Ukraine peace talks, US-Russia tensions...

The U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine, presented as a 28-point plan, has generated significant controversy due to provisions such as Kyiv conceding territory and limiting its armed forces. Observers noted the plan heavily favors Russian demands, with European nations expressing alarm over its implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukrainian officials, facing a Thursday deadline to agree, have engaged in intense negotiations alongside U.S. representatives in Geneva, seeking revisions to the framework. However, the plan's exclusion of Ukraine from NATO continues to raise concerns about long-term security guarantees. The negotiations have been described as productive, though substantial gaps remain unresolved. European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have cautiously welcomed progress while emphasizing the complexity of the issues at stake . World Street Journal (International) The NY Times Politico Europe bostonglobe.com bostonglobe.com

The United States’ military operations in Venezuela, justified as actions against drug trafficking, have escalated tensions in the region. UN reports indicate that over 80 civilian deaths from these strikes might qualify as extrajudicial executions. The military buildup in the Caribbean, the largest since the Panama invasion, underscores the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Critics argue that these actions revive a troubling precedent of interventionism under the guise of fighting terror, raising ethical and geopolitical concerns . The Guardian The Guardian The Hill

Years of mismanagement and overexploitation of water resources have exacerbated Iran's water crisis, prompting officials to propose extreme measures, such as evacuating Tehran. The crisis highlights the consequences of unsustainable agricultural practices and insufficient infrastructure investment, raising questions about Iran's long-term governance and its ability to address environmental challenges . Washington Post (World)

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in 12,000 years, sending ash clouds across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The eruption poses risks to air travel and health in the region, while also drawing attention to the geological vulnerabilities in Ethiopia's Afar region. The event underscores the need for enhanced monitoring of dormant volcanoes in seismically active zones . The Guardian

A troubling rise in sexual violence in Sudan’s conflict zones has been documented by international observers, with women bearing the brunt of the humanitarian crisis. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war has drawn global condemnation, with calls for urgent action to ensure accountability and to amplify the role of women as agents of peace in conflict resolution . Politico Europe

The Ifo Institute reported a decline in Germany's business climate index to 88.1, reflecting waning optimism about economic recovery. This setback comes despite ambitious fiscal stimulus measures by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlighting the challenges of reviving Europe's largest economy amid global headwinds . The Guardian

Spanish Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz resigned following the Supreme Court's conviction for leaking confidential information, sparking political controversy. While the ruling coalition defended Ortiz's integrity, opposition parties hailed the decision as a victory for judicial accountability, exposing deep divisions over the politicization of Spain’s judiciary . Politico Europe

The UK experienced its largest wildfire season since records began, with over 47,000 hectares burned. This devastating toll has overwhelmed fire services and highlighted the country's lack of preparedness for climate-induced disasters. Experts are calling for significant investment in fire prevention and climate adaptation measures to mitigate future risks . The Guardian