Putin calls for border security zone, urges full liberation of Kursk region

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a security zone along the border and demanded the complete expulsion of enemy forces from the Kursk region.

During a visit to a military command center overseeing operations in the area, Putin said the immediate priority is to ensure the region’s complete liberation.

The Russian Chief of the General Staff said that troops have reclaimed 86 percent of the territory previously occupied by opposing forces in the Kursk region.

Moscow will wait for information from U.S. on ceasefire proposal: Kremlin

The Kremlin says Russia will wait for more details from the United States’ ceasefire proposal.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow doesn’t want to jump ahead before receiving further information.

He noted that U.S. officials will provide details in meetings scheduled for the coming days.

Ukraine has signaled its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for an immediate, 30-day ceasefire following talks in Saudi Arabia.

China has expressed hope that all parties involved in the Ukraine crisis will find a sustainable and lasting peace plan accommodating their concerns.

Europe's major military powers reaffirm support for Ukraine

Europe's top five military powers have reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s army as a priority for security guarantees.

Defense ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Poland also agreed to contribute more to the continent's deterrence and defense.

German defense chief Boris Pistorius proposed that Europe standardizes weapon systems in different countries.

China never exported fentanyl drugs to North America: administration

China says it has never exported fentanyl-related medications to North America.

The National Medical Products Administration said China exported 12.3 kilograms of such drugs last year, primarily to South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.

A spokesperson said authorities enforce ‌rigorous controls‌ throughout production and export, and there were no illegal operations.

China recently released a white paper on fentanyl-related substances, highlighting the country's management over the chemicals.

South Korea charges pilots with criminal negligence in accidental bombing

South Korean investigators have charged two Air Force pilots with criminal negligence over an accidental bombing of a village during a training exercise.

Defense ministry investigators confirmed that errors by the pilots were "direct factors" behind last week's incident that injured at least 29 people and caused extensive property damage.

Officials have taken the pilots off flight duties and are reviewing their certification.

Security forces eliminate insurgents in Balochistan train operation

Security sources in Pakistan say they have neutralized what they call terrorists at the site of a passenger train siege.

The sources say the situation in the country's southwest is under control.

The information minister says insurgents killed at least 21 hostages before security forces struck down all 33 assailants.

The train traveling in Balochistan province was carrying more than 400 passengers when it was stormed by members of the Balochistan Liberation Army.

UN launches reform initiative as it nears its 80th anniversary and faces funding cuts

The United Nations has launched a reform initiative in the face of a cash crisis as the organization marks its 80th anniversary this year.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the UN needs an urgent update to deal with major funding reductions.

Panama Canal fees this year 15% below 2024, authority says

The Panama Canal has reduced fees by 15 percent from last year's level.

The canal's authority says the reduction is because of the larger capacity to move cargoes.

A severe drought beginning late 2023 forced the world's second busiest waterway to impose restrictions that resulted in long lines and higher transit fees.

The restrictions were lifted last year, allowing up to 36 vessels to cross per day.

The canal reported a more than 30 percent increase in ships in February compared with the month before.