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Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy: 'Unfair' proposal for associate EU membership
In a letter sent to EU leaders, Ukrainian?President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the German proposal to grant Ukraine a "associate membership" of the European Union is "unfair", because it would leave Kyiv with no voice within the bloc. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed earlier this week that Ukraine be allowed to??participate without voting in EU meetings and institutions as an interim measure toward full membership of Europe. He said it could facilitate a deal for the end of the four-year war, triggered by Russia’s invasion. Zelenskiy responded in a late Friday letter, which was reviewed by, by saying that the election of Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister who is a staunch enemy of Ukraine's EU Membership, had opened the door for substantive progress to be made on the accession talks. In his message, Zelenskiy stated that it would be unfair to have Ukraine in the European Union but not be able to speak. "Now is the time to make a meaningful and full move towards Ukraine's EU membership." The letter was sent to the Presidents of the European Council, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the Presidents of the European Commission, Nikos Christodoulides (Cypriot) who currently holds the rotating EU Council chair. Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude to European leaders for their assistance during this war, Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two. He also said that Ukraine acted as a buffer against Russian aggression on behalf of the entire 27-nation block. "We defend Europe fully, not in parts, and we don't do it with half measures," said the 48 year-old leader. He accused Russia of trying undermine?European development and unity. "Ukraine deserves an equal approach to Europe and a fair treatment. EU Officials say that MEMBERSHIP will take time. Analysts say that a clear path into the EU would help?Zelenskiy sell any peace agreement to Ukrainians. This is especially true if, as many expect, a settlement doesn't give Ukraine full control over its territory, or membership in NATO. Many European officials, however, say that it is unrealistic to expect Ukraine to become a full member of the EU in the next few year, despite the fact that a date 2027 had been penciled in a 20 point peace plan which was discussed between the United States and Russia. The EU requires that each of its 27 members ratify the accession, which could pose significant obstacles. Merz's plan was described as an effort to find a compromise between Ukraine's current candidate status and a rapid accession. Ukraine hopes to begin negotiations in two months on six areas of EU accession, known as "clusters". Zelenskiy stated that despite the war pressure, Ukraine is making progress in reforms needed to meet EU democratic standards and economic standards. "We understand that European Integration does not happen over night," he said. "But previous rounds have shown that countries can be given time to 'integrate' without limiting their rights within the EU." Merz, in a letter sent to EU officials and reported on by the Daily Telegraph, said he would share his idea with other European leaders. He suggested the formation of a taskforce?to work out the details. The proposal included "a political commitment" to apply to Ukraine the mutual assistance and defense clause of the EU to provide a?security guarantee, as well as giving Ukraine a nonvoting associate member of the European Commission, nonvoting representatives in the European Parliament and gradual access the EU budget. Diplomats in Brussels have reacted cautiously to Merz’s proposal. They noted that the status of “associate” member doesn't exist and it could require?changes in EU treaties. Some diplomats in Brussels reacted cautiously to Merz's proposal, noting that?the status of "associate" member does not exist and could require?changes to EU treaties. Some diplomats have noted that the German proposal can be viewed as a simple effort to accelerate Ukraine's development. If the German proposal accelerates integration without delaying or hindering full membership, it's worth a closer examination, said an EU diplomat who requested anonymity. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Daniel Flynn, Reporting)
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Global plant species are threatened by climate change as habitats shrink
Scientists say that climate change is a major factor in the loss of species. It is reshaping habitats and shrinking them, which plants require to survive. Researchers modeled future ranges of 'numerous' species of vascular plant, a group that includes 'almost all plants in the world - those which have water- and nutrients-carrying tissue. They?looked? at over 67,000 species. This is about 18% the known vascular plant species in the world. The researchers found that between 7% and 16% of species could lose over 90% of their range. This puts them at a high risk of extinction. Catalina Ironwood or Island Ironwood is a rare California tree that dates back 400 million years. Blueish spike-moss, which comes from a lineage of plants dating back over 400 millions of years, and approximately one third of Eucalyptus, one of Australia’s most recognized plant groups, are also examples. Researchers came up with their estimates by analyzing millions of records about plant locations and greenhouse-gas emission scenarios for the years 2081-2100. The habitat of a plant is more than just a location on a map. It includes all the conditions that it requires: soils, temperature, rainfall, land