Europe is engaged in diplomatic negotiations regarding Ukraine, following a summit in Washington with Donald Trump. European leaders are considering security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. The 'boots on the ground' plan is back on the table, with the UK and France planning to deploy troops. However, Italy and Poland have ruled out participation. Details of the security guarantees are expected within the next few days.
A diplomatic dialogue is currently underway in Europe concerning Ukraine, following a recent summit in Washington. European leaders engaged in video conferences focusing on peaceful prospects and future security for Ukraine. The discussions highlighted the need for collaboration and specific security guarantees. The involvement of Donald Trump was seen as a significant step forward, although details of any agreements remain unclear. Analysts generally view the willingness to negotiate with Russia positively.
A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in an industrial area in Nicosia. The fire department was promptly mobilized, with four fire trucks responding to extinguish the flames. The fire is affecting vehicles and piles of waste materials in a factory yard. Efforts are also being made to protect nearby properties. The causes of the fire are currently unknown.
Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelensky should show flexibility in negotiations with Vladimir Putin. He mentioned that he had communicated with Putin and hopes for positive behavior from him. Trump emphasized that the two leaders will never become ''best friends'', but they are responsible for their decisions. He also asserted that the U.S. will not send troops to Ukraine. These comments come at a critical time as a potential summit meeting approaches.
The new list of vehicle recalls has been released by the Department of Road Transport. This update pertains to dangerous products as reported by the Consumer Protection Service. Consumers are informed about vehicle recalls during the 33rd week of 2025. The information is accessible on the EU's Safety Gate website. Consumers are urged to check the list for affected vehicles.
The police are investigating an unusual death of a 54-year-old man in Nicosia. The man was found with severe burn injuries in a field near Elaiōnōn Avenue. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. Members of the police and the Criminal Investigation Service are present at the scene conducting investigations. The police are considering all possibilities.
A 19-year-old national guardsman is fighting for his life after being involved in a car accident at Mackenzie. His friend was driving slowly when the accident occurred. The victim suffered serious injuries, hitting his head, and was transported to the hospital. His health condition is critical and he is under monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit. The driver underwent alcohol and drug tests, which returned negative results.
Ukraine plans to purchase $100 billion worth of weapons from the US, funded by Europe. The goal is to secure security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. Kyiv also proposes a $50 billion deal for drone production. Trump appears to prefer selling arms rather than providing military aid. There is a call for a ceasefire as a first step before further actions.
President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders for crucial discussions regarding the war in Ukraine. After the meetings, Trump communicated with Russian President Putin to prepare for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Trump stated that Ukraine's security would be ensured by various European countries in coordination with the United States. The Kremlin confirmed Putin's willingness to meet with Zelensky. Putin's envoy remarked that it was a significant day for diplomacy.
In a recent meeting, Donald Trump told Emmanuel Macron that Vladimir Putin might want to negotiate a peace agreement for Ukraine. Macron appeared skeptical about Putin's sincerity, as he hasn't shown willingness for a ceasefire. The meeting also included European leaders discussing crucial next steps. The atmosphere was more diplomatic compared to their previous encounter. Trump also made positive remarks about Ukrainian President Zelensky.
A serious traffic accident occurred on Monday night in Larnaca. A 19-year-old driver hit and seriously injured another 19-year-old pedestrian. The injured person was taken to Larnaca General Hospital and later transferred to Nicosia General Hospital, where he is now in intensive care. His condition is considered critical by doctors. The driver tested negative for alcohol.
The functioning of the Larnaca port is in serious crisis, with insufficient staffing causing significant delays in ship servicing. Feed importers express their frustration, stating that the port urgently needs new personnel. With only two crane operators available, the delays lead to financial losses and compensation payments to ship owners. The importers are concerned that the situation may be deliberate, aiming to justify the privatization of the port. Immediate solutions and strategic planning are deemed essential.
President Christodoulides received updates from the American ATF experts about the fire in the mountainous Limassol area. The team has completed its investigations and will send its report to the U.S. They have identified the source and causes of the fire, which spread rapidly. The government awaits the findings to determine the next steps. Their analysis will assist in assessing the situation in Cyprus.
The Larnaca Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) projects will start next month after a delay. The Ministry of Transport signed a €18.3 million contract with Araco Construction. The projects include upgrades to major roadways and the creation of infrastructure for public transport, bicycles, and pedestrians. The aim is to improve road safety and accessibility in the city. Completion of the works is expected by January 2027.
In the last five years, 48 people have lost their lives at sea, with 471 rescue interventions recorded. The deaths are not always due to drowning, as some are attributed to medical causes. Cyprus has 182 organized beaches with 91 lifeguard towers. There are 107 permanent lifeguards and 270 seasonal positions approved for 2025. However, there are shortages of lifeguards, particularly in Paphos and Limassol.
The Minister of Agriculture announced that the pebbles removed from "Faros" beach will be reinstated and that the illegal action by the Dromolaxia-Meneou Municipality will not be tolerated. The removal of the pebbles contributes to the erosion of the beach, despite tourism intentions. The Department of Environment and the Minister emphasize the importance of protecting the natural beauty and environmental value of the island's beaches. There have been repeated complaints from citizens regarding the movement of materials at the beach. The Minister called for an immediate halt to the movement of the pebbles and stressed the need for restoring the beach's natural characteristics.
The stock of non-performing loans in the banking system remains stable, confirming predictions that inflation increases do not affect loan servicing. As of May 2025, the non-performing loan ratio stands at 5.9%. The coverage ratio for non-performing loans has risen to 61%. While significant progress has been made in loan restructuring, the problem of non-performing loans persists in the economy. Progress is uneven, with smaller banks facing greater difficulties.
The government is facing reactions regarding the tax reform that introduces strict measures against tax evasion. This may affect the country's competitiveness as an investment destination. There is a fiscal deficit of 200 million euros due to certain regulations. Cypriot businesses will experience a reduction in their taxes with the new measures. However, there is a need to cover the deficit through other taxes.