Archive May 30, 2025

Ukraine yet to commit to new round of Russia talks in Istanbul

Before sending a delegation to Istanbul for bilateral discussions next week, the Kremlin said it expected the two sides to talk about truce conditions at the scheduled meeting.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday that his country needed assurances that the Kremlin was serious about wanting to end the war.

It is crucial to have a document in advance so that the delegation who will attend has the authority to discuss the relevant positions, he said, to ensure that the next planned meeting is substantive and meaningful.

He claimed that there hasn’t been a document outlining Russia’s proposals for Ukraine so far.

The two parties’ first direct discussions since May 16 were held in Istanbul, Turkey. Without a breakthrough on a ceasefire, the discussions ended in less than two hours. The two conflicting parties did come to terms with a prisoner exchange that later occurred and for which swap documents that included potential peace roadmaps were agreed.

Following the discussions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, complained that sending a junior delegation from Russia that was not authorized to sign a ceasefire, acting as a “sign of disrespect.”

Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, reported on X on Thursday that Russia’s delay in disclosing its ceasefire plan implied that it was “likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums.”

Sybiha stated at the news conference on Friday that Kyiv wanted to end the war along with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

He stated, “We want to end this war this year, and we are interested in establishing a truce, whether it be for 30 days, 50 days, or 100 days.”

Russia and Ukraine are willing to talk directly about this. At the most recent meeting of our delegations with the Russian side, we made this clear.

Turkiye suggests a summit for leaders

If the talks went well, Fidan suggested that Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and US President Donald Trump might meet in the afternoon.

According to Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, any such meeting could only occur if the bilateral negotiations yielded any desired outcomes.

He stated that Istanbul would be the location of both parties’ proposed agreements and that details would not be disclosed.

In response to Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg’s assertion that Moscow’s concerns about Kyiv joining the alliance were legitimate, Peskov added that Russia was pleased that the US was understanding Putin’s position on Ukraine joining NATO.

‘A bit dangerous’ – Djokovic’s Arc de Triomphe bike ride

Images courtesy of Getty

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

Novak Djokovic’s second-round victory over Corentin Moutet was one of some unusual preparations.

The 38-year-old was filmed cycling around the Arc du Triomphe the night before winning 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1). The pair are competing for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

The Serb was captured on camera laughing in front of a white car that had just braked in front of him on the convoluted roundabout, which has no marked lanes.

Later, Djokovic referred to the bike ride as an “adrenaline experience.”

“Roland Garros gave me a bicycle for the first time, and I used it yesterday. With that roundabout, Djokovic said, “We were kind of trying our luck a little bit.”

“To be honest, we once had vehicles all over the place. Although it involved a lot of adrenaline, I don’t believe I’ll ever go back.

We entered that roundabout because we were crazy. It was entertaining, but there were some risks.

Djokovic returned to Roland Garros after claiming his 100th ATP singles title last week in Geneva and continuing his strong form against Frenchman Moutet. He is a three-time champion.

Midway through a tight third set, Djokovic’s only potential blunder was a medical timeout for a blister on his left foot.

“The blister and the bleeding that I had took almost an hour to treat,” said Djokovic.

They had to administer the injections, draw the blood out, and then apply something to dry the blister before proceeding. That meant that the process wasn’t really pleasant.

However, I don’t believe it will cause me any trouble to overcome. The good thing about Grand Slams is that you have a day off.

related subjects

  • Tennis

‘Club World Cup start of new season for Man City’

Images courtesy of Getty

According to Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, the Club World Cup represents “the beginning of the new season” and not a continuation of the previous season.

After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, City failed to win a significant trophy for the first time in eight years and finished third in the Premier League.

They played their final game of the season at Fulham on Sunday, but they’re now back in action 24 days later at the expanded 32-team Fifa tournament, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States.

In a club interview with the organization, Khaldoon stated, “The team will take the rest that they will take right away, then they will begin pre-season and then immediately into the Club World Cup.”

“We’re thrilled to join them as champions.” I really like the format, in fact.

The new season is just beginning, not just going on like it was last year.

Khaldoon claimed that City want to have their “new squad ready” for the start of the tournament.

Tijjani Reijnders, a midfielder for AC Milan, has been closely linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, while City are interested in Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

This summer, Manchester City and Chelsea will have one transfer window open before the Club World Cup kicks off from June 1 through June 10.

The entire world will be watching, according to the statement.

City players have expressed concerns about the erratic fixture list, with defender Manuel Akanji making jokes last year that he might have to retire at 30. Rodri, who had a serious knee injury, claimed that players had been close to going on strike.

Guardiola, the city manager, said the players must be in charge of any changes to football’s growing fixture demands.

Following the filing of a legal claim against the world governing body, the players’ union Fifpro and Fifa met in January to discuss the packed calendar.

In the group stages of the redesigned Club World Cup, City will face Moroccan side Wydad AC on June 18 (2:00 BST), Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates on June 23 (02:00), and then Juventus on June 26 (20:00).

The teams that advance to the final, which will take place on July 13th, will play seven games if the top two of each of the eight groups advance to the knockout stages.

On August 13th, the Premier League season begins.

Khaldoon was in no doubt that other teams would be taking it seriously because players didn’t get enough rest, but questions have been raised about that.

He said, “This is a very, very serious competition.” The entire world will be watching this over the summer.

“We’re going to give it our best shot,” says the president of the world, “and I can assure you that there will be a lot of top teams in the world competing in this tournament.”

Over 115 charges, patience was required.

City are still awaiting the outcome of the hearing into its 115 alleged Premier League financial rule breaches.

Between September and December, an independent commission held the hearing.

The commission has unconstrained powers, including points deductions and relegation, if City, who firmly denies the charges, is found guilty.

We still don’t have a ruling, Khaldoon continued. I’ll be able to comment on a ruling as soon as possible.

related subjects

  • Premier League
  • Manchester City
  • Football

P Diddy trial live: Diddy’s ex-assistant returns after breaking down in tears in court

Today, Day 13 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial resumed in court. Mia, his former assistant and alleged victim, was testified for the court yesterday, and she is scheduled to remain so until today.

The music mogul is currently facing a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, forced sex trafficking, fraud or coercion, and prostitution transportation.

He was detained in September, and he categorically refutes all the allegations made against him. Since his arrest, he has been imprisoned, and several bail applications have been rejected.

Mia and Combs claim that he repeatedly assaulted her on day 12 of the trial, and that he describes him as an abusive and controlling boss.

13: 53Jasmine Allday

Why does Mia use a pseudonym to testify?

Due to the seriousness of the allegations and the alleged retaliation from Combs, testimony of Mia is presented under a pseudonym.

09: 27Jasmine Allday

Mia is “scared into silence.”

Madison Smyser, an assistant U.S. attorney, inquired about Mia’s earlier silence regarding the sexual assaults.

She said, “I didn’t know that you had to tell me the bad things that happened to me if nobody else noticed,” before calling it “the most shameful thing of my life.” She explained that she is speaking right now because “these things continue to happen to people when you’re scared into silence.”

09: 23Jasmine Allday

testimony of Mia

Mia also testified about the ominous atmosphere in Diddy’s home that led to the alleged 2011 burglary at Kid Cudi’s home. After Combs learned that the rapper had a romantic relationship with Cassie, it occurred.

Combs has entered a not-guilty plea on charges of transportation for prostitution, racketeering, and sex trafficking. Although his defense team has acknowledged that he acted violently toward Ventura, his lawyer insists that he is innocent on all charges that carry the possibility of a life sentence.

09: 22Jasmine Allday

recap of day 12

Mia testified yesterday in a gruesome manner about Diddy’s alleged “sexually abusive and controlling” behavior. To protect her identity, she was given the name Mia.

‘I have greasy hair but this unusual dry shampoo kept it looking clean for four days’

Although I had reservations about using this unusual “wet” dry shampoo, it stretched my hair out for days and produced incredible volume, according to beauty editor Laura Mulley.

‘I was blown away by the results of this unusual dry shampoo’(Image: Laura Mulley)

I always have a dry shampoo on hand so that I can wash my hair every day instead of every day because my long, fine hair tends to turn greasy at the roots after a day. I don’t care much about which one I use because I have blonde hair, so I don’t care if some of the cheap formulas are dusty, but I have been completely blown away by how effective it is.

Dry shampoo K18 AirWash, a haircare brand best known for its K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, is the product in question. According to K18, AirWash technology allows for hair to appear fresher for up to three days and absorbs excess oil without leaving residue or irritating the scalp.

AirWash Dry Shampoo is typically priced at £48, but I’ve found that The Future is in store for us. has the cheapest prices, dropping to £38.40. Although I appreciate that this is a lot of money for a dry shampoo, especially considering that it can be purchased for less than £5, here are some reasons I think it’s worth your time.

READ MORE: What should I buy from REN Clean Skincare now that the company is closing?

MORE: “Wonders” collagen supplement shows “less hair loss after ten days”

Laura holding k18 dry shampoo
It’s an innovative ‘wet’ non-aerosol formula(Image: Laura Mulley)

I tried this out on a particularly sluggish bank holiday weekend, when I was really unable to do my hair the way I normally do on other days. When I first sprayed this into my roots, I was initially horrified because it felt more dry than the usual dry, powdery feel I’m used to. As someone who hates putting unnecessary products in my hair for fear of making it even oilier-looking.

However, I had a little faith, and after a few seconds of rubbing it in, I was overcome with shock. My hair appeared instantly fresher and cleaner after all the dampness had vanished. It added that it gave my limp locks the much-needed volume, movement, and grip without any heaviness or crispiness. I occasionally find traditional dry shampoos to be irritating or dry, but it also didn’t dry out my scalp at all. Instead of my usual two days, I went four days without washing my hair with K18’s AirWash.

laura using k18 dry shampoo
It added volume and made my roots look cleaner(Image: Laura Mulley)

Dry shampoo K18 AirWash

Dry shampoo K18 AirWash

£48

£38.40

Purchase here

You really only need one spritz per section, as recommended on the bottle, so my top advice is to avoid getting any (because it will turn into powder), massage it in right away, and use it sparingly. This 118ml bottle will last me so much longer than my typical cheap and cheerful cans, which is why.

Although it costs a lot, it still costs a lot, and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo is another long-time favorite of mine, which is currently down from £26.95 to £20.

Continue reading the article.

I’m so impressed with this K18 dry shampoo for long-lasting results on my fine, limp hair, which is included in many other bargain dry shampoo purchases, including Batiste and Klorane.

From Hunter to Hoover: How clemency became a circus

In recent months, the US pardon system has come under scrutiny. The president is essentially given unrestricted authority under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which reads, “The President shall have the power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” The president typically exercises this authority in the final weeks of a term because the incumbent has been voted out or is about to retire. However, the president is normally aware of the contentious nature of unilaterally declaring that someone facing criminal charges should be freed. In any case, there are no issues with re-election. This is significant because victims frequently complain when the White House pen smacks a lengthy legal procedure into the background.

In his final days, President Joe Biden issued more commutations than any other chief executive in history. He commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners who had been condemned in accordance with his Catholic faith, almost completing the sentence. However, he dissented the most when he preemptively pardoned other family members for alleged crimes against which they would most likely never have been tried in court. He annulled Hunter’s convictions before putting his sons on trial. Utilizing his constitutional authority for those close to him was all that was tinged with nepotism.

President Donald Trump followed him closely. Trump was acting as though he were already running out of time, as he did so many of his first 100 days of actions. Before granting 1, 600 pardons to those alleged to have been responsible for the Capitol’s frequently violent oath of office, he had hardly taken the oath of office. Sure enough, some people were offended by this, and the Capitol Police’s chief called it a “slap in the face” to all of his officers.

Trump has since continued on with his string of pardons. Some of his recent grants are predictable: 21 of them were related to the FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances), a law that forbids intimidation, and intimidation against people seeking or providing reproductive health services. In general, however, people picketing abortion clinics are frequently the subjects of his recent grants. He was pursuing MAGA’s anti-abortion rights wing in this instance.

Trump is “always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and excessively prosecuted by an unfair justice system,” according to Harrison Fields, a spokesman for the White House.

This is generally accepted as fair enough, but typically there must be some form of remorse and rehabilitation. In contrast, he pardoned Scott Jenkins, a long-time supporter and former Sheriff who was found guilty in 2024 of accepting more than $ 75, 000 in bribes in exchange for turning several businessmen into recognized law enforcement figures, this week. In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump wrote that “Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through hell.” Despite turning himself in before the US trial system, Et Jenkins had merely been dragged through the system like millions of others had.

The reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty in 2022 of defrauding banks of more than $ 36 million by submitting false bank statements and other records. It is unclear how they spent their unpaid money on travel and luxury cars.

Which brings us to the most recent case, that of Larry Hoover, the notorious leader of the Chicago Gangster Disciples, who was found guilty of ordering the murder of a rival and committed a long list of other crimes. Many cases were not even brought to trial by the prosecution. In fact, a judge reportedly asked one of Hoover’s attorneys, “How many other murders is he responsible for” at a hearing last year.

Trump’s federal sentence was commuted, which would have essentially required him to go to a less desirable Illinois prison, where he will have to serve a 200-year sentence for a state murder conviction. What was the president’s motivation behind doing this, and what did it accomplish?

According to CBS News, many of the recipients did not even submit a formal application, which is an especially odd feature of these pardons. Trump simply reached out and took charge. He occasionally appears to have relied on what he saw on television. He has stated that he is considering clemency for those who have been found guilty of the 2020 conspiracy to kidnap and overthrow the state government in Michigan. He claimed, “I did watch the trial.” It appeared to me to be a job in some way railroad.

I would not revoke the president’s right to mercy, even if it is still occasionally corrupt or arbitrarily exercised. I’m in favor of always taking into account second chances because we are too too harsh as a society. There should be some consistency, though, if people want to maintain any sense of respect for the judicial system.

Due process, in essence, implies that a procedure must be followed. Before Christmas, Biden dismissed her 76, 000 word clemency petition without addressing any of the allegations that she had been tortured in US custody, Aafia Siddiqui had been abducted by the CIA, or that she had been subjected to sexual abuse in prison today.

Then, this week, Clarence Smith, my octogenarian former client on death row, passed away in a federal prison. He had been denied compassionate release despite the fact that he was terminally ill, was patently innocent, and had established himself as a model prisoner. He had only received one disciplinary sanction while serving a forty-one year sentence for the heinous crime of making his prison bed before being ordered to do so.

Let’s examine how the president’s enormous power is being used (or misused), and perhaps even think about enforcing some transparency laws for him.