use, and other landscape features like shade. Imagine plants following a moving "climate envelope". Many species will move northwards or upwards to keep cool as temperatures rise. Temperature is not the only factor, Junna Wang, a Yale University Postdoctoral Researcher, and Xiaoli Dong, a Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California Davis, stated in a joint statement. Wang and Dong were involved in the study that was published in Science. Climate change has reduced the number of places where all conditions necessary for a species are still present. Plants move or disperse via seeds and spores that are carried by animals, wind, water or gravity. Researchers found that extinction rates were similar when they compared realistic movement to a scenario where plants could reach any new suitable habitat. If slow movement was the main problem then allowing for unlimited dispersal would dramatically reduce the risk of extinction. Wang and Dong stated that this was not the case. What matters to conservation? If dispersal limitations were the primary driver, strategies such as assisted migration -- physically helping species to move to new regions -- could solve a lot of the problem. If climate change is reducing habitats, it may not be sufficient to help species migrate. The projected impacts differ by region. As extreme cold climates decrease, plants adapted to the Arctic could lose their habitat. Dry regions, including parts of the western United States and Mediterranean-climate regions, face risk from stronger drought, lower soil moisture and more frequent wildfires. The coasts of southern and eastern Australia may be able to limit poleward shifts. Researchers found that local plant diversity can increase across 28% of Earth’s surface as species migrate to newly suitable areas. This includes parts of the tropics and the subtropics, where an increase in rainfall, rather than just temperature, could create conditions for additional species. The scientists described it as a global reshuffling. Some species are disappearing from their historic range while others have moved into new areas. However, they said that local gains did not mean the plants were doing better in general. The shifts in climate could also lead to the creation of "novel community" - a grouping of plants who have never lived together before but will now be interacting for the first. What would happen if these interactions took place? Researchers said they did not know. Most terrestrial ecosystems are supported by plants. Plants are important because they store carbon, stabilize the soil, provide wildlife with food and medicine, and also produce timber. Changes in plant diversity have a cascading effect on both nature and humans. If climate change reduces the vegetation cover, ecosystems could absorb less CO2 from the air, which may intensify further warming. This creates a negative feedback loop where climate change damages plants and decreased plant cover/productivity worsens the climate change, Wang and Dong explained. They said that "protecting plant diversity" is about more than just conserving nature. It is about preserving the ecological systems which support human societies.
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Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy: 'Unfair' proposal for associate EU membership
In a letter addressed to EU leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that a German proposal granting Ukraine "associate membership" of the European Union is "unfair",?because it would leave Kyiv with no voice within the bloc. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Ukraine could participate in EU meetings, without voting. He said this would be a good interim step towards full membership. Zelenskiy responded in his letter?sent late Friday and reviewed by, stating that the removal of Hungarian prime minister?Viktor Orban, who was a staunch enemy of Ukraine's EU membership, following the elections last month created the opportunity to make substantive progress with the accession talks. Zelenskiy stated in his message that it would be unfair to have Ukraine in the European Union but not be able to speak. "It is time to make a meaningful and full progress with Ukraine's EU membership." The letter was sent to the European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides who is currently the rotating EU Council chair. Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude to European leaders for their support in the war and said that Ukraine is acting as a buffer against Russian aggression on behalf of the entire 27-nation bloc. He said: "We defend Europe fully, not in parts, and we don't do it with half measures." "Ukraine deserves an equal approach within Europe and a fair approach." (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Daniel Flynn)
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The death toll in China coal blast explosion jumps to at minimum 82
State'media Xinhua' reported on saturday that the death toll from an explosion in a coalmine?in Shanxi Province, northern China, has now risen to?least? 82. Nine people are still missing. Xinhua had reported earlier that 247 workers were underground when the gas explosion happened late Friday night at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County. According to Xinhua, Chinese 'President Xi Jinping' called on authorities to?spare no efforts"?in order to treat the injured, conduct search and rescue, and?order a thorough investigation of the cause of accident, and strict accountability according?to the law. Premier Li 'Qiang reiterated the instructions and called for timely and accurate information release and strict accountability. According to the local emergency management authority of Qinyuan, rescue operations are ongoing and the cause is being investigated. Since the early 2000s, China has'significantly reduced coal mine deaths - usually caused by gas explosions and flooding - through more stringent regulations. Liushenyu was one of the most deadly incidents reported in China over the last decade. Xinhua reports that executives of the 'company responsible for the mine' have been?detained. Earlier, Xinhua reported that only eight people had died and more than 200 'people were safely brought up to the surface. The sudden increase in death toll was not explained. Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom in Mexico City and Fabiola Aramburo; editing by Tom Hogue, Kim Coghill
