May 12, 2025
Flag of us
US
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff reduction, slashing duties from 125% to 10% - a dramatic shift from Trump's previous aggressive stance. Markets responded enthusiastically, with the Dow surging 1,000 points as economists suggested the truce could help prevent a recession.

Trump signed an executive order on prescription drug prices, giving pharmaceutical companies 30 days to lower costs or face government price controls. The order claimed potential savings of 30-80%.

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was freed from Hamas captivity after 584 days, with Trump claiming credit ahead of his Middle East trip.

The controversy over Qatar's offer of a Boeing 747-8 jet for Trump's use intensified, with Trump defending it as a "great gesture" despite mounting ethical and constitutional concerns. Media noted Trump might keep the jet after leaving office.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial began with prosecutors presenting video evidence and disturbing testimony.
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Israel
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was released from Hamas captivity after 584 days, with newspapers tracking his journey through every phase - from Hamas custody to Red Cross transfer, IDF reception, and family reunion. The release was negotiated directly between Hamas and the US, bypassing Israeli authorities, as a "goodwill gesture" toward President Trump.

Alexander's release set into motion broader diplomatic movements, with Netanyahu announcing an Israeli negotiating team would depart for Doha tomorrow for comprehensive hostage talks. Reports indicated Alexander was held in a cage while chained and suffered from food shortages.

Following medical evaluation at Ichilov Hospital, Alexander wrote messages thanking Trump and supporting his Golani unit. His mother expressed hope this would lead to a comprehensive deal for remaining hostages. Families of other captives questioned why foreign citizenship appeared necessary for prioritized release.
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Germany
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) announced its dissolution and the end of its armed struggle against Turkey, dominating morning headlines. This historic development follows decades of conflict and a ceasefire declaration in March.

SPD leadership transition captured significant coverage as Saskia Esken stepped down and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas was nominated as her replacement, with 33-year-old Tim Klüssendorf proposed as General Secretary.

The Ukraine-Russia peace process evolved throughout the day. Following yesterday's ultimatum from Merz, Macron and Starmer, the Kremlin called such demands "inakzeptabel" while reports indicated Selenskyj might attend Istanbul talks without requiring a prior ceasefire. By afternoon, Trump had unexpectedly backed Putin's proposal.

In economic news, the USA and China agreed to reduce tariffs for 90 days, though Sueddeutsche called this a "Schein-Sieg" for Trump. By evening, news broke that Hamas had released its last living US hostage.
Flag of france
France
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Russia's rejection of the European-proposed 30-day ceasefire dominated morning headlines, with the Kremlin calling it an "unacceptable ultimatum." By midday, diplomatic developments accelerated as Trump announced he was "considering" traveling to Turkey for the proposed May 15 talks between Putin and Zelensky. French officials called on Putin to "honor his commitments."

Domestically, the National Assembly began debating contentious end-of-life legislation, with Health Minister Vautrin acknowledging limited palliative care access as "a failure of public authority." Meanwhile, Algeria intensified diplomatic tensions by expelling 15 more French officials, which French Minister Barrot condemned as "incomprehensible and brutal."

Economic news featured the US-China 90-day suspension of punitive tariffs, while Middle East developments included Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander's release from Gaza after 19 months. By evening, nearly 380 celebrities including Richard Gere had signed a statement condemning what they termed a "genocide" in Gaza.
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Lebanon
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Municipal election results from North Lebanon and Akkar dominated the morning news cycle, with Interior Minister announcing a 43.29% voter turnout. Results were published throughout the day for Bsharri, Koura, Batroun, and Zgharta districts, while tensions in Tripoli caused delays, prompting both Interior and Justice Ministers to intervene personally.

President Aoun concluded his two-day visit to Kuwait, with officials announcing enhanced diplomatic relations and Kuwait's pledge to continue supporting Lebanon. The Kuwaiti Prime Minister emphasized ongoing assistance efforts.

