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New Diplomacy on the Horizon: U.S. and Russia Push Ahead Without Ukraine

  In a bold shift from previous diplomatic efforts, top U.S. and Russian officials have agreed to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine—even as Ukrainian representatives remain notably absent. High-level talks held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussing the framework for future peace negotiations and steps toward restoring bilateral relations. The Trump administration’s approach, which prioritizes direct engagement with Moscow, marks a departure from longstanding principles that insisted on “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Critics in Kyiv have voiced strong opposition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s participation would be unacceptable and would undermine the nation’s sovereignty. European leaders echoed these concerns, with several officials labeling the move as a dangerous precedent that could lead to a “dirty deal...

Wildfires Prompt Evacuations on Greece’s Second-Largest Island

 

Wildfires have once again ravaged the island of Evia, Greece’s second-largest island, prompting authorities to order multiple evacuations. The blaze, which began near the village of Petries, has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to contain.

Hundreds of firefighters, supported by helicopters and water-carrying planes, have been battling the fire for two days. The situation remains precarious, with flare-ups expected due to the windy conditions. The fire has already led to the evacuation of several villages, and a coastguard vessel is on standby for possible sea evacuations.

Evia has a history of devastating wildfires, with significant damage occurring in 2021 and last summer. The current fire follows a series of heatwaves across southern Europe, exacerbating the already dry conditions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that the country faces a challenging summer ahead, with August expected to bring more difficult conditions.

The fire service has rated the risk of fire in several areas of Greece as very high, including parts of Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and the islands of the north Aegean. As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further evacuations if necessary.


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