After a brief interruption that limited Ukraine's ability to coordinate drone strikes and defend against Russian attacks, President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk had reinstated full access to the Starlink satellite network for Ukrainian forces. The restoration followed a call between Trump and Musk, during which Trump reportedly pressed the SpaceX chief to lift speed caps that had constrained the system to roughly 160 km/h, far below the 400 km/h performance needed for effective military operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned that connectivity remained incomplete, stating that the network had not yet reached the speed required for high‑velocity drone missions and that he was awaiting a response from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio within a 48‑hour window. The White House denied having directed any restrictions, while Musk had previously suggested that the U.S. government controlled access to the military‑grade Starshield service. The episode highlighted how commercial satellite infrastructure can become a strategic lever in the conflict, with both Washington and Moscow watching closely as the network's performance directly influences battlefield capabilities.
Geopolitics, diplomacy, and the stories shaping nations.
Thousands of Venezuelans filled the streets of Caracas, Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal and Maracaibo on Thursday, marking the first nationwide opposition demonstration in almost two years. Participants called for free elections and broader political reforms, echoing demands that have persisted since the contested 2024 vote.
Opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has lived abroad since early 2024, said elections must be held by July 2027. Her Vente Venezuela movement organized the rallies, which began in the capital before spreading to other urban centers. "Seeing this makes me happy because I know change is possible," said 18‑year‑old cosmetology student Leosmary Hernandez, who joined the crowd in northern Maracay. "I’ve faced many hardships because of the dollar and difficulties studying. I have high hopes for my country and for our next leader, Maria Corina."
The protest unfolded with little visible security presence. In several smaller cities demonstrators dispersed before nightfall, while the ruling Socialist Party staged a separate march from Plaza Venezuela toward a site near the presidential palace to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared on state television attending the government‑sponsored march.
Since January 3, interim President Delcy Rodriguez of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has headed the government after former President Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in a military raid. The United States has maintained an active role in Venezuela, exerting influence over oil resources and pressing the Rodriguez administration for reforms. US President Donald Trump has publicly backed Rodriguez’s leadership, despite her former position as Maduro’s vice president.
Human‑rights groups have accused PSUV leaders of arbitrary arrests, imprisonment and torture of political dissidents. The United Nations has warned that recent U.S. strikes on alleged drug‑smuggling vessels could constitute crimes against humanity.
Negotiations between a faction of the opposition and the interim government, mediated by the United States, are ongoing. These talks aim to restructure the top court and electoral council ahead of future elections, though they do not involve Machado’s movement. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Machado’s proxy, claims to have won the 2024 election based on opposition‑compiled vote tallies, while the government maintains that Maduro emerged victorious and has never released full vote counts.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face drug‑related and torture charges in the United States; both have pleaded not guilty.
Police used tear gas on Thursday to break up demonstrators in the Tunisian suburb of Ettadhamen, just outside the capital, after the death of a man who had been detained on suspicion of drug dealing. His family asserted that he died from injuries sustained while in police custody, demanding an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible. State media, by contrast, reported that he died after ingesting drugs. Protesters responded by blocking streets, setting fire to tires and throwing stones at officers. Security forces moved to protect a nearby National Guard installation while continuing to disperse the crowds.
In the coastal city of Jebiniana, located in the Sfax governorate, similar clashes erupted following the death of a man whose relatives claimed he was pursued by security personnel. Local outlets described protesters igniting a vehicle and burning tires, while police again deployed tear gas to control the crowd.
The unrest coincides with a broader economic, social and political crisis that has deepened across Tunisia. Earlier in the week, thousands gathered in Tunis for what organizers described as the largest anti‑government demonstration in years, accusing President Kais Saied of eroding democratic institutions and mismanaging the economy. On Wednesday, a Tunisian military court sentenced opposition figure Olfa Hamdi to four years in prison for alleged plotting against state security and inciting the military to disobey orders.
Student protests also surfaced in Sfax after a female university student suffered a cardiac emergency. Her peers argued that delayed ambulance response, attributed to limited medical infrastructure, contributed to her death, and they called for a strike at the city’s university faculties on Friday.
These incidents reflect growing public frustration with deteriorating living conditions and public services, raising concerns that isolated clashes could expand into a wider wave of unrest.