UNIFIL reported discovering over 225 weapon caches south of the Litani River, while Hezbollah's Sheikh Naim Kassem declared the group "partners" in General Joseph Aoun's presidency.

In regional developments, Hamas released hostage Eidan Alexander, who refused to meet Netanyahu upon arriving in Israel, while preparations accelerated for Trump's upcoming Gulf tour, with speculation about its potential regional impact.
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Ukraine
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Diplomatic pressure intensified as Germany set an end-of-day deadline for Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire. China voiced support for the proposal, while EU foreign ministers met in London to coordinate Ukraine support and new sanctions. Despite Putin's previous announcements, reports indicated fighting never paused along the front line, with 133 clashes recorded by day's end.

By afternoon, Trump declared Thursday's Russia-Ukraine meeting "very important" and considered attending personally—a move Zelensky called "the right idea." Zelensky later discussed meeting details with Erdogan, while noting Moscow's continued silence regarding the Istanbul talks.

On the ground, Russian drones struck an energy company vehicle in Sumy region, killing one worker and wounding three others. Combat remained heaviest in the Pokrovsk sector, where Ukrainian forces repelled 50 Russian assaults amid continued fighting despite diplomatic initiatives.
Flag of palestine
Palestine
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Following Hamas's announcement the previous day, Al-Qassam Brigades released American-Israeli captive Eidan Alexander through the Red Cross. The release, described as a goodwill gesture toward Trump, coincided with a brief ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the handover.

Netanyahu insisted no broader ceasefire would follow while directing an Israeli delegation to travel to Doha for negotiations at Washington's request. American sources indicated peace talks would begin immediately after Alexander's release, with Trump directly engaged in the process.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their attacks in Gaza, with 36 Palestinians reported killed by evening and a massacre at a school in Jabaliya housing displaced families. The Israeli cabinet approved a controversial decision to seize Palestinian lands in Area C, comprising 60% of the West Bank, which Palestinian sources warned could displace two-thirds of the population there.

The humanitarian crisis deepened with reports that no bakeries remained operational in Gaza while hospitals faced collapse due to severe medical supply shortages.
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UK
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Prime Minister Starmer unveiled a major immigration crackdown, warning Britain risks becoming "an island of strangers" without tighter controls. His "take back control" rhetoric demanded migrants be degree-educated, speak fluent English, and wait ten years for citizenship, promising "significant" migration reduction by parliament's end.

By midday, the speech faced intense criticism from across the political spectrum, with accusations he was "laying the groundwork for Farage" after Reform UK had overtaken Conservatives as the perceived opposition party in polling.

The evening brought alarming security developments as counter-terrorism police investigated suspected arson attacks at two Starmer-linked properties and his car in North London.

International news included Hamas releasing Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander in Gaza, following yesterday's agreement for Zelensky-Putin talks in Istanbul. Additionally, the US and China agreed to a 90-day tariff reduction, which Trump characterized as a "reset" in relations.
Flag of iran
Iran
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced its dissolution after 40 years of armed struggle, generating optimism about potential regional stability. Iranian newspapers presented this as ending "four decades of conflict and insecurity."

Hamas announced plans to release an Israeli-American hostage named Edan Alexander during Trump's Middle East visit, with Al-Hindi of Hamas stating permanent cessation of fighting is required for releasing all Israeli captives.

The nuclear talks narrative continued evolving, with Trump describing Iran as "reasonable" in negotiations while Foreign Minister Araghchi warned against misusing the snapback mechanism. IAEA Director Grossi made a significant statement that "nobody can destroy Iran's nuclear program."

COVID-19 resurgence reports appeared throughout the day, with health officials recommending mask usage in public spaces as virus circulation increases.

Economic coverage focused on children's books becoming unaffordable (567% price increase over five years) and plans to remove four zeros from the national currency this year.
Flag of russia
Russia
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Putin's Istanbul peace talks initiative gained momentum with multiple parties positioning themselves around the May 15 negotiations. Zelensky declared readiness for direct talks with Putin while Macron and Germany set ultimatums, demanding Russia accept a ceasefire by evening. The Kremlin rejected this "language of ultimatums."

