Pope Francis led Easter Sunday celebrations, amid renewed focus on his health. He called for peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, and for prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine. Crowds cathered in St. Peter's Square for the Mass presided over by Pope Francis that began Easter Sunday celebrations in the Vatican.  Francis, seated on a chair with a large golden crucifix behind it, waved and spoke with other clerics at the service that started at around 10 a.m. local time (0800 UTC/GMT) on Sunday.  Appeal for cease-fire in Gaza, and Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps Francis called for steps towards deescalation in the conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza during his Easter message at around noon.  "Peace is never made with weapons. But with outstretched hands and open hearts," Francis said during his "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and to the world") blessing from the loggia overlooking the square.  "I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate cease-fire," the pope said, following the passage of a resolution with similar demands through the UN Security Council.  On the subject of Ukraine, a difficult issue for the pontiff following Kyiv's criticism of his recent calls for Ukraine to show the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate with Russia, he recommended instead a large-scale prisoner swap as a show of good faith between the two sides.  "In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine," he told worshippers.  Toured area in popemobile after service The pontiff used his open-topped popemobile to tour the square and the avenue connecting the Vatican to the River Tiber after the service, greeting tens of thousands who'd lined up to see him.  Sunday's ceremony is the highpoint of the Catholic church's most important religious festival.  According to Christian traditions, Easter celebrates Jesus' resurrection and the victory of life over death. St. Peter's Square was bedecked with flowers gifted from the Netherlands on Sunday, a tradition now going back decades. Swiss Guards lined the courtyard. Pope's health back in focus amid Christianity's most important festival On Saturday, Pope Francis led the Easter Vigil ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, condemning selfishness and apathy in the world and voicing hope for peace.  This followed him skipping the Good Friday procession at short notice in what Vatican officials said was a precautionary step given the weekend's busy itinerary.  The 87-year-old Argentine pontiff has been in poor health in recent months and Friday's cancellation revived attention in the Italian and international press.  Francis had missed the "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) procession on Good Friday in 2023 as well, but that had been announced well in advance following a hospital stay with bronchitis. He underwent a hernia operation a few weeks later.  He also missed one other homily around a week ago and delegated speaking roles to others at some recent events where he was said to appear fatigued. But on Saturday, having arrived in a wheelchair, Francis spoke for around 10 minutes during a two-and-a-half-hour ceremony and stayed afterward to talk with participants.  

Leaders of the ASEAN bloc and Australia made a joint statement calling for peace and stability in the region. China claims the entire South China sea and has been aggressive towards ships from other nations. Leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia issued a collective statement on Wednesday against actions that could jeopardize peace in the South China Sea, following recent tensions between Beijing and the Philippines in disputed waters. "We recognize the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity. We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region," the nations said in a joint statement while calling for a "rules-based" order in the Indo-Pacific region. In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said, "We will properly manage differences with the countries concerned and fully and effectively implement them with ASEAN countries." Tensions in the South China Sea Tensions in the trade corridor escalated earlier this week when Chinese vessels in the Spratly Islands were accused of pursuing Philippine ships.  On Monday when the summit began, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo asked Beijing to "stop harassing us."  The following day, the Philippines summoned China's deputy chief of mission in Manila for "aggressive actions" against a resupply mission for their troops. The Philippine coast guard said Chinese ships were involved in two separate collisions, including one where a resupply boat was hit with a water cannon. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, disregarding legal precedents and competing claims from various Southeast Asian nations. The dispute remains a significant security challenge in the region, casting a shadow over a three-day summit between Australia and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc.  