US ambassadors' tradition of intimate dinners in Brussels, used for building consensus among European allies, has largely disappeared under Donald Trump. These 'like-minded' gatherings facilitated off-the-record discussions on key policy issues, fostering candid exchanges that are now seen as diminished.
Joshua of K-pop group Seventeen will speak at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 25 as a youth goodwill ambassador. The event is part of a joint initiative with UNESCO focused on youth creativity and well-being, with the group having previously donated $1 million to establish a global youth fund.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe is making mistaken assumptions about Russia losing the Ukraine conflict and believes it can issue ultimatums. He commented on his visit to Belarus and meeting with President Lukashenko, emphasizing that these calculations are groundless.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko met with Lebanon's Ambassador to Moscow, Bashir Chauki Saleh Azzam, to express "serious concern" over "ongoing instability in Lebanon, caused by external factors." The meeting also touched upon Russian-Lebanese relations and the importance of maintaining a ceasefire.
Over 800 Russian residents were wounded by Ukrainian drone attacks in May, with Ambassador Rodion Miroshnik attributing the rise to increased Western drone deliveries to Ukraine. He stated drones are the deadliest weapon, causing over 78% of civilian casualties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from Great Britain, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during their recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lavrov also criticized European assumptions that Russia is losing the war in Ukraine, calling such ultimatums "illusory."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from the UK, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during a recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Ukraine. Lavrov characterized their stance as an attempt to remain involved in negotiations, despite what he described as misguided European assumptions about Russia's position.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed with his Belarusian counterpart the details of a meeting with European ambassadors in Moscow. The ambassadors presented a five-point document of demands from Germany, France, and Britain.
The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a deal to end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. The agreement, if signed, would see Iran halt uranium enrichment and end support for regional proxies. Former President Obama expressed skepticism, questioning its difference from the 2015 deal.
Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik claims Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, owns Swift Beat, the manufacturer of Hornet drones used by Ukraine. Miroshnik stated these drones, capable of carrying 5kg of explosives and flying 145km, have been supplied in significant numbers and used against civilian targets in Russia.
Iran's Ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, discusses the national team's participation in the World Cup, highlighting it as a signal for peace amidst US tensions. He notes visa issues for coaching staff and expresses hope for improved US-Iran relations, suggesting a shift in US focus away from Israeli interests could foster friendship.
The Russian Ambassador in Bern, commenting to TASS, highlighted significant difficulties faced by Russian citizens residing abroad, particularly concerning postal services and financial transfers. He noted that parcels often disappear en route from Europe, causing distress to the community.
Taiwanese celebrity Lin Chi-ling attended the completion ceremony of the Jesus Christ Tower at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, as a cultural ambassador. The tower, the final main structural component of the Sagrada Familia, reached its full height of 172.5 meters, making it the world's tallest church tower. Lin Chi-ling expressed her awe and gratitude on Facebook, honoring the generations of architects and artisans who contributed to the 144-year construction project.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
EU ambassadors approved a compromise on air passenger rights reform on Friday, aiming to balance airline and passenger interests. The reform preserves current compensation levels and delay thresholds, while introducing clearer instructions for submitting claims.
Russian Ambassador Aleksej Paramonov is visiting the island of Ischia for a private stay, hosted by local friends. Security measures have been put in place around his hotel by Italian law enforcement.
Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov stated that global politics is experiencing 'tectonic shifts' that align with Russia's interests, leading to a more complex and just international order. He emphasized Russia's role as a civilization-state advocating for stability, international law, and traditional values.
Indian Ambassador Doraiswami visited Tibet to review arrangements for Indian pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash (Gang Renpoche) and Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yun Tso), with Zhao Peng briefing on facilities and hosting the delegation for dinner, marking a step in Sino-Indian bilateral ties rebuilding.
Russian Ambassador Alexander Darchiev believes US President Donald Trump has the political will and capability to achieve a breakthrough in relations between Russia and the United States within his remaining term.
Russia's Ambassador to Norway stated that Russia does not threaten anyone and seeks to avoid a global catastrophe by creating a secure, indivisible security structure in Europe, countering Western claims of a 'fictitious' Russian threat.
Russian Ambassador to London Andrey Kelin stated that the UK has chosen a path of confrontation with Russia and is consistently escalating it, sacrificing mutual interests and cooperation. He expressed hope for common sense to prevail among British ruling circles.
Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov stated that the EU's decision to abandon Russian energy resources is its biggest mistake, arguing that cheap energy fueled Europe's economic growth and competitiveness.
British journalist John Laughland stated that the visit of ambassadors from the UK, France, and Germany to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs signifies the failure of Western policy in dialogue with Moscow, calling it an "admission that the four-year diplomatic boycott has failed."
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov stated that nearly all Russia-China trade is conducted in rubles and yuan, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding $200 billion for three consecutive years and growing over 20% this year. Both nations oppose protectionism and have numerous joint investment projects.
