Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner swap on Saturday, exchanging 103 prisoners from each side in a deal brokered by the UAE. The Russians were captured during Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, while some Ukrainians had been held since the fall of Azovstal steel plant in 2022. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the release, with 82 privates and 21 officers returning home. Meanwhile, Russia reported receiving its servicemen and relocating them to Belarus for assistance. Despite ongoing fighting, such exchanges have been mediated by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey throughout the conflict.

As the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death nears, Iranian cities see an increasing number of women defying mandatory hijab laws. Despite intensified government crackdowns and new repressive measures, social media shows women walking without headscarves, particularly in the evenings. This change, sparked by the 2022 protests over Amini’s death, continues despite threats from morality police. New President Masoud Pezeshkian promised reform, but the Supreme Leader maintains strict policies. The shift highlights growing dissent and evolving social norms in Iran.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden held strategic talks in Washington on Ukraine but refrained from making a decision regarding Kyiv's request to fire long-range missiles into Russia. While addressing reporters, Starmer emphasized that the discussion focused on broader strategy, not specific actions. Both leaders expressed concerns about Iran and North Korea supplying weapons to Russia. Despite Russian President Putin’s warnings of NATO's direct involvement, Western nations remain cautious in authorizing missile use within Russian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a strong warning as Western nations prepare to lift restrictions on Kyiv’s use of long-range cruise missiles. If Ukraine targets Russia with these weapons, Putin stated it would mark NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict, escalating tensions. The UK has reportedly already removed limitations on its Storm Shadow missiles, while the U.S. is expected to follow with ATACMS. Friday’s summit between U.S. President Biden and UK PM Sir Keir Starmer is expected to finalize the plan, with details possibly revealed at the UN General Assembly later this month.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting US President Joe Biden in Washington to discuss allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles against targets in Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pushing for permission to use long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows. While the US may approve missile use, it insists the weapons must not be provided by the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that such actions would escalate the conflict. The talks follow US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Kyiv.

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his partner facing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse from multiple individuals. The accusers claim they were promised modeling opportunities, but instead experienced coercive and illicit activities. One alleged victim, Luke, recounts a 2011 encounter in a Spanish hotel, where he found a dimly lit room with erotic photos and Abercrombie & Fitch-clad assistants. The allegations mirror previous concerns about Jeffries' behavior during his 1992-2014 tenure. Authorities are investigating the claims. Abercrombie & Fitch has not commented on the latest allegations. The company previously faced criticism for Jeffries' leadership and company culture.

King Charles III welcomed New Zealand's women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, to Buckingham Palace ahead of their test match against England's Red Roses. The team, in London for a showdown at Twickenham Stadium, met with the King and senior rugby officials. The King was introduced to the Black Ferns' captains and 28-player squad, including support staff. In a heartwarming moment, the team surprised the King with a group hug.

US President Joe Biden is resisting pressure to allow American-made ATACMS long-range missiles to be used inside Russian territory, fearing it could escalate conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, Biden is likely to approve the use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, assisted by American targeting technology. This decision follows discussions with UK leader Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at lifting the ban on using Storm Shadows beyond Ukraine. Ukraine argues that firing these missiles into Russia would disrupt supply lines and target bombers attacking Ukrainian forces. ATACMS missiles, with a range of 190 miles, would provide Ukraine similar capabilities.

During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, US President Joe Biden lost his temper with a British reporter who questioned him about Vladimir Putin's threat regarding Ukraine's use of long-range missiles. Biden told the Sky News correspondent to "be quiet" and said, "I am going to make a statement here." After the meeting, Biden downplayed Putin's threat, stating, "I don't think much about Vladimir Putin." In his remarks with Starmer, Biden reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, asserting that Putin will not prevail in the war and that the US is committed to aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Pope Francis urged American Catholics to "choose the lesser evil" in the upcoming US elections, criticizing both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Speaking on his flight from Singapore to Rome, the Pope condemned Harris’s support for abortion rights, calling it an "assassination," and denounced Trump’s plan to deport millions of immigrants as a "grave" sin. The Pope’s remarks are seen as a surprising intervention in US politics, as he advised voters to make their choices based on moral considerations. His comments come as the November elections approach, highlighting his concerns over the ethical implications of the candidates' positions.