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Luis Suarez issues public apology after spitting incident following Leagues Cup final loss

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Luis Suarez issues public apology after spitting incident following Leagues Cup final loss

MIAMI (BN24)— Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has issued a public apology after appearing to spit at a member of the Seattle Sounders coaching staff following Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final.

The 38-year-old forward, now playing for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi, was caught on camera confronting a Sounders staffer in the tense aftermath of the match, which saw Seattle lift the trophy at the expense of the star-studded MLS side. Video footage showed Suarez getting in the coach’s face before appearing to spit, as Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari attempted to defuse the situation.

Suarez, whose on-field conduct has long sparked controversy throughout his career, posted a written apology on Instagram Thursday, acknowledging that he had made a mistake.

“First of all, I want to congratulate the Seattle Sounders for their Leagues Cup victory,” Suarez wrote. “But more importantly, I want to apologise for my behaviour at the end of the game. It was a moment full of tension and frustration… but that doesn’t justify my reaction.”

Suarez described the act as out of character, emphasizing that his actions did not reflect the values of Inter Miami or the example he wishes to set for his family.

“I made a mistake and I’m sincerely sorry,” he added. “That’s not the image that I want to portray in front of my family, who suffer for my errors, and (Inter Miami) doesn’t deserve to be affected by this either. I did not want to miss this opportunity to recognise it and ask everyone for forgiveness who felt poorly about what I did.”

The striker concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to the team’s goals for the remainder of the MLS season.

Suarez’s conduct has been heavily scrutinized in the past. In 2011, he received an eight-match ban and a fine from the English Football Association for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. He later refused to shake Evra’s hand during a subsequent match.

In 2014, Suarez was suspended for four months during the FIFA World Cup for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini—his third biting offense after similar incidents involving Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Ajax’s Otman Bakkal.

Despite a glittering career that has seen him play for some of the world’s top clubs, Suarez’s legacy continues to be marred by disciplinary issues on the pitch. His latest apology attempts to shift the narrative as Inter Miami push forward in their campaign for silverware this season.

President Trump to attend men’s US Open final in New York on Sunday

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President Trump to attend men’s US Open final in New York on Sunday

NEW YORK (BN24)— President Donald Trump is set to attend the men’s singles final at the 2025 US Open on Sunday, a White House official confirmed to Fox News late Thursday.

The championship match will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, located in the Queens borough of New York City. The finalists have yet to be determined, as the semifinals are scheduled for Friday.

No American players will feature in this year’s final, with Taylor Fritz—the last remaining U.S. contender in the men’s draw—eliminated earlier in the tournament.

Friday’s matchups include a highly anticipated clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, while Jannik Sinner will face off against Felix Auger-Aliassime for the other spot in the final.

President Trump has made several appearances at high-profile sporting events since returning to the White House. In July, he attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey, joining Chelsea FC players on the field to celebrate their victory. Earlier in the year, he was present at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. He also made an appearance at a UFC event in April, accompanied by senior administration officials.

Trump’s planned visit to the US Open final marks another high-visibility moment during a year of ongoing campaign activity and public engagement.

15-year-old boy known as ‘God’s Influencer’ set to become first millennial saint on Sunday

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15-year-old boy known as ‘God’s Influencer’ set to become first millennial saint on Sunday

VATICAN CITY (BN24) — On Sunday, September 7, Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager, will be officially declared a saint, making history as the first millennial to achieve sainthood. The canonisation ceremony will take place at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where thousands of pilgrims are expected to gather to witness the event. Acutis, who passed away from leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, is being recognised for his deep faith and dedication to using technology to spread the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Acutis, often referred to as “God’s Influencer,” gained attention for his unique approach to evangelism through the internet. At a time when social media and digital platforms were rising in prominence, he used his skills to document Catholic miracles and promote the faith online. His efforts earned him widespread admiration, particularly among younger generations, for his ability to blend traditional devotion with modern technology. His body, dressed in jeans and Nike trainers, is displayed in a glass-walled tomb in Assisi, Italy, where it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Born in London in 1991 to an Italian mother and a half-English, half-Italian father, Acutis spent most of his childhood in Milan. Though his parents were not particularly religious, Acutis became known for his strong commitment to Catholicism from a young age. He attended daily Mass and was noted for his acts of kindness, particularly towards bullied children and homeless individuals. Acutis also used his computer skills to create websites for his local parish and later for the Vatican-based Academy of Sciences, helping share the Catholic faith with a wider online audience.

