QtrendsZelensky challenged Putin to direct peace talks but Russia's leader rejected the proposal and reaffirmed war aims. Iran-US negotiations remain deadlocked over $24 billion in frozen assets, with Lebanon caught in the crossfire. Hezbollah rejected a ceasefire as Israel struck southern Lebanon. Albanians protested a $1.6 billion Trump family-linked resort project. A Sherpa guide survived a week on Everest by eating chocolate and ice.
Ukrainian President Zelensky sent a personal letter to Putin calling for direct face-to-face peace talks. Russia's Putin dismissed the proposal, saying there is 'no point' in meeting Zelensky for now and reaffirmed Russia's war aims in Ukraine. Zelensky's open letter was published in full, urging Putin to 'stop your war.' The exchange underscores the deep divide between the two sides as the war continues.
An adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader told CNN that peace talks with the US are deadlocked over $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Lebanon's president accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US. Trump acknowledged calling Israeli PM Netanyahu 'crazy' and said Israel is complicating the Iran peace talks. The three-way tensions highlight the complex dynamics of Middle East diplomacy.
Lebanese leaders lashed out at Iran, accusing the country of using Lebanon as a 'bargaining chip' in its talks with the US. Hezbollah rejected a ceasefire deal that had been agreed upon between Israel and Lebanon. Israel subsequently conducted strikes in southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations of nine villages, escalating regional hostilities.
Growing opposition has emerged against a planned $1.6 billion luxury resort in Albania linked to the Trump family. The project sparked widespread protests across the country, with Albanians voicing outrage over foreign-backed development on their coastline. The controversy has drawn international attention to the intersection of business and politics involving the Trump family.
Sherpa guide Dawa Sherpa, missing for a week on Mount Everest, was found alive after crawling back to base camp. He survived the six-day ordeal by eating chocolate and chewing ice at high altitude. The rescue has been described as a miraculous story of survival in one of the world's most extreme environments.