International
Ukraine will install solar panels in schools and hospitals due to Russian attacks on power plants
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, ordered his ministers and competent authorities on Thursday to install “solar panels, smart panels and storage infrastructures” of energy in schools and hospitals as soon as possible in the face of the electricity generation deficit caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants.
Zelenski also asked for the creation of fiscal conditions and benefits to facilitate the installation of “solar panels and batteries” by as many Ukrainians as possible, and commissioned the Government to develop a “state-wide” strategy for the development of renewable energies and the diversification of generation points.
In addition, the Ukrainian president ordered the installation of technologies conducive to energy savings in all public and official buildings.
Zelenski gave these orders in a meeting with the Prime Minister, Denís Shmigal; the head of Energy, Herman Galushchenko and the head of the hydrocarbon company Naftogaz, Oleksí Chernishov, in which the head of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mikola Oleshchuk, in charge of protecting the country from Russian air strikes, also participated.
The head of state of Ukraine announced these decisions in a message published on his social networks in which he summarized the content of the meeting, held after Russia launched last morning the seventh massive attack against the Ukrainian electricity system since March 22.
Russian drones and missiles damaged electrical infrastructure in Kiev and three other Ukrainian regions. A thermal power plant of the private company DTEK that had already been affected by previous attacks suffered serious damage in the bombing.
“We repair what can be repaired, we build a complex protection system with engineering structures, means of electronic warfare and air defense systems,” Zelenski said about the measures taken by Ukraine to protect its plants from Russian attacks.
Ukraine works with its partners to receive additional air defense systems. Romania today announced its decision to send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian authorities have been forced to introduce scheduled power cuts in the face of repeated Russian attacks on the electricity sector, and fear that the problem will worsen with the increase in demand with the arrival of low temperatures.
International
Portuguese Authorities Seize 2.6 Tons of Cocaine Worth More Than $550 Million in Drug Bust
Italian financial police reported Monday that Portuguese authorities intercepted a speedboat carrying more than 2.6 tons of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $550 million.
Four people — two Spanish nationals, one Albanian citizen, and a man from Gibraltar — were arrested in connection with the operation, according to Italian authorities.
The vessel was intercepted off the coast of Lisbon by Portugal’s maritime police following an investigation led by Italian authorities.
Italian financial police estimated that the seized shipment had a street value of approximately 500 million euros ($570 million), making it one of the largest drug seizures reported in the region in recent years.
Portuguese authorities said the interception took place on Thursday, about 90 kilometers (50 nautical miles) southwest of Cape Espichel, during an operation targeting international drug trafficking routes.
International
U.S. and Iran Maintain Ceasefire as Trump Expresses Optimism Over New Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that there are “good chances” of reaching an agreement with Iran, as both sides maintained a ceasefire for the third consecutive day following weeks of escalating hostilities.
Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of resuming diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which began in late February and has raised international concerns over its impact on global markets and energy supplies.
The fighting has remained suspended since Saturday, after the United States resumed airstrikes against Iran amid a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. The renewed military action had previously caused the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement.
Asked about the prospects for negotiations aboard Air Force One, Trump said: “I have a lot of patience… We’ll see what happens. I think there are good chances that something could happen.”
The U.S. president also highlighted Washington’s military capabilities, saying: “We have a lot of ammunition,” while adding that he would like to have more resources due to U.S. support for Ukraine.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump was allowing diplomatic efforts more time, explaining that the president was “giving some space to the talks” while maintaining that Washington remains prepared to take action if necessary.
Meanwhile, tensions continue in other areas of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia reported that it intercepted drones launched from Iraq by groups allied with Tehran and urged the Iraqi government to take measures to prevent further attacks.
International
Police Investigate After Remains of Five Newborns Found in French Apartment
French authorities have opened a murder investigation after the discovery of human remains believed to belong to five newborn babies inside an apartment in the historic center of a city, the local prosecutor’s office reported Monday night.
According to prosecutors, a 32-year-old woman had given birth at home on Sunday to a healthy baby before being taken to a hospital for medical care.
The discovery was made after the woman’s 32-year-old partner began searching the residence after reportedly learning, once again and at a late stage, that she had been pregnant.
During the search, the man found what appeared to be human remains and informed the hospital, which then alerted prosecutors.
A forensic doctor determined that the remains likely belonged to five newborn infants. Authorities have not yet established the circumstances or motive behind the case.
Investigators have not been able to interview the mother, who remains hospitalized following the delivery.
Prosecutors also confirmed that the couple has two other children, aged eight and nine years old. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to clarify the events surrounding the discovery.
Portuguese Authorities Seize 2.6 Tons of Cocaine Worth More Than $550 Million in Drug Bust
U.S. and Iran Maintain Ceasefire as Trump Expresses Optimism Over New Talks
Police Investigate After Remains of Five Newborns Found in French Apartment
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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