Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are expected to begin on Friday in Istanbul, although there has been no official confirmation yet. Organizational difficulties have caused delays in starting the talks. Despite the heightened rhetoric, Ukrainian President Zelensky has given the green light for the talks to proceed. The Russian delegation is anticipated to meet with the Turkish Foreign Minister.
According to Jennifer Di Noia's research, watercress is revealed as the healthiest food in the world, providing 100% of the daily recommended intake of nutrients per 100 calories. The list mainly features leafy green vegetables, followed by Chinese cabbage and mangold. Lemon is the only fruit that appears in the 28th position. Experts suggest including unsaturated fats and legumes in the diet.
The Minister of Commerce announced that residential and small commercial photovoltaic systems have been divided into 15 groups for managing energy production cuts. During periods of high production, the Authority for Electricity is affected first, followed by larger and smaller photovoltaic systems. Many owners of small photovoltaics frequently bear the brunt of these cuts. The installed capacity of photovoltaic systems is expected to increase in the coming years.
The police investigation continues regarding the shooting incident involving a 64-year-old secretary's vehicle in Limassol. The perpetrators fired 16 shots, with 11 hitting the car. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspects. The victim and her husband claimed they have no disputes with anyone.
The police arrested a young man in connection with the attack on a 17-year-old in Nicosia. Initially, there were reports suggesting a homophobic motive, but the police stated that this is no longer being investigated. The incident appears to be related to youthful behavior. The 17-year-old was taken to the hospital with minor injuries to his face.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will send a delegation to Istanbul for talks with Russia. However, he expressed doubts about Moscow's willingness to engage in serious negotiations. The Ukrainian team will discuss a ceasefire, but the Russian stance leaves little room for optimism. He also requested respect from the Russian side and thanked President Erdogan for his support regarding Crimea.
The grandmother of a baby found in a trash bin in Alimos was sentenced to two years in prison. The court ordered the execution of three months of the sentence, while the remainder was suspended. The prosecutor recommended her guilt. The appeal is not suspended.
A minor has been questioned by police in Nicosia regarding an incident of homophobic attack against a 17-year-old. The victim suffered verbal and physical abuse. The police are investigating the incident, which is deemed to involve bullying, and testimonies from the victim's classmates are expected. The attack was condemned by the organization Accept Loatki Cyprus.
Serious allegations of mismanagement and favoritism have been reported at RIK, with lawmakers and unionists stating that the work environment is problematic. Specifically, questions were raised about spending on productions and the promotion of relatives to desirable positions. The Interior Committee's president noted that the matter has reached the highest levels. The allegations include questionable practices and highlight the need for transparency at RIK.
A significant earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale occurred in central Turkey, with tremors felt in Ankara. The quake originated near Konya at a depth of 11 kilometers. Initial reports indicate no serious damage or casualties. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Accept LGBTQ Cyprus condemns a recent homophobic attack on a 17-year-old that sent him to the hospital. The organization urges the public to participate in Cyprus Pride 2025 wearing black as a sign of protest. They emphasize the need for society to stand against these attacks and to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals. This situation highlights the urgent need for further protective measures against such hate crimes.
Cyprus has risen to 40th place in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, gaining 5 spots compared to last year. It is recognized as the fastest growing startup ecosystem in the EU with a growth rate of 28%. Cyprus ranks 2nd worldwide in the Gaming sector and 3rd in Fintech in Southern Europe. The government promotes innovation with tax incentives and support for startups.
The start of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul is marked by sharp confrontation. President Zelensky referred to the Russian delegation as 'decorative,' while Moscow responded with insults towards him. Key officials like Maria Zakharova and Sergey Lavrov attacked Zelensky's claims, highlighting a limited willingness for substantive dialogue. This situation arises during a critical time for international efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.
