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Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' Azerbaijani plane

President Putin has apologized for the tragic incident involving an Azerbaijani plane in Russian airspace and implied responsibility for the crash, while the Kremlin confirms the use of air defense against Ukrainian drones at the time of the crash but does not mention whether the Azerbaijani plane was hit. The investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred while the plane was en route from Baku to Grozny, is ongoing and has raised concerns of external interference.

Leerdam takes over NK sprint lead with strong 1,000 meters, De Boo can sniff title

Leerdam and De Boo lead on first day of NK sprint, Kok makes strong comeback at 500 meters.

Rel at German newspaper over opinion piece Musk, who stands up for the AfD

Elon Musk writes controversial op-ed for German media, defending AfD party and criticizing Chancellor Scholz ahead of upcoming elections. His words are sparking backlash and causing tension at Welt newspaper.

No state funeral for Surinamese former president Desi Bouterse

Surinamese ex-president Bouterse will not receive a state funeral and no national mourning period will be declared, as announced by the foreign minister. Bouterse's controversial past, including his democratic election and subsequent conviction for the 1982 December murders, influenced the decision.

Biggest election year ever: autocracies take flight to the front

Experts warn of the rise of electoral autocracies, where elections are not designed to choose the next head of government and democratic institutions are pressured by leaders with authoritarian tendencies. Despite elections en masse, some countries are moving toward autocracy, and now is the time to strengthen our democracies to reverse this trend.

Israel invades hospital in northern Gaza, patients forcibly evacuated

Israeli army invades Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, forces evacuation of patients and staff, and sets parts of the hospital on fire. Humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza worsens as international aid is scarce and Israeli blockades prevent aid from entering.