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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Trump and Zelenskiy Pledge Closer Defense Ties Amid Surge in Russian Attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a high-stakes phone call on Friday to address Ukraine’s urgent defense needs as Russian drone and missile strikes intensify across the country. The leaders discussed expanding deliveries of Patriot missile systems and launching joint defense production initiatives to bolster Ukraine’s air shield.

The conversation followed a dramatic escalation in the conflict, with Russia unleashing its largest drone assault on Kyiv since the war began—just hours after Trump’s reportedly “disappointing” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskiy emphasized the need for continued U.S. military support, particularly advanced air defense systems, and confirmed that both sides agreed to arrange meetings between their teams to coordinate further cooperation. Trump, for his part, pledged to review halted weapons shipments and explore ways to resume critical supplies.

Germany has also entered talks to purchase Patriot systems to help bridge Ukraine’s defense gap, signaling a broader international effort to reinforce Kyiv’s defenses.

The call marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as both leaders navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics and the urgent need to counter Russia’s escalating aggression.

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