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Saudi Arabia’s military forces stopped three unmanned aircraft on Sunday after the drones crossed into the kingdom’s territory from Iraq, according to officials.

The country’s defense ministry stated it will implement appropriate operational responses to counter any efforts to breach the nation’s sovereignty and security.

Although tensions related to the Iran conflict have mostly decreased following a ceasefire that began in April, unmanned aircraft have continued to be sent from Iraq toward Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Moldovan government officials are strongly condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent decision to provide expedited citizenship pathways for residents living in the breakaway region of Transdniestria, viewing the action as a direct threat to their sovereignty.

The separatist territory split from Moldova back in 1990 while the country remained part of the Soviet Union, and following a short-lived armed conflict in 1992, both sides have coexisted in relative stability.

Approximately 1,500 Russian military personnel, whom Russia often characterizes as peacekeeping forces, maintain positions between the two territories, while the breakaway region continues to receive significant financial support from Moscow.

Moldova’s administration, which has set a goal of European Union membership by 2030, views both the separatist territory and the Russian military deployment as tools for Moscow to influence their domestic policies. Last month, military leaders from the Russian contingent were prohibited from entering Moldovan territory.

Putin’s Friday directive allows the 350,000 people living in Transdniestria to obtain Russian passports while bypassing standard residency and other typical requirements. Roughly half of the population already possesses Russian citizenship.

“Probably, they want more people to send to the war in Ukraine,” President Maia Sandu, a frequent critic of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour, told a conference in Estonia on Saturday.

“It’s probably one way to threaten us again, because Russia does not like the actions we have been taking on reintegration on the economic and financial (sectors). The people in the Transdniestria region have to think twice.”

She noted that numerous residents from the territory had already obtained Moldovan passports to “feel safer” following the start of the conflict.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated Saturday evening that his administration was weighing concrete responses, noting that diplomatic protests to the Russian ambassador regarding Russian drone incursions into Moldovan airspace had failed to influence Moscow’s behavior.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterized Putin’s citizenship offer as equivalent to “Russia designating the territory of Transdniestria as supposedly its own.” He announced that Ukraine and Moldova would develop “a joint assessment and joint action.”

Russia’s ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, defended the policy to the state TASS news agency, claiming it was motivated by humanitarian concerns due to Moldova’s “increasing pressure on Transdniestria.”

He dismissed Moldovan objections to the decree as “hypocrisy,” pointing out that many Moldovans were securing passports from Romania, Moldova’s western neighbor.

Lithuanian officials announced Sunday that they discovered a crashed Ukrainian military drone within their borders, according to the country’s National Crisis Management Centre.

The unmanned aircraft went undetected as it crossed into Lithuanian territory and was not carrying any explosive devices, according to Vilmantas Vitkauskas, who leads the crisis management center.

Officials found the wreckage in the village of Samane, located approximately 40 kilometers from Latvia’s border and 55 kilometers from Belarus, the center reported.

Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to the incident.

In a related development, Latvia’s military issued a drone warning Sunday morning near its Russian border, prompting NATO fighter jets on Baltic Air Police duty to respond to the area.

According to the Latvian army, one drone briefly crossed into Latvian territory during the alert period.

Beginning in March, multiple Ukrainian drones have strayed into the airspace of NATO countries Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, all of which share borders with Russia and its partner Belarus.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that these wayward drones were intended to target Russian military installations but became misdirected due to Russian electronic interference.

Several of these aircraft have crashed and detonated upon impact, including two drones that struck a Latvian oil storage facility on May 7, causing fires.

Following that incident, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina dismissed her defense minister, which ultimately resulted in her government’s collapse on May 14.

In April, the three Baltic nations declared they have never permitted their land or airspace to be used for drone strikes against Russian targets.

Jeff Landry, the United States special representative tasked by President Donald Trump with advancing American territorial interests in Greenland, touched down in the capital city of Nuuk on Sunday, according to local news outlets.

The Louisiana governor has supported Trump’s vision of bringing the expansive Arctic region under U.S. control. However, this objective faces firm resistance from leadership in both Greenland and Denmark, who have consistently stated the territory cannot be purchased.

Video footage broadcast by public media outlet DR captured Landry stepping off an aircraft in Nuuk.

His itinerary includes participation in the ‘Future Greenland’ business conference scheduled for May 19-20, where he will be joined by U.S. ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery.

While Business Greenland, which organized the conference, did not extend a direct invitation to Landry, officials noted the event maintains open registration for interested participants.

The U.S. embassy in Copenhagen announced earlier this week that Landry and Howery would “meet with a wide range of Greenlanders to listen and learn with a goal of expanding economic opportunities, building people-to-people ties, and increasing understanding between the United States and Greenland.”

In an effort to reduce diplomatic friction, Greenland, Denmark and the United States reached an agreement earlier this year to conduct high-level diplomatic discussions aimed at addressing the dispute, though results from these continuing conversations have not been disclosed.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen indicated earlier this week that expanding U.S. military presence remains a topic in current discussions with Washington.

No formal meetings between Landry and Greenlandic government officials have been announced for his current visit.

ABUJA, Nigeria — More than 80 students have been kidnapped from Nigerian schools during a series of militant raids over the past week, according to local authorities and human rights organizations who reported the incidents on Sunday. The attacks represent the most recent wave of school abductions plaguing the West African nation as officials continue fighting various extremist and armed factions.

Armed groups struck an elementary school located in Borno state, situated in Nigeria’s northeastern region, during the timeframe spanning Wednesday through Thursday. During this assault, militants seized 42 students from the Askira Uba and Chibok regions.

According to Amnesty International, this raid occurred in Mussa village, positioned near Sambisa Forest — a known base for Boko Haram militants and their breakaway faction, which operates as an Islamic State affiliate called the Islamic State West Africa Province.

In Nigeria’s southwestern territory, armed groups struck two high schools in Oyo state within hours of each other on Friday, resulting in the kidnapping of at least 40 students, Amnesty’s Nigeria division reported. These types of abductions occur infrequently in this specific region.

The human rights organization issued a warning Sunday that abduction fears are driving numerous children away from educational institutions, while families are removing young girls from schools and forcing them into marriages as a protective measure against these attacks.

Peter Wabba, a government representative from Mussa, stated Sunday that he received information indicating the “exact number” of children taken from Oyo was 48.

“The government is assuring us that they are doing their possible best to see that these children are rescued but up till now, we are still waiting,” he told The Associated Press.

Amnesty also stated that officials “never fulfill promises to investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“Victims and their families continue to be denied access to justice,” it said.

On Saturday, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka informed the AP that authorities had detained three armed suspects related to the Oyo assault, which occurred in the Oriire region, approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles) from Lagos city.

