Russia, Ukraine hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul
Russia and Ukraine held a third round of peace talks on Wednesday at Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace, agreeing on a major prisoner exchange but failing to reach common ground on a ceasefire.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov reiterated the call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, stressing the need to halt attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Russia’s Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the exchange of 1,200 prisoners each and proposed short ceasefires to evacuate the wounded and retrieve fallen soldiers, according to Xinhua.
Ukraine also suggested a presidential meeting involving Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, and possibly US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Russia, Ukraine hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul Russia dismissed the idea as premature.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged both sides to pursue a ceasefire and end the conflict, which continues despite earlier rounds yielding limited progress, Xinhua reported.
India-UK trade deal to boost key exports
India and the UK will sign a trade agreement on July 24 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, aiming to double bilateral trade to $120bn by 2030.
The deal is expected to boost Indian exports in textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods by removing duties and easing market access. It may also simplify UK approvals for Indian drugs and open new opportunities for IT and professional services, according to Firstpost.
Trump administration probes Harvard’s foreign scholar program
The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Harvard University’s exchange program for foreign scholars, citing national security concerns.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the review will assess whether the program, which uses J-1 visas for temporary academic exchanges, aligns with US interests. He warned that Harvard’s ability to host such visitors depends on full compliance with federal regulations, according to Al Jazeera.
Critics see the move as part of ongoing pressure on universities to align with Trump’s policies.
Fighting in southern Syria displaces 145,000 amid aid struggles
Over 145,000 people have been displaced in Syria’s Sweida province as clashes and drone strikes continue despite a truce, the UN News reported.
Violence has disrupted basic services, with severe shortages of power, water, fuel, and food. Most displaced remain in Sweida, while others have fled to nearby regions.
Aid efforts are underway, but access remains limited. The UN warns that overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation, and unexploded ordnance are putting lives further at risk.