China calls Philippines a US 'pawn' Tensions between China and the Philippines also threaten relations between China and the US, already precarious due to Beijing's aggression toward Taiwan. Manila and Washington are subject to a mutual defense treaty, going back to 1951, which binds them to defend each other if one comes under attack. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Wednesday that the collisions in the South China Sea were not enough of a reason to invoke the treaty. But Marcos did express his "great alarm" over the incidents. Meanwhile, China accused the US of using the Philippines as a "pawn" "China urges the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. "The Philippines should not let itself be at the mercy of the United States," she added.  Australia seeks to 'alleviate tensions' China's increasing aggression in the sea has been a priority on the ASEAN summit's agenda, which ends Wednesday.  The summit is being held in Melbourne to mark 50 years of Australia becoming the bloc's first external partner.  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese,  speaking to reporters at the summit said, "I am very concerned and Australia is concerned about any unsafe and destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea. We need to make sure that activity in the South China Sea alleviates any tensions and doesn't add to it."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for united efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states to establish peace in Gaza of Palestine. "The OIC member countries will have to work in unison to establish peace in Gaza," she said when Qatar Ambassador to Bangladesh Seraya Ali Mahdi Saeed Al-Qahtani paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban here.   PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the newsmen after the meeting. The Bangladesh premier and the Qatar envoy discussed the Gaza issue in the meeting, Karim said During the meeting, the Qatar ambassador handed over a invitation letter to Sheikh Hasina to attend the 8th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) to be held on March 4-6, 2024 in Qatar.   Receiving the invitation letter, the prime minister said if she wins the upcoming national election to be held on January 7 next, she would join the exhibition. The exhibition takes place every two years under the patronage of Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. About the Gaza issue, Seraya Ali Mahdi Saeed said this year his country didn't celebrate its national day on December 18 and sent the celebration budget of US$ 50 million for the people of Gaza. To this end, the premier said Bangladesh has also sent relief items including dry foods and clothes for the Palestinians.   She said even the Palestinian physicians, who graduated from Bangladesh, are now working in hospitals in Palestine. The Qatar ambassador said the world can know the situation of Gaza as Qatar-based Al Jazeera media network is broadcasting news on the Gaza issue. The Bangladesh premier expected that the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani would visit Bangladesh in 2024. "We look forward to welcoming His Highness the Emir at the earliest," Karim quoted Sheikh Hasina as saying.   The Emir of Qatar accepted an invitation to visit Bangladesh from the President of Bangladesh in May, 2020. The prime minister thanked the Qatar authority for its initiatives on the Gaza issue. PM's Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present. Source: BSS

Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her tireless campaign for women's rights and against the death penalty. She kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and remained a leading light for the nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini last year. Mohammadi's family called it a "historic and profound moment for Iran's fight for freedom," while politicians around the world heaped praise on Mohammadi for the courage she has shown. Mohammadi's daughter 'exceptionally proud' of and misses her mother, "I am exceptionally proud of you, and I miss you dearly," Narges Mohammadi's 17-year-old Kiana Rahmani said.  Her mother, who is being held in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. "This Nobel Prize isn't just for my mother. It is for Iran, especially Iranian women," Rahmani told the Reuters news agency. Kiana Rahmani, who lives in Paris with her father and brother, said she hoped her mother "will soon be freed from jail to join us." Rahmani, who has been separated from her mother for eight years. Mohammadi was quoted by The New York Times as saying she would never stop striving for democracy and equality, even if that meant staying in prison. It is a fight her teenage daughter said is worth fighting by all Iranian women.  "Keep fighting for a better future," she said. This live coverage article is now closed. You can read more about Narges Mohammadi's Nobel Peace Prize below.  