By midday, Trump announced he might personally attend the Istanbul talks, calling them "very important." Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan predicted Russia and Ukraine would reach a compromise on contacts "in coming days" while Erdogan characterized his May 11 discussions with Putin as "comprehensive."

Russian media reported military advances, claiming liberation of Kotlyarovka in DPR and approaching Dnipropetrovsk oblast's border. They also highlighted destruction of the HIMARS system that allegedly struck Rylsk in Kursk region.

UN representatives expressed encouragement about direct negotiations, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova claimed the West sought a 30-day truce merely to give Kyiv "a breather."
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Italy
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The morning headlines focused on Ukraine-Russia negotiations, with Zelensky challenging Putin to meet in Turkey on Thursday while Trump considered joining them. By mid-morning, the US and China announced a 90-day partial suspension of tariffs, with rates reduced by 115%, triggering positive market reactions worldwide.

At midday, Pope Leo XIV held his first press conference, urging journalists to "disarm communication" and revealing his first phone call with Zelensky, who invited him to Kyiv. By early afternoon, the Kremlin rejected what it called Ukraine's "ultimatum" for a ceasefire, despite pressure from European leaders.

In the afternoon, Hamas released American-Israeli hostage Idan Alexander after nearly 600 days in captivity, with Netanyahu crediting Israeli pressure and Trump for the breakthrough. Reports indicated Alexander would meet Trump in Doha.

Evening news covered Kurdish PKK's announcement to disband and end its armed struggle in response to leader Öcalan's appeal.
Flag of japan
Japan
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The US-China trade breakthrough dominated headlines throughout the day, with both nations agreeing to slash mutual tariffs by 11.5 percentage points during a 90-day cooling-off period. This substantial development follows days of bilateral tariff tensions that had impacted global markets. The US will lower cumulative tariffs from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce from 125% to 10%.

Reports indicated Trump plans direct phone talks with President Xi, suggesting further diplomatic engagement. Markets responded positively, with Hong Kong stocks jumping 3%.

In domestic news, Japan recorded its largest-ever current account surplus at 30 trillion yen for the previous fiscal year. Corporate restructuring continued as Sharp announced selling its Kameyama No. 2 LCD factory to parent Foxconn due to declining profitability, while Nissan revealed plans to cut an additional 10,000 jobs domestically and internationally.

Prime Minister Ishiba announced pension reform legislation will be submitted by mid-May.
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Netherlands
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The US and China announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs, a significant de-escalation in their trade war, though analysts noted supply chains wouldn't quickly recover from Trump's recent actions. This economic reprieve dominated morning coverage.

Mid-day brought significant corruption news as an Amsterdam civil servant was arrested for providing criminals with addresses later targeted by explosions. This follows recurring reports of bombing incidents in recent months.

The afternoon saw EU-Russia tensions intensify with Brussels issuing an ultimatum regarding Ukraine that the Kremlin immediately rejected as unacceptable. Meanwhile, news broke that Zelensky had agreed to meet Putin Thursday in Istanbul, building on yesterday's dialogue proposal.

By late afternoon, the UN's aviation body ICAO officially declared Russia guilty of downing flight MH17, supporting the Netherlands' long-standing position. Reports also highlighted Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe, with aid organizations warning of mass starvation.
Flag of india
India
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The day began with military reports of a peaceful night along the Line of Control, confirming the ceasefire was holding. India-Pakistan DGMO-level talks, initially scheduled for noon, were postponed to evening.

By mid-morning, a tri-service military briefing revealed Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in multiple Pakistani cities including Karachi, with Air Marshal Bharti emphasizing, "Our fight was against terrorists, but Pakistan's military chose to support them."

