News Digest: Global Updates on Diplomacy, Conflicts, and Incidents

Putin to choose head of Russian delegation to trilateral talks — Kremlin aide

The Kremlin aide also noted that no package of proposals had yet been agreed, with each side pursuing its own priorities

Six tourists out of contact in Karachay-Cherkessia, rescuers launch search

The Emergencies Ministry noted that the tourists failed to arrive at their destination on time

Russia ready to talk to Kiev, but will not stop special operation — foreign minister

"This is already a massive gesture of goodwill on our part, because his executive order banning [talks with Moscow] is still in force," the top Russian diplomat said

Ships passing through Bab el-Mandeb Strait as normal — Houthi official

Hizam al-Assad, a political bureau member of Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement Ansar Allah, also confirmed that the Houthis had completed a military operation in western Yemen to establish control over territories and districts adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Missing tourists found in Karachay-Cherkessia, no medical assistance needed

The tourists were escorted to the meeting point and taken to the village of Arkhyz, a spokesperson for the Emergencies Ministry said

Kushner hopes next steps on Ukraine settlement to be announced soon

The negotiator specified that the relevant statement may be made "in the next couple of weeks"

Iran hands over to US list of conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz — agency

The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until they are fulfilled, the Tasnim reported

More than 30 missing after ferry sinks north of Vanuatu

There were more than 40 passengers and crew members on board

Ukrainians outraged by EU’s strategy of aid to Ukraine — Zelensky’s ex-spokeswoman

Yulia Mendel believes that this strategy needs to be reviewed

Saudi oil delivery times to Asia could rise 2.5-fold

A route via the Suez Canal and the Cape of Good Hope, which would become necessary if the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is closed, would take around 100 days round trip, Asahi reported

Putin, Xi greeted each other but did not talk — Kremlin spokesman

"They greeted each other, but, as far as I know, they had no opportunity to talk," the Kremlin spokesman said

Kiev targets Zaporozhye NPP workers after failed attempt to force them to leave — director

Yury Chernichuk said for more than six months Kiev had been trying to create an uncomfortable environment and conditions that make normal life for the staff unbearable

Slowing AI development no longer appears possible — Dmitriev

The CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund was commenting on a Financial Times report that the OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs, and US entrepreneur Elon Musk had called for slowing the development of AI models over safety concerns

Fuel prices surge in Germany amid Bab el-Mandeb tensions — Bild

According to the newspaper, at 12:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, the average price of a liter of diesel across the country rose to 2.56 euros

BRICS nations agree on final declaration of 18th summit — NDTV

The text of the declaration was reportedly agreed upon by sherpas prior to the meeting of heads of state and government

Trips to Moscow, Kiev were very successful, US understands next steps — Kushner

The negotiator added that he has "a very clear sense" as to "what can lead to something that's lasting and enduring"

Tanker hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz — UKMTO

No other details, including the vessel's name or port of registry, were provided

Contact lost with ferry carrying 243 people in Indonesia — Reuters

According to the report, at least 103 passengers have been evacuated from the ferry

US believes Russia, Ukraine want to find way to settle conflict — Kushner

The presidential envoy said the negotiators "have to find the right formula" for the deal

Two killed in shooting at New York City playground — newspaper

The New York Post reports that police have made no arrests so far and the investigation into the incident is ongoing

Official launch of 5G communication in Russia: what is known

All users of Android-based devices will gain access to fifth-generation networks in the near future, while access to 5G for iPhone owners will depend on a decision by Apple, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media