Putin-Modi summit, Ukraine peace talks stall, EU Meta AI probe, climate extremes...

Russian President Vladimir Putin is embarking on a significant visit to India, seeking to reinforce the Moscow-Delhi partnership at a time of shifting global alliances. The NY Times highlights that the Trump administration’s sanctions have crippled Russia’s oil sales to India, adding a layer of complexity to Putin’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The World Street Journal notes that the deepening relationship between Russia and India has drawn criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, amplifying geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, The Guardian offers analysis on how both countries are navigating the “politically treacherous” landscape posed by a resurgent America and a powerful China. World Street Journal (International) The NY Times The Guardian

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain deadlocked, with the White House now facing tough decisions about whether a breakthrough is possible. According to The NY Times, President Trump’s imposed deadline for a peace deal has passed without agreement, and talks have stalled. Politico Europe provides further insight, describing a lack of formal policy process in the Trump administration that has contributed to chaotic diplomacy, with key negotiators operating independently and sometimes accepting Russian positions in their proposals. The Guardian adds that Europe and NATO are struggling to influence the process, as the dynamic between U.S. and Russian interests remains entrenched and the war intensifies on the ground. Politico Europe The NY Times The Guardian

The European Commission will launch an antitrust probe into Meta’s integration of artificial intelligence into WhatsApp, as confirmed by competition chief Teresa Ribera and reported by Politico Europe. The inquiry follows complaints that Meta’s move allegedly blocks rival AI assistants from the platform, raising concerns over digital competition and consumer choice. The Financial Times, cited by Politico, notes that similar scrutiny is already underway in Italy, signaling a broader European effort to police Big Tech’s use of AI. Politico Europe

A report by the Mixed Migration Centre, covered by The Guardian, finds that tough anti-migration measures adopted globally are inadvertently boosting the business of people smugglers. Interviews with migrants and smugglers reveal that stricter border controls have increased demand for smuggling services and allowed criminal networks to raise their prices. The findings come as officials prepare to meet in Brussels to address the growing crisis, highlighting a major policy dilemma for governments attempting to curb irregular migration. The Guardian

A Dutch government-commissioned report has confirmed that Mozambican soldiers hired to protect TotalEnergies’ gas project were responsible for the 2021 massacre of over 150 villagers, according to Politico Europe. The report details witness accounts of mass executions, torture, and sexual violence, and raises the possibility of criminal liability for the French energy giant, which continues to deny involvement. The revelations have prompted the UK and Dutch governments to withdraw $2.2 billion in support for the project, but TotalEnergies’ other lenders remain committed. Politico Europe

A joint US-EU infrastructure project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, designed to secure critical mineral supplies, risks displacing up to 6,500 people, according to a Global Witness report cited by The Guardian. The Lobito Corridor project, involving upgrades to rail and port infrastructure from the DRC to Angola, could result in the demolition of 1,200 buildings and affect livelihoods. The project highlights the human costs of the global race for transition minerals such as copper and cobalt. The Guardian

An audit by Israel’s Public Defender’s Office, reported by the World Street Journal, has revealed sharply deteriorating conditions for Palestinian inmates in Israeli prisons since the start of the war in Gaza. The report documents starvation and routine beatings, raising serious concerns about human rights violations amid the ongoing conflict. World Street Journal (International)

The Guardian reports that Uganda, previously praised for its progressive stance on refugees, has stopped granting asylum to new arrivals from Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia. The government cites severe funding cuts as the primary reason for the shift, noting that it will now exclude people from countries "not experiencing war." This policy change is expected to impact migration flows in the Horn of Africa. The Guardian

Thai authorities have seized more than $300 million in assets and issued 42 arrest warrants as part of a major crackdown on Southeast Asian cyber-scam networks, the Guardian reports. The high-profile operation targets influential figures, including Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, and highlights the growing role of the region as a hub for online fraud and human trafficking. The Guardian

The World Street Journal reports that the European Union is advancing measures to eliminate barriers to trading and asset management as part of a broader push to create a unified savings and investment market. The initiative aims to foster greater financial integration and boost investment flows within the bloc, which could have significant economic implications for European capital markets. World Street Journal (International)

A study by Pesticide Action Network Europe has found that cereal products across Europe contain high concentrations of toxic "forever chemicals," according to The Guardian. The average levels are 100 times higher than those found in tap water, raising alarms about food safety and the use of pesticides containing persistent pollutants. The Guardian (Environnment)