Stock markets responded positively, with Sensex gaining over 2,200 points. In a surprise development, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket.

At 2:30 PM, PM Modi addressed the nation, declaring Operation Sindoor "India's new normal against terrorism" and that military action against Pakistan was "only suspended." Modi warned: "Water and blood cannot flow together" and established that future talks would only focus on terrorism and PoK.

By evening, Pakistan violated the ceasefire by launching drone attacks in Samba, which India intercepted.
Flag of poland
Poland
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Poland shuttered Russia's Krakow consulate, with Foreign Minister Sikorski explaining this decision stemmed from Russian intelligence involvement in the Marywilska marketplace arson. "Stop setting Europe on fire," Sikorski demanded while summoning the Russian ambassador, who promised "retaliation."

The presidential campaign intensified with candidates preparing for the final debate. By evening, the TVP-hosted event erupted into personal attacks. Trzaskowski pressed Nawrocki on his controversial apartment acquisition, demanding he "return the money." Stanowski dramatically confronted moderator Wysocka-Schnepf, calling her "the high priestess of propaganda." Other candidates positioned themselves against the two frontrunners, with Hołownia threatening to exit the governing coalition over a disputed bill.

Economic news featured positive Tauron Q1 results, contrasting with warnings about EU regulations potentially redirecting Polish truck drivers' social security contributions abroad, threatening ZUS funding.
Flag of spain
Spain
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
Morning coverage focused on the US-China agreement to suspend tariffs for 90 days, with the US reducing duties from 145% to 30% and China from 125% to 10%. This trade détente dominated headlines as newspapers analyzed its implications for Spain.

By midday, attention shifted to PP leader Feijóo's announcement of a party congress for July 5-6, citing concerns about possible snap elections called by Sánchez. This move was widely interpreted as preparation for an electoral campaign.

Internationally, Russia rejected Ukraine's proposed 30-day truce while not ruling out Putin-Zelensky talks in Turkey. This development followed yesterday's conditional acceptance by Zelensky of Putin's initial peace talks proposal.

Other coverage included controversy over leaked WhatsApp messages between PM Sánchez and former minister Ábalos, with the UCO police unit denying responsibility for the leaks. Constitutional Court debates about the transgender law's implementation also featured prominently.
Flag of turkey
Turkey
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
The PKK officially announced its dissolution early morning, declaring an end to its 47-year armed struggle, following days of anticipation. The announcement stated this decision "provides a strong foundation for permanent peace." By mid-morning, celebrations with drums and zurna erupted in Diyarbakır, while political reactions poured in throughout the day.

AKP spokesman Çelik responded first, stating the decision must encompass all PKK extensions. MHP leader Bahçeli called it a "historical threshold" and thanked Erdoğan, Öcalan, DEM Party, and the Turkish military. CHP leader Özel expressed cautious support for peace but emphasized constitutional boundaries.

President Erdoğan addressed the nation after a cabinet meeting, calling the development "crossing a critical threshold." The US Embassy described it as "a turning point," while Azerbaijan's Aliyev congratulated Turkey. Details emerged about weapons handover to Turkish forces at three designated locations.
Flag of china
China
12.05.2025
Monday
105 days ago
China-US trade tensions eased significantly with the announcement of mutual tariff reductions to 10%, a dramatic shift following days of escalating rhetoric. The joint statement from Geneva talks established a 90-day "pause" in the trade war, with Trump indicating he may speak directly with Xi this week. Markets responded positively to this "better than expected" outcome.

State media maintained synchronized coverage of Xi's Moscow visit through identical headlines across outlets about "applauding shared history" and "letting victory's light illuminate humanity's new journey," continuing the narrative established during his attendance at Russia's WWII victory parade.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities proposed a new mechanism allowing Beijing direct jurisdiction over national security cases, while barring three independent publishers from participating in the Hong Kong Book Fair, signaling further tightening of political control despite the justice chief's assurances that human rights would not be infringed.
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