Search

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto has reportedly called up potential ministers for a meeting at his residence ahead of his inauguration later this month. The individuals seen arriving at the meeting, dressed in traditional batik attire, declined to disclose the specific cabinet positions they were offered but stated that the incoming president sought their assistance with his government. Saifullah Yusuf, the current Minister of Social Affairs, was among those in attendance and discussed with Prabowo the consolidation of national data for social aid. It has also been reported that Prabowo is considering reappointing Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati or offering her the position of coordinating minister for economic affairs. The rupiah strengthened against the dollar following this news. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia's President-elect, Prabowo Subianto, has reportedly asked current Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati to remain in her position in his administration. Indrawati, a former World Bank managing director and executive director of the International Monetary Fund, has not yet confirmed whether she has accepted the offer. Prabowo stated that all attendees at a recent meeting expressed their willingness to join his team, emphasizing the need to work together in an uncertain global environment. Indrawati's potential acceptance of the offer could help alleviate concerns among investors regarding policy uncertainty and fiscal slippage under the new administration. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto is expected to retain several current ministers as he finalizes his cabinet before his inauguration. Many of the potential candidates for ministerial positions were seen at a gathering at Prabowo's residence, including incumbents such as Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan. Prabowo has stated that he plans to reappoint "many" of the ministers from President Joko Widodo's cabinet if they have performed well. The incoming president is also considering reappointing Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati or offering her the post of coordinating minister for economic affairs. The likelihood of experienced ministers remaining in the cabinet has reassured investors and Indonesian assets performed well on the stock market. Prabowo plans to create more ministries to support his new programs, although critics argue that this is a way to distribute more seats among his coalition. [Extracted from the article]

Mali's military leadership has lifted a ban on the sale and import of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet kits. The ban was initially imposed due to concerns that the devices could be used by Islamist militants and separatist rebels. Trade in the kits will be authorized for six months while a regulatory framework and a platform for users to register their devices is established. The black-market sale of equipment needed to connect to Starlink has been thriving in the Sahel region of West Africa, despite government efforts to prevent it. Mali has also signed agreements with Russia's space agency to deploy telecommunications and remote-sensing satellites in order to strengthen security and combat insurgents. [Extracted from the article]

A gang rampage in the town of Pont-Sonde in western Haiti has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, including three infants. The gang, known as the "Gran Grif," attacked the town with automatic weapons, setting fire to houses and vehicles. This incident is part of a larger cycle of violence in Haiti that has led to mass displacement and widespread hunger. The United Nations has called for a prompt investigation into the attack and for the international community to provide more funding and assistance to the security force in Haiti. [Extracted from the article]

A gang rampage in the town of Pont-Sonde in western Haiti has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, including three infants. The gang, known as the "Gran Grif," attacked the town with automatic weapons, setting fire to houses and vehicles. This incident is part of a larger cycle of violence in Haiti that has led to mass displacement and widespread hunger. The United Nations has called for a prompt investigation into the attack and for the international community to provide more funding and assistance to the security force in Haiti. [Extracted from the article]

The US government, in collaboration with Microsoft, has taken down 107 websites used by Russian intelligence agents and their proxies in the US. The Department of Justice seized 41 internet domains involved in computer fraud and abuse, while Microsoft seized another 66 under a civil action. The group responsible, known as Star Blizzard, has been active since at least 2016 and is affiliated with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The group targeted various individuals and organizations, including journalists, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. The takedowns are expected to slow down the group's activities and force them to update their techniques. [Extracted from the article]

The US is seeking to transform a cash-strapped police mission in Haiti into a United Nations peace operation in order to secure more funding for the country. The current operation has struggled financially due to limited voluntary contributions from nations. The US plans to announce over $40 million in additional funding for Haiti, on top of the $360 million already pledged. However, turning the mission into a UN peacekeeping force may face challenges, as Russia and China have expressed concerns and wield veto power. The US sees finding a solution to the crisis in Haiti as being in its own self-interest, given the implications at home, such as increased migration and the role of US-made guns in fueling gang violence. [Extracted from the article]