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world. He is currently serving his eighth term after winning re-election in 2023, a victory that extended a tenure that will conclude when he turns 99. Nearly half of Cameroon's population has lived under his leadership, yet his administration has recently drawn scrutiny for a pattern of extended stays abroad.
In recent weeks, Biya returned to Cameroon after a prolonged absence that began in June and continued through August, during which he spent roughly two months in Switzerland. According to reporting by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, he has spent approximately 4½ years outside the country on private trips since assuming office, with the majority of that time concentrated in Swiss cities such as Geneva and Lausanne. His government has defended these travels, asserting that he continues to govern remotely even while the vice presidency remains vacant.
The president's frequent international presence has fueled criticism within Cameroon, particularly on social media platforms where users have mocked the notion of a national leader conducting state affairs from abroad. A viral post sarcastically announced his upcoming "visit" to the country, reflecting public frustration over what many perceive as a disconnect between governance and domestic realities. Critics argue that his prolonged absences coincide with persistent challenges, including high unemployment and an ongoing secessionist conflict in the Anglophone regions that has lasted nearly a decade.
While Biya's administration maintains that his overseas trips do not impede his ability to lead, opposition voices and civil society groups have called for greater transparency regarding the allocation of public resources and the frequency of his travels. To date, the Cameroonian government has not provided a detailed explanation for the extended stays or addressed the concerns raised by critics.
In contrast to the domestic backlash, Biya's international engagements have largely flown under the radar, with limited coverage in global media. His recent return to Yaoundé comes amid renewed attention on his governance style and the implications of a leadership model that relies heavily on remote administration.
The situation underscores broader debates about political longevity, accountability, and the relationship between a head of state and the citizens they serve, particularly in nations where democratic institutions face significant structural challenges.
A U.S. magistrate judge has ordered former President Donald Trump to sit for a court‑ordered deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC by 11 December. The case stems from a 2021 Panorama segment that edited portions of a speech Trump delivered before the Capitol riot. Trump had previously canceled a scheduled deposition on 16 October, citing national‑security concerns, while the BBC argued he was instead attending a campaign rally in Georgia and a fundraiser at Mar‑a‑Lago. The BBC’s counsel told the Miami court that the discovery period is nearing its close and that failure to comply could result in sanctions, including dismissal of the suit. In a recent filing, Trump’s attorneys suggested he could appear for the interview between 11 and 22 January next year and claimed the BBC mischaracterized his avoidance. The lawsuit alleges the BBC “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring” the speech, though the network has apologized for the editing error and argued the broadcast was not available in the United States, leading it to seek dismissal of the case. Earlier, Trump had agreed to drop claims against BBC Studios after the network asserted it played no role in producing the documentary.
L'Oreal disclosed that its beauty and skin‑care sales continued to climb, even as the popularity of GLP‑1 medications reshapes consumer habits. The company’s chief executive, Nicolas Hieronimus, told investors that the surge in weight‑loss drug use is influencing how people spend on cosmetics, especially products aimed at mitigating side effects such as skin laxity. Sales for the quarter ending in September rose 7.7%, surpassing analyst forecasts. GLP‑1 drugs — originally developed for diabetes management and later approved for obesity treatment — have been linked to rapid weight loss that can leave some users with sagging skin, particularly on the face. In response, L'Oreal has expanded its portfolio through brands like SkinCeuticals and Kiehl's, which have introduced formulations intended to address these concerns. The firm also increased its stake in dermatology company Galderma to 20% last December, a move that aligns with its push into clinical aesthetic solutions. Galderma markets products such as Sculptra, which stimulates collagen production, and Restylane, a dermal filler. A recent Galderma survey found that most users of weight‑loss medications have observed changes in facial appearance after beginning treatment.
A senior U.S. envoy returned from Moscow on Wednesday carrying a limited set of diplomatic gains: the release of an American citizen held in Russia, a Russian commitment to restart trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, and the imminent departure of a Russian vessel loaded with diesel bound for the United States. The developments were confirmed by officials familiar with the talks, though no timeline for substantive progress toward a ceasefire or settlement was provided. The White House has not announced additional concessions from Moscow, and Ukrainian officials have cautioned that the renewed dialogue does not guarantee a swift end to hostilities. The situation underscores the fragile state of negotiations, with diplomatic momentum limited to procedural steps rather than substantive agreements.
