Latest news with #peace summit
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war live: Kyiv sets deadline for Putin-Zelensky summit after peace talks fail to stop bombing
Ukraine has called for a peace summit to be held between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky by the end of August, urging Moscow to show it is serious about wanting to end the war. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's chief delegate at peace talks in Istanbul yesterday, said he presented the Russian side with a proposal for the meeting. "By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach,' he said. Ukraine and Russia continued to exchange drone attacks in the early hours today, shortly after the conclusion of the latest round of direct peace talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv. While Ukrainian drones hit southern Russian Black Sea areas, killing one person, injuring another and hitting an oil storage depot, Russian drones hit Ukraine 's Black Sea port of Odesa, triggering several fires in residential and other buildings. Meanwhile, Ukrainian prisoners of war have begun returning home after the third round of peace talks in Istanbul after well under an hour without agreement on a ceasefire. Protests in Ukraine after Zelensky approves bill curbing autonomy of anti-corruption agencies Hundreds of people gathered in Ukraine's capital Kyiv to lodge their protest with the Volodymyr Zelensky's administration for passing a controversial bill tightening restrictions on its anti-corruption agencies, presenting the war-hit nation with its biggest domestic turmoil since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday passed amendments to allow the country's general prosecutor, appointed by the president, strict control over two anti-corruption bodies – the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sapo). Protests in Ukraine after Zelensky approves bill weakening anti-corruption bodies Move has alarmed Ukrainians amid fears that chief prosecutor, a Zelensky loyalist, could reassign corruption probes Arpan Rai24 July 2025 07:50 What are the corruption issues behind Ukrainian protests against Zelensky? Thousands of people, including veterans, took to the streets of Kyiv on Tuesday evening to protest against president Volodymyr Zelensky's anti-corruption measures. The demonstrations, which have reportedly spread to Lviv and Dnipro, are the first public protests against the Ukrainian president since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Some of those outside Mr Zelensky's presidential office claimed Ukraine was 'turning into Russia', with placards reading 'welcome to Russia', according to reports. 'We chose Europe, not autocracy,' read one placard by a demonstrator. Another read: 'My father did not die for this.' So why are people protesting, and what are the anti-corruption measures? The Independent takes a closer look below. Ukraine protests: Why are Ukrainians protesting against President Volodymyr Zelensky? Some protesters held placards saying 'Welcome to Russia' after Ukraine made changes to anti-corruption agencies Arpan Rai24 July 2025 07:30 Trump says European allies will pay 100 per cent for military equipment US president Donald Trump touted a recent deal between the US and Nato whereby European allies would purchase weapons and send them to Ukraine as it fights Russia. "They're going to pay the United States of America 100 per cent of the cost of all military equipment, and much of it will go to Ukraine," Mr Trump said in remarks at an artificial intelligence conference in Washington. Arpan Rai24 July 2025 07:15 Russia strikes Ukraine in new drone attack after peace talks end Russian forces staged the latest in a series of mass attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa, triggering several fires in residential and other buildings in the early hours today. In Odesa, regional governor Oleh Kiper said two floors of a multi-storey apartment building had been set ablaze. Other fires broke out on the roof of a two-storey residence, in kiosks and at a petrol station. The city's historic centre, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was also hit, he said. Mr Kiper said details on casualties were being compiled. Arpan Rai24 July 2025 07:00 Zelensky summons chiefs of anti-corruption agencies in bid for unity Volodymyr Zelensky has gathered the chiefs of anti-corruption agencies with law enforcement bosses as he looks to show unity during a fractious week for Kyiv. 'It was a much-needed meeting — a frank and constructive conversation that truly helps,' the Ukrainian president wrote on social media. 'We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers. And defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement and anti-corruption system — one that ensures a real sense of justice.' Mr Zelensky is facing heavy pressure from European officials and the Ukrainian public after his government pushed through laws which will curb the powers of the anti-corruption agencies which have led reform of the country since 2014. At the meeting were representatives of: the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor General. Arpan Rai24 July 2025 06:45 EU officials warn of possible setback to joining bloc after Ukraine protests Zelensky's law Top EU officials have warned Ukraine of possible setback to its membership of Nato amid fresh wave of protests in Ukraine over changes in the anti-corruption law. Activists yesterday called for more protests of a new law that they say weakens Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs, following the first major anti-government demonstration in over three years of war. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid in the war. "Limiting the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agency hampers Ukraine's way towards the EU," German foreign minister Johann Wadephul warned in a post on X. EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius, also on X, noted: "In war, trust between the fighting nation and its leadership is more important than modern weapons — difficult to build and to keep, but easy to lose with one significant mistake by the leadership." Arpan Rai24 July 2025 06:30 Watch: Protests in Ukraine after Zelensky's anti-corruption changes Arpan Rai24 July 2025 06:15 Putin's 'digital gulag': Inside the Kremlin's attempt to construct a spy app to snoop on Russians In just two months, every new digital device in Russia will come equipped with a brand new messenger app, named Max. Beneath its playful white-and-blue logo lies software that experts believe could allow the Kremlin to dramatically expand its capacity to spy on the Russian public. The app, launched in March by Russian tech company VK, will be installed on every new device sold in Russia from September this year. But there are fears it will work as a 'spy programme', allowing Russia's FSB security service to establish a rigid surveillance programme. The app will provide not only a space for messaging and video calls, but will be a broader information system with access to government services and mobile payments, analysts told The Independent. With servers based in Russia, Max will be subject to Russian law, which grants the FSB to have access to certain materials. Inside Putin's attempt to construct a 'digital gulag' spy app to snoop on Russians The Russian President has ordered officials to switch to the Max app to restrict the use of foreign software, according to Ukrainian intelligence Arpan Rai24 July 2025 05:50 Kyiv and Moscow officials hold the shortest talks yet At 40 minutes, the meeting was even shorter than the two sides' previous encounters on 16 May and 2 June, which lasted a combined total of under three hours. Before the talks, the Kremlin had played down expectations, describing the two sides' positions as diametrically opposed and saying no one should expect miracles. Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, said Kyiv had proposed a Putin-Zelensky meeting in August because that would fall within the deadline set by Donald Trump for a deal. Mr Putin turned down a previous challenge from Mr Zelensky to meet in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Mr Zelensky's five-year mandate expired last year. Arpan Rai24 July 2025 05:26 Ukraine offered Russia to hold leaders summit by end of August, Kyiv says Kyiv has offered Moscow to hold a leaders' summit aimed at ending the war by the end of August, the head of the Ukrainian delegation at talks in Istanbul said on Wednesday.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Prince William's absence at King Charles and Prince Harry's 'peace summit' could be a 'warning shot': expert
Prince Harry and King Charles' private aides reportedly held a secret "peace summit" in an effort to restore the broken relationship between father and son. However, several royal experts insisted to Fox News Digital there's one senior royal who will likely never forgive or forget. "The important issue is that Prince William and his representatives were not invited," royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital. "I feel that this was a warning shot across William's bows that Charles is king – not him. … It may also be a stark warning that Charles will decide what happens during his reign, not William." According to the Mail on Sunday, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, flew from California to London recently to meet with the king's communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who oversees U.K. press for Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present. The informal meeting was reportedly held at the Royal Over-Seas League, a private club located a short walk from Clarence House, the king's London residence. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. "It is a sign from King Charles that he wants peace with Harry and Meghan and to meet his grandchildren," Turner claimed. Fox News Digital learned that Maines was in London to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry's patronages. It's understood that the visit was routine and part of ongoing planning and engagement. A source told the Mail Sunday that the meeting was only the "first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction." WATCH: PRINCE HARRY, PRINCE WILLIAM NEED AN INTERVENTION TO END FEUD: EXPERT "Everyone just wants to move on and move forward now. It was finally the right time for the two sides to talk," the source added. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that William, heir to the British throne, likely knew of the meeting but chose not to get his aides involved. Experts previously told Fox News Digital William and Harry are not on speaking terms. "The king is still battling cancer and is in his late 70s," said Fitzwilliams. "He wants a relationship with his grandchildren, whom he has hardly met. He is also temperamentally more accommodating than William. But [William] cannot trust the Sussexes. They must know it. The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy's loyal supporters. … Of course, reconciliation is desirable [for the king]. It would, however, come at a price." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals and moved to California in 2020, citing unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. After their exit, the couple aired grievances in interviews, documentaries and in Harry's 2023 memoir, "Spare." In his book, Harry, 40, appears to be tormented by his status as a royal "spare" behind William, 43. He recounts a long-standing sibling rivalry that worsened after Harry began a relationship with Meghan, 43, whom he married in 2018. "From a positive private family stance, some personal healing between father and son would be good," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "King Charles will always love his son, and, in light of the king's ongoing cancer treatment, it could help tidy up the messy fractured relationship. "King Charles is living with cancer, which makes his family situation very sad," Chard noted. "I'm sure he is thinking about his mortality and reevaluating his life. He would not want a family feud tarnishing his positive contributions and memory. I'm sure he will also want to clear up unresolved issues or surprises that could lead to further resentment and conflict between his two sons. "Life is too short for battles," Chard continued. "However, without Prince William's inclusion in the rapprochement, I can't see a positive outcome. It could also cause a wedge between Charles and William despite the king most certainly consulting with William." But not everyone feels that way. "It was a good first step," an insider told People magazine. "There's optimism that it can be taken forward." According to the outlet, it's not known whether Harry and Charles, 76, have spoken recently. In May, Harry told the BBC he wanted reconciliation but that his father wouldn't speak to him. Sources previously told People the king wouldn't respond to Harry's letters or phone calls. "I would love reconciliation with my family," said Harry. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore." But British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said she wasn't buying the so-called peace summit. "My instincts say that Harry is desperate," Fordwich claimed. "And King Charles loves his son and wants to have a restored relationship. However, this tentative step in any fragile peace process was marred by the leak of the meeting's details and photos. How on Earth was the media there?. … Both sides [have] expressed frustration regarding how such a leak jeopardizes the process, with now suspicions and distrust being resurrected. "Prince William is likely viewing this leak as being true to form for the Sussexes," Fordwich claimed. "It further reinforces his stance that any reconciliation or indeed dialogue with the Sussexes will become public." Chard also wondered how the details of what was supposed to be a private meeting became public so quickly. "The trust line seems to have been overstepped yet again," Chard claimed. "The story broke as the Prince and Princess of Wales received glowing media attention at Wimbledon. This was promptly overshadowed by the leaked reconciliation story. … The PR machine is seemingly in full play. It wouldn't surprise me if everything was filmed and will soon be featured in a new Netflix show. "But … wouldn't it be great if a fairytale reconciliation was in the cards or even a diplomatic agreement to disagree and move on?" Fitzwilliams previously told Fox News Digital William and Harry, once seemingly inseparable siblings, have "less in common than we imagined." "'Spare' made this pretty clear," said Fitzwilliams. "Harry resented the way he was treated as a bit of a joker and the royal wild child. He was also traumatized by the death of his mother, and resentment about security issues stems directly from this. This was very clear in his angry interview recently on the BBC. "William undoubtedly and rightly feels betrayed by Harry as [the interviews and memoir] were so damaging. At the heart of this is the fact that he feels he cannot trust his brother or Meghan ever again."
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Harry wants to reconcile with Royals but knows he must do it WITHOUT Meghan: As he walks through Diana minefield, friends say he's sick of being the 'bitter prince'... and hint why his wife isn't with him
Suddenly, the timing of Prince Harry 's secret 'peace summit' last week seems more strategic than first billed. Only a few days after that remarkable meeting between the King's communications secretary and two representatives from the 'Sussex Household', Harry has now landed in Africa for a solo charity trip, surely designed to improve his public image.
