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Category: Europe-Asia

  • Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States and Russia aimed at ending the war.

    Zelenskyy made the remarks following a meeting with Jared Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ukrainian leader said preparations were underway for discussions at the highest level.

    “We need to finalize everything achieved so far to secure real security guarantees and prepare a meeting at the leaders’ level,” Zelenskyy said. “There is already greater readiness for the next trilateral format. We expect the format to take place in early March.”

    He added that such a meeting could address key issues directly, noting that leadership-level engagement is particularly important when dealing with Russia.

    “At the end of the day, leaders decide key issues, and when it comes to Russia — such a personalist regime — this is even more relevant than in other countries,” he said.

    Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued commitment to finding a path toward peace.

    Earlier, the Ukrainian president met with representatives of the international business community. Discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience and preparations for the coming winter season.

    “On March 1, all our local authorities will present an energy development plan for next winter,” Zelenskyy said. “It is important to do as much as possible over the next six months before the start of the heating season. The role of the private sector is key, and we are counting on joint projects.”

    He said broader investment opportunities and private sector involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction — including in the defense industry — were also discussed.

    “Even during the war, after such a winter, our country continues to live,” Zelenskyy said. “We are open to partnership, to joint projects, and to investments that will support our people and our security. Thank you to everyone who invests in Ukraine’s resilience.”

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the enduring relationship between Israel and India, describing both nations as “two ancient civilizations, from the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley.” He made the remarks during a special session of the Knesset in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Israel.

    Netanyahu, in a statement posted Wednesday on X, said: “Our alliance multiplies our strengths — in spirit, in action, and in innovation. Together, we will take the friendship between our peoples to unprecedented heights.”

    Addressing the Knesset, Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the goodwill of the Indian people toward Israel. He was awarded the Medal of the Knesset, which he described as “not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”

    Following the session, both leaders toured an exhibition showcasing Israeli technological innovations. Modi praised the pioneering work of Israeli youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, healthcare, cybersecurity, water management, and agriculture. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent.

    Modi’s visit, taking place from February 25–26, 2026, includes bilateral talks with Netanyahu aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, water resources, and trade.

  • Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Belarus Should Join the European Union

    Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Belarus Should Join the European Union

    KYIV, UKRAINE (NPA): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that it would be in the best interest of both Ukraine and Belarus to become members of the European Union. Speaking in an interview with Belarusian independent outlet Dzerkalo, Zelenskyy acknowledged uncertainty over whether Belarusians support the idea, but argued that EU membership would benefit both countries economically, geopolitically, and in terms of independence.

    He urged Belarusians to look beyond years of anti-European propaganda, dismissing fears that EU integration would lead to higher prices, lower wages, or economic decline. Zelenskyy emphasized that the decision would ultimately rest with the Belarusian people, but stressed that peaceful relations, mutual respect for sovereignty, and an end to cross-border hostilities were essential. “The best thing that can be is peaceful relations, when we respect each other’s sovereignty and missiles do not fly from one country to another,” he said, adding that Belarus did not start the war against Ukraine.

    Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU carries significant consequences. For Kyiv, membership would open access to the single market, attract investment, and accelerate reforms in governance and rule of law. Politically, it would anchor Ukraine firmly within the Western bloc, reducing Russian influence. For the EU, enlargement eastward would expand its population and territory but also require major financial commitments for reconstruction and agricultural support. Security challenges, migration pressures, and budgetary strains would intensify, though Ukraine’s membership could strengthen the EU’s global standing if managed with unity and balance.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.

  • Pakistani Military Strikes Afghan Targets in Retaliation for Suicide Blast

    Pakistani Military Strikes Afghan Targets in Retaliation for Suicide Blast

    KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (News Agencies): Pakistan says it has launched strikes on armed groups in Afghanistan after blaming recent suicide bombings, including attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on fighters it says are operating from its neighbour’s territory.

    Kabul has repeatedly denied allowing armed groups to use Afghan territory to stage attacks in Pakistan.

    Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence on Sunday said “dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were martyred and wounded” when strikes hit a school and homes in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.

    Nangarhar police told the AFP news agency the bombardment started about midnight (19:30 GMT on Saturday) and hit three districts.

    “Civilians were killed. In one house, there were 23 family members. Five wounded people were taken out,” police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad said.

    The Afghan Defence Ministry said it will “deliver an appropriate and calculated response” to the Pakistani strikes.

    The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021.

    Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians from October to December, according to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.

    Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkiye, but they have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

    Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

    The deteriorating relationship has had repercussions for people in both countries with the land border largely closed for months.

  • EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following a decision by the Foreign Affairs Council. The move places the IRGC under EU counterterrorism sanctions, including asset freezes and a ban on providing funds or economic resources within member states. In total, 13 individuals and 23 organizations are now subject to restrictive measures under the EU’s terrorist list. The Council emphasized that this regime, established under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, is distinct from the EU framework implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions targeting Al-Qaida and ISIL/Da’esh. The EU also retains the ability to autonomously apply restrictive measures against groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

    The decision has drawn international reactions. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the move and urged the United Kingdom to adopt a similar stance. Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen stated: “The Board of Deputies has welcomed the decision by the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and has renewed its call for the UK Government to take equivalent action without further delay.”

    Strategically, the designation places the IRGC alongside Al-Qaida and ISIL, signaling that the EU views the Guard not as a legitimate state institution but as a transnational actor of repression and violence. The sanctions severely restrict the IRGC’s ability to operate economically in Europe, while also complicating EU-Iran relations.

    Analysts warn that Tehran may retaliate by limiting European business activity in Iran and reducing cooperation on regional security. The move aligns EU policy more closely with Washington, strengthening transatlantic coordination but heightening risks of further polarization in the Middle East.

  • Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    WARSAW, POLAND (NPA): Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Polish nationals residing in Iran to leave the country without delay, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    In a statement on Thursday, Tusk cautioned that evacuation could soon become impossible. “Leave immediately. It is possible that in a few hours there will be no option to evacuate from the country,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also advised against travelling to Iran under any circumstances, stressing that the situation could deteriorate rapidly. His warning comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with the United States deploying significant assets near Iran, fuelling fears of a confrontation.

    Iran, for its part, has vowed to retaliate against any U.S. attack and recently conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

    The developments have placed the Middle East at the centre of international attention, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported READ HERE the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States met on Tuesday in Switzerland, with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

  • Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Russian President Vladimir Putin met Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Wednesday in the Kremlin, where he said that new restrictions imposed on the communist-run island were “unacceptable”, Russian state news agencies reported.

    A senior Russian diplomat said last week that Moscow would provide aid to Havana, including material assistance, to help navigate a U.S. attempt to starve the island of oil.

    “Now is a special period, new sanctions. You know how we feel about this,” Putin told Rodriguez, according to the TASS news agency. “We do not accept anything like this.”

    The Kremlin chief said relations between Russia and Cuba were developing “on a positive track”, TASS reported.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Cuban counterpart in a separate meeting on Wednesday that Moscow was urging the U.S. not to impose a full naval blockade on the island and was advocating negotiations instead.

    Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, was quoted as saying by TASS on Wednesday that Moscow did not discuss the Cuba issue with Washington. Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. concluded trilateral peace talks in Geneva earlier on Wednesday.

  • Real Madrid Beat Benfica 1–0 to Keep Round of 16 Hopes Alive

    Real Madrid Beat Benfica 1–0 to Keep Round of 16 Hopes Alive

    Spanish giants Real Madrid secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Benfica on Tuesday night in Lisbon, taking a valuable first-leg advantage in their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off. The high-intensity clash at Estadio da Luz drew over 66,000 fans, who witnessed Vinícius Júnior break the deadlock in the 50th minute with a superb strike from outside the box.

    Real Madrid controlled possession with 56% and looked more composed in midfield, while Benfica struggled to convert their attacking opportunities into clear chances.

    The match, however, was overshadowed by controversy. Vinícius Júnior alleged that he was subjected to racist abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, prompting a 10-minute stoppage as the referee implemented UEFA’s anti-racism protocols. The incident cast a shadow over what was otherwise a fiercely contested encounter. Benfica’s manager, José Mourinho, was shown a red card after an outburst defending his player, leaving questions over whether UEFA will uphold or overturn the sanction.

    Real Madrid’s defence displayed discipline and resilience, repelling Benfica’s late pressure and ensuring the narrow lead was preserved. The Portuguese side had previously denied Los Blancos automatic qualification in the group stage, forcing them into this play-off. With the result, Real Madrid head into the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu on February 24–25, 2026, with momentum and a strong chance of progressing to the round of 16 in Europe’s elite competition.