EUROPE

UKRAINE'S ZELENSKY READY TO STEP DOWN FOR PEACE AND NATO MEMBERSHIP

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Coming in an unexpected development on the eve of the war's third anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his willingness to step down from the presidency in exchange for Ukraine's NATO membership or a lasting peace agreement. This remarkable announcement came hours after Russia launched its largest drone assault of the war, with 267 drones targeting 13 Ukrainian regions.

POPE FRANCIS HOSPITALIZED IN ROME FOR BRONCHITIS TREATMENT

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Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for treatment of bronchitis and diagnostic tests, the Vatican announced on Friday. The 88-year-old, who had continued his daily audiences despite breathing difficulties, was admitted after his scheduled meetings, including one with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

RAMAPHOSA INVITES ZELENSKY TO SA FOR A STATE VISIT

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President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, confirmed via a post on X. The announcement follows a week in which Ukraine was excluded from US-Russia talks on the ongoing war. Both leaders "agreed on the urgent need for an inclusive peace process" during a phone conversation, with Zelensky emphasizing, "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."

ROMANIAN PRESIDENT RESIGNS AHEAD OF ELECTION RE-RUN

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Romania's outgoing centrist president, Klaus Iohannis, resigned on Monday to preempt an impeachment attempt by hard-right opposition parties in parliament. The resignation comes after Romania, an EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine, was plunged into institutional chaos last year when a far-right NATO critic won the first round of the presidential election.

WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE: A CALL FOR EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS

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Every year on February 20, the world observes World Day of Social Justice, a day dedicated to promoting equality, human rights, and the eradication of social injustices. Established by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder that fairness, dignity, and equal opportunities should be fundamental rights for all, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or nationality.

EU DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM SHEIN ON 'ILLEGAL PRODUCTS'

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The EU has ordered online fashion giant Shein to provide information on risks related to illegal products sold on its platform, opening the door for a second investigation into the Chinese-founded company. The European Commission's request, announced Thursday, comes a day after confirming a separate probe into Shein's compliance with EU consumer protection rules.

UK PLEDGES SOLDIERS FOR PEACEKEEPING SUPPORT TO UKRAINE AHEAD OF PARIS SUMMIT

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the UK's readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, marking a pivotal shift in Europe's approach to the ongoing conflict. His statement comes ahead of an emergency summit in Paris, where European leaders will discuss their role in securing Ukraine's future amid negotiations that exclude Europe.

FRENCH PM SURVIVES NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE

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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, granting him a reprieve after less than two months in office. However, his future remains uncertain after using a controversial constitutional article on Monday to push through his cost-cutting budget without a vote. Bayrou, a veteran centrist appointed by President Emmanuel Macron to resolve a political crisis, defended the budget as "an urgent step."