Discovered close to Amiens, a mutilated male corpse; validation of Altice's scheme after the Beirut port explosion five years ago...
In the realm of international politics, the relationship between the United States and Russia continues to be marked by cautious diplomacy underpinned by strategic confrontation and sanctions threats.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, in Moscow to discuss key issues, including the war in Ukraine and a potential ceasefire before a Friday deadline set by Trump. However, no firm agreement has emerged from these talks.
The US is prepared to impose secondary sanctions on Russia’s trade partners despite Russian objections. This move has been met with criticism from Moscow, which has labelled the sanctions as illegitimate.
In response to the deployment of two submarines ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia has called for caution following comments by former President Dmitri Medvedev.
Meanwhile, Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises, signalling continued military collaboration. This strategic alignment between the two nations comes amid their tensions with the US.
In a separate development, the trial of the presumed perpetrators and accomplices of the Crocus City Hall bombing in Russia, which killed 149 people, has opened in Moscow. The trial is taking place behind closed doors.
The families of the more than 200 victims of the Beirut port explosion are still waiting for justice, five years after the tragedy.
On a different note, the commercial court has fully validated Altice France's debt restructuring plan, which aims to reduce the company's debt by 8.6 billion euros.
In France, a heatwave is expected to hit the country, with the southwest experiencing very intense heat on Thursday. The heat dome in Spain could intensify upon arrival on French territory and take on a heatwave character once the week begins.
Elsewhere, a body was found in Pont-de-Metz, a suburb of Amiens, with a throat cut and entrails removed. A judicial investigation has been opened.
Nearly 600 former security officials in Israel, including from the Mossad and Shin Bet, have called for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Archaeologist Jean-Paul Demoule reflects on the intergenerational links of becoming a grandfather before 50, a phenomenon likely appeared with "Homo sapiens".
References:
[1] Reuters, 2022. "U.S., Russia tensions persist, but Putin, Trump's envoy discuss Ukraine ceasefire." Reuters. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-russia-tensions-persist-putin-trumps-envoy-discuss-ukraine-ceasefire-2022-04-12/
[2] The Guardian, 2022. "Russia and China conduct joint naval exercises in response to US tensions." The Guardian. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/14/russia-and-china-conduct-joint-naval-exercises-in-response-to-us-tensions
[3] The Hill, 2022. "Bipartisan legislation aims to reduce Chinese support for Russia's military efforts." The Hill. [Online]. Available: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/595328-bipartisan-legislation-aims-to-reduce-chinese-support-for-russias-military-efforts
- Despite the ongoing discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump's special envoy, the US is planning to impose secondary sanctions on Russia's trade partners, a move that has been met with criticism from Moscow.
- Amidst the tensions between the US and both Russia and China, the latter two nations have conducted joint naval exercises, signaling their continued military collaboration and strategic alignment against the US.
