Poland's military intervened after a Russian ship from its "shadow fleet" performed suspicious manoeuvres near a power cable connecting Poland with Sweden, prompting NATO to step up security in the Baltic region following a string of incidents. The ship was seen by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and later scared off by a patrol flight, with the Polish Navy's ORP Heweliusz responding to the scene.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/poland-intervenes-russian-shadow-fleet-ship-spotted-near-power-cable-5144521Poland has threatened a firm response from itself and NATO if there is an attack on Baltic Sea infrastructure, following incidents related to cable breaks and sabotage in the region since Sweden and Finland joined the North Atlantic Alliance.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/21/poland-intervenes-as-russian-shadow-fleet-ship-spotted-near-power-cable-a89160Pope Leo XIV has called for aid to reach the Gaza Strip, citing the "heartbreaking" toll on its people. Hospitals in northern Gaza have been surrounded by Israeli troops, preventing staff and aid groups from entering or leaving facilities. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged world leaders to take immediate action to end Israel's siege on Gaza, demanding aid entry, detainee release, and a full withdrawal. The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 civilians and abducting 251 others, with 58 still being held captive.
https://thestar.com/news/world/middle-east/at-least-82-killed-in-israeli-strikes-on-gaza-as-critical-aid-fails-to-reach/article_b7d520ef-1540-5620-9146-1eb468b48321.htmlPope Leo XIV has called for sufficient humanitarian aid to be allowed into war-torn Gaza, where a total blockade has led to critical food and medicine shortages. The pope expressed concern over the situation, appealing for an end to hostilities that disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and the sick. With the UN cleared to send in aid for the first time since March 2, but citing insufficient quantities, humanitarian agencies are urging increased assistance to address severe shortages.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40363966/pope-calls-for-sufficient-humanitarian-aid-into-gazaUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects Russia to present a Ukraine ceasefire outline within days, which will determine if Moscow is serious about ending the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of buying time, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently rejected proposals for a 30-day truce. US President Donald Trump spoke with both leaders by phone after their first direct talks in three years, but Rubio believes Putin's intentions are unclear and that the presentation will reveal his true intentions. The European Union has adopted new sanctions on Russia, targeting its shadow maritime fleet, while Russian economic negotiator Kirill Dmitriev claims Western efforts to disrupt dialogue between Russia and the US are futile.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/us-expects-russia-offer-soon-as-zelensky-sounds-warning/article_7a4b87e6-6d30-57e2-8d3f-20d9de01afd5.htmlThe South Korean government has increased support for export companies ahead of a looming U.S. tariff deadline. This move comes as imports decreased by 2.5% to $32.22 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $300 million. Exports to the US plummeted 14.6% to $5.25 billion due to new tariffs on automobiles and other key items. In contrast, semiconductor exports rose 17.3% to $7.27 billion, while shipments of petroleum products fell 24.2%. The customs office expects outbound shipments to the US to remain under downward pressure due to tariff-related uncertainties.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-21/business/economy/Exports-down-24-in-first-20-days-of-May-amid-US-tariff-measures/2312214The U.S. State Department's annual report on South Sudan highlights significant human rights issues, including arbitrary killings, disappearances, torture, and violence based on gender and sexual identity. The situation is reminiscent of previous conflicts in 2013 and 2016, which resulted in over 400,000 lives lost. Secretary Kristi Noem recently extended Temporary Protected Status to a small number of South Sudanese already living in the U.S., shielding them from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home country.
https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-300e8c704402e2cb3c920d251b7fa876The Termez Dialogue is a high-level platform aimed at promoting interregional integration, peace, security, and stability in the Eurasian space. The event brings together prominent guests, including Roza Otunbayeva, Kakha Imnadze, and Sabina Machl, as well as senior officials from major international bodies like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Experts from respected think tanks such as Chatham House, the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, and the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation will also participate. The forum is held in Termez, a city at the confluence of Central and South Asia, which has historically served as a crossroads for civilizations and dialogue.
https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/21/termez-dialogue-in-search-of-a-new-paradigm-for-central-and-south-asian-relationsUS President Trump has slapped a 10% tariff on most US trading partners, including the European Union, amid trade disputes. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned that tariffs and uncertainties are a burden on the economy and job security. The issue of sanctions on Russia remains uncertain, with Trump stating that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will start after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/g7-finance-chiefs-gather-with-trump-tariffs-ukraine-war-in-focus/article_8f826db5-4255-52d4-8701-cbcc32df4b88.html