Author: AFP
AFP
Agence France-Presse known by its acronym AFP is a French news agency founded in 1835 in Paris, France, where it's also headquartered. AFP covers a diversity of topics, both local news and international stories.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concerns about Russia’s potential escalation of the offensive in northeastern Ukraine in an exclusive interview with AFP. He highlighted the lack of adequate air defenses in Kyiv to hold the front line against Russian forces, who recently made significant territorial gains in the Kharkiv region. Zelensky emphasized the importance of allies sending air defense systems and fighter jets to combat Russia’s air superiority, stating that Ukraine only has a quarter of the necessary resources to defend the country. He called for 120-130 advanced fighter jets to achieve air parity with Russia. As Ukraine anticipates…
Israel’s Leadership Divided Over Post-War Gaza Governance Israel’s post-war plans for Gaza face unexpected challenges as Hamas fighters regroup in the territory, putting pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After months of battling Hamas in Gaza and exchanging fire with Hezbollah in the north, divisions have emerged within the Israeli war cabinet. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant criticized Netanyahu for not ruling out civilian control in Gaza post-war, causing further rifts among top politicians and straining relations with the US. Amidst mounting pressure to end the conflict, Netanyahu is adamant about not involving the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance. With military…
A dramatic scene unfolded at a court in Slovakia as the suspect accused of attempting to murder Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived for a hearing on pre-trial detention. The 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula allegedly shot Fico after a government meeting, firing five shots and hitting him four times. Fico underwent hours of surgery and remains in serious condition, with the shot narrowly missing his liver. The incident has shocked the nation and led to calls for unity from political leaders. JOIN US ON TELEGRAM! Keep up with the latest updates on the war by following @Kyivpost_official The court is deliberating…
Russia’s Economy Grows Despite Military Spending In the first quarter of 2024, Russia’s economy saw a growth of 5.4 percent, according to official statistics released on Friday. This growth comes amidst heavy militarization and vast military spending by the Kremlin following the Ukraine offensive in 2022. President Vladimir Putin denies that the military spending, which has surpassed eight percent of GDP, is reaching unsustainable levels. While the increased military spending has helped power growth and mitigate the impact of Western sanctions, it has also led to inflation and drawn comparisons to the Soviet Union’s struggle with excessive defence spending in…
The Fight for Justice: Ireland’s President Condemns UK Legislation In a powerful speech at a wreath-laying ceremony in Dublin, Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins criticized the UK’s new legislation aimed at addressing the violence during Northern Ireland’s “Troubles” 50 years after a tragic loss of life. The new law has halted any further investigations, inquests, or prosecutions related to the Troubles, granting immunity to former combatants on all sides. Higgins voiced his strong opposition to the legislation, stating that it was morally unacceptable and politically infeasible. He emphasized the importance of seeking justice for the victims and their families, who…
Tragedy struck in the popular tourism destination of Bamiyan, Afghanistan, as three Spanish tourists and an Afghan were killed in a shooting. The incident also left four foreigners and three Afghans wounded. The European Union and Spanish authorities expressed their shock and condolences, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez conveying his grief on social media. The Taliban government quickly condemned the attack and vowed to bring the culprits to justice. Security forces have already arrested four individuals in connection with the shooting. Bamiyan, known for its giant Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, has seen a rise in tourism since…
A 71-year-old poet, Juraj Cintula, has been charged with the attempted murder of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Cintula fired five shots at Fico, hitting him four times. Fico underwent surgery and remains in serious condition. The shooting occurred in Handlova, Slovakia, after a government meeting. The EU and NATO member country has been deeply shocked by the assassination attempt. Politicians are calling for unity in the wake of the attack. Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova and Fico’s ally, Peter Pellegrini, emphasized the importance of refraining from confrontation. Despite calls for unity, some politicians are already pointing fingers at opponents for…
A top NATO commander stated that Russia lacks the necessary forces and skills to make a major breakthrough in Ukraine, particularly after an offensive in the Kharkhiv region. Despite Moscow’s territorial gains, Ukraine remains confident in holding the line with help from allies. President Zelensky announced the reinforcement of troops in the northeastern Kharkiv region to stabilize the front line. The Ukrainian army has managed to partially halt Russia’s advance, with Moscow seizing significant territory in a short period. To support Ukraine, allies are expediting deliveries of ammunition, air defense systems, and armored vehicles following a delayed aid package from…
Armenia and Azerbaijan Reach Deal on Disputed Border Areas Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced a breakthrough agreement on resolving long-standing border disputes, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two countries. The deal involves the return of four border villages to Azerbaijan that were seized by Armenia during the 1990s. Both nations, former Soviet republics in the Caucasus region, express optimism about reaching a comprehensive peace agreement. The recent agreement follows Azerbaijan’s successful recapture of the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian separatists last year. However, the decision to return the villages has sparked protests in Armenia, with demonstrators demanding…
Welcome to the Arab Leaders Summit in Bahrain Arab leaders have gathered in Bahrain for a summit focused on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The summit, the first since a meeting in Riyadh last November, is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions and calls for a two-state solution. While Western support for the Palestinian cause has grown, Israel has failed to achieve its objectives in the conflict. With talks on a ceasefire at a stalemate and Israel’s military actions drawing international criticism, the tone of the summit is expected to be more assertive. Beyond the Israel-Hamas conflict, leaders…