Author: Admin

The world’s governing body for soccer announced Thursday it has formed a partnership with a board created by President Donald Trump to channel investments toward rebuilding war-torn areas using sports development.

FIFA has teamed up with the Board of Peace, which Trump established and which convened its inaugural session to address funding for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts. The board’s mission centers on reconstructing the region following the disarmament of Hamas forces.

Experts anticipate major obstacles ahead for the board’s success, including ensuring Hamas militants lay down weapons, coordinating Israeli military withdrawal, determining reconstruction funding levels, and managing humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza’s devastated population.

Under the soccer partnership, FIFA outlined plans to construct 50 smaller playing fields positioned close to schools and neighborhoods throughout Gaza, along with five regulation-sized soccer fields spread across different areas. The initiative also calls for establishing an advanced FIFA training facility and constructing a new stadium capable of seating 20,000 spectators.

Trump announced that FIFA will secure $75 million in funding specifically for soccer-related development projects in the territory.

“Today, FIFA and the Board of Peace have signed a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post conflict areas,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage,” Infantino added.

According to FIFA, the comprehensive program will prioritize employment opportunities, engaging young people, establishing organized soccer leagues for both male and female players, building community connections, and boosting local business activity.

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Polish officials announced Friday that the nation has formally exited an international agreement that prohibited antipersonnel mines, with plans to manufacture and deploy these weapons along its eastern frontier as protection against potential Russian threats.

The Ottawa Convention of 1997, which forbids member nations from producing or deploying antipersonnel mines, lost Poland as a signatory after the country determined these weapons were essential for border security. These explosive devices have historically caused significant civilian casualties in post-conflict regions across Cambodia, Angola, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, often remaining dangerous long after wars end.

After joining the agreement in 2012 and eliminating its entire stockpile of antipersonnel mines by 2016, Poland reversed course and officially departed the treaty Friday, announcing intentions to restart weapon production.

Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski explained to The Associated Press that “These mines are one of the most important elements of the defense structure we are constructing on the eastern flank of NATO, in Poland, on the border with Russia in the north and with Belarus in the east.”

Zalewski justified the decision by pointing to Russia’s hostile behavior, describing it as a nation with “very aggressive intentions vis a vis its neighbors” that never agreed to the international mining prohibition.

Following Russia’s comprehensive attack on Ukraine, neighboring nations have reconsidered their commitment to the mining ban. Warsaw joined Finland and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with Ukraine, in announcing their departure from the treaty last year.

Russia remains among approximately three dozen nations, including the United States, that never joined the Ottawa agreement.

According to Zalewski, Poland will launch domestic manufacturing of both antipersonnel and anti-tank explosive devices, working alongside Polish companies to achieve independence in mine production.

These weapons detonate when individuals or vehicles pass over them, with anti-tank versions specifically engineered to avoid triggering from human weight alone. The Ottawa Convention permits anti-tank mines.

During a Thursday presentation of the Bluszcz, an automated vehicle created by Polish firm Belma S.A. and military researchers to distribute anti-tank mines, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poland would “soon” possess the capability to mine its eastern boundaries within two days if threatened.

Considering the extensive length of Poland’s eastern frontier, Tusk noted that substantial quantities of mines would be required.

The mining initiative forms part of Poland’s Eastern Shield project, a comprehensive fortification system the country began constructing along its Belarus and Russia borders in 2024, Zalewski explained.

However, he emphasized that mine deployment would occur only “when there is a realistic threat of Russian aggression.”

“We very much respect our territory and we don’t want to exclude it from day to day use for the Polish citizens,” Zalewski stated.

Human rights organizations have criticized nations abandoning the Ottawa Convention, warning that antipersonnel mines pose excessive risks to civilian populations.

Zalewski countered that Poland maintains balance by keeping mines in storage unless facing attack.

“We are not an aggressive country,” he declared, “but we have to use all means to deter Russia.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is walking a political tightrope, using his opposition to Trump administration policies to boost his standing at home while risking damage to Spain’s relationship with its powerful American ally.

The Socialist leader has openly challenged Washington on multiple fronts – criticizing U.S. involvement in Venezuela, advocating for tighter social media regulations, and refusing to meet NATO’s defense spending requirements. His approach has drawn sharp warnings from political advisers connected to the White House.

Sanchez, representing one of Europe’s few remaining left-wing voices in leadership, has deliberately positioned his policies as alternatives to President Trump’s approach. In a New York Times opinion piece, he accused “MAGA-style leaders” of misleading the public about immigration dangers and described his social media proposals as “making social media great again.”

His supporters argue he’s maintaining popular positions that resonate with voters and allies in the Global South, where Europe seeks stronger partnerships to reduce reliance on both the United States and China.

However, Trump administration advisers warn that Sanchez is taking dangerous risks, particularly regarding defense spending, which has repeatedly drawn Trump’s criticism.

Benjamin Leon, the newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to Madrid and longtime Republican donor, told senators during his confirmation that he would pressure Spain to meet NATO’s 5% GDP spending target – a commitment Sanchez has consistently rejected.

Spain’s decision to ban weapons shipments to Israel from using its ports has triggered a U.S. investigation that could lead to restrictions on Spanish shipping to America.

When asked about relations with Sanchez, a State Department representative emphasized Leon’s appointment and expressed hope for cooperation on “common challenges.”

“I want to get along with Spain,” said Wilson Beaver, a senior defense adviser at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank aligned with Trump. “It’s Prime Minister Sánchez getting in the way.”

Joshua Trevino from the America First Policy Institute said Spain “nearly stands alone in its willingness to be on the wrong side of the U.S. on all these issues.”

While most European nations have chosen to accommodate Trump privately to advance their interests, some have grown frustrated with Sanchez, particularly his refusal to match their defense spending commitments.

“He’s playing to a domestic anti-Trump and anti-American audience to great effect, leaving both transatlantic and European solidarity at the wayside,” said one unnamed European diplomat.

Domestically, Sanchez faces political pressure from scandals and disputes with coalition partners that have blocked his legislative priorities. Foreign policy offers him a chance to demonstrate leadership, according to analysts and pollsters.

His stance taps into historical Spanish resentment toward America, rooted in U.S. support for dictator Francisco Franco after World War II in exchange for military base access.

A recent YouGov survey showed 66% of Spaniards view the U.S. unfavorably, up from 45% before Trump’s second term started.

Sanchez’s other international positions enjoy widespread domestic support. Polling shows most Spaniards consider Israel’s Gaza actions genocidal – which Israel disputes – and oppose U.S. intervention in Venezuela. An Ipsos poll found over 80% backing his proposal to prohibit social media use for children under 14.

Defense spending divides Spanish opinion, but left-leaning voters support his lower spending pledge, surveys indicate.

“These are areas where he can set the agenda, offsetting the image of paralysis and reinforcing his profile as a bulwark against the far right,” said Paula Canas, an analyst at GAD3.

Conservative opposition members blame Sanchez for Spain’s exclusion from a U.S.-led critical minerals trading group and preparatory sessions for December’s G20 summit.

Despite criticism, Sanchez appears undeterred. Someone familiar with his policy-making process said he has strong instincts for international affairs and, while willing to speak boldly, understands diplomatic boundaries.

Three sources close to Sanchez maintain that U.S.-Spain relations remain solid, with diplomatic communication continuing normally.

His allies point to Greenland, where Trump’s annexation threats prompted European leaders to take a firm stance that ultimately forced a retreat.

“The current administration will respect you if you defend your interests, not if you project weakness and pretend to be what you are not,” said Arancha Gonzalez Laya, dean at Paris’s Sciences Po university and Sanchez’s former foreign minister.

“Many European leaders have tried to appease Trump. Spain has no desire to change or hide its policies … That stands out because of the silence of others.”

Spain’s trade deficit with the U.S. also provides protection against punitive tariffs compared to major exporters like France or Germany, said Ignacio Molina, senior fellow at Spain’s Royal Elcano Institute.

“Sanchez has an incentive to continue this path. It’s very difficult for the U.S. to punish Spain,” Molina said. “He has more to gain than to lose.”

British authorities conducted searches at royal properties Friday as their investigation continues into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III.

The 66-year-old former royal was taken into custody Thursday on his birthday, facing allegations of misconduct in public office related to claims he transmitted sensitive government materials to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade representative.

Following more than 10 hours in police custody, Mountbatten-Windsor was freed pending further investigation. No formal charges have been filed against him, though Reuters captured a striking image of the visibly shaken man sitting in the rear of a Range Rover following his release, appearing exhausted with reddened eyes and a stunned expression.

The dramatic photograph showing the once-prominent naval officer and reported favored child of the late Queen Elizabeth made front-page headlines globally, with publications using words like “Downfall” to describe his situation.

While Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently rejected any allegations of improper conduct regarding Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 after his conviction as a sex offender, he has expressed regret about their association. However, recently released U.S. government documents revealed he maintained contact with Epstein well beyond the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

These records indicated that Mountbatten-Windsor had shared British government intelligence with Epstein, including reports on investment prospects in Afghanistan and evaluations of Vietnam, Singapore and other nations he visited in his role as the government’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

The detention of such a high-ranking royal family member, who stands eighth in succession to the throne, marks an extraordinary moment in modern British history. The last royal arrest in Britain dates back to Charles I, who faced execution in 1649 after his treason conviction.