A 26-year-old Greek woman was sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Larnaca Criminal Court for bringing nearly 40 kilos of cannabis into Cyprus. She was caught at the airport and admitted to transporting the drugs for delivery to someone else. The sentence reflects the rising number of drug cases and her involvement in trafficking networks. However, her young age and status as a mother of two were considered mitigating factors.
The District Court of Nicosia has issued a ruling prohibiting the use of abusive clauses in loan agreements by banks. This decision affects all borrowers and is considered particularly significant for consumer protection. It mandates the immediate cessation of standardized terms that grant banks rights without sufficient justification. The ruling was a result of a petition from the Attorney General of the Republic.
A 17-year-old was hospitalized after being attacked by two individuals. The attack is believed to be motivated by homophobia, as the assailants insulted him due to his sexual orientation. The minor suffered facial injuries and required medical attention. The police are currently investigating the incident.
During the meeting of the Control Committee, tensions arose due to the statement made by the representative of the Attorney General regarding the €14 million owed by Blue Ocean, a company owned by Roman Abramovich. The representative stated she was unable to answer questions, which led to objections from members of the parliament. The committee chairman decided to postpone the session after the tensions escalated. Disputes occurred between attendees and the representative of the Legal Service during the meeting.
The president of the Electric Contractors Association of Cyprus warns about dangers during the replacement of old electric meters with smart meters. The risks arise from the improper replacement process, which can lead to damage to electrical appliances or even fires. He advises residents to be present during the replacement to disconnect their appliances. Inspection by the AHK teams is needed before power restoration to mitigate these risks.
A 25-year-old is hospitalized in serious condition after a car accident. He lost control of his vehicle, which crashed and ended up in a field 25 meters deep. He was rescued by the Fire Service and transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. His health condition is critical.
The Investigative Committee is continuing its investigation into the defective TAKATA airbags, with new sessions being held today and tomorrow. Seven former directors of the Ministry of Transport and other key officials have been summoned to testify. The Committee aims to understand the delays in vehicle recalls during the period when Cyprus joined the EU. The goal is to examine responsibilities on both the state and private sector sides.
The Democratic Rally presented proposals to combat corruption and enhance transparency in the public sector. The proposals include improving public procurement processes and creating an electronic transparency platform. The aim is to build a modern state with institutional integrity. The proposals will be publicly discussed with various civil society actors.
A woman faced difficulties obtaining the necessary referrals for further medical examinations after a mammogram. Despite her efforts to acquire them through her personal doctor and specialists, a bureaucratic confusion led her to seek assistance from the Patient Observatory. This case was not isolated, as other patients also reported struggles due to changes within the healthcare system. Specifically, shortages in medications and issues with diabetes monitoring devices were highlighted.
Road signage is inadequate and confuses drivers, as cameras monitor traffic without clear warnings. While the government collects revenue, municipalities are responsible for maintaining signage with limited resources. The situation worsens at night when visibility is poor. The Ministry of Transport has started work to improve signage, but many issues remain unresolved.
The appointment of Johannes Hahn as the European Union's special envoy for the Cyprus issue strengthens the EU's involvement in resolving the matter. President Christodoulides emphasized that the appointment is not accidental but the result of planned diplomatic efforts. The collaboration between Hahn and Olguin is expected to improve conditions for negotiations. The EU's determination to play a significant role in this process is highlighted.
The parliament will discuss the case of Blue Ocean, a company reportedly linked to Roman Abramovich, which owes €14 million to the Cypriot government. Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou has raised questions regarding the non-payment of this amount. Relevant authorities will be called to provide explanations about the matter and their actions. Reports indicate that the company was dissolved in July 2024 without having settled its debts.
Construction work at Moni-Vasiliko has been halted due to legal proceedings aimed at protecting the Mediterranean monk seal. The contractor is seeking damages of €60,000 per day for each day of delay, as the project has been on hold for over a month. The consequences of the court ruling are expected to cost the government hundreds of thousands of euros, with significant expenses for infrastructure and workers. The village chief opposes the project, emphasizing environmental protection.