In Private Remarks on Russia, Rubio Tries to Reassure Europeans

After meeting with Russian negotiators to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled a dramatic reset in relations with the Kremlin, trumpeting “the incredible opportunities that exist to partner with the Russians.” Hours later, though, Mr. Rubio sought to reassure nervous European allies that the talks did not … Read more

Friday Briefing: Germans Are Choosing New Leadership

Germany prepares to vote as a Trump-E.U. rift grows Germans will head to the polls on Sunday to choose their next chancellor. The man favored to clinch the election is Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats. He has been considered a potentially better match for President Trump than the current Social Democratic chancellor, Olaf Scholz. … Read more

Bibas Family Remains Returned to Israel, Hamas Says

The two tiny redheaded boys had captured the hearts of Israelis and became symbols of the long and emotional campaign for the release of the scores of hostages seized during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. On Thursday, under gray, stormy skies, an anguished nation marked an unofficial day of mourning after Hamas handed … Read more

Emergency Food, TB Tests and H.I.V. Drugs: Vital Health Aid Remains Frozen Despite Court Ruling

Funds for vital health programs around the world remain frozen and their work has not been able to resume, despite a federal judge’s order that temporarily halted the Trump administration’s dismantling of the government’s main foreign aid agency. Interviews with people working on health initiatives in Africa and Asia found that parents in Kenya whose … Read more

Trump Cuts Protections for Haitians, Putting Them on Track for Deportation

The Trump administration on Thursday cut protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the United States, putting them on track to be targeted for deportation this summer, according to government documents and an official with the Department of Homeland Security. The decision was signed this week by Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, and … Read more

China Defends South Africa’s G20 Ambitions as Rubio Snubs Meeting

China’s foreign minister on Thursday defended South Africa’s effort to promote solidarity, equality and sustainability at Group of 20 gatherings this year, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted the first high-level meeting in Johannesburg this week because of that focus. The Group of 20 is an annual gathering of the world’s largest economies. … Read more