King Charles, who previously removed his brother’s princely title and evicted him from his Windsor residence last year, responded to Thursday’s arrest with what he called “deepest concern.”

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the monarch declared. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

The dramatic events began Thursday morning when six unmarked police vehicles and approximately eight plainclothes investigators arrived at Wood Farm, located on the king’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, where Mountbatten-Windsor currently lives.

Thames Valley Police officers simultaneously conducted searches at the mansion on the king’s Windsor estate west of London, the former residence of Mountbatten-Windsor before his forced departure following the Epstein scandal.

By Thursday evening, authorities announced the royal’s release under investigation. While the Sandringham searches had wrapped up, operations at Windsor continued.

An arrest indicates police have reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity and believe the individual may be involved in an offense, though it does not establish guilt.

If convicted of misconduct in public office, the penalty could include life imprisonment, with such cases handled by Crown Courts that deal with the most severe criminal matters.

VIENNA – Heavy snowfall forced Vienna Airport officials to extend their flight suspension until noon on Friday, with airport operations severely disrupted by the winter weather conditions.

Airport representatives announced that the original flight halt has been pushed back by three additional hours until 1100 GMT, with operational disruptions anticipated to persist well into the afternoon hours.

According to airport officials, limited departures may resume starting at midday, while incoming aircraft could begin landing operations around 1 p.m. The severe weather conditions have resulted in significant schedule disruptions, with approximately 150 flights canceled out of the 232 that were originally planned for Friday morning operations at the Austrian airport.

Arms control specialists are expressing alarm over a potential nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia that could permit uranium enrichment operations within the kingdom, according to congressional documents and nonproliferation organizations.

Both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden have pursued nuclear cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia to share American atomic technology. However, nonproliferation specialists caution that allowing centrifuge operations in Saudi Arabia might create opportunities for a weapons program, particularly since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has indicated he might pursue nuclear weapons if Iran develops them.

The situation became more complex last year when Saudi Arabia and nuclear-capable Pakistan established a mutual defense agreement following Israel’s strike on Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders. Pakistan’s defense minister subsequently stated his country’s nuclear capabilities “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if necessary, which many interpreted as a message directed at Israel, widely considered the Middle East’s sole nuclear-armed nation.

Kelsey Davenport, who serves as director for nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association, emphasized the complexity of such arrangements. “Nuclear cooperation can be a positive mechanism for upholding nonproliferation norms and increasing transparency, but the devil is in the details,” Davenport stated.

She added that the documents raise “concerns that the Trump administration has not carefully considered the proliferation risks posed by its proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia or the precedent this agreement may set.”

Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding these concerns.

Congressional documentation reviewed by the AP reveals that the Trump administration sought to establish 20 nuclear commerce agreements with countries worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. The potential Saudi agreement could generate billions of dollars in revenue.

The documentation argues that finalizing an agreement with the kingdom “will advance the national security interests of the United States, breaking with the failed policies of inaction and indecision that our competitors have capitalized on to disadvantage American industry and diminish the United States standing globally in this critical sector.” Nations including China, France, Russia and South Korea currently dominate the international nuclear power plant technology market.

The proposed agreement would require both America and Saudi Arabia to establish safeguard arrangements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring organization. This would include supervision of the “most proliferation-sensitive areas of potential nuclear cooperation,” with enrichment, fuel fabrication and reprocessing identified as possible areas of cooperation.

The Vienna-based IAEA has not responded to requests for comment. Saudi Arabia maintains membership in the IAEA, which supports peaceful nuclear development while conducting inspections to prevent secret weapons programs.

Davenport warned that “This suggests that once the bilateral safeguards agreement is in place, it will open the door for Saudi Arabia to acquire uranium enrichment technology or capabilities — possibly even from the United States.” She continued, “Even with restrictions and limits, it seems likely that Saudi Arabia will have a path to some type of uranium enrichment or access to knowledge about enrichment.”

While uranium enrichment doesn’t automatically lead to nuclear weapons development — nations must also master additional technologies including synchronized high explosives — it does create weaponization possibilities, which has driven Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s neighbor, established what’s known as a “123 agreement” with the U.S. to construct its Barakah nuclear facility with South Korean support. However, the UAE proceeded without seeking enrichment capabilities, which nonproliferation experts consider the “gold standard” for countries pursuing atomic energy.

This push for a Saudi-U.S. agreement occurs as Trump has threatened military intervention against Iran unless it negotiates regarding its nuclear program. These military threats follow widespread Iranian protests that resulted in a violent government crackdown killing thousands and reportedly detaining tens of thousands more.

Iran has consistently maintained its nuclear enrichment activities serve peaceful purposes. Nevertheless, Western nations and the IAEA assert Iran operated an organized military nuclear program until 2003. Tehran has also enriched uranium to 60% purity, requiring only a brief technical step to reach weapons-grade levels of 90% — making it the only nation worldwide to achieve this level without an acknowledged weapons program.

Iranian officials have long referenced 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statements as a binding fatwa, or religious ruling, prohibiting Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, Iranian representatives have increasingly threatened to pursue weapons development as U.S. tensions have escalated.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who manages the kingdom’s daily operations, has stated that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, “we will have to get one.”

Turkish law enforcement officials have taken into custody a seasoned journalist working for Deutsche Welle, Germany’s state-funded international news organization, on charges of spreading false information and insulting the country’s president.

According to a statement released Thursday evening by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, authorities arrested Alican Uludag and opened a criminal case against him based on content he posted on social media platforms. Officials plan to bring him before prosecutors on Friday.

The German broadcasting company, known as DW, confirmed that their correspondent, who has worked with the organization for multiple years, was taken into custody in Ankara on Thursday before being transported to Istanbul for questioning.

Barbara Massing, who serves as Director General of Deutsche Welle, dismissed the charges as unfounded and described the detention as “a deliberate act of intimidation and shows how severely the government is suppressing press freedom.”

According to DW officials, the charges against Uludag stem from his public criticism of Turkish government policies that resulted in the release of individuals suspected of having ties to the Islamic State. The journalist made these comments in a post on the social media platform X approximately 18 months ago.

The news organization also reported that authorities conducted a search of Uludag’s residence and seized computer equipment and other technology devices during the investigation.

BANGKOK – A Bangkok court has imposed an additional prison term of two years and eight months on activist attorney Arnon Nampa for making statements against Thailand’s monarchy during a November 2020 demonstration, according to a human rights organization that announced the decision Friday. This latest conviction pushes his total prison sentence beyond 30 years.

The 41-year-old Nampa played a key role in the historic youth-driven pro-democracy demonstrations that swept through Bangkok in 2020, which boldly demanded changes to the country’s monarchical system.

Thailand enforces strict lese-majeste legislation that shields the royal family from any criticism, with violators facing potential prison terms of up to 15 years for each instance of perceived disrespect toward the monarchy. International human rights organizations have widely criticized these penalties as excessive.

Nampa has remained imprisoned since September 2023 due to violations of the royal insult statute related to his public addresses at political gatherings and content he posted on social media platforms during 2020 and 2021.

The court ruling announced Friday represents the 11th conviction out of 14 total royal insult charges pending against him.

Data from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights indicates that no fewer than 291 individuals have faced lese majeste charges since 2020.

LUSAKA, Zambia — Eight months have passed since former Zambian President Edgar Lungu died, yet his body remains stored in a South African funeral home, caught in the middle of a bitter feud between his family and his political successor.

The disturbing conflict has created a haunting image: an empty grave the size of a coffin sits unfilled in a Lusaka cemetery, where current President Hakainde Hichilema planned to hold a state funeral. However, Lungu made his final wishes clear to relatives before his death — his longtime political opponent should never be allowed near his remains.

Courts have consistently ruled in favor of Zambian government officials against Lungu’s family’s desires. Despite these legal decisions, the deceased president’s relatives continue fighting for a burial ceremony that would exclude Hichilema entirely.

The corpse remains preserved in South Africa, where Lungu passed away, while Zambia faces a shocking controversy that violates cultural customs and sparks numerous concerns in a nation where failing to bury deceased individuals quickly and respectfully is considered deeply offensive.

This standoff stems from years of animosity between two political enemies. Religious leaders and academics who spoke with The Associated Press describe it as a supernatural conflict between Hichilema, who faces reelection in August, and Lungu, who appears to be continuing his fight beyond death.

“It has shifted from the physical, it has shifted from politics, and it is now a spiritual battle,” said Bishop Anthony Kaluba of Life of Christ congregation in Lusaka.

Those who support Hichilema view Lungu’s final instructions as placing a hex on the current leader, while they argue that allowing Hichilema to attend a state funeral would demonstrate kindness toward Lungu and his relatives.

While the battle over a deceased person’s body may appear strange to outsiders, Lungu’s final command strikes a chord with many Zambians.

Citizens sometimes prevent their adversaries from participating in their funeral services, frequently holding them responsible for their troubles. These conflicts typically remain personal matters, unlike this public spectacle involving a former president who, while dying, struck back at his opponent using the powerful words of ancestral tradition.

Throughout Africa, final statements carry “vital force” that can either promote life or obstruct it, explained Chammah J. Kaunda, a Zambian professor of African Pentecostal theology who leads the Oxford Center for Mission Studies as academic dean.

