US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments suggest the White House may abandon its role as mediator in negotiations with Russia if it perceives a lack of good faith. This comes after US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with Russian officials, and JD Vance warned that Russia is "asking for too much" during the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington.
https://www.rawstory.com/jd-vance-russia-2671921017/China and Russia have accused the US of increasing the risk of a nuclear war. The two nations issued a joint statement after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, condemning US policies such as expanding security alliances, deploying strategic weapons, developing global missile defenses like "Golden Dome", militarizing space, and sharing nuclear technology with allies.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3309636/china-and-russia-accuse-us-raising-risk-nuclear-war-and-vow-respond-threats-jointly?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsIndia has warned Pakistan that any escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors will be met with a firm response. The international community is watching closely, hoping to avoid further conflict in the region. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made this statement on social media, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/any-military-aggression-by-pakistan-will-be-met-with-a-powerful-response-eam-s-jaishankar-a525/Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic reaffirmed collaboration with the EU to maintain global free trade during a high-level economic dialogue in Tokyo on May 8, 2025. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and the EU, with Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto also participating.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250509/p2g/00m/0bu/010000cLabour leader Starmer has secured a significant win with Britain's free-trade agreement with India, its largest since leaving the EU in 2016. The deal comes after years of negotiations between London and Washington, which had stalled under former President Trump. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned that most countries would face higher tariffs than the agreed-upon 10% baseline, while only the "best" nations would be exempt. A meeting between top US and Chinese officials is set to take place in Switzerland over the weekend, marking the first official discussion since Trump's tariffs sparked a trade war with China.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/trump-unveils-uk-trade-deal-first-since-tariff-blitz/article_ac66f9a4-d234-5cac-8b9f-f8d4fc9fdfd9.htmlA union official representing foreign service officers and a former Canadian senator are optimistic about Justin Trudeau's plans, which include increasing Canadian diplomatic presence abroad to expand trade and restore Canada's leadership. The Liberal election platform also promises a new full foreign policy and a national security review. However, no additional details have been released by the Prime Minister's Office, with cabinet appointments expected later this month.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11171285/canada-foreign-service-diplomats-mark-carney-plan-union/Ukraine's Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, has confirmed that on May 9, dozens of foreign ministers will express support for a special tribunal to prosecute Russia and other aggressor states for war crimes. The Core Group of over 40 countries completed its work on establishing the tribunal in March, with founding documents finalized. The tribunal could start operations as early as next year, with preparatory work at the Council of Europe level set to begin this month. The focus will be on prosecuting the highest leadership of Russia, Belarus, and North Korea for aggression against Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3990722-special-tribunal-for-russia-dozens-of-fms-to-endorse-its-establishment-at-may9-meeting-in-lviv.htmlUkraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Trade Representative Taras Kachka announced plans to finalize and sign a limited partnership agreement with the US, which will also involve discussing other related documents. The agreements are expected to be completed by next week, pending internal procedures. Svyrydenko expressed hope for two agreements to be signed simultaneously, as the American side wants to expedite formalities and operationalization of the Fund.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3990797-minerals-deal-ratified-economy-ministry-expects-extra-documents-to-be-signed-next-week.htmlUS and China are set to hold high-level talks in Switzerland this weekend as part of efforts to ease tariff tensions between the two nations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will lead US trade officials, while Chinese counterparts will be represented by unnamed officials. The talks aim to address the economic impact of ongoing tariffs imposed by both countries, with Bessent stating that shared interests make continued tension unsustainable.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/us-and-china-to-hold-high-level-talks-in-bid-to-ease-tariff-tensions-scott-bessent-house-baby-items-strollers-factory-deescalation-trump#