Tricked into war: A father speaks out as police probe alleged Zuma family links to Russian recruitment

21/12/2025 14:35 France 24

South African authorities are investigating the whereabouts of around 20 African men who were allegedly misled into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. FRANCE 24 has reviewed a letter from former president Jacob Zuma, testimony from a father in Botswana and analysis from a defence expert to understand what happened to the men and who may be involved.

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Ongoing Ukraine peace talks in Miami 'constructive', Kremlin envoy says

A Kremlin envoy reported that peace talks in Florida on a US-proposed plan to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine are progressing "constructively" as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing diplomatic efforts. The talks, involving both Ukrainian and European officials, come amid sharply di...

21/12/2025 09:30 France 24

Live: French presidency ‘welcomes’ Putin's willingness to hold talks on Ukraine

The French presidency said Sunday that it welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to speak with President Emmanuel Macron over the war in Ukraine, adding that the conditions for such talks would be determined in coming days. In an interview published earlier Sunday, a Kremin spoke...

21/12/2025 07:33 France 24

MAGA civil war steals the spotlight at 'AmericaFest' conference

AmericaFest, the first major Turning Point USA conference since the murder of its founder Charlie Kirk, took place in Phoenix on Thursday – but instead of showing unity, it exposed sharp rifts within the MAGA movement over anti-Semitism, leadership, and its post-Trump future....

20/12/2025 16:46 France 24

Eight killed in Russian strike on Odessa

Russian missile strikes on port infrastructure in Odesa, southern Ukraine, killed eight people and left 27 wounded, Ukraine’s Emergency Service said Saturday morning. The strikes came as Russian envoys are set to travel to Miami to hold talks with US negotiators aimed at ending the war in Ukraine...

20/12/2025 13:11 France 24

US, Russian officials to meet in Florida for latest round of Ukraine talks

Russian officials arrived in Florida on Saturday to meet with US negotiators for the latest round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as talks between US, Ukrainian and European negotiators on Friday ended with all sides saying progress had been made on agreeing security...

20/12/2025 09:13 France 24

Ukraine strikes Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean sea

Ukraine on Friday said its drones had hit a vessel from Russia's shadow fleet – the first such strike in the neutral waters of the Mediterranean sea. Russia's shadow fleet transports sanctioned Russia oil by frequently changing flags and concealing ownership....

20/12/2025 08:08 France 24

Gaza famine over but situation 'remains critical', UN says

Improved aid access means there is no longer famine in Gaza, but the war-ravaged territory still faces emergency conditions, a UN-backed global hunger monitor said on Friday. Israel denied that there is a food shortage in Gaza, where around 1.6 million people are expected to face "crisis" levels of...

20/12/2025 07:40 France 24

Only US can persuade Russia to end Ukraine war, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Saturday said that only the US can persuade Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The comments come as Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev arrived in Miami for talks with US counterparts Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Earlier, Russian missile strikes hit port infrastr...

20/12/2025 06:29 France 24

Trump refuses to rule out war with Venezuela as US sanctions Maduro family members

US President Donald Trump refused to rule out going to war with Venezuela in an NBC interview published on Friday, days after he ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela. The Trump administration also imposed sanctions on family members and associates of Ni...

19/12/2025 21:22 France 24

Sudan: RSF kills over 1,000 civilians in Zamzam refugee camp in April, UN reports

On Thursday, the United Nations Human Rights Office released a report detailing a horrific attack on Sudan's largest refugee camp earlier this year. The document noted that over 1,000 civilians were killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April during a three-day attack on the Zamzam ref...

19/12/2025 21:21 France 24

French government warns farmers against Christmas blockades over cattle cull

The French government held talks with farmers' unions on Friday and warned against staging further blockades during the Christmas holiday season after days of angry protests over a mass cull of cows ordered in response to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease....

19/12/2025 19:28 France 24

Russia: Annual conference of Vladimir Putin

During his annual year-end news conference, which lasted four and a half hours on Friday, President Vladimir Putin highlighted that Russian forces were making progress on the battlefield in Ukraine and expressed confidence that the Kremlin would accomplish its military objectives if Kyiv refuses to...

19/12/2025 16:43 France 24

Zelensky and Putin issue warnings to each other and Europe

On December 19, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelinsky both gave addresses. In the morning, the Russian president spoke during his annual press conference, broadcast on television. He once again blamed the Ukrainian authorities for the war that has been raging for four years. A few hours later, it...

19/12/2025 16:39 France 24

Ukraine can now invest in ramping up its drone production thanks to EU loan, says Zelensky

The news that the EU will be loaning Ukraine €90 billion for the next two years is good news for the country, who is spends most of its tax revenue on defence to fight off the Russian invasion. Volodymyr Zelensky said the money will help the country invest in ramping up the production of innovati...

19/12/2025 14:27 France 24

More than 1,000 patients have died awaiting evacuation from Gaza since July 2024

The WHO and its partners have evacuated more than 10,600 patients from Gaza with severe health conditions, including more than 5,600 children, since the start of the war, the head of the UN health agency said Friday, adding that 1,092 patients are known to have died while awaiting medical evacuati...

19/12/2025 14:17 France 24

Switzerland goes bunkers as citizens revamp fallout shelters

Despite being a neutral country, Switzerland counts hundreds of thousands of fallout shelters – enough to accommodate its entire population in the event of armed conflict. This culture of civil protection is a legacy of the Cold War. Now the war in Ukraine has revived interest in Switzerland'...

19/12/2025 13:56 France 24

UN declares famine over in Gaza, says 'situation remains critical'

A famine declared in Gaza in August is now over thanks to improved access for humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Friday, but warned the food situation in the Palestinian territory remained dire....

19/12/2025 13:55 France 24

Russia's Putin says it is up to Ukraine and its allies to end hostilities

At his annual press conference on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the ball was in Kyiv and its allies' court to end the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin chief also said he was certain that Moscow would take more cities and towns in eastern Ukraine before the end of the year. ...

19/12/2025 13:14 France 24

New EU loan to Ukraine was 'not what most EU member states wanted'

EU countries have announced they will raise a joint €90 billion loan on the capital markets to financially help Ukraine. But the announcement is not the deal that most EU member states hoped for, which initially meant using frozen Russian assets. The loan will be guaranteed by the common EU budge...

19/12/2025 12:12 France 24

Rwandan stadiums, the new refuge of Sudanese football in exile

Forced into exile by the war tearing its country apart since April 2023, Sudanese football has found an unexpected new home… in Kigali. The country’s two biggest clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, have been invited to join the Rwandan Premier League for the 2025–2026 season. It’s an unpreceden...

19/12/2025 11:55 France 24

Vladimir Putin hails recent gains in Ukraine at annual press marathon

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened his year-end news conference on December 19, an event that will be closely watched for his response to the U.S.-backed peace plan for Ukraine. Putin reaffirmed that Moscow was ready for a peaceful settlement that would address the “root causes” of the con...

19/12/2025 11:18 France 24

The EU agrees to help Ukraine financially without Russian assets

All eyes were on Brussels as EU leaders met for a make-or-break summit to find a way to lend billions of euros to Ukraine. But as Belgium pushed back against the use of frozen Russian assets, demanding guarantees against potential repercussions from Russia, the EU settled on another plan: a €90...

19/12/2025 11:12 France 24

EU leaders agree on €90 billion loan to Ukraine as 'plan B' to use of Russian assets

European Union leaders agreed on December 19 to provide a €90 billion interest-free loan to Ukraine. The joint borrowing will cover two-thirds of the country's financial needs for the next two years. Although hailed by several European leaders as a clear sign that the block stays behind Ukraine,...

19/12/2025 10:19 France 24

Live: Vladimir Putin says Russia advancing on all parts of front, praises gains in Ukraine

19/12/2025 09:40 France 24

EU agrees to €90 billion loan for Ukraine, without frozen Russian assets

European leaders on Friday decided to finance Ukraine's war effort for at least two years through a joint loan of €90 billion, without resorting to Russian assets due to a lack of agreement. Kyiv was at risk of running out of money as early as the first quarter of 2026....

19/12/2025 07:59 France 24

EU targets 41 additional vessels in Russia's shadow fleet

The European Union on Thursday imposed sanctions on 41 more ships in Russia's shadow fleet, taking the total of designated vessels to almost 600. The EU has imposed 19 packages of sanctions against Russia so far, but Moscow has managed to adapt to most measures and is still selling millions of barr...

18/12/2025 21:33 France 24

Trump administration imposes sanctions on two more ICC judges for investigating Israel

The International Criminal Court slammed a "flagrant attack" on its independence on Thursday after the United States imposed sanctions on two more judges over their role in investigating Israeli officials for possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC...

18/12/2025 21:16 France 24

'This night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader'

As discussions on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine continue at the EU summit in Brussels, Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko tells FRANCE 24 that 'this evening, this night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader or fear of Russia will win' adding that 'this is a decision not o...

18/12/2025 20:30 France 24

Decision time in Brussels: Will EU ignore threats and seize frozen Russian assets?

Some brand it "the most crucial EU summit" since the financial crisis of 2008; a last chance to stave off bankruptcy for a Ukrainian government that might run out of money by the end of spring. But where will the money come from? ...

