Vladimir Putin’s top aide, Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a mere “temporary respite” for Kyiv’s forces. Ushakov conveyed Russia’s stance to US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, asserting that Moscow sees no benefit in pausing hostilities. The proposal, shared on Wednesday, aimed to de-escalate tensions, but Russia remains skeptical. Meanwhile, Trump’s former Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow for talks with Putin. The rejection underscores deepening divides as the war continues with no resolution in sight.

US President Donald Trump vowed to impose new tariffs after the European Union (EU) and Canada retaliated against his latest steel and aluminium import taxes. "Whatever they charge us with, we're charging them," Trump stated, warning of "reciprocal" tariffs next month. Canada imposed a 25% tax on $20B worth of US goods, while the EU raised levies on $28B of American products. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the trade war, calling tariffs "bad for business and worse for consumers." Markets remained volatile as fears of escalating economic tensions grew.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan to meet survivors and commandos involved in the rescue operation following the Jaffar Express train hijacking by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants. The insurgents attacked the train en route from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 21 civilians and four troops. They detonated explosives on the railway track, forcing the train to halt inside a tunnel, and took passengers hostage. A two-day military operation ensued, resulting in the elimination of all 33 insurgents and the rescue of over 300 passengers. The military reported that the attack was orchestrated by leaders operating from Afghanistan, urging the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, clad in military attire, visited the Kursk region to command the swift expulsion of Ukrainian forces entrenched there since August 2024. The Russian military reported reclaiming over 86% of the previously occupied territory, including the strategic city of Sudzha, vital for Ukrainian supplies. The Kremlin emphasized the urgency of this operation ahead of upcoming ceasefire discussions with U.S. officials, as President Trump proposes a 30-day truce. Despite these developments, Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi asserted that Ukrainian troops would maintain their positions in Kursk as long as necessary, maneuvering strategically to minimize casualties. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, drawing international attention and involvement.

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has been extradited to The Hague to face ICC charges of murder as a crime against humanity. His bloody war on drugs allegedly killed thousands, mostly urban poor. While Duterte defends his actions, rights groups highlight police abuses. His arrest, a first for an Asian ex-leader, signals a rare ICC success in holding the powerful accountable. However, questions remain about political motivations, with Duterte’s allies alleging a Marcos-driven agenda. The trial will test the ICC’s credibility, especially after its unenforced warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. Duterte, now in ICC detention, awaits his first court appearance, marking a pivotal moment in international justice.

Baloch Liberation Army militants hijacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing 21 hostages. Security forces later rescued all other passengers and killed all 33 attackers. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when the militants blew up the tracks, stopping the engine. They forced passengers out, checked identity cards, and shot some. Women and elderly people were spared. Security forces launched an operation and eliminated the militants. The government praised the military for preventing further loss of life. The rescued passengers, including injured ones, were taken to safety.

Balochistan's quest for independence is deeply rooted in historical grievances stemming from perceived betrayals by both Pakistan and colonial powers. The province, rich in resources yet underdeveloped, has long felt marginalized. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), seeking autonomy and greater control over resources, has intensified insurgent activities, including a recent train hijacking resulting in significant casualties. Human rights violations, such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, have fueled local resentment. Activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch advocate for peaceful resistance, organizing rallies to demand justice for victims of state violence. The ongoing conflict poses challenges to regional stability and foreign investments, notably China's Belt and Road Initiative projects.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international partners to ensure Russia's genuine commitment to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, cautioning against potential deception. Following productive discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, Kyiv agreed to the ceasefire plan. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of vigilance, noting ongoing Russian strikes. U.S. President Trump acknowledged positive signals from Moscow but warned of severe economic repercussions if Russia undermines the agreement. European defense ministers, convening in Paris, echoed this sentiment, with UK Defence Secretary John Healey challenging President Putin to demonstrate sincerity by accepting the ceasefire. Concurrently, Putin visited Kursk, where Russian forces are reportedly advancing, urging his troops to fully reclaim the region.

Washington is sending officials to Moscow for ceasefire talks after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day truce in a Saudi-hosted meeting. President Donald Trump confirmed the move but did not specify attendees. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House urges Russia to accept the deal, calling it the closest step toward peace. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin visited Russia’s Kursk region, which has seen recent fighting. Trump warned financial pressure on Russia is possible but emphasized his goal is peace. Ukrainian military leader Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledged troop withdrawals from Kursk, signaling shifting battle lines.

Russia has presented the United States with a list of demands aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations. Key stipulations include preventing Ukraine's NATO membership, prohibiting foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, and recognizing Crimea and four other provinces as Russian territory. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, warning of severe financial sanctions against Russia should it decline. However, Russia firmly opposes the deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, criticizing its exclusion from related discussions. While U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine have resumed, the success of these diplomatic efforts hinges on Russia's response to the ceasefire proposal.