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Peace Talks Falter as New Strikes Shake Ukraine

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kirill Budanov, United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Jared Kushner at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. US‑mediated negotiations aimed at easing the war in Ukraine ended abruptly without an agreement after Russia launched a series of overnight airstrikes that hit multiple Ukrainian cities and energy facilities. The renewed bombardment intensified pressure on the talks, which had been viewed as a tentative step toward de‑escalation. Diplomats from both sides described the discussions as “constructive but inconclusive,” noting that major sticking points — in...

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Hopes for a swift resumption of peace talks to resolve Cyprus’ long-standing ethnic division were dashed as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution. Speaking ahead of a military parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion that split the island, Erdogan dismissed the United Nations-endorsed plan for a federated Cyprus, which Greek Cypriots have long supported.

Erdogan’s remarks came as a blow to those advocating for a unified Cyprus. The Turkish president emphasized that a federal solution is not feasible, insisting that the rights of Turkish Cypriots must be recognized through a two-state arrangement. This stance complicates efforts by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his envoy, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, who have been working to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.

The anniversary of the invasion is marked differently across the island. In the north, Turkish Cypriots celebrate what they view as liberation from Greek Cypriot dominance, while in the south, Greek Cypriots mourn the invasion’s devastating impact, which left thousands dead or missing and displaced a significant portion of the population.

Erdogan’s firm position underscores the deep-seated divisions that continue to hinder peace efforts. As both sides remain entrenched in their views, the path to reconciliation appears increasingly uncertain.


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