Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump says Russia, Ukraine agree to immediate ceasefire talks, Kremlin offers no timeframe
Donald Trump said after his call on Monday with President Vladimir Putin that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations for a ceasefire, but the Kremlin said the process would take time and the U.S. president indicated he was not ready to join Europe with fresh sanctions to pressure Moscow.
In a social media post, Trump said he relayed the plan to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as well as the leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland in a group call following his session with the Russian leader.
"Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump said, adding later at the White House that he thought "some progress is being made."
2. Budapest to host Informal Summit of Organization of Turkic States
The Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place on 20–21 May 2025 in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, according to the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States.
Hosted by Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, the Summit will bring together the Presidents of the member states of the OTS: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. The representatives of the OTS Observers, the Secretary General of the Organization, will also participate in the event.
This will mark the first time that an OTS Summit is being held in an Observer State, highlighting Hungary’s growing role in the comprehensive cooperation deepening with resolute steps of the Turkic countries.
3. Brazil rules out three of seven suspected bird flu cases
The government had been investigating seven cases after the first outbreak was confirmed on a commercial farm in Brazil last week, according to updated information on the agriculture ministry's website.
Two of the cases still under investigation concern poultry raised on commercial farms and five involved backyard flocks in Brazil, which sold some $10 billion worth of chicken products globally last year, supplying more than 5 million metric tons.
4. Iran and Britain summon envoys over alleged spying in UK
Britain and Iran have summoned each other's envoys after three Iranians were charged with spying in the UK.
Three Iranian men were arrested on 3 May and appeared in court in London on Saturday on charges of spying for the Islamic republic.
Iran's IRNA news agency said the British charge d'affaire was asked on Sunday to give an explanation for what it said was "unjustified" and "politically motivated" arrests. The UK Foreign Office then responded on Monday by summoning Tehran's ambassador to the UK.
5. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK would "not tolerate growing state-backed threats on UK soil".
Indonesia raises alert to highest level after multiple eruptions at Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
The volcano, located on Flores island in eastern Indonesia, sent ash clouds soaring between 1.9 and 3.4 miles high on Sunday, according to agency chief Muhammad Wafid.
“Our analysis shows that activity remains high, so the alert level was raised Sunday evening,” Wafid said.
Poland’s presidential candidates received demands from far-right leaders whose voters could decide the outcome of the June 1 run-off election.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, now at its halfway point, has already delivered surprises, standout stars, and new regulations, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed a declaration on upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Radev’s official visit to Tokyo.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the UK is close to securing a trade agreement with six Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as part of its post-Brexit drive to expand global trade ties.
The World Bank has approved $35 million in concessional credit to help Uzbekistan improve access to geospatial data and support urban development.
Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the ceremonial rank of field marshal, the first such promotion in nearly 60 years.
Poland’s presidential candidates received demands from far-right leaders whose voters could decide the outcome of the June 1 run-off election.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, now at its halfway point, has already delivered surprises, standout stars, and new regulations, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed a declaration on upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Radev’s official visit to Tokyo.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the ceremonial rank of field marshal, the first such promotion in nearly 60 years.
Poland’s presidential candidates received demands from far-right leaders whose voters could decide the outcome of the June 1 run-off election.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed a declaration on upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Radev’s official visit to Tokyo.
Norway's Crown Prince makes a historic visit to Ukraine, showing strong solidarity. His trip includes meetings, memorial visits, and aid program oversight.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the UK is close to securing a trade agreement with six Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as part of its post-Brexit drive to expand global trade ties.
Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the ceremonial rank of field marshal, the first such promotion in nearly 60 years.
Poland’s presidential candidates received demands from far-right leaders whose voters could decide the outcome of the June 1 run-off election.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, now at its halfway point, has already delivered surprises, standout stars, and new regulations, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed a declaration on upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Radev’s official visit to Tokyo.
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