Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska posed for Vogue magazine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
While Vogue described the cover as a 'portrait of bravery', many called it 'insensitive and pandering to Western influence'.
It created a buzz on social media, with many users calling the digital cover "beautiful" and a "powerful image".
Vogue has also posted the image of Zelenska as its latest digital cover star, calling it "portrait of bravery". She has also posed for photographs along soldiers and wreckage in other images released by Vogue on its Instagram handle.
"As the war in Ukraine enters a critical new phase, the country's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, has become a key player - a frontline diplomat and the face of her nation's emotional toll," Vogue said on its Instagram handle.
The fashion magazine said that her full profile will be available in the October issue.
"During a way, you either shoot your opponent or get shot...by Vogue," a Twitter user commented. "Priorities. I'm sure the dudes in the trenches appreciate the effort the Zelensky's are putting into stopping the war. A Vogue cover will help, for sure. Slava Ukraini," tweeted another.
Many also criticised Zelensky's priorities and see the move as insensitive and pandering to Western influence.
"Massive amount of ukrainian soldiers dying every day, Zelensky : lets have a vogue shooting," one wrote on Twitter.
"Nothing to see here, just #Zelensky wife taking part in a Vogue photoshoot. What else would you be doing in the middle of a "war zone"?," another wrote.
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"Zelensky is such a fraud I swear to god what are we doing here I'm not risking WWIII for a Vogue shoot," another said.
"Zelensky is "fighting for his life" in Ukraine but has time to meet with Hollywood celebrities and corrupt politicians, preach about the need to transition to "green energy," and appear in Vogue magazine. Put the war on hold while I pose for photoshoots. It's always been a scam," a Twitter user said.
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On the war front, the fate of Ukraine's second biggest power plant was hanging in the balance on Wednesday (27) after Russian-backed forces claimed to have captured it intact, but Kyiv did not confirm its seizure, saying only that fighting was under way nearby.
Seizing the Soviet-era coal-fired Vuhlehirsk power plant in eastern Ukraine would be Moscow's first strategic gain in more than three weeks in what it calls its "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" its neighbour.
As many as 5,237 civilians including 358 children have been killed since the start of the Ukraine war on February 24.
Taliban security personnel on a Soviet-era tank ride towards the border, during clashes between Taliban security personnel and Pakistani border forces, in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province on October 15, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to an “immediate ceasefire” after talks in Doha.
At least 10 Afghans killed in Pakistani air strikes before the truce.
Both countries to meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
Taliban and Pakistan pledge to respect each other’s sovereignty.
PAKISTAN and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following talks in Doha, after Pakistani air strikes killed at least 10 Afghans and ended an earlier truce.
The two countries have been engaged in heavy border clashes for more than a week, marking their worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
A 48-hour truce had briefly halted the fighting, which has killed dozens of troops and civilians, before it broke down on Friday.
After the talks in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry said early on Sunday that “the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries”.
The ministry added that both sides would hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire remains in place.
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and said the two sides would meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
“Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty,” Asif posted on social media.
Afghanistan’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also confirmed the “signing of an agreement”.
“It was decided that both countries will not carry out any acts of hostility against each other,” he wrote on X on Sunday.
“Neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.”
The defence ministers shared a photo on X showing them shaking hands after signing the agreement.
Security tensions
The clashes have centred on security concerns.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks, mainly near its 2,600-kilometre border with Afghanistan.
Islamabad claims that groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from “sanctuaries” inside Afghanistan, a claim the Taliban government denies.
The recent violence began on October 11, days after explosions in Kabul during a visit by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India.
The Taliban then launched attacks along parts of the southern border, prompting Pakistan to threaten a strong response.
Ahead of the Doha talks, a senior Taliban official told AFP that Pakistan had bombed three areas in Paktika province late Friday, warning that Kabul would retaliate.
A hospital official in Paktika said that 10 civilians, including two children, were killed and 12 others injured in the strikes. Three cricket players were among the dead.
Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Taliban forces had been ordered to hold fire “to maintain the dignity and integrity of its negotiating team”.
Saadullah Torjan, a minister in Spin Boldak in Afghanistan’s south, said: “For now, the situation is returning to normal.”
“But there is still a state of war, and people are afraid.”
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