Elderly people approaching death possess the power to place curses or offer blessings, and Lungu’s situation demonstrates that curses “can acquire a life of their own,” he noted.

Zambia operates as a thriving democracy. The nation’s first president was the cheerful, handkerchief-waving Kenneth Kaunda, who lost power through elections in 1991, despite his reputation as a hero of independence.

Similar to Kaunda, later presidents have been civilians without the military backing of various dictators found elsewhere across Africa, providing Zambia’s presidential candidates the chance to campaign based on their individual qualifications.

Nevertheless, many believe that certain political figures — like numerous fellow citizens — fear they could fall victim to witchcraft. This concern is common in a country where ancestral beliefs flourish alongside Christianity, and verbal curses are feared by many as spiritually binding when triggered by unfairness.

“It is a weapon,” said Herbert Sinyangwe of WayLife Ministries in Lusaka. “We believe in our culture that curses work.”

Regarding three recent presidents — Michael Sata, Lungu and Hichilema — mistrust was widespread. The official presidential residence is now believed by many to be cursed with death because all six former presidents have died. Hichilema conducts business there but spends nights elsewhere.

Sata, who served as president from 2011 to 2014, feared that Hichilema, then in opposition, was targeting him while claiming that protective charms from his own area were more powerful. Zambian officials convicted and imprisoned two men last year for allegedly attempting to assassinate the president through magical means. Lungu’s family remains suspicious of Hichilema.

The burial site in Lusaka intended for Lungu was rapidly excavated and prepared before officials learned of the family’s objections, stated cemetery caretaker Allen Banda. He cautioned that a tomb lacking a body was like digging “your own grave.”

“If nobody goes there, culturally it’s your body that’s going to go there,” he said.

Hichilema’s willingness to risk public backlash by opposing Lungu’s family has strengthened the beliefs of those who perceive a supernatural conflict between him and Lungu.

“On the one hand, nearly everything done by the Lungu family so far seems to have been designed to deny Hichilema access to Lungu’s body,” said Sishuwa Sishuwa, a Zambian historian who is a visiting scholar at Harvard. “On the other, Hichilema’s conduct so far suggests that he will do whatever it takes to secure access to Lungu’s corpse, perhaps because the president sees the issue as a matter of life and death.”

Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, from complications following surgery. He was 68 years old and had received treatment for esophageal narrowing.

To arrange a state funeral, Zambian officials needed to take possession of Lungu’s body until burial. However, Lungu’s relatives opposed Hichilema’s plans during discussions about funeral arrangements.

They wanted to transport the remains via private aircraft and hoped to keep the body at Lungu’s home overnight. They selected three individuals to oversee it during the state funeral that ultimately never occurred.

After Lungu’s family realized their requests would likely be denied, they chose to hold a private funeral in South Africa. They were proceeding with that ceremony when they discovered Zambian authorities had prevented it.

A South African court decided in August that Zambian officials could bring Lungu’s body back home for burial.

Bertha Lungu, the former president’s sister, became distraught in the courtroom following the decision, crying and cursing at Mulilo Kabesha, Zambia’s attorney general, who stated it was time to bring the body home. She claimed that Hichilema wanted the corpse for ceremonial purposes.

Hichilema denies any ill intentions toward Lungu, and has stated his Christian beliefs prohibit acceptance of traditional religious practices.

Lungu assumed power following Sata’s death in 2014. Sata’s vice president, Guy Scott, was unable to run for president in a 2015 election, and Lungu was chosen to complete Sata’s term.

His primary challenger was Hichilema, a successful businessman. The race was extremely tight — Lungu prevailed by fewer than 28,000 votes.

Following the 2016 election, which Lungu won again, Hichilema faced treason accusations and spent four months in prison for allegedly refusing to give way to the presidential convoy.

Five years later, Lungu was defeated by Hichilema and announced his political retirement. He reversed this decision in 2023, and Zambian authorities revoked Lungu’s retirement benefits.

Lungu faced additional pressure when his wife and daughter were detained in 2024 on fraud charges related to property purchases.

When Lungu became ill, he struggled to leave Zambia. The government limited his travel. He managed to escape to South Africa early in 2025, purchasing a ticket at the airport counter. Local media reported this incident as a security failure that resulted in an airport manager’s dismissal.

Lungu is “still influencing our politics from the grave,” said Emmanuel Mwamba, a Zambian diplomat who represents Lungu’s party. “His issues remain. How he was treated in life and how he was treated in death.”

SEOUL, South Korea — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol showed no signs of backing down Friday after a Seoul court sentenced him to life in prison for rebellion charges stemming from his failed martial law attempt.

Through a statement issued by his legal team, Yoon continued to defend his controversial December 2024 martial law declaration, claiming it was implemented “solely for the sake of the nation and our people.” He also criticized the Seoul Central District Court, alleging it held prejudice against him.

The former president, who lost his position during the political turmoil that followed his unsuccessful power grab, has consistently fought back against eight separate criminal charges that prosecutors say amount to an attempted coup and other offenses.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Yoon has taken an combative approach — holing up in the presidential compound for weeks, refusing to cooperate with investigators after his detention, failing to show up for court hearings, and confronting witnesses during his rare appearances.

When delivering Thursday’s rebellion conviction, Judge Jee Kui-youn criticized Yoon for displaying “no sign of apology for the staggering social costs incurred by the emergency martial law” and noted he “refused to appear in court without any justifiable reason” on multiple occasions.

Outside the courthouse, hundreds of police officers kept opposing groups of demonstrators apart as Yoon’s conservative backers voiced frustration and anger over the decision, while his critics celebrated the outcome in nearby areas. No significant confrontations occurred between the groups.

Yoon’s Friday statement challenged the legitimacy of the court’s decision.

“In a situation where the independence of the judiciary cannot be guaranteed and a verdict based on law and conscience is difficult to expect, I feel deep skepticism whether it would be meaningful to continue a legal battle through an appeal,” the 65-year-old said from jail, where he has been held since last July.

However, attorney Yoo Jeong-hwa clarified that Yoon was “merely expressing his current state of mind” and wasn’t suggesting he would give up his appeal rights. The former president has one week to challenge Thursday’s ruling.

While expressing regret for military personnel, law enforcement officers and government workers now under investigation or facing charges related to his martial law order, Yoon also told his supporters “our fight is not over.”

The court determined Yoon was guilty of leading a rebellion by deploying military and police units in an unlawful attempt to take control of the liberal-controlled parliament, detain political rivals and create unlimited authority indefinitely. Yoon has justified his authoritarian actions as necessary to combat the opposition-dominated legislature, which he characterized as “anti-state” elements.

The independent counsel team, which had sought the death penalty for Yoon, may also file their own appeal and has the authority to request a higher court modify the punishment. Investigation team member Jang Woo-sung told media following the verdict that prosecutors have “reservations” about the court’s factual conclusions and the punishment’s severity.

The Seoul court additionally found five former military and police leaders guilty for their roles in implementing Yoon’s martial law order. Among them was former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received 30 years in prison for his key involvement in developing the plan, deploying troops and directing military intelligence agents to detain prominent politicians, including current liberal President Lee Jae Myung. Kim has filed an appeal.

Conservative People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk argued at Friday’s press briefing that the court didn’t make a compelling argument that Yoon’s martial law constituted rebellion and, alluding to a potential appeal, emphasized that “the right to be presumed innocent applies to everyone without exception.”

Yoon’s martial law announcement, made during late evening hours on December 3, 2024, remained in effect for roughly six hours before lawmakers managed to penetrate military barriers and voted unanimously to reverse it, compelling his administration to rescind the order.

Legislative action suspended Yoon from his duties on December 14, 2024, following his impeachment, and the Constitutional Court officially terminated his presidency in April 2025. He has been defending himself in several criminal proceedings while in custody, with the rebellion charge carrying the harshest potential consequences.

Despite its brief duration, Yoon’s martial law declaration triggered South Korea’s most serious political upheaval in decades, bringing government functions and international relations to a standstill while disrupting financial markets. The leadership crisis ended when Lee secured victory in an emergency election held in June of last year.

NEW DELHI (AP) — In a significant diplomatic development on Friday, India became part of an American-led coalition focused on enhancing technology partnerships among key allies, highlighting the improving relationship between the two nations following recent tensions over New Delhi’s continued acquisition of discounted Russian petroleum.

This partnership brings India into alignment with Washington’s strategy to establish reliable supply networks for computer chips, cutting-edge manufacturing, and vital technologies as global rivalry with China grows more intense. The move also represents a restoration of diplomatic relations after disagreements over energy purchases and trade duties.

Other countries participating in the Pax Silica program include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

“Pax Silica will be a group of nations that believe technology should empower free people and free markets. India’s entry into Pax Silica isn’t just symbolic. Its strategic, its essential,” stated U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor during remarks made before the agreement was officially signed.

The Pax Silica program focuses on enhancing collaboration between member nations regarding semiconductor development, manufacturing, research initiatives, and supply network stability. The program aims to decrease reliance on Chinese-controlled production centers while fostering dependable manufacturing partnerships among democratic nations and strategic allies.

This announcement at New Delhi’s artificial intelligence conference follows India and America reaching a preliminary trade agreement several weeks ago to lower tariffs and increase market access for both countries, helping to resolve disputes that had threatened to weaken bilateral progress.

