News
*) Russia calls US troop deployment in Ukraine standoff 'destructive' step With Russia refusing to pull back troops from near Ukraine's borders, the US has decided to deploy 3,000 troops to bolster NATO forces. Russia says the move will increase military tensions and reduce the chances of a political decision on the Ukraine issue. Intense diplomatic efforts between the West and Russia are under way to defuse tensions. As the West looks to mount pressure on Russia, the Kremlin says it has China’s support. *) Turkiye's Erdogan visits Ukraine Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ukraine on Thursday. Erdogan and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will discuss possibilities for deepening cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. They are also expected to sign various agreements and memoranda of understanding. Erdogan has previously said Turkiye does not want a war between Russia and Ukraine and hopes the ongoing standoff will be resolved peacefully. Banks can transfer aid money to Afghanistan: US International banks can transfer money to Afghanistan for humanitarian purposes, the US has said. Billions of dollars in Afghan central bank reserves and international aid were frozen to prevent it from falling into Taliban hands. The United Nations and aid groups have been struggling to get enough money into the country to fund operations. Aid groups can now make direct payments to healthcare workers and teachers in public hospitals and schools. *) UAE destroys 'hostile' drones in its airspace The UAE says it has destroyed three drones that penetrated its airspace over unpopulated areas. The Gulf state has faced several attacks in the past few weeks, including a missile attack during a visit by Israel's president. Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for those attacks. The US says it is sending fighter jets to assist the UAE following the missile attacks. And finally … *) Nadal says 21 Grand Slam titles 'not enough' Rafael Nadal has said he is still not satisfied with his 21 Grand Slam titles following his historic triumph at the Australian Open. His victory took him to the top of the all-time men's list, and one clear of the 20 titles won by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. "...I don't think 21 is enough to be honest. But you never know what will happen in the future," Nadal said at a press conference.