Community members identified the suspects, leading to their arrests, Olayinka explained. Authorities did not indicate whether they were pursuing additional suspects.

Student kidnappings occur frequently throughout Nigeria, Africa’s most densely populated country, particularly in northern territories. During the previous year, two large-scale school abductions shocked the nation, with over 300 children taken from northern area institutions.

Educational facility kidnappings have become synonymous with Nigeria’s security crisis, and experts suggest this occurs because criminal organizations view schools as valuable targets they can use to generate greater public attention.

Crowds of enthusiastic supporters carrying Bulgarian flags gathered to celebrate Eurovision champion Dara as she touched down in her homeland Sunday.

Looking exhausted yet joyful, the 27-year-old performer stepped off the plane at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport holding her Eurovision trophy high. The country’s leading TV networks interrupted their scheduled programming to broadcast the airport celebration live.

“This award marks the beginning of my future international career,” Dara said.

The artist claimed Bulgaria’s historic first Eurovision victory Saturday night in Vienna with her upbeat dance track “Bangaranga,” marking a milestone for the southeastern European nation in the annual competition.

“We have done something great for Bulgarian music, and I hope this sends a message that Bulgaria’s performers and artists deserve stronger support,” Dara said.

She described Bulgaria as “an exceptionally talented nation that will continue to receive more and more attention.”

The performer, born Darina Yotova, triumphed over 24 rival acts in Saturday evening’s championship round of the continental music showcase. Her song’s catchy rhythms and precisely coordinated dance performance resonated with both professional judges from participating nations and television audiences worldwide, whose combined voting determines the champion.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev joined other dignitaries welcoming the star at the airport. Terziev announced the capital stands prepared to stage the competition’s next installment in 2027, coinciding with Bulgaria’s 20th anniversary of European Union membership.

Government officials across the Balkan nation expressed collective national celebration.

Parliamentary speaker Mihaela Dotsova described Dara’s achievement as an “inspiration for the nation,” while President Iliana Yotova characterized it as a “triumph for Bulgaria” and Prime Minister Rumen Radev declared it “a victory with global resonance.”

MEXICO CITY, May 17 – A deadly assault in Mexico’s Puebla state has resulted in ten fatalities, including one minor, according to the state’s public security ministry. The attack occurred Sunday in the municipality of Tehuitzingo, where gunmen targeted the victims – six men, three women, and a child.

Authorities from both state and federal levels have initiated a collaborative investigation and operational response to track down those responsible for the violence.

The state’s public security ministry has committed to “zero impunity” regarding these killings and confirmed that intelligence operations are currently in progress to determine what motivated the deadly assault.

Taiwan’s leader emphasized on Sunday that military equipment acquired from America serves as “the most important deterrent” against regional tensions and unrest, responding to President Trump’s recent questioning of ongoing U.S. backing for Taiwan after his China visit.

Military sales from America to Taiwan and defense collaboration between both nations are legally mandated and serve as a foundation for regional peace and stability, President Lai Ching-te stated.

“We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continuous increase in the scale and amount of arms sales to Taiwan,” he said.

These remarks followed Trump’s recent expressions of uncertainty about his commitment to ongoing weapons sales to Taiwan, the democratic island that China considers its own rebellious territory, potentially to be reclaimed through military action if needed.

America, similar to other nations maintaining official diplomatic relations with China, does not acknowledge Taiwan as an independent nation but remains the island’s primary supporter and weapons provider. U.S. law requires Washington to supply Taiwan with defensive capabilities and considers any threats against the island as seriously concerning.

Trump had already authorized a historic $11 billion military package for Taiwan in December, featuring missiles, drones, artillery equipment and defense software.

During a Fox News interview broadcast Friday, following Trump’s completion of a significant China visit, he revealed he has not yet approved a proposed $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, stating it “depends on China.”

“It’s a very good negotiating chip for us frankly,” he said.

These remarks sparked worry on the island, which Taiwan’s administration has attempted to address by emphasizing that America’s official Taiwan policy remains unchanged.

“Taiwan will not provoke or escalate conflict, but it will also not relinquish its national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life, under pressure,” Lai declared, identifying China as “the root cause of undermining regional peace and stability and attempting to change the status quo.”

China has characterized Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent discussions with Trump.

In one of his most forceful declarations yet, Xi warned Trump on Thursday of “clashes and even conflicts” if Taiwan matters were mishandled.

China and Taiwan have operated under separate governments since 1949, when the Communist Party gained control in Beijing after a civil war. Defeated Nationalist Party members escaped to Taiwan, which eventually evolved from military rule to democratic governance.

Peru’s highest election authority announced Sunday it will address voting problems that caused a month-long delay in releasing April’s first-round presidential election results before the June 7 runoff.

The National Elections Board (JNE) formally declared right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez as the final two contenders for president. Officials also revealed plans to establish an expert committee with national and international members to provide supervision during the second voting round.

“We cannot deny that there were many difficulties and flaws in the logistical deployment by the organizing entity, ONPE,” JNE President Roberto Burneo told a press conference.

The April 12 voting faced significant problems including delayed polling station openings, forcing election officials to extend voting by an additional day, especially in the capital Lima. These issues led ultraconservative candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who came in third by a narrow margin, to claim fraud had occurred.

Burneo explained that the new oversight committee will have five members, including scholars from Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico who specialize in cybersecurity and election procedures.

“We have incorporated all the lessons learned from the first round and are strengthening oversight,” Burneo said.

After officials announced the final candidates, Lopez Aliaga’s party indicated it would seek to have the first-round outcomes invalidated. The JNE declared the results “final and unappealable.”

“The electoral fraud in Peru has just been consummated,” Lopez Aliaga said in a post on X. “We will not accept results that are the product of fraud and corruption.”

LIMA, Peru — Peru’s election officials have officially validated the results from April’s initial presidential voting round on Sunday, establishing a June 7 runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez.

While the complete vote tally was announced Friday, Peru’s National Elections Board needed to formally approve the outcome to establish the second voting round, as no candidate secured more than half of all valid ballots cast.

Fujimori, a 50-year-old congresswoman and daughter of late President Alberto Fujimori running for Fuerza Popular, secured 2.8 million ballots representing 17.19% of the total count. This marks her fourth time reaching a presidential runoff.

Sánchez, representing the Juntos por el Perú party and previously serving as foreign trade minister under former President Pedro Castillo, earned 2.015 million votes for 12.03% of the total.

The two candidates defeated 33 other contenders by pledging to address escalating crime rates, which ranks as the primary concern for Peruvians living in a nation whose mining-based economy has remained stable despite ongoing political turmoil.