The United Arab Emirates has formally put forward Lana Nusseibeh as its candidate to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general, according to a report by the state news agency WAM. Nusseibeh, who served as the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024 and previously held the post of minister of state for foreign affairs, is the first woman to be nominated for the role. Her candidacy was confirmed through an email sent by Teneo, a public relations firm acting on behalf of the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also included her vision statement. In the statement, she wrote that the secretary-general’s authority derives from trust and independence, and that she would act as a “stubbornly optimistic, relentless diplomat” without favours to friends or grudges against critics. She has taken a leave of absence from her government duties to focus on the campaign. The nomination comes as the selection process for Guterres’s successor moves toward a final decision before the end of his term on 31 December 2026. Nusseibeh joins five other contenders in the race, including former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Argentina’s Rafael Mariano Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Uganda’s Olara Otunnu. The field also includes María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador and Ivonne A-Baki of Ecuador, according to reporting by FRANCE 24 and PassBlue.
Her nomination has drawn attention due to the UAE’s complex role in regional conflicts. The country has been accused by UN investigative panels of providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, a paramilitary group implicated in attacks on civilians in El Fasher, where the UN has described the situation as having “hallmarks of genocide.” Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale, warned that appointing a diplomat closely tied to the UAE government could compromise the UN’s impartiality in investigations of Sudan, Yemen and other conflicts. He cited the UAE’s alleged arms transfers to the RSF and its use of Chinese-guided weapons in Darfur, which have been subject to an arms embargo. The UAE has denied these allegations.
Nusseibeh’s background includes a paternal lineage connected to Palestine and a diplomatic record that included advocacy for humanitarian access in Gaza during Israel’s blockades in 2022–2023. She was cited by Brett McGurk, a former National Security Council official in the Biden administration, as an example of a diplomat who can navigate complex negotiations. Johnnie Moore, a former adviser on religious freedom issues, publicly endorsed her candidacy on social media, describing her as someone who can “get through the Security Council under present circumstances.”
The selection process requires approval from the UN Security Council, where each of the five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — holds veto power. A candidate must secure at least nine affirmative votes and avoid a veto from any P5 nation. While some diplomats have suggested that Nusseibeh’s rollout indicates prior coordination with key powers, no official confirmation of such support has been made public. The General Assembly will ultimately appoint the next secretary-general, but only after the Security Council recommends a candidate.
The race had been expected to follow an informal regional rotation, with Latin America and the Caribbean seen as entitled to the next appointment after decades of leadership from Europe and Asia. Nusseibeh’s nomination disrupts that expectation, as does the candidacy of Olara Otunnu from Uganda. Former Panamanian diplomat Ricardo Moscoso has noted that while the Security Council’s permanent members may not prioritize regional equity, other members will scrutinize any new candidate through formal and informal review processes.
The current president of the General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, has indicated that any new candidate will be introduced to the broader membership in accordance with revitalization efforts aimed at increasing transparency. A planned straw poll scheduled for 23 October was postponed to allow time for the UAE’s submission to be processed. Nusseibeh is expected to participate in an upcoming interactive dialogue with the Assembly before the next round of consultations.
The field of candidates remains fluid, with several having withdrawn or faced challenges in securing broad support. The outcome of the selection process will determine whether the UN continues its 81-year streak of male leadership or appoints its first female secretary-general.
Federal agents executed a search of Representative Ilhan Omar’s Washington, DC, residence last week as part of a criminal inquiry into alleged immigration documentation irregularities.
In a televised interview with MS NOW, Omar said the early‑morning raid left her feeling unsafe in her own home and prompted her decision to relocate. She described the operation as a “judicially authorised search warrant” that lasted four to five hours and resulted in the seizure of seventeen items, including personal electronics, notebooks, a Somali‑language children’s book and a vintage camera gifted to her husband.
According to a source cited by NBC News, investigators are examining potential violations related to false statements in immigration paperwork, with conspiracy charges also under consideration. Omar has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she “didn’t do anything wrong” and characterising the action as politically motivated intimidation.
The congresswoman, who arrived in the United States as a Somali refugee at age twelve and became a naturalised citizen in 2000, emphasized the absurdity of prosecuting a twelve‑year‑old for alleged fraud. She noted that the timing of the search, weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, raised concerns among fellow Democrats about the appropriateness of law‑enforcement activity involving a sitting member of Congress.
