AnewZ Morning Brief - June 3rd, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 3rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Russia, Ukraine explore ceasefire and prisoner swap in peace talks

Russia has presented Ukraine with a two-part peace proposal in Istanbul, covering immediate ceasefire steps and a framework for long-term peace. Both sides agreed to a limited ceasefire to retrieve the bodies of fallen soldiers, along with an initial phase of a large-scale prisoner exchange prioritizing the sick, wounded, and fighters under 25. Moscow also plans to return 6,000 Ukrainian bodies and engage in talks on reuniting separated children, while Türkiye pushes for a Zelenskyy-Putin-Trump summit.

2. U.S. Senate eyes tough new sanctions on Russia and its trade partners

The U.S. Senate is considering a bipartisan sanctions bill to increase pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The bill would impose heavy tariffs - up to 500% - on countries buying Russian oil, gas, and uranium, targeting major buyers like China and India. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the bill could move forward before the July 4 recess, aiming to push Russia toward negotiations.

3. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expected to hold trade talks this week

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a phone call this week to address unresolved trade tensions and follow up on last month’s temporary tariff truce. The call comes amid renewed friction, including disputes over critical mineral exports and China’s industrial policies.

4. South Koreans vote for president in hope of restoring stability after martial law crisis

South Koreans voted Tuesday to elect a new president following months of political unrest sparked by former leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed imposition of martial law. The election, marked by high turnout and deep polarization, pits liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung against conservative Kim Moon-soo, with the economy and democratic stability at the heart of voter concerns.

5. Colorado fire-bomb suspect planned attack for a year, prosecutors say

An Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was charged with attempted murder and a federal hate crime after allegedly attacking a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, with Molotov cocktails, injuring at least 12 people. Authorities say Soliman, who overstayed a visa, planned the attack for a year and chose firebombs over firearms due to his immigration status.

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