Aix-Marseille University’s “Safe Place for Science” program, offering three years of funding to 20 researchers fleeing US academic crackdowns, received 298 applications, with 242 deemed eligible. Applicants hailed from prestigious US universities and included Americans, dual nationals, and researchers from other countries. Former French President François Hollande, advocating for a “scientific refugee” status, introduced a bill proposing subsidiary protection for academics facing threats to their freedom. This legislative action aims to provide faster processing for these researchers, enabling them to continue their work while highlighting France’s commitment to academic freedom.
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President Zelensky announced that Ukraine possesses intelligence indicating China’s provision of artillery and gunpowder to Russia, a claim potentially escalating tensions between Kyiv and Beijing. This intelligence suggests Chinese involvement in weapons production within Russia itself. The revelation follows previous strain in relations stemming from Ukraine’s capture of Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces. Zelensky’s statement lacks specifics regarding the exact types of artillery involved.
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After years of negotiations, nations have reached a landmark agreement on a global pandemic accord, outlining measures for prevention, preparedness, and response. A key element is a pathogen access and benefit-sharing system designed to ensure more equitable distribution of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics during future outbreaks, addressing inequities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the details remain to be finalized, the treaty mandates the timely sharing of information and requires manufacturers to provide a minimum percentage of their products to the WHO. The agreement’s adoption and ratification by member states are the next crucial steps.
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Despite widespread support, a UN General Assembly resolution referencing Russian aggression against Ukraine failed to achieve unanimous backing. The United States, alongside Russia and Belarus, voted against the resolution, citing concerns that its language hindered peace efforts. Nine countries in total opposed the resolution, highlighting a continued divergence in international opinion regarding the conflict. This vote follows a similar instance in February where the US opposed a Ukrainian resolution condemning the Russian aggression. The US objections underscore ongoing disagreements on framing the conflict in Ukraine.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused US special envoy Steve Witkoff of promoting Russian narratives by suggesting a peace deal hinges on ceding five Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. Zelensky asserted that these territories are integral to Ukraine and that Witkoff’s statements are unacceptable. This criticism follows Witkoff’s comments on Fox News about a potential peace deal and its relation to these territories. Zelensky also revealed intelligence indicating China’s provision of weapons to Russia. These accusations come amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts and previously expressed concerns regarding Witkoff’s qualifications.
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Dmitry Medvedev, a close Putin ally, issued a stark warning that any European peacekeepers deployed in Ukraine would face death. This follows discussions among European leaders in Paris regarding a potential ceasefire deal involving Western troops, a move Russia vehemently opposes. Medvedev’s statement represents a significant escalation of rhetoric, highlighting Russia’s intolerance of a Western military presence in Ukraine. While Western nations argue such a deployment would deter further Russian aggression, Russia views it as unacceptable. The potential deployment of a “coalition of the willing” force, potentially exceeding 10,000 troops, remains a point of major contention.
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Ukrainian forces repelled a large-scale Russian assault in southern Ukraine, claiming the destruction of 29 armored vehicles and 140 enemy troops. The battle, lasting over two and a half hours, involved a coordinated Russian attack using over 320 personnel and numerous vehicles. Ukraine reported using drones for reconnaissance and inflicting heavy losses on the attacking force while suffering no position losses. Independent verification of these battlefield claims remains pending.
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Germany’s Bundestag will not invite the Russian and Belarusian ambassadors to its 80th anniversary commemoration of the end of World War II. This decision, based on government assessment, stems from concerns that their presence could be exploited for anti-Ukraine propaganda. The ceremony will instead focus on the war’s victims and lessons for the present, prioritizing speeches from German President Steinmeier and Bundestag Speaker Klöckner. This exclusion follows previous guidance advising against inviting Russian and Belarusian officials to related events. The Russian ambassador criticized this decision as endangering reconciliation efforts.
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Reports of Canadians detained at the U.S. border have caused a significant drop in corporate travel to the United States. Cancellations, impacting various sectors, extend into 2027 and affect conferences, business trips, and even employee company events. While some companies proceed with pre-planned events despite employee reluctance, the overall decrease in travel reflects broader anxieties stemming from U.S. political climate and border policies. This downturn is evident in both air and car travel statistics, although corporate bookings have begun to stabilize as essential business needs persist.
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Denmark plans to send unarmed troops to western Ukraine for a short, observation-focused training program on drone warfare, leveraging Ukraine’s extensive combat experience. This initiative, prompted by an invitation from Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, aims to improve Denmark’s capabilities in this rapidly evolving field. Russia has condemned the move, declaring Danish personnel and facilities in Ukraine legitimate targets. Despite this, Denmark emphasizes the observational nature of the deployment and cites Ukraine’s robust air raid systems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker