US President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a US-Ukraine agreement on a 30-day ceasefire. The deal, proposed during talks in Saudi Arabia, includes halting missile, drone, and bomb attacks across all fronts. Ukraine has agreed, while Russia remains undecided. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that “the ball is in Moscow’s court,” while Senator Lindsey Graham warned of sanctions if Russia refuses. The Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s willingness but hasn’t ruled out negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes continued, killing five in Ukraine, raising doubts about immediate peace prospects.
EU RETALIATES AGAINST US TARIFFS
The European Union has imposed $28.3 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump’s latest metal tariffs. The new EU measures will target U.S. steel, aluminium, textiles, farm products, and household appliances. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the tariffs, calling them harmful to businesses and consumers. The move follows failed negotiations between EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic and U.S. officials. Trump, in turn, has announced additional tariffs on European goods, including cars. The trade war, which began in 2018, escalates as both sides prepare for further economic retaliation.
IRAN REJECTS US NEGOTIATION THREATS
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian firmly rejected any negotiations with the U.S. under threats, telling President Donald Trump to “do whatever damn thing” he wants. His remarks came after Trump urged Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to agree to a new nuclear deal or face military action. Pezeshkian, a reformist, supports reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement but refuses pressure-driven talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran will not negotiate while U.S. sanctions persist. With Khamenei opposing direct talks, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, further straining diplomatic efforts in the region.
DUTERTE FACES ICC DRUG WAR TRIAL
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and sent to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of crimes against humanity related to his brutal drug war. Duterte’s crackdown, which targeted suspected drug offenders, led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. His lawyers argue the Philippines’ legal system is functional, disputing ICC jurisdiction. While supporters call his arrest unlawful, families of victims welcome the move. Vice President Sara Duterte has labeled the transfer “oppression.” The ICC maintains authority over cases before the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal. Duterte is expected to appear in court soon.
SYRIA’S DEADLY CLASHES RAISE CONCERNS
Syria is facing renewed violence as clashes between government forces and pro-Assad factions in Tartus and Latakia have left nearly 1,000 dead, mainly Alawite civilians. The turmoil follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose links to the extremist HTS group raise concerns. As tensions rise, regional leaders are pushing for the lifting of EU sanctions, arguing they worsen Syria’s economic crisis. However, critics warn easing sanctions could enable another autocratic regime. The international community now faces a critical choice—supporting economic relief or preventing potential instability under al-Sharaa’s rule.
