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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is in China on Friday for his third visit in two years, as his government aims to attract greater investment from the Asian economic powerhouse amid widespread uncertainty caused by the erratic U.S. tariff policy. Sánchez held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and was also scheduled to meet executives from several Chinese firms, many of which specialise in electric battery production and renewable energy technologies. As Trump imposes tariffs, China moves to fill the void left by alienated US allies The visit takes place at a sensitive juncture for China and the European Union. Tariffs announced — and subsequently suspended — by U.S. President Donald Trump last week may encourage the EU to increase trade with China, the world’s third-largest consumer market after the U.S. and the EU. At the same time, there is mounting concern within the EU that U.S. tariffs could prompt China to flood the European market with low-cost products, to the detriment of European manufacturers. The Spanish government has reiterated its intention to strengthen economic relations with China. “Trade wars benefit no one. We all stand to lose,” Sánchez stated during his visit to Hanoi on Thursday, where he signed several commercial deals before departing for Beijing. Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría earlier emphasised the significance of the trip, describing it as a key opportunity to “diversify markets,” noting that as much as 80% of Spanish exports to the U.S. could be affected by Trump’s tariff measures. Warnings from Washington U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Spain’s efforts to draw closer to China, warning on Tuesday that countries aligning themselves with China were effectively “cutting their own throat” due to the likelihood that Chinese manufacturers would attempt to offload unsellable goods into other markets. However, Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas, who is accompanying Sánchez, defended the move on Wednesday in Vietnam, stating: “Broadening our trade relations with partners like China does not run counter to anyone’s interests.” “Every nation must protect its own interests,” Planas added. Spain Forges Its Own Path in the EU Spain — the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy and among the fastest growing — has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards China in recent years than many of its EU counterparts. Although Spain initially supported EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last year, citing unfair competitive advantages, it later abstained from voting on those levies. Planas asserted that Spain’s stance on China is part of a broader European effort to navigate current economic challenges. “Spain’s position has shifted to be more favourable towards China compared to the average EU country,” said Alicia García-Herrero, a senior economist for Asia Pacific at the French investment bank Natixis and a specialist in EU-China relations. China reaches out to others as Trump layers on tariffs Clean Energy and Agricultural Trade Spain is one of China’s primary pork suppliers, accounting for around 20% of Chinese pork imports, according to Interporc, a Spanish pork producers’ association. “China is our top market,” said Daniel de Miguel, Interporc’s deputy director. Spain, which generated 56% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, also depends on Chinese supplies of critical raw materials, solar panels, and clean energy technologies, in line with other European nations transitioning from fossil fuels. In December, Chinese battery maker CATL announced a €4.1 billion ($4.5 billion) joint venture with Stellantis to build a battery plant in northern Spain. That deal followed other agreements between Spain and Chinese companies Envision and Hygreen Energy to develop green hydrogen infrastructure. Sánchez’s trip had already been planned prior to the Trump administration’s tariff announcements. Spain, as part of the EU, had initially been hit with a 20% general tariff — now reduced to 10% for most non-Chinese nations for a 90-day period. However, EU countries still face 25% U.S. tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminium. China, on the other hand, is facing an overall 145% tariff. While Trump stated China would face 125% tariffs on Wednesday, he did not mention an earlier 20% levy linked to the country’s role in fentanyl production. Sánchez, who has visited China more frequently than the leaders of Germany or Italy, last travelled there in September for discussions with Xi during a period of heightened EU-China trade tensions. Despite increasing Chinese investment, Spain’s trade volume with China remains lower than that of Germany or Italy. According to García-Herrero of Natixis, Sánchez’s visit also carries political weight, particularly as his left-leaning minority coalition struggles to pass legislation domestically, and as the EU considers mending ties with Beijing. For Spain, she noted, the goal is “to secure a leadership role within Europe at a time when the transatlantic alliance is not just fragile but disintegrating.”

