Zelenskyy faces backlash as Ukrainians protest new anti-corruption law

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian activists are calling for more protests of a law they say weakens the country’s anti-corruption bodies. Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and elsewhere Tuesday to urge President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to veto a controversial bill passed by parliament. After Zelenskyy approved it, activists called for another protests in central Kyiv. Critics, including European Union officials and rights groups, say the law undermines the agencies’ independence and threatens Ukraine’s democratic reforms. Zelenskyy defends the law, claiming it removes Russian influence and accelerates stalled corruption cases. Later Wednesday, delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for a third round of direct talks, although expectations for progress were low.

Officials: More than 100 aid groups warn of starvation in Gaza as Israeli strikes kill 29

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — More than 100 charity and human rights groups said in a letter that Israel’s blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip toward starvation. Israeli strikes, meanwhile, killed another 29 people overnight and into Wednesday, according to local health officials. The Trump administration’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, was set to meet with a senior Israeli official about ceasefire talks, a sign that lower-level negotiations that have dragged on for weeks could be approaching a breakthrough. Experts say Gaza is at risk of famine because of Israel’s blockade and offensive, which were launched in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.

UN’s top court says failing to protect planet from climate change could violate international law

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United Nations’ top court in a landmark advisory opinion says countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations. Advocates immediately cheered the International Court of Justice opinion on nations’ obligations to tackle climate change and the consequences they may face if they don’t. Notably, the court said a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment” is a human right. That paves the way for other legal actions, including states returning to the ICJ to hold each other to account as well as domestic lawsuits.

Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia and recalls ambassador

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand said it is closing some border crossings with Cambodia and withdrawing its ambassador from Cambodia, as well as expelling Cambodia’s ambassador. The move comes after five Thai soldiers were wounded during a border patrol, with one losing a leg when he stepped on a land mine. The incident drew a swift response from Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who said the Foreign Ministry would make an official protest to Cambodia, and further measures would be considered. Wednesday’s incident comes days after three other Thai soldiers were wounded, with one losing a foot after stepping on a land mine, in a different area along the border. Thai authorities say that the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement were supposed to be safe.