His mother, Antonia Salzano, has spoken of the “special relationship” her son had with God. Acutis’ devotion was evident even in his youth. At the age of seven, he wrote, “My life plan is to be always close to Jesus,” a statement that would define his life’s mission. Upon being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006, Acutis displayed remarkable courage. In his final days, he reassured his parents, saying, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute of it doing things that wouldn’t have pleased God.” He passed away on October 12, 2006.

The Vatican recognised two miracles attributed to Acutis, which played a key role in his beatification in 2020 by Pope Francis. The first miracle involved the miraculous healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a rare pancreatic condition. The second miracle was the recovery of a Costa Rican student who had been seriously injured in a car accident. These miracles were crucial in advancing his cause for sainthood.

Acutis’ canonisation is the culmination of a rigorous process, which begins with a five-year waiting period following death. This is followed by a thorough investigation of the individual’s life, with a focus on heroic virtue, and the recognition of miracles attributed to them. After beatification, the canonisation process requires the confirmation of a second miracle. Over 800 pilgrims from Assisi are expected to travel to Rome to attend the ceremony, with many viewing it as a fulfilment of Acutis’ final wish to be buried in Assisi, the hometown of his 13th-century idol, Saint Francis, who devoted his life to serving the poor.

In addition to Acutis, the Vatican will also canonise Italian Pier Giorgio Frassati, a mountaineer and social activist who died of polio at age 24 in 1925. Frassati, who was beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, is celebrated for his tireless work in helping the poor and the sick. His canonisation follows the recognition of a second miracle, which involved the inexplicable recovery of an American man who had been in a coma. Frassati’s casket bears the inscription “Verso l’alto” (“To the heights”), a tribute to his love for mountaineering and the challenges it symbolised.

Sunday’s event marks the first canonisation ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May. The occasion also coincides with the Jubilee, a “Holy Year” that has drawn more than 24 million pilgrims to Rome, according to the Vatican.

The canonisation of Carlo Acutis is a landmark moment for the Catholic Church, highlighting the ways in which technology, faith, and youthful dedication can intersect to create a new path to sainthood. It also signifies a new chapter in the Church’s relationship with the millennial generation, embracing a modern saint whose legacy is defined not just by his age but by his ability to inspire through digital platforms and acts of kindness.

475 South Korean nationals detained in largest immigration raid at Hyundai plant in Georgia

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475 South Korean nationals detained in largest immigration raid at Hyundai plant in Georgia

Atlanta (BN24) – Federal immigration agents detained 475 workers, most of them South Korean nationals, in what officials described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. The raid took place Thursday at a Hyundai construction site in Ellabell, Georgia, where the automaker and LG Energy Solution are jointly building a massive electric vehicle battery plant.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said the arrests followed a multimonth criminal probe into alleged unlawful employment practices at the site. Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank told reporters Friday that those taken into custody were “illegally present in the United States or in violation of their presence, working unlawfully.” He added the operation “underscores our commitment to jobs for Georgians and Americans.”

Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of workers lined up for questioning as federal agents conducted document checks and background reviews. Schrank emphasized the action was not a random sweep but rather the result of an extensive investigation. While 475 workers remain in immigration custody, no criminal charges had been filed as of Friday.

A judge unsealed a 15-page warrant authorizing agents to seize employment and immigration records tied to the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America construction project. The warrant also listed four individuals sought by authorities, though details remain sealed.

