Trump pushes to extend three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire
The White House is pushing in intense diplomatic talks for the US-brokered three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire to be extended into next week. Trump told reporters 'we will see in a few hours where this lands.' Sporadic exchanges of fire continue along the line.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Ukrainian and NATO counterparts in Riga on Friday morning while special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks in Moscow with Kremlin officials. Two sources told Reuters the truce expires on Monday 12 May, with extension talks continuing under tight secrecy.
Ukrainian President Zelensky's office said any extension would require Russia to halt offensive operations along the Donetsk line. The Russian side has raised the prospect of softening Western sanctions in exchange.
EU leaders meeting in Brussels signalled they were ready for a 'graduated easing of sanctions' if the ceasefire morphs into a concrete peace plan. European equities welcomed the news; Brent crude slipped below 73 dollars a barrel.
More from Europe
Russia holds scaled-back WW2 victory parade as Ukraine war anxieties deepen
President Putin oversaw a scaled-back parade on Red Square marking the 81st anniversary of victory in World War Two. Foreign attendance was thin, with Belarus and North Korea sending their leaders, while officials warned the three-day Ukraine ceasefire could collapse without an extension.
CBRT April Inflation Assessment: Annual inflation rises to 32.37 percent
The Turkish Central Bank released its April inflation assessment, showing consumer prices rose 4.18 percent month-on-month, while annual inflation climbed to 32.37 percent—up 1.50 percentage points. Energy prices surged 14.4 percent, with the underlying trend moving higher.
Airlines can cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages under new plans
Under new UK government plans, airlines can cancel flights in advance due to fuel shortages rather than wait until the last minute. This allows passengers time to rebook and make alternative arrangements.