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Zelenskiy Holds Security Talks with Erdogan in Istanbul

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Istanbul for high-level security discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aiming to deepen cooperation on regional stability and defense. Zelenskiy described the talks as “substantive,” emphasizing efforts to strengthen partnerships that protect lives and enhance security across Europe and the Middle East.

The visit comes as Ukraine expands diplomatic outreach to Middle Eastern countries following the escalation of conflict in the region. Kyiv has recently signed security cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while negotiations with other regional states remain ongoing. Ukrainian officials say the country is sharing expertise gained from its ongoing war with Russia, particularly in countering drone threats.

Alongside political meetings, Zelenskiy is also scheduled to meet Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian world. The discussions in Turkey highlight Ukraine’s broader strategy to build international security partnerships and reinforce diplomatic ties amid continued military pressure from Russia and evolving regional tensions.

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Meloni’s Gulf Visit Focuses on Energy Security and Regional Stability

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by a European Union leader to the Gulf since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran in February. During her stop in Jeddah, Meloni is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with discussions centered on regional security and strengthening ties with Gulf partners facing rising tensions and Iranian attacks.

The visit aims to reassure Gulf allies while safeguarding Italy’s energy needs as fuel prices rise and supply disruptions grow. Italy relies significantly on the region for energy, with Qatari liquefied natural gas previously covering about 10% of its gas consumption and Middle Eastern oil accounting for roughly 12% of imports. Ongoing conflict has disrupted shipments, including suspended LNG deliveries due to instability around the Strait of Hormuz and damage to part of Qatar’s export capacity.

To offset potential shortages, Italy is expanding energy partnerships beyond the Gulf. Meloni recently visited Algeria to secure additional gas supplies and plans a future trip to Azerbaijan, another key supplier. Italy also expects LNG deliveries from the United States’ Golden Pass facility starting in June, as Rome works to diversify energy sources and maintain supply stability amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty.

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Uffizi Cyber-Attack Raises Concerns, Museum Denies Breach

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The Uffizi Galleries in Florence confirmed it was targeted by a cyber-attack but strongly denied that its core security systems or artworks were compromised. Reports suggested hackers accessed internal IT systems and sensitive operational data, but the museum insisted no damage or theft occurred.

According to media reports, attackers allegedly extracted information such as access codes, internal layouts, and surveillance details, and later issued a ransom demand. However, the Uffizi maintained that its security infrastructure is entirely internal and inaccessible from outside networks, rejecting claims that critical systems or passwords were breached.

The incident, which also affected sites like Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, prompted precautionary measures including temporary relocation of valuables. The museum said these actions were part of ongoing upgrades and safety improvements, emphasizing that operations remain normal and no data or artworks were lost.

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Pope Leads Good Friday Prayers for War Victims and Migrant Children

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Pope Leo XIV led a solemn Good Friday service at Rome’s Colosseum, where thousands of Catholics gathered for the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession. The candle-lit ceremony included prayers for war orphans, deported migrant children, and victims of global conflicts. During the service, spiritual meditations emphasized accountability for world leaders, warning that their use of power—especially in matters of war and peace—would ultimately be judged by God.

The pope, the first American to hold the position, carried a wooden cross through the historic amphitheatre, stopping at intervals for readings from the Bible, reflections inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, and messages focused on social justice. The meditations highlighted suffering across the world, including refugees, victims of human trafficking, political prisoners, and those killed in war zones, while also drawing attention to children affected by harsh immigration policies.

Although no specific leaders were named, the themes reflected ongoing global tensions and humanitarian concerns. Pope Leo has previously voiced criticism of strict immigration measures, particularly in relation to their alignment with Church teachings. The Good Friday observance marks a key moment in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter Sunday, when the pope is expected to deliver a major message addressing international issues.

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French Court Allows Muslim Gathering to Proceed

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A major Muslim gathering in northern Paris will take place as scheduled after a French administrative court overturned a government order to ban it. Authorities had argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France posed a potential security risk, citing concerns that the event could become a target for terrorist attacks. However, organisers from the Muslims of France (MF) association challenged the decision, calling it a violation of fundamental freedoms, and secured a last-minute ruling in their favour just hours before the event’s planned opening.

In its decision, the court stated that the police had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the ban. Judges found no clear indication of threats such as counter-demonstrations or attacks by far-right groups, and they dismissed concerns about excessive strain on security forces. The organisers had already committed to implementing additional safety measures, further weakening the government’s argument. The event, which combines cultural, religious, and commercial activities, has historically attracted large crowds from across Europe but had not been held since 2019.

The controversy comes amid a broader political climate in France marked by heightened tensions and proposed new “anti-separatism” legislation targeting extremist ideologies. Officials argue that such measures are necessary to maintain public order and prevent radicalisation, while critics view them as restrictive and potentially discriminatory. The organisers’ legal team maintained that the attempted ban was unjustified and politically motivated, whereas government representatives insisted it was solely intended to ensure public safety.

