AnewZ Morning Brief - May 12th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 12th , covering the latest developments you need to know.

Zelenskyy says: I am ready to meet Putin in Türkiye on Thursday

Zelenskyy says he’s willing to meet Putin in Türkiye on Thursday—but only if a full, unconditional ceasefire begins Monday.His statement came after Putin reiterated calls for direct talks without preconditions, even as Russian strikes persist along the frontlines.“We are ready to meet,” Zelenskyy said, “but only if Russia agrees to a complete ceasefire starting Monday.”U.S. President Donald Trump urged, “Have the meeting now!” on Truth Social, calling on Ukraine to test the possibility of peace.Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg echoed the call for immediate talks, noting the world is watching.European leaders, including those of France and Germany, support negotiations only if a 30-day truce is observed, warning of further sanctions if Russia doesn’t comply.Türkiye has offered to host the meeting, welcoming both sides—if fighting stops.It would mark the first in-person meeting between the two presidents since March 2022.But Ukraine insists actions must precede talks.For Kyiv, Monday—not Thursday—is the true deadline.

US and China Make 'Substantial Progress' in tariff talks, details pending

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer concluded two days of high-level talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing trade dispute. While both sides described the discussions as "productive," they provided few specifics on the outcomes.

India to deliver second batch of Akash missile systems to Armenia in July

India is set to send the second batch of its Akash anti-aircraft missile systems to Armenia this July, according to a report by the International Affairs and Diplomacy Network (IADN).

This follows the delivery of the first battery of the Akash system in late November last year. The missiles are part of a $710 million defense agreement signed between the two nations in 2022, under which Armenia agreed to purchase 15 Akash systems from India. The deal, worth approximately 60 billion rupees, marked Armenia as the first foreign buyer of the Akash system.

Eurovision 2025 kicks off in Basel as artists walk the iconic turquoise carpet

Eurovision hopefuls walk 'turquoise carpet' for opening night in Basel Acts representing entries for the Eurovision Song Contest introduced themselves to the media on Sunday (May 11), as Switzerland began hosting the extravaganza for the first time since 1989.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) hopes its theme of "United by Music" will help keep the focus in Basel on the performers and their songs at the world's biggest entertainment show by viewership.

Iran holds indirect talks with US on nuclear programme

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says his country is engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States to prove one point: Tehran does not seek war, nor nuclear weapons.

“We are negotiating to prove that we do not seek war,” he said in a message posted by the Iranian government’s Telegram channel. “Iran has never sought and will never seek to possess nuclear weapons, but it will under no circumstances give up its rights to peaceful nuclear energy.”

Exclusive: Pope Leo XIV makes surprise visit to beloved Genazzano Basilica

Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.

The visit created a stir in the town, especially when a heightened police presence was noticed earlier in the day. Locals were thrilled and honored to welcome the Pope, especially as this marked his first pastoral visit since becoming Pontiff.

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