## Russia becomes first country to recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government

Authored by kyivindependent.com

Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban as the ruling government of Afghanistan on July 3, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced.

The Taliban, an Islamist militant group, seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, toppling the Western-backed government.

Russian state media outlet TASS reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the final decision based on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In recent years, Moscow has expanded engagement with the Taliban, deepening trade ties and investing in Afghan infrastructure.

The Taliban also regularly participates in Russian economic and educational forums.

Putin has previously referred to the Taliban as "allies," while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called them "sane people.".

The Taliban, however, continues to enforce strict Islamic law, banning women from education, restricting social interactions, and carrying out the public stoning of women to death. »

### Trump says he 'didn't make any progress' with Putin following phone call

Authored by kyivindependent.com

We talked about a lot of things," Trump said ahead of his flight to an Iowa event.

When asked if he had made any progress with Putin on the call, Trump responded: "No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all.".

The president described Trump and Putin as "completely different people" but emphasized that only Putin makes decisions in Russia. »

### Republicans Just Voted to Do Immoral and Irreparable Harm to the United States

Authored by thenation.com

Politics / Republicans Just Voted to Do Immoral and Irreparable Harm to the United States The GOP chose to betray both morality and economic common sense by approving Trump’s one big, ugly bill.

“From the Gospel of Matthew,” began the Virginia Democrat, who read aloud from the floor of the House:.

Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of my brothers, you have done it unto me. »

### In landmark ruling, same-sex couple recognized as family by Ukrainian court

Authored by kyivindependent.com

Ukraine does not currently recognize same-sex marriages or partnerships, and this court ruling may serve as a critical legal milestone in expanding rights for LGBTQ families.

The court ruled on June 10 that their relationship constitutes a de facto marriage, establishing them as a family under Ukrainian law.

In its decision, the court cited both the Ukrainian Constitution and precedents from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which requires states to ensure legal recognition and protection for same-sex families. »

### ‘Everyone is welcome’ classroom sign violates new Idaho law, state’s attorney general says

Authored by mercurynews.com

A classroom banner declaring that “everyone is welcome” has been declared illegal under a new Idaho statute.

The storebought sign in the sixth-grade classroom of teacher Sarah Inama stated “Everyone is welcome here” over images of raised hands of different skin tones.

In January of this year, an administrator told Inama to remove the banner, saying it violated the district’s “content-neutral” policy on classroom displays. »

## In pictures

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