Australia grants humanitarian visas to Iranian women footballers
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their nati...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a new round of talks with Russia is expected to take place in Türkiye on Wednesday, as part of efforts to end the war.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said he discussed the planned meeting with National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, along with preparations for a potential prisoner exchange.
“Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. There will be more details tomorrow,” he said.
Speaking earlier to Ukrainian ambassadors in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Umerov had proposed the new talks, adding that meaningful negotiations “can only take place at the level of national leaders.” He urged ambassadors to secure international backing for the format.
Russian officials have not issued an official statement.
“The agenda from our side is clear,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “I urge you to inform your host countries of the importance of this negotiation framework.”
If held as planned, this will be the third direct round of renewed negotiations between the two sides. The previous talks took place in Türkiye on 16 May and 2 June, resulting in an agreement on a limited prisoner exchange and the return of the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side.
Without revealing full details of the agenda, Zelenskyy noted the discussions are proceeding through diplomatic channels with Turkish support.
Addressing broader diplomatic goals, he outlined Ukraine’s priorities: expanding sanctions against Russia, strengthening air defences, and boosting drone capabilities. He said new defence formats are needed despite strong existing cooperation, pointing to Denmark’s F-16 initiative, Czech artillery support, and France’s training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage jets.
“Now the priority is drones — all types,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine must also find innovative ways to convert frozen Russian assets and court victories into funding for national defence.
He confirmed continued coordination with President Donald Trump’s administration on air defence systems and drone-related cooperation.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s partnerships beyond NATO and the EU, citing frameworks such as Ukraine–Northern Europe, Ukraine–Southeast Europe, the Crimean Platform, and its close cooperation with Türkiye.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 7,300 citizens from the Middle East since regional tensions escalated, using both air and land routes to bring nationals home while closely monitoring political developments and potential economic effects linked to rising oil prices.
Almost 2,000 people have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan since conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Norwegian police are searching for a suspect after an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Oslo on 8 March caused minor damage but no injuries, in what authorities say may have been a deliberate attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
The first batch of Peter Mandelson’s papers on his 2024 ambassadorial appointment is set to be published on Wednesday, following a parliamentary order. The release comes amid police investigations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
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