Since more than 70% of voters selected neither Fujimori nor Sánchez during the initial voting, both candidates must build alliances with other parties to secure victory in the upcoming runoff.

The South American nation continues struggling through an extended political crisis that has witnessed eight presidents take office and leave within nearly ten years of conflicts between Parliament and executive leadership, plus demonstrations that resulted in 50 protester deaths from 2022 through 2023.

SEOUL, May 17 – The presidents of South Korea and the United States conducted a telephone conversation on Sunday to review the results from the recent U.S.-China summit, according to an announcement from South Korea’s Blue House presidential office.

During the call, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump also addressed the successful execution of a trade agreement between their nations that was finalized the previous year, the presidential office reported in their Sunday statement.

The conversation additionally covered matters related to maintaining peace across the Korean Peninsula, though the Blue House did not provide additional details about the specific topics discussed during the call.

Officials in Abu Dhabi confirmed Sunday that an unmanned aircraft attack triggered a blaze at a nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates, occurring during a period when diplomatic efforts to resolve the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran have reached a standstill.

Authorities in the Emirates have not assigned responsibility for the assault, and no groups have stepped forward to claim involvement. Previously, the UAE has pointed fingers at Iran for targeting its energy infrastructure, describing such actions as an expansion of regional hostilities.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the unmanned aircraft struck an electrical generator positioned beyond the inner security boundary of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Officials emphasized that radiation safety measures and facility operations remained uncompromised, with no personnel harmed in the incident.

The International Atomic Energy Agency announced it was monitoring the developments with close attention.

Since hostilities commenced with American and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, Iranian forces have consistently struck the UAE and additional Gulf nations that provide bases for U.S. military operations, targeting both civilian and energy-related facilities.

Iranian attacks on the UAE intensified earlier this month following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump called off after two days.

Despite more than five weeks passing since a fragile ceasefire became effective, American and Iranian positions remain significantly divided, even as diplomatic initiatives continue seeking to terminate the conflict and restore access to the strait, which serves as the globe’s most crucial shipping pathway for oil and gas.

The United States has insisted that Tehran abandon its nuclear program and release its grip on the strait. Iran has countered by demanding war reparations, termination of American port blockades, and cessation of combat across all theaters, including Lebanon, where Israeli forces are engaging Iran-supported Hezbollah.

Trump, who conducted discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week without obtaining Chinese commitment to assist in conflict resolution, has warned of renewed military action should Iran reject a settlement.

Abolfazl Shekarchi, a senior spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces, declared Sunday that implementing Trump’s warnings would result in the U.S. facing “new, aggressive, and surprise scenarios, and sink into a self-made quagmire.”

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, accused the U.S. and Israel of attempting to transfer responsibility for energy market instability following their “unprovoked military aggression against Iran.”

The shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have created the most severe oil supply shortage in recorded history, driving up costs. America has established its own embargo of Iranian ports.

Ebrahim Azizi, who leads the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, announced Saturday that Tehran had developed a system for managing strait traffic along a specific corridor that would be revealed shortly.

The initial U.S. and Israeli airstrikes resulted in thousands of Iranian casualties. Additional thousands have perished in Lebanon during combat between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed organization Hezbollah.

On Friday, Israel and Lebanon reached agreement on a 45-day ceasefire extension, although the agreement has not prevented continued fighting.

According to a weekend report from Axios citing classified intelligence sources, Cuba has obtained more than 300 military drones and is now exploring plans to target American military installations, including the US base at Guantanamo Bay, American naval vessels, and potentially Key West, Florida, located 90 miles from Havana.

A senior US official explained to the publication that this intelligence demonstrates how the current administration views Cuba as an escalating security concern, particularly due to advances in unmanned aircraft technology and the presence of Iranian military advisers operating in Havana. The official noted that such intelligence could potentially justify US military intervention.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the details of this report.

BANGKOK, May 17 (Reuters) — Authorities in Thailand have filed criminal charges against a train operator following a fatal collision that occurred Saturday in central Bangkok, where a freight train struck a public bus at a railway crossing, resulting in eight fatalities and 32 injuries.

“The train driver has been charged with negligence causing death, as evidence clearly indicates reckless conduct leading to fatalities,” Urumporn Koondejsumrit, head of the Makkasan Police Station, told Reuters.

According to police officials, the bus operator will face similar charges but remains hospitalized and unable to be questioned, delaying the filing of those charges.

Law enforcement officials indicated they are reviewing whether to pursue additional criminal charges in the case.

The Saturday incident occurred when the freight train collided with a bus that had stopped on the railway tracks during a red traffic signal, igniting a blaze that consumed the bus and pulled several other vehicles down the tracks.

Transportation officials have cleared the accident scene and resumed normal operations, while Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced in a statement that authorities plan to strengthen safety protocols and monitoring to avoid future incidents.

Local residents expressed concerns they had harbored for some time about the dangerous intersection, noting that motorists frequently ignored stop signals at the crossing.

“It should not have happened. I want all drivers to understand traffic laws properly,” said Thanphisit Nawatkonoangkoon, a 20-year-old train commuter.

The World Health Organization has identified Thailand’s transportation system as among the most dangerous globally, citing insufficient enforcement of safety regulations.

JERUSALEM, May 17 (Reuters) — Israeli leadership on Sunday gave approval for constructing a military facility where the demolished United Nations Relief and Works Agency building previously operated in East Jerusalem.

Earlier this year in January, Israeli forces tore down buildings within the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency’s East Jerusalem location after taking control of the property in the previous year, prompting the agency to denounce the action as breaking international law.

According to a combined announcement from the Defence Ministry and Jerusalem Municipality, the planned facility will feature a military museum, recruitment center, and an office for the defence minister.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as representing “sovereignty, Zionism, and security.”

The refugee agency, which Israeli officials claim shows bias, had stopped using the facility at the beginning of last year following Israel’s directive to abandon all its locations and halt operations.

When asked about the Israeli proposal, a spokesperson for the refugee agency refused to provide comment.

The organization functions in East Jerusalem, an area that the United Nations and most nations view as Israeli-occupied territory following its capture from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East conflict. Israel maintains that all of Jerusalem represents its unified capital city.

The agency also provides services in Gaza, the West Bank and other Middle Eastern regions, delivering education, medical care, social programs and housing to millions of Palestinians.

Katz stated: “There is nothing more symbolic or justified than establishing the new IDF recruitment office and defence establishment institutions precisely on the ruins of the former UNRWA compound — an organization whose employees took part in the massacres, murders, and atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7.”

Israeli officials have claimed that certain agency personnel belonged to the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and participated in the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and triggered Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, during which Gaza officials report over 71,000 Palestinian fatalities.