President Donald Trump revealed earlier this month that America would reduce mutual import duties on India from 25% to 18% and eliminate an extra 25% charge that was imposed for purchasing Russian oil, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to halt such purchases.

India had increased its Russian petroleum imports following Moscow’s military action in Ukraine in 2022, prompting disapproval from Western allies while New Delhi justified the transactions as essential for controlling domestic price increases and safeguarding consumers.

India’s participation in Pax Silica, along with trade benefits, represents a strategic alignment that goes beyond economic matters to encompass extended technology and security collaboration, strengthening India’s position as an important American ally in the Indo-Pacific region.

“From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defense cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless,” Gor remarked.

DZENZELIVKA, Ukraine – At 65 years old, Halyna Popriadukhina has been forced to abandon her home three separate times as Russian forces have advanced through eastern Ukraine over four years of conflict. Weary from constant displacement, she now prays Ukraine can find a way to stop their advance.

“I’m afraid there’s nowhere else to escape,” she said, her voice heavy with fatigue as she described how one son has disappeared in combat while the other is believed to be in Russian custody.

Popriadukhina represents just one of nearly 4 million internally displaced Ukrainians, in addition to over 5 million who have sought refuge across Europe, as the conflict approaches its fifth year next week. Many harbor deep fears they may never return to their homes or reunite with missing family members.

The fate of her native Donbas region – encompassing Ukraine’s industrial eastern areas of Donetsk and Luhansk – remains central to ongoing U.S.-supported peace negotiations aimed at ending Europe’s largest military conflict since World War Two.

Moscow is insisting that Kyiv surrender the remaining 20% of Donetsk territory that Russian forces have failed to capture – a demand Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected despite reportedly being told privately by U.S. negotiators that such concessions could secure peace.

“We can’t just withdraw,” Zelenskiy stated this week. “We have to understand that Donbas is a part of our independence … It’s not about the land. It’s not only about territories: it’s about people.”

INVASION BEGAN DURING MORNING CHORES

Popriadukhina recalled she was tending to her cows alongside a friend when rockets started falling on February 24, 2022, marking the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Despite her reluctance, she eventually heeded her son’s pleas to evacuate, abandoning her home and the livestock that provided her livelihood.

“I tried to make it so that I had everything (in life),” said Popriadukhina, who previously worked on a collective farm.

“I didn’t take anything from there. Everything was lost.”

Following several months in western Ukraine, she returned to the Donetsk area during summer 2022 – but was compelled to flee once more last March as Russian troops continued their offensive. When enemy forces pushed further west into the Dnipropetrovsk region, she relocated yet again.

She currently resides in central Ukraine, hundreds of kilometers from her original hometown of Vremivka in the east, which Russian forces now control. Ukrainian officials provided her with a deteriorating, vacant house in Dzenzelivka village.

Similar to numerous communities throughout Ukraine, this village displays a memorial called an “Alley of Heroes” featuring photographs of deceased soldiers. Local residents gather there each morning to pay their respects with a quiet moment of remembrance.

Popriadukhina’s repeated relocations mirror Russia’s steady territorial gains throughout the war. Moscow now controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory following what Ukrainian officials describe as extremely costly attacks across battle-damaged plains that have completely destroyed entire communities.

“I don’t need their little Russia,” she said, employing a dismissive term Ukrainians use to mock their larger neighbor’s territorial ambitions.

Although Kyiv’s outnumbered and outgunned forces have prevented any major enemy breakthrough, the Norwegian Refugee Council has cautioned that internally displaced persons face increasing survival challenges as humanitarian assistance decreases and personal resources are exhausted.

“Many families are now forced to live in precarious conditions, often resorting to risky or unsustainable solutions to cope, including reducing their health or heating expenses,” the organization reported Thursday.

Popriadukhina mentioned being offered safe passage to Poland but responded: “But I said I won’t leave my country.”

She remains tormented by uncertainty regarding her two sons’ whereabouts.

One was receiving medical care at a Mariupol hospital when Russian forces captured the besieged city. The other followed his brother into military service before disappearing in 2023.

According to Kyiv, more than 70,000 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians remain unaccounted for in Vladimir Putin’s war, beyond the tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops confirmed killed.

“Honestly, if I could, I would tear him apart with my own hands, that Putin,” said Popriadukhina. “He brought suffering to so many people.”

From her current living room, she remembers discovering a young man outside her Vremivka residence who had been killed by explosive fragments earlier in the conflict. As a mother, the sight particularly devastated her.

“Please tell me,” she said. “How can you forgive this?”

Ukraine has given the green light to resume military equipment exports for the first time since Russia’s invasion began, with a top defense official projecting sales could reach multiple billions of dollars in 2024.

Davyd Aloian, who serves as deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, revealed that government commissioners recently approved most requests from 40 defense companies seeking permission to sell military products and services internationally.

The war-torn nation completely stopped all weapons exports when Moscow launched its full-scale attack in February 2022, instead focusing entirely on securing arms from international partners to fight off Russian forces.

During this period, Ukraine significantly ramped up its domestic weapons production, especially in drone and missile technology. The country’s extensive combat experience has sparked a major surge in defense innovation and manufacturing.

When asked about this year’s export possibilities, Aloian explained: “Taking into account ready-made products, spare parts, components, and services that can be provided, it amounts to several billion dollars.”

He noted the export potential now “significantly higher” compared to pre-war levels.

However, Aloian cautioned against expecting an immediate surge in weapons sales, emphasizing that Ukraine’s own military requirements remain the top priority as Russian forces continue pushing forward in eastern regions while launching strikes across the country.

Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated peace negotiations have stalled over Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions.

International allies have shown strong interest in acquiring Ukraine’s advanced military technology, according to Aloian. He identified Germany, Britain, the United States, Nordic nations, three Middle Eastern countries, and at least one Asian nation as particularly eager buyers.

One Middle Eastern country with historical defense trade ties to Ukraine is examining opportunities in drone technology and heavy military vehicles, though Aloian declined to specify which nation.

Ukraine plans to prioritize sales to countries providing the strongest wartime support, Aloian said.

The government also wants to emphasize joint ventures and collaborative partnerships with foreign nations to bring in investment capital, establish new weapons supply routes to combat zones, and gain access to cutting-edge technologies. This approach takes precedence over simply selling finished products, Aloian added.

Defense companies have been urging Ukraine to restart exports, warning the country risks missing opportunities in the global arms marketplace. Several manufacturers have already established overseas subsidiaries.

“There is no desire or goal to lock all manufacturers in here and just keep our own… There is an approach, and it is focused on making a system that prioritises the frontline and national interests,” Aloian stated. “And then come commercial interests.”

Ukrainian officials are also weighing the implementation of export taxes on defense producers.

While no final decision has been reached, Aloian believes such taxes would help justify resuming exports by generating revenue for Ukraine’s underfunded military needs.

Among the approved applications, none involve selling complete weapons systems ready for immediate use, Aloian clarified. Most applications actually focus on reimporting military equipment back to Ukraine for frontline use.

Some approvals relate to equipment for the Ukraine-U.S. FrankenSAM initiative, which creates surface-to-air missile defense systems by combining Ukraine’s Soviet-era equipment with Western missiles.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology on Friday following his life imprisonment sentence for his brief martial law declaration last December, which a Seoul court ruled constituted insurrection.

Through a statement from his legal team, Yoon expressed regret for the “frustration and hardship” his martial law order caused citizens, though he defended the “sincerity and purpose” of his decisions.

The former president criticized Thursday’s life sentence from the Seoul Central District Court as “predetermined” and claimed the ruling represented political revenge against him.

“Forces that seek to smear a decision made to save the nation as an ‘insurrection’ and to use it beyond political attacks as an opportunity to purge and eliminate their opponents will only grow more rampant going forward,” Yoon stated.

He expressed doubt about whether filing an appeal would be worthwhile in what he characterized as a system lacking judicial independence, while encouraging his supporters to “unite and rise.”

However, his legal representatives clarified that the statement did not indicate he would abandon his right to appeal the verdict.

Yoon’s martial law order remained in effect for approximately six hours before lawmakers rejected it, triggering nationwide demonstrations and political upheaval throughout South Korea.

The court determined Yoon violated constitutional principles by sending military forces to occupy the parliament building and attempting to arrest political rivals, marking a stunning downfall that resulted in his removal from office and imprisonment.

The former career prosecutor maintained his innocence, contending he possessed constitutional power to impose martial law and that his actions were intended to highlight opposition parties’ interference with governmental operations.

Prosecutors had requested capital punishment for Yoon, although South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.

On Thursday, a prosecutor indicated the prosecution team felt some “regret” about the sentence but would not confirm plans for an appeal.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered a stark warning about China’s military expansion during her inaugural parliamentary address on Friday, describing the current security situation as Japan’s most dangerous since World War II.

Speaking to lawmakers after her coalition’s decisive electoral victory this month, Takaichi outlined sweeping changes to Japan’s defense posture in response to what she characterized as Beijing’s increasingly aggressive regional behavior.

“Japan faces its most severe and complex security environment since World War Two,” Takaichi declared, citing China’s military buildup, its strengthening defense partnership with Russia, and North Korea’s advancing nuclear weapons program.

The Prime Minister’s four-month administration has already sparked tensions with Beijing after she stated Japan might use military action if a Chinese attack on Taiwan posed threats to Japanese territory.

