WORLD IN BRIEF: UK PM apologises, Lebanon accuses Israel, Ghana-Zambia visa deal and other stories

Zelensky puts Ukraine’s military death toll at 55,000

Volodymyr Zelensky says 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, one of the clearest official figures yet on battlefield losses. The Ukrainian president told France 2 television that the number includes professional troops and conscripts killed in combat. He added that many more soldiers remain missing, meaning the true toll is likely higher. The figure marks a sharp rise from December, when Zelensky cited 43,000 military deaths. Kyiv has rarely disclosed casualty figures, arguing they are highly sensitive during wartime. The war is now grinding into its fourth year with no decisive end in sight.

US and Iran agree to nuclear talks in Oman amid rising tensions

The United States and Iran have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Muscat on Friday after weeks of uncertainty over whether negotiations would resume. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting, with US officials also backing Oman as the venue. President Donald Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he should be “very worried” if a deal is not reached. Washington has built up military forces in the region and threatened action over Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran, meanwhile, warned that any attack would trigger a wider regional war. The talks come as tensions remain high across the Middle East.

Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners after inconclusive peace talks

Ukraine and Russia have carried out a rare exchange of prisoners following two days of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi. Each side released 157 people, including seven Ukrainian civilians, marking the first such swap in four months. Negotiators failed to reach a breakthrough, with disagreements over territory and long-term security guarantees persisting. Zelensky said the talks were difficult and called for faster progress. He described the exchange as significant after a long pause in swaps since October. Diplomatic efforts to end the war remain fragile.

Starmer apologises over Mandelson-Epstein fallout as pressure mounts

Keir Starmer, UK prime minister has apologised to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for believing what he described as Lord Mandelson’s “lies” and appointing him ambassador to the United States. Starmer said he had not known the full extent of Mandelson’s links to Epstein. Opposition leaders say the prime minister’s position is becoming untenable, while some Labour MPs are calling for him to step aside. Former advisers say Starmer is now fighting for his premiership. The controversy continues to dominate British politics.

Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying toxic herbicides in the south

Lebanon says Israeli aircraft sprayed concentrated agricultural herbicides over southern villages, raising concerns about food safety and environmental damage. Officials say laboratory tests confirmed glyphosate levels far above accepted limits. President Joseph Aoun condemned the act as a violation of sovereignty and a health crime. Israel’s military declined to comment. The accusation adds to already high tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

AFRICA

Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso seeks another term after 45 years in power

Denis Sassou Nguesso, Republic of Congo president has confirmed he will run again in elections scheduled for March. The 82-year-old has ruled the country, on and off, since 1979. He announced his candidacy on the same date he first took office decades ago. Senior officials had urged him to stand amid speculation over succession. Critics say his long rule has stifled political renewal.

Ghana, Zambia agree visa-free travel deal

Ghana and Zambia have signed an agreement allowing citizens of both countries to travel visa-free. The move was announced during President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to Lusaka. Officials say the policy will boost trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. The deal reflects broader efforts to deepen African integration and ease movement across borders. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign minister called it a practical step toward making continental cooperation real.

Aid workers missing after South Sudan hospital airstrike

Doctors Without Borders says several aid workers are missing after an airstrike hit a hospital in Jonglei state, near the Ethiopian border. The charity says the strike was carried out by South Sudanese government forces, a claim authorities have not yet addressed. Another MSF facility in the area was looted the same day, leaving it unusable. Staff were forced to flee with local communities Humanitarian groups warn of worsening insecurity.

Morocco evacuates more than 143,000 over flood risk

Moroccan authorities have evacuated over 143,000 people from flood-prone areas in the northwest amid heavy rainfall and rising river levels. The interior ministry said the move was precautionary as dams reached capacity. Emergency services remain on high alert. Seasonal flooding has repeatedly hit the region in recent years.

UK sanctions Sudanese military, paramilitary figures

Britain has imposed sanctions on six individuals linked to Sudan’s ongoing war, targeting senior figures from both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. London says the individuals are accused of atrocities or of fuelling the conflict through arms and mercenary networks. The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and triggered a major humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting remain stalled.