18/12/2025 19:21 France 24

Ukraine: Kharkiv tries to give its youngest a normal life

Only forty kilometres away from Russia, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv is a regular target of Russian air attacks. Still, it tries to give its children and teenagers a somewhat normal life. #ukraine #ukrainewar #russia...

18/12/2025 16:09 France 24

BREAKING NEWS

21/12 14:40 - Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, one of last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, dies aged 105 21/12 14:35 - Tricked into war: A father speaks out as police probe alleged Zuma family links to Russian recruitment 21/12 14:00 - Sweden and Germany slash aid budgets to focus on Ukraine and defence spending 21/12 13:00 - Sea change: the drive to restore millions of oysters on the Norfolk coast 21/12 12:11 - Palestinian family left homeless after house collapses in storm-hit Gaza 21/12 12:11 - Palestinian family left homeless after house collapses in storm-hit Gaza 21/12 11:33 - Alarm over ‘exploding’ rise in use of sanctions-busting shadow fleet 21/12 11:15 - Russia-Ukraine war may “grind on for another 12 to 18 months” 21/12 11:15 - Russia-Ukraine war may “grind on for another 12 to 18 months” 21/12 11:12 - Orban mocks Kallas with Hitler comparison 21/12 10:19 - Starmer will ‘absolutely’ still be prime minister by next Christmas, says Labour chair – UK politics live 21/12 09:30 - Ongoing Ukraine peace talks in Miami 'constructive', Kremlin envoy says 21/12 09:16 - Pre-Quiz WARNING: You Must Have An IQ Of 140+ To Pass This Law Vocabulary Test 21/12 07:33 - Live: French presidency ‘welcomes’ Putin's willingness to hold talks on Ukraine 21/12 05:01 - People Who “Hate" Being Cold Swear By These Products, And You Will Too 21/12 03:08 - US, Russian officials meet in Miami for talks on Ukraine war 21/12 03:08 - US, Russian officials meet in Miami for talks on Ukraine war 21/12 02:38 - How Venezuela Went From U.S. Ally to Trump Target 21/12 00:55 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,396 21/12 00:55 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,396 21/12 00:33 - Reuters spreads lies and propaganda to prolong Ukraine conflict – Gabbard 20/12 23:31 - Putin envoy touts ‘constructive’ talks in Miami 20/12 23:31 - Only True Spice Lovers Can Identify These Hot Sauce Brands From Their Logos Alone 20/12 22:50 - If You Know The Best Part Of The Coldest Season Is The Warm Food We Get To Enjoy...You'll Probably Struggle To Declare One Comfort Food The Winner 20/12 21:16 - I Must WARN You...This '90s Movie Quiz Covers All Genres — Is Your Movie IQ Well-Rounded Enough To Pass It? 20/12 21:10 - EU loan to Ukraine pushing bloc ‘into war’ with Russia – Orban 20/12 19:25 - Giving the Nobel Peace Prize to warmongers is a crime that’s gone on too long 20/12 19:11 - US seizes another tanker off Venezuela - as Brazil issues warning 20/12 17:12 - With Attacks on Oil Tankers, Ukraine Takes Aim at Russia’s War Financing 20/12 17:08 - US views EU as an ‘impotent force’ after failed Russian asset grab – Economist 20/12 17:01 - 33 Weirdly Adorable Products That You’ll Imprint On When They Arrive 20/12 16:46 - MAGA civil war steals the spotlight at 'AmericaFest' conference 20/12 15:05 - Hezbollah Is Down, but Not Out, as Lebanon Faces Pressure to Disarm It 20/12 14:29 - U.S. and Venezuela Jam Caribbean GPS Signals to Thwart Attacks, Raising Flight Hazard 20/12 13:39 - Dover ferry delays hit Christmas travellers after French border IT failure 20/12 13:11 - Eight killed in Russian strike on Odessa 20/12 11:29 - Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odesa kills at least 8 as peace talks lumber on 20/12 11:29 - Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odesa kills at least 8 as peace talks lumber on 20/12 11:20 - EU taxpayers to foot €3bn yearly for Ukraine loan – Politico 20/12 10:02 - Rubio cracks Putin jokes with journalists (VIDEO) 20/12 09:13 - US, Russian officials to meet in Florida for latest round of Ukraine talks 20/12 09:05 - Orban casts himself and allies as ‘EU Ghostbusters’ (VIDEO) 20/12 08:16 - People Who Have Experienced Alzheimer's Disease Up Close Are Sharing The Early Warning Signs They Wish They'd Known Earlier 20/12 08:08 - Ukraine strikes Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean sea 20/12 08:00 - UK aid cuts take 40% from funds to counter Russian threat in western Balkans 20/12 07:40 - Gaza famine over but situation 'remains critical', UN says 20/12 07:25 - US pushes for ceasefire in Sudan’s civil war as Kordofan violence escalates 20/12 07:25 - US pushes for ceasefire in Sudan’s civil war as Kordofan violence escalates 20/12 06:29 - Only US can persuade Russia to end Ukraine war, Zelensky says 20/12 01:26 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,395 20/12 01:26 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,395 20/12 01:02 - High Winds in Denver Prompt Warnings About Dangerous Fire Risk 20/12 00:00 - Rosenberg: Was Putin's response to my question about war in Europe an olive branch? 