Congressional Democrats issued strong condemnation of the raid, questioning the Justice Department’s decision to pursue an investigation of a candidate so close to an election. The department has historically avoided overt investigative steps against political figures during election cycles.
Omar characterised the agents as “intrusive but polite,” stating that they documented the items taken and returned the remainder to their original locations. She concluded by reaffirming her confidence in the integrity of her immigration process and indicated that she will move out of the residence following the search.
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck a remote part of Tibet on Thursday night, killing at least 16 people and injuring 32 others, according to Xinhua news agency. The tremor collapsed more than 300 homes and triggered a level-II disaster response. The epicentre lay 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Maru township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo reported visible wall cracks in the township office and noted that power and telecommunications were disrupted in Baqen county’s seat. Authorities continue assessing damage and coordinating relief efforts. Earthquakes occur frequently in China; a separate quake in January 2025 killed at least 126 people in Tibet’s Tingri county.
A referendum held this week in Alberta asked voters to weigh the province’s relationship with Canada and to consider limiting newcomers’ access to healthcare, education and social support. Unofficial results indicate that the questions on immigration are likely to pass, while the proposals for separation and constitutional reform have failed.
The vote amplified concerns among some separatist groups but also highlighted a broader tension: Alberta’s economy depends on foreign labor to fill gaps in agriculture, food services and tourism, yet the governing United Conservative Party is pushing measures that would restrict services for many of those same workers.
Vanesa Ortiz, who arrived from Mexico a decade ago, recalled the shock of stepping into -15C weather at Calgary airport. She was initially terrified, but the sight of elderly volunteers in white cowboy hats welcomed her and gave her a sense of belonging. Ortiz later raised her family in the city and now works with the Asociación de Mexicanos en Calgary, supporting migrant families.
The referendum asked whether a future law should restrict healthcare and education to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those holding an Alberta‑approved immigration status. It also proposed a 12‑month residency requirement before newcomers could qualify for certain social programs and suggested fees for temporary residents seeking medical care or schooling.
Premier Danielle Smith has blamed the federal Liberal government’s immigration policies for straining classrooms, emergency rooms and social services, stating that “for every $1 of taxes a guest worker generates, taxpayers are covering $10 in services. This is not sustainable.”
Canada’s federal government has since reduced immigration targets and tightened rules for temporary foreign workers, but Alberta’s labor market still relies heavily on workers from abroad, particularly in sectors where local recruitment is difficult.
Ortiz warned that growing skepticism toward migrant workers could push them further into the shadows, increasing vulnerability to exploitation. She noted that thousands of farm workers in the province lack access to adequate healthcare.
Public opinion appears divided. Some residents view the proposals as a necessary response to perceived overcrowding and underfunded services, while others see them as a reversal of earlier efforts to attract skilled migrants. Ximena González, a Calgary‑based writer, argued that the province’s earlier recruitment drives were motivated by a desire to “exploit” foreign labor, and that the current rhetoric signals a shift from welcoming workers to punishing them.
The government claims that temporary residents, who constitute nearly 6% of Alberta’s population, contribute about $150 million in tax revenue but cost the province over $1 billion annually in health, education and other social services. Economist Gillian Petit countered that temporary residents also pay taxes to the federal government, which funds provincial services, and that their per‑capita use of health and education resources is lower than that of the average Albertan.
Economist Jim Stanford noted that many voters skipped the immigration‑related questions on the ballot, focusing instead on the separation question. He described the referendum as a symbolic exercise that lends legitimacy to right‑wing nationalist sentiments without granting the province authority to enact the proposed restrictions.
During earlier town‑hall sessions, some participants voiced extreme views, including calls for mass deportations and assertions that immigrants “harm” children. These exchanges underscored the polarized nature of the debate.
Ortiz reflected on the apparent betrayal of workers who have helped build the province, stating that the referendum asks whether newcomers should lose access to essential services despite their contributions. She emphasized that many migrants are not merely laborers but also students, parents and community members who deserve the chance to live with dignity and security.
The outcome of the referendum will not automatically translate into law, as the province lacks unilateral power to implement the measures without federal cooperation. Nonetheless, the vote has intensified a national conversation about the role of temporary workers in Alberta’s economy and the balance between resource pressures and inclusive service provision.
