Omar El Sayed - World Editor

“They were laughing. I was really petrified.” Those are the words of Juliette Bryant, a South African woman who says she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein in 2002, as recounted to Sky News. Bryant’s account details a harrowing journey from Cape Town to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, and reveals the extent to which Epstein’s trafficking network reached across continents.

Bryant, then a 20-year-aged university student and aspiring model, was recruited by Epstein while he was in Cape Town accompanying Bill Clinton on an AIDS awareness trip, alongside actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. She was initially lured by the promise of financial stability for her struggling family. Three weeks after meeting Epstein, she found herself on a flight to New York, her first trip outside of South Africa.

The journey quickly turned sinister. Shortly after arriving in New York, Bryant was directed to a private jet bound for Epstein’s Caribbean island. Onboard, she alleges, were Epstein and the women who had initially recruited her in Cape Town. “He patted the chair next to him… and then I went and sat there. It was such a confusing situation for a young person to be in,” Bryant told Sky News. She described being sexually assaulted during the flight, while the women who had brought her there laughed.

Bryant’s experience highlights the psychological manipulation employed by Epstein and his associates. She described feeling “handcuffed invisibly,” trapped by a sense of obligation and fear. She stated she did not disclose the abuse to her family until after Epstein’s death in 2019.

Flight details contained within the Epstein files, as reported by Sky News, corroborate the pattern of young women being transported from Cape Town to locations including London, Atlanta, and New York up until late 2018. While Bryant states she was not trafficked to other men, she alleges repeated sexual abuse by Epstein himself during stays at his properties in New York, Palm Beach, Paris, and New Mexico. She also encountered women and underage girls from Brazil, Romania, France, and Spain at these locations.

Bryant documented her time with Epstein by taking photographs with disposable cameras she found on his island, capturing a stark contrast between posed smiles and moments of profound loneliness. She described feeling utterly trapped, stating, “There was no way of getting away… They had my passport and by then we had landed on one of the Caribbean islands and then were taken on a helicopter to his island. There was just no way of getting away.”

The recent release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, despite redaction failures, has forced Bryant to confront her trauma repeatedly as her emails to Epstein were published unredacted. These emails, sent between 2008 and 2017, were often written when she was “drinking or having a bit of a breakdown,” according to Bryant, who believes Epstein fostered a sense of surveillance that compelled her to contact him. “I have nothing to hide,” she said, adding that the publicity surrounding Epstein “confuses people because obviously the man had a terrible grip on my mind.”

Bryant continues to grapple with the psychological aftermath of her abuse, and the constant re-emergence of Epstein’s name in the news. She is currently piecing together the full scope of Epstein’s network, while navigating her recovery.

Indian musician Udit Saxena is contributing to a significant cultural exchange with Russia, participating in both celebratory performances and a forthcoming epic musical project. Saxena’s involvement highlights a growing artistic collaboration between India and Russia, underscored by recent performances honoring historical ties and a new musical endeavor poised for release in 2026.

Saxena’s recent work includes performing at Russia’s 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in 2025, representing India among 18 nations. He sang wartime songs in Russian, translated into his native language, an experience he described as “surreal” and “soul-stirring.” This participation builds on a broader trend of cultural diplomacy between the two countries, marked by artistic exchanges and shared commemorations. Saxena is also lending his musical talents to “Королёк моей любви” (Korolyok moyey lyubvi), a Russian epic set to be released in 2026, where he will feature on five songs.

The Victory Day performance, held in Moscow, involved rehearsals and immersion in Russian culture, fostering connections with artists from around the globe. Saxena shared his experience on LinkedIn, noting the warmth of the Russian people and the opportunity to connect with fellow musicians. His LinkedIn post details the profound impact of the experience, emphasizing the power of music to transcend borders.

Musical Collaboration: “Королёк моей любви”

Saxena’s contribution to “Королёк моей любви” involves singing compositions by Nick Saveliev, Oddy Newmel, and Zurab Matua, alongside fellow Indian musicians Aseem Sharma and Hargun Kaur. The project, written by Vanit Bakshi and directed by Weisbergfilms, represents a significant undertaking in Russian epic storytelling. A Facebook post from Saxena reveals the teaser for the project is now available, with a full release planned for 2026.