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Rescuers Give Up on Stranded Whale off German Coast

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Rescue teams in Germany have ended efforts to save a stranded humpback whale after more than a week of attempts along the Baltic Sea coast. The whale, first trapped on a sandbank in March, was briefly freed but later swam into increasingly shallow waters near Poel Island, where it became stuck again.

Experts say the animal is now too weak to survive, with its condition worsening despite repeated interventions. Officials noted that attempts to guide it back to deeper, saltier waters had failed, and further rescue efforts would likely cause unnecessary suffering.

Authorities have now established an exclusion zone around the whale, allowing it to die undisturbed. Officials described the situation as a tragic and rare incident, highlighting the challenges of rescuing large marine animals in difficult coastal conditions.

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Banks Shift to Remote Work After Foiled Paris Bomb Plot

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Major financial firms, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, asked employees in Paris to work remotely after a bomb attack targeting Bank of America’s office was thwarted last weekend. The precautionary move also extended to some Citigroup staff in Frankfurt, reflecting heightened security concerns following the incident.

French authorities have detained four suspects, including three teenagers, in connection with the plot. Investigators said the group allegedly attempted to assemble and deploy a powerful explosive device capable of causing significant damage. While the suspects denied terrorist intent, they are under formal investigation for links to a potential extremist network.

Officials are probing possible connections between the attack and a pro-Iranian group, though no definitive link has been confirmed. The incident has raised concerns about security risks to major financial institutions in Europe, prompting firms to take temporary safety measures while investigations continue.

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Russia Targets Students for Drone Warfare Recruitment

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Russia has launched a new recruitment drive aimed at university students, offering lucrative financial packages to join its growing drone units involved in the Ukraine conflict. Universities across the country are promoting these opportunities, highlighting benefits such as academic leave, free accommodation, and substantial salaries. Officials say the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen technologically skilled divisions rather than a broader military mobilisation.

The move reflects the increasing importance of drone warfare, with operators and engineers playing a critical role on the battlefield. Institutions like Far Eastern Federal University and others are actively encouraging students to enlist, offering payments that far exceed typical local earnings. While authorities insist participation is voluntary, some reports suggest students may face indirect pressure, though this has not been independently verified.

At the same time, regional authorities are expanding recruitment efforts beyond campuses. In the Ryazan region, companies have been assigned quotas to supply workers for military service, signaling a wider push to sustain troop numbers. Despite ongoing recruitment, Russian officials maintain that enlistment levels remain strong and sufficient for current military needs.

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Families Seek Justice as Greece Begins Trial Over Deadliest Train Crash

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Relatives of the 57 victims killed in Greece’s deadliest train disaster gathered in large numbers at a courtroom in Larisa as the long-awaited trial officially resumed. Many families struggled to enter the overcrowded venue, with some saying they were “packed like sardines” while others were unable to clearly follow proceedings. The crash, which occurred in February 2023 near Tempi, involved a head-on collision between a passenger train travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki and a freight train, killing mostly young students.

The tragedy, widely referred to in Greece as the “Tempi crime,” has become a symbol of alleged negligence and systemic failures within the country’s railway system. Thirty-six defendants, including railway officials and a station master accused of failing to prevent the collision, are on trial in a case expected to last years and involve hundreds of witnesses. Families argue the disaster could have been avoided if safety upgrades funded by the European Union had been implemented on time.

Public anger intensified after the crash site was cleared within days, raising accusations of a cover-up, which authorities deny. Despite nationwide protests and political pressure, no politicians are among the accused, adding to the frustration of victims’ relatives seeking accountability. With thousands of pages of evidence and hundreds of lawyers involved, the trial is expected to be one of the most complex legal proceedings in Greece’s modern history.

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Intel to Reclaim Full Control of Ireland Chip Plant with $14.2 Billion Buyback

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Intel has announced plans to spend $14.2 billion to repurchase the 49% stake in its Ireland semiconductor manufacturing facility that it previously sold to Apollo Global Management. The move will restore full ownership of the Leixlip-based plant as the company strengthens its financial position and benefits from rising demand for processors driven by artificial intelligence growth. Following the announcement, Intel’s shares surged more than 10%.

Apollo had acquired the stake in 2024 for $11.2 billion, providing Intel with crucial funding during a period of financial pressure as it expanded manufacturing operations in Europe and the United States. Since then, the chipmaker has undergone restructuring under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, including cost cuts and asset sales, alongside major investments from partners and government support aimed at reviving its competitiveness in the semiconductor market.

Intel said the buyback will be financed through existing cash reserves and about $6.5 billion in new debt, with expectations that the deal will improve profitability and credit strength from 2027 onward. The Ireland facility, known as Fab 34, produces advanced chips using Intel 4 and Intel 3 technologies, and the company is now focusing on developing its next-generation 18A manufacturing process to expand future production and potential external partnerships.

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