Tensions escalated in Iraq when Swedish police permitted a protest against the Quran and the Iraqi flag at the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. In response, supporters of the Sadr Group set fire to parts of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has condemned these actions and launched an investigation, while the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the safety of their embassy staff.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been suspended, noting that while communication channels remain open, “it would be more accurate to say there has been a pause.”
Peskov accused European countries of obstructing dialogue but insisted Moscow remains ready for negotiations.
Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of direct talks this year in Istanbul, leading to prisoner exchanges but little progress toward ending the war.
TR