Ukraine shelling intensifies amid talk of Biden-Putin summit

Ukraine shelling intensifies amid talk of Biden-Putin summit

Amid fears Russia was trying to manufacture a reason to invade Ukraine on Monday, President Vladimir Putin held an extraordinary televised meeting in which he and his top officials discussed Kyiv’s future. Some of Russia’s most influential officials urged Putin to recognize as independent states two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow has been … Read more

Kremlin denies ‘concrete’ plans for a Putin-Biden summit

Kremlin denies ‘concrete’ plans for a Putin-Biden summit

Press play to listen to this article Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said Monday that there were no plans yet for a new summit with US President Joe Biden, contradicting claims by the Elysée Palace and the White House, which had said overnight that the leaders agreed “in principle” to meet provided Russia did not … Read more

Putin, Biden agree to summit after Macron calls

Putin, Biden agree to summit after Macron calls

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold a bilateral summit, followed by a meeting with all relevant parties on the security situation in Europe, after both leaders spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, the Elysee said. But the meeting “can only be held at the condition … Read more

European Union scrambles to patch up relations at Africa summit

European Union scrambles to patch up relations at Africa summit

Press play to listen to this article It is not easy to pinpoint the nadir of the EU’s great pivot to Africa. The shift in Europe’s focus was trumped with great fanfare by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel at the start of their mandates in December 2019. But the … Read more

Vaccine access puts EU and Africa at odds ahead of summit

Vaccine access puts EU and Africa at odds ahead of summit

Press play to listen to this article Europe’s refusal to share COVID-19 vaccine technology threatens to overshadow a major gathering of European and African leaders this week. Europe wants to use the meeting — which has been delayed by 16 months due to the pandemic — to advance relations on several fronts, including trade and … Read more

Russia, China push back against U.S. in pre-Olympics summit amid Ukraine standoff

Russia, China push back against U.S. in pre-Olympics summit amid Ukraine standoff

China’s state-run news agency reported the two leaders met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Friday afternoon, but gave no details. They did not appear to shake hands when greeting each other due to COVID-19 precautions. Putin also recalled his presence in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the Chinese delegation’s attendance at Russia’s 2014 … Read more