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.
Finnish firm IQM will supply Oak Ridge National Laboratory with its first on-site 20-qubit quantum computer in 2025....
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has mobilised 4.5 million civilian fighters in response to a major U.S. military deployment near Latin America and...
Syria and Israel aim to boost stability in southern Syria and the broader region according to reports....
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and its president of having a “dual personality,” criticising their commitme...
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Uk...
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico’s Chiapas state on 10 August, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). No immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged.
AnewZ and Agenzia di Stampa Italpress have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation to develop and strengthen ties in the media sector.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has mobilised 4.5 million civilian fighters in response to a major U.S. military deployment near Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and its president of having a “dual personality,” criticising their commitment to peace while carrying out joint exercises with the United States, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Ukraine.
India and China announced on Tuesday plans to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment as they cautiously rebuild ties following their 2020 border clash, though key border issues remain unresolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday he plans to pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a leading museum and research complex on American history and culture, to comply with his demands, similar to his approach with colleges and universities by threatening to withhold federal funding.
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