The agency has dismissed multiple employees but stated that Israel failed to supply proof for all accusations against its workers, with its former leader, Philippe Lazzarini, claiming Israel was running “a large-scale disinformation campaign” targeting the organization.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces conducted one of their most extensive drone operations against Russia, resulting in at least four fatalities, including three deaths in the Moscow area, and injuring twelve others, according to Russian regional officials who reported the casualties Sunday. Aircraft debris scattered across Russia’s busiest airport but caused no structural harm.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the aerial assault, declaring the operations “entirely justified.” Russia has consistently conducted comparable strikes against Ukraine’s capital and additional urban centers throughout the conflict, and a military analyst indicated the Ukrainian attacks seemed to be payback for recent Russian bombardments of Kyiv.

Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine during the night injured eight individuals, Ukrainian officials reported.

During Ukraine’s operations against Russia, a female civilian died when a drone struck her residence in Khimki, a Russian municipality located northwest of Moscow, while two males perished in Pogorelki village, situated 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the capital, local Gov. Andrei Vorobyev confirmed.

Ukrainian aerial vehicles had also struck unspecified “infrastructure” and multiple residential towers, Vorobyev announced via social media platforms.

Another male fatality occurred when a drone impacted a truck in the Belgorod region, which shares a border with Ukraine, regional officials stated.

Within Moscow’s boundaries, no fewer than 12 individuals sustained injuries during the nocturnal assault, primarily around the entrance to the city’s petroleum refinery, mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced. Sobyanin confirmed that the refinery’s “technology” remained undamaged.

Russia’s busiest airport — Moscow’s Sheremetyevo — confirmed that aerial debris had landed within its perimeter without creating damage or disrupting flight operations.

Russian defensive systems intercepted 81 drones targeting Moscow during the overnight hours, state agency Tass reported, quoting Sobyanin, representing one of the most significant strikes against the city since Russia initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Russian air defense forces eliminated 556 drones across Russia overnight, the nation’s defense ministry announced Sunday morning. Shortly past noon local time, officials reported that over 1,000 drones had been intercepted or disrupted within the preceding 24-hour period.

Zelenskyy stated that the drones had traveled more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Ukrainian soil, and that Ukraine was “overcoming” Russian air defense networks positioned in and surrounding the capital.

“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified. This time, Ukrainian long-distance sanctions have reached the Moscow region, and we are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war,” Zelenskyy said.

Nigel Gould Davies, senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank, stated that Ukraine’s massive strike seemed to be “the retaliation or revenge that President Zelenskyy promised after the fierce attacks that Russia carried out on Kyiv.”

Those bombardments occurred directly following the conclusion of a temporary ceasefire that permitted Russia to conduct its annual Victory Day parade on May 9 commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

“It brings home the fact Ukraine has the capacity to strike at very significant scale at or around the Russian capital,” bringing the conflict to Russians in a manner that would be “most unwelcome” to the Kremlin, Gould Davies told The Associated Press.

“There is no ongoing peace process to disrupt. What (the attack) is more likely to do is add to the darkening cloud of anxiety over Russia which has developed palpably over the last three or four months,” he said.

He referenced multiple contributing elements, including Russia’s recent battlefield setbacks, a worsening economic situation domestically, and the Kremlin’s escalating restrictions on the internet, including in Moscow and Russia’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg.

“The fact that Ukraine is reminding the Moscow population that it is vulnerable to these attacks is likely to intensify the mix of concerns now,” Gould Davies said. “I see no prospect though, in the shorter term, that even these factors together will induce Russia to consider the compromises that will be necessary for peace negotiations.”

Ukrainian aerial vehicles are also penetrating deeply into Russia to target petroleum facilities, creating smoke plumes visible from space and producing toxic precipitation at tourist locations along the Black Sea. The operations aim to reduce Moscow’s oil exports, a crucial funding source for Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Although their economic consequences remain uncertain — as rising oil prices from the Iran war, and related relaxation of U.S. sanctions, have helped refill the Kremlin’s treasury — the scope of the strikes and their environmental effects are bringing the conflict to ordinary Russians distant from the battle zones.

Russia launched strikes against Ukraine using 287 drones overnight into Sunday, with 279 intercepted or disrupted, the Ukrainian air force confirmed.

The bombardments injured 8 individuals in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region: three in the regional capital of Dnipro, four in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, and one in the district of Synelkove, Ukraine’s state emergency service reported.

Housing structures sustained damage in all three areas, the service confirmed.

CAIRO, May 17 (Reuters) — Israeli military operations resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to health authorities in the region.

Medical personnel reported that an Israeli strike resulted in the death of one Palestinian individual near a law enforcement facility in Khan Younes, located in the southern portion of the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli military stated it had eliminated a fighter who posed an immediate threat to its forces conducting operations in Gaza’s southern region.

A separate attack resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals at a communal food preparation facility near Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah in the territory’s central area, according to Gaza medical personnel.

The Israeli military has not provided commentary regarding this second incident.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas following the ceasefire have reached an impasse, and Donald Trump’s proposal for rebuilding the Palestinian territory has struggled to gain momentum.

Israel has escalated its military operations in the Gaza Strip following the suspension in early April of its bombing campaign against Iran conducted alongside the United States.

On Saturday, Israel eliminated Izz al Din al Haddad, who led Hamas’s military wing in Gaza.

THE HAGUE, May 17 – The International Criminal Court has rejected claims published in Israeli media suggesting the court had issued fresh arrest warrants targeting five Israeli political and military officials over alleged crimes committed against Palestinians.

Court spokesperson Oriane Maillet released a statement to reporters refuting the accuracy of the story that appeared in Israel’s Haaretz newspaper. The court “denies the issuance of new arrest warrants in the situation in the state of Palestine,” Maillet stated.

Health officials in Gaza reported that four Palestinians died in separate Israeli military operations on Sunday, according to medical personnel in the region.

Medical sources confirmed that one Palestinian was killed during an Israeli operation near a police facility in Khan Younis, located in Gaza’s southern region. Israeli military officials stated they eliminated a militant who presented an immediate danger to their forces conducting operations in the southern part of the territory.

In a separate incident, Gaza medical personnel reported that an Israeli air operation resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals at a community food facility located near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.

Israeli military representatives have not yet provided a statement regarding this second incident.

The violence continues as Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse in indirect negotiations aimed at advancing U.S. President Donald Trump’s post-conflict proposal for Gaza, which seeks to bring an end to more than two years of warfare.

Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified in recent weeks following the cessation of joint military actions with the U.S. in Iran, with forces now concentrating efforts back on the devastated Palestinian region, where military officials say Hamas fighters are consolidating their control.

On Saturday, Israeli military representatives announced that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who led Hamas’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, was eliminated in what they characterized as a targeted operation in Gaza City on Friday.

Hamas acknowledged Haddad’s death but did not issue threats of retaliation.

Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued regularly since the ceasefire began.

Approximately 870 Palestinians have died in Israeli operations since the October ceasefire, based on statistics that do not differentiate between military personnel and civilians. Four Israeli soldiers lost their lives to militant actions during this same timeframe.

Hamas does not release casualty numbers for its military personnel.

The businessman son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has secured a leadership position within his father’s political organization, according to a party official who spoke Sunday, raising questions about future control of the Palestinian Authority as succession discussions intensify.

Yasser Abbas obtained a position on Fatah’s Central Committee, which serves as the organization’s top decision-making entity, during elections held at the party’s first general conference in nearly a decade. The 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas will continue serving as chairman, the conference determined.

The Palestinian Authority emerged as a temporary governing body through the 1990s Oslo agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, an umbrella organization that maintains international recognition as the voice of the Palestinian people. Fatah holds dominant influence over both the PA and the PLO.

The political entry of the president’s son has sparked discussion that Mahmoud Abbas might be working to establish Yasser, who is 64, as his eventual replacement to lead Fatah.

This development has prompted pushback from certain Fatah members, who argue that Yasser lacks the ability to bring Palestinians together or guide them toward a fresh political direction following years without nationwide elections or meaningful progress toward establishing a state.

During the more than twenty years since Mahmoud Abbas was chosen to follow Fatah founder Yasser Arafat, Palestinians have increasingly regarded the PA as both ineffective and corrupt, claims that Abbas disputes, though he has governed through executive orders since his term ended in 2009.

In 2007, Hamas militants defeated Abbas’ Fatah fighters in the Gaza Strip and took control of the territory, occurring one year after Hamas achieved victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections.

Diplomatic negotiations with Israel designed to establish a Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem ended in 2014, with continued Israeli settlement expansion fragmenting territories designated for Palestinian sovereignty. The PA also faces significant financial difficulties.

Yasser Abbas, who has not previously served in any official capacity within Fatah or the PA, operates tobacco and construction companies in sections of the Israeli-occupied West Bank where the PA maintains limited governing authority. Critics have repeatedly claimed that he and his brother Tarek have utilized public resources to benefit their business interests, accusations both brothers deny.

Other individuals elected to Central Committee positions include Majed Faraj, who leads the General Intelligence Agency, and former militant group leader Zakaria Zubeidi, who gained freedom through a Hamas-Israel prisoner-hostage swap during a 2025 Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Bulgarian citizens erupted in celebration Sunday following their nation’s unexpected inaugural Eurovision Song Contest victory, as they awaited the homecoming of performer Dara, whose uplifting dance anthem “Bangaranga” captured the competition.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev posted congratulations to Dara on Facebook, with the artist scheduled to return to Bulgaria Sunday evening.

Radev noted that Bulgaria will welcome Europe and the world when Sofia hosts the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in the coming year.

Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova wrote on X that the 27-year-old performer serves as Bulgaria’s finest young representative, with her win demonstrating that “talent, courage and hard work” can achieve any objective.

Eurovision enthusiasts in Sofia gathered Saturday evening to view the competition broadcast from Vienna, an event marked by boycotts from five nations due to the Gaza conflict.

“Bulgaria was excited last night and literally all night after her win,” finance specialist Petar Stefanov shared with Reuters.

“We are all extremely proud. She won for all of us, for the whole country.”

Amid global challenges including conflict, uncertainty and economic pressures, Dara described “Bangaranga” as “a quiet belief that everything’s going to be all right.”

“Nobody believed that we can win and that Bangaranga can win, and having this love from all the juries and all the audience tonight. It feels like a dream. I don’t know if I am sleeping or is it reality?” she shared during a press conference.

Bulgaria, a member of the European Union, has been recovering from extended political turmoil and reached another significant achievement earlier this year by joining the euro zone.

MALE, Maldives (AP) — Specialized diving experts from Finland reached the Maldives on Sunday to develop a new strategy for locating the remains of four Italian divers thought to be trapped deep within an underwater cave system. Recovery operations had been temporarily halted following the death of a local military diver during the dangerous rescue attempt.

According to Italy’s Foreign Ministry, the group of five Italian divers is thought to have perished while exploring an underwater cave approximately 50 meters (160 feet) below the surface in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. This depth significantly exceeds the Maldives’ recreational diving restriction of 30 meters (98 feet).

Presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef announced that recovery efforts were paused after Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, succumbed to underwater decompression sickness following his transfer to a hospital in the capital on Saturday.

On Sunday, Shareef confirmed that three Finnish specialists with expertise in deep water and cave diving operations had reached the island nation and met with Maldives coastguard officials to plan a revised search approach.

Mahudhee received a military funeral with full honors on Saturday evening, which President Mohamed Muizzu attended. The deceased diver had been among those who briefed Muizzu about the rescue strategy during his visit to the search location on Friday.

Challenging weather conditions have continuously interfered with recovery operations.

Saturday’s search activities included eight local divers working in rotation shifts to find the victims, according to the Italian Foreign Ministry. Earlier teams had already descended to locate and mark the cave system entrance where the Italians vanished. The circumstances leading to their deaths are still being investigated.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that every effort would be made to return the victims to their homeland. He expressed sympathy for the loss of the Maldivian diver who died during the rescue mission.

The Maldivian government has identified the victims as Monica Montefalcone, an associate professor of ecology at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.

Benedetti’s remains were found on Thursday close to the cave opening. Officials believe the other four had ventured inside the cave structure.

The University of Genoa stated on Friday that Montefalcone and Oddenino had traveled to the Maldives for an official research mission to observe marine ecosystems and examine climate change impacts on tropical biodiversity. However, the university clarified that the diving activity that resulted in the fatal incident was not connected to their planned research and was conducted for personal reasons.

The university’s statement also noted that the two additional victims — student Sommacal and recent graduate Gualtieri — were not participating in the scientific expedition.

Carlo Sommacal, Montefalcone’s husband and Giorgia’s father, questioned the circumstances of the incident, stating that “something must have happened down there” considering his wife and daughter’s substantial diving experience.

In an interview with Italian television, he characterized Montefalcone as a cautious and highly disciplined diver who would never endanger her daughter or fellow divers.

The Italian tour company responsible for organizing the diving excursion denied giving permission for or having knowledge of the deep dive that broke local regulations, according to its attorney who spoke to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Saturday.

