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Greek Tanker Struck by Missile in Black Sea, Crew Emerges Unharmed

  A Greek‑flagged tanker sailing near the Russian port of Novorossiysk was struck by a missile but remained operational, and all 24 crew members were confirmed safe.   A Greek‑owned and Greek‑flagged tanker sustained material damage after being hit by a missile while sailing approximately 14 nautical miles off the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. According to authorities, the vessel—operated by Maran Gas Maritime—was not carrying cargo at the time of the strike and continued to navigate safely following the incident.  All 24 crew members on board, including ten Greek nationals, thirteen Filipinos, and one Romanian, were reported to be in good health. The impact caused damage to the starboard side of the ship, but no assistance or towing was required. The tanker remained fully operational, and no environmental pollution was reported.  Greek officials have condemned the attack as dangerous and unacceptable, noting that the incident occurred amid height...

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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” and embolden further Russian demands.

Analysts note that the absence of Ukraine from the negotiation table reflects a transactional mindset, one that appears to value immediate economic and strategic concessions over the long-term security guarantees essential for lasting peace. While U.S. officials are optimistic—citing the talks as a “highly productive” first step—the outcome remains uncertain. Critics argue that sidelining Ukraine could ultimately sacrifice key security interests and further destabilize an already volatile region.

For now, the dialogue is only the opening chapter in what promises to be a complex and protracted negotiation process. As both sides prepare for further discussions, the international community watches closely, aware that the stakes extend far beyond bilateral U.S.–Russia relations and into the broader security architecture of Europe.


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