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France Apologises to US Over Human Rights Criticism

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France has expressed regret over a social media post criticising the United States for voting against extending the term of U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk. The July 25 post triggered a diplomatic dispute between the two allies.

The controversy escalated when the U.S. delegation walked out of a U.N. Security Council meeting while France was speaking. Washington also reportedly considered blocking France’s nominee for ambassador to the United States, Aurelien Lechevallier.

France said the disagreement concerned a single vote and did not question the broader defence of human rights. The U.S. State Department welcomed the statement, potentially clearing the way for Lechevallier’s approval as France’s next ambassador in Washington.

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BRICS Adopts Joint Declaration, Calls for Maximum Restraint in Middle East

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BRICS nations have unanimously adopted a joint declaration expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and calling for “maximum restraint.” The statement was issued on the first day of the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi, amid renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran.

The declaration urged countries to avoid actions that could further worsen tensions and supported a multilateral approach that respects the positions of individual nations. BRICS members also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.

The agreement was seen as a significant diplomatic outcome because the bloc includes both Iran and the UAE, a close US partner. The declaration also raised concerns over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that could distort global trade, highlighting broader economic and geopolitical issues facing the expanding BRICS grouping.

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Russia Awaits New U.S. Peace Proposal on Ukraine

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Russia said it will wait for new proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, while continuing its military campaign. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believes the Trump administration is sincere in seeking a peaceful settlement, but added that Russia will pursue its objectives on the battlefield until a viable agreement is reached.

Peskov claimed that previous U.S. peace proposals were accepted by Russia but rejected by Ukraine, accusing European allies of encouraging Kyiv to continue the conflict. He said the Kremlin remains interested in diplomacy and hopes U.S.-led mediation efforts will resume after disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.

Although Russia welcomed Washington’s willingness to negotiate, Peskov noted that the United States continues supplying weapons to Ukraine, calling its position contradictory. He said Moscow would continue engaging with any peace initiatives that align with its interests while awaiting fresh diplomatic proposals from the U.S.

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Russian Hardliners Urge Putin to Escalate War and End U.S.-Brokered Talks

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Russian nationalist hardliners are urging President Vladimir Putin to intensify the war in Ukraine and abandon U.S.-mediated peace efforts following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. The renewed calls come after attacks targeting Moscow, St. Petersburg, Crimea and other locations, prompting demands for stronger military action.

Some pro-war commentators have called for expanded strikes on Kyiv, the targeting of Ukrainian leadership and critical infrastructure, and even the abandonment of diplomatic negotiations. While some of the rhetoric includes extreme proposals, analysts say it reflects growing concern within nationalist circles over Ukraine’s ability to carry out long-range attacks and the effectiveness of Russia’s current strategy.

Despite the pressure, the Kremlin has so far resisted calls to end negotiations or adopt the most aggressive measures. Russian officials have expressed frustration over stalled U.S.-brokered peace efforts, but President Putin continues to signal confidence in Russia’s military campaign while leaving the door open for a potential diplomatic solution alongside ongoing battlefield operations.

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Zelenskiy Skips Poland Recovery Forum Amid Ukraine–Poland Row

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Ukraine has scaled back its participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko leading the delegation instead of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The decision comes as Kyiv and Warsaw navigate renewed diplomatic friction linked to historical disputes and recent political tensions.

The two-day forum in Gdańsk is expected to focus on reconstruction deals for Ukraine, including agreements to restore energy infrastructure damaged by ongoing Russian strikes and to expand international economic cooperation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Zelenskiy’s absence could help reduce tensions and keep discussions more productive, while still emphasizing the scale of investments tied to Ukraine’s recovery.

The diplomatic strain intensified after disagreements over World War Two-era history and symbolic political gestures, prompting exchanges of criticism between officials on both sides. Despite this, both countries continue to underline the importance of cooperation, with the forum still expected to advance hundreds of proposed agreements involving international partners.

