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Ukraine Claims Russian Summer Offensive Falls Short of Strategic Goals

A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine in this handout picture released August 30, 2025. Ukraine’s armed forces have declared that Russia’s much-publicized summer offensive failed to secure full control of any major Ukrainian city, despite Moscow’s claims of significant territorial gains. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that since March, Russian forces had captured over 3,500 square kilometers of territory and taken control of 149 settlements. However, Ukraine’s General Staff dismissed these figures as “grossly exaggerated,” asserting that no major urban centers were fully occupied by Russian troops. Military analysts note that Russia’s campaign, aimed at seizing the Donbas region and forcing Ukraine into concessions, devolved into a slow, attritional struggle rather than the decisive breakthrough Moscow had anticipated. While Russian ...

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France's Bold Move: Recognition of Palestinian State Sparks Global Tensions

 

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the state of Palestine this September at the United Nations General Assembly, a decision that has ignited fierce backlash from Israel and the United States.

Macron’s Vision for Peace

In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasized France’s historic commitment to a “just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” He stated, “True to its historic commitment... I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine”. France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, will become the first major Western power to take this step, potentially influencing other nations to follow suit.

International Reactions

  • Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a “reward for terror” and warning that a Palestinian state under current conditions would be a “launch pad to annihilate Israel”. Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the decision “a disgrace” and vowed to resist any efforts that could compromise Israeli security.

  • United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly rejected the plan, stating it “serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” and described it as “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th”.

  • Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution, urging all parties to negotiate a ceasefire in good faith.

Diplomatic Momentum

Macron’s announcement comes ahead of a ministerial-level UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the two-state solution. The original summit was postponed due to regional tensions and U.S. pressure, but France hopes its recognition will galvanize international support.

Palestinian Response

Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh praised France’s decision, saying it reflects “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination”.


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