live Hormuz shipping slows as Iran's Araghchi sets conditions for resumption
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a near standstill over the weekend, with five commodity vessels transiting Saturday and none on Sun...
U.S. President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week, prompting a wide range of responses from officials across Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stressed that the country's military and government have the necessary tools to maintain the situation on the frontline. "We will continue to work with the U.S. through all available channels in a calm manner," he said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking on X, highlighted Germany's crucial role in supplying air defence systems and ensuring Ukraine's financial stability.
Criticism from Ukraine was swift. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, warned, "On the surface, this looks really bad. It looks like he is pushing us towards capitulation, meaning accepting Russia's demands. To stop aid now means to help Putin."
In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested that the pause could encourage Kyiv to engage in peace negotiations. "If the pause is true, then this is a decision that can really encourage the Kyiv regime to come to the peace process," Peskov said, adding that the U.S. has been the main supplier of military aid in the conflict so far.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sharply criticized the decision, stating, "By freezing military aid to Ukraine, President Trump has kicked the door wide open for Putin to escalate his violent aggression against innocent Ukrainians. The repercussions will undoubtedly be devastating."
European leaders also weighed in on the controversial move. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned, "We are living in the most momentous and dangerous of times," and called for increased European defence spending. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for additional military and financial aid to Ukraine to secure peace, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk insisted that a strong, sovereign Ukraine is key to regional security. British, French, Danish, Czech, and Hungarian officials echoed similar sentiments, with many arguing that suspending military support could inadvertently strengthen Russia's hand in the conflict.
As the pause in military aid unfolds, global reactions remain mixed. While some see the decision as a potential catalyst for peace talks, others fear it could embolden Russian aggression. The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic efforts and security concerns take center stage in Washington, Kyiv, and across Europe.
At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a near standstill over the weekend, with five commodity vessels transiting Saturday and none on Sunday. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington must meet Tehran's conditions for shipping to resume.
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate to safety and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to make the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory have been mocked by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, who said the sea passage "cannot be seized by tweet."
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
Nearly a week after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, hopes of finding more survivors are fading as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and communities confront widespread destruction.
Central Asia has become a major focus for Eurasian transport investment, with $71.7 billion committed to 114 projects, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s 2026 Transport Observatory.
The European Union is preparing what foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described as its most far-reaching sanctions package against Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
Weeks after thousands of students protested in New Delhi over alleged failures in India’s examination system, the so-called Cockroach movement is taking its campaign to the grassroots, launching audits of state-run schools.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany visited Ukraine for the first time since taking office, meeting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 15 August to discuss protecting the country’s cultural heritage amid continued Russian attacks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment