Russia and Ukraine are set to resume direct peace talks in Istanbul next Monday, amidst international pressure. While Kyiv demands advance peace terms, Moscow insists on Ukraine abandoning its NATO aspirations and ceding territory. Tensions escalate as both sides engage in deadly strikes, with the US expressing disappointment.
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Mohammed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, faces federal hate crime charges for allegedly attacking pro-Israeli protesters in Colorado. He reportedly planned the attack for a year, using Molotov cocktails and gasoline, injuring twelve. Soliman expressed no remorse and desired the victims' deaths.
In Mexico's Michoacan state, a devastating explosion ripped through a military armored vehicle, resulting in the death of six soldiers and injuries to two others. The incident, attributed to an explosive device, occurred in a region plagued by drug cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of criminal activity in the country.
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate of Indian-Ugandan-American heritage, is strategically employing his cultural background to connect with voters. He released a Hindi video promising rent relief, free buses, and affordable groceries, directly appealing to the South Asian community. Mamdani contrasts himself with Andrew Cuomo, accusing Cuomo of being funded by Trump's donors and making empty promises.
Two paintings by Frans Hals, possibly depicting his children, are returning to the Netherlands after a century abroad. The Frans Hals Museum and the Mauritshuis jointly purchased "Boy Playing the Violin" and "Girl Singing" for $7.8 million. The museums will share the works, displaying them in Haarlem and The Hague, highlighting their cultural significance.
A second group of white South Africans has arrived in the United States under a controversial refugee program initiated by the Trump administration. This program, fast-tracked after the suspension of other refugee initiatives, aims to resettle white South Africans alleging persecution, a claim the South African government denies. The US Embassy is reviewing applications from those interested in resettlement, with thousands having already applied.
A confidential report reveals that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein invested $40 million in Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures, which has now grown to $170 million. This investment is the estate's largest asset, but its returns are unlikely to benefit Epstein's victims who previously settled. Instead, the funds are expected to go to beneficiaries like a former partner and advisors.
The Dutch government has set aside 5.7 million euros for a likely payout following the brazen theft of an ancient Romanian pure-gold helmet from a museum in the Netherlands. In this case, the state had guaranteed insurers that it would cover 5.7 million euros ($6.5 million) if the works were stolen.
Ukraine's security agency (SBU) claimed responsibility for a massive drone attack on June 1, dubbed "Spider Web," which targeted four key Russian airbases. The operation reportedly inflicted $7 billion in damages, disabling over a third of Russia's cruise missile bombers and hitting more than 40 aircraft, including the A-50 surveillance plane and Tu-95 bombers.
Italy's foreign minister on Wednesday again urged Israel to stop its strikes on Gaza, while warning that expelling Palestinians from the territory "is not and never will be an acceptable option". "I want to reiterate today in this chamber with the utmost clarity -- the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza is not and will never be an acceptable option," Tajani said.
A peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, turned violent when Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly launched a firebomb attack, injuring six. Shouting "Free Palestine," Soliman targeted a gathering organized by 'Run For Their Lives.' The FBI is investigating the incident as ideologically motivated violence, prompting strong condemnation and calls for secure borders from political figures.