Switzerland is among 15 countries the US plans to have 'privileged' negotiations with over US tariffs, according to Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. She expressed satisfaction after talks in Washington, including a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and an International Monetary Fund conference.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/swiss-leader-says/MUNKPEVIWVBDFOL4QTWGKTETHU/The US is pushing for Russia to accept Ukraine's right to maintain its own army and defense industry as part of a proposed peace agreement. US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff will discuss this during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, according to Bloomberg sources. This requirement contradicts Putin's stated goal of demilitarizing Ukraine, which was one of the initial objectives of Russia's "special operation" in 2022.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/966561-bloomberg-kremlin-must-accept-that-ukraine-will-have-its-own-armyThe US is pushing back against Russia's demand that Ukraine demilitarize as part of a peace deal. US envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss this issue. The US wants Russia to accept Ukraine's right to develop its own military and defense industry, rather than demilitarizing the country. This is a concession from the Trump administration, which has been criticized for being too lenient on Russia. The US also seeks Moscow to return the seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a key demand of Ukraine.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3307855/us-press-russias-putin-drop-ukraine-demilitarisation-demand-part-peace-deal?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe recent terror attack in Pahalgam has led to a significant response from world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cut short their overseas trips to return to India after the attack. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for maximum restraint from both Indian and Pakistani governments, urging a peaceful resolution through meaningful engagement. In response, India is considering options on the Indus Water Treaty, which the World Bank has stated it will not interfere with.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/india-pakistan-relations-post-pahalgam-terror-attack-a-timeline/article69489726.eceChina has exempted some US-made pharmaceuticals from its steep tariffs, allowing them to enter the country without paying 125% duties. The move is seen as a sign that the trade war between the two countries may be easing. China has not publicly communicated on the issue and denied discussions with the US are taking place. US President Donald Trump claims talks are happening, but his administration has signaled a desire to de-escalate tensions. Trump has announced targeted tariffs on dozens of other countries, including Japan, which he is close to reaching a deal with. The US Trade Representative's office held a productive meeting with South Korea, and investors are taking comfort from signs the trade war may be easing, causing European and Asian stocks to rise.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/25/china-waives-tariffs-on-some-us-goods-but-denies-trump039s-claim-that-talks-are-underwayThe United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has depleted its food stocks in war-torn Gaza, where Israel's blockade has blocked aid for over seven weeks. The situation is described as "probably the worst" by the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA, with at least 78 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours. WFP had delivered its last remaining food stocks to hot meal kitchens in Gaza, which are expected to run out of food soon. Aid agencies and Western governments have voiced alarm over the situation, with Germany, France, and Britain calling for an end to the blockade. The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has stated that the blockade is a key pressure point to prevent Hamas from using aid as a tool with the population.
https://www.rawstory.com/wfp-says-has-depleted-all-gaza-food-stocks-as-israel-blocks-aid/India has taken measures in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, including expelling Pakistani military attaches and suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme and have 48 hours to leave the country. The Centre has also revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27, suspended visa services for those with immediate effect, and closed the Attari land-transit post. Women married in Pakistan but holding Indian passports are facing difficulties returning home, despite carrying required documents, citing a lack of willingness to listen to their concerns.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/191-pakistani-nationals-return-home-through-attari-wagah-border-in-punjab/article69491913.eceUS declassified documents from the 1980s and 1990s suggest that India may consider striking Pakistan's nuclear facilities if it perceives a significant threat to its national security. A 1981 intelligence estimate, "India's Reaction to Nuclear Developments in Pakistan," found that India would likely take a cautious approach before taking action, considering whether Pakistan has produced or stockpiled nuclear weapons.
https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/declassified-us-reports-warn-nuclear-risk-irrational-response-between-india-andThe Indonesian Ministry of Defense has expressed interest in collaborating with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to gain knowledge on space defense and cyber threats. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discussed this opportunity with JSDF Chief of Staff General Yoshida Yoshihide, who mentioned that Japan has a Space Operations Squadron since 2020. The Indonesian National Armed Forces aim to learn from Japan's technologies in space and cyber defense strategies, which would be valuable given Japan's expertise in space security. A meeting between the two countries resulted in a commitment for JSDF participation in Indonesia's Super Garuda Shield exercise in 2025.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/352901/indonesia-seeks-space-defense-cooperation-with-japans-military