The US asylum process is examined in a Bloomberg article, which highlights the arbitrary nature of asylum case outcomes. The article follows the story of Yerandy Valdes, a Cuban asylum seeker, who faced numerous challenges in the US asylum system. Valdes was detained and sent to a Louisiana detention center with a high denial rate for asylum cases. The article also discusses the role of immigration judges and the influence of politics on the system. The backlog of immigration court cases has increased, leading to calls for reform. Despite being deported back to Cuba, Valdes continues to document abuses and is now awaiting his first court hearing in Missouri. However, the article notes that the denial rate for asylum seekers in the Missouri court is 76%, suggesting that Valdes may face an uphill battle. [Extracted from the article]

Private equity firm Francisco Partners has announced that it is no longer the owner of technology vendor Sandvine, which was blacklisted by the US government for supplying mass surveillance and censorship technology. Sandvine has faced significant challenges since being placed on the blacklist, including upcoming debt maturities of $450 million in 2025. The company has also recently carried out mass layoffs, affecting hundreds of jobs internationally. Sandvine specializes in deep-packet inspection technology, which can be used for monitoring internet traffic and carrying out covert surveillance. The company's inclusion on the blacklist has hindered its ability to win contracts with US companies. [Extracted from the article]

Tanzanian authorities have detained hundreds of opposition leaders and supporters in a crackdown ahead of a planned rally to mark International Youth Day. The government claims that the crackdown is necessary to prevent violence. President Samia Hassan, who took office in 2021, is keen to demonstrate her commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the country. However, opposition leaders argue that the arrests are a sign of a return to authoritarian rule and a reversal of democratic reforms. [Extracted from the article]

More than 50 people have been convicted on terrorism charges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with sentences ranging from life in prison to fines. The individuals were accused of operating and working with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the UAE. The court in Abu Dhabi stated that some of the defendants supported the group through social media posts, while others were convicted of money laundering. Human rights organizations have criticized the trial as unfair, while the UAE authorities have stated that the verdict can be appealed. [Extracted from the article]

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted for his involvement in death squad killings but later pardoned, has reentered politics by joining the Popular Force political party led by his daughter Keiko Fujimori. This move suggests that Fujimori will play a more prominent role in the upcoming 2026 election cycle in Peru. Since his release from prison, Fujimori has been rebuilding his public image through YouTube videos, press interviews, and a book. However, his potential candidacy for the presidency is likely to face legal challenges from human rights advocates, as a recent poll showed that 73% of Peruvians do not believe he has the right to run. Fujimori has also disclosed that he is battling a recurrence of tongue cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Norway's prime minister, Jonas Gahr Store, has expressed concerns about the security risks posed by China and called for tighter cooperation with businesses to address these threats. While acknowledging the dangers posed by neighboring Russia, Store emphasized the need for Norwegians to be more cautious when collaborating with China. The Norwegian government has been more cautious in its approach to China compared to other European countries, despite repeated warnings from intelligence agencies about China's influence efforts, particularly in the Arctic. Store stated that while cooperation with China is desired in certain areas, caution is necessary in sensitive areas. [Extracted from the article]

Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., an influential advisory firm, is supporting an investor proposal for an independent review of Mondelez International Inc.'s implementation of its human rights policy in Russia and Ukraine. The proposal argues that Mondelez needs to increase disclosures so that investors can better assess its performance on human rights in conflict zones. Mondelez and another proxy adviser, Glass Lewis & Co., disagree with the proposal. Mondelez has argued that leaving Russia would risk handing over its assets to the Russian government, while ISS has stated that Mondelez's actions have led to boycotts and criticism. The proposal will be voted on at the annual meeting on May 22. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by Human Rights Watch, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militia groups in Sudan engaged in ethnic cleansing in the Darfur region in 2023. The RSF targeted unarmed civilians, including women, children, and members of the non-Arab Masalit community. The RSF used derogatory racial slurs and told the targeted individuals to leave, claiming that the land belonged to Arabs. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in a civil war, with an estimated 150,000 people killed and millions displaced. The report is based on interviews, videos, photographs, and satellite imagery. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced that the United Nations' Human Rights workers, who were expelled from the country over two months ago, are now welcome to return. This announcement came during a visit from the International Criminal Court's prosecutor, Karim Khan. Maduro also stated that he has accepted a request to reopen the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' office in Caracas. The ICC recently opened a technical-assistance office in Venezuela, and the government allowed two opposition parties to register their support for the unity candidate, potentially signaling a desire to maintain a key sanctions deal with the US. The expulsion of the UN's human rights staff in February followed a report by the local UN Fact-Finding Mission, which called on the government to end repression against opponents. The US recently reinstated oil and gas sanctions due to Venezuela's violations of a US-brokered deal for a fairer vote. [Extracted from the article]

Grammy-winning rapper and producer Swizz Beatz has invested millions of dollars in camels to create the first American-owned racing team in Saudi Arabia. Beatz, known for his work with artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West, has formed a team of 52 camels with the help of desert Bedouins. Four of his camels will compete in the AlUla Camel Cup, a prestigious race with a $21 million prize pot. Beatz is also an ambassador of Saudi culture and invests in the country through a creative consultancy. He plans to expand his racing team to the United States in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Meta Platforms Inc.'s Oversight Board is investigating the company's handling of AI-generated deepfakes of an "American public figure" and an Indian public figure, following a surge of deepfake images depicting singer Taylor Swift earlier this year. The board will evaluate whether two separate AI-created images depicting "nude" women posted on Facebook should have been removed under Meta's content policies. The board, which is funded by Meta but designed to be independent, reviews content decisions made on Facebook and Instagram. Meta and other social media companies have struggled to moderate the influx of fake and misleading AI-generated content on their sites in recent months. The Oversight Board can make recommendations about which posts should stay up on Facebook and Instagram, but Meta isn't obligated to take them. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on global leaders to withhold judgment on the fairness of Venezuela's upcoming presidential election until it takes place. Lula, a longtime ally of Venezuela's socialist leaders, emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the presumption of innocence until the election occurs. The election, scheduled for July 28, has faced international criticism due to a crackdown on political opponents, including the banning of leading opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado. Lula expressed his satisfaction that an election date had been set and stated that a fair and democratic vote was necessary for Venezuela to regain global legitimacy. [Extracted from the article]

Senegal President Macky Sall, known for his democratic leadership and economic reforms, recently postponed elections, sparking protests and jeopardizing Senegal's reputation as a democratic stronghold. Sall's decision to postpone the elections was driven by a desire to extend his stay in office and concerns about the popularity of his preferred successor. However, this attempt to manipulate the constitution and prolong his rule has been met with resistance from the Constitutional Council and the public. The article highlights the importance of democratic institutions and the resilience of African democracies in the face of such challenges. [Extracted from the article]

