Zelensky, Trump hold call after Witkoff-Putin talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday after Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, held talks in Moscow.
Zelensky said Russia appears more open to a ceasefire but warned against trusting vague promises. Trump called Witkoff’s meeting with Putin “progress” and stressed the need to end the war soon, according to Firstpost.
The US is preparing new sanctions if Russia fails to show concrete steps by Friday. Kremlin officials confirmed both sides exchanged signals but downplayed the chances of a quick breakthrough.
India slams US tariffs over Russian oil imports as ‘unfair’
India has strongly criticised the United States for imposing additional tariffs on its exports, calling the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said the new tariffs—linked to India’s oil imports from Russia—undermine its efforts to secure affordable energy for its 1.4bn citizens.
“It is extremely unfortunate that the US has targeted India for actions other countries are also taking in their national interest,” the statement said.
India added it would take necessary steps to safeguard its national interests.
The Trump administration announced a 25 percent hike on Indian goods, bringing total tariffs to 50 percent, with the new rates set to take effect by August 27.
Ghana helicopter crash kills top ministers
A helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region has killed all eight on board, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The aircraft, en route from Accra to Obuasi, went off radar shortly after takeoff on Wednesday. Among the victims were senior officials, including former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna and NDC vice chairman Samuel Sarpong, Al Jazeera reported.
President John Mahama cancelled official duties as the nation mourns. Flags will be flown at half-staff.
Syria secures $14bn in global investment to rebuild economy
Syria has signed $14bn worth of international deals to revive its war-ravaged economy, focusing on infrastructure, transport, and real estate, according to Al Jazeera.
Key projects include a $4bn upgrade of Damascus airport with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn metro deal with the UAE. Other developments include the $2bn Damascus Towers with Italy’s UBAKO.
The agreements come as President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government seeks to attract foreign investment following years of conflict and the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
US envoy Tom Barrack, present at the signing, praised the move as a sign of Syria’s economic turnaround, Al Jazeera reported.
