Trump's productive call with Zelenskiyy, eyes 30-day ceasefire deal
U.S. President Donald Trump had a "very good and productive" phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy on Thursday, according to the White House.
Negotiations between Italy and Elon Musk's Starlink have stalled over geopolitical tensions, as the government seeks secure communications for officials. Opposition politicians have raised concerns over working with a company linked to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Negotiations between Italy’s government and Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink, have stalled, with broader geopolitical tensions contributing to the delay in talks. Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, confirmed on Saturday that discussions regarding a potential contract for encrypted communications between the government, diplomats, and defense officials had come to a halt. The shift in focus from technical matters to public comments about Musk and his business ventures was one of the key reasons for the impasse.
Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, Italy is working to ensure secure communications for officials operating in high-risk areas. Starlink, which has been operational in Italy since 2021 and is a dominant player in the satellite internet sector, remains a strong candidate to provide this service. However, despite its vast network of over 6,700 active satellites, political pushback is growing.
Sources suggest Italy is considering a five-year deal worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.62 billion) with Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX group. However, opposition politicians have expressed concerns about handing a critical national security contract to a foreign company led by Musk, who is a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Minister Crosetto stressed that once political tensions subside, the focus would return to technical aspects of the agreement. “The point is: what is most useful and safe for the nation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring national security and the reliability of communications.
Prime Minister Meloni has prioritized Italy's alliance with the United States, but she faces a delicate balancing act in managing relationships with both Trump and European leaders. Meanwhile, her coalition partner, the far-right League, continues to advocate for closer ties with both Musk and Trump. On Friday, Matteo Salvini, leader of the League and Meloni's deputy, revealed a phone conversation with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, in which he praised the U.S. capabilities in satellite communications.
As talks continue, the Italian government must navigate complex political pressures and national security considerations to determine the future of the Starlink contract.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump had a "very good and productive" phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy on Thursday, according to the White House.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment