Putin, Zelensky may meet within two weeks, says German Chancellor
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Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to hold a face-to-face meeting within the next two weeks, following direct intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Merz told reporters that the breakthrough came after Trump phoned Putin during a meeting in Washington with European leaders and Zelensky. “During a break in the meeting, the American president spoke with the Russian president on the phone and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks,” he said.
The German Chancellor stressed that the location of the summit has not yet been decided. He also expressed caution, noting that it remains unclear whether Putin will commit to attending. “We don't know whether the Russian president will have the courage to attend such a summit. Therefore, persuasion is needed,” Merz remarked.
Merz further revealed that Trump has agreed to extend an invitation for a follow-up three-way summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky to begin broader negotiations. He noted that Trump was encouraged by the unity shown by European leaders and that discussions would now focus on security guarantees for Ukraine.
“It is absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate,” Merz said, welcoming Trump’s assurance that the United States is ready to support European efforts.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