Following her party’s transformation of a narrow majority into an overwhelming mandate in recent lower house elections, Takaichi now controls more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats, giving her broad authority to implement her security agenda.

“China has intensified its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion in the East China Sea and South China Sea,” she told the legislative body.

Takaichi announced her government will update Japan’s three fundamental security policy documents this year, creating a fresh defense framework while accelerating reforms to military export regulations that will boost overseas arms sales and support domestic defense manufacturers.

The Prime Minister is accelerating a military expansion program that began in 2023, pushing Japan’s defense budget to 2% of gross domestic product by March’s end – a spending level that will rank Japan among the world’s top military powers despite its pacifist constitutional principles.

She also revealed plans for a new national intelligence coordination body under her direct leadership, bringing together information from various agencies including law enforcement and military intelligence. Unlike the United States’ CIA or Britain’s MI5, Japan currently lacks centralized foreign or domestic intelligence services.

Beyond military matters, Takaichi proposed establishing a Japanese equivalent to America’s Committee on Foreign Investment to examine foreign investments in sensitive industries, while announcing a review of regulations governing land purchases by non-Japanese buyers.

The Prime Minister committed to reinforcing supply networks to decrease reliance on “specific countries” and collaborate with allied nations to secure essential materials, including rare earth elements, near Minamitori, a distant Pacific territory.

Takaichi also pledged to accelerate the reopening of nuclear power facilities that have remained shuttered since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

“A nation that does not take on challenges has no future,” she concluded. “Politics that only seeks to protect cannot inspire hope.”

Financial markets are on edge as tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, with President Trump delivering a stark ultimatum that has traders watching closely for potential conflict.

Trump has given Iran between 10 and 15 days to reach an agreement regarding its nuclear weapons program, warning the country will face “really bad things” if no deal is struck.

The administration has deployed aircraft carriers, naval vessels, and fighter jets to the Middle East region as diplomatic pressure mounts. Iran has indicated it will retaliate if attacked.

Oil markets are already responding to the heightened tensions, with Brent crude prices climbing above $72 per barrel – marking the highest level seen in six and a half months. The U.S. dollar is also strengthening, heading toward its biggest weekly gain in four months as investors seek safe-haven assets.

While many view this as typical Trump-style diplomacy, traders remain ready to push oil and dollar prices even higher should military action occur.

In an unexpected social media post, Trump also announced plans to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other government agencies to declassify files related to extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena.

Separately, market concerns are growing in the private equity sector after Blue Owl Capital’s recent moves rattled investors. The firm announced it had liquidated $1.4 billion in assets to return money to investors while permanently eliminating quarterly withdrawal options for one of its funds. This decision has intensified existing worries about how private equity funds value their holdings and provide liquidity to investors.

Walmart’s newly appointed chief executive also expressed caution about consumer spending patterns during Thursday’s discussions.

Looking ahead, investors will be monitoring several key economic releases including U.S. personal consumption expenditure data, GDP figures, and purchasing managers’ index surveys from around the globe. Corporate earnings from major companies including Danone, Air Liquide, and Anglo American are also expected.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s iconic kimono, the intricate silk garment once worn by geisha and samurai warriors, is experiencing a modern renaissance focused on environmental sustainability.

These authentic silk garments, whose name translates to “worn thing,” can endure for a century or longer. Within Japanese households, they pass from one generation to the next, much like precious family heirlooms, artwork, and war memorabilia.

Their timeless appeal never fades.

The fundamental structure of kimonos and their accompanying “obi” belts has remained unchanged since Japan’s 17th-century Edo era, the same period featured in classic Akira Kurosawa samurai films.

However, contemporary artisans are embracing innovative approaches, transforming traditional kimonos by deconstructing and reconstructing them into modern jackets, contemporary dresses, and stylish trousers.

“I noticed that a lot of beautiful kimono is just sleeping in people’s closets. That’s such a waste,” said Mari Kubo, who heads a kimono-remake business called K’Forward, pronounced “K dash forward.”

Her company represents part of a growing trend in such services, which also convert vintage kimonos into handbags and decorative figurines.

Kubo’s most sought-after items are “tomesode,” formal black kimonos featuring vibrant embroidered designs of flowers, birds, or plant life along the hem.

She specializes in coordinated outfits, which she refers to as “set-ups.” A tomesode becomes a jacket while preserving its characteristic flowing sleeves, with elaborate designs positioned prominently across the back. She then selects a complementary patterned kimono to fashion matching bottoms. Occasionally, obi fabric serves as collar accents for added visual interest.

According to Kubo, her primary customers are younger consumers seeking to appreciate kimono culture without traditional complications.

Redesigned kimonos at K’Forward range up to 160,000 yen ($1,000) for a “furisode,” the vibrant long-sleeved style traditionally worn by unmarried young women, while black tomesode pieces cost approximately 25,000 yen ($160).

Designer Tomoko Ohkata finds the greatest satisfaction in her vintage kimono creations comes from environmental responsibility rather than guilt over waste.

“I feel the answer was right there, being handed down from our ancestors,” she said.

Japanese recycling centers receive thousands of vintage kimonos daily as families discover them stored away by previous generations. Modern Japanese typically reserve kimono wearing for significant events like weddings. Many brides now choose Western white gowns over traditional kimono, though some opt for both styles.

Ohkata’s customers frequently bring family kimonos seeking transformation. They value the garments’ historical significance, she explained.

Her compact Tokyo shop showcases various figurines, including traditional samurai and wife pairs displayed in Japanese homes during the annual Girls’ Day celebration on March 3rd. Her dolls wear meticulously crafted miniature outfits made from repurposed kimono fabric, priced at 245,000 yen ($1,600) per set.

Traditional kimono wearing is also experiencing renewed interest.

“Unlike the dress, you can arrange it,” says Nao Shimizu, who heads a school in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto that teaches people how to wear a kimono and how to carry oneself while wearing it.

“In half a year, you can learn how to do it all by yourself,” she said, briskly demonstrating several ways to tie the obi to express different moods, from playful to understated.

Beyond durability, Shimizu emphasizes that this adaptability contributes to kimono sustainability.

Modern Japanese youth adopt more casual approaches, pairing kimonos with boots instead of traditional “zori” sandals, she noted with amusement.

While proper kimono dressing requires technique, instruction is available from teachers like Shimizu, similar to learning musical instruments. Professional assistance can be found at beauty salons, hotels, and specialty retailers.

Though most Japanese wear kimonos only occasionally throughout their lives, the experience remains significant.

Singer Sumie Kaneko, who performs on traditional koto and shamisen instruments, frequently appears in striking dresses created from recycled kimonos. She believes sustainability principles are fundamental to Japanese culture, pointing out that ivory and animal materials for her instruments are increasingly scarce.

She describes this concept as “the recycling of life.”

“The performer breathes new life into them,” says the New York-based Kaneko.

“In the same way, a past moment — and those patterns and colors that were once loved — can come back to life.”

TALLINN, Estonia — As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine approaches its fourth year, Moscow maintains control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian land. Between 3 million and 5 million people still living in these occupied territories struggle with basic necessities including shelter, water, electricity, heating, and medical services.

Even Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted to “many truly pressing, urgent problems” existing in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions that Moscow illegally claimed as its own following the February 24, 2022 invasion.

Authorities impose Russian citizenship, language and cultural practices on local populations, transforming educational curricula and academic materials to reflect Moscow’s agenda.

Residents live with constant anxiety about being labeled as Ukrainian sympathizers, say those who managed to escape. Human rights advocates report widespread imprisonment, physical violence and killings of civilians.

According to Oleksandra Matviichuk, who leads the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties, Russia has created a “vast network of secret and official detention centers where tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians” remain locked up indefinitely without formal charges.

Moscow has declined to address previous accusations from United Nations human rights officials regarding the torture of civilians and captured soldiers.

Inna Vnukova recalls spending the initial period of Russian control in the Luhansk area concealed in a wet basement with her relatives. In her community of Kudriashivka, military personnel intimidated locals, established roadblocks and stole from houses while artillery bombardments continued.

“Everyone was very scared and afraid to go outside,” Vnukova shared with The Associated Press from Estonia, where she currently resides. The forces specifically targeted government workers and public employees like herself and her spouse, Oleksii Vnukov.

During mid-March 2022, she departed the community with her teenage son Zhenya and her brother’s household, despite having to temporarily abandon her husband. They took a dangerous car journey to nearby Starobilsk, displaying a white cloth while mortar rounds exploded around them.

Oleksii Vnukov, who worked in court security, remained almost two additional weeks. Russian troops threatened his life twice before he managed to flee.

“The people there aren’t living, they’re just surviving,” he described regarding the 150 residents — including the family’s elderly parents — who continue living in the community that previously housed 800 people.

The Vnukovs have established themselves in Estonia, where she operates printing equipment and he works as an electrical technician. Their son has reached age 20, and they now have a one-year-old daughter named Alisa.

Russian military units surrounded Mariupol for weeks before capturing the coastal city in May 2022. The destruction of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater on March 16 that year resulted in nearly 600 deaths in and surrounding the structure, according to an Associated Press investigation — representing the conflict’s most devastating single assault on non-combatants.

While most of the approximately half-million residents evacuated, many remained hidden in underground spaces, according to a former theater performer who sheltered for months with his parents.

