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Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in Washington LIVE: Zelenskyy in U.S. stresses need for security guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday for high-level talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is seeking to play a renewed role in shaping the path forward for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting comes at a pivotal moment, as Kyiv continues to push for stronger security commitments from the United States and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters ahead of the closed-door talks, Zelenskyy underlined that Ukraine’s future depends not only on military support but also on long-term security guarantees. He reiterated that Russia’s war against Ukraine has entered a decisive stage, and Western unity is essential in countering Moscow’s aggression. “We are fighting not just for Ukraine’s sovereignty, but for stability and security in Europe,” Zelenskyy stated. Trump, who has previously expressed skepticism about the scale of U.S. involvement in Ukraine, struck a more measured tone during his appearance with Zelenskyy. While avoiding specifics on future aid packages, he acknowledged Ukraine’s resilience and said discussions would focus on “finding realistic steps that bring lasting peace.” Trump added that any U.S. support must be tied to “clear objectives and accountability,” a remark likely aimed at addressing concerns among his political base about the cost of supporting Ukraine. The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting is being closely watched not only in Washington but across Europe, where allies are keen to see whether Trump could shift U.S. policy toward a more restrained role in Ukraine’s defense. Analysts note that Zelenskyy’s visit is a strategic move to ensure bipartisan American backing, regardless of who occupies the White House after the 2024 elections. Zelenskyy’s agenda also includes meetings with congressional leaders and defense officials to secure commitments on advanced air-defense systems and long-term financial support. Ukrainian officials have stressed that without dependable guarantees, any ceasefire deal with Russia would leave Kyiv vulnerable to renewed attacks. The atmosphere in Washington reflects both urgency and caution. For Ukraine, the visit is an attempt to lock in assurances that will survive political changes in the U.S. For Trump, it is a chance to demonstrate statesmanship while navigating the fine line between supporting an ally and reassuring voters who demand a more inward-focused foreign policy. As the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting unfolds, the central question remains: can Ukraine secure the guarantees it needs to stand against Russia, while also convincing U.S. leaders that their support aligns with America’s strategic interests? For now, all eyes are on Washington, where the outcome of this meeting could shape the trajectory of the war and Ukraine’s future security framework.

Hundreds of flights grounded as Air Canada staff strike

Afham11 months ago11 months ago04 mins

Air travelers across Canada and beyond are facing widespread disruption after hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed on Saturday due to a nationwide strike by Air Canada staff. The labor action, which began at midnight, has left thousands of passengers stranded at airports in major cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. The strike was triggered after months of tense negotiations between Air Canada management and the union representing ground crew, maintenance workers, and customer service agents broke down late Friday. Union leaders say the walkout is a last resort, accusing the airline of failing to address long-standing concerns over wages, scheduling, and job security. “Air Canada has recorded strong profits over the past two years, yet many of our members are still struggling with stagnant wages and grueling schedules,” said union spokesperson Lisa Tremblay. “We want a fair deal that recognizes the vital role our staff play in keeping this airline running.” Air Canada, however, has defended its position, stating that it offered competitive pay increases and improved working conditions during the latest round of talks. In a press release, the airline expressed “deep disappointment” over the strike, warning that it would cause significant inconvenience for travelers at the peak of the summer travel season. The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport and, where possible, to rebook their tickets free of charge. Despite contingency plans, including bringing in management staff and contracting some third-party services, operations remain severely disrupted. Industry analysts say the Air Canada staff strike highlights broader tensions within the aviation sector, which has been struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many airlines have faced staffing shortages, higher operating costs, and increased passenger demand, creating pressure on both management and workers. Transport Canada has urged both sides to return to the negotiating table, stressing the importance of restoring normal flight operations as quickly as possible. Government officials have not ruled out the possibility of mediation or intervention if talks remain stalled. For travelers, the strike has meant long queues, missed connections, and frustrated holiday plans. “I was supposed to fly to Halifax for a family wedding, but now I’m stuck here until at least tomorrow,” said passenger Michael Hughes at Toronto Pearson International Airport. “It’s a nightmare.” As the standoff enters its first full day, uncertainty looms over when flights will resume normal schedules. With both sides holding firm, passengers are being warned to brace for continued disruptions in the days ahead.

Wildfires rage across southern Europe as temperatures top 40C

Afham11 months ago11 months ago04 mins

Southern Europe is grappling with a sweeping heatwave that has pushed daytime temperatures above 40°C in many areas and helped spark a new wave of destructive wildfires across the Mediterranean. Blazes have ignited in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and parts of the Balkans, forcing thousands of people from their homes, overwhelming local fire services and grounding some firefighting aircraft when conditions become too dangerous. In Spain, fierce fires produced rare and terrifying “fire whirls” — spinning columns of flame driven by extreme heat and turbulent winds — that forced firefighters to withdraw in several areas and prompted mass evacuations near UNESCO-listed sites and coastal resorts. Emergency services reported multiple fatalities and numerous injuries in different countries as flames raced through dry brush and forests made tinder-dry by weeks of intense heat. Wabstalk Portugal and France have been particularly hard hit: Portugal deployed thousands of firefighters and dozens of aircraft to battle large blazes in the north and centre of the country, while southern France saw one of its largest recent wildfires scorch tens of thousands of hectares and prompt long-term evacuations and state-level emergency responses. Officials warned that high winds and record-setting daytime highs — reaching into the low-to-mid 40s Celsius in some pockets — could re-ignite contained fires or drive fresh outbreaks. Greece, meanwhile, reported multiple simultaneous outbreaks across islands and coastal regions popular with tourists, heightening concerns about summer visitors’ safety and the knock-on effect for local economies. Authorities in several countries have said arson and negligent human activity appear to have played a role in some fires, compounding the natural risk from heat and drought. Cross-border mutual aid — including extra aircraft, crews and equipment — has been mobilised in an attempt to contain the worst incidents. Climate scientists and emergency planners are warning that these extreme heat episodes are becoming more frequent and severe as the atmosphere warms: hotter, drier summers increase fire risk, lengthen fire seasons and make suppression more difficult and dangerous. As firefighters battle current blazes, governments face urgent questions about land management, prevention, and long-term investments in resilience to reduce the scale and human cost of future fire seasons. Explosion reported at U.S. Steel plant, multiple people injured