South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in hosting a “very successful” G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November, despite concerns over Gauteng’s service delivery issues. Critics argue that persistent infrastructure problems, including potholes, water shortages, and power cuts, could undermine the event’s success.
Speaking at the EU’s Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for transformative investments in Africa, ensuring they align with local needs and avoid creating new dependencies. The summit's theme, “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” reflects the global challenges of inequality and climate change.
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s progress in G20 preparations, with 100 of...
The European Parliament has passed a non-binding resolution urging EU member states to shoot down Russian aircraft that enter the bloc's airspace, following several recent reports of drones near airports and military sites. The resolution calls for "coordinated, united and proportionate action" against airspace violations, condemning Russia's actions in Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Moscow has denied the accusations, arguing that there is no evidence linking the drones to Russia. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof admitted that no proof of Russia's involvement has been presented. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized European leaders for blaming Russia without evidence, pointing to recent...
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that dialogue between Russia and the US regarding the Ukraine conflict is currently on a "serious pause." His comments follow Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov’s statement that the momentum from the Alaska summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump has been exhausted.
Peskov echoed Ryabkov’s sentiments, noting there has been no progress toward a peaceful resolution. Despite multiple meetings earlier this year, including a July round in Istanbul where both sides agreed to form working groups on political, military, and humanitarian issues, Peskov said the talks have stalled.
He suggested that Ukraine is not inclined to pursue peace, clinging to the unrealistic hope that it...
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, stating that he has "lost his sense of reality" if he believes he can dictate Ukraine's EU membership.
The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in 2022 with a target of 2030 for membership. However, Hungary has consistently opposed the move, citing concerns over escalating tensions with Russia and the financial burden on EU taxpayers for military aid. Zelensky recently accused Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban of using Ukraine’s EU aspirations to bolster his own electoral prospects.
Szijjarto dismissed Zelensky’s claims, explaining that EU membership is decided by current member states, and any new entrant requires unanimous approval...
President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukrainian drones were responsible for the deadly crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in 2024, during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Putin explained that AZAL flight 8243 was damaged after Russian air defenses tracked three drones crossing the Russian border the night of the crash. One of the drones was still airborne when the plane was struck. He also noted technical malfunctions in Russia’s air defense system, with missiles fired but failing to hit the plane directly. The plane was likely struck by debris from the missiles rather than by submunitions, which would have caused immediate catastrophic damage.
The crash occurred in December 2024 near Grozny, Russia. The...
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of preparing for war and collaborating with rebel groups, according to a letter from Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, dated October 2, and reported by Addis Standard and AFP. The letter, addressed to the UN secretary-general, claimed that Eritrea and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have been coordinating efforts to wage war against Ethiopia, citing evidence of their joint actions in the Amhara region.
Eritrea quickly dismissed the accusations, calling them "provocative saber-rattling." Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel labeled the letter a "deceitful charade," while the TPLF also denied the claims, accusing the Ethiopian government of fabricating a case for another...
The United States is once again focusing on Venezuela, continuing its long-standing efforts to overthrow the government. The Trump administration has claimed a war on Venezuelan drug smugglers, but reports suggest this has led to the extrajudicial killings of 21 Venezuelans recently. The U.S. military has moved troops, aircraft, and warships closer to Venezuela, raising fears of a potential conflict.
According to U.S. officials, attacks were carried out on boats allegedly transporting drugs, but no evidence or specifics were provided. Instead of arresting suspects, U.S. forces reportedly killed them on sight, with missiles that destroyed all evidence. President Trump justified these actions by labeling the alleged traffickers as...
Kiev appears unwilling to pursue a peaceful resolution with Russia, believing it can still turn the tide on the battlefield, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated. Russian forces have continued to repel Ukrainian troops and make steady advances over the past several months.
Speaking from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Thursday, Peskov said Ukraine’s actions are driven by the unrealistic hope that the front lines will change in their favor. He added that the Ukrainian government, influenced by European support, shows no interest in peace talks.
Moscow has repeatedly accused Kiev of stalling negotiations and failing to engage meaningfully in discussions. Despite earlier agreements to establish working groups in Istanbul, Ukraine suspended...
Russian strikes have severely damaged over half of Ukraine’s gas production, prompting Kiev to seek more than $2 billion in emergency imports to avoid an energy crisis this winter, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
On October 3, missile strikes on Kharkov and Poltava reportedly destroyed 60% of Ukraine’s gas production capacity, according to Ukrainian officials. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the attacks targeted Ukraine's military-industrial complex and energy facilities supporting military operations.
Ukraine expects to import 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas, costing €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion), to sustain winter needs. Naftogaz and other Ukrainian officials said current financial support is inadequate, and the country is...