Conservative and centre-left parties reached a deal to form a new German government on Wednesday after weeks of negotiations. The agreement paves the way for new leadership in Europe’s biggest economy after months of political drift. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union, is expected to become Germany’s next leader under the agreement, replacing outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The parties involved sent an invitation to a news conference on the coalition deal at 3pm. (1300 GMT). Merz’s two-party Union bloc emerged as the strongest force from Germany’s election on February 23. Merz turned to the Social Democrats, Scholz’s center-left party, to put together a coalition with a parliamentary majority. It’s still going to be a little while before parliament can elect Merz as chancellor, perhaps in early May. Before that can happen, the coalition deal will need approval in a ballot of the Social Democrats’ membership and by a convention of Merz’s CDU. Details of the agreement weren’t immediately available. But already last month, the two sides pushed plans through parliament to enable higher defense spending by loosening strict rules on incurring debt and to set up a huge infrastructure fund that’s aimed at boosting the stagnant economy. That was an about-turn for Merz, whose party had spoken out against running up new debt before the election without entirely closing the door to future changes to Germany's self-imposed “debt brake.” Iran’s president pledges no nuclear bomb, invites U.S. investment talks The election took place seven months earlier than planned after Scholz’s unpopular coalition collapsed in November, three years into a term that was increasingly marred by infighting and widespread discontent. The market turbulence caused by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs added to pressure for Merz’s Union and the Social Democrats to bring their coalition talks to a conclusion. So have polls showing support for the Union slipping from its election showing and that of the far-right Alternative for Germany, which finished a strong second in February, gaining as the political vacuum persisted. The prospective new coalition brings together what have been post-World War II Germany’s traditional big parties, but the Union’s election-winning performance in February was lackluster and the Social Democrats dropped to their worst postwar showing in a national parliamentary election. Together, they have 328 seats in the 630-member lower house of parliament, the Bundestag.

Hungary said Thursday it will begin the procedure of withdrawing from the world’s only permanent global tribunal for war crimes and genocide. “Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court,” Gergely Gulyás, who is Prime Minister Viktor Orbán chief of staff wrote in a brief statement. “The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional and international legal framework.” The announcement came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, despite an international arrest warrant against him over his conduct of the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s parliament approves key part of Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul Hungary’s government, led by right-wing populist Orbán, extended the invitation to Netanyahu in November after the ICC, based in the Hague, Netherlands, issued the warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity. Orbán, a close Netanyahu ally, has called the arrest warrant “outrageously impudent” and “cynical.” Member countries of the ICC, such as Hungary, are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that and relies on states to comply with its rulings.

A French court has convicted Marine Le Pen of embezzlement and prohibited her from seeking public office for five years, dealing a significant blow to her presidential ambitions and sending shockwaves through French politics. Le Pen, speaking to French TV channel TF1, condemned the verdict as politically motivated, accusing it of being aimed at preventing her from running in the 2027 presidential election. She argued that millions of French citizens were “outraged” by the ruling and called it a violation of the rule of law. She announced her intention to appeal the decision and requested that the court proceedings take place before the 2027 campaign. As a result, she will remain ineligible for candidacy until the appeal is concluded. In addition to the ineligibility, Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence, with two years under house arrest and two years suspended—though the sentence will not apply pending the appeal. The ruling has far-reaching political consequences, undermining one of the top contenders to succeed President Emmanuel Macron after his second term ends. The implications are so significant that even some of Le Pen's political adversaries have expressed concerns that the court's decision was overly harsh. However, it is uncertain how this ruling will impact voters. The potential disqualification of Le Pen might energize her devoted supporters, similar to how legal issues have galvanised some of Donald Trump’s base in the U.S. On the other hand, it might push her further out of the political spotlight, halting her rising political momentum. Le Pen argued that the court’s decision to declare her ineligible before exhausting her appeals was clearly intended to prevent her from running for president. “If that’s not a political decision, I don’t know what is,” she said during the TF1 interview. She lamented that the ruling represented a “fateful day for our democracy,” but insisted she would continue to pursue her “now admittedly narrow” path to the presidency. Le Pen had already left the courtroom before the judge delivered the sentence, and her supporters immediately voiced their disapproval. Jordan Bardella, her 29-year-old protégé, called the verdict unjust and claimed that French democracy was being “executed.” Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán showed solidarity by posting “Je suis Marine!” on social media. Even among Le Pen’s political opponents, some expressed unease about the ruling. Conservative lawmaker Laurent Wauquiez described it as a heavy blow to French democracy. The conviction could prevent Le Pen from making a fourth run for the presidency in 2027, which she has previously described as a “political death.” Having been a runner-up to Macron in both the 2017 and 2022 elections, Le Pen’s party has seen increasing electoral support. However, unless an appellate court overturns the ban on public office, her prospects of running again are uncertain. With the election just two years away, time is running out, and appeals in France can take several years. The ruling represents a significant defeat for Le Pen's National Rally party, previously known as the National Front. She and 24 other party officials were accused of using European Union parliamentary funds to pay staff who worked for the party between 2004 and 2016, violating EU regulations. The judge found that Le Pen was central to a system designed to divert EU funds, though they did not personally profit. The embezzlement was described as a “democratic bypass” that deceived both the European Parliament and the electorate. During the trial, Le Pen showed no immediate reaction when the judge initially declared her guilty. However, she appeared increasingly agitated as the details of the verdict were read out, shaking her head in disagreement when the judge explained how her party misused EU funds. She left abruptly, leaving many in the courtroom in disbelief. While the electoral ineligibility takes effect immediately, the house arrest will be suspended during her appeal. Le Pen remains a lawmaker in France’s National Assembly, a role unaffected by the ruling for now. However, if President Macron calls early legislative elections, Le Pen would be barred from standing.

