Azerbaijan granted a pardon to French national Martin Ryan, who was sentenced to ten years for espionage, following pressure from France and Luxembourg to remove two Russian oligarchs from EU sanctions lists. The European Union removed Uzbek-Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov and Russian banker Mikhail Fridman from the list, actions that sparked anger among other EU member states. Frankrijk had sought Usmanov's removal to secure the release of French citizens held in Azerbaijan, while Luxembourg wanted Fridman removed due to financial losses at Alfa-Bank. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the move as Russian interference and pledged to re-list the names. France described Ryan's release as a humanitarian gesture, while Azerbaijan denied exerting pressure, calling the sanctions unjust.
Zelenskyy questioned Russia’s willingness to end the war, portraying Vladimir Putin as a leader who continues to expand conflict rather than seek peace.
Rebels in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia have seized control of three airports, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to cancel all flights and raising concerns about renewed conflict. The Tigrean People's Liberation Front (TPLF) claims it is acting in self-defense against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s centralization efforts, while the government accuses them of violating a peace agreement mediated by the African Union. This escalation follows tensions that previously led to a war between November 2020 and November 2022, which experts estimate resulted in approximately 600,000 civilian casualties. Humanitarian organizations fear innocent civilians will suffer from the resurgent violence.
At the UN General Assembly in New York, Iranian President Pezeshkian described his country as a victim of terrorism over the past seven months and displayed photos of spiritual leader Ali Khamenei and 150 schoolchildren killed by US bombardments. The US delegation left the hall immediately after the display. Following remarks from US President Trump threatening to destroy Iran if no war-ending agreement is reached, Pezeshkian denied Iran’s nuclear ambitions, citing peaceful purposes, while criticizing Israel’s nuclear arsenal. US Secretary of State Rubio dismissed subsequent talks with Iran as unproductive, contradicting Trump's claim of a positive dialogue.
At the UN Security Council in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected ceasefire proposals for the war in Ukraine, arguing that pauses would only allow Western nations to supply more weapons. While Lavrov stated Moscow is open to negotiating a lasting peace, he insisted on not merely pausing the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged countries to stop trading with Russia and announced the handover of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Jetten met with Zelensky, emphasizing the need for Kyiv to continue anti-corruption reforms. US Secretary of State Rubio reported inviting President Putin to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, hoping his attendance would help resolve issues.
A political dispute has arisen ahead of two Nations League football matches between Ireland and Israel, with the Irish government classifying the Gaza war as genocide. While many Irish journalists and athletes call for a boycott, citing moral objections and safety concerns, the Irish Football Association proceeds due to financial penalties and potential UEFA exclusion threats. Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson’s statement that they are “playing against genocide” drew criticism from Israel, but journalist Ken Early argues that attending does not equate to supporting Israeli actions, highlighting the team's difficult position between public protest and pragmatic survival.
Donald Trump uses self-deprecating humor about Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to create a permission structure for voters, suggesting that practical political alignment outweighs personal flaws. This strategy relies on the belief that supporters will excuse ugly behavior in a champion who delivers results. The article notes that while Trump has long held this view, citing Graham Platner’s potential success despite past controversies, Paxton faces serious legal and ethical challenges, including impeachment and bribery accusations. Despite these issues, Trump argues that Paxton’s legislative voting record makes him valuable, testing his theory that character is secondary to utility in public life.
The US government is considering a 90-day ban on diesel exports to lower energy prices amid rising costs driven by the war with Iran and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. While some Republican officials and cabinet members like Chris Wright, Scott Bessent, and Doug Burgum oppose the measure, sources indicate President Trump leans toward implementing it despite internal divisions. In other developments, at least six major US hospitals have agreed to stop providing gender-affirming care for youth, and Trump’s popularity has dropped to its lowest point in his political career. Additionally, Trump met personally with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez for the first time during the UN summit in New York. Meanwhile, his new 24/7 livestream channel 'Trump TV' has attracted significantly fewer viewers than expected, prompting major networks including CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox to boycott White House coverage in solidarity with excluded media outlets.
During the UN General Assembly in New York, foreign correspondent Frank Hendrickx observed that major powers like the US and China appear indifferent to global issues, while smaller nations are heavily impacted. The article title references claims that coordinated pressure successfully prevented sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
President Trump is considering banning US diesel exports to lower domestic pump prices, posing a significant challenge for Europe which relies on over one million barrels per day from non-EU refineries. This potential ban leaves Europe vulnerable as previous suppliers like Russia and Saudi Arabia are no longer available sources.
Iranian President Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that his people are victims of US terrorism and will not yield to pressure following President Trump's threat to destroy Iran. The US delegation left the hall after Pezeshkian displayed images of Supreme Leader Khamenei and 120 schoolchildren killed on the first day of the war. While experts note that background negotiations via mediators have resumed, both sides remain unwilling to compromise. Trump expects a deal after the November midterms, but analysts doubt progress as the conflict continues.
Spanish police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators protesting the eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman who had lived in her Madrid apartment for over seventy years. The eviction followed a court ruling that allowed an investment fund, which purchased the property in 2018, to enforce a rent increase from 500 to 1,650 euros monthly, which Maricarmen could not afford with her pension. Social workers transported the weakened woman in a wheelchair to an ambulance, where she was examined at a hospital. Her lawyer described the police action as disproportionate, while Housing Minister Rodríguez criticized the move as a symptom of unchecked speculation. Demonstrators, including celebrities and tenant union activists, highlighted the contrast between Maricarmen's plight and the controversial purchase of a luxury penthouse for Isabel Ayuso, president of the Madrid region.
Washington reinforced its preferred diplomatic partner in Venezuela this week as President Trump met with interim president Rodríguez in New York. In contrast, opposition leader Machado was prevented from entering his own country during the same period.
From Brussels and Strasbourg to the heart of Athens, overlooking the Acropolis: "The Ring" travels to the Greek capital for a political showdown centred on migration, the housing crisis, and the arrest warrant issued against Benjamin Netanyahu.
The municipality of Neder-Betuwe has announced emergency measures for Opheusden to prevent further riots following protests against a planned asylum seeker center. A curfew and group ban are in effect from 17:00 until one hour past midnight, with facial coverings prohibited. Mayor Jan Kottelenberg stated these steps are necessary after fourteen arrests were made during previous disturbances involving fireworks and vandalism. The municipality is required by law to house 132 asylum seekers, including eight unaccompanied minors.
In his UN General Assembly speech, Iran's president also accused the US and Israel of illegal attacks on civilians as the US delegation walked out. He closed with a direct message to Trump: "Yes they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations, asserting that Iran has been a victim of US terrorism and acted only in self-defense against attacks on schools, hospitals, and scientists. He criticized the US and Israel for violating international law and highlighted the double standard regarding nuclear weapons, noting Israel possesses them without sanction. Pezeshkian maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and rejected claims of aggression, stating no civilians were targeted in retaliatory strikes against countries hosting US bases.
The author argues that queer individuals should not use their insecurity as a tool to attack Muslims or people of color. Instead, society must address deeply rooted homophobia to ensure that teens coming out of the closet are no longer left alone.
Ahead of the summit between Presidents Trump and Xi in Washington, both nations remain focused on dominating artificial intelligence rather than restricting its development. While Trump stated he will not curb AI growth despite risks, experts note that mutual distrust prevents concrete safety agreements similar to Cold War nuclear treaties. Although US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated openness to dialogue on shared risks following talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, analysts doubt meaningful concessions will emerge. Concerns are rising as AI errors nearly triggered military incidents, with polls showing 63% of Americans fear existential threats from the technology.
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