Twelve hours ago, Orla Guerin, senior international correspondent in Aden, reported that newborn twins Raghad Hassan and her brother Raad have been fighting for survival since their birth seven weeks ago. Their premature arrival coincided with intensified fighting between Houthi rebel forces and government troops in Yemen's ongoing civil war. When Houthi fighters advanced into their village in the Kahboub mountains in south-western Yemen, their family of seven fled amid bombings, missile strikes, and drone attacks, seeking refuge only under blankets.
The family trekked for three days toward the port city of Aden before securing transportation on the fourth day. Their father, Bajash Ali Sagir Hassan, described the journey as arduous, noting that while some strangers offered rides, others refused. "It was very difficult," he said. "We didn't find cars or transportation."
During the walk, the twins rapidly deteriorated, according to their mother, Lina Hassan. "They were exhausted… there was cold and dust. Their vomiting and diarrhoea got worse," she recalled. By the time they reached al-Sadaqah Hospital in Aden, both infants were severely weakened. A physician described them as "just skin and bone," with Raad exhibiting visible ribs and labored breathing. Their condition stemmed from severe acute malnutrition, a condition the doctor emphasized could be as lethal as combat injuries.
The crisis reflects a broader humanitarian emergency. The United Nations reports that over 250,000 people have been displaced in the past three months, with approximately 800,000 now unable to access life-saving aid following the collapse of an informal ceasefire in the summer. Houthi forces have recently seized control of Yemen's third-largest city, Taiz, cutting off critical supply routes and driving food prices to unprecedented levels. Civilians in Taiz face "grave risk" due to food scarcity, as noted by UN officials.
The conflict's ripple effects extend beyond immediate combat zones. The internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi-led airstrikes, continues to contest Houthi advances. Yet families like Bajash's remain caught in the crossfire, struggling to secure basic necessities. At al-Sadaqah Hospital, where only 13 of 22 beds are currently occupied due to funding shortages, staff confront overwhelming demand. Dr. Noor Mohammed, a physician at the facility, stated, "We lose patients [because of the conditions]," citing a lack of ventilators, oxygen supplies, and laboratory equipment.
The malnutrition unit operates under constant strain, with new critical cases arriving daily. Dr. Mohammed explained that discharged children often return within days or weeks due to families' inability to afford proper nutrition, vitamins, or antibiotics. "Every child here, his parents came because they don't have anything," she said. "They don't have money or insurance. They are here because they can't afford a private hospital."
Bajash's situation underscores the intersection of war and poverty. After fleeing with his family, he abandoned 10 sheep that constituted his livelihood as a shepherd. Now responsible for three additional children under five, he and his family slept on hospital grounds after exhausting space indoors. "They lingered on a bench in hospital reception without toys, bedding or baggage of any kind," a nurse noted. "So, they spent the night outside, on the street."
Medical staff like Nurse Aisha Ragab, who fled her own war-torn home in 2018, provide critical support. "I feel for them," she said of families like Bajash's. "Because I have already lived through the situation myself." When beds were unavailable, Ragab insisted the twins share a single bed to ensure their admission, stating, "By God, I will convince them [the doctors]."
Lina Hassan remains hopeful yet cautious. "God willing," she said when asked about her twins' recovery. Meanwhile, the UN continues to warn that half a million Yemeni children could face severe acute malnutrition this year, a projection unchanged since before the latest escalation. The situation in Aden exemplifies how conflict, displacement, and economic collapse converge to endanger the most vulnerable, particularly children whose survival hinges on fragile humanitarian infrastructure.
Additional reporting by Wietske Burema, Lee Durant, and Suaad Al Salahi.
A South Korean research team has used celestial mapping to suggest that Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night on the night of July 22, 1889, rather than in June of that year. The finding, published in Scientific Reports, stems from a forensic astronomy analysis that matched the swirling sky and crescent moon depicted in the painting to the actual night sky over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, as it appeared in mid-July 1889. This challenges the long-standing assumption that the masterpiece was completed in June 1889, shortly after van Gogh admitted himself to the asylum.
The study, led by Elijah Jeong-hyun Kim, a doctoral candidate at Kyung Hee University and CEO of a Seoul-based telescope company, analyzed weather records, astronomical data, and surviving correspondence to narrow the possible dates. Their research indicates that the specific arrangement of stars — including the position of Venus and the Hyades cluster — and the shape of the waning crescent moon align closely with the painting’s depiction only around July 22. Kim stated that the days immediately before and after could also have influenced van Gogh, but July 22 offers the most precise match.
