Brazil's President Lula attends BRICS summit remotely after fall; tensions rise in Ukraine amid Russian missile strikes.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is adapting his plans after a bathroom fall, as he opts to attend the BRICS summit via videoconference from Brasilia instead of traveling to Russia. Despite the setback, Lula remains committed to engaging with fellow leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, on pressing global issues.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Ukraine as Russian missile strikes hit the city of Kharkiv, injuring nine and causing widespread power outages. This ongoing aggression targets critical energy infrastructure, drawing concern as winter approaches.
Turning to Southeast Asia, Indonesia's newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto has assembled the largest Cabinet in the nation's history, dubbed the "Red and White Cabinet," aiming to drive an ambitious growth agenda. This hefty, 109-member team reflects a broad coalition, seeking unity across diverse political interests.
In the United States,
Elon Musk has sparked legal debate with his daily $1 million giveaway to those signing a political petition, potentially clashing with election law. Critics voice concerns that this initiative might blur lines with legal prohibitions against paying for voter registration, given its timing ahead of the election.
As election preparations intensify, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President
Donald Trump are navigating key swing states, each with distinct styles. Harris celebrates her 60th birthday in Georgia, pushing for unity and compassion, while Trump adds his characteristic flair in Pennsylvania, targeting notable local venues to rally support.
On another front, Israel has pitched terms to the United States to resolve the conflict in Lebanon, including strict measures against Hezbollah. However, skepticism abounds from international quarters, and the White House is sending special envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut to negotiate a diplomatic path forward.