Türkiye welcomes Russia-Ukraine peace talks

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, expressing Türkiye’s readiness to host negotiations.

In Sunday’s phone call, Erdogan and Putin discussed bilateral ties, energy projects and regional issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed his attendance.

Erdogan also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing cooperation for peace.

US President Donald Trump, on the other hand, urged Ukraine to accept Putin’s proposal immediately. Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Istanbul in 2022 to discuss ongoing conflict.

Hamas to release US-Israeli captive as Washington criticises Israel

Hamas announced it will release 21-year-old US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander as part of direct ceasefire talks with the US.

The Palestinian resistance group linked his release to the reopening of aid crossings.

Trump welcomed the move as a gesture of goodwill towards Washington and mediators Egypt and Qatar.

Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing his government of prolonging the Gaza war and stalling hostage deals, during a meeting with Israeli families.

Israel has killed over fifty-two-thousand-eight-hundred Palestinians in its genocidal war on Gaza since October 2023.

Pakistan provides details of its strikes on Indian targets

Pakistan claimed to have struck 26 Indian military sites and deployed drones over major Indian cities, including New Delhi, in recent fighting, as both nuclear-armed rivals observe a cautious cessation of hostilities since Saturday.

Pakistan also said it had downed five Indian jets.

The Indian Air Force acknowledged losses without giving details but confirmed that all pilots had returned safely.

Reuters reported three jet crashes in India-administered Kashmir.

Despite the ceasefire, border residents remain displaced, while cities such as Jammu and Amritsar remained subdued amid ongoing security concerns.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated that the US would work with India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Severe flooding in DRC leaves 62 dead, dozens missing

Severe flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province has claimed at least 62 lives, with 50 people still missing.

The deluge, triggered by torrential rains, struck at 5 am local time on Friday, flooding Kasaba village in the Ngandja sector.

Search efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure and communication breakdowns, with only the Red Cross assisting.

It followed the recent flooding in Kinshasa that killed 33 people.

The region is already grappling with ongoing conflict with rebels, further complicating the humanitarian response.

Trump declares 'total reset' in US-China relations

US President Donald Trump announced a ""very good meeting"" on trade with Chinese officials in Switzerland, claiming a ""total reset"" in US-China relations.

The talks, which began in Geneva on Saturday, resumed on Sunday. The US delegation, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, met with Vice Premier He Lifeng of China.

The negotiations are the first face-to-face talks since both nations imposed trade tariffs.