Jose Luis Aragon, a physicist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico who has studied The Starry Night from a scientific perspective but was not involved in the research, described the work as a “careful and genuinely interdisciplinary study.” He called the July 22 hypothesis “intriguing” but stopped short of calling it definitive.
The researchers traveled to France in 2019 to observe the skies at the two proposed times. They found that in mid-June, the moon appeared too thin and the star patterns did not correspond with the painting. In contrast, the predawn sky on July 22 showed a crescent moon and star field that closely resembled van Gogh’s rendering. Additional clues, such as references to cicadas in letters from that period, suggest the hotter July weather may have occurred closer to the painting’s creation.
Van Gogh painted The Starry Night while staying at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, likely working from memory and sketches rather than direct observation. The study does not claim the painting was a literal snapshot, but rather that it captures a real night sky observed during a period of intense astronomical interest. Aragon noted that this reinforces the idea that van Gogh was deeply attentive to natural phenomena, even during episodes of illness.
While the findings offer a compelling new perspective, they remain one interpretation among several. The debate over the painting’s origins reflects broader efforts to blend art history with scientific analysis, using modern tools to explore long-standing cultural mysteries.
Ukraine said Russian forces launched a barrage of ballistic missiles across Kyiv and other cities late on Thursday, hours after a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Air raid sirens persisted through the night and into Friday morning, and city officials reported two fatalities and more than 30 injuries in the capital. In the eastern city of Lozova, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed when missiles struck a crowded market. Additional casualties were recorded in the Moscow region following Ukraine’s own large-scale drone operation.
The attacks unfolded as Russia indicated willingness to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States next month, though it dismissed proposals advanced by Witkoff in coordination with European partners. A dozen Ukrainian regions experienced overnight strikes targeting residential areas, energy infrastructure, commercial sites, cafes and a monastery. Ukrainian authorities noted a pattern of intensified attacks in the days leading up to winter.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the missile campaign began "almost immediately" after Witkoff and Putin concluded their discussions, describing the timing as evidence of no substantive shift in Russian posture. He criticized the characterization of Putin as "humanitarian" by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, calling it disconnected from the reality of civilian casualties.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged Western allies to provide advanced Patriot air-defense systems to counter missile and drone threats. Zelensky suggested Moscow was leveraging reduced sanctions pressure and delays in Western air-defense supplies to intensify operations. In Brussels, NATO confirmed it would permit Ukraine to procure weapons through its central procurement mechanism on a case-by-case basis.
Trump expressed optimism on Wednesday, stating negotiators might be "maybe now the closest we’ve been" to ending the conflict. However, officials in Kyiv and European capitals voiced skepticism, citing concerns that the administration was aligning with Russian positions. Recent actions by Trump, including blocking new sanctions on Russia and facilitating purchases of Russian diesel, have heightened these concerns.
Zelensky met with Witkoff in Norway earlier in the week amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Washington, the most strained since February 2025 when Trump publicly criticized the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office. Russia continues to demand Ukraine withdraw from territories in Donetsk and accept sweeping restrictions on its military and foreign alliances, demands Kyiv rejects as unacceptable. Moscow is reportedly preparing a summit involving Trump, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for next month, a prospect that has raised alarms in European capitals.
Witkoff described his talks with Putin as "constructive," though he noted significant work remains. Technical discussions between the three parties are expected to continue. Putin has consistently refused direct negotiations with Zelensky and maintains that Russian forces aim to control all of eastern Ukraine, either through negotiation or military victory.
Human Rights Watch reported in August that the use of cluster munitions in attacks on civilian areas appears to have increased. The organization warned such weapons disperse bomblets over large zones, raising the risk of indiscriminate harm and potential war crimes violations.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, initially expected to culminate in a swift overthrow of the Ukrainian government. Instead, the conflict has evolved into Europe’s largest conventional war since World War II, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties, millions of displaced persons and widespread destruction across eastern and southern Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing bombardment, Ukrainian officials in Pavlohrad and other frontline communities have refused to evacuate, asserting that surrendering ground would not deter further advances. Evacuation orders were issued for Kramatorsk and Sloviansk following renewed attacks that killed dozens of civilians.
