Global Courant
ISTANBUL
Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Wednesday, including former US President Donald Trump’s indictment hearing, Russia’s stance on the extension of the Black Sea grain deal, and the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.
BEST STORIES
Donald Trump, the first former US president to face federal amendments, has denied 37 charges brought by prosecutors for allegedly keeping secret government records.
Trump was indicted by a Florida grand jury last week and is facing separate state charges regarding his business dealings in New York.
After appearing in court in Miami, he said he had served US President Joe Biden and would go after him if he was re-elected in 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is now considering withdrawing from the Black Sea grain agreement.
“…These corridors through which ships pass are constantly used by the enemy to launch UAVs and naval drones.”
Turkey, the UN, Russia and Ukraine agreed in Istanbul last July to restart Ukraine’s grain exports, which were halted after the outbreak of the Ukrainian war last February. The deal has been renewed several times since then.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said aid from NATO allies had significantly improved Ukraine’s counteroffensive as Kiev sought to force Russia to withdraw from its territory.
He added that Ukrainian forces were “gaining ground” as they embarked on a long-awaited counteroffensive to end Russia’s war on Ukrainian soil.
Earlier, Putin said that Ukraine’s counterattack launched this month was unsuccessful and the casualties were “catastrophic”.
NEWS IN BRIEF
An Israeli court has ordered the Palestinian Authority to pay 5.5 million shekels ($1.5 million) to dozens of Israeli tour guides for losses incurred during the Palestinian Intifada.
SPORTS
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe has denied rumors that he is moving to Real Madrid this summer, saying on Twitter that he will continue where he is happy at PSG.
The 24-year-old French forward joined PSG permanently from Monaco in 2018 after a season-long loan with the Paris club.
The Brazilian team announced that Ecuadorian Enner Valencia left Fenerbahce after three years to go to Internacional.
Porto Alegre club said that Valencia, 33, has signed a three-year contract with them and will be introduced to Internacional fans on 26 June. Valencia scored 59 goals in 116 matches.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s interim prime minister, said his government would not be able to pay civil servants salaries until the end of June if parliament did not approve additional allowances for wages.
Lebanon has been facing a crippling economic crisis since 2019, one of the worst crises the world has seen in modern times, according to the World Bank.
In April, the government approved the decision to increase public sector salaries in addition to increasing the transportation allowance for employees.
Kuwait reported that it purchased Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in an agreement signed directly with Ankara, Kuwait News Agency reported.
Kuwait’s defense ministry said the $367 million deal would “increase the defense capabilities of the Kuwaiti army”.
The contract includes “the preparation of special facilities for these aircraft, including electronic warfare equipment and mobile ground control stations that comply with NATO standards.”
Only a part of the news presented to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS) and a summary are available on the Anadolu Agency website. Please contact us for subscription options.
