Ukrainian Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Major Government Overhaul During Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian Foreign Minister resigns as part of largest government reshuffle since Russia-Ukraine war began.
**Ukrainian Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Largest Government Reshuffle Since Russia-Ukraine War Began** - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has resigned amid a significant government reshuffle, according to Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. The reshuffle, the largest since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, includes resignations from several ministers, such as Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Justice Minister Denys Maliuska. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also dismissed deputy chief of staff Rostyslav Shurma.
**Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Attends Funeral of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz** - Shifting to the Middle East, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz on Wednesday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Princess Latifa, who passed away on Tuesday, was buried at Al-Oud Cemetery following the prayer after noon.
**New Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri Advocates Stronger Trade Ties at Grand Jeddah Reception** - Speaking of diplomatic engagements, the new Indian Consul General, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, was warmly welcomed by the Indian community in Jeddah at a grand reception. Suri emphasized boosting trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India while announcing initiatives to support Indian businesses and professionals, with the event also featuring vibrant cultural performances.
**Saudi Red Sea Authority Launches 'More Than a Sea' Campaign to Elevate Coastal Tourism and Economy** - On the economic front, the Saudi Red Sea Authority has launched the "More Than a Sea" campaign to enhance coastal tourism, focusing on regulation, sustainability, and investment. This initiative aims to boost the economy by contributing SR85 billion to GDP, increasing spending to SR123 billion, and creating 210,000 jobs by 2030, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
**Israel's Gaza Offensive Strains Western Ties Amid High Civilian Casualties and Arms Export Controversies** - Meanwhile, Israel's offensive in Gaza, leading to over 40,000 deaths since the October 7 Hamas attack, has strained its ties with Western nations. The UK has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel over concerns about civilian casualties, although the U.S. and Germany remain major arms suppliers.
**Former Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh Arrested on Charges of Financial Crimes** - Lastly, former Lebanese central bank chief Riad Salameh, 73, has been arrested on charges of financial crimes involving over $110 million and previous allegations of diverting $330 million in public funds. Salameh, who served as the bank governor for 30 years, will remain in detention until a hearing is scheduled next week, with both he and his brother denying any wrongdoing.