The Danish foreign minister rebuked the Trump administration on Saturday for its critical stance toward Denmark and Greenland, particularly regarding the tone of its remarks. He emphasised that Denmark is already enhancing its investment in Arctic security and remains open to further collaboration with the United States. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen conveyed these sentiments in a video shared on social media following U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Greenland, a strategically significant island. “A great number of accusations and allegations have been made. We are, of course, open to criticism,” Rasmussen said in English. “However, to be completely frank, we do not appreciate the manner in which it is being delivered. This is not the way to address close allies. And I continue to regard Denmark and the United States as close allies.” On Friday, Vance accused Denmark of “underinvesting” in Greenland’s security and urged the country to revise its approach, aligning with President Donald Trump’s push to assert control over the Danish territory. During his visit to Pituffik Space Base—an American military installation in mineral-rich Greenland—Vance was accompanied by his wife and other senior U.S. officials. However, the trip was ultimately scaled back following backlash from Greenlanders and Danes, who had not been consulted on the initial itinerary. “Our message to Denmark is straightforward: You have not served the people of Greenland well,” Vance stated on Friday. “You have underinvested in them, as well as in the security infrastructure of this extraordinary and beautiful land, home to remarkable people. This must change.” On the same day, Trump posted a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, titled “America Stands With Greenland,” featuring archival footage of U.S. troops stationed there during World War II. While in Greenland, Vance asserted that the U.S. has “no choice” but to play a major role in securing the island. He also encouraged a movement toward Greenlandic independence from Denmark. “I believe that in the end, they will choose to align with the United States,” Vance remarked. “We could enhance their security significantly, provide greater protection, and, economically, they would likely benefit far more.” However, the response from Greenland’s parliament members and citizens suggests that such an outcome is improbable. Outrage has erupted over the Trump administration’s efforts to annex the vast Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Vance’s claim that Denmark is neglecting Arctic defense, asserting that her country remains “a strong and reliable ally.” Greenlandic lawmakers also took action on Thursday, agreeing to form a new government in a united effort to counter Trump’s ambitions. Four out of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have joined forces to create a coalition commanding 23 of the legislature’s 31 seats. The next day, Danish King Frederik X expressed his sentiments in a Facebook post, stating, “We are living in a changed reality. There should be no doubt about my love for Greenland and my deep connection with its people.” Meanwhile, in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on Saturday, with some holding placards reading, “Back off, USA,” according to Danish broadcaster TV2. Even Greenland’s national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersu, which began on Saturday with 37 mushers and 444 dogs, was affected by the diplomatic tensions. Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, had originally planned to attend the event. However, after her husband decided to accompany the delegation to the military base instead, she opted out, reducing the likelihood of direct interaction with Greenlanders. In his video message, Løkke Rasmussen reminded viewers of the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. He noted that since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has shrunk from thousands of soldiers across 17 bases and installations to roughly 200 personnel stationed at the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest. The 1951 agreement “provides ample opportunities for the United States to establish a much stronger military presence in Greenland,” the foreign minister stated. “If that is your desire, let us discuss it.” Løkke Rasmussen further highlighted that Denmark has been increasing its own investment in Arctic defense. In January, the Danish government pledged 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) for Arctic security initiatives, which include three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites.

