US President Donald Trump made phone calls with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, aiming to make progress toward a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/20/world/trump-hopes-for-deal-between-russia-ukraine/2116524Donald Trump is set to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Russia's latest drone strike on Ukraine. The call comes as the US seeks to establish a ceasefire in the conflict. Trump has been working to end the war, which has intensified since its start.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-says-russia-ukraine-start-ceasefire-negotiations-after-putin-callChina and the US have reached a 90-day tariff truce after trade talks in Geneva, where Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer negotiated a deal to scale back triple-digit duties on each other's products. The agreement was made during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in South Korea, where both sides met on the sidelines last week without issuing details of their discussions.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-urges-us-correct-wrongdoings-chinese-ai-chip-curb-5139846Dubai Humanitarian has dispatched a sea shipment of critical aid supplies to Myanmar in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country in late March, organized with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The shipment, valued at over 167 metric tonnes, includes essential items such as tarpaulins, kitchen sets, and solar lamps, aimed at supporting nearly 80,000 individuals impacted by the disaster. The UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has overseen the operation, which is part of two planned shipments by sea and follows two humanitarian airlifts facilitated last month. The Global Humanitarian Impact Fund covered the transportation costs, enabling international relief partners to expand their operations in response to evolving humanitarian needs on the ground.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/dubai-humanitarian-dispatches-sea-shipment-to-support-earthquake-hit-communities-in-myanmar-2025-05-19-1.739382European leaders, including those of Germany and France, are urging Moscow to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, as proposed by US President Joe Biden. The EU has also backed the truce, which would bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The demand for an immediate ceasefire comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/trump-hold-phone-calls-putin-and-zelenskyy-ceasefire-5139761Israel has announced it will allow limited amounts of food into Gaza, easing its blockade after mounting pressure over an aid blockade and the risk of famine. The decision comes as hundreds have been killed in attacks in the past week, including 130 overnight. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the move is necessary to prevent a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip, citing operational needs to defeat Hamas. Discussions are ongoing with the UN about resuming limited aid delivery, with Eri Kaneko confirming the agency had been approached by Israeli authorities.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/israel-says-it-will-let-food-gaza-after-announcing-new-ground-assaultThe Director General of Laos' Department of Climate Change, Syamphone Sengchandala, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change during the opening remarks at a conference. He highlighted Laos' leadership role in chairing ASEAN last year and facilitating the development of the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change for UNFCCC COP29. Deputy Secretary-General San Lwin of ASEAN stressed that while raising climate ambitions is crucial, concrete action requires strong partnerships to support these efforts.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/19/laos-leads-regional-climate-dialogue-at-asean-climate-change-conference/Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US officials was a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting came after tensions escalated when French President Emmanuel Macron accused Meloni of spreading false information about her absence from a previous coordination meeting. However, Meloni's strategy appears to be paying off as she continues to navigate a delicate balancing act between the EU and the US. With Italy's role potentially playing a key part in reaching a compromise, analysts believe Meloni could successfully position herself as a mediator, leveraging her country's influence to facilitate a broader diplomatic effort involving the US and main European allies.
https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/italys-meloni-scores-diplomatic-win-as-bridge-builder-by-bringing-us-and-eu-to-the/article_c14075b7-879b-5b96-8333-645ef1a6627b.htmlPakistan and China have strengthened their defence ties through joint military exercises, training programs, and defence production cooperation. Pakistan's Minister of Defence, Dr Johar Ali, stated that the two nations often coordinate on international platforms like the UN and SCO, increasing their global influence. Syed Qasim Ali Shah confirmed that China has consistently supported Pakistan diplomatically during the crisis, including reaffirming support during recent tensions with India.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1312931-sino-pak-ties-hailed-as-all-weather-cooperation