Fox News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Prince William's absence at King Charles and Prince Harry's 'peace summit' could be a 'warning shot': expert
Prince Harry and King Charles' private aides reportedly held a secret "peace summit" in an effort to restore the broken relationship between father and son. However, several royal experts insisted to Fox News Digital there's one senior royal who will likely never forgive or forget. "The important issue is that Prince William and his representatives were not invited," royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital. "I feel that this was a warning shot across William's bows that Charles is king – not him. … It may also be a stark warning that Charles will decide what happens during his reign, not William." According to the Mail on Sunday, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, flew from California to London recently to meet with the king's communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who oversees U.K. press for Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present. The informal meeting was reportedly held at the Royal Over-Seas League, a private club located a short walk from Clarence House, the king's London residence. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. "It is a sign from King Charles that he wants peace with Harry and Meghan and to meet his grandchildren," Turner claimed. Fox News Digital learned that Maines was in London to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry's patronages. It's understood that the visit was routine and part of ongoing planning and engagement. A source told the Mail Sunday that the meeting was only the "first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction." WATCH: PRINCE HARRY, PRINCE WILLIAM NEED AN INTERVENTION TO END FEUD: EXPERT "Everyone just wants to move on and move forward now. It was finally the right time for the two sides to talk," the source added. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that William, heir to the British throne, likely knew of the meeting but chose not to get his aides involved. Experts previously told Fox News Digital William and Harry are not on speaking terms. "The king is still battling cancer and is in his late 70s," said Fitzwilliams. "He wants a relationship with his grandchildren, whom he has hardly met. He is also temperamentally more accommodating than William. But [William] cannot trust the Sussexes. They must know it. The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy's loyal supporters. … Of course, reconciliation is desirable [for the king]. It would, however, come at a price." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals and moved to California in 2020, citing unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. After their exit, the couple aired grievances in interviews, documentaries and in Harry's 2023 memoir, "Spare." In his book, Harry, 40, appears to be tormented by his status as a royal "spare" behind William, 43. He recounts a long-standing sibling rivalry that worsened after Harry began a relationship with Meghan, 43, whom he married in 2018. "From a positive private family stance, some personal healing between father and son would be good," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "King Charles will always love his son, and, in light of the king's ongoing cancer treatment, it could help tidy up the messy fractured relationship. "King Charles is living with cancer, which makes his family situation very sad," Chard noted. "I'm sure he is thinking about his mortality and reevaluating his life. He would not want a family feud tarnishing his positive contributions and memory. I'm sure he will also want to clear up unresolved issues or surprises that could lead to further resentment and conflict between his two sons. "Life is too short for battles," Chard continued. "However, without Prince William's inclusion in the rapprochement, I can't see a positive outcome. It could also cause a wedge between Charles and William despite the king most certainly consulting with William." But not everyone feels that way. "It was a good first step," an insider told People magazine. "There's optimism that it can be taken forward." According to the outlet, it's not known whether Harry and Charles, 76, have spoken recently. In May, Harry told the BBC he wanted reconciliation but that his father wouldn't speak to him. Sources previously told People the king wouldn't respond to Harry's letters or phone calls. "I would love reconciliation with my family," said Harry. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore." But British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said she wasn't buying the so-called peace summit. "My instincts say that Harry is desperate," Fordwich claimed. "And King Charles loves his son and wants to have a restored relationship. However, this tentative step in any fragile peace process was marred by the leak of the meeting's details and photos. How on Earth was the media there?. … Both sides [have] expressed frustration regarding how such a leak jeopardizes the process, with now suspicions and distrust being resurrected. "Prince William is likely viewing this leak as being true to form for the Sussexes," Fordwich claimed. "It further reinforces his stance that any reconciliation or indeed dialogue with the Sussexes will become public." Chard also wondered how the details of what was supposed to be a private meeting became public so quickly. "The trust line seems to have been overstepped yet again," Chard claimed. "The story broke as the Prince and Princess of Wales received glowing media attention at Wimbledon. This was promptly overshadowed by the leaked reconciliation story. … The PR machine is seemingly in full play. It wouldn't surprise me if everything was filmed and will soon be featured in a new Netflix show. "But … wouldn't it be great if a fairytale reconciliation was in the cards or even a diplomatic agreement to disagree and move on?" Fitzwilliams previously told Fox News Digital William and Harry, once seemingly inseparable siblings, have "less in common than we imagined." "'Spare' made this pretty clear," said Fitzwilliams. "Harry resented the way he was treated as a bit of a joker and the royal wild child. He was also traumatized by the death of his mother, and resentment about security issues stems directly from this. This was very clear in his angry interview recently on the BBC. "William undoubtedly and rightly feels betrayed by Harry as [the interviews and memoir] were so damaging. At the heart of this is the fact that he feels he cannot trust his brother or Meghan ever again."
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
AMANDA PLATELL: Charles may forgive Harry and Meghan but hell will freeze over before William or Kate do.... and this is why
Could the 'peace summit' in London involving the King's trusted Press Secretary and two of the Sussexes' key media executives really herald the distant possibility of an end to the bitter feud between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the Royal Family? Friends say that despite all the pain Harry has caused him, King Charles is a 'deeply loving and forgiving father', so a small step towards a rapprochement between father and son certainly seems plausible.
