US pauses Russia sanctions, France erupts in protest, Gulf and Yemen fighting widens
Cost-of-living protests drew more than half a million people in France on Saturday and turned violent, while Washington's 60-day pause on Russia sanctions drew bipartisan criticism as Russia struck Ukraine's power plants. Fighting around Taiz in Yemen and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia continued, and mines hit two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
More than half a million people joined protests across France on Saturday, and disorder involving clashes, looting and fires led to hundreds of arrests. Witnesses say masked protesters set fire to Limoges town hall, which officials say is now "largely lost". Demonstrations over living costs also spread to Belgium, Italy and Portugal, and US Vice President JD Vance blamed immigration for the violence.
Rubio said Trump's waiver of sanctions and tariffs on Russia would last 60 days, a move that drew bipartisan criticism and fears in Ukraine of further easing. Zelensky called it a "reward" for Putin and said Moscow launched one of its worst strikes yet on power plants ahead of winter. Early on Sunday, video on social media showed explosions in St Petersburg after a suspected Ukrainian drone swarm attack.
Saudi-led forces say they struck several Houthi positions around Taiz to break the siege, while the coalition intercepted four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the south. Reports say the UAE will resume payments to some Yemeni government forces in return for Saudi air cover. Egypt's Sisi is seeking authorisation to help defend Saudi Arabia "if it is requested of us".
Sudan's army says it killed dozens of RSF fighters in an attack on Nyala. The RSF accuses the army of killing 30 civilians at the city's busy livestock market.
Kenya confirmed four more Ebola cases, including three health workers, bringing its total to seven. In DR Congo, children account for more than a quarter of deaths in the deadliest outbreak, caused by a strain with no approved treatment. A Phase 1 trial of a vaccine candidate has begun in Uganda, and Pennsylvania reported 1,222 measles cases.
Rubio called for a crackdown on settler violence, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the attack on the US journalist a "despicable act of terror". Settlers also beat a French mayor and attacked European diplomatic vehicles, according to France 24. Israeli drone attacks killed six Palestinians in Gaza despite the ceasefire.
Canada's defence minister said people were killed and injured at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, with no cause given. A stampede at a festival in Kolkata killed at least 17, police said, and a fire at a Cox's Bazar beach resort killed ten.