Trump says Iran wants to ‘settle’ as U.S. pauses talks for Khamenei funeral
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies...
British Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy arrived in Ukraine’s capital on Friday to attend the 100-Year Partnership Forum and meet Ukrainian leaders, highlighting ongoing cooperation between London and Kyiv.
The visit was announced by Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who described it as “another testament to the intensive cooperation” between the two nations. “Today, we will jointly host the Centennial Partnership Forum and discuss the specific content of future cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom,” Zaluzhnyi said, highlighting areas such as the economy, reconstruction, and education.
The forum also placed a strong emphasis on security, with Zaluzhnyi thanking the UK for its active role in defending Ukraine’s interests. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on social media platform X that he and Lammy launched the forum, reaffirming a “true strategic partnership based on shared values, security, and a joint vision for a secure Europe.”
Lammy met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later in the day, with discussions focusing on Russian airstrikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said they examined “ways to strengthen protection against them” and expressed gratitude for the UK’s energy support. “We are grateful for the UK’s decision to provide an energy support package for Ukraine right now, when it is most needed,” he said.
Lammy’s visit comes exactly a year after Ukraine and the UK signed the 100-Year Partnership agreement, designed to deepen defence cooperation and address long-term maritime security challenges. The agreement was finalised during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first visit to Ukraine in July 2024.
Earlier on Friday, the UK announced an additional £20 million in energy infrastructure support to help bolster Ukraine’s energy security amid continued Russian attacks. The funds are aimed at strengthening the resilience of power grids and critical infrastructure, particularly as winter months put further strain on the country’s energy systems.
The 100-Year Partnership initiative reflects a long-term commitment between the UK and Ukraine, encompassing defence, energy, and economic cooperation. Over the past year, Britain has provided military assistance, energy aid, and reconstruction support as Ukraine continues to face Russian attacks targeting both civilian and strategic infrastructure. The partnership underscores London’s strategic commitment to a secure and sovereign Ukraine and to the broader stability of Europe.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
West Africa's Al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on military positions in Mali on Saturday and said it had seized control of at least three of them.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in security, with a bilateral meeting planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Paris seeks closer coordination with key allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
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