead of the talks.

“The challenge we face today is not only about the future of Ukraine -– it is existential for Europe as a whole.”

– Ceasefire plan –

European leaders have reacted with scepticism to Putin’s proposal for direct talks in Istanbul, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning that he was merely trying “to buy time.”

“An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations, by definition,” he told reporters as he returned to Poland from the meeting in Ukraine.

He reiterated his position later Sunday, insisting on the “necessity for a ceasefire” before talks between Putin and Zelensky.

In a phone call with Lammy on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s “top priority remains bringing an end to the fighting and an immediate ceasefire”, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

AFP

Headline

Renowned American Actor Jonathan Joss Shot Dead

Published

7 hours ago

June 3, 2025

Editor

A 59-year-old American actor widely recognised for his work on the animated series, King of the Hill, Jonathan Joss, was shot and killed on Sunday, during a dispute with a neighbour, BBC reported.

According to a statement released by the San Antonio Police Department on Monday, the actor was allegedly shot by 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez. Alvarez has since been arrested and charged with murder.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the circumstances leading to the fatal altercation. The investigation remains ongoing.

“Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.

“Investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information.

“Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly,” the police said.

Joss was known for his voice role as John Redcorn on King of the Hill and had built a respected career in film and television, particularly for his representation of Native American characters.

Headline

Trump Says Putin ‘Playing With Fire’ In New Jab At Russian Leader

Published

1 week ago

May 27, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin Tuesday that he was “playing with fire,” launching a fresh broadside at his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts.

Trump’s latest comments came after he called the Kremlin leader “CRAZY” over the weekend following a mass Russian air attack on Kyiv, and warned that Moscow risked new sanctions.

“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,” Trump said on his Truth Social network Tuesday.

“He’s playing with fire!”

Trump did not specify what the “really bad” things were or make any specific threats.

REA ALSO: Trump Revokes Harvard University’s Right To Enroll Foreign Students

But the Wall Street Journal and CNN both reported that Trump was now considering fresh sanctions against Russia as early as this week, while stressing that he could still change his mind.

Trump had told reporters on Sunday he was “absolutely” considering increasing sanctions on Moscow.

The US president’s recent rebukes mark a major change from his previous attitude towards Putin, whom he often speaks of with admiration and has previously held off criticising.

Trump has, however, expressed increasing frustration with Moscow’s position in deadlocked truce negotiations with Kyiv.

That frustration boiled over at the weekend when Russia launched a record drone barrage at Ukraine, killing at least 13 people.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday night.

Russia’s attacks have continued despite a phone call between Trump and Putin eight days ago in which the US leader said the Russian president had agreed to “immediately” start ceasefire talks.

Moscow on Tuesday accused Kyiv of trying to “disrupt” peace efforts and said its aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a “response” to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians.

AFP

Headline

Check Out World’s Richest King With 38 Private Jets, 300 Cars, 52 Golden Boats

Published

1 week ago

May 25, 2025

Editor

While there are countless billionaires around the world, few match the regal wealth and extravagant lifestyle of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand—better known as King Rama X. According to The Business Standard, he is considered the richest king in the world, with a staggering estimated net worth of Rs 3.7 lakh crore (approximately USD 43 billion).

Unlike typical billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is rooted in centuries-old royal lineage and further amplified by modern investments. His fortune, inherited largely after the passing of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, has since been expanded through stakes in Thailand’s major companies and real estate holdings.

The monarch owns over 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone, making him one of the largest landowners in the country. His luxury collection includes over 300 high-end cars, 38 private jets, and a fleet of 52 golden boats, which are used exclusively for royal ceremonies and reflect the opulence of Thailand’s monarchy.

Born in 1952, Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. He received military education in the UK and Australia and is a trained jet and helicopter pilot. He graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in military studies and served in the Royal Thai Army, even taking part in anti-insurgency operations during the 1970s.

Despite his controversial personal life, including four marriages and frequent media scrutiny, King Vajiralongkorn remains a dominant symbol of Thailand’s royal legacy, luxury, and power.

Meanwhile, in India, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani continue to dominate the billionaire charts. As of May 2025, Ambani, with an estimated net worth of USD 92.5 billion, holds the title of India’s richest person. Adani follows with USD 56.3 billion, with investments spanning energy, ports, and infrastructure.

In contrast to corporate billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn stands out not only for his immense wealth but also for a lifestyle that rivals any global celebrity or monarch.

Source: Financial Express