19/12 23:42 - US bombs Syria in retaliation for American deaths 19/12 23:17 - Five key takeaways from US State Secretary Rubio’s year-end briefing 19/12 23:17 - Five key takeaways from US State Secretary Rubio’s year-end briefing 19/12 21:43 - Putin vows no more wars if West treats Russia with respect 19/12 21:22 - Trump refuses to rule out war with Venezuela as US sanctions Maduro family members 19/12 21:21 - Sudan: RSF kills over 1,000 civilians in Zamzam refugee camp in April, UN reports 19/12 20:37 - To Secure Money for Ukraine, Europe Had to Resort to a Messy Compromise 19/12 19:34 - Real or Fake? There’s a War Over Christmas … Trees. 19/12 19:28 - French government warns farmers against Christmas blockades over cattle cull 19/12 19:21 - Is Russia’s war on Ukraine coming to an end? Putin won’t say 19/12 19:21 - Is Russia’s war on Ukraine coming to an end? Putin won’t say 19/12 19:12 - Trump and top aides refuse to rule out war with Venezuela 19/12 19:10 - Pro-Palestinian hunger strikers face death in jail, doctors say 19/12 19:10 - Pro-Palestinian hunger strikers face death in jail, doctors say 19/12 19:06 - Putin didn't sound like he will alter his course anytime soon in annual TV address 19/12 19:00 - New leader says Unison will end support for ‘destructive’ Labour right wing 19/12 18:57 - Belgian PM mocks Politico after being labelled ‘Russia’s most valuable asset’ 19/12 18:51 - Prof. Schlevogt’s Compass No. 36: Moscow’s winter miracle – Reclaiming Christmas as civic art 19/12 18:45 - Rubio says ‘progress but ways to go’ in efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war 19/12 18:45 - Rubio says ‘progress but ways to go’ in efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war 19/12 18:42 - Germany to reach record deficit since reunification – Bundesbank 19/12 18:34 - India beat South Africa as warm up for T20 World Cup defence pounds forward 19/12 18:34 - India beat South Africa as warm up for T20 World Cup defence pounds forward 19/12 18:23 - Ukraine 'hits Russian tanker in Mediterranean Sea for first time' 19/12 18:22 - Foreign prison officers exempted from stricter visa rules 19/12 18:15 - Putin tells BBC Western leaders deceived Russia 19/12 18:03 - EU member rejects further funding for Ukrainian military 19/12 18:02 - What will Trump do to protect the Gaza ceasefire deal? 19/12 18:02 - What will Trump do to protect the Gaza ceasefire deal? 19/12 18:01 - If Your Home’s Insulation Is Lackluster, Try These 31 Products To Keep You Warmer This Winter 19/12 17:58 - Gaza no longer in famine but hunger levels remain critical, UN says 19/12 17:43 - With New E.U. Loan, Ukraine Avoids Budget Crunch and Can Plan War Effort 19/12 17:30 - Zelenskyy and Polish PM hail EU’s €90bn loan: ‘Scariest thing for Russians is when we’re together’ – as it happened 19/12 16:48 - E.U. agrees to loan Ukraine $105B after bid to use Russian assets fails 19/12 16:43 - Russia: Annual conference of Vladimir Putin 19/12 16:39 - Zelensky and Putin issue warnings to each other and Europe 19/12 16:16 - Ros Atkins on… The alleged links between the UAE and Sudan's civil war 19/12 14:41 - Europe to Lend $105 Billion to Ukraine, Without Touching Russian Funds 19/12 14:37 - Ukraine attacks Russian ‘shadow’ tanker off Libyan coast 19/12 14:34 - Rogue tankers in Singapore: What are shadow fleets and who uses them? 19/12 14:34 - Rogue tankers in Singapore: What are shadow fleets and who uses them? 19/12 14:27 - Ukraine can now invest in ramping up its drone production thanks to EU loan, says Zelensky 19/12 14:17 - More than 1,000 patients have died awaiting evacuation from Gaza since July 2024 19/12 14:14 - Moscow’s narrative wobbles as Ukraine takes back Kupiansk 19/12 14:14 - Moscow’s narrative wobbles as Ukraine takes back Kupiansk 19/12 14:08 - Trump says war with Venezuela is possible – US politics live 19/12 14:02 - Putin says Europe out of step with an increasingly Moscow-friendly U.S.