Putin reaffirms Ukraine war goals in call with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump that Russia remains committed to its objectives in Ukraine but is willing to continue peace talks, according to Russian officials.
In their nearly hour-long phone call, Trump called for a swift end to the war, while Putin emphasized the need to address what he described as the root causes of the conflict, Reuters reported.
Putin also informed Trump about recent agreements between Russia and Ukraine on exchanging prisoners and fallen soldiers.
The two leaders discussed broader Middle East tensions, including the situation in Iran, and agreed to keep communication open.
Russia stressed that all conflicts should be settled through political and diplomatic means. The pause in US arms deliveries to Ukraine was not discussed, according to Reuters.
Modi calls for global governance reforms, backs Global South
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in New Delhi, called for urgent reforms in global governance. He said legacy institutions are ill-equipped to address current challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity, according to Firstpost.
Modi emphasized the need to amplify the voice of the Global South in international decision-making and highlighted the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent G20 member under India’s presidency as a step toward greater global equity.
China, EU pledge to uphold multilateralism, enhance cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and European Council President Antonio Costa met Wednesday, pledging to uphold multilateralism and enhance China-EU cooperation.
Costa emphasized the EU’s commitment to mutual respect and joint efforts with China to address global challenges. He reaffirmed the EU’s adherence to the one-China policy and support for a successful upcoming China-EU leaders’ summit, according to Xinhua.
Wang, a senior Chinese Communist Party official, stated that China sees Europe as a crucial force in a multipolar world and supports its integration and strategic autonomy. He emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between the two sides in the face of global volatility, advocating mutual respect and trust.
The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, Xinhua reported.
India’s PM Modi conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, on Thursday for his global leadership and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama presented the award during Modi’s official visit, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years, according to Firstpost.
Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India, describing it as a symbol of shared values and developing friendship between the two countries. Both presidents are committed to transform India-Ghana relations into a comprehensive partnership.