Bakshi, also credited as the lyricist for the epic, has a separate musical project, “Daddy Ji,” featuring music by Saxena. The song is available on YouTube, showcasing the collaborative relationship between the two artists.

Victory Day Performance and Indo-Russian Relations

Saxena’s performance at the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, as reported on his Facebook page and Instagram, took place in May 2025. The event commemorated the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, a pivotal moment in Russian history. India’s participation, with Saxena representing the nation, underscores the continued strategic partnership between India and Russia, which has seen increased cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, and cultural exchange. The celebrations included artists from 18 nations, highlighting Russia’s efforts to foster international goodwill.

The Victory Day celebrations are particularly significant given the ongoing geopolitical context. Russia’s relationship with the West remains strained due to the conflict in Ukraine, making partnerships with countries like India increasingly important for Russia. India has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, continuing trade and diplomatic ties with both Russia and Western nations. Saxena’s participation in the event can be viewed as a symbol of this continued engagement.

Saxena’s journey, from performing at a major international event to contributing to a large-scale musical production, demonstrates the growing role of Indian artists on the global stage. His work highlights the power of music to bridge cultural divides and foster international understanding.

Looking ahead, the release of “Королёк моей любви” in 2026 will be a key moment for Saxena and a further demonstration of Indo-Russian artistic collaboration. The project’s success could pave the way for more joint ventures and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Further details regarding the epic’s storyline and musical style are anticipated as the release date approaches.

What are your thoughts on this growing cultural exchange? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

Munich, Germany – Highlighting the importance of collaboration on the world stage, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026. The discussions centered on bolstering the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the United Kingdom, navigating complex international issues, and reaffirming a commitment to global peace, and security. This meeting follows a recent visit to China by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which both nations have characterized as a pivotal moment in revitalizing bilateral relations.

Both Wang Yi and Yvette Cooper emphasized the responsibility held by China and the UK as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to maintain international stability. According to statements released by both governments, the focus of the talks was on enhancing strategic communication, expanding areas of mutual interest, and fostering a more robust and stable relationship. The renewed emphasis on cooperation comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with ongoing conflicts and evolving global challenges demanding coordinated responses.

Starmer’s Visit as a Catalyst for Improved Relations

The recent visit by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to China, described as “successful” and “historic” by both sides, appears to have laid the groundwork for the current push for stronger ties. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Starmer reportedly reached a broad consensus on both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, signaling a willingness to move beyond recent periods of strained relations. The agreement to develop a “long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership” suggests a commitment to sustained engagement despite ongoing differences.

Areas of Cooperation and Dialogue

Wang Yi underscored the need to translate the agreements reached by the two leaders into tangible outcomes. He specifically called for the successful implementation of upcoming dialogues, including a new round of the Economic and Financial Dialogue, the Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting, and the China-UK Strategic Dialogue. He also advocated for the resumption of exchanges between the legislative bodies of both countries and increased people-to-people interactions. China, he stated, welcomes investment from UK businesses and encourages their participation in events like the China International Import Expo to expand export opportunities. He further expressed hope for a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the UK.

Yvette Cooper echoed the sentiment regarding the success of Prime Minister Starmer’s visit, stating it played a significant role in advancing UK-China relations. She affirmed that a strong partnership between the two nations serves the strategic interests of both sides. Cooperation is envisioned across a range of sectors, including trade, investment, finance, climate change, security, and green technology. The UK also expressed its commitment to upholding multilateralism and the international rule of law, suggesting a willingness to collaborate with China on global issues.

Taiwan and International Security Concerns

During the meeting, the UK reiterated its long-standing policy on Taiwan, stating it remains unchanged since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. According to the official statement, the UK maintains its existing position on the matter. The two sides also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Sudan, and the situation in Iran.

The discussions on Ukraine, Sudan, and Iran highlight the shared interest in addressing global hotspots and preventing further escalation of conflicts. While specific details of the exchanges were not disclosed, the acknowledgement of these issues suggests a willingness to engage in dialogue on sensitive topics.

Looking Ahead

The meeting between Wang Yi and Yvette Cooper signals a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK. The success of this renewed engagement will depend on the ability of both sides to navigate existing differences and build trust through concrete actions. The upcoming dialogues and exchanges will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the relationship. Continued communication and a focus on shared interests will be essential for addressing the complex challenges facing the international community.

What are your thoughts on the evolving relationship between China and the UK? Share your perspectives in the comments below.