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Indian retailers increase fuel prices a third times amid the war in Iran
Indian state-owned fuel retail companies raised the price of 'petrol and diesel for the third time this month. Dealers said that the companies are attempting to recover losses caused by the inflated crude oil prices during the Iran War. Dealers said that the price of petrol in New Delhi would increase by 0.87 rupees, or just under one U.S. penny, to 99.51 rupees, and diesel prices would rise 0.91 rupees, or 0.92 rupees, to 92.49 Rupees per litre. India, which is the third largest?importer of oil and a consumer, was the last of the major economies to increase?retail fuel costs after the U.S./Israeli war against Iran caused a global price spike. Fuel has risen by approximately 5 rupees over the past three price increases. Fuel?price increases announced on 15 May were India's first increase in four years. Companies are increasing pump prices in a staggered fashion, similar to what they did after the elections in April 2022 in certain key states including northern Uttar Pradesh. The opposition parties claim that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra modi has postponed price increases to gain votes at recent state elections. Sources at refiners say that more price increases will be needed to "recover" the losses. Bharat Petrol (BPCL), despite higher prices, continues to suffer a loss in revenue of?25-?30 per litre for diesel and?10 to?14 per litre for petrol. The Indian oil ministry said that the government does not plan to offer financial assistance to refiners. BPCL and Indian Oil 'Corp control?more?than 90% of a network?of 103,000 fuel stations?and tend to set the prices together.
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An explosion at a New York dry dock has killed one and injured 36 others
Officials said that an explosion occurred at a dry-dock?in New York City’s Staten Island on Friday. The explosion happened as firefighters were responding to the fire and trying to rescue trapped people. Officials said that two firefighters were hospitalized. One of them was a fire marshal, who had a fractured temporal bone and a brain bleed. He was also intubated. Officials said that the other?firefighter is in a serious condition, but has shown signs of improvement. Reporters were told by New York's?Mayor Zohran?Mamdani that the situation was "complex and rapidly developing". First responders ran into danger to allow others to escape. Officials didn't provide any details on the deceased person except to say that it was a civil. Mamdani stated that a comprehensive investigation will begin as soon as the fire is completely extinguished. Officials said that firefighters had responded to reports of a basement fire and trapped workers and were "on the scene" when an explosion occurred. The incident occurred in the Richmond Terrace area of the Staten Island borough, which is located across the harbor from Manhattan.
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Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko and dissolves the government after months' friction
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane sonko on Friday and dissolved his government. This move could deepen uncertainty in the country, which is already dealing with a debt crises and long-drawn out talks with the International Monetary Fund. According to Oumar Sambo Ba, the secretary-general of presidency, a statement read by state media stated that all ministers had been dismissed. The outgoing government was tasked with managing day-today affairs. The decision follows months of growing tensions between the two allies-turned-rivals. Sonko is a charismatic leader with a large youth following. He backed Faye for the 2024 elections after being banned from running due to a conviction for defamation. Sonko posted on social media after the announcement: "Tonight, I will sleep in Keur Gorgui with a light-hearted heart," referring his residence. Senegal is under increasing economic pressure. After discovering that Senegal had misreported its debt, the International Monetary Fund frozen its $1.8 billion loan program. This pushed the country's debt to end-2024 at 132% of its economic output. Faye’s decision increases the risk of further delay in reaching an agreement with the IMF. This is seen as crucial to revitalizing the economy. Before Sonko was dismissed, Finance Minister Cheikh Dibi told the Senegal parliament that the country expects to resume discussions with the IMF during the week of the 8th and hopes to reach an agreement on the key points before June 30. Diba warned that the country's fuel subsidies bill could surpass its budget allocation for 2026 by up to 1.15 trillion CFA Francs ($2billion) if oil price rises to $115 a barrel. He added that Sonko rejected his request to increase fuel prices. Sonko was against any restructuring of debt estimated at $13 billion that he claimed the IMF advocated, whereas Faye had been more vocal. SONKO'S FUTURE POLITICAL