Italy's far-right-led government has approved a new decree that broadens the use of Albanian fast-track asylum processing centers to include repatriation hubs, aligning with a recent EU proposal. The two Albanian centers, originally intended to process non-vulnerable migrants rescued at sea, will now also accommodate migrants who arrived in Italy, had their asylum applications denied, and have been issued deportation orders. In a separate decree, the government introduced stricter requirements for acquiring Italian citizenship. The Albanian centers, which opened in October, have largely remained inactive due to legal challenges and strong opposition from human rights groups, who argue they violate international laws and jeopardize migrants’ rights. The initiative, which has cost nearly 800 million euros over five years, has disappointed Italy’s conservative government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. After lengthy construction delays, the first groups of migrants transferred to Albania in October, November, and January were quickly sent back to Italy after Italian courts refused to approve their detention in a non-EU country. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained in a news conference on Friday that while the new decree does not alter the terms of Italy’s agreement with Albania, it introduces new functions for the centers. "The decree changes the law that ratifies the protocol with Albania, but doesn’t alter its content, making it possible to transfer migrants from Italy to the existing repatriation center in Gjader," Piantedosi said. "This would allow us to reactivate that center, ensuring it doesn’t lose its function." This move by Italy, which gives new life to the costly Albanian centers, follows a proposal by the European Commission in March to establish new “return hubs” in third countries for rejected asylum seekers. According to the European Commission, only 20% of deportation orders in the EU are enforced, and the "European System for Returns" aims to address this by setting a standard for all EU member states and allowing one country’s authorities to enforce another country’s deportation order. This mechanism was absent from the EU’s migration and asylum pact approved last year. Italy is also awaiting a ruling from the European Court of Justice, expected this summer, which could allow the Albanian centers to operate as initially planned. In a separate decree, the Italian government has also tightened rules on citizenship. Italian descendants born abroad will automatically acquire citizenship for only two generations, and only those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy will gain citizenship by birth. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani clarified that while many descendants of Italian emigrants will still be able to acquire citizenship, the new measures aim to prevent misuse and "commercialization" of Italian passports. From 2014 to 2024, the number of Italian citizens living abroad grew by 40%, from 4.6 million to 6.4 million, with over 60,000 citizenship applications currently pending.

In the early hours of Thursday, police deployed pepper spray, plastic pellets, and water cannons against protesters in Turkey’s capital. The incident is part of the most significant wave of anti-government demonstrations the country has witnessed in over a decade. Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges The protests erupted last week after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges that many believe are politically motivated. He is also accused of supporting terrorism. While the government maintains that the judiciary operates independently, critics argue that the case is based on secret witnesses and lacks credible evidence. On Thursday morning, student demonstrators attempted to march and gathered near the gates of Middle East Technical University to read a statement, according to reports from the pro-opposition broadcaster Halk TV and local media. Security forces confronted them, using pepper spray, water cannons, and plastic pellets. A standoff ensued as students sought refuge behind a barricade of dumpsters before police moved in to detain them. Melih Meric, a legislator from Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), was seen drenched and suffering from the effects of pepper spray. “My student friends merely wanted to make a press statement, but the police refused to allow it. This is the outcome,” Meric stated in social media videos. Nearly 1,900 Arrested Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Thursday that nearly 1,900 individuals had been arrested during eight days of large-scale protests across the country. He reported that 1,879 suspects had been detained, including 260 who remain in custody pending trial. Another 468 were released under judicial control while their cases proceed, and legal proceedings are still underway for 662 others. The minister stated that some detainees faced charges related to drug offenses and assault, adding that 150 police officers had been injured. While he did not specify further details, previous statements have cited offenses such as resisting arrest and violating bans on protests and gatherings. Mass demonstrations, primarily peaceful, have swept through major cities, with opposition-led rallies outside Istanbul City Hall drawing large crowds. Additional protests have taken place in Istanbul’s Kadikoy and Sisli districts in recent days. However, some demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations as police have used water cannons, tear gas, plastic pellets, and pepper spray to disperse protesters in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where demonstrations have been officially banned. On Thursday morning, authorities continued to conduct house raids targeting protesters. Most of those arrested in their homes were reportedly affiliated with left-wing parties, trade unions, and civil society groups. Journalists Arrested, BBC Reporter Deported On Wednesday, eleven journalists were detained and jailed for covering the protests. The Media and Law Studies Association reported that at least eight of them were released under judicial control the following day, though they still face protest-related charges. Meanwhile, BBC reporter Mark Lowen was deported from Turkey after being arrested on Wednesday, the British news organisation confirmed. He was taken from his hotel, detained for 17 hours, and then issued a notice labelling him a “threat to public order,” according to a BBC statement released on Thursday. Mayor and Over 100 Others Facing Trial Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in a pre-dawn raid on his home last Wednesday and subsequently jailed. He faces charges linked to two investigations into the opposition-led Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality—one involving allegations of corruption and another accusing him of supporting terrorism. As the main opposition candidate expected to challenge Erdogan in the next presidential election—currently scheduled for 2028 but potentially happening sooner—Imamoglu’s arrest has heightened political tensions. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated on Thursday that 106 individuals had been arrested in connection with the municipality investigations, with 51 currently in jail awaiting trial, including Imamoglu. The detainees include municipal officials and business figures facing allegations of bribery, extortion, and bid-rigging. Many believe Imamoglu’s case is politically driven. Protesters frequently cite concerns over Turkey’s democratic decline, growing authoritarianism, and worsening economic conditions as reasons for taking to the streets. Turkey and Israel facing rising tensions over Syria's post-Assad future Imamoglu was officially confirmed as the CHP’s presidential candidate on the same day he was imprisoned. His strong performance in recent polls against Erdogan and his victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election—seen as a major political setback for the president—have made him a key figure in Turkey’s opposition movement.

