German Chancellor Merz to visit Trump next week
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump said both Russia and Ukraine are ready to end the war, claiming low oil prices are pushing Moscow toward peace and noting a recent ceasefire proposal by Vladimir Putin.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that both Kyiv and Moscow now want to settle the war in Ukraine. He linked Russia’s shifting position to falling oil prices, saying, “We are in a good position to settle.”
Oil, the backbone of Russia’s economy, has dropped by around $15 a barrel since January. Sources say OPEC+ is planning to speed up output increases, further pressuring prices.
Trump said progress had been made and a deal was possible. “It could be something will happen, but hopefully it will.”
He pointed to President Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal for May 8–10, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War Two victory. “It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a lot if you knew where we started from,” Trump said, calling the conflict “a war that should never have happened.”
Trump also claimed the death toll was far higher than reported, calling the war a “bloodbath” and repeating his desire to end what he described as a U.S.-Russia proxy conflict.
Asked about a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, Trump confirmed plans to visit in May. The Kremlin said such a meeting is necessary but noted Putin has no travel plans to the Middle East for that period.
When questioned about the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage in 2022, Trump cast doubt on Russia’s involvement. “They said Russia blew it up — yeah,” he remarked, hinting at scepticism. “I think a lot of people know who blew it up.”
While U.S. media reports have suggested Ukrainian involvement — something Kyiv strongly denies — Russia has blamed Western powers, including the U.S. and U.K., but has not provided evidence.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
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