AnewZ Morning Brief - May 11th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 11th , covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. India and Pakistan agree to a ceasefire in US-mediated talks

India and Pakistan have agreed to a full, immediate ceasefire following days of cross-border violence, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social, citing “high-level negotiations mediated by Washington.” Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Islamabad’s commitment to peace, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both sides will begin formal talks on broader issues. Rubio praised Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif for their “wisdom and statesmanship,” noting he and JD Vance spent 48 hours in closed-door meetings with senior officials from both nations.

The truce comes after one of the most dangerous escalations in years—missile strikes, drone incursions and artillery fire that have killed at least 48 people, mostly on the Pakistani side. Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” in retaliation for India’s “Operation Sindoor” on May 6, which New Delhi says targeted militant bases but which Pakistan claims killed 33 civilians. Both sides have already accused each other of ceasefire violations.

2. Azerbaijan welcomes ceasefire between India and Pakistan

Azerbaijan on Saturday hailed the newly declared ceasefire between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In a statement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said it “welcomes any initiative that eases regional tensions and lays the groundwork for enduring peace and stability. We urge both sides to pursue constructive dialogue to resolve remaining disputes and strengthen mutual confidence.”

3. European leaders in Ukraine’s Kyiv press Russia for 30-day ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer travelled together by train from Poland to Kyiv on Saturday, where they and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to demand a 30-day ceasefire as a first step toward ending the three-year war. They warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not agree to halt fighting on land, sea and in the air by Monday, Moscow would face “massive sanctions,” potentially targeting its energy and banking sectors. Macron also proposed deploying a “reassurance” force of foreign troops and said the United States, backed by European partners, would lead monitoring of any ceasefire.

4.  Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine after three years of war

 President Vladimir Putin invited Kyiv to resume talks without preconditions in Istanbul, with details to be worked out with President Erdoğan. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the initiative, while European leaders had urged a 30-day ceasefire. Despite the offer, Russia launched a drone strike on Kyiv overnight. Putin pointed to a 2022 draft agreement calling for Ukrainian neutrality and said Russia remains ready to negotiate.

5. Pope Leo XIV visits the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano

 During a surprise visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Rome, Pope Leo XIV knelt in prayer before the remains of Blessed Stefano Bellesini, the Augustinian friar.

6. Trump orders 20,000 new officers to enforce deportations

The plan aims to incentivize undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, offering paid travel and a $1,000 “exit bonus” through a new federal program.

In a video statement Friday, Trump said he was making it “as easy as possible” for undocumented immigrants to self-deport, while warning those who stay could face “significant jail time,” wage garnishment, and confiscation of property.

The executive order instructs DHS to expand staffing through new hires, as well as by deputizing local and state law enforcement and contracting former federal officers. However, it does not specify how the expansion will be funded. Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently employs over 21,000 people, including about 6,100 deportation officers.

The administration's harsher deportation measures have faced setbacks in federal court. Judges in Texas and New York recently ruled Trump's use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to expel certain migrants unlawful.

Despite legal challenges, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced this week that bonuses and government-funded travel would be offered to encourage voluntary departures via the CPB Home app.

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