Ukrainian

Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

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Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken performed with a Ukrainian band at a bar in Kyiv, drawing mixed reactions online. The performance came during a surprise trip where Blinken met with President Zelenskiy and pledged unwavering U.S. support for Kyiv. Despite the show of solidarity, some Ukrainians felt the performance was inappropriate given the harsh reality of the ongoing war with Russia. The mood in Ukraine has turned increasingly pessimistic as Russian forces continue to advance in different regions.

France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

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France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

France will provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, as confirmed by the Elysee after a phone call between President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Macron expressed support for a truce during the Paris Olympics this summer, with Russia ceasing operations and diplomatic negotiations being pursued.

Ireland mulling cuts in supports for asylum seekers, Ukrainian refugees

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Ireland mulling cuts in supports for asylum seekers, Ukrainian refugees

Ireland is considering making cuts to state support for asylum seekers and refugees, including those from Ukraine, to align with other European countries. The number of asylum seekers in Ireland has increased significantly, making immigration a bigger political issue. Prime Minister Simon Harris is looking into welfare consistency, legal work, and housing contributions for refugees. Specifically, support for Ukrainian refugees arriving after mid-March was reduced to 38.80 euros per week with a 90-day limit on state housing.

Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

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Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

Tens of thousands of faithful prayed for peace at Portugal’s Fatima shrine amid wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other places. The shrine marks the site of reported visions of the Virgin Mary over 100 years ago. The Roman Catholic Church believes she gave three messages to three Portuguese children in 1917. Pope Francis made two of the children saints in 2017. Some pilgrims brought Ukrainian flags in support following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine peace talks should include Russia, Chinese diplomat says

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Ukraine peace talks should include Russia, Chinese diplomat says

Beijing supports a peace conference on the Ukraine war with equal participation of all parties, aiming to achieve peace in Ukraine. Switzerland will host talks on June 15-16, but Moscow and Kyiv have expressed doubts about the summit. China had previously proposed a 12-point plan to end the war, which received a mixed reception. Despite the ongoing conflict, Beijing is willing to continue playing a role in finding a solution to the crisis.

On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

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On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukrainians to unite in prayer on Orthodox Easter, asking for prayers for soldiers on the frontline. Zelenskiy believes that God, who he says has a “Ukrainian flag on his shoulder,” will ensure that life triumphs over death.

Ukraine may have talks eventually with Russia, intelligence officer says

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Ukraine may have talks eventually with Russia, intelligence officer says

Ukraine will eventually need to enter into talks with Russia to end their more than two-year-old war, according to Major-General Vadym Skibitsky. Both sides are preparing for potential negotiations, with the earliest possible start in the second half of 2025. Ukraine is planning a peace summit in Switzerland in June, with the goal of uniting countries before potentially including Russia in talks. Russian President Putin believes Ukraine is blocking a settlement, while Ukrainian President Zelenskiy sees the June meeting as a chance to begin restoring peace.

When appearances can be deceiving

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When appearances can be deceiving

The Republic of Cyprus received positive feedback for its efforts to combat money laundering, aligning with recommendations from the Council of Europe’s Moneyval Committee. However, experts point out that the country still struggles to effectively address money laundering, with a lack of convictions for white-collar crimes. A recent incident involving a Ukrainian woman bringing in millions of euros highlights the system’s weaknesses. Despite progress, Cyprus faces significant challenges in tackling money laundering.

Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

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Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

A Russian missile attack targeted power facilities in Ukraine, causing damage and fires. Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept some of the incoming missiles. The attacks have led to a significant loss of power generation capacity in Ukraine. The United States approved a major aid package for Ukraine, including new weapons for air defense systems.

Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

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Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

The U.S. Senate is set to approve billions of dollars in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan this week, following the House of Representatives’ approval of the assistance in a rare Saturday session. The package includes billion for Ukraine, billion for Israel, .12 billion to counter communist China in the Indo-Pacific, and potential measures such as a ban on TikTok. The aid is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden, allowing for the quick delivery of military assistance to Ukraine.