Turkish prosecutors on Sunday formally requested the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and key challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, over allegations of corruption and links to terrorism. A court is expected to rule on whether Imamoglu will be charged and held in custody pending trial. His detention has triggered nationwide protests, with demonstrators rallying in multiple cities, decrying what they see as a politically motivated effort to sideline him ahead of Turkey’s 2028 presidential election. The government denies the accusations, insisting the judiciary operates independently. Imamoglu faced two rounds of questioning—first over corruption allegations and later regarding claims of aiding the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), according to Cumhuriyet newspaper. He rejected all charges before being transferred to a courthouse along with about 90 others detained in the same operation. Authorities restricted access to the courthouse, blocking roads and closing metro stations. Despite the heavy police presence, protesters gathered outside, chanting: “Rights, law, justice!” Largest Protests in Over a DecadeFor a fourth consecutive night, demonstrators took to the streets, including outside Istanbul’s city hall, in what has become Turkey’s biggest wave of protests in more than a decade. While most rallies remained peaceful, some protesters attempting to breach police barricades threw flares and stones, prompting security forces to respond with pepper spray. In Ankara, water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse crowds. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 323 people were detained overnight, warning that authorities would not tolerate unrest. Turkey and Israel facing rising tensions over Syria's post-Assad future Mounting Political TensionsImamoglu was arrested Wednesday in a dawn raid on his residence, part of a sweeping crackdown that also saw the detention of two district mayors and several other officials. In response, Istanbul authorities expanded a ban on demonstrations until March 26 and imposed restrictions on vehicles suspected of transporting protesters. Erdogan accused the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) of turning “a blind eye to municipal corruption” and seeking to divide the nation. Opposition Pushes BackImamoglu’s detention comes just ahead of the CHP’s presidential primary, where he was expected to be nominated. Party leader Ozel confirmed that the vote, open to 1.5 million delegates, would proceed as planned on Sunday. In a show of defiance, CHP leaders encouraged citizens to participate in a symbolic nationwide vote using makeshift ballot boxes. Explosion at in Northwest Turkey leaves 12 dead Shortly before arriving at the courthouse, Imamoglu urged the public to “protect the ballot boxes,” warning that the government fears the people’s democratic rights. He previously described his arrest as a “coup” and accused authorities of using the judiciary for political gain. Source: With input from agency 

A 19-year-old British man who murdered his mother and two younger siblings, and planned a high-profile school shooting, has been sentenced to at least 49 years in prison without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that although she had considered issuing a full life sentence for Nicholas Prosper, she decided against it due to his age — he was 18 at the time of the killings — and his guilty plea. Last month, Prosper admitted to the murders of his 48-year-old mother, Juliana Falcon, and his younger siblings, 13-year-old Giselle and 16-year-old Kyle Prosper, at their Luton, Bedfordshire home on September 13. He also stabbed his brother over 100 times. The judge noted that Prosper sought to replicate and surpass infamous global massacres, such as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, where 26 people, mostly children, were killed, and the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting that claimed 30 lives. “You aimed for notoriety,” the judge told Prosper, who had to be forced into court to hear his sentence. “You wanted to be posthumously known as the most famous school shooter of the 21st century.” The judge remarked that Prosper's case shared several common traits with other school shootings worldwide, including an unhealthy interest in children, a retreat into online spaces, a lack of empathy for victims, and a premeditated “uniform” for the killings. The court was informed that Prosper, unable to remain in education or hold down a job, forged a gun license and purchased a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate dealer the day before the murders. His plan was to carry out a mass shooting at his former elementary school on Friday the 13th. Early that morning, Prosper fired a test shot into a teddy bear in his bedroom. His mother, waking up first, sensed something was wrong, and Prosper killed her, leaving a copy of the book How to Kill Your Family on her legs. He then shot his sister as she hid under a table and stabbed and shot his brother. “The lives of your mother and younger brother and sister were merely collateral damage in your pursuit of fame,” the judge commented. As police flooded the area following the family attack, Prosper flagged down officers in a nearby street and led them to where he had concealed a loaded shotgun and 33 cartridges. In a statement read by Bedfordshire Police Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, Prosper's father, Raymond, expressed that the deaths of his ex-partner and children carried “far more meaning and importance.” He added, “Their deaths and the swift action of Bedfordshire Police prevented any other family from experiencing the pain we have suffered.