Orietta Stella, representing Albatros Top Boat, stated the company “did not know” the group intended to dive below 30 meters. Such depths require special authorization from Maldivian maritime officials and the tour operator “would have never allowed it,” she explained.

The dive greatly surpassed what had been arranged for a scientific expedition focused on coral collection at normal depths, Stella noted. While the victims were skilled divers, the gear they used seemed to be standard recreational equipment rather than technical apparatus appropriate for deep cave diving, she observed.

Cave diving represents an extremely technical and hazardous pursuit requiring specialized instruction, equipment and rigorous safety measures. Dangers multiply dramatically in settings where divers cannot ascend directly to the surface, especially at significant depths during poor conditions. Specialists warn that becoming confused or lost inside caves is common, particularly when stirred sediment severely limits visibility.

Diving at 50 meters also surpasses the maximum depth suggested for recreational divers by most major established scuba certification organizations, with depths beyond 40 meters (131 feet) classified as technical diving requiring specialized instruction and equipment.

The Italian Foreign Ministry described the cave as containing three large chambers linked by narrow corridors. Recovery teams examined two of the three chambers on Friday, though the search was restricted due to oxygen supply and decompression concerns.

Italian authorities reported that approximately 20 other Italians on the same expedition aboard the vessel “Duke of York” remained safe. Italy’s embassy in Colombo was assisting those on board and had reached out to the Red Crescent, which offered to send volunteers to provide psychological support.

The Maldives Tourism Ministry announced it had suspended the “Duke of York’s” operating license while an investigation proceeds.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An unmanned aircraft attack hit the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear facility on Sunday, igniting a blaze at an electrical generator located on the facility’s outer edge and adding fresh pressure to the fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.

Officials in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, reported that no group has stepped forward to take credit for the assault, which resulted in no radiation leakage or casualties. Iran quickly became the primary suspect, as the nation has grown more hostile toward the UAE in recent days while the country provided shelter to Israeli Iron Dome defense systems and military personnel during the conflict.

This incident occurs while Iran maintains its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route that carried one-fifth of global oil and natural gas before the war began, creating worldwide energy supply disruptions. The United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports in retaliation while efforts to strengthen the ceasefire have stalled.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that fighting might restart, while Iranian state broadcasters have repeatedly shown news anchors wielding Kalashnikov-style weapons to mentally prepare citizens for potential warfare. Additionally, combat between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified recently, putting another ceasefire at risk.

The UAE constructed the $20 billion Barakah nuclear facility with South Korean assistance, bringing it online in 2020. This facility stands as the Arabian Peninsula’s first and sole nuclear power installation, capable of supplying one-fourth of the UAE’s total energy requirements across its seven emirates. It also represents the Arab world’s inaugural commercial nuclear power facility.

The UAE’s nuclear oversight body confirmed the blaze did not compromise plant security. “All units are operating as normal,” the organization posted on X.

The UAE’s official statement avoided assigning blame for the assault. The Vienna-headquartered International Atomic Energy Agency, serving as the United Nations’ nuclear oversight body, had not immediately provided comment when contacted.

Sunday’s attack represents the first occasion the four-unit Barakah facility has faced targeting during the Iran conflict. The installation is located in Abu Dhabi’s remote western desert region, close to the Saudi Arabian border. The UAE entered into a comprehensive agreement with the U.S. regarding the power facility, called a “123 agreement,” where it committed to abandoning domestic uranium processing and spent fuel handling to address proliferation concerns. The facility receives its uranium from international sources.

Nuclear facilities have increasingly become targets during recent conflicts, beginning with Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Throughout the Iran war, Tehran has repeatedly alleged attacks on its Bushehr nuclear installation, though no direct harm occurred to its Russian-operated reactor and no radiation escaped.

Multiple attacks have taken place around the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf nations in recent weeks. Discussions between Iran and the U.S. have reached an impasse as the unstable ceasefire risks falling apart and returning the Middle East to active conflict, extending the global energy shortage caused by the fighting.

On Iranian state television, news anchors on no fewer than two networks appeared with weapons during live broadcasts.

During one show, Hossein Hosseini underwent basic weapon instruction from a Revolutionary Guard paramilitary member whose identity was concealed behind a mask. Following demonstrations on weapon preparation, Hosseini pretended to fire at the UAE’s flag.

On a different network, female anchor Mobina Nasiri explained that a weapon had been delivered to her from a rally in Tehran’s Vanak Square so she could broadcast while armed. She stated: “From this platform, I declare that I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country.”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva believes his personal connection with U.S. President Donald Trump can bring economic benefits to his nation while helping avoid additional trade penalties and protecting Brazil’s democratic institutions.

In a recent interview with the Washington Post published Sunday, Lula acknowledged their policy differences but emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations.

“Trump knows I oppose war with Iran, disagree with his intervention in Venezuela and condemn the genocide that is happening in Palestine,” Lula stated during the interview.

“But my political disagreements with Trump do not interfere with my relationship with him as a head of state. What I want is for him to treat Brazil with respect, understanding that I am the democratically elected president here,” he added.

The Brazilian leader hopes this diplomatic approach will encourage American business investment in Brazil while preventing further economic sanctions between the two countries.

Emergency rescue teams were deployed to southwestern China’s rural Guangxi area on Sunday following a deadly vehicle accident in flood waters, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

A pickup truck transporting 15 people plunged into a swollen river Saturday evening, resulting in one confirmed fatality and leaving nine passengers still unaccounted for, CCTV reported earlier Sunday.

Weekend storms across southern China created dangerous flood conditions, prompting the ministry of emergency management to hold discussions with regional officials on Sunday regarding the elevated flooding risks.

Authorities from three nations collaborated in an unprecedented international effort that resulted in the detention of 276 individuals suspected of operating telecom scams from Dubai, according to a Sunday report from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The collaborative effort between law enforcement from China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates marked the first operation of this scale involving all three nations and “successfully destroyed nine fraud dens,” according to the broadcast. The criminal organizations targeted victims by deceiving them into fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes, the report stated.

According to China’s public security ministry, as cited in the report, “Chinese police will deepen pragmatic cooperation with more countries” in their efforts to combat wire fraud. The ministry noted that China has previously partnered with Myanmar to bring back large numbers of individuals connected to international cyber fraud operations over recent years.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has altered her schedule to visit Modena on Sunday following a vehicle attack that wounded multiple people in the northern Italian city, according to government sources. The prime minister scrapped a planned meeting with Cyprus’ president in Nicosia to make the trip.

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella is also planning to visit the city, sources confirmed.

On Saturday, a 30-year-old Italian-born man of North African descent plowed his vehicle into pedestrians in Modena’s downtown area, leaving eight people wounded, with four sustaining severe injuries.

After the attack, the suspect tried to escape on foot and used a knife to wound one of three civilians who attempted to apprehend him. Police subsequently took him into custody.

On Sunday, prosecutors in Modena released a statement saying the suspect faces charges of massacre and personal injury, while investigators work to determine what motivated the attack.

Officials described how the man targeted walkers in the busy downtown district of the city, home to more than 180,000 people, “in an indiscriminate, random and deliberate manner.”

“The man had received treatment for mental health issues in 2022 due to schizoid personality disorder, after which he went off the radar,” Modena’s mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, told broadcaster RaiNews24 late on Saturday.

Prosecutors revealed that among the critically wounded victims, two suffered leg amputations, with one person fighting for their life.

Government attorneys in the Philippines have asked the nation’s highest court to deny a request from a fugitive senator seeking to avoid arrest on war crimes allegations connected to his involvement in a deadly anti-drug campaign.

The senator, Ronald dela Rosa, previously served as the country’s top police official and supervised former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug enforcement operations. He petitioned the Supreme Court to prevent officials from detaining him and turning him over to the International Criminal Court.

Both dela Rosa and Duterte face identical accusations related to crimes against humanity, with Duterte expected to be the first former Asian leader to face trial in The Hague. Both men have rejected the allegations against them.

The senator’s legal argument centers on his claim that the ICC lost authority over the Philippines when the country left the Rome Statute in 2019.

However, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) contended that Philippine officials can execute the ICC warrant through domestic legislation, Republic Act 9851, which permits authorities to hand over individuals accused of serious international crimes to global courts for trial.

The office stated that dela Rosa cannot require a separate Philippine court determination of adequate grounds for his arrest since the ICC has already issued its warrant, emphasizing that the nation “will never become a sanctuary for impunity.”

According to the OSG, dela Rosa lacks standing for relief because his “actions show that he comes to court with unclean hands.”

“His flight, coupled with the fact that he had previously gone into hiding, is not merely incidental but is a deliberate act to avoid accountability. His conduct places him squarely within the definition of a fugitive from justice,” the OSG stated in documents submitted on Saturday and released to media on Sunday.

The senator avoided capture on Monday after receiving protection from the Senate, whose new leader he helped elect by emerging from months of absence to provide a crucial vote for Alan Peter Cayetano, a strong supporter of the Duterte family.

International court officials revealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday that was originally dated in November. While the senator had been sheltering in the Senate building, he departed before sunrise on Thursday in what his spouse described as an “escape.” His present location remains unknown.

“To once more extend exceptional privileges to a petitioner who now seeks relief while evading lawful process sends a chilling message — not only to the victims of the drug war, but to all who look to the law for justice: that its protections are strongest for the powerful, and weakest for those who are now dead,” the OSG stated.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 – A pair of former cabinet officials in Malaysia declared Sunday that they plan to step down from their legislative positions and depart from their existing political organization, PKR, as they prepare to join a different party they have assumed control of.

Rafizi Ramli, who previously served as economy minister, along with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the former minister overseeing natural resources and environmental sustainability, stated they will give up their legislative positions on Monday and plan to send written notification to the House speaker regarding their departures.

Taiwan’s leader offered a detailed explanation Sunday of what his administration means when discussing the island’s independence from mainland China’s control.

President Lai Ching-te clarified that references to “Taiwan independence” indicate the island operates outside Beijing’s authority and that Taiwan’s residents alone should determine their political destiny. His remarks came during a speech in Taipei.

The president’s statements follow recent high-level discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, which sparked uncertainty in Taiwan about continued American support.

Following those talks, Trump commented to Fox News: “We’re not looking to have somebody say, ‘Let’s go independent because the United States is backing us’.”

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and maintains it could use military action to enforce control, particularly if it believes the island is pursuing formal separation.

During his address, Lai referenced a 1999 resolution from his Democratic Progressive Party that remains current policy, declaring Taiwan already functions as an independent nation known as the Republic of China.

He emphasized that Taiwan’s self-governance cannot be compromised or taken away, and its political direction must be chosen by its citizens.

“Everyone can clearly understand that the meaning of the term ‘Taiwan independence’ actually refers to Taiwan not being part of the People’s Republic of China,” Lai stated at an event commemorating the DPP’s 40th anniversary.

“It refers to the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China not being subordinate to each other,” he continued.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office had not issued a response to requests for comment.

The current Republic of China administration relocated to Taiwan in 1949 following defeat in a civil conflict against Mao Zedong’s communist forces, who established the People’s Republic.

Lai noted that Taiwan’s existence is essential to the Republic of China, whose boundaries encompass the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait plus Kinmen and Matsu islands near the Chinese mainland.

“So it is very clear: the Republic of China has been in Taiwan for 70 or 80 years and has already become integrated with Taiwan as one,” he explained.

“Whether we call it the Republic of China, the Republic of China, Taiwan, or Taiwan — basically, no matter what we are called internationally, it refers to us: the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.”

The president did not mention Trump during his remarks and declined to respond to reporters’ questions afterward.

Although the U.S. has historically served as Taiwan’s primary international supporter, Trump indicated during his return flight from Beijing that he hasn’t made decisions regarding additional weapons sales to Taiwan, which are mandated under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.

LONDON (AP) — For those following British politics, Wes Streeting’s desire to lead the nation’s government has been an open secret for quite some time.

However, any remaining doubt was eliminated Saturday when the former health secretary formally declared his campaign to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Streeting becomes the initial member of Parliament to challenge Starmer in what promises to be an intense internal battle for control of the Labour Party, whose political standing has declined significantly in the two years following its overwhelming electoral triumph that ended 14 years of Conservative rule.

Additional challengers are expected to emerge, potentially including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, provided he can secure victory in a special parliamentary election.

Despite widespread unpopularity stemming from multiple setbacks, policy reversals, and criticism over his decision to name a Jeffrey Epstein associate as U.S. ambassador, Starmer has pledged to continue leading. The administration faces potential weeks of turmoil after he refused resignation demands following Labour’s poor showing in the May 7 local and regional elections, where Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party achieved significant victories.

“The voters did more than send Labour a message last week,” Streeting declared Saturday. “They issued a warning: that unless we change course, we risk being the handmaidens of Nigel Farage and the breakup of the United Kingdom.”

At 43, the youthful-appearing Streeting has earned recognition as among the party’s most effective speakers and has been vocal on various matters, including the conflict in Gaza.

His political ascent from humble beginnings in London’s working-class East End, where he was raised in public housing, is documented in his autobiography, “One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up: A Memoir of Growing Up and Getting On.”