U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap said more than 400 agents participated in the enforcement action, part of the nationwide initiative “Operation Take Back America,” which she described as targeting illegal immigration, cartels and transnational crime.

South Korea raises objections
 Seoul responded sharply to the arrests. “In the course of U.S. law enforcement, the economic activities of our investment firms and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed upon,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong. He said South Korea had expressed its concerns to the U.S. Embassy and would establish a task force in Georgia through its Atlanta consulate.

Charles Kuck, an immigration attorney in Atlanta representing two detainees, said his clients entered legally under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and were not violating its terms. He described them as process engineers who were attending meetings and not performing unauthorized labor.

White House, Hyundai respond
 White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said President Donald Trump remains committed to making the U.S. “the best place in the world to do business, while also enforcing federal immigration laws.” She added that foreign workers must enter legally “with proper work authorizations.”

Hyundai said none of those detained were directly employed by the company. “We prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate,” the company said in a statement. LG Energy Solution echoed that it was “closely monitoring the situation” and would cooperate fully with authorities.

Schrank said those arrested were employed through a network of contractors and subcontractors, which remain under federal scrutiny. Many of the detained workers were transferred to the Folkston immigration processing center in Georgia.

A high-profile economic project
 The Hyundai EV plant, valued at $7.6 billion, has been hailed by Gov. Brian Kemp as the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. The facility began producing electric vehicles last year and employs about 1,400 people. The battery plant now under construction is expected to open next year, creating thousands of additional jobs.

South Korea, one of the world’s largest auto and electronics producers, has pledged billions in U.S. investments to expand its manufacturing footprint. Hyundai announced in March that it would raise its planned U.S. investment to $26 billion between 2025 and 2028, including projects in steel, robotics, and expanded auto production that are expected to generate roughly 25,000 jobs.

The immigration raid threatens to complicate those economic ties just as Washington and Seoul deepen cooperation on trade and investment.

Tesla proposes record $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk with ambitious growth targets

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Tesla proposes record $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk with ambitious growth targets

Texas (BN24) – Tesla’s board has unveiled a proposed $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk, a plan that would become the largest corporate pay award in history and dramatically expand his control over the electric vehicle giant as it pivots toward artificial intelligence and robotics.

The proposal, disclosed in a regulatory filing, underscores the board’s confidence in Musk’s leadership despite mounting competition from Chinese automakers and slowing demand for electric cars. It would grant Musk as much as 12% of Tesla’s stock if the company reaches a market value of $8.6 trillion — nearly eight times its current level — with vesting tied to both market capitalization and operational milestones such as robotaxi deployment and humanoid robot production.

Musk, already Tesla’s largest shareholder with a roughly 13% stake, would see his influence grow substantially if the award is approved. The package dwarfs his contested 2018 compensation plan, valued at $56 billion, which remains tied up in legal disputes after a Delaware court struck it down earlier this year. Tesla has since reincorporated in Texas and is appealing the ruling.

The board insists the unprecedented award is essential to keeping Musk focused and incentivized, particularly as the company pushes to become the world’s most valuable business. But critics say Musk, as majority shareholder, already has strong financial motivation and warn the plan could worsen governance risks.

“This is a ridiculously large pay package. It raises lots of questions, but last year Musk moved Tesla from Delaware to Texas in order to avoid all those questions,” said Brian Quinn, a professor at Boston College Law School. “Given that Tesla’s stock price is basically all vibes and appears to have very little to do with the automaker’s actual performance, I suspect they will approve this package.”

Tesla emphasized that Musk will not receive a salary or cash bonus under the plan, echoing the structure of his previous compensation, with all rewards tied directly to performance. The company said the package reflects shareholder feedback and includes stronger governance safeguards, with the proposal reviewed by a committee of independent directors ahead of a November shareholder vote.

The filing comes as Musk has outlined sweeping ambitions for Tesla’s future. He has predicted that Optimus humanoid robots could one day account for 80% of Tesla’s value, potentially driving the company’s worth to $25 trillion.

