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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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
