Politics
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine to be legitimate targets


- Dozen countries vow to join “reassurance” force in Ukraine.
- Deployment of force not conducive to long-term peace: Putin.
- He says Moscow will comply with deals if they’re reached.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces deployed to Ukraine would be a “legitimate” target for Moscow’s army, a day after Kyiv’s allies said they had committed to a troop presence in the event of a peace deal.
Two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged Thursday to join a “reassurance” force on land, at sea and in the air to patrol any deal.
“If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said at an economic forum in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.
He added that the deployment of such a force was not conducive to long-term peace and said Ukraine’s closer military ties with the West were one of what he calls the “root causes” of the conflict.
Ukraine’s allies have not revealed any specific details of the plan, including how many troops it would involve and how specific countries would contribute.
Kyiv says security guarantees, backed by Western troops, are crucial to any peace deal to ensure Russia does not re-launch its offensive in the future.
Tens of thousands have been killed since Moscow launched its offensive in February 2022, forcing millions from their homes and destroying much of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.
“If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.
“Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full,” he said.
Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv’s army in the east of the country.
Politics
Trump says India and Russia appear ‘lost’ to China


US President Donald Trump on Friday said India and Russia seem to have been “lost” to China after their leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, highlighting his split from New Delhi and Moscow as Beijing pushes a new world order.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote in a social media post accompanying a photo of the three other world leaders together at Xi’s summit in China.

Asked about Trump’s post, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi that he had no comment.
Representatives for Beijing and Moscow could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform.
Xi hosted more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Putin and Modi were see holding hands at the summit as they walked toward Xi before all three men stood side by side.
Modi’s warming ties with China comes as Trump has chilled US-India ties amid trade tensions and other disputes. Trump earlier this week said he was “very disappointed” in Putin but not worried about growing Russia-China ties.
Politics
Six Flags Qiddiya City to redefine entertainment with world’s tallest roller coaster


Six Flags Qiddiya City is set to be Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags amusement park and a hallmark attraction within the broader Qiddiya City entertainment mega-development outside Riyadh. Qiddiya City is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, a bold initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and establishing the kingdom as a global leader in tourism.
Developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company in partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the park is scheduled to open in late 2025. This park is designed to become a centre for entertainment, sports, and the arts. Six Flags runs theme parks across the US and in Canada, Mexico, and China. The original park was founded in Texas in 1961 and themed on the six flags that once flew over the state.
The ambitious project represents a multibillion-dollar investment to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and attract millions of visitors annually. As a testament to Qiddiya’s commitments, both parks are set to create thousands of jobs, nurturing local talent and enhancing the attractions industry within the kingdom.
Key features at a glance
Record-breaking rides
The park will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands, including five world-record rides:
Falcon’s flight: The star of the show — poised to be the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Height: approximately 195 metres (639 feet)
- Top speed: up to 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Track length: around 4.2km
Other record-setting attractions include:
Sirocco Tower: Tallest free-standing shot tower ride
- Gyrospin: Tallest pendulum ride
- Spitfire: Tallest triple-launch coaster (in “Valley of Fortune”)
- Iron Rattler: Tallest tilted coaster
Six immersive themed lands
The Citadel: The central hub beneath a Bedouin-style canopy; houses eateries, shops, and entertainment zones
City of Thrills: High-adrenaline attractions including Falcon’s Flight and Sirocco Tower
Discovery Springs: A lush, water-themed oasis with waterfalls and rainforest-style relief
Valley of Fortune: Adventure amid ancient Arabian ruins, featuring Spitfire, Skywatch, Treasure Trail, and Canyon Charters
Grand Exposition: A celebrated showcase inspired by World Expos, featuring Gyrospin, the wooden-steel hybrid coaster Colossus, Arabian Carousel, Expo Flyer, and bumper rides.
Steam Town and Twilight Gardens are also featured, though details are less public; Steam Town likely focuses on mechanical-themed thrills while Twilight Gardens offers family-friendly wonder.
Family and amenities
Offers a mix of thrilling rides and 18 family-friendly attractions.
Amenities include 27 international F&B outlets, 24 retail shops, a baby care center, and day-long entertainment shows.
Sustainability and economic impact
Over 80% of operational waste will be recycled.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the park aims to drive tourism, diversify the economy, and create thousands of jobs.
Integrated with Aquarabia Water Park
Aquarabia Water Theme Park will make a splash with 22 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest water coaster and the world’s tallest double-loop water slide. The water park will welcome guests to eight themed areas, including Surftopia, featuring Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool. Together, these attractions will set a new standard for family-friendly entertainment in the region.
Both parks are designed as a walkable, interconnected entertainment district.
Operator partnership: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the official operator, bringing its global expertise to manage both the theme park and Aquarabia. Brian Machamer leads the operations of both parks.
Politics
Russian President warns: Western troops in Ukraine can be attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces sent to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target for Moscow’s military. His remarks came a day after Kyiv’s allies confirmed plans to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached.
On Thursday, two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to join a “reassurance” force across land, sea, and air to monitor any agreement.
Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, “If some troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets.”
He added that the deployment of such forces would not support long-term peace and cited Ukraine’s growing military ties with the West as one of the “root causes” of the conflict.
Ukraine’s allies have not provided detailed information about the plan, including troop numbers or each country’s specific role.
Kyiv maintains that security guarantees backed by Western forces are essential to prevent Russia from restarting its offensive.
Since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of eastern and southern Ukraine has been devastated.
Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.
“If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.
“Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full,” he said.
Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv’s army in the east of the country.
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