The former performer, currently in Estonia, requested anonymity to protect his 76-year-old parents who remain in Mariupol. They accepted Russian documentation to access healthcare and received a one-time payment equivalent to $1,300 each as reimbursement for their demolished residence, he explained.

Housing shortages persist despite the population dropping to roughly half its pre-war size. New residential units are marketed to incoming Russians rather than displaced locals, based on video complaints sent to Putin.

Not all residents reject Russian control. The former performer estimates half his previous theater colleagues support the Kremlin. Nevertheless, he noted his parents requested he avoid sending Ukrainian-language postcards because “it could be dangerous.”

Extended warfare and abandonment have left numerous cities with deteriorating public infrastructure.

In Alchevsk, a Luhansk region municipality, more than half the residences lack heating during this harsh winter season. Officials have established five warming centers.

Throughout the Donetsk area, water delivery trucks fill containers outside residential buildings — though they freeze completely in winter, explained a resident who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “There’s constant squabbling over water,” she noted.

Moscow incentivizes Russian migration to occupied areas through various benefits. Educational staff, medical professionals and cultural employees receive salary bonuses for five-year commitments in these regions.

The northeastern municipality of Sievierodonetsk, previously home to 140,000 residents, sustained extensive destruction and currently houses only 45,000 primarily elderly or disabled people. A single ambulance team serves the entire city, while Russian healthcare workers rotate through its hospital, said a 67-year-old former engineer who spoke anonymously fearing retaliation.

“I know how difficult it is now for the residents of the liberated cities and towns. There are many truly pressing, urgent problems,” Putin stated in September. He mentioned requirements for dependable water systems and healthcare access, announcing a “large-scale socioeconomic development program” for these areas.

Stanislav Shkuta, 25, from Nova Kakhovka in the Kherson area, described barely avoiding detention multiple times before reaching Ukrainian-controlled land in 2023. He remembered traveling on a bus stopped by Russian soldiers, where “men and women were asked to strip to the waist to see if they had Ukrainian tattoos.”

Shkuta, now residing in Estonia, recalled he “turned white with fear, wondering if I’d cleared everything on my phone.”

Contacts remaining in Nova Kakhovka report deteriorating conditions, with suspected Ukrainian supporters detained on streets or during unexpected home searches, he added.

Mykhailo Savva from Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties stated “Russian special services continue to identify disloyal Ukrainians, extract confessions, and continue to detain people,” with locals subjected to identification verification and mass inspections.

Human rights organizations report Russia operated “filtration camps” during the war’s early phase to identify potentially disloyal individuals, along with anyone employed by the government, who assisted Ukrainian forces or had military relatives, plus journalists, educators, researchers and political figures.

Approximately 16,000 civilians face illegal detention, though actual numbers could be significantly higher since many are held without communication access, according to Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.

PIROT, Serbia — In the small Serbian town of Pirot near the Bulgarian border, residents have discovered the perfect remedy for harsh winter weather: a distinctive spiced sausage that locals say boosts both energy and morale during the coldest months.

Known locally as “peglana kobasica,” this specialty meat product gets its English name “ironed sausage” from an unusual preparation method that involves flattening the casing with a bottle, creating its characteristic horseshoe appearance. The delicacy combines carefully chosen meats with abundant spices and undergoes natural air-drying.

While this culinary tradition has passed through multiple generations in Pirot, the high-quality, sustainably produced sausage has recently attracted attention far beyond this quiet border community.

Serbian food safety officials recognized the product’s excellence in 2022, granting it a certificate for regional distinction and authenticity. This designation requires manufacturers to adhere to strict production standards to earn the official recognition.

“It is a supreme product,” declared Marjan Savic, who leads a local association of sausage producers, in comments to The Associated Press. “Our sausage is one of the best, if not the best.”

The sausage-making heritage in Pirot stretches back at least 100 years, with some historians suggesting it may have originated during Ottoman rule, which concluded in the Balkans in 1913.

Historical accounts describe early producers using meat from mature livestock to create their sausages, then air-drying them by suspending them on wooden handles in storage buildings and upper floors of homes.

Currently, approximately 35 to 40 licensed manufacturers operate in the region. They source locally raised cattle and goat meat, incorporating garlic, spicy peppers, and herbs gathered from the picturesque Stara Planina mountains in the vicinity.

Creating these ironed sausages requires “hard labor,” according to Savic. The initial step involves completely removing all fatty tissue and connective material from the meat, “which is probably the hardest part of the job,” he noted.

Workers then air-dry and manually flatten the sausages each day to achieve proper flavor and form. The entire process concludes in time for Pirot’s annual sausage festival each January, which draws thousands of attendees, including many visitors from Bulgaria.

However, increasing popularity hasn’t shielded the industry from significant challenges. Local goat populations are shrinking, while recent winters have become warmer and more moisture-laden, conditions that scientists partially attribute to changing climate patterns.

Misa Rajic acquired his sausage-making skills from his grandfather and recalls preparing ironed sausages each winter during his childhood. He currently operates a small production facility at his residence on Pirot’s periphery.

“It takes about a month to get a dry, dehydrated product that is ready for consumption,” Rajic explained while demonstrating how producers press the sausages with glass bottles, working from center to edges.

This technique, he continued, “helps further mix the meat inside the sausage and it helps with the drying because it extracts the moisture.”

Properly dried sausages develop a dark appearance with the grayish exterior of beef intestine casings, which consumers remove before eating. Pirot residents typically enjoy the sausage similar to an after-dinner digestive — following complete meals, including dessert. They slice it paper-thin and chew deliberately while sipping red wine to savor the flavor.

“We recommend red wines that are a bit robust to match the poignant aroma,” Savic advised. “It’s not so good with white wine.”

TALLINN, Estonia — From her safe haven in Estonia, Inna Vnukova still cannot shake the haunting memories of Russian occupation in eastern Ukraine during the early days of the conflict and her family’s desperate flight to freedom.

The family sought shelter in a wet basement for several days in their hometown of Kudriashivka following Russia’s comprehensive assault in February 2022. Armed soldiers terrorized locals in the streets, established military checkpoints, ransacked houses, and maintained constant artillery bombardment.

“Everyone was very scared and afraid to go outside,” Vnukova shared with The Associated Press, explaining how forces targeted Ukrainian supporters and government workers like herself and her spouse, Oleksii Vnukov.

By mid-March, she made the difficult choice to evacuate with her teenage son Zhenya, 16, alongside her brother’s family, despite having to temporarily abandon her husband. Their dangerous automobile journey to nearby Starobilsk required displaying a white flag while dodging mortar attacks.

“We had already said our goodbyes to life, cursing this Russian world,” stated the 42-year-old Vnukova. “I’ve been trying to forget this nightmare for four years, but I can’t.”

Numerous Ukrainians like Vnukova escaped the advancing military. Those who remained faced detention risks or worse outcomes as Russian troops eventually seized approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory and its estimated 3 to 5 million inhabitants.

Following four years of conflict, existence in devastated urban centers like Mariupol and rural communities like Kudriashivka continues to be challenging, with locals confronting issues regarding shelter, water supply, electricity, heating, and medical services. Even President Vladimir Putin has admitted they face “many truly pressing, urgent problems.”

Within the unlawfully seized territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, authorities impose Russian citizenship, language and customs on inhabitants, including through educational materials and classroom instruction. By spring 2025, approximately 3.5 million residents across these four areas received Russian documentation — mandatory for accessing essential services like healthcare.

Residents in these territories report living with constant anxiety about being suspected of Ukrainian allegiance. Numerous individuals have faced imprisonment, physical assault and death, according to human rights advocates.

Oleksii Vnukov, employed as courthouse security, remained in the community for almost two weeks. Russian troops threatened his life twice, including one incident where soldiers forcibly removed him and a companion from the street. However, he survived and eventually fled the village as well.

The family journeyed through Russia before reaching Estonia, where Inna found employment at a printing facility and Oleksii, 43, works as an electrician.

“All life is leaving the occupied territories,” Vnukov explained. “The people there aren’t living, they’re just surviving.”

Mykhailo Savva from Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties described the Russian military’s ongoing practice of maintaining “systemic and total control” throughout these regions.

“Even though a significant number of socially active people have already been detained, Russian special services continue to identify disloyal Ukrainians, extract confessions, and continue to detain people,” Savva explained. “Residents face such practices as document checks, mass searches, and denunciations on a daily basis.”

Human rights organizations report Russian officials utilized “filtration camps” to locate potentially disloyal persons, including government employees, Ukrainian military supporters, those with military family members, plus journalists, educators, researchers and political figures.

Stanislav Shkuta, 25, formerly of occupied Nova Kakhovka in Kherson region, narrowly avoided multiple arrests before reaching Ukrainian-held territory in 2023. He remembered being aboard a bus halted by Russian soldiers.

“It was horrific. Men and women were asked to strip to the waist to see if they had Ukrainian tattoos,” recalled Shkuta, now residing in Estonia. “I turned white with fear, wondering if I’d cleared everything on my phone.”

His friends remaining in Nova Kakhovka describe deteriorating conditions, with suspected Ukrainian supporters detained during street stops or unexpected home inspections.

“Today, my friends complain that life there has become impossible,” he stated.

