Ukraine peace talks, Gaza conflict, Asia floods, China surveillance...

Politico Europe reports growing unease in Kyiv as the U.S. intensifies efforts to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with some Ukrainian officials fearing Washington may sideline President Zelenskyy in favor of direct talks with Vladimir Putin. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Representative Steve Witkoff, is pushing for an agreement on territory and security guarantees, but Ukrainian negotiators are wary of being presented with a fait accompli. Official statements emphasized progress, yet the underlying mistrust highlights the diplomatic tightrope being walked as the U.S. prepares for direct consultations with Moscow. Politico Europe

According to The Guardian, President Zelenskyy is meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, launching a new phase of European diplomacy as pressure mounts from Washington to find a resolution to the conflict with Russia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated that “peace is within reach” if Russia abandons ambitions to restore a Soviet sphere of influence, echoing the complex interplay between Western diplomatic efforts and Moscow’s objectives. The Guardian

The NY Times notes that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior U.S. officials held discussions with Ukraine’s delegation, notably without Andriy Yermak, who recently resigned as chief of staff to President Zelenskyy. This personnel change adds another layer of uncertainty to the already sensitive and high-stakes negotiations over Ukraine’s future. The NY Times

An opinion piece in the World Street Journal argues that despite ongoing hostilities, Russian territorial gains in Ukraine since January amount to less than 1% of the country, underscoring the limitations of Moscow’s military strategy in achieving significant objectives on the ground. World Street Journal (International)

The Guardian details that although a ceasefire nominally remains in effect, Israeli military operations have persisted in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon, resulting in continued civilian casualties and restricted humanitarian access. Amnesty International’s Agnès Callamard warns of a “dangerous illusion” that normalcy is returning, highlighting the ongoing blockade and the lack of fully operational hospitals in Gaza. Oxfam and other NGOs report significant aid shipments have been denied entry, compounding the humanitarian crisis. The Guardian

The NY Times analyzes how the Democratic Party’s handling of the Gaza conflict has provoked internal and external criticism, suggesting that attempts to ignore or rationalize the “intolerable reality” in Gaza could have lasting political repercussions for the party in U.S. and international arenas. The NY Times

Reporting from The Guardian highlights the plight of Palestinian residents in East Jerusalem facing imminent eviction amid rising tensions linked to the Gaza war. Residents attribute an “atmosphere of hate” to the ongoing conflict, with recent evictions by Israeli authorities marking a significant escalation in the long-running struggle over property rights and demographics in the city. The Guardian

A photo essay by The Guardian provides rare insight into Ethiopia’s escalating conflict as the Fano militia battles federal forces in the Amhara region. The reporting reveals widespread abuses, including kidnappings and attacks on aid workers, with more than two million people in urgent need of assistance—underscoring the fragility of peace after the Tigray war and the regional impact of Sudanese refugees. The Guardian

At a summit in Algiers, The Guardian reports that African leaders are intensifying their campaign for recognition and reparations for colonial-era crimes, seeking justice for what they describe as a “heavy price” still paid by African societies. The effort follows an African Union resolution and signals a continued drive to address historical injustices on the global stage. The Guardian

According to the Washington Post, China is accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence in its criminal justice system, with new tools designed for both censorship and the monitoring of ethnic minorities. The expansion raises significant concerns about human rights and the global spread of authoritarian surveillance models. Washington Post (World)

The Guardian reveals that Australia is tracking a Chinese naval flotilla in the Philippine Sea as the government announces sweeping reforms to its defense bureaucracy—the most significant since the 1970s—in an effort to streamline operations and respond to evolving regional security challenges. The Guardian

The Guardian and The NY Times report that severe floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah and monsoon rains have killed over 1,000 people across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand in what Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calls the country’s largest-ever natural disaster. Extensive damage to homes and infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands displaced, with military forces deployed for rescue efforts and urgent appeals for international aid as climate change intensifies the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. The NY Times The Guardian The Guardian The Guardian