The Venezuelan government and opposition recently met to discuss setting a date for the 2024 presidential election. This meeting is seen as a rare gesture of goodwill, despite an increase in government repression against dissent. The parties had previously agreed to hold free and fair elections in the second half of the year, but the government's recent crackdown on opponents has raised concerns. The decision to resume talks may be an attempt to prevent the US from imposing economic sanctions. Both sides emphasized the need for de-escalation of repression and transparent electoral processes. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela's government and opposition have resumed talks to determine a date for presidential elections, despite President Nicolás Maduro's recent actions that deviate from an electoral agreement made last year. The parties met in Caracas, with the presence of a Norwegian diplomat as mediator. While both sides had previously agreed to hold elections in the second half of the year, the government initiated a separate consultation process. This decision to engage with the opposition may indicate a willingness to make minimal concessions to avoid sanctions while maintaining power. The Maduro government has recently taken harsh measures, such as banning opposition leader María Corina Machado and cracking down on dissent. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela has expelled 13 United Nations human rights workers after they criticized the arrest of a military analyst and a government crackdown on opposition figures. The UN Fact-Finding Mission issued a report urging the government to end the repression against opponents, which led to the expulsion. The Venezuelan government accused the UN report of being one-sided and in support of those trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro. The recent wave of repression could result in further US sanctions, and human rights activists have protested the arrest of the military analyst. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela has expelled 13 United Nations human rights workers from the country after they criticized the arrest of a military analyst and the government's crackdown on opposition figures. The UN Fact-Finding Mission issued a report urging the government to end the repression against opponents. In response, the Venezuelan government suspended the activities of the UN High Commissioner's office, accusing the report of being one-sided and in support of those trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro. Human rights activists protested the arrest of the military analyst, who is facing charges of treason, conspiracy, and terrorism. [Extracted from the article]

Human rights activists protested outside the United Nations headquarters in Venezuela after the arrest of Rocío San Miguel, a military analyst and government critic. The arrest was condemned by the UN, EU, and the US, which had already threatened economic sanctions against the government. San Miguel is accused of treason, conspiracy, and terrorism and is set to be taken to a prison known for torturing political dissidents. The US is closely monitoring the situation and urging President Nicolás Maduro to uphold commitments to free and fair elections. This arrest is part of a pattern of silencing critics and perceived opponents. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuelan authorities have detained lawyer and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel, accusing her of being involved in a plot to kill President Nicolas Maduro. San Miguel's arrest is part of a larger crackdown on opposition figures, with roughly 260 political prisoners currently being held in the country. The US has expressed concern about the Maduro government's actions and has announced that it will not renew the suspension on energy sanctions when it expires in April. [Extracted from the article]

Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been given a suspended death sentence in China after being found guilty of espionage. This development has strained the relationship between Australia and China, which had been improving over the past year and a half. The Australian government is appalled by the outcome and has summoned the Chinese ambassador, but will not recall its own ambassador from Beijing. Yang's sentence could be commuted to life in prison after two years, provided he does not commit any serious crimes. The sentencing may negatively impact the relationship between China and Australia, and there are concerns about Yang's health and well-being in prison. [Extracted from the article]

Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been given a suspended death sentence in China, which could be commuted to life in prison after two years. This development is a setback for the improving relations between Australia and China. Yang, a former employee of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs turned pro-democracy advocate, was arrested in 2019 on suspicion of espionage. The Australian government has expressed its dismay at the outcome and has summoned the Chinese ambassador, but will not recall its own ambassador from Beijing. Yang's health has been a topic of discussion between Australian and Chinese authorities. [Extracted from the article]

Tunisia's bondholders are optimistic that the country will be able to meet its debt repayment obligations in the next year, despite uncertainty surrounding a potential bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country's euro-denominated bonds are trading close to par, and its dollar notes have seen an increase in value. Tunisia has enough foreign reserves to cover its debt obligations, thanks to foreign-currency buffers and a recovery in tourism and remittances. However, in order to avoid long-term debt distress, Tunisia will need to implement difficult fiscal and structural reforms that it has resisted so far. President Kais Saied has criticized the IMF's recommended reforms, but Tunisia has not ruled out the possibility of a bailout. The country met all foreign debt repayments in 2023 and is expected to do so this year as well. While concerns about default remain, investors are less worried about it happening in the next 18 months. Tunisia's economic challenges include a bloated public sector, unsustainable debt burden, and the need for subsidy and tax system reforms. The government has proposed a draft decree to allow the central bank to grant credit to the state's treasury. President Saied has faced criticism for his authoritarian actions and clashes with international organizations. The budget for next year anticipates an increase in debt-servicing costs and a rise in economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's top court has overturned the acquittal of a local democracy activist who was charged for her involvement in a banned Tiananmen memorial in June 2021. The activist, Chow Hang Tung, was initially cleared of charges in December 2022, but the city's Department of Justice filed an appeal. The Court of Final Appeal has now restored her conviction, and she faces a 10-month jail sentence. The annual Tiananmen vigil has been banned since 2020 due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19. Chow also faces additional charges under the city's national security law. [Extracted from the article]