(Reporting by AFP, with additional context from FRANCE 24)
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in more than 20 towns and cities across Poland on the sixth anniversary of a near-total abortion ban imposed by the country's highest court. Protesters called for the restoration of free and legal abortion services, marking a continuation of nationwide demonstrations that have persisted since the policy shift.
The current legal framework permits abortion only in cases of severe fetal abnormalities, pregnancies resulting from criminal acts such as rape or incest, or when the mother's life or health is at risk. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's administration had pledged to liberalize these restrictions following its 2023 electoral victory, but internal coalition disagreements have delayed legislative progress. The protests occurred shortly after parliament approved two draft bills aimed at expanding access to abortion care, though both measures face likely veto by President Karol Nawrocki, a conservative figure aligned with the previous ruling party.
Zofia Marcinek of the Abortion Dream Team, a reproductive rights organization based in Warsaw, characterized the timing of the legislative moves as politically motivated rather than substantive reform. "The government knows these draft laws cannot survive the president's veto. They are attempting to create the appearance of action while avoiding meaningful change, particularly as elections approach," she stated.
In Warsaw, approximately 1,000 protesters assembled in front of parliament despite rainy conditions, holding signs that included messages such as "How much longer do we have to wait?" Emilia Niemiec, who oversees the AboTak abortion support center, noted that while the past six years have seen limited legal changes, practical access to care remains inconsistent. Her organization provides medication abortion resources and support services to women navigating the process.
Restrictive abortion policies have been in place in Poland since 1993, with significant tightening occurring in 2020 under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, which prohibited abortions due to fetal congenital abnormalities. Despite legal restrictions, abortion remains a common practice, with the majority of procedures occurring outside formal medical settings through medication obtained from international sources. While individuals seeking abortions are not subject to criminal penalties, those assisting them — including medical professionals and family members — may face legal risks.
Data from the National Health Fund indicate that 573 abortions were performed in Polish hospitals during the first half of 2026, compared to 452 procedures recorded for the entirety of 2022. Activists estimate that tens of thousands of abortions occur annually outside hospital systems. Campaigners have accused the current administration of undermining women's trust in healthcare access, with Marcinek noting that government messaging about improved availability has created confusion and delayed care for some patients.
"When the prime minister declares that everything is fine and access is available, women who seek help later encounter obstacles that were not anticipated," Marcinek explained. "This misinformation complicates an already difficult process and places additional strain on support networks."
Tom Skerritt, an Emmy-winning actor recognized for roles in "Top Gun" and "Picket Fences", died on Wednesday at age 93. His family announced that he passed away of natural causes. The statement highlighted his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and love for imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find their voices. Skerritt earned two Emmy nominations for "Picket Fences", winning the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. His career included a range of film and television work, from a supporting role in the 1962 war film "War Hunt" to a commanding performance as the captain of the Nostromo in "Alien" and a memorable turn as a flight instructor in "Top Gun". He also appeared in "Steel Magnolias", "Contact" and numerous television series, including "Brothers and Sisters" and "Leverage". Born in Detroit, he served four years in the Air Force, attended Wayne State University and later studied filmmaking at UCLA. After early roles in independent films, he gained wider attention with "The Turning Point" and later earned a National Board of Review award for his work in "Picket Fences". Colleagues such as Robert Redford praised his integrity and the deep friendship they developed over decades. Skerritt is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.
A BBC investigation published on 5 April 2024 documented at least 43 separate attacks on health facilities in el-Fasher between May 2024 and October 2025, revealing a pattern of deliberate targeting of civilian medical infrastructure by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters during the year-long siege of the city. UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the findings as "deeply disturbing," stating that multiple assaults on hospitals and other civilian infrastructure by the RSF constituted serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. The RSF has rejected the BBC's conclusions, with its health minister dismissing the allegations as "propaganda" aimed at smearing the group's reputation.
The investigation, based on interviews with on-the-ground sources including surgeons and medical staff who remained in el-Fasher throughout the conflict, identified 120 injured, 55 killed, and 10 forcibly disappeared or abducted medical workers between April 2023 and October 2025. Dr Muhammad Suliman, a surgeon present during the siege, told the BBC the attacks were "intense, deliberate, and planned," noting that RSF fighters repeatedly struck hospitals to deprive the population of essential health services. Dr Izzeldin Ahmed Dawaud Asow, director of South Hospital, recounted being beaten and threatened with ethnic slurs by RSF fighters who called him a "Falangi" (a derogatory term implying foreignness) before escaping execution by feigning death. The same day, RSF forces withdrew as Sudanese military allies advanced, leaving behind destroyed surgical equipment and the bodies of several patients.
