Trump, Putin set for Alaska summit — without Ukraine
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Friday in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine — but without Kyiv at the table. Experts say a deal is very unlikely without Ukraine’s direct involvement, warning that Ukraine maintains enough European backing to keep fighting if Zelensky rejects terms. Ukraine’s president has vowed not to give up territory, while Russia’s demands include land concessions, a NATO membership ban for Ukraine, and sanctions relief.
Mali’s ruling military arrests own soldiers amid rising national tensions
Malian authorities arrested dozens of their own soldiers last night over allegations that they were trying to overthrow the West African country’s ruling military leaders – and more arrests are to come. The military junta seized control of Mali, a country of 24 million people famed for its gold exports, via a pair of coups in 2020 and 2021, but is now under some pressure amid reports that an Islamist insurgency is making inroads in northern areas. The junta is also facing vocal criticism from former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, who is consequently now also being detained.
