Author: Anadolu Agency

Pope Francis’ condition remains stable as he battles with bilateral pneumonia at a hospital in Rome, the Vatican said Monday. “As of Sunday evening, the Pope’s clinical condition remained stable as he continued treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital,” the Vatican said in a statement. The 88-year-old pontiff “slept well throughout the night,” according to the statement, which confirmed that his clinical status had shown no deterioration as of Sunday evening. – TIMELINE OF POPE’S HOSPITALIZATION The pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 and is being treated for double pneumonia. The Vatican announced on Feb. 18 that…

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that five cryptocurrencies will be added to the country’s strategic reserves. Five cryptocurrencies are Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC), he explained on the social media platform Truth. Mentioning his promise before the US presidential election last year, he said: “I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World.” Last year, he pledged the US will be the “crypto capital” of the planet and said: “If crypto is going to define the future, I want it mined, minted and made in the USA. It…

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Sunday that the United States needs a leader in Ukraine who can effectively work with Washington. “We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war,” Waltz said in an interview with CNN. He also questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commitment to negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia, saying US officials are uncertain whether he is ready to make compromises. “What was so stunning to all of us in the Oval Office was that it was not clear Zelenskyy was going to…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not ready to engage in peace talks, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said Monday. “What became so evident to us in that session was he’s not ready to talk peace at all. But here’s the problem: Time is not on his side,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News, following Friday’s fiery exchange at the Oval Office. “Time is not on the side of just forever continuing this conflict. The American people’s patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited, and our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited,” he said. Waltz suggested…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that a rare earth minerals deal between Ukraine and the US, while important, would not be enough on its own to provide a security guarantee for Ukraine. Starmer’s comments came after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested that the deal, which could lead to thousands of Americans working in Ukraine, could be a step toward securing the country’s future. Speaking in Parliament, Starmer emphasized that while the US plays a vital role in the geopolitical landscape, securing Ukraine’s peace requires a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy. “A minerals deal would not be sufficient on its…

Pope Francis, 88, suffered two acute respiratory failure episodes on Monday evening, according to the Vatican. “Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Holy See Press Office said. It added that two bronchoscopies were done to clear large secretions and non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed in the afternoon. He remained “alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” it said adding that the prognosis for the pontiff “remains guarded.” POPE’S HOSPITALIZATION The pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. The Vatican announced on Feb. 18…

US Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham urged European nations to take greater responsibility Saturday for defending Ukraine and the continent. “To the hand-wringing Europeans who felt offended by President (Donald) Trump rejecting being lectured by (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky: Be my guest to defend Ukraine from (Russian President) Putin,” Graham wrote on X. “It is long past time for the Europeans to show they are capable of defending their own continent,” he added. Graham criticized European nations for allowing their militaries to weaken, stating: “They’ve allowed their militaries to be hollowed out, and when Europe speaks, no bad guy listens.” He…

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Sunday expressed optimism hours before of a crucial defense and security meeting in London, highlighting three pivotal priorities that will guide the discussions. The meeting, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will focus on recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and broader European security concerns. In a statement shared on X, Rutte emphasized the urgent need for continued and increased support for Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russian aggression. “Support Ukraine today,” Rutte said, noting that the entirety of Europe would need to contribute more to ensure Ukraine’s resilience. The NATO chief…

Finnish President Alex Stubb on Sunday weighed in on the spat between the Ukrainian and US presidents at the White House, saying it benefited his Russian counterpart. “I think at the end of the day, there was only one winner of that exchange, that was Vladimir Putin,” Stubb told BBC. “The conversations that I’ve had since, in the past 72 hours, are pretty much about let’s move on. Let’s get back on track. Let’s see what diplomacy can do,” Stubb said, suggesting that international leaders were already looking forward to a more constructive path following the heated exchange. He expressed…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called on Israel and Hamas to exercise “maximum restraint” as the first phase of a ceasefire agreement concludes. Guterres, in a statement delivered by his spokesman, emphasized the need to prevent a return to hostilities, which would have “catastrophic” consequences. “The past six weeks have provided a fragile but vital reprieve, offering a measure of relief to both Palestinians and Israelis,” he said. Guterres urged all parties to “find a way forward on the next phase” of the agreement, stressing that a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages are essential to preventing…