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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

America and Russia concluded four hours of talks in Saudi Arabia,

during which they discussed the war in Ukraine.

Volodymy Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, was not invited.

Later, when asked why Mr. Zelensky had been excluded,

Donald Trump called him grossly incompetent,

blamed him for prolonging the war and retorted,

where is all the money that's been given?

Then he suggested that Ukraine hold elections.

Mr. Trump's administration said that America's schools and universities

have less than two weeks to end all diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding.

The Department of Education said that institutions should, quote, cease illegal use of race

in areas such as admissions, promotions and scholarships.

On Monday, America's government cut $600 million in funding to groups that train teachers on concepts like DEI.

Israel withdrew its troops from southern Lebanon but stayed in five strategic positions,

only partially fulfilling the terms of a ceasefire agreement.

...