US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the conversation but declined to comment on potential concessions, including land and power plants. Trump has prioritized ending the war since returning to office, stating there is a “very good chance” of peace. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss continued aid to Ukraine, emphasizing territorial integrity. While Ukraine supports the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, EU nations remain cautious about any agreement allowing Russia to retain occupied land. Talks between US and Russian officials have been ongoing.
PHILIPPINES SENATE PROBES DUTERTE ARREST
The Philippine Senate has launched an investigation into the arrest and handover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The probe, initiated by Senator Imee Marcos, aims to determine if due process was upheld. Duterte, 79, faces charges of crimes against humanity for his controversial drug war. While rights groups welcome his arrest, his supporters, including Marcos, decry it as unlawful. The Senate hearing will feature testimonies from top officials. This marks the first time an Asian ex-head of state has been charged by the ICC.
LITHUANIA BLAMES RUSSIA FOR ARSON
Lithuanian authorities have accused Russian military intelligence of orchestrating and funding the 2024 arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius. The suspect, a foreign national underage at the time, allegedly collaborated with Russian security services and received rewards for the attack. After fleeing to Poland, they were arrested while planning another attack in Riga, Latvia. Officials claim the attack aimed to intimidate Lithuania and Latvia, pressuring them to withdraw support for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported the findings, linking the incident to previous acts of sabotage allegedly carried out by Russian agents in Poland.
MODI ADVOCATES STRONGER INDO-CHINA TIES
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized strengthening India-China ties through dialogue and cooperation in a podcast interview. Acknowledging natural differences between the neighbouring nations, he stressed avoiding disputes and fostering healthy competition. The Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomed Modi’s remarks, highlighting recent diplomatic progress since his October 2024 meeting with President Xi Jinping. Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the long history of China-India interactions and their shared role in global stability. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both nations aim to enhance cooperation across various fields, reinforcing mutual growth and stability in the Global South.
EU HOSTS SYRIAN TRANSITION TALKS
The EU convened a high-level conference in Brussels to support Syria’s political and economic transition after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss reconstruction efforts, aid funding, and political stability. Concerns remain over recent sectarian violence in Syria’s coastal regions, threatening fragile progress. The EU is considering lifting further sanctions and exploring the European Investment Bank’s role in rebuilding Syria’s economy. The conference also addressed the return of Syrian refugees, with 27% now expressing interest in going back within the next year.