UN chief says Nobel Prize 'a tribute' to all women who fight for rights United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Narges Mohammadi saying it is a reminder that women's rights are facing a strong pushback. "This Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to all those women who are fighting for their rights at the risk of their freedom, their health and even their lives," Guterres said in a statement. Iran condemns jailed activist Mohammadi's Nobel Prize Iran criticized the Nobel committee for awarding the Peace Prize to jailed rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi, calling it biased and political. "We note that the Nobel Peace Committee awarded the Peace Prize to a person who was convicted of repeated violations of laws and criminal acts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said in a statement. "We condemn this biased and political move." Kanaani said it aligned with some European countries' "anti-Iranian policies." Nobel Peace Prize politicizes human rights, says Iran state news agency. Iran's state news agency IRNA accused the Nobel Peace Prize committee of politicizing the issue of human rights by honoring jailed rights activist Narges Mohammadi. "Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a person who has been convicted under the laws of a country and is currently serving a prison sentence can only be called politicizing the concept of human rights and acting in a meddling manner," IRNA said in a report about the prize. Nobel Peace Prize politicizes human rights, says Iran state news agency Iran's state news agency IRNA accused the Nobel Peace Prize committee of politicizing the issue of human rights by honoring jailed rights activist Narges Mohammadi. "Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a person who has been convicted under the laws of a country and is currently serving a prison sentence can only be called politicizing the concept of human rights and acting in a meddling manner," IRNA said in a report about the prize. US praises 'courage' of Iranian Nobel peace laureate The United States on Friday hailed the courage of imprisoned Iranian women's activist Narges Mohammadi after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. "Narges Mohammadi is a hero to so many in Iran and around the world," Abram Paley, the acting US envoy on Iran, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Today, the entire world stands united in recognizing her courage." 

Awami League has postponed Monday's pre-schedelued peace rally at the old trade fair ground in the capital's Agargaon area. Earlier Saturday, Awami League declared that they will hold public rallies across the country on Monday after BNP announced for public rallies across the country tomorrow. More to come...

Indo-Pakistan border which once used to be the dangerous frontier of the country has today blossomed into a haven of artistic expression and serenity. There was a time when this area used to echo with sounds of shells fired from across by the Pakistani Army casting a shadow of uncertainty on the everlasting peace of the country. Today one is witnessing an unusual activity on the Indo-Pak border. Varuna Anand, Chairperson, FICCI, FlO, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, told ANI a 2-day camp has been organised here in RS Puram town in collaboration with the Border Security force and the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu University. Emerging from the cloistered confines of their gallery, one can see these young artists wielding their paintbrush as mighty swords, imbuing the vast canvas with mesmerising images that exudes the essence of peace. The idea is to promote tourism by portraying the positive side of Jammu and Kashmir. By sprinkling colours of peace on canvas these artists are trying to globalise and incentivise peace. "A two-day campaign has been organised here. We have twenty artists over here who are depicting paintings on the theme of globalising and incentivising peace. Showcasing our peaceful borders And How the BSF is playing a vital role in keeping our borders safe," She said. Ruchika Gupta, an artist said, "We wanted to honour BSF. Today, it is because of them that borders are secure and safe and we are living in a peaceful environment". She added that the role of BSF to maintain harmony and peace has always remained significant.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is to hold a assembly in Nayapaltan at 2 pm to announce 'one-point movement' for overthrowing the government.  Ahead of the assembly, BNP leaders and activists have been gathered in front of the party's headquarter in Nayapaltan from 8 am today. In the meantime, the stage has already been prepared. Party's general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be the chief guest.  Meanwhile, Awami League is on the streets to attend a peace rally on the same day. The ruling party will be holding rally in front of the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital. Awami League leaders said that, they will be careful that BNP-Jamaat does not create anarchy in the name of assembly. Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) of Media and Public Relations Department of DMP. Farooq Hossain said that police are on high alert around the gathering of the two political parties.  However, police set up checkposts in the Gabtoli and Amin Bazar area. 

Today, we come together to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This day holds great significance not only for the Tibetan community but for people around the world who have been touched by his teachings, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and happiness. As we honour this extraordinary spiritual leader, let us reflect on the profound impact he has had on countless lives and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. In a world where turmoil and strife often dominate the headlines, one name stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration—His Holiness the Dalai Lama. With his infectious smile, profound wisdom, and unwavering dedication to promoting peace and happiness, the Dalai Lama has become an iconic figure, not only for the Tibetan community but for people worldwide. His remarkable life journey, tireless efforts for social harmony, and unwavering pursuit of global peace have made him a symbol of resilience and compassion. The Dalai Lama's life story is one of immense struggle and resilience. Born in 1935 in Taktser, a small village in northeastern Tibet, he was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. As a young spiritual leader, he found himself thrust into the midst of political turmoil when China's invasion of Tibet began in 1950. Forced to flee his homeland in 1959, the Dalai Lama has been in exile ever since, residing in Dharamshala, India, where he established the Tibetan government-in-exile. Despite living in exile, the Dalai Lama has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people. He has worked tirelessly to preserve Tibetan culture, language, and identity, and to address the political and human rights issues faced by Tibetans both inside and outside of Tibet. Through education, cultural initiatives, and diplomatic efforts, he has sought to empower the Tibetan community and ensure their continued existence. “I was born in north-east Tibet and came to Lhasa where I studied the works of Buddhist masters who presented ways to develop wisdom and compassion. Their advice had a deep impact on me. Another factor that distinguishes Buddhism is the wide collection of means to effect inner transformation. It’s very rich in meditation practices that have an impact on our day-to-day conduct. Incorporating the Buddhadharma into our lives is a way of expressing gratitude to our teachers.” -His Holiness Dalai Lama. One of the key teachings of the Dalai Lama is the importance of fostering social harmony. He believes that true happiness and peace can only be achieved when individuals and communities come together in understanding and compassion. Through his teachings and public talks, he emphasizes the value of empathy, forgiveness, and dialogue as powerful tools for resolving conflicts and building bridges between different cultures and religions. The Dalai Lama's commitment to interfaith dialogue and his recognition of the common humanity that unites us all have earned him respect and admiration across the globe. The Dalai Lama's pursuit of global peace has been a central focus of his teachings and actions. He firmly believes that peace is achievable through the cultivation of inner peace and the practice of compassion. His Holiness has consistently emphasized the importance of dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation in resolving conflicts and building harmonious relationships between nations, religions, and cultures. His unwavering dedication to promoting peace has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Above all, the Dalai Lama is a tireless advocate for global peace. He firmly believes that genuine peace can only be achieved through inner peace and a compassionate heart. His teachings on cultivating a peaceful mind, promoting ethical behavior, and practicing kindness have resonated with millions of people worldwide. The Dalai Lama's philosophy goes beyond religious boundaries, offering practical guidance on how individuals can lead meaningful lives and contribute to the betterment of society. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Dalai Lama's influence is his ability to inspire positive change on both an individual and collective level.  His teachings have resonated with millions of people, transcending religious, cultural, and national boundaries. Through his profound wisdom and compassionate approach, he has inspired individuals to revaluate their values, cultivate inner transformation, and contribute to the welfare of others. His tireless efforts to promote education, environmental sustainability, and social justice have ignited a global movement for positive change. His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands as a living embodiment of the power of compassion, resilience, and forgiveness. His life journey, marked by struggle and exile, has not deterred him from dedicating his efforts to promoting social harmony, peace, and happiness.  Through his teachings and actions, he has touched the hearts of people from all walks of life, inspiring countless individuals to cultivate inner peace and make positive contributions to the world. As a symbol of hope and wisdom, the Dalai Lama continues to be a guiding light, reminding us of the transformative power of love and compassion in building a better, happier world for all. “We have to make an effort to create a more peaceful world and a happier humanity. We can identify differences between us in terms of race, nationality, and religion, but we would be better instead to think of humanity as a whole. We all have equal rights. We are all born from a mother and most of us drink her milk. We depend on her kindness from the start of our lives. Warm-heartedness is an appropriate response” - His Holiness Dalai Lama. (Addressing on the First Day of Dialogue with United States Institute of PeaceYouth Leaders, in Dharamshala, India, on 22nd September, 2022) As we celebrate the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact he has had on the world. His teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace have touched the hearts of millions, offering a guiding light in times of darkness. On this special day, let us honour his life and legacy by embodying the values he promotes—kindness, understanding, and a commitment to creating a better world for all. May his teachings continue to inspire generations to come, and may his message of love and compassion guide us on the path to lasting happiness and peace. Happy birthday, Your Holiness! This Article is written by Dr Chandan Kumar, PhD in Buddhist History, is a young Budhhist strategist. Source: tibetrightcollective.in

India is ready to contribute in any way it can to restore peace in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, reiterating that New Delhi favours the resolution of the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi's remarks came during a joint news conference with President Joe Biden at the White House after their talks. "From the very beginning of the events in Ukraine, India has laid emphasis on the resolution of the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy," Modi, who is here on his maiden state visit, told reporters. India is "emphasising spirit of one earth, one family", PM Modi said during his White House conference. Washington: India is ready to contribute in any way it can to restore peace in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, reiterating that New Delhi favours the resolution of the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi's remarks came during a joint news conference with President Joe Biden at the White House after their talks. "From the very beginning of the events in Ukraine, India has laid emphasis on the resolution of the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy," Modi, who is here on his maiden state visit, told reporters. "We are completely ready to contribute in any way we can to restore peace. Under India's G-20 presidency, we are emphasising the spirit of one earth, one family, one future," he said. Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times during which he insisted that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Biden said the two leaders talked about their shared efforts to mitigate the humanitarian tragedies unleashed by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine and to defend the core principles of the UN Charter on sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a joint statement after their talks, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi expressed their deep concern over the conflict in Ukraine and mourned its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. The leaders underscored the serious and growing impacts of the war on the global economic system, including on food, fuel and energy security, and critical supply chains. They called for greater efforts to mitigate the consequences of the war, especially in the developing world. Both countries further pledged to render continuing humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. They called for respect for international law, principles of the UN charter, and territorial integrity and sovereignty. Both countries concurred on the importance of post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine. Source: ndtv.com

President Zelenskyy has rejected calls for peace talks with Russia while meeting with a delegation of African leaders. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin said nuclear warheads are now in Belarus.  A delegation of African leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday as part of a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy said after talks that he had invited African leaders to join a global peace summit. But he said he would not open peace talks with Moscow yet, saying that peace was reliant on a full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territory. "I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," he told reporters. Earlier in the day, air raid sirens sounded and at least two explosions shook Kyiv as the African leaders arrived in the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the explosions came from Ukrainian air defenses, which Ukraine says downed 12 missiles, including six Kalibr cruise missiles and six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, plus two drones. Images posted by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry showed damaged homes in the wider Kyiv region. "Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was visiting Ukraine for the first time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country, will travel Saturday to St. Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Accompanying Ramaphosa are Senegalese President Macky Sall and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, plus representatives of Egypt and the Comoros. Ukraine's foreign minister said African leaders should take note of Friday's air raid on Kyiv just as they arrived. "Putin 'builds confidence' by launching the largest missile attack on Kyiv in weeks, exactly amid the visit of African leaders to our capital," Kuleba tweeted. "Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace." South African President Ramaphosa's office tweeted that the African leaders' mission was "proceeding well and as planned." "Today as we were here, we heard of missile strikes and those types of hostilities are not good for fostering peace," Ramaphosa said after talks with Zelenskyy. South African president calls on both sides to de-escalate Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African president who was part of a delegation of African leaders to Kyiv, said following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, that both Russia and Ukraine needed to de-escalate. "This war must be settled and there should be peace through negotiations," he told reporters. "We argue that there must be de-escalation on both sides." South Africa has sought neutrality on the war in Ukraine, even hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin for an international summit, amid calls for the latter's arrest on charges of war crimes from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ramaphosa added that African countries would be ready to continue to be a part of any future peace deal in Ukraine. Putin announces first nuclear warheads have arrived in Belarus During a speech in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the first Russian tactical nuclear warheads had already arrived in neighboring Belarus. "The first nuclear warheads were delivered to the territory of Belarus... This is the first part. But by the end of summer, the end of the year, we will complete the process," he said. Despite the announcement of warheads in Belarus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington would not change its stance. "We have no reason to adjust our own nuclear posture. We don't see any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon," Blinken said. The storage of nuclear weapons in Belarus, a sovereign nation that is highly dependent on Russian support, brings the threat of a nuclear strike closer to the borders of the EU. Although Belarus has not directly supported Russia's invasion with soldiers, it allowed Russia to use its territory as a launching pad for its initial full-scale invasion last February. Russia placing nuclear weapons in Belarus doesn't make much difference: John Erath, Centre for Arms Control Non-Proliferation Putin gives wide-ranging speech in St Petersburg Russian President Vladimir Putin held a speech at the annual economic forum in St Petersburg on Friday. He discussed varied topics, from the economy, the Ukrainian counteroffensive and Russia's climate progress. The Russian president said the economy was set to grow by 1.5% and 2% despite massive sanctions from Western countries, including a reduction in fossil fuel purchases by EU members. He made no mention of the parts of Russian industry, such as the car industry, that have suffered heavily from sanctions. Touching on the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which he has previously said was already failing, Putin said that Ukraine was suffering "heavy losses." "I think that Ukraine's armed forces stand no chance here [around Zaporizhzhia], as well as in other directions — I have no doubt about that," he added. Putin also took a dig at European countries for restarting some of their coal power plants as they weaned themselves off Russian oil and gas. "Unlike many other states, we are fulfilling all the commitments we have taken on in this sphere. Even ahead of schedule," the Russian president said, ahead of the UN climate conference in Dubai. US to send $205 million in humanitarian aid Washington, one of Kyiv's biggest backers since Russia's full-scale invasion began last February, has pledged another $205 million (€187 million) in humanitarian aid. The aid "provides the people of Ukraine with critical support, including food, safe drinking water, protection services, education, livelihoods, legal assistance, accessible shelter, health care, and more," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday. The money would also be used to help displaced people keep in touch with their loved ones who they have been separated from. More than 6 million people have fled Ukraine since last year, with another 5 million being internally displaced. Blinken said that the US has provided Ukraine with over $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid and called for more donors to help out. Counteroffensive is 'positive' but 'difficult,' Zelenskyy tells NBC Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that success for Ukraine's counteroffensive would mean Russia ends up losing the war. Zelenskyy gave an interview to US broadcaster NBC, telling them that the state of the counteroffensive looks "not bad." "I would say it's generally positive, but it's difficult ... Our troops who are now at the front of the frontline are facing very tough resistance," he said. He said the strong resistance was understandable, "Because for Russia to lose this campaign to Ukraine, I would say, actually means losing the war." Russia committing 'horrifying' acts in Ukraine, climate activist Greta Thunberg tells DW Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg said the rest of the world must step up in raising awareness about the humanitarian and environmental damage caused by the Kakhovka dam breach. "This responsibility doesn't fall on Ukrainians. This responsibility falls on the rest of the world who are witnessing these horrifying events. And not the least on Russia who are the ones actually committing [it]," Thunberg told DW's Ukrainian service. Thunberg was speaking from the German city of Bonn while taking part in a protest against ecocide in Ukraine. The rally took place outside the UN headquarters in Germany and a conference center where preparatory talks for the COP28 climate summit in November are being held. "I think that the actions that Russia is doing now and has been doing for a long time are absolutely horrifying," Thunberg said. NATO working on creating Ukraine council — Stoltenberg NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg outlined agreements reached at the end of a two-day defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday. He told journalists that a framework needs to be in place for Ukraine's future security once Russia's war on the country ends. "We all agree that Ukraine has already moved closer to NATO over the past decade," Stoltenberg said. "We agree that NATO's door is open — that Ukraine will become a member of the alliance and that this is a decision for allies and Ukraine to make. Russia does not have a veto." Stoltenberg said the trans-Atlantic military alliance is also working on creating a Ukraine-NATO council, working to bring Ukraine closer to NATO "in practical terms." He also commented on Russia's "dangerous rhetoric" surrounding nuclear weapons, particularly Moscow's intention to deploy nuclear weapons to Belarus, which neighbors Ukraine. Stoltenberg said NATO is taking Russia's announcement "seriously" and that they have "seen some preparations going on" towards following through on the deliveries to Belarus. He added, however, that while NATO remained vigilant, the military alliance does not yet see an imminent threat from Russia to deploy those weapons. "So far, we haven't seen any changes in the Russian nuclear posture [in terms of] deployments" which would require any changes in NATO's own posture, he said. 'Highly likely' Russia behind Ukraine dam collapse  A team of legal experts say it is "highly likely" that the breach of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine was caused by explosives planted by Russians. Legal staff from international human rights law firm Global Rights Compliance, which is implementing efforts to support accountability for atrocities in Ukraine, visited the Kherson region from June 10-11.  They were accompanied by Ukraine's prosecutor general and a team from the International Criminal Court (ICC). "The evidence and analysis of the information available — which includes seismic sensors and discussions with top demolition experts — indicates that there is a high probability the destruction was caused by pre-emplaced explosives positioned at critical points within the dam's structure," a summary of preliminary findings seen by Reuters said. This was based "not only on seismic sensors, and one of the leading open source intelligence providers, but also based on patterns of attack and other attacks that we have documented," according to senior lawyer Yousuf Syed Khan.  He said the finding that the dam was blown up by the Russian side "is an 80% and above determination." The huge Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam has been under Russian control since the invasion. It was breached in the early hours of June 6, unleashing floodwater across a swathe of southern Ukraine, destroying farmland and cutting off water supplies. Germany to provide Ukraine with 64 more guided air defense missiles German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced the "immediate" delivery of additional missiles for Ukraine's Patriot air defense systems. "The Federal Government has decided to immediately provide 64 further guided missiles," said Pistorius, speaking at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Friday. He said it was "an important signal" of support for Ukraine's efforts to fend off Russian air attacks "in this particular phase of the war" – even as Russian cruise missiles targeted Kyiv. The announcement came a day after the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands had pledged hundreds of additional air defense missiles to Ukraine, with actual logistics already underway and delivery set for the coming weeks. Earlier this year, Germany provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with one of its US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Russian troops promised bonuses for destroying Western tanks Meanwhile on the frontline, the Russian Defense Ministry has promised bonuses for Russian troops who have destroyed NATO-supplied armor, including German Leopard tanks and US Bradley fighting vehicles. "Payments are currently being made to servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who in the course of military operations destroyed Leopard tanks, as well as armored fighting vehicles made in the USA and other NATO countries," the ministry announced. The ministry claimed that, up until the end of May, a total of 10,257 Russian personnel had been rewarded for destroying 16,001 items of Ukrainian and Western military equipment, with armored vehicles valued at 50,000 rubles ($596; €546) and tanks at 100,000 rubles ($1,195; €1,091). On Sunday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded the "Hero of Russia gold star" medal to soldiers who the Kremlin said had destroyed NATO-supplied equipment being used by Ukraine in its burgeoning counteroffensive. Putin open to solutions to 'Ukrainian problem' – Kremlin "President Putin was and is open to any contacts to discuss possible scenarios for solving the Ukrainian problem," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday, quoted by Russian news agency Interfax as at least 12 Russian missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Russia has repeatedly said it is open to negotiations on the condition that Ukraine recognize "new realities" on the ground. Russian forces continue to illegally occupy some 18% of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory where they are alleged to have committed war crimes. Moscow claimed last autumn to have annexed four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine as well as the Crimea peninsula, which it seized in 2014. Ukraine has its own peace plan which envisages the withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian land as a basis for any settlement.