The city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region has become the epicenter of a fierce and strategically significant battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The conflict has reached a critical juncture, with both sides locked in intense combat, often vying for control of the same residential buildings. Beyond the battlefield, Pokrovsk has emerged as a focal point in the diplomatic struggle between Russia and Ukraine, as both nations seek to influence U.S. President Donald Trump’s perception of the war. Russia claims to have surrounded Pokrovsk and thwarted Ukrainian efforts to reopen supply lines, while Ukraine denies a blockade and asserts that its forces are inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops. Russian forces, having exploited gaps in Ukrainian defenses last month, are now poised to seize the city entirely in the coming weeks or months, according to experts. Ukrainian commanders on the ground admit the situation is dire, with Russian forces controlling over 70% of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the grim reality, stating that Russia’s primary objective is to occupy Pokrovsk as quickly as possible. The battle for Pokrovsk is part of a broader conflict in the Donetsk region, which has seen Russia advance 39 kilometers (24 miles) over the past year, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War. The city, once a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, has seen its strategic value diminished due to the destruction of key infrastructure. However, its fall would represent a significant propaganda victory for Russia, bolstering President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of progress in the war. Analysts warn that the loss of Pokrovsk could pave the way for Russia to take the rest of the Donbas region, though such advances would come at a high cost in manpower and military equipment. Despite the bleak outlook, Ukrainian forces remain determined to hold the city for as long as possible, deploying elite units and launching counteroffensive operations. The next few weeks are expected to see continued heavy fighting, with Russian forces likely to pour troops into the city until Ukrainian defenses are overwhelmed. The battle for Pokrovsk is not just a military struggle but also a psychological and diplomatic one, with both sides seeking to shape the narrative of the war and influence the course of peace negotiations.
分类: world
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Indonesian mosque blast leaves 54 injured: police
A devastating explosion rocked a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers on November 7, 2025, leaving 54 individuals injured, according to Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri. The incident occurred in the bustling capital city, prompting immediate responses from armed police and military personnel who swiftly secured the area. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, but the scene was marked by chaos and urgency as emergency services rushed to aid the wounded. The mosque, located within a school compound, was filled with worshippers at the time of the blast, amplifying the scale of the tragedy. This event has raised concerns about security in public spaces, particularly during religious gatherings. Investigations are ongoing, with officials vowing to uncover the circumstances behind the explosion and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, with medical teams working tirelessly to provide care. The incident has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the vulnerability of crowded spaces to sudden acts of violence.
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UAE: Schengen visa appointments ‘almost full’ amid plans for festive Europe holidays
As the festive season approaches, UAE residents are scrambling to secure Schengen visas to experience Europe’s enchanting Christmas villages and winter wonderlands. Travel agencies report that visa appointment slots are nearly fully booked, with high demand pushing availability well into the new year. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, noted that while visas for Malta, Bulgaria, and Poland are still available this month, appointments for the Netherlands and Germany are already booked until March and January, respectively. The surge in demand reflects the growing popularity of European destinations during the holiday season. Among Schengen countries, Switzerland remains the top choice for UAE travellers, followed by Italy, Spain, and France, known for their scenic towns and festive atmospheres. Travel consultants like Pavan Poojary of Luxury Travels emphasize that many residents are planning their trips around visa availability rather than preferred travel dates. With processing times averaging 15 days, securing a visa in time for Christmas travel requires careful planning. For those unable to secure Schengen visas, lesser-known destinations such as Bulgaria and Malta remain viable options. Travel experts advise early applications to avoid disappointment, as the allure of Europe’s winter charm continues to draw crowds.
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‘We hate winter’: Palestinians face the rain without shelters as Israel blocks tents
In the aftermath of heavy rains, the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza transforms into a waterlogged swamp, where mud clings to shoes and stagnant pools form between sagging tents. For Hamza al-Mutawwaq, a Palestinian father, and his family, this is a grim reality they must endure daily. “It’s as if people are sleeping on a flowing river of rainwater,” he lamented. After two years of relentless Israeli bombardment, nearly 2.2 million Gazans now face an additional threat: the onset of winter. Over 80% of Gaza’s structures have been destroyed since October 2023, forcing hundreds of thousands like al-Mutawwaq to live in makeshift tents. Despite hopes that a ceasefire would bring temporary shelters, Israeli violations have left these families exposed to the elements. “The whole world eagerly awaits the mild winter season, but for us, it will be a curse,” al-Mutawwaq told Middle East Eye. With no relief in sight, many have turned to the black market for winter essentials, but exorbitant prices make these items unattainable for most. Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, described the situation as “catastrophic,” urging swift action to bring in essential supplies. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israel has allowed only 155 aid trucks daily, far below the 600 stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. Ismail al-Thawabta, the office’s spokesperson, warned of a potentially harsh winter, with half a million children and nearly 100,000 pregnant women at risk. For Amal Mehanna, a widow and mother of three, winter brings fear and anxiety. “We live in constant dread of its arrival,” she said, recalling how her daughter fell ill last winter due to the lack of warm clothing and blankets. As winter approaches, Gaza’s displaced face a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and insufficient aid.
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54 injured after explosion at mosque in Jakarta school complex, police say
A devastating explosion rocked a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers, leaving 54 individuals injured. The incident occurred in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta, prompting immediate emergency response and police investigation. Authorities, led by city police chief Asep Edi Suheri, are working to determine the cause of the blast, which resulted in injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns. Local media outlets, including KompasTV and MetroTV, broadcasted scenes of the aftermath, showing a police cordon around the school and ambulances on standby. Despite the explosion, the mosque did not sustain significant structural damage. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in public spaces, particularly during religious gatherings. Investigations are ongoing, with no immediate clarity on the cause or motive behind the explosion.
