World


Russia, Ukraine hold first direct talks in over three years, agree on exchange of 1,000 prisoners

Istanbul, May 16 (UNI) The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years ended in Istanbul today, with both delegations issuing brief statements after the almost two-hour negotiations, aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, stated that Friday’s talks at Dolmabahce Palace had focused on a prisoner exchange and versions of a potential ceasefire.
A potential meeting between Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin was also reportedly raised, and Umerov added that an update on possible new negotiations would be shared soon, RT reported.
More News

UAE – Oman jointly launch new overland logistics corridor bypassing Strait of Hormuz to reduce reliance on waterway

19 May 2026 | 8:58 PM

Abu Dhabi/Muscat, May 19 (UNI) Authorities in the UAE have launched a new overland logistics corridor linking the emirate of Sharjah with Oman in an effort to bypass the Iranian blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has increasingly disrupted shipping.

see more..

Iran military declares it 'cannot be defeated', says it has used ceasefire to boost its combat power

19 May 2026 | 8:56 PM

Tehran, May 19 (UNI) Iran's military declared Tuesday that "Iran cannot be defeated", stating it has been using its ongoing ceasefire with US as a period to boost its combat power, and as a preparing period for the possible renewal of hostilities.

see more..

France, 40 OSCE states invoke Moscow Mechanism over alleged deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia

19 May 2026 | 7:49 PM

Paris, May 19 (UNI) France and 40 other participating states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have invoked the organisation’s Moscow Mechanism to investigate the human rights situation related to the alleged abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.

see more..

US imposes fresh sanctions on 11 Cuban regime elites, three govt entities

19 May 2026 | 6:48 PM

Washington, May 19 (UNI) The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on 11 Cuban regime elites and three government organizations, including government officials and military figures associated with Cuba's security apparatus, intensifying pressure on Havana over allegations of repression and threats to US national security.

see more..

US hits dead end on Iran as Tehran shows no willingness to budge from position

19 May 2026 | 5:25 PM

Washington/Tehran, May 19 (UNI) US President Donald Trump appears to have hit a dead end with Iran, as the Islamic Republic, despite all hard rhetoric, threats, and even going through with some of them by way of direct military action, has refused to budge an inch from its long-held position.

see more..