Ukraine peace talks to resume in Turkey on Wednesday, says Zelenskyy
"Today I discussed with Rustem Umerov the preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with the Russian side in Turkey," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address."Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow."Umerov, previously defence minister and appointed Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council last week, headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia.An unidentified source had earlier told Russian state news agency TASS that negotiators may meet in Turkey on Thursday and Friday.Zelenskyy earlier told a gathering of his diplomats in Kyiv: "We need greater momentum in negotiations to end the war."He added: "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting."Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskyy to meet him in person.Putin has repeatedly said he does not see Zelenskyy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired last year.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far."Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and countries that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict.- EndsMust Watch
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15% tariffs, higher prices, carmakers brace: US-EU trade deal explained
US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed on a new trade deal that levies a 15 per cent tariffs on most European goods entering the United States. Here's everything you need to know read more US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed on a new trade deal. The result? A 15 per cent tariffs on most European goods entering the United States. The agreement heads off Trump's threat to impose a much steeper 30 per cent tariff if no deal had been reached by August 1. But what happened? What do we know? Let's take a closer look: What we know The new tariffs – which are essentially taxes on imports – are likely to raise prices for American buyers on everything from European cars to computer chips and pharmaceuticals. They also mean tighter profit margins for European companies and US businesses that rely on European products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump and von der Leyen announced the deal during Trump's visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland. But while the broad terms are now public, many of the details still need to be worked out. About 70 per cent of goods imported from Europe will now face a 15 per cent tariff. That's lower than the 20 per cent Trump originally proposed, and much less than the 50 per cent and 30 per cent rates he had previously threatened. The remaining 30 per cent of goods are still being negotiated. Some key products – including aircraft, aircraft parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, a few agricultural goods, and critical raw materials – will see zero tariffs. But specifics are still vague. Von der Leyen said the EU would also buy $750 billion worth of US natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuel over the next three years, as Europe tries to move away from Russian energy. Additionally, European companies are expected to invest $600 billion more in the US, although that's a political pledge, not a legally binding contract. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No formal agreement For now, there's no legal document. Officials say a joint statement outlining the deal will be released soon, but it won't be binding. Some commitments will be specific, others will need to be hammered out later. The EU says its zero-tariff list will include items like nuts, pet food, dairy products, and seafood. One major point of contention remains: Trump's 50 per cent tariff on imported steel is staying put. The two sides have agreed to keep negotiating on steel-related issues like overproduction, import quotas, and potential future tariff reductions. Pharmaceuticals were notably left out of this agreement. Von der Leyen said they're being handled separately. She also said some agricultural tariffs couldn't be reduced but didn't go into detail. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after agreeing on a trade deal between the two economies following their meeting, in Turnberry south west Scotland on July 27, 2025. Source: AFP Von der Leyen described the 15 per cent tariff as 'the best we could do,' saying it gives companies stability and keeps the US market open for European businesses. The reaction in Europe has been mixed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal, saying it helped avoid a trade war and protected key European interests. But French officials were more critical. Strategy Commissioner Clément Beaune called the deal 'unequal and unbalanced,' arguing that Europe didn't use its full economic strength. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carsten Brzeski, global chief economist at ING, said the biggest issue is that there's 'nothing on paper yet.' Still, he noted that the deal helps avoid a damaging escalation in US-EU trade tensions, which would have been a major risk to the global economy. Before Trump's return to office, trade between the US and EU was relatively smooth, with low tariffs on both sides European automakers are bracing for the impact. Volkswagen said earlier this year that US tariffs had already cost them €1.3 billion (around $1.5 billion) in profits. Mercedes-Benz is keeping 2025 prices steady 'for now' in the US, but expects significant price hikes in the future. The company builds about a third of its US-sold cars in Alabama, giving it some protection. Von der Leyen noted that the new 15 per cent rate is much better than the 27.5 per cent total some European cars were facing under Trump's prior tariffs. The US-EU relationship Before Trump's return to office, trade between the US and EU was relatively smooth, with low tariffs on both sides. 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an hour ago
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In call with Netanyahu, Putin backs Syria's territorial integrity, offers to mediate Iran talks
Russia, a close ally of Syria's former long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly fled to Moscow with his family, still has two military bases in the country. read more Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday reaffirmed the need to protect Syria's territorial integrity during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following Israeli military action in southern Syria triggered by sectarian unrest. Earlier this month, Israel launched airstrikes targeting the capital Damascus and Sweida province, home to the country's Druze minority, saying the move was intended to support the religious community and push for the demilitarisation of Syria's southern region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin stressed the importance of upholding Syria's 'unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.' He further said that lasting political stability in the war-torn country would require acknowledging and protecting the interests of all ethnic and religious communities. During the conversation, Putin also extended an offer to help mediate negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear programme. Russia, a close ally of Syria's former long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly fled to Moscow with his family, still has two military bases in the country. Russia is also close to Iran, having boosted military ties amid the Kremlin's offensive in Ukraine. But Moscow also strives for good relations with Israel, home to a large Russian-born community. With inputs from agencies
Mint
an hour ago
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Cyberattack on Russia's Aeroflot airline, several flights cancelled, delayed - Here's what we know
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