22/08/2026

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Russia ready for new ideas on Ukraine

listen to Rubio’s new ideas and continue dialogue. “The Russian Federation is ready to listen to any reasonable proposals and ideas that are in line with the goals set by the Russian president and meet realities on the ground,” he said. After almost 4-1/2 years of war, Russia holds around a fifth of Ukraine’s territory. Moscow has repeatedly said it is open to talks but that these must recognise the “new realities on the ground”. In the interview, Ryabkov also suggested Russia was keen to maintain discussions with the US on nuclear weapons. The New START nuclear treaty expired in February, leaving the world’s two biggest nuclear-armed powers with no binding constraints on their strategic arsenals for the first time in more than half a century. Moscow has said it will keep observing the treaty’s limits as long as Washington does the same.

GOLD NAMED OFFICIAL ATHLETICS ANTHEM GENEVA: Pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis’ song Gold has been named the official anthem of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, World Athletics announced yesterday. The original song, written and performed by the Swedish pole vaulter, was released globally along with its accompanying music video. “I wrote the song around representing something that’s bigger than yourself. I think that’s what we all do when we’re on the track. We represent our family, our team, our coaches, and I love that concept. Music and sports are the two things that bring people together in the best way, and Gold is an expression of that,” Duplantis said in a World Athletics press release. Duplantis will perform the song, dubbed the Ultimate Anthem in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept 13, when the Championship concludes. – Bernama WOMAN CELEBRATES 117TH BIRTHDAY LONDON: The world’s oldest living person celebrated her 117th birthday after a year of “many firsts”, including meeting King Charles III. Ethel Caterham, who lives at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey, spent yesterday with her family and friends to mark the occasion. “Thank-you for all of the kind birthday wishes. Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the king. I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings.” Caterham was visited by Charles last September after her 116th birthday. She became the oldest living person in April last year after the death of Brazilian nun sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at 116. – Bernama ‘U.S. SANCTIONS THREAT TO INTERNATIONAL LAW’ TOKYO: International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan warned yesterday against “the demise of international rule of law” after the United States targeted her with sanctions. “The sanction against me this time was something I had anticipated to an extent, so I’m not surprised,”Akane said in a statement released on X by her publisher Bungei Shunju. “The important thing is not to let this be the beginning of the demise of international rule of law.” The United States sanctioned Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal on Tuesday as part of the Trump administration’s campaign against what it calls a “corrupt and fatally politicised” body. – AFP

BR I E F S

“At this stage, it is more important to what extent Washington is able to

and Steve Witkoff, who have led negotiations with Russia in the past. US Secretary of

MOSCOW: Russia is open to listening to new proposals on how to reach a settlement on the Ukraine conflict, a senior Russian diplomat said, but any proposals should reflect the “realities on the ground”. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (pic) said in an interview with media outlet News.ru published yesterday that the US demonstrated a readiness for “constructive dialogue” and an “understanding of Russia’s position”. o Moscow keen on nuclear weapons talks TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said yesterday it was time to end the months-long Middle East war with the United States because Tehran appeared to be in a stronger position than Washington. Talks remain on hold, with both sides locked in a stalemate. Tehran is keeping the key Strait of Hormuz partially shut and Washington is persisting with a naval counter-blockade of Iran. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said in a meeting with doctors. “The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world.” Pezeshkian also defended a memorandum of understanding agreed with the US in June aimed at ending the war, claiming it did not signal a defeat for Tehran. “They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation. All the commitments concern the other side,” he said. His remarks come weeks after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had approved the deal to end the war despite having “different views”.

influence the decisions of the Kyiv regime and its European sponsors, who still dream of a ‘strategic defeat’ of Russia,” he told the outlet. Negotiations between Russia and the US to bring about an end to the conflict in Ukraine have largely stalled amid the war in Iran. The Kremlin said on

State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington was committed to help end the war, following a meeting in Manila with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. But he cautioned there was no quick deal ahead and the US was trying to “find

“We remain open in the future to find political and diplomatic ways to stabilise this area,” Ryabkov said. – Reuters Time to end war in position of strength: Iran president Thursday that it had no information yet on a possible next visit to Moscow by US presidential envoys Jared Kushner a middle ground”. Ryabkov said Russia was ready to

Bessent speaking to the press outside the West Wing of the White House on Thursday. – AFPPIC

Iranian regime with its threatened campaign.

The drew condemnation from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, which accused the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity”. American plan

According to reports in US media, the American navy has been organising secret convoys of tankers through the southern sector of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hardline lawmakers in Iran's parliament have also criticised the government over the deal, accusing it of giving concessions to the US, mostly over the reopening of the strategic Hormuz Strait. Snub Israeli settlement project tenders, Palestinian Foreign Ministry tells firms As Tehran claimed to be in the stronger position, the US has said it would ramp up sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday vowed Washington would “collapse” the The comments underscored how the Trump administration is shifting to economic rather than military pressure on Tehran as the US president’s unpopular war drags on. – AFP

ISTANBUL: The Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged companies and economic entities not to take part in Israeli construction tenders for the illegal E1 settlement project in occupied East Jerusalem, warning that involvement would run counter to obligations under international law. The ministry said companies should refrain from any direct or

international opposition to E1 should be translated into concrete action to halt Israeli settlement policies and protect Palestinian rights. Earlier on Thursday, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s move to advance E1 as “unacceptable”. – Bernama

pressure Israel to halt settlement expansion and withdraw the project. The ministry also called for measures against Israel’s settlement system, saying an end to occupation and settlement activity and respect for international law were essential to achieving a just and lasting peace. Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh echoed the call, saying

unlawful situation created by occupation policies. The ministry warned that E1 would further undermine prospects for a two-state solution by cutting through the occupied West Bank and damaging its geographical continuity. It called on countries to move beyond political statements and take “practical and effective steps” to

indirect contribution to settlement activity and called on the international community to take concrete steps to stop the project. It said such action would be consistent with international legal obligations, including the International Court of Justice’s position that states must not provide aid or assistance in maintaining an