Russia fires barrage at Ukrainian cities as next round of US-brokered talks is unclear

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has attacked Ukrainian cities again overnight as Ukraine accuses Russia of dragging its feet on new U.S.-brokered peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Washington is proposing talks next week in Miami or in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. He says Ukraine confirms it can attend but Russia is hesitating. Zelenskyy says major disputes still block a deal, including issues of occupied land and security guarantees. He also says Russia is ignoring a proposed ceasefire that impacts the energy sector. Ukraine’s air force said on Thursday that Russia fired drones and missiles at Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odesa. Officials report injuries, damaged homes and major heating outages in the Ukrainian capital.

Indian unions and farmers stage a nationwide strike over interim trade deal with US

NEW DELHI (AP) — A broad coalition of unions and farmers in India has held a one-day national strike against an interim trade deal with the United States. The strike Thursday disrupted some public services and factory work. Protest leaders say the pact harms small farmers, workers and local businesses. Opposition lawmakers in parliament demanded the deal be scrapped. Union leaders say the deal opens India to subsidized American farm products. They also condemn privatization and new labor codes. The government defends the pact and says it protects farmers. U.S. and Indian officials say the framework lowers tariffs and deepens ties.

Syria says its forces have taken over al-Tanf base after a handover from the US

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrian government forces have taken over the al-Tanf base in eastern Syria, a site the U.S. military has run for years. Syria’s Defense Ministry says the handover happened in coordination with U.S. troops. It says Syrian forces are now securing the base and its perimeter. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to an AP request for comment. Syria says it has moved troops into the surrounding desert. It says border guards will deploy in coming days. The shift follows a deal with the Kurdish-led Strategic Defense Forces. The base once played a key role against the Islamic State group.

2 Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid dock in Cuba

HAVANA (AP) — Mexico has sent two navy ships with humanitarian aid to Cuba as tighter U.S. pressure worsens the island’s energy crisis. On Thursday, the ships carried large loads of food, hygiene supplies and powdered milk. Mexico says one ship brought about 536 tons of items like rice, beans, canned fish and oil. Mexico says the second ship carried over 277 tons of powdered milk. President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico is providing aid while talks continue on oil supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Cuba is reporting blackouts and broad disruption from sanctions.