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China’s Greater Bay Area builds world-class city cluster through connectivity, innovation
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly transforming into a world-class city cluster, driven by unprecedented connectivity and technological innovation. Spanning 56,000 square kilometers and home to over 80 million people, the GBA is set to host the 15th National Games, a symbolic event that underscores the region’s collaborative spirit and economic prowess. The games’ road cycling race will traverse the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, showcasing the GBA’s integrated infrastructure and co-host model for major events. The GBA’s economy has surged to 14.79 trillion yuan ($2.09 trillion) in 2024, surpassing both the New York and San Francisco Bay Areas, and positioning it among the world’s leading economic hubs. Enhanced connectivity, including thousands of kilometers of expressways and harmonized standards across 36 fields, has significantly reduced travel times and streamlined cross-border cooperation. The region’s technological innovation is equally impressive, with institutions like the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology producing an average of 4.7 patents daily and the establishment of 31 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao joint labs. The GBA’s rise is a testament to China’s broader development strategy, aiming to create a global hub for technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.
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Belgium rushes to secure drone defences after airport disruption
The Belgian government has revealed to the BBC that it is urgently working to acquire advanced drone defense systems following a recent incident that forced the temporary closure of Zaventem Airport, the main airport near Brussels. The disruption occurred on Thursday night after drones were sighted near the airport and other sensitive locations, including a military base. Defense Minister Theo Francken emphasized that what was once considered a localized issue for military bases has now escalated into a significant threat to civilian infrastructure across multiple European nations. Francken confirmed that several European allies, including Germany, have offered assistance, with the German military providing anti-drone defenses. The incident impacted approximately 3,000 passengers of Brussels Airlines, leading to considerable costs from flight cancellations and diversions. Joelle Neeb of Brussels Airlines noted that while EU compensation schemes do not apply, the airline is obligated to ensure passengers reach their destinations promptly by offering refunds, alternative flights, and covering accommodation and transport expenses. Neeb described drones as a ‘new threat,’ prompting the airline to revise its contingency plans. Recent months have seen similar drone-related disruptions across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Some officials have accused Russia of engaging in ‘hybrid warfare,’ though the Kremlin denies any involvement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that these incidents may be linked to EU discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a controversial plan that could see Belgium legally obligated to repay Moscow post-conflict. While Belgian security services suspect Russian involvement, Francken acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence. The situation has been further complicated by recent Russian airspace incursions in Eastern Europe, involving fighter jets and larger attack drones, which are seen as attempts to test European defenses and divert attention from Ukraine.
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Afghanistan and Pakistan are holding peace talks. Here’s what to know
In a bid to de-escalate mounting tensions, Pakistan and Afghanistan have initiated peace talks following a fragile ceasefire that came into effect after deadly cross-border clashes. The recent violence, which erupted in early October, has been the most severe in years, resulting in significant civilian and military casualties on both sides. The conflict was triggered by explosions in Kabul and Paktika on October 9, which the Taliban-led Afghan government attributed to Pakistan. While Pakistani officials neither confirmed nor denied involvement, the incident sparked a series of shelling and shooting exchanges along the border, leading to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Discrepancies in casualty figures have further complicated the situation, with both nations accusing each other of inflating numbers. Pakistan claims to have targeted militant hideouts in Afghanistan, while Kabul denies these assertions and highlights civilian casualties. Amid the hostilities, Qatar and Turkey have stepped in as mediators, facilitating negotiations in Doha and Istanbul. Despite the ceasefire holding since October 19, sporadic clashes continue, underscoring the fragility of the peace process. The border region, known as the Durand Line, remains a contentious issue, with Afghanistan refusing to recognize it as an official boundary. Both countries accuse each other of harboring militant groups, with Pakistan pointing fingers at the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil. The TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by the UN and the US, seeks stricter Islamic laws and reduced Pakistani military presence in border areas. The group’s alliance with the Afghan Taliban has further strained relations between the two nations. As peace talks progress, the international community remains watchful, given the region’s history of militant activity and the potential for further escalation.
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Sudan capital hit by drone attacks a day after RSF agrees to truce – reports
The Sudanese capital of Khartoum witnessed renewed violence as explosions echoed near military installations and power stations, despite the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announcing their willingness to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire. Residents reported being awakened by the sounds of drones and blasts in the early hours of Friday, signaling a potential breach of the proposed truce. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has not commented on these incidents, while Sudan’s military-led government expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, citing the RSF’s history of disregarding such agreements. The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has claimed at least 150,000 lives and displaced 12 million people, with famine conditions now spreading in conflict zones. The RSF recently consolidated its control over el-Fasher, a strategic city in Darfur, which could strengthen its position in future negotiations. However, the group faces international condemnation over allegations of mass killings and sexual violence during the city’s fall. The ceasefire proposal, backed by the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, includes plans for a permanent truce and a transition to civilian rule, but Sudan’s government has rejected foreign interference and accused the UAE of supporting the RSF. UN experts have deemed these accusations credible, though the UAE denies involvement. As the conflict continues, the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain.
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Video: Trump event paused when guest faints; White House says ‘gentleman is okay’
A White House event hosted by President Donald Trump was temporarily halted on Thursday when a guest fainted during a significant announcement about reducing the cost of weight-loss medications. The incident occurred in the Oval Office as a representative from one of the two pharmaceutical companies invited to unveil the pricing agreement was speaking. The man suddenly collapsed to the floor, prompting immediate action from attendees. President Trump, who was seated at the time, stood up and remained behind his desk as several individuals, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, rushed to assist the unconscious guest. The White House Medical Unit swiftly intervened, and the individual was reported to be in stable condition. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed, ‘The gentleman is okay.’ The event resumed approximately an hour later, continuing its focus on the groundbreaking price reduction initiative for weight-loss drugs.
