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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Dermatologist booked over 'toxic' claims against Nandini products, KMF denies allegations
Bengaluru (PTI): A complaint has been lodged against a city-based dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini milk products on social media and misleading the public, police said on Thursday.
The complaint was lodged by Padmavathi R, an officer of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which owns the popular Nandini brand, seeking legal action against Dr Sharanya Padma.
In her complaint, Padmavathi stated that Padma had uploaded reels on February 8 claiming that "Nandini products such as cream bun, strawberry-flavoured milk and other beverages are toxic and contain chemicals, and consuming them daily could lead to autoimmune diseases and serious health issues. Long-term consumption will definitely result in cancer in the future."
According to the complaint, the doctor also alleged that strawberry-flavoured milk "does not contain natural strawberries but is prepared by adding artificial colours and preservatives," and questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had granted permission for the manufacture of such products.
She further claimed in the reel that consuming these products would damage health and that KMF, being a government company, was producing and marketing them for profit.
The complaint quoted her as stating that "these products are not real food but poisonous in nature and KMF should not release such products into the market."
Padmavathi stated that baseless allegations about certain Nandini brand products were being made on social media and that such "false propaganda" had created unnecessary confusion among crores of consumers who had grown up with the brand since childhood.
In a press release issued on February 18, KMF clarified that it strictly adheres to all food safety standards and approved procedures prescribed by statutory authorities and FSSAI. It assured that all Nandini milk and milk products are completely safe for consumption and that consumers need not panic.
The Federation also "strongly condemned such baseless, misleading and brand-defaming statements" and said it was committed to taking legal action against those involved in such malicious acts.
Based on the complaint, police are examining the matter and further action is likely in accordance with law.
There was no immediate reaction from Dr Padma.
