US and Russia will appoint teams to negotiate ending Ukraine war, US says

 Here’s the latest update on the reported U.S.-Russia negotiations regarding the Ukraine war, based on recent English-language news sources:

*U.S. Announces Plans for Negotiation Teams*  

The United States has indicated that it is preparing to appoint a dedicated team to engage in potential talks with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters (July 4, 2024), a senior U.S. State Department official stated that diplomatic channels remain "open," but emphasized that any negotiations must involve Ukraine’s direct participation and respect its sovereignty. The U.S. reiterated that no decisions about Ukraine’s future can be made without Kyiv’s consent.

*Russia’s Response*  

Russian officials, as reported by The Moscow Times, have yet to confirm participation in formal talks but acknowledged "preliminary discussions" about de-escalation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s "neutral status" and recognition of annexed territories as non-negotiable conditions, which Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

*Ukraine’s Stance*  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained that negotiations with Russia are possible only after a full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories. In a recent address, he urged Western allies to increase military support rather than push for premature talks, citing concerns over Russia’s "bad faith" in past agreements, such as the failed Minsk accords.

*International Reactions*  

NATO allies have expressed cautious support for diplomatic efforts but stressed that sanctions on Russia will remain until a credible ceasefire is implemented. Meanwhile, China and Global South nations have called for accelerated dialogue to address global economic disruptions caused by the war.

*Context*  

The U.S.-Russia dialogue signals a potential shift amid stalled battlefield gains and growing international pressure. However, major hurdles persist, including disagreements over territorial claims, security guarantees, and accountability for war crimes. Previous informal talks in 2022 and 2023 collapsed due to mutual distrust.

*Sources: *Reuters, The New York Times, BBC, Al Jazeera (as of July 2024).  

This remains a developing story, with outcomes heavily dependent on Ukraine’s involvement and geopolitical compromises.

President Zelensky Rejects Trump’s Proposal for $500 Billion of Ukraine’s Natural Resources

Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Ukraine transfer $500 billion worth of its natural resources to the United States as part of a deal for continued military and economic support. Trump stated that if Ukraine wishes for ongoing aid, they must cede a portion of their valuable natural resources, including rare minerals.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected this proposal, emphasizing that the United States has already provided significant assistance to Ukraine and should focus on aiding the country in its time of need rather than extracting resources.

Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, calling it "selfish and self-centered." Additionally, Ukraine’s former foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, argued that the proposal lacked any legal basis, as Ukraine signed a strategic partnership agreement with the European Union in 2021, reinforcing its sovereignty over natural resources.

The proposal raises concerns about the potential economic ramifications for Ukraine, especially regarding its control over vital natural resources. It also has the potential to complicate international relations, particularly with the European Union, as Ukraine navigates its foreign alliances during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

two day top news

Here is a summary of notable international news from the past two days:

Asia-Pacific

Bangladesh: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are reportedly mobilizing to join the conflict in Myanmar. Individuals from the world's largest refugee settlement in southern Bangladesh have crossed back into Myanmar to participate in ongoing civil unrest. 

India: French energy company TotalEnergies has paused its investments in India's Adani Group following allegations of a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme involving the conglomerate. 

Pakistan: Clashes between Pakistani security forces and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have resulted in at least one death and numerous injuries. The unrest underscores the country's ongoing political tensions. 

Europe

Ukraine: Russian drones and missiles have targeted Ukraine's eastern and southern regions, as well as the capital, Kyiv, leading to heightened security concerns and infrastructure damage. 

Lithuania: Authorities are investigating a DHL cargo plane crash in Lithuania, seeking to determine the cause of the incident. 

Serbia: A brawl erupted in the Serbian parliament, reflecting deep-seated political divisions within the country's legislative body. 

Middle East

Israel and Gaza: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have labeled six Al Jazeera journalists as terrorists, alleging ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This move has drawn criticism from international press organizations, which view it as an attempt to suppress reporting. 

Africa

Zimbabwe: The nation is hosting a debt conference aimed at re-engaging with global financial systems and addressing its economic challenges. 

Egypt: A tourist boat sank off the Red Sea coast, leading to the rescue of 28 survivors. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. 

Libya: More than 300 migrants have been detained in the Libyan desert by military forces, highlighting ongoing migration and security issues in the region. 

Americas

Uruguay: The leftist party has returned to power in Uruguay's presidential election, with the outgoing government pledging a smooth transition. 

Brazil: Former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sidelined from the political scene, contrasting with the resurgence of former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Bolivia: Heavy rains have caused rivers to flood homes near La Paz, leading to displacement and property damage. 

Additional News

China-Europe Relations: The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized the global desire for stable Sino-European ties, stating that such relations are more crucial than ever in a changing world. 

Hong Kong: A court has convicted former editors of Stand News on sedition charges, marking a significant case concerning press freedom since the 1997 handover.