No deal in Brussels as Belgium holds out on frozen Russian assets

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised alarms about the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine due to ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict. His comments come as he meets with UK leader Keir Starmer and other European officials to discuss the crisis. Meanwhile, a planned trip by Germany's foreign minister to China has been canceled, highlighting the growing tensions over China's export restrictions that threaten the automotive industry. This situation is critical as it underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitical issues and their impact on everyday lives.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed strong opposition to the European Union's ban on Russian energy, labeling it as hypocrisy. He argues that while the EU promotes the diversification of energy sources, it simultaneously imposes restrictions that could harm Hungary's energy security. This stance is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions within the EU regarding energy dependence and the challenges member states face in balancing national interests with collective policies.

The recent cancellation of the summit between Putin and Trump is seen as a significant setback for Ukraine, leaving the country in a precarious situation. This development highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainians amid geopolitical tensions, as the West and Kiev seem to be neglecting their plight. The absence of dialogue between these powerful leaders could further exacerbate the challenges Ukraine faces in its fight for stability and support.

The situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has become dire as the country enforces mass deportations in the name of combating terrorism. With over 660,000 refugees expelled this year alone, the 2.8 million Afghans who have sought refuge in Pakistan for decades are facing an uncertain future. This policy not only threatens the lives of those who have fled conflict but also raises significant humanitarian concerns, highlighting the challenges of refugee protection in a volatile region.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has pointed fingers at European nations for the delay in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that their support for Kiev is hindering progress. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities in the conflict, raising concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with King Charles III at Windsor is a significant diplomatic moment, highlighting the ongoing support for Ukraine amidst its challenges with Russia. This marks their third meeting this year, showcasing the strong ties between the UK and Ukraine. As Zelensky prepares for discussions with European leaders in London, this visit underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing the ongoing conflict.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of a meeting focused on strengthening support for Ukraine. Starmer expressed optimism about enhancing Ukraine's long-range weapons capabilities, highlighting the UK's commitment to assist in the ongoing conflict. This conversation is significant as it underscores the international effort to bolster Ukraine's defense amidst ongoing challenges, reflecting a united front against aggression.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to meet with a coalition of supportive nations to secure more arms for Ukraine, building on recent discussions in Brussels that focused on enhancing the country's air defenses. While the addition of Finland and Spain to the coalition is a positive development, Ukraine faces challenges as EU leaders have delayed a crucial decision regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to facilitate a significant loan. This meeting is important as it highlights ongoing international support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

The US has conducted its tenth strike against alleged drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean, specifically targeting the Tren de Aragua cartel. This action, announced by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in the region. Such operations are crucial as they aim to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, enhance regional security, and demonstrate the US's commitment to fighting organized crime.

Mark Carney has indicated that Canada is prepared to resume trade discussions with the United States whenever the American side is ready. This comes in the wake of President Biden's decision to halt negotiations over an advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan that criticized tariffs. The situation highlights the complexities of international trade relations and the importance of dialogue between neighboring countries.

This year marks 25 years since the UN Security Council linked gender equality to international peace and security, yet the world is facing a record number of active conflicts. This situation poses significant risks for women and girls, and alarmingly, only 10% of peace negotiations last year included female negotiators. Annette Young discusses these pressing issues with Chris Coulter, the executive director of The Berghof Foundation, highlighting the urgent need for women's involvement in peace processes.

Germany is actively seeking an exemption from the new US sanctions targeting the Russian oil giant Rosneft, particularly concerning its assets in Germany. This move is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, while also reflecting Germany's reliance on Russian energy resources. The outcome of these discussions could impact energy prices and geopolitical relations in Europe.

In a surprising move, President Trump has announced the termination of all trade talks with Canada, citing an advertising campaign that features Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. This decision underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations and raises concerns about the future of trade relations. The ad's impact on U.S. Supreme Court discussions adds another layer of complexity, making it a significant moment in international diplomacy.

The mystery surrounding a missing Picasso still life painting has taken an unexpected turn, as investigations reveal it may not have even been loaded onto the van for its journey from Madrid to Granada. This incident, which sparked a police inquiry, highlights the complexities and vulnerabilities in the art transport process. Understanding what happened could lead to improved security measures for valuable artworks in transit.