Tunisia's bondholders are optimistic that the country will be able to meet its debt repayment obligations in the next year, despite uncertainty surrounding a potential bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country's euro-denominated bonds are trading close to par, and its dollar notes have seen an increase in value. Tunisia has enough foreign reserves to cover its debt obligations, thanks to foreign-currency buffers and a recovery in tourism and remittances. However, in order to avoid long-term debt distress, Tunisia will need to implement difficult fiscal and structural reforms that it has resisted so far. President Kais Saied rejected the IMF's recommended reforms, but Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani recently met with the IMF's director-general, indicating that the country is still considering the bailout option. While there are concerns about Tunisia's economic situation, support from Qatar's development fund could help the country avoid default this year. However, Saied is under pressure to reduce the size of the public sector and make the debt burden more sustainable. Critics have accused Saied of undermining democratic norms and clashing with international organizations. Tunisia's budget for next year anticipates an increase in debt-servicing costs and a rise in economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

The US government has expressed concern over recent actions taken by the Venezuelan government against the opposition and civil society. The Maduro administration has increased pressure on opposition members and government critics, citing alleged conspiracies and plots against the regime. The government has arrested several individuals, including journalists, human rights activists, and military officers, for allegedly planning to assassinate a state governor and Maduro. The US State Department has criticized these actions, stating that they go against the spirit of an October 2023 agreement aimed at improving electoral conditions in Venezuela. [Extracted from the article]

The US government has expressed concern over the actions taken by Venezuela's government against the opposition and civil society. The Maduro administration has increased pressure on opposition members and government critics, citing alleged conspiracies and plots against the regime. Recent arrests of journalists, human rights activists, and military officers have raised further alarm. The US State Department has criticized these actions, stating that they go against the spirit of an agreement signed between the government and the opposition regarding electoral conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The US government has expressed concern over the actions taken by Venezuela's government against the opposition and civil society. The Maduro administration has increased pressure on opposition members and government critics, citing alleged conspiracies and plots against the regime. Recent arrests of journalists, human rights activists, and military officers have raised further alarm. The government has also targeted houses linked to opposition parties and independent organizations. The US has called for fair and competitive elections in Venezuela, and a date for the presidential election is yet to be set. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union has reached an agreement on an overhaul of its immigration rules, aiming to streamline asylum procedures and increase the return of unsuccessful applicants. The deal, which still needs formal approval, allows countries facing surges in immigration to have more flexibility in handling arrivals and receive support from other member states. However, human rights advocates have criticized the agreement, stating that it fails to fix the EU's broken asylum system and could lead to increased detention and pushbacks. The issue of migration has had a significant impact on the politics of the EU, with right-wing parties gaining support. [Extracted from the article]

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made multiple trips to the Middle East to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. During his visits, Blinken has become increasingly stern in his messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of Israel's conduct during the war. The Biden administration is feeling pressure from Arab allies, human rights activists, and members of the Democratic Party who believe that the civilian death toll is too high. Blinken has called for Israel to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance, but it remains uncertain whether these demands will be met. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Chile's Constitutional Council on Tuesday presented a draft charter in a ceremony mirroring deep divisions in the nation over the second rewrite of the basic laws in as many years. The draft constitution emerged from a social and moral crisis in Chile that started with a wave of protests in late 2019, and it aims to unite a fractured nation, said Council President Beatriz Hevia. [Extracted from the article]