Following the hospital's closure, medical staff relocated to Saudi Maternity Hospital, where attacks intensified. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned that belligerents were not taking precautions to spare medical facilities, though it stopped short of declaring intentional targeting. The BBC documented a systematic pattern: smaller clinics and private hospitals closed within weeks of the April 2023 conflict onset, and relocated facilities—including the Specialized Children's Hospital and a dialysis center—were repeatedly shelled after moving. By October 2025, Saudi Hospital stood as the last functioning health site in el-Fasher, where staff operated under extreme conditions, including sandbag fortifications, underground bunkers, and makeshift surgical theaters.
Dr Asow described multiple attacks on makeshift medical sites, including one instance where he continued surgery after an explosion shook the building, later earning the nickname "Mr Deep Cleaning" from staff who believed the procedure had saved a patient's life. Drones were reported to track patient movements, with a March 2025 attack killing nine people transporting the injured, and an August 2025 drone strike destroying a donkey cart used for patient transfers, killing two patients and the driver. The RSF health minister dismissed these accounts as "a continuation of lies" by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allies, asserting that hospitals were being used as military bases.
The BBC found no independent evidence supporting the RSF health minister's claim that missile launchers were installed at South Hospital, though he presented video footage of weapons remnants and maps alleging landmines near Teaching Hospital. Sudan's Darfur regional government categorically rejected these allegations. International law permits loss of hospital protection only if used to commit "acts harmful to the enemy," a standard the BBC noted was not met by the facilities documented in the investigation. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the el-Fasher attacks as "one of the clearest and most severe examples" of conflict's impact on healthcare in Sudan, citing the bombing of al-Daein hospital in March 2026 as part of a broader pattern.
UN investigators have linked the el-Fasher fighting to "hallmarks of genocide," noting historical ethnic tensions where Arab militias—now forming the backbone of RSF—target non-Arab groups. The BBC shared its findings with UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who affirmed the results aligned with his office's analysis of attacks on health facilities. As of the one-year mark since el-Fasher's fall, healthcare in the city remains under RSF-backed administration, with officials releasing videos of re-opened facilities. However, doctors like Dr Al-Haj Mohamed Ahmed, who was captured while attempting to escape, described being forced to work under threat of execution: "If I spoke out of line, they'd put a bullet through my head." The ongoing crisis continues to exacerbate Sudan's humanitarian emergency, with no resolution to the conflict in sight and healthcare infrastructure remaining vulnerable to sustained attacks.
The European Union presented the International Criminal Court with its Sakharov Prize for human rights on Thursday, a distinction announced just days after the United States declared sanctions against the tribunal.
The award marks the second major international honor for the court this month. Former ICC judge Navi Pillay had received the Nobel Peace Prize earlier in October for her contributions to peace and international law.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the prize reflects the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism and to institutions that defend international law. “The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” she said in a statement.
ICC President Tomoko Akane added that the prize underscores the importance of independent judicial bodies at a moment when the court faces “unprecedented challenges.”
The International Criminal Court, headquartered in The Hague, has been a frequent target of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2024 the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, prompting a sharp response from the Trump administration.
Trump’s administration has pledged to “dismantle the court brick by brick,” announcing sanctions that would restrict transactions with the ICC and limit its operational capacity. In a video posted on social media, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions were meant to convey that “the United States and the American people are not subject to the jurisdiction of this fake ICC.”
The sanctions also target several ICC judges, prosecutors, a United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, and Palestinian rights organizations that have supplied evidence to the court.
The European Union has responded by reaffirming its support for the ICC. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted online that the court must remain free to pursue its mission without pressure or intimidation. Brussels is using the six‑month window before the sanctions take effect to attempt diplomatic engagement with Washington, while also preparing a “blocking statute” that would shield the court from U.S. legal actions.
The prize therefore arrives at a pivotal moment, highlighting the growing tension between the ICC’s prosecutorial work and geopolitical push‑back from major powers.