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's promise not to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure was "very much at odds with reality" following a series of drone strikes across the country overnight. Just before Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader expressed his anticipation to hear more about Trump's recent phone call with Putin regarding a potential limited ceasefire and discuss subsequent steps. Tens of thousands rally in Rome in support of Europe amid defense spending debate "Even last night, after Putin's conversation with Trump, when Putin claimed to have ordered a halt to strikes on Ukrainian energy, 150 drones were launched, including on energy facilities," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Helsinki with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Russia responded by claiming it had stopped targeting Ukraine’s energy facilities and accused Kyiv of attacking equipment near one of its pipelines. “We unfortunately see that there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Despite Putin’s refusal to agree to a full 30-day ceasefire in discussions with Trump, he pledged to immediately halt attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. The White House described the call between Trump and Putin as the first step toward a "movement to peace," with hopes for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full end to the conflict. However, there was no sign that Putin had softened his stance on the conditions for peace, which are strongly opposed by Kyiv. The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, stated that Putin's demands during the call amounted to “Ukrainian capitulation.” “Putin is attempting to hold the temporary ceasefire proposal hostage to extract preemptive concessions before formal peace talks,” the Institute said in an analysis of the call. Stubb called the talks between Trump and Putin a positive development but emphasized that Russia needed to end its aggression. "There are only two ways to respond to the U.S. president's proposal: yes or no—no buts, no conditions," Stubb said. “Ukraine accepted a ceasefire without any conditions. If Russia refuses, we must increase our support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia to return to the negotiating table.” White House national security adviser Mike Waltz stated on social media that he and his Russian counterpart, Yuri Ushakov, agreed on a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to focus on implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire secured by Trump. It was unclear who would attend the talks in Riyadh or if Ukrainian officials would be involved. Following the lengthy phone conversation between Trump and Putin on Tuesday, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions as residents sought shelter. Despite efforts to defend against the attack, several strikes hit civilian infrastructure, including two hospitals, a railway, and over 20 houses, according to Zelenskyy. Russian drones were reported over Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy regions. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its military launched seven drones at power facilities in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region, but these were shot down after receiving Putin’s order to avoid targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow accused Ukraine of targeting its energy facility in the Krasnodar region, bordering the Crimean Peninsula, hours after the Putin-Trump talks. The ministry said three drones targeted oil transfer equipment, causing a fire and loss of pressure in one oil tank. "It is clear that this is another provocation fabricated by Kyiv to sabotage President Trump’s peace initiatives," the ministry stated. Russia and Ukraine trade overnight aerial attacks after Putin sets out conditions for ceasefire Russia also claimed its air defences intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones over the Azov Sea and various Russian regions, including Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Tula. Zelenskyy stated that "words of a ceasefire" were not enough. "If the Russians don’t hit our facilities, we certainly won’t hit theirs," he said. Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s key condition that Western nations halt military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. He argued that such an action would endanger lives by leaving citizens unaware of incoming airstrikes and prolong the war. “I don’t think anyone should make concessions in helping Ukraine; instead, aid to Ukraine should be increased,” Zelenskyy said. “This would signal that Ukraine is ready for any surprises from Russia.” Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, called Putin’s rejection of the ceasefire unsurprising, noting that it was unwise for Putin to express it directly to President Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority. “What we now have is a rivalry between Kyiv and Moscow to persuade Trump that the other side is preventing him from achieving his goal of ending the war,” Gould-Davies said. Zelenskyy noted that one of the most challenging issues in future negotiations would be territorial concessions. "For us, the red line is recognizing the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian," he said. “We will not agree to that.”