Vulnerable nations had been reluctant to situate the fund within the World Bank amid concerns it will sufficiently prioritize climate action. (Bloomberg) -- Global climate negotiators reached a framework for a fund to help vulnerable nations deal with loss and damage from increasingly extreme weather, though the breakthrough was marred by sparring over exactly how the program would be funded. [Extracted from the article]

Civil society and environmental groups have opposed the TotalEnergies SE-led East African Crude Oil Pipeline over displacement, pollution and other risks to residents. (Bloomberg) -- Activists demonstrating against a $4 billion oil pipeline in Uganda have been threatened and detained as non-governmental organizations in the country are scrutinized, according to a Human Rights Watch report. [Extracted from the article]

Civil society and environmental groups have opposed the TotalEnergies SE-led East African Crude Oil Pipeline over displacement, pollution and other risks to residents. (Bloomberg) -- Activists demonstrating against a $4 billion oil pipeline in Uganda have been threatened and detained as non-governmental organizations in the country are scrutinized, according to a Human Rights Watch report. [Extracted from the article]

Iran's state TV said Geravand collapsed due to low blood pressure, and Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the incident "could happen to anyone, any day in any part of the country." State media had previously reported Geravand as "brain dead" and said that she was kept alive by life-support machinery. (Bloomberg) -- Iran's Armita Geravand died in hospital on Saturday, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency. [Extracted from the article]

Mohammadi, 51, has continued her struggle even after the regime in Tehran convicted her five times and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in jail and 154 lashes, the Oslo-based Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement Friday. (Bloomberg) -- Jailed rights activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in her native Iran and her efforts to promote human rights and freedom. [Extracted from the article]

In Amhara, Ethiopia's second-most populous region, a local militia known as the Fano has fought fierce battles with federal soldiers in recent months after Abiy ordered all such groups to be integrated into the national army. (Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia faces a "high risk" of further atrocities because of instability in several regions and the failure to fully implement a peace deal between the government and the northern Tigray region, according to a United Nations panel. [Extracted from the article]

"The board of the Nobel Foundation, therefore, choose to repeat last year's exception to regular practice - that is, to not invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran." (Bloomberg) -- The ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran won't be invited to this year's Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm after all, following a backlash. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Attacks on Mohamed Adam's El Geneina neighborhood in Sudan's western Darfur region continued relentlessly for a month before he finally fled the onslaught by members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and Arab Rizeigat militia. The United Nations Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court in 2005, and human rights groups are now calling for recent atrocities in the region to be added to the list of crimes being investigated. In a report released Thursday, Amnesty International detailed scores of attacks in Darfur, and labeled some of the violations committed by parties to the conflict as war crimes. [Extracted from the article]

Adam is among tens of thousands of Darfuri refugees who've been displaced by almost four months of fighting that's pitted the RSF and allied Arab militia against the Sudanese army and ethnic Masalit fighters. In a report released Thursday, Amnesty International detailed scores of attacks in Darfur, and labeled some of the violations committed by parties to the conflict as war crimes. (Bloomberg) -- Attacks on Mohamed Adam's El Geneina neighborhood in Sudan's western Darfur region continued relentlessly for a month before he finally fled the onslaught by members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and Arab Rizeigat militia. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The US added four companies that market cyber exploits to a list of vendors that are restricted in receiving exports from American companies, part of an ongoing effort to address the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, according to the Commerce Department. The administration official said misuse of spyware tools can facilitate oppression, enable human rights abuses and undermine democratic values. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy embarked on a diplomatic sweep of NATO capitals before a summit next week, as he seeks a clearer path to joining the military alliance. Ukraine and Russia announced a POW swap of 45 service members for each side. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden has agreed to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, fulfilling a request from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy despite concern from arms control groups and human rights activists about the potential harm to civilians. The US, Russia and Ukraine didn't sign the agreement, although the US has in the past condemned other countries, including Russia, for using them. [Extracted from the article]