Moscow: In a significant diplomatic development, the Kremlin has confirmed that the United States has communicated the parameters of a proposed peace plan, which was discussed with Ukraine in Geneva last weekend, to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced this information during a media briefing, indicating that discussions regarding the peace plan will take place in Moscow next week. The specific date for the visit of US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to be disclosed.
According to Anadolu Agency, the current situation in Syria has escalated following an Israeli attack on the town of Beit Jinn and the road leading to Mazraat Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, resulting in at least 13 casualties and several injuries. Syrian media reports highlight the ongoing presence of Israeli drones in the region, prompting many families to flee towards safer areas.
In another significant development, the US State Department has announced an immediate pause on visa issuances for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the decision prioritizes US national security and public safety.
Further international news includes Hezbollah’s condemnation of Israel’s actions, with their Secretary-General Naim Qassem labeling the killing of top commander Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai as a ‘deliberate crime’ and asserting the group’s intent to retaliate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the Office of the President, with his chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigning as Kyiv prepares for new negotiations with the US.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested potential future negotiations with Washington that might lead to a summit in Budapest. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, urging the restoration of constitutional order, a sentiment echoed by the African Union, which has suspended the nation from all its activities.
In other news, the UN human rights office has expressed strong disapproval of the killing of two Palestinian men by Israeli border police in the occupied West Bank. Germany’s Foreign Minister has advocated for Turkey’s inclusion in the EU’s defense programs, citing its reliability as a NATO ally.
In the United States, a bomb threat has grounded departures from Philadelphia International Airport, as reported by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has endorsed military operations targeting drug-trafficking networks in the Caribbean, criticizing media reports for perceived inaccuracies.
In Africa, recent clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese military have resulted in mass displacements in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Sudanese army has successfully repelled an attack by the Rapid Support Forces in West Kordofan State.
On the business front, Turkish Airlines has initiated procedures to implement Airbus’ software update for its A320 aircraft, ensuring the continued safe operation of its fleet.