The announcement has also been clouded by Musk’s growing involvement in U.S. politics. He has publicly clashed with President Donald Trump and recently launched the “America Party,” raising concerns among investors about potential distractions. The Tesla board has urged shareholders to reject a proposal that would require the company to adopt a political neutrality policy.

“It really seems like what Elon wants, Elon gets from the board and from his shareholders,” said Douglas Chia, president of Soundboard Governance, an independent corporate governance advisory firm. “As ridiculous as it is, they’ll pass it, I have no doubt.”

Tesla shares rose about 3% after the package was disclosed.

US to ease travel restrictions on Equatorial Guinea’s vice president accused of corruption – AP

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US to ease travel restrictions on Equatorial Guinea’s vice president accused of corruption – AP

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The Trump administration is preparing to ease U.S. corruption sanctions against Equatorial Guinea’s vice president, Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang, allowing him to travel beyond New York for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly despite a long record of embezzlement and luxury excess.

Two U.S. officials confirmed Friday that the State Department is processing a one-month sanctions waiver for Obiang, who is widely seen as the heir to his father, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africa’s longest-serving leader. The decision, they said, was driven by U.S. national security interests, particularly countering China’s growing influence in the West African nation and safeguarding American oil and gas investments.

The waiver would grant Obiang freedom to visit cities including Miami and Los Angeles, where he has owned property and luxury vehicles. In the past, he has faced restrictions that limited his U.S. travel to New York for U.N. meetings — a move that embarrassed him and strained relations with Washington.

Obiang, 56, has long been accused of siphoning off Equatorial Guinea’s oil wealth while most of the country’s 1.6 million citizens live in poverty. In 2017, a French court convicted him of embezzlement, handing down a suspended three-year prison sentence, a €30 million fine, and the seizure of multimillion-euro properties and supercars. He has also been forced to surrender assets in the United States, including a Malibu mansion, luxury vehicles, and Michael Jackson memorabilia valued at more than $30 million, following a Justice Department corruption case.

“Through relentless embezzlement and extortion, Vice President Nguema Obiang shamelessly looted his government to support his lavish lifestyle, while many of his fellow citizens lived in extreme poverty,” then–Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said in 2014 when announcing the U.S. settlement.

The vice president’s wealth has come under scrutiny elsewhere as well. South Africa seized two of his villas and a superyacht last year in a lawsuit alleging unlawful detention and torture by Equatorial Guinea’s government.

Despite his notoriety, U.S. officials argue that allowing Obiang broader travel serves strategic goals. Beijing is seeking to establish a naval base in Equatorial Guinea — its first on the Atlantic Ocean — while Moscow has also expanded its footprint in the region. By softening its stance, Washington hopes to maintain influence in Malabo and secure a favorable environment for American energy companies.

The move comes as the Trump administration has otherwise tightened visa policies, including blocking entry to Palestinian Authority officials, imposing restrictions on Iranian and Brazilian delegations, and cracking down on foreign students accused of pro-Palestinian activism. Critics say the contrasting treatment of Obiang underscores inconsistencies in Washington’s approach to human rights and corruption.

Neither the Equatorial Guinea government nor its U.N. mission responded to requests for comment. The State Department declined to address the waiver, saying visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Equatorial Guinea, a former Spanish colony, remains one of Africa’s most resource-rich yet economically unequal nations. While the Obiang family has amassed mansions, superyachts, and fleets of exotic cars, the World Bank estimates more than 70% of the population lives in poverty.

Israel bombs Gaza City high-rises as assault on Palestinian enclave escalates

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Israel bombs Gaza City high-rises as assault on Palestinian enclave escalates

GAZA CITY (BN24) — Israeli airstrikes on Friday destroyed one of Gaza City’s tallest residential towers as the military intensified its campaign to seize control of the densely populated capital, sparking panic among civilians and raising fears of a broader ground occupation.