PROSPECTION Sonko, who was popular as an opposition leader during the administration of former President Macky Sall whose decision to postpone the 2024 elections caused unrest, became a prominent figure in the country. Faye, as well as Sonko, are both former tax officials that were imprisoned in anticipation of the elections scheduled for 2024. The two were released ten days before the rescheduled election, which Faye won with 54%. Faye appointed Sonko Prime Minister. It is not clear what Sonko's next move will be now that he is no longer in a government position. He said in March that he was willing to remove his Pastef Party from the government if Faye left the party's agenda, which fueled speculation about the men's unresolvable power struggle. Pastef is the majority in the National Assembly. This could complicate the process of securing IMF assistance and the passage necessary reforms. Last month, lawmakers approved changes to the electoral code that could allow Sonko run for president by?2029. One of the signature initiatives of Senegal’s anti-establishment pan-Africanist Prime Minister was an audit on Senegal’s resource deals. This included those that govern its?emerging?oil and gas sector. Sonko revoked 71 mining licences in March after declaring a BP Gas contract for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project unfair. He argued that renegotiating the oil and gas contracts could lower energy prices in Senegal and help to rebuild its battered finances. Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian and Diadie B; Editing and production by Bate Felix and Jessica Donati; Robbie Corey Boulet, Portia Crowe, and Sanjeev Mglani
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Fire at Russian oil terminal caused by falling drone debris
Officials said that falling?debris? from drones caused a fire to start at an oil terminal in Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Two people were injured. In a Telegram post, the General Headquarters of southern Krasnodar region said that several administrative and technical buildings were on fire. It said that debris had fallen onto the oil storage terminal of the facility. Emergency services were on the scene, according to the headquarters. The injured men were in the street at the time the drones struck the port. They are now being treated in hospital. Unofficial Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels have posted video footage of what they describe as a fire near the port. According to the General Headquarters, drones also caused damage to private homes in Anapa, a port city located further north. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its medium- and long range?drone strikes. They have targeted oil facilities in an effort to disrupt the industry's revenue which helps Moscow fund the war. Some of the attacks were carried out in central Russia and the Ural Mountains, at least 1,500 kilometers (900 miles), from Ukraine's borders. On?Friday, Ukrainian forces also attacked a Russian refinery in Yaroslavl. This is about 700 km away from the border. On Friday, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry announced that Ukraine had hit 11 Russian oil facilities in May. This included Kirishi, which is one of Russia's biggest refineries. (Reporting and Editing by Nia William and Tom Hogue).
Pope Leo condemns 'dizzying profits' made by polluting companies
Pope Leo, who was visiting an area in Italy that is known for its illegal dumping toxic waste, called out firms that seek to make "dizzying profits" at the cost of pollution.
The first U.S. Pope, on a trip to Acerra (about 220 km south of Rome), urged people to "reject the temptations of wealth and power linked to practices which pollute land, air, water and social coexistence."
Leo wanted to go to the area near Naples, known as "Land of Fires", in which the European Court of Human Rights found last year that authorities had failed to protect residents against waste dumping at least since 1988. He said he was going to "gather tears" of the families who lost loved ones due to illnesses related to the waste dump.
Leo, arriving by popemobile on a sunny day in spring, was welcomed by people wearing yellow hats and waving small Vatican flags. Some were holding posters with photos of deceased family members.
Leo, a man who has been more assertive in recent months and who will release his first major document Monday, stated that "unscrupulous individuals and organizations were allowed to act without consequence for far too long". In his four-hour Acerra visit, Leo also spoke of "the dizzying profit of a few who are blind to the needs and future of others, their work, and their livelihood". He met with victims.
In southern Italy, the collection, treatment and disposal of waste was mostly in the hands a small group private owners. Contracts were sometimes tied to the Camorra - a mafia gang based in Naples.
The European Court found in January 2025 that the Italian authorities repeatedly failed to stop illegal dumping, a practice known as "Triangle of Death" due to the abnormally high cancer rates among local residents.
The court ordered the Italian government to create a database of toxic waste sites and to communicate to the public the risks.
In February 2025, Prime Minister Giorgia meloni appointed an Italian General to lead a taskforce aimed at?helping victims and pursuing clean-up of the environment.
Leo will issue his first Encyclical on Monday, a significant?text to the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. The encyclical is expected to discuss the rise of AI, how it is used in war and challenges workers' rights. (Reporting from Ciro DeLuca in Acerra, and Joshua McElwee at Rome; Editing done by Susan Fenton).
(source: Reuters)