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Ukraine Accepts Brazil’s Peace Initiative as Diplomatic Efforts to End War Gain Momentum

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accepted an offer from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to help advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. The agreement came during a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where they discussed ways to revive stalled peace negotiations.

According to Ukrainian officials, Lula proposed several diplomatic initiatives, including increased engagement with the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Both leaders agreed to explore these ideas further and assess their effectiveness through future discussions and international contacts.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as previous U.S.-backed peace efforts have struggled to make progress, largely due to disagreements over territorial issues. Brazil has signalled its willingness to engage key global powers in search of a peaceful resolution, while Ukraine continues to seek broader international support to bring an end to the conflict.

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Switzerland Confirms Ongoing US-Iran Talks at Bürgenstock Amid Diplomatic Efforts

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Switzerland has confirmed that discussions related to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran are continuing at Bürgenstock. The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it is providing a discreet and reliable venue to facilitate the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

In a statement, Swiss authorities emphasized their role as a neutral host and declined to reveal any information about the participants involved in the talks. The ministry also refrained from disclosing details regarding the agenda or progress of the discussions, citing confidentiality requirements.

The continued talks highlight Switzerland’s longstanding role in supporting diplomatic dialogue during sensitive international negotiations. While officials have remained tight-lipped about the content of the meetings, the discussions are seen as part of broader efforts to maintain communication and address key issues between Washington and Tehran.

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Poland Revokes Zelenskiy’s Top Honour Over WWII Dispute

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Poland has revoked its highest national honour awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, citing his approval of naming a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Polish President Karol Nawrocki said the move was necessary because of the UPA’s role in the massacre of tens of thousands of Poles during World War II.

The decision has further strained relations between the neighbouring countries, despite Poland remaining a key supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the move as a “strategic error,” arguing that Ukraine alone should determine how it interprets its own history.

The dispute comes just ahead of a major Ukraine reconstruction conference in Poland. While many Ukrainians view the UPA as symbols of resistance against Soviet and Nazi forces, Poland continues to associate the group with the Volhynia massacres, a painful chapter that remains a major source of tension between the two nations.

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G7 Summit Focuses on Iran and Ukraine as France Seeks Unity with Trump

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France is preparing to host the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains from June 15–17, with the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine expected to dominate discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron has crafted a carefully balanced agenda aimed at maintaining unity among G7 leaders and avoiding tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Leaders from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, have also been invited due to their involvement in regional security and mediation efforts.

A key focus will be the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Diplomats believe the atmosphere of the summit could depend heavily on whether Washington secures progress with Tehran before the meeting. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to push for stronger Western support as negotiations with Russia remain stalled and Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russian military and energy targets.

Beyond security concerns, G7 leaders will discuss economic challenges such as critical mineral supply chains, global trade imbalances, and reducing dependence on China. France has also encouraged broader discussions involving countries such as India, Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea. Rather than issuing a broad final communiqué, the summit is expected to produce targeted agreements on issues including critical minerals, migration, and international security cooperation.

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Pope Leo Slams Europe’s Military Build-Up, Calls It a Blow to Diplomacy

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Pope Leo XIV criticized Europe’s rising military spending, calling it a betrayal of diplomacy and warning that increased rearmament only fuels insecurity and conflict. Speaking to students at Rome’s Sapienza University, the pontiff said governments should not describe expanding arms budgets as “defence spending” when such investments reduce funding for education and healthcare while benefiting powerful elites.

The pope’s remarks come as European military expenditure reached its highest level since the Cold War, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO members to increase defence budgets. Trump has pushed allies to raise military spending targets and recently prioritized U.S. weapons sales toward countries investing more heavily in defence.

Leo also warned against the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare, pointing to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran as examples of technology making wars more inhumane. Urging students to reject divisive ideologies and nationalism, he appealed for global unity and encouraged young people to become “artisans of true peace.”

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