The Mushtaha Tower, a 12-story building surrounded by hundreds of makeshift tents, was reduced to rubble after two strikes — the first serving as a warning, followed by a second strike from an Israeli F-16 jet. The Israeli military said the building was being used as “Hamas infrastructure” to plan and carry out operations, though the tower’s management denied the claim, insisting it housed only displaced families.

Al Jazeera reporters said several civilians were wounded in the attack and rushed to al-Shifa Hospital. The shockwaves damaged nearby tents and sent crowds fleeing in panic. “The strike has triggered chaos across the entire area,” correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported.

The assault comes as Israel issued evacuation orders for additional high-rises, including a 16-story complex with 65 residential units and ground-level shops. Another five-story building near a gas station and the YMCA was also ordered to be cleared.

Military analyst Elijah Magnier said Israel’s strategy of targeting high-rise towers was aimed at minimizing troop casualties during a ground push while also spreading fear. “Destroying the skyline creates shock, disorientation and panic among civilians,” he said. “This is a preparation to occupy Gaza City.”

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters Israel now controls about 40% of Gaza City, including the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods. “The operation will continue to expand and intensify in the coming days,” he said.

Smoke rises as a building is hit by an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, September 5, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The strikes killed at least 51 Palestinians across Gaza on Friday, including seven children in Gaza City. Displaced families have been pouring into southern areas such as Khan Younis, Deir el-Balah, al-Mawasi and az-Zawayda, though both Palestinian and UN officials warn no place in Gaza is safe.

Since the war began in October 2023, at least 64,231 Palestinians have been killed and more than 161,500 wounded, according to Gaza’s health authorities. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack that triggered the war, and around 200 were taken captive.

On Friday, Hamas released a video showing two Israeli captives — Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel — who were seized during the October 2023 music festival attack. In the footage, Gilboa-Dalal appears exhausted and says he fears being killed by Israeli strikes. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the government to resume truce talks following the video’s release, while tens of thousands of Israelis continue weekly protests demanding a deal to bring the captives home.

While Hamas has said it would accept a July proposal for a temporary ceasefire tied to partial prisoner releases, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the plan, insisting Hamas must release all captives and surrender.

Israel’s defense minister has described the offensive as the “opening of the gates of hell” in Gaza, signaling a new and more brutal phase of the war.

Lionel Messi hints at retirement after emotional farewell to Argentina fans

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Lionel Messi hints at retirement after emotional farewell to Argentina fans

BUENOS AIRES(NM24) — Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest-ever players, paid an emotional farewell to Argentina supporters in his final competitive home match, leaving fans with a hint that he may retire ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Saturday night. The 38-year-old described the occasion as “very, very special,” and the moment was charged with emotion as fans chanted his name during warm-ups and his family watched proudly from the stands.

In a candid interview following the match, Messi suggested he might not participate in another World Cup due to his age.

“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another,” Messi told reporters. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it.”

He added that his decision will depend on how he feels physically and emotionally, emphasizing honesty with himself. “When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good.”

Messi also reflected on his fairytale farewell in Argentina. “It’s clear that today was the last one with points at stake here, but day by day I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. A lot of things happened, being able to finish this way here was what I always dreamed of… Being able to celebrate with my people.”

His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Proud of you, every step you take and everything you built with love and effort. How lucky are we to be with you on this path!!! We love you.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni also became emotional speaking about Messi’s last competitive match on home soil. “This is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match. More than anyone, I will enjoy it.”

Scaloni suggested Messi could have another farewell match if he decides to end his international career. “He earned the right to decide when to stop. He will always have support.” Argentina will next face Ecuador in a qualifier, but Messi will not participate.

Mike Tyson, 59, to face Floyd Mayweather in 2026 blockbuster exhibition fight

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Mike Tyson, 59, to face Floyd Mayweather in 2026 blockbuster exhibition fight

NEW YORK (BN24) — Boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are set to square off in a blockbuster exhibition fight in 2026, with contracts for the long-rumored showdown already signed.

