Today's News Digest
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a large prisoner exchange, the biggest humanitarian release since the war began in 2022, after US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a broader breakthrough.
World
Russia and Ukraine Agree Major Prisoner Exchange
Following two days of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a large exchange of prisoners of war. It is the biggest humanitarian release since the war began in 2022.
Abu Dhabi Talks Turn to Post-War Security
Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi centred on a European security framework but ended without a breakthrough. The Kremlin has demanded discussion of European security structures, and US envoys said they would travel to Moscow.
US Seeks Land-Border Squeeze on Iran
Washington wants to intensify its economic pressure campaign on Iran by closing land borders. Neighbouring states, fearing economic fallout, are pushing back.
Three Iran-Backed Suspects Charged Over Plots
US prosecutors say three men accused of being Iran-backed operatives plotted attacks, including an incident near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by US forces. The suspects are charged over nearly 20 attacks.
Nvidia Leader Reported as Chinese Spy Target
US suspicion that Nvidia's chief executive was a Chinese intelligence target underscores deep distrust between Washington and Beijing. The episode unfolds even as the two leaders work to stabilise ties.
Africa
Ebola Outbreak in Congo Tops 11,000 Cases
Congo's government said Wednesday that its Ebola outbreak has topped 11,000 cases, making it the country's deadliest outbreak. The spread continues to strain the country's response.
Kenya Counts Down to End of Ebola Outbreak
Kenya has begun a countdown to the end of its Ebola outbreak. African countries have largely prevented community transmission and isolated the small number of cases arriving from Congo.
Africa Hosts Its First Youth Olympic Games
Senegal is hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic-level event held on the African continent. Dakar's beaches and streets are filling with sports fans and athletes, including breakdancers.
Europe
Spain's Workers Strike Over Housing Costs
Millions of Spanish workers shut down businesses and disrupted transport in a general strike over rising rents and stagnant wages. Marches of tens of thousands took place in Madrid and Barcelona, with gatherings in other cities. It is the first general strike in Spain in 14 years, ahead of parliamentary elections.
Storm Charles Forces Flight and School Closures in Portugal
Portuguese authorities cancelled more than 300 flights and shut schools ahead of the Atlantic storm. The response followed criticism of the handling of January's Storm Kristin.
Tens of Thousands Join Poland's Nationalist Independence Day March
Tens of thousands took part in Poland's nationalist Independence Day march. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for restraint and unity after a deadly attack in Krakow that was linked to far-right ideology.
Italian Schools Hit by Bomb Hoax Threats
More than 6,000 Italian schools received bomb threats, and schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland were also affected. Authorities in all three countries say there appears to be no risk to the public, and it is not known whether the incidents are linked.
Technology & Science
DeepMind Verifies Key Parts of Signal Mathematically
Google DeepMind mathematically verified key components of the Signal messaging protocol in a four-week project. The work suggests AI could make formal verification of software far more practical.
IBM Plans Dual-Processor Quantum System for 2027
IBM plans to offer access to a dual-processor quantum system in 2027. The company intends to link two 520-qubit chips before the end of next year.
Apple Shutters 28-Year-Old Online Forum
Apple is closing its 28-year-old online community forum. The forum has already been made read-only.
Climate & Nature
Kenyans Brace for Floods as El Niño Strengthens
Forecasters warn that this year's El Niño could be one of the strongest on record, bringing heavy rain and flooding to Kenya. Residents fear the impact on their communities.