The book’s title references his two grandfathers, both named Bill: his maternal grandfather had criminal connections and was imprisoned for armed robbery, while he attributes his educational path to Cambridge University to his paternal grandfather’s influence.

Streeting entered politics early, heading the Cambridge student union before becoming president of the National Union of Students. He subsequently worked for Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ organization, and has discussed his challenges with coming out as gay while maintaining his Anglican beliefs.

After serving as a local councilor and later deputy council leader in east London’s Redbridge borough, he won election to Parliament in 2015.

During Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership—a period marked by two electoral defeats and antisemitism controversies—Streeting served as a backbench MP and was often critical of the veteran socialist leader. His promotion came after Starmer assumed party leadership in 2020.

Streeting’s Cabinet role became deeply personal due to his own kidney cancer diagnosis, making NHS reform a central mission.

“The NHS saved my life,” he stated upon becoming health secretary. “Today, I can begin to repay that debt by saving our NHS.”

While rumors of higher ambitions persisted, Streeting consistently supported Starmer and rejected speculation about leadership aspirations.

However, with Starmer’s position weakening, maintaining this stance became increasingly challenging last week.

Wednesday saw leadership speculation dominate news coverage even as King Charles III presented the government’s legislative agenda during Parliament’s ceremonial opening.

“Streeting to ignite Labour day of anarchy,” declared the Daily Mail in bold headlines. The Daily Express questioned: “Finally, a move to bring down ‘Zombie’ Keir?”

The next day, Streeting became the first Cabinet member to resign, citing lost confidence in Starmer and criticizing his lack of vision and leadership direction. However, he delayed announcing his expected leadership challenge.

His resignation coincided with announcing that medical appointment waiting times—a key policy priority—had decreased for five consecutive months.

Considered part of the party’s moderate faction, Streeting had connections to Peter Mandelson, the formerly influential Labour figure now controversial due to his Epstein ties. Starmer’s appointment and subsequent dismissal of Mandelson as U.S. ambassador continues to create political problems.

When the appointment controversy resurfaced recently, Streeting proactively published email correspondence with Mandelson to demonstrate they weren’t close associates.

“Contrary to what has been widely reported, I was not a close friend of Peter Mandelson, but I am not going to wash my hands of my actual association with him either,” he explained in The Guardian.

One email showed his criticism of Starmer’s leadership, noting “there isn’t a clear answer to the question: why Labour?”

Streeting plans to present his response to that question in upcoming weeks.

KYIV, Ukraine — A young Ukrainian woman who had returned home to build a life with the man she loved became one of 24 victims in what Ukrainian military officials are calling the war’s most devastating Russian bombardment.

Maryna Homeniuk, 24, had escaped Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago. While studying in the Czech Republic, she expanded her already remarkable language skills by learning Vietnamese. After completing her education, she came back to Ukraine in 2023, where she would eventually meet Yurii Orlov through a dating application.

The couple perished Thursday when a cruise missile destroyed their apartment building during what Ukrainian officials described as the most intense Russian assault of the conflict. Orlov, who was 30, served as captain of the Kyiv Floorball Club and had previously played hockey for teams in Ukraine’s capital city.

Friends and relatives gathered Saturday for Homeniuk’s funeral service. Orlov’s burial was postponed as his remains were not yet prepared for the ceremony.

“She was a very caring person. I feel very sorry, because she had so many dreams. She worked with children and wanted to have children herself someday, when times were safer,” her friend Olesia Yukhnovych told The Associated Press.

Those who knew Homeniuk described her as exceptionally gifted with languages, speaking approximately 10 different tongues with fluency in Korean and Chinese. As an English instructor, she worked with young students while harboring hopes of becoming a mother herself when circumstances improved.

Her compassionate nature extended to rescuing stray animals, and she had a passion for international travel, carefully saving money to explore different countries.

“This is a young person. This is a girl who had absolutely the whole future ahead of her,” said Anastasiia Petrushyna, a friend and colleague. “This future will no longer exist — our youth basically can’t have it. You never know what trouble awaits you.”

Despite their contrasting interests — his focus on athletics and hers on creative pursuits — friends observed the deep affection between the pair. Homeniuk attended all of Orlov’s Sunday matches as their weekly ritual. While he introduced her to floorball, a variant of floor hockey, she helped him learn English.

“It’s a shame. I should have been helping prepare for the wedding and I ended up helping prepare for the funeral,” said Yukhnovych. “It’s horrible.”

The tragedy occurred after a particularly harsh winter of continuous Russian bombardments targeting Kyiv. Yukhnovych revealed that the couple frequently discussed moving away from their Darnytsia neighborhood on Kyiv’s left bank, where electricity was restored more slowly than other areas, but lacked the financial means to relocate.

After Thursday’s attack, Yukhnovych attempted to reach Homeniuk through text messages but received no response.

“You never think something could happen to someone close to you, and you just message them as a precaution,” she said. “I never thought this would be one of those times when the message would remain unread.”

A veteran Nepali mountain guide has shattered his own world record by conquering Mount Everest for the 32nd time, officials announced Sunday.

Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, successfully reached the world’s tallest peak at 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) on Sunday morning, breaking the record he established just last year. The experienced guide was leading clients from the 14 Peaks Expedition company during his historic climb.

Nepal’s Department of Tourism praised the Sherpa for reaching this “historic milestone” and recognized his significant role in advancing mountain tourism in the region.

According to an official statement, he arrived at the summit at 10:12 a.m. (0427 GMT) on Sunday. The same statement noted that a Sherpa woman named Lakhpa, 52, completed her 11th successful ascent to the peak, establishing the record for most climbs by a woman. Additional details about the expeditions were not provided.

Kami Rita hails from Thame village in Solukhumbu district, the same birthplace as Tenzing Norgay. Norgay, alongside New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first climbers to successfully reach Everest’s summit in 1953.

The record-holder first conquered the mountain in 1994 and has continued climbing annually, with exceptions only in 2014, 2015, and 2020 when expeditions were suspended for various reasons. During some years, he managed to reach the summit multiple times.

Since Norgay and Hillary’s pioneering achievement, more than 8,000 climbers have successfully scaled Mount Everest, with many completing multiple ascents.

Among climbers who are not Sherpas, British guide Kenton Cool holds the record with 19 successful climbs, followed by American mountaineers Dave Hahn and Garrett Madison, each with 15 ascents. Both Cool and Madison are currently on Everest attempting to break their own records.

For many Sherpas native to the Solukhumbu district where Everest stands, serving as guides for international climbers on Everest and neighboring peaks represents an essential source of family income.

Officials have granted 492 climbing permits for Everest during this March-May climbing season, though three Nepali climbers have lost their lives on the mountain this month.