Tyson, who will be 59 when he steps into the ring, confirmed the bout Thursday night on Instagram, calling it “unpredictable” and a fight he never believed would materialize. The former heavyweight champion last fought in 2024 against Jake Paul, a match that raised concerns about his health after he visibly struggled against the younger opponent.

Mayweather, 48, enters the clash unbeaten after a 19-year professional career that ended in 2017 with a high-profile victory over UFC star Conor McGregor. Boasting a 50-0 record, Mayweather has since participated in occasional exhibition bouts, including one against YouTube star Logan Paul, and has kept himself in peak condition during retirement.

The fight is being organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports, though an exact date and location have not yet been announced. While it will not affect either fighter’s professional record, promoters expect the event to break global television viewing records. Tyson’s bout against Paul reportedly drew more than 100 million viewers worldwide.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” Tyson said. “Boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable, and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this.”

Mayweather, who has often been described as the greatest fighter of the century, echoed the sentiment while dismissing any threat to his legacy. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” he said. “If I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”

With two of the most recognizable names in boxing history finally sharing the same ring, the fight is being billed as one of the sport’s most improbable yet highly anticipated spectacles.

Russia warns against Western troops in Ukraine as European leaders, Zelenskyy confer with Trump from Paris

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Russia warns against Western troops in Ukraine as European leaders, Zelenskyy confer with Trump from Paris

MOSCOW (BN24) — Russia issued a fresh warning Thursday that it will not tolerate the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine under any future peace arrangement, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met European leaders in Paris and spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow rejected outright the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine, calling it unacceptable interference. “Russia does not intend to discuss unacceptable foreign intervention in Ukraine in any form whatsoever,” Zakharova said in remarks published by the ministry. She accused NATO members of treating Ukraine as “a testing ground for their military developments,” warning that Western guarantees would represent “not security for Ukraine, but a threat to the European continent.”

The comments came as Zelenskyy joined a high-level meeting in Paris with European leaders and Canadian officials, dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing,” to explore security guarantees for Ukraine tied to a possible U.S.-brokered ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said afterward that 26 countries expressed readiness to contribute to a plan that could include land, sea, or air operations to reassure Ukraine and enforce peace terms. “The plan will now be taken to the U.S. with the intention of formalizing it in the coming days,” Macron said.

Trump called into the meeting, according to the White House, and urged European nations to halt Russian oil purchases that continue to fund Moscow’s war machine. He also pressed leaders to apply economic pressure on China, which Washington accuses of indirectly sustaining Russia’s war effort. “Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war,” Trump told the leaders, citing an estimated €1.1 billion in annual EU payments to Russia for fuel.

Zelenskyy later described his conversation with Trump as “long and very detailed,” emphasizing that both sides focused on economic pressure against Moscow and protection of Ukraine’s skies. “The key to peace is depriving the Russian war machine of money and resources,” Zelenskyy said. He added that Ukraine proposed a “special format” of U.S. involvement in air defense to shield civilians from Russian missile and drone attacks.

Other leaders at the Paris talks included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while several joined virtually.

The diplomatic push comes amid uncertainty over Trump’s approach to Russia. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump defended his record on Moscow, citing tariffs and sanctions targeting India for its continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. “You call that no action?” Trump said when pressed by reporters. “That costs hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia.” He hinted at further penalties in “phase two” and “phase three” of sanctions if Moscow continues its war effort.

Three weeks ago, Trump met Putin in Alaska, after which he floated the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders as the next step toward peace. This week, Putin suggested a meeting could be held in Moscow, an idea Kyiv quickly dismissed as disingenuous. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Sybiha wrote on X that Putin was “making knowingly unacceptable proposals.”

Trump told reporters he had “no message” for Putin, adding, “He knows where I stand. Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy, and if we’re unhappy, you’ll see things happen.”

The White House has signaled that Trump will continue direct talks with both Putin and Zelenskyy in the coming days as part of the administration’s attempt to secure a framework for peace.

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