Russia created a “vast network of secret and official detention centers where tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians” remain held indefinitely without charges, according to Oleksandra Matviichuk, director of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties.

“Everyone knows that if you end up in the basement, your life is worth nothing,” she noted.

Russian representatives have declined to address previous accusations by U.N. human rights officials regarding civilian and prisoner torture.

Approximately 16,000 civilians face illegal detention, though actual numbers could be significantly higher due to incommunicado holdings, stated Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.

A U.N. report from last summer revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, investigators interviewed 57 detained civilians from occupied regions, with 52 reporting severe beatings, electrical torture, sexual assault, humiliation and violence threats.

One notable case involves Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, 27, who vanished in 2023 while reporting near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and died while in Russian custody. When her remains were returned to Ukraine in 2025, they showed torture evidence with some organs removed, prosecutors reported.

“Russia uses terror in the occupied territories to physically eliminate active people working in certain fields: teachers, children’s writers, musicians, mayors, journalists, environmentalists. It also intimidates the passive majority,” Matviichuk states.

During the war’s beginning, Russian forces surrounded Mariupol before the coastal city surrendered in May 2022. The Russian attack on the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater on March 16 that year killed nearly 600 people in and surrounding the structure, according to an AP investigation, marking the conflict’s single most deadly civilian attack.

Most of the city’s roughly half-million residents evacuated, but many sheltered in basements, including a former theater performer who spent months hiding with his parents, reporting they nearly died from Russian bombardment.

The former performer, now in Estonia, requested anonymity to protect his 76-year-old parents still in Mariupol. They accepted Russian citizenship to access medical treatment and received a one-time $1,300 payment per person as compensation for their destroyed residence, he explained.

Similar to other occupied cities, Mariupol undergoes Russification through street name changes, Moscow-approved school curricula, Russian telecommunications and television networks, and adoption of Moscow’s time zone.

“But even today, the threat of death has not gone away. Only those who have Russian passports can survive,” the former performer explained, adding his parents requested he avoid sending Ukrainian postcards because “it could be dangerous.”

Putin “openly states that there is no Ukrainian language, no Ukrainian culture, no Ukrainian nation. And in the occupied territories, these words are turning into terrible practice,” Matviichuk observed.

However, not everyone opposes Russian control in Mariupol. The former performer reports half his former theater colleagues now support the Kremlin and believe Kyiv “provoked the war.”

Housing remains problematic in Mariupol, where current population equals roughly half the pre-2022 level. New residential buildings emerged from destruction, but instead of housing displaced residents, they’re sold to Russian newcomers.

Some displaced residents have created video pleas to Putin. “You said we ‘don’t abandon our own.’ Do we not count as your own?” questioned one resident during a large gathering.

At least 12,191 Mariupol apartments were designated as supposedly “ownerless” and abandoned properties for seizure during 2025’s first half. Thousands more face confiscation elsewhere.

Moscow encourages Russian citizens to relocate to occupied territories, providing various incentives. Teachers, medical professionals and cultural workers receive salary bonuses for five-year residency commitments.

Years of warfare and neglect have created serious heating, electrical and water supply challenges in many occupied eastern Ukrainian cities.

The northeastern city of Sievierodonetsk experienced major destruction before falling to Russia in June 2022. Once housing 140,000 residents, only 45,000 remain, primarily elderly or disabled individuals.

A single ambulance crew serves the entire city, with doctors and medical staff rotating from Russian regions like Perm to staff the hospital, according to a 67-year-old former engineer who requested anonymity fearing retaliation.

Despite conditions, she still endorses “the great work Putin is doing,” citing her Soviet Union upbringing.

In Alchevsk, located in Luhansk region, over half the residences have lacked heating for two frigid months. Five warming centers operate while utility companies report over 60% of municipal heating infrastructure requires repair without available funding.

Even pro-Moscow politician Oleg Tsaryov accused authorities of freezing “an entire city.” When heating failed in 2006, he noted on social media that Ukrainian authorities “and the entire country stepped in to help and completely replaced the faulty equipment.” Following Russian takeover, officials “contrived to repeat this Armageddon scenario all over again,” he added.

In Donetsk region, water delivery trucks fill containers outside apartment buildings — but they freeze completely during winter, reported a resident who requested anonymity fearing consequences.

“There’s constant squabbling over water,” she explained, noting “insane” lines for the vital resource, with working people often missing truck arrivals.

Donetsk residents submitted an appeal for Putin’s intervention in what became “a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.”

Putin acknowledged last year the difficulties across the four regions.

“I know how difficult it is now for the residents of the liberated cities and towns. There are many truly pressing, urgent problems,” he stated while marking the third anniversary of incorporating these areas into Russia. He mentioned needs for dependable water supplies and healthcare access, among other concerns, announcing a “large-scale socioeconomic development program” for these territories.

Meanwhile, Inna Vnukova builds her new Estonian life: She and Oleksii now parent 1-year-old daughter Alisa. Their son reached age 20.

Only approximately 150 people — including the couple’s parents — remain in the village that once housed 800, Vnukova reported, expressing hopes to someday show her daughter the family’s native Luhansk region.

“We’ve been dreaming of returning for four years, but we increasingly wonder — what will we see there?” she questioned.

A compelling photo collection from February 13-19, 2026, captures the vibrant cultural celebrations and daily life across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Colorful Carnival festivities filled the streets throughout Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, and neighboring countries as communities celebrated with traditional parades and public gatherings. The week-long celebration drew thousands of participants in elaborate costumes and festive displays.

Meanwhile, in Mexico City, the religious observance of Ash Wednesday brought faithful parishioners to local churches where they received traditional ash markings to begin the Lenten season.

The photo series also documents the human impact of upcoming 2026 World Cup preparations in Mexico City. Among those featured is Montserrat Fuentes, who has maintained her work location on the same street corner for two decades. The World Cup infrastructure projects are now disrupting the income sources for sex workers like Fuentes and others in similar situations.

Mexico City-based photo editor Jon Orbach assembled this visual collection, selecting images that represent the diverse experiences across the region during this significant week.

BANGKOK — Authorities in Thailand turned to an unusual disguise when traditional law enforcement tactics failed to capture a repeat offender who kept evading their attempts at arrest.

Officers from Bangkok’s police department donned a colorful red-and-gold lion costume typically used in cultural celebrations to approach their target without detection. Department video shows the disguised officers performing traditional dance moves as they moved closer to the 33-year-old suspect during Wednesday’s Lunar New Year festivities at a Nonthaburi province temple, located adjacent to Bangkok. The operation culminated when the officer positioned inside the costume’s ornate head suddenly broke character and tackled the unsuspecting man.

Authorities report the individual faces charges for repeatedly breaking into a Bangkok police commander’s residence three separate times during January, stealing items valued at approximately 2 million baht, equivalent to $64,000.

According to department statements, previous arrest attempts had failed because the suspect consistently recognized approaching officers and fled before they could apprehend him. Investigators eventually tracked him down by following the trail of stolen religious amulets he had sold, which led them to discover his habit of frequenting temples throughout Nonthaburi.

The timing proved perfect for the unusual operation, as Lunar New Year festivities featuring traditional lion performances are widespread throughout Thailand, despite not being an official government holiday. This cultural backdrop allowed the officers to blend seamlessly into the celebration.

Department officials report the suspect has admitted to the break-ins, explaining he committed the crimes to fund drug purchases and gambling activities. Records show he has prior convictions for both narcotics violations and burglary offenses.

BUENOS AIRES – In the early morning hours of Friday, Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies gave approval to controversial workplace reform legislation championed by libertarian President Javier Milei, despite widespread labor union opposition that resulted in a nationwide work stoppage paralyzing much of the nation.

The legislative measure received backing from 135 lawmakers while 115 voted in opposition. Having previously gained Senate approval last week, the bill underwent several amendments and must now return to the upper chamber for a final determination before it can be enacted into law.

Pakistan and the United States have finalized a partnership agreement to renovate the historic Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, according to official documents and government sources.

The memorandum of understanding was executed on Thursday following approval from Pakistan’s cabinet, sources confirmed. The collaborative arrangement between the two nations will enable Pakistan to maximize returns on what officials consider one of their most valuable international real estate holdings.

The renovation project represents a significant diplomatic and economic partnership between Washington and Islamabad, focusing on revitalizing the Manhattan landmark property.

The downfall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reached a devastating new chapter Thursday when authorities arrested King Charles’ younger brother on suspicions he illegally shared government documents with Jeffrey Epstein.

Law enforcement officials detained the 66-year-old on his birthday while investigating claims he violated his duties as a British trade representative by improperly disclosing official information to the notorious sex trafficker.

Mountbatten-Windsor has maintained his innocence regarding any Epstein-related misconduct and previously expressed remorse for his “ill-judged association” with the deceased American criminal.

His public image was already devastated following his decision to settle a civil case filed by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed he sexually assaulted her as a minor at locations connected to Epstein and his network, allegations he repeatedly rejected.

This latest crisis transforms the individual once considered Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred child and celebrated as a distinguished war hero into essentially a social outcast.

Born as second in the line of succession, he held the title of Prince of the United Kingdom and later became the Duke of York.

Though an arrest doesn’t establish guilt, criminal charges could result in imprisonment if authorities and legal officials determine prosecution is warranted.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” King Charles declared in an official statement.

MILITARY SERVICE AND MARRIAGE

Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor entered the world at Buckingham Palace on February 19, 1960, when his mother was 33 years old, nearly a decade following his older sister Anne’s birth, making him the first royal baby born to a sitting monarch in over a century.

Following the path of his father and elder brother Charles, he enrolled at Gordonstoun, the demanding Scottish boarding school, before entering Dartmouth naval college in 1979.

His naval career began with helicopter pilot training in 1981, and he deployed aboard HMS Invincible during the 1982 Falklands War against Argentina, operating a Sea King helicopter for anti-submarine operations and transport missions that earned him military recognition.

Before his recent troubles, Mountbatten-Windsor was primarily recognized for his 1986 wedding to Sarah Ferguson, popularly called “Fergie.” The queen granted them the titles Duke and Duchess of York on their wedding day.

Their marriage ended in separation during March 1992, part of what the queen famously termed her “annus horribilis” due to multiple royal family scandals.

Reports suggested the former prince was heartbroken by his wife’s departure, though Ferguson later characterized him as a kind person worthy of affection.

Their union produced two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and despite divorcing in 1996, the family maintained positive relationships, taking vacations together and cohabiting for extended periods.

TRADE ROLE UNDER SCRUTINY

Mountbatten-Windsor completed 22 years of naval service before accepting the position of UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment in 2001, serving until his Epstein connections sparked public outrage.

Investigators are now examining his conduct during this diplomatic assignment.

Following his military retirement, he concentrated on performing ceremonial responsibilities for the queen while working to stimulate economic development and employment opportunities.

Associates portrayed the Duke of York as a straightforward individual whose primary interest was his professional duties. They argued his efforts advancing British commerce internationally received insufficient recognition. However, some diplomatic personnel considered him discourteous, uninformed and crude.

Media attention focused heavily on his romantic relationships. Publications connected him romantically with various women including fashion models and business executives, earning him the nickname “Air Miles Andy” due to his luxury travel habits.

His association with Epstein, who received a 2008 conviction for child sex crimes, ultimately destroyed his career. Public pressure forced him to resign his trade position in 2011, and Giuffre publicly accused him of sexual abuse in 2015.

Palace officials revoked his military appointments, charitable patronages and “His Royal Highness” designation after his disastrous 2019 BBC interview intended to restore his reputation.

In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum, reportedly exceeding 10 million pounds ($13.5 million) according to media accounts, to resolve Giuffre’s American lawsuit. She took her own life three years afterward.

“Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” her relatives stated Thursday. “He was never a prince.”

Last October, following additional Epstein revelations, King Charles removed his brother’s princely status and evicted him from his Windsor residence.

“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” according to a Buckingham Palace announcement.

Critics view his destruction as the result of his pride and privileged attitude. A former royal security officer recalled Andrew’s angry outbursts when staff disturbed the stuffed animals arranged on his bed.

Military tensions between the United States and Iran reached new heights Thursday as President Trump delivered an ultimatum to Tehran while a second American aircraft carrier moved closer to Middle Eastern waters.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stated he believes Iran has “10 to 15 days” to negotiate a nuclear agreement, cautioning that without a meaningful arrangement, “bad things happen.”

The warning comes as Iran conducted joint military exercises with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. Iranian state media reported the drills focused on improving operational coordination and sharing military expertise between the two nations.

Iran’s vulnerability has increased following what officials describe as 12 days of combined Israeli and American attacks on nuclear facilities and military installations last year, coupled with violent suppression of mass demonstrations in January.

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani sent a letter to the Security Council Thursday declaring that while Iran “does not seek tension or war and will not initiate a war,” any American aggression would meet a “decisive and proportionate” response.

“In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response,” Iravani wrote.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was tracked near Morocco’s coast Wednesday, positioning it to potentially enter the Mediterranean Sea. Military analysts estimate the carrier would need over a week to reach Iranian waters.

Recent Iranian military activities included live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which one-fifth of global oil trade passes. The nation also issued rocket-fire warnings to regional pilots, suggesting plans to test anti-ship missiles.

Nuclear negotiations have remained stalled for years, with Iran refusing to address American and Israeli demands to reduce its missile capabilities and cut connections to armed groups. Recent indirect talks in Geneva showed minimal progress, though Iran agreed to prepare written responses to U.S. concerns raised during discussions.

A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, revealed that national security leaders met Wednesday to review Iran policy. They received briefings indicating “full forces” needed for potential military operations would be positioned by mid-March.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued urgent evacuation orders for Polish citizens in Iran, warning that “within a few, a dozen, or even a few dozen hours, the possibility of evacuation will be out of question.” He provided no additional details.

German military officials confirmed relocating “a mid-two digit number of non-mission critical personnel” from an Iraqi base due to regional circumstances, though some troops remain to maintain operations at the multinational facility in Irbil.

The New York-based Soufan Center noted that 50 additional U.S. combat aircraft, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, were deployed to the region this week, joining hundreds already stationed at Arab Gulf bases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump last week, declared Israel ready “for any scenario.” He warned that if Iran targets Israel, “they will experience a response they cannot even imagine.”

Netanyahu has consistently advocated for stronger U.S. action against Iran, arguing any agreement should eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program, restrict its missile arsenal, and force separation from militant organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, though U.S. and international officials suspect weapons development intentions. Tehran claims it ceased uranium enrichment following last summer’s strikes, which Trump said “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites, though actual damage remains unclear as international inspectors have been barred.

A regional government official, speaking confidentially about diplomatic conversations, said he has warned Iranian leaders that Trump’s threats should be taken seriously, pointing to the president’s track record on international issues. The official suggested focusing negotiations on nuclear matters while postponing discussions about missile programs and proxy group support.

Inside Iran, tensions continue rising as mourners conduct ceremonies honoring protesters killed by security forces 40 days ago. Some gatherings have featured anti-government demonstrations despite official warnings.

Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith revealed plans Thursday evening for a fall referendum that would ask provincial residents whether their government should impose restrictions on incoming international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers.

The announcement, delivered during a televised speech from Calgary, signals Alberta’s bid to challenge federal authority over immigration matters – an area traditionally controlled by Canada’s national government rather than individual provinces.

The referendum proposal threatens to create new tensions within Canada as Prime Minister Mark Carney works to strengthen relationships with western provinces and counter growing separatist sentiment in Alberta.

During her address, Smith explained that her administration expects to announce a substantial budget shortfall next week, attributing the deficit partially to declining oil revenue from lower global energy prices.

However, the Premier also pointed to Alberta’s unprecedented population surge as a contributing factor to the province’s financial pressures. Statistics Canada reports that Alberta’s population exceeded 5 million residents in 2025, with over 600,000 new arrivals during the previous five years – making it Canada’s fastest-growing province.

“Throwing the doors wide open to anyone and everyone across the globe has flooded our classrooms, emergency rooms and social support systems with far too many people, far too quickly,” Smith stated during her televised remarks.

Alberta isn’t alone in experiencing immigration-driven population increases. Following years of expansive immigration policies under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has recently moved to reduce immigration quotas and establish limits on temporary residents due to mounting pressure on housing availability, infrastructure capacity, and social services.

What distinguishes Alberta from other Canadian provinces, according to research from ATB Financial, is its exceptionally high rate of internal migration as Canadians relocate there seeking improved economic prospects and lower housing costs.

Smith noted that recent town hall discussions revealed international immigration as a primary concern among Alberta residents, prompting her decision to pursue referendum authorization for policy changes.

The proposed modifications could include legislation requiring Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or “Alberta approved immigration status” for eligibility to receive provincially funded services including healthcare, education, and social programs.

A court in Tunisia has handed down an eight-month prison sentence to parliament member Ahmed Saidani following his social media posts that ridiculed the country’s president, according to Thursday’s ruling that critics view as evidence of growing suppression of dissent.

Saidani, who previously backed President Kais Saied’s agenda targeting political rivals, has shifted to become an outspoken opponent. He now accuses the president of attempting to control all governmental decisions while shifting responsibility for the nation’s troubles to others.

According to a judicial official, the parliamentarian received his sentence on accusations of using communication networks to insult others.

Authorities detained Saidani earlier this month following a Facebook post where he ridiculed the president, calling him the “supreme commander of sewage and rainwater drainage.”

“This is a violation of the law and an attack on institutions. How can parliament hold the executive authority to account if it carries out an unlawful arrest over critical views,” said Bilel Mechri, who serves alongside Saidani, in comments to Reuters.

Saidani won his parliamentary seat in late 2022 during an election marked by extremely poor voter participation. This vote occurred after Saied disbanded the former parliament and removed the government in 2021.

Since that time, Saied has governed through executive orders, actions that opposition groups have characterized as a coup.

Numerous opposition figures, some members of the press, and other Saied critics have been incarcerated since he consolidated most governmental authority.

Human rights organizations claim Saied has established authoritarian control and transformed Tunisia into an “open-air prison” as part of his campaign against political opponents.

The president maintains he is upholding legal standards and working to “cleanse” the nation.

A drone strike targeting Sevastopol’s port facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea has claimed one life, local officials reported Friday morning.

Regional Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev announced via Telegram that defensive systems successfully shot down 16 Ukrainian drones during the assault.

The governor reported